//------------------------------//
// Chapter 12 - Comet's Family Reunion 
// Story: A Comet's Tale 
// by Parakalo 
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	 Comet stared at the stars, the festivities of the night still swirling in his head like green water in a basin. The light left his night-vision damaged, but the longer he stared, the more he could see. Autumn was one of his favorite times for constellations. Andromeda, Cassiopeia, the Triangulum, all the big-shots were out tonight. He found that many of them were referenced in Zecora's book, or at least the stars that made them were used differently. It made him wonder about all the different constellations that could be made with the stars out there. A sigh escaped his lips as he got comfortable on his roof.
"'Tis beautiful, is it not?" Comet jumped to find that he was not alone. The allicorn that was with Twilight Sparkle at the festival sat next to him. But, that meant...
"P-princess?"
"Luna, if you please." She looked at him, dark eyes aglow in the night.
"Alright. Luna. What can I do for you?" Comet was afraid he was in trouble. She seemed young physically, but spoke like someone who was very, very old. It disoriented Comet. How did she know him?
"Twilight Sparkle told me thou appreciated our night as much as she did. We wanted to see for ourselves." Again with the unicorns and the mind reading. Comet began to feel he should seriously start a study on this or something.
"I've always wanted to meet you, myself. I do love the night. When I heard you wanted it to be night eternally, I actually didn't mind all that much." He laughed, but realized he was talking to the wrong person about it. He shut his mouth and looked away, unsure of what exactly to say. If there was anything farther out of his league, it was royalty. After a pause, Luna spoke.
"May we ask thou a question?"
"Of course, your excellence. Luna, I mean. Ask me anything."
"Wouldst thou live in the night if thou could?" Comet hadn't thought about it before. It was always how his day started, and how it ended.The alpha and omega, so to speak. The highlights of his day.
"Is that an invitation?" She turned to look at him, the cold in her eyes suggesting that another joke would make her leave. He tried approaching it a different way. "Although I do love the night, I'm not sure what I would do if it was there all the time. I would get used to the beauty if it was always there, you know?"
"Twilight Sparkle said the same thing." Luna thought carefully about his words. "You share a lot with her. Perhaps thou art making a mistake." Comet raised an eyebrow and turned to look at her.
"Mistake, Luna?"
"Although those who share the most in common with us are the most difficult to live with, they are always the most loyal of companions." Comet could tell she was speaking from experience.
"I'm not sure I understand." He didn't know royalty ever beat around the bush.
"We can see Twilight Sparkle dost care about thou. We find it unwise to ignore one such as her." Comet said nothing. Did he do something wrong, by seeing the Nightmare Night with Cupid?
"Cupid is just a friend, Luna. I don't mean to neglect Twilight Sparkle by spending an evening with Cupid."
"We doubt Twilight Sparkle understands that." She stood to leave. "We are glad to have met you. It makes me glad to see someone who appreciates our work." The mix of traditional and old-fashioned speak confused Comet. "We wouldst like to speak to thou again." She stepped off his roof with a powerful flap of her ebony wings. A dark chariot waited below. Her servants, no longer in costume, were at her beck and call to leave. She made it so, and disappeared into the night, leaving a bright flash across the half-moon. What a treat. Comet slept well that night, having met one of the most important figures in all of Equestria because she felt like it.
Comet was awoken the following morning by Rudolph, ready for work. Half awake, Comet ushered him into his house.
"S-sleep well, s-sir?" Rudolph wore no bandages, but still had his wings clipped down with braces, preventing flight. He must have walked all the way here.
"Like a baby. Princess Luna visited me last night." He beamed. Rudolph didn't find that to be very exciting, considering that he saw her a number of times at Nightmare Night. After a minute or so, Comet realized this, and they got to work. After calibrating and cleaning the instruments, they took some readings, and Comet explained their meaning and thought process. Rudolph obediently took notes and observed, giving his input when applicable. The Everfree Forest yielded nothing exciting for them today. It was overcast. Just like it was everywhere. The humidity suggested that rain was unlikely, and the thickness and cloud makeup inclined that it would be that way all day. Report filed and ready to be sent off for the day, they wrapped up just in time for Comet's brunch.
They walked back to Ponyville together, the town just waking for the day's adventures.
"Got any special plans today, Rudolph?"
"N-not really. J-just th-th-therapy." Comet nodded. Rudolph was spending most of his money on expensive physical therapy. He hoped that, with training, he could fly with proficiency without hurting himself. It was only his first or second lesson, and so far it was just leaving him sore and worked. He knew it was better than doing nothing, however.
"Ah. Sounds... tiring, actually." They laughed together. Once or twice, Rudolph stumbled on the way down the hill, but Comet was there to keep him up. Comet hoped that Rudolph knew that all of their friends were there to keep him up. They got down into the morning bustle of Ponyville, and Rudolph turned to head back home.
"S-see you t-tomorrow, s-sir."
"Anytime you wanna hang out, Rudolph, you know where to find me."
"Al-alright." He grinned. Comet cringed when Rudolph walked into a cart while looking the other way. What a lug. A fun guy, but still a lug. The waitress had a seat waiting for Comet when he got there. Pancakes, orange juice, fresh fruit, the works were laid out before him. Comet's stomach rumbled like a deep pit. He grinned when the waitress laughed. They sat and talked while Comet ate.
"Enjoying the easy life?" Comet nodded, swallowing a third of a pancake.
"Everything I've wanted to do, I have nailed down. It's great." The waitress looked around, checking to see if anyone was listening
"Have you heard the latest juicy bit? It involves you."
"Does it now? What's the word?"
"I heard down the grapevine that your family hunted you down after the celebration at the defeat of Discord. They are supposed to be reaching Ponyville, today!" Comet chocked on an orange slice, spraying small orange bits all over the table.
"What?! Who all knows this? Why don't I know?"
"A few people I imagine. I pick up these things eavesdropping, you know." Who in town knew so much about Comet that they knew when his parents would show up in town? Comet shook the thought out of his mind; it wasn't important right now. 
"This is bad, this is very bad..." If Comet's parents found out that he was falling in love with unicorns... he shuddered at the thought. They wouldn't understand.
"What's so bad about it? Dancer is gonna love your new place." Comet stopped for a second.
"You... you know my mother?" The waitress giggled.
"Of course. Who doesn't? She's pretty famous herself, Comet."
"Forgive me if I don't keep up with the innermost circles of librarians." Comet was becoming more and more curious about his friend from the restaurant. Who was she, exactly?
"Comet!" He jumped and turned around to find that Rainbow Dash was looking for him.
"There's a group of earth-ponies looking for you. Are they your family?" Comet rubbed his hooves over his eyes. This was a nightmare. And he could honestly say he knew a Nightmare now. He put a napkin down in his food, leaving a generous tip as always.
"Now, or never I suppose." As Comet walked with Rainbow Dash, he started thinking to himself. A voice in him questioned his thought process. What was the big deal? His parents were awesome. He thought about how proud his dad would be to see that he was living his dream. As long as they didn't find out about his preferences, there would be nothing to worry about. When he saw the crowd at the village entrance, his fears melted. Comet recognized the ponies that walked down the street instantly.
"Leaflet!" Dancer was first to notice him. They collided in the street in a colossal hug. She was accompanied by her husband, Dasher, Comet's brother Prancer, his sister, Vixen, and his sister's boyfriend, Blitzen. Blitzen didn't join in on the group hug; he was distracted by the pegasus that had accompanied Comet to his parents.
"Dash." Vixen broke out of the hug when she heard the name. Her eyes narrowed.
"Hey Blitzen." Rainbow Dash landed on the ground and eyed the earth-pony next to him, "Who is this?"
"I'm Vixen." Comet's sister puffed herself out as far as she could, "And I know all about you, Rainbow Dash."
"From who?" She gestured to the white pegasus she associated with, "This show-pony? He doesn't know a thing about me!"
"As if, Rainbow Crash. I used to know you better than anybody." A puff of hot air shot out of Rainbow Dash's nostrils.
"Guys!" Comet got between them. "Do we have to do this right now? We haven't been in town for five minutes, and we're already starting fights?"
"I'm not sure, Comet," Blitzen's gaze narrowed. "Are we doing this right now?"
"I could beat you any time, anywhere." Rainbow Dash pawed the dirt, as if she would charge headfirst into the white pegasus. Comet had never seen this side of Rainbow Dash before. Her eyes burned, her nostrils flared, and Comet was legitimately afraid of what she would do to Blitzen. After knowing both of them, he knew Blitzen couldn't hold a candle to her in terms of sheer speed or technique. Brute force was an entirely different matter, however. This was still rapidly growing into a situation, and Comet got in-between the two of them.
"Honest as the stars? Can it. Both of you. Rainbow Dash, go get Rudolph and the gang. Blitzen, watch it." Blitzen turned to look away from Rainbow Dash as she shot off toward town, faster than she needed to. Unsure of how to approach the scenario, Dancer tried to cheer everyone up.
"Why don't you show us around Ponyville, Leaflet? It seems so... rustic." She was disconcerted at the small scene Vixen's companion had made, but wanted to see her son's accomplishments more than anything.
"Out of all the places to settle down," Dasher grinned at his son, "You really picked a winner, kid."
"Speaking of which..." Prancer grabbed Comet around the neck and ruffled his mane, "Have you picked a winner, yet? Some homey village girl?"
"Prancer!" He cringed and let his sibling go at the stern tone in his mother's voice. She smiled though, "Don't use 'homey' like it's a bad thing. I'm sure she's very pleasant." Although she was giving her best effort, Comet was not amused.
"I don't have a girlfriend, mom."
"Of course, of course," Dasher knew his son better than that. It obviously meant that he had someone in mind, but didn't want them to know about it. "But what are we sitting around for? Let's check out this Ponyville."
They walked into town, Comet answering the flood of questions that his family had for him. Yes, everything he needed he could get in town. Yes, he had plumbing and electricity. No, he didn't know any of the neighboring villages besides Canterlot and Cloudsdale. No, he cooked for himself when he got hungry. Yes, he knew enough people in town to---
"Twilight Sparkle!" Comet had never have been happier to see his beautiful purple friend. "Everyone, this is Twilight Sparkle. Head librarian of Ponyville, and one of my closest friends." His introduction left her pink with embarrassment. "This is Dasher and Dancer, my parents, my brother and sister Prancer and Vixen, and Vixen's... friend, Blitzen." He didn't want to brew another argument.
"Charmed." She smiled and greeted the group.
"Glad to see you are getting along in the world, dear." Dancer was happy to see her again.
"Likewise, Dancer." Comet had forgotten that Twilight knew his mother from her time in Canterlot's libraries.
Rainbow Dash then produced the rest of Comet's friends for him to introduce. She landed next to Rudolph, making special attention to never make eye contact with Blitzen.
"This is Spike, Twilight's assistant." Spike grinned. He observed that all of Comet's relatives were assorted shades of grey.
"This is Rarity, proprietor of the Carousel Boutique." Rarity gave a small curtsy. Vixen's eyes grew wide with astonishment. The Rarity lived in this little town?
"This is Fluttershy, our animal caretaker." She hid behind the group when Prancer gave her a small wink.
"This is Pinkie Pie." He put a hoof over her mouth before she could say anything. After a short while, she began vibrating, unable to vent her excitement any other way. "We'll be joining her for a small welcoming party this evening." She nodded vigorously.
"This is Rudolph, my personal assistant and good friend." Although Rudolph was happy to meet Comet's family, Rainbow Dash's reaction made him uneasy.
"And this is---"
"Cupid!" Dancer finished his sentence for him, rushing over to her. "How are you, dear? Glad to see you finally settled down." Cupid grinned sheepishly.
"Thanks, Dancer. It's nice to see you again."
"And last, but most certainly not least, I'd like to introduce Applejack, the owner of Sweet Apple Acres."
"Howdy, all." Applejack nodded to each of them, smiling. Dancer approved of this last one. Comet could use someone in his life that kept him busy physically as well as mentally.
"Everyone, I'd like to introduce my family. Dasher and Dancer, my parents." His parents bowed and curtsied in unison.
"My brother and sister, Vixen and Prancer." They both appeared to be very excited to be here, for entirely different reasons, Comet was sure.
"And lastly, Vixen's friend, Blitzen." He puffed out his chest at the mention of his name. The group observed that he looked astonishingly like a royal guard in his proud pose..
"And this is Ponyville, my new home." They all watched in wonder as Comet, with the assistance of his friends, accurately labeled all of the landmarks and important locations in Ponyville. They spent a good hour of their time wandering the village, saying their greetings to all of the other ponies on their way. The waitress was happy to see Comet enjoying himself with his family. Comet put in a reservation for dinner before the party at Pinkie Pie's. There was one last landmark Comet wanted to show them all before the tour ended. As they moved up the hill to Comet's house, Dancer eyed the Everfree Forest with unease.
"You work in there, Leaflet?" Cupid and Twilight Sparkle giggled at Comet's pet name. Comet ignored it.
"Not directly. Rudolph and I placed a mobile weather station in the forest, so we don't have to go hiking through it on a daily basis."
"I see..." Dancer still thought it seemed dangerous.
"It-it's p-perfectly safe, D-Dancer." Rudolph did his best to assure her. Comet was probably the best person Cloudsdale could have picked for the job, and there was no way they could get rid of him. When they got into Comet's house, we wasn't surprised to find the mixed reactions.
"Awesome..." Dasher was awestruck, to Comet's delight, "I'm so glad to see all the support you've gotten for this, son."
"It's... delightful, Leaflet." Comet wasn't surprised it was all a bit over his mother's head. "I'm just glad to see you doing something you love."
"I've never been in here before," Fluttershy was also amazed. "You know what all of these do?"
"Pretty amazing, isn't it?" Prancer grinned at Fluttershy, causing her to squeak and take refuge behind Rainbow Dash.
"Nice work, kid," Vixen and Blitzen gave their approval. With well over a dozen warm bodies in Comet's house, it was needless to say it was crowded and they didn't spend much time inside.
"Well, I'm sure our tour was enjoyable," Comet was struck by a good idea, "But I think everyone has their own ideas of what they specifically want to see in Ponyville. How about we disband for now, see the sights on our own time, and then rendezvous in the evening for dinner with a good friend of mine?" Cheers were had amongst the lot of them.
"I'd love see another one of your readings," Cupid was delighted to comply with Dancer.
"I'd best make sure your mother stays out of trouble." Dasher's comment was met with an elbow in the ribs, but he laughed nonetheless.
"I'd love to see the Carousel Boutique, Rarity." Vixen was twitching with excitement. Rarity already had a few ideas about dresses for this one.
"We have unfinished business, me and you." Blitzen eyed Rainbow Dash with a grin.
"Try me, show-pony, I could beat you with one wing tied behind my back."
"Or t-two." Rudolph chipped in. Rainbow Dash found confidence in the fact that Rudolph had her back.
"I'd like to see more of the animals." Prancer tried to find the cute yellow one behind Rainbow Dash, but she had disappeared. A squeak was heard amongst the crowd, and only Comet and his friends could tell it was in displeasure.
"Well, sounds like we all got someplace to be." Applejack decided it sounded like things were settled.
"I have a party to set up!" Pinkie Pie zoomed off for town before anyone could get a word in otherwise.
"Until dinner, then." Comet nodded in satisfaction. He was glad his family had all found things to look forward to in town.
With that, they separated, everyone going there separate ways for the afternoon ahead.