//------------------------------// // Epilogue // Story: Mending Bonds:Daddy's Little Girl // by atomicpuffin //------------------------------// *Three Months after the Battle* "Flitterbee, honey. Please settle down. You are making it very difficult for Aunt Rarity to curl your mane." Fluttershy giggled as she watched her daughter grow more excited with each passing minute. "Oh it's quite alright Fluttershy. Let the darling be excited. I can work around her movements. Besides, it's not every day a young filly becomes the belle of the ball." Rarity responded while fixing a ruby clip into Flitter's mane. "I'm sorry mom, Aunt Rarity, but I'm just so happy that the Gala is finally here!" Flitter responded as she watched herself in the mirror. She looked down at her red gown and blushed slightly at how pretty it was and how it made her eyes shine brighter. There was a quick knock at the door before Discord stuck his head through. "Almost ready ladies?" He asked. "Just finishing now. Presenting the very beautiful Flitterbee." Rarity said as she spun Flitter around to face her parents. Both smiled proudly and Discord moved forward to kiss his daughter's cheek. "You do look lovely little one. Promise you'll save your ol' man one dance?" Flitter laughed and smiled up at her father. "You mean you're going to actually let me dance?" "Of course it is a ball." "With other colts?" This made the other two mares laugh as well and Discord rolled his eyes. "Well…okay just a few and so long as I can see you the whole time." He teased and Flitter giggled. "Anyways, the others have arrived so I'm here to fetch you three so we can go." Discord finished and the group filed out of the small dressing room. Flitter, DL and Cheese stared up in awe at the grand ballroom. They had never seen a place so magnificently decorated before. Flitter in particular was walking with stars in her eyes. She smiled at DL and Cheese, who both looked very impressive in their formal coats. "To the best night ever." She joked, having heard it said over the last few years by her mother and aunts. Dusk held out his hoof and winked at her, "To the Terrible Trio." Cheese and Flitter placed their hooves over his and cheered, "To the Terrible Trio!" "Mind if you add a fourth to that group?" A familiar voice called out and the three turned smiling to their friend Del. He was dressed up, although his coat was grey to stand out against his black skin. He approached the others, gave the colts hoof bumps and Flitter a small hug. "You look great tonight Flitter. Nothing surprising there." Del said with a grin and Flitter blushed. She shook her head and laughed, "Del, you think you're so smooth now that you live in Canterlot." "Well I have to maintain a certain appearance now that I'm chief ambassador for Queen Black Widow." Del said and the others congratulated him. "Wow Del that's amazing! Oh, but will it interfere with your other projects?" Flitter asked and Del shook his head. "No, I still have the time I need to go out and monitor things. We've recently opened another branch in Apploosa." He explained and Flitter sighed in relief. She was so proud of their friend Del. After Queen Black Widow signed the peace treaty with Equestria, many changelings had migrated away from the hive. Eager to explore the opportunities that awaited them. It had been a rocky start and there were those that feared letting changelings into the kingdom. It was Del that had stepped up and become the leader of his kind. With the help of the Elements of Harmony they had been able to smooth the differences between the two races and over the last three months things have been going up. Del had enjoyed the work they had done so much that he had founded 'Hearts Together'. Now if there was a changeling that was having a hard time adjusting to society, Del would go and help out any way he could. It wasn't a surprise to Flitter that his work had paved the way for his new position. She really was proud of Del, and couldn't see why he still questioned being given his element. Then Dusk got serious and asked, "Speaking of queens…I heard mom saying that Queen Black Widow finally made a ruling on her mother's fate." Del nodded and sighed, "It was decided that she couldn't be trusted to wander free and execution was too harsh. She still has some followers and my queen feared civil war may break out. "So she's been placed in a special holding facility where she can be monitored. I think losing her crown and immortality has caused the former queen to go even more insane." They all fell silent and it was Flitter that brought them out of it. She shook her head and grinned again. "Let's just be grateful that everyone is safe now. Come on boys, this is supposed to be a night filled with fun!" "Well in that case…" Dusk said with a deep blush on his face. He held out his hoof to Flitter and grinned as Del and Cheese shot him annoyed looks. "May I have the honor of your first dance tonight?" Flitter blushed slightly and nodded as she placed her hoof in his and followed him to the dance floor. Cheese and Del looked at each other. Del then grinned and nudged Cheese playfully, "Don't look so down. He hasn't won yet and the night's still young." Cheese groaned and sighed, "It was bad enough having to compete for her attention with DL, but now I've got you too!" Del laughed, "It's true that I quickly understood why you two follow her around so devotedly. She truly is something else and I would be honored if she returned my feelings, slim as that may be." He smiled down at Cheese and continued, "But, no matter who she chooses. I want us to promise that there will be no hard feelings and we'll all remain friends." Cheese looked up at the changeling next to him and grinned, "Sure pal. Besides…it's obvious who'll she'll pick…Flitter has always loved to laugh." Discord twirled Fluttershy around the dancefloor, making her giggle. He grinned, the wonderful sound filling his heart with joy. "I'm proud of you honey." She suddenly whispered and he looked down at her curiously. "Oh? What for? Not that I don't love to have your sweet praises rain down on my head, but I doubt I've actually done anything this time?" Fluttershy laughed and nodded her head to the side. He followed that line of sight and then groaned. Flitter was being pulled out to the dance floor for the fifth time, this time by the changeling. Fluttershy laughed at the face he was making. "You've watched that little girl dance with three stallions and have not once exploded. I'm impressed." She teased and he felt his fur stand up at the gleam in her eyes. He wished that he could steal her away to the garden for a few minutes, but they would definitely be missed. "Alas my dear, you shouldn't be. It is taking every ounce of willpower and self-control within me to behave…and you know firsthand how small both are." He grinned and was pleased that she blushed, having picked up on what he meant beneath his words. She shook her hair, causing a single strand of hair to escape her high clip. He reached up and tucked the lock behind her ear. Running his claw along the side of her neck, eliciting a small shiver from the mare. His grin doubled and he leaned in closer, whispering into her ear. "In fact…right now my willpower is being tested to its limits…but not by my daughter and her friends." He pulled back to see his wife's face was completely red, but she was smiling devilishly at him. "Well, then why don't you do something about it?" She cooed and he tripped, almost knocking over a couple next to them. He apologized before turning back to his temptress of a mate. "I'm sorry my dear, but I don't believe I heard you right. Did you just say…" She wrapped both her hooves around his neck and winked at him. "I'm sure no one would mind if we went to the garden for a minute to…enjoy the scenery." She whispered as she nuzzled him under his chin. A shiver starting at the tip of his tail raced up his entire length and he was sure steam was rising from his fur. However, he didn't care if any pony noticed at that particular moment. He wrapped his arms tighter around his wife's waist and pressed her against him, grinning like a madman. "My darling, little minx…you never cease to amaze me." He snapped his fingers and the two disappeared in a flash from the dance floor. Kibou had seen the flash and looked just as his parents disappeared to who knows where. He chuckled and shook his head. Sure that his father had stolen his mom away to a more private location. He shut his mind off at that point and focused it on something else. He glanced down at the mare leaning against him. She looked absolutely stunning tonight in her green gown, her mane was straightened and then curled at the ends. She looked so beautiful and in that moment he couldn't believe she was his. Storm looked up to catch him watching her and she blushed. "What?" She whispered and began to fidget nervously. Kibou chuckled and leaned down to nuzzle her behind her ear. "Just thanking the stars that you fell into my life." Storm giggled at how corny that was and snuggled up closer to him, sighing contently. "Thanks…but it was you that fell on me remember." Kibou laughed again as he recalled the day they met. He had been up in a tree the day Storm had been brought to visit. He had been leaning over to see the new friend his mom had told him about and it resulted in him falling. He had indeed fallen onto Storm and instead of getting mad, she had simply looked up at him and laughed. "Wow you kinda suck at flying huh!" and thus had marked the beginning of their friendship. He couldn't believe that such an amazing mare was willing to be by his side. "I love you Storm." He whispered and she looked up, smiling at him. "I love you too Kib." She whispered back before leaning up and kissing him gently. He smiled and took her hoof in his claw. "Come my future wife. Dance with me." Storm followed him to the dance floor laughing as she did so. Flitter sat down, exhausted from all the dancing throughout the night. Not just the slow dances with her friends, but also dancing as a group during the faster songs. She had always hoped that her first Gala would be special and tonight far exceeded her expectations. A glass of punch floated in front of her and she smiled her thanks at DL who had gone to fetch all of them something to drink. "This has to be the best night of my life!" She said as she laughed and the colts sitting with her smiled. They all silently agreed that she looked twice as beautiful when she laughed so carefree. "Oh, don't forget that next week we have to go on that trip to Draconia." Dusk said and the other boys groaned. "Another trip? We just got back from one two weeks ago." Del grumbled and continued with, "At this rate I'll collapse from exhaustion. With my new duties on top of everything else, I'm going to have my hooves full." "I know you can do it. But if it gets to be too much you know you can always call on us to help Del." Flitter said and smiled reassuringly at the changeling. He grinned and nodded, "I know, but you all have your own duties to take care of. Dusk you have your royal duties with your mother. Cheese has his side party business with his parents. And Flitter…" "Oh don't remind me…" Flitter groaned. She and Kibou had been swamped with invitations all over Equestria. Being the only two Elements without other pressing responsibilities they had taken over the role of representatives. It seemed that as soon as word had spread of the new bearers, every creature wanted to meet the Elements. Rarely did they take trips together as a full group, like they would have to do next week to Draconia. Most of the time it was solely her and her brother. Not that ponies minded, being the Children of Chaos also attracted a lot of attention. Although she did enjoy going all over to meet new faces, she wished for a little more peace now and again. When they weren't traveling together, she was with her Aunt Twilight. Learning from the Princess of Friendship everything that would come with her new title. Flitter was thankful that her aunt was so patient and understood Flitter's feelings about all these new changes. "Ah don't worry Flit. Things will settle down after the excitement wears off. Everyone is just over excited at all that's happened in the past few months." Dusk assured her and she sighed while nodding. "You're right. I'm not complaining too much, I'm honored that so many want to show their support to us…but I could use more nights like this one." They nodded together and Cheese hopped down and held out his hoof. "I believe it's my turn." He grinned and Flitter giggled while floating down to his side. "Funny…it seems to have been your turn a lot lately." Dusk mumbled as he watched the pair trot off together. Del lightly punched his friend and grinned, "Be a good sport man. You still have time before she has to make a decision. Just be thankful that her father isn't breathing fire down our necks at the moment and take each dance as a blessing." Dusk nodded and then frowned. He looked around the ballroom and tilted his head. "Actually, that's a good point…Where is Uncle Discord? For that matter…Where did my parents go?" Twilight and Flash were sitting out on a balcony. Enjoying the peaceful moment and each other's company. "Can you believe all this Flash? After all these years, the Elements have passed on to a new generation." Flash chuckled and nuzzled his wife, "It is certainly strange. But it was expected to happen eventually. I have to admit, I am a little surprised that the changeling received one." Twilight chuckled and smiled up at her husband. "I was at first. But the sweet thing has shown he's a good match. He's been a big help to Princess Celestia and Princess Luna here in the castle. "Celestia told me that she considers him a small blessing in all this chaos. He's taken his duties very seriously and does everything to help those that need him. Even Rarity gave him her seal of approval as her successor." That made Flash laugh harder and he turned his wife's chin to look into her eyes. "Tell me honestly honey…are you unhappy to have lost your connection with your Element?" Twilight shook her head, thinking how sweet he was to be worrying about her feelings in this. "No…it was time for another to take the reins. I'm still the Princess of Friendship and will continue in my duties. I even get an apprentice in all this. Poor Flitter has been taking things as well as she could." "It is a lot to take in for ones so young. Even Kibou and Storm aren't fully grown, they still have so much to enjoy in their youth. Maybe we should suggest a break for them, some time to rest between all this rushing." Flash suggested and Twilight nodded. She leaned up and kissed his cheek. "You know…it's times like this that I remember why I fell in love with you." "My rugged good looks and staggering charms?" He raised his eyebrows teasingly, making Twilight laughed and pushed him playfully. "That's it! No more guys' night with Discord and Spike for you!" She laughed and Flash grinned, wrapping his hooves around her. He grinned and whispered, "It was those things though right?" Twilight rolled her eyes and leaned up to kiss him once more. He chuckled and kissed her back, tightening his hold on her. When he pulled away they both sighed. He smiled down at her, "Really though…you're doing okay in all this too?" He asked again and Twilight nodded to reassure him. "Yes…although I feel awfully old seeing my son so grown up." Flash laughed, "Just wait until he gets married!" "Oh…don't bring that up right now…" She groaned and placed her hoof over her face. Flash laughed harder and pulled her to him again. Discord groaned as he ran his claws through Fluttershy's mane. He currently had her pressed against a stone wall out in the garden. The two were hidden from sight and had taken full advantage of that fact. He continued to kiss her deeply and enjoyed the way she was shivering in his grasp. He pulled back to take a deep breath and grinned down at her flushed face. Her hair was mussed from him running his fingers through it while they were kissing so passionately. "My sweet darling, you have no idea how tempting you look right now. All flushed and shining in the moonlight." He whispered and she blushed deeper. She leaned up and kissed him along his neck. He growled in response and had to brace himself against the wall in order not to collapse. They hadn't had much time together these last few months. It seemed that lately Celestia always needed either him or the girls for something. He understood why, with all that had happened, but it was still wearing at his patience. He was a male after all and having such an intoxicating creature so close to him was more than he could handle. He jumped when her teeth grazed his neck and he groaned again. "Fl-Fluttershy…darling…as much as I…we really do need to get back...before they..." He mumbled, not fully able to concentrate on his train of thought. She gave a husky chuckle and the sound sent an electrical wave through his body. He buried his snout against her neck and growled lightly. She giggled still and ran her hooves along his back. He mentally counted to three and took deep calming breaths to try and combat the reactions she was enticing. "But Discord…I'm having so much fun out here. It's been too long since we had such a quiet moment together." She whispered, mirroring the thoughts he had just been contemplating. He sighed and pulled away so he could look down into her deep eyes. He smiled and twirled a strand of her rose mane in his claws. "True…but hopefully things will quiet down soon and we can have more time together. For that matter, maybe we'll actually get to see our children for more than five minutes." He sighed as he realized just how grown up both his children were. He hated to admit it, but it was almost time to let go. Especially with his son. Kibou was growing into a fine stallion, one that many looked up to. Kibou truly was the pride and joy of both his parents and they could see that he was quickly becoming a champion to Equestria. He no longer had to worry about what others thought of him, for all of the kingdom adored him. Discord sighed as he thought about how in a few short years, the boy would be a full grown draconequus. No longer depending on his father. Soon he would go off and start a family all his own. "Who knows…could be fun being a grandpa…" He mumbled and Fluttershy tilted her head in confusion. "What?" Discord chuckled and nuzzled her behind her ear. "Nothing…just thinking out loud. Hmm…although I have to say. You'll probably be the hottest granny around Ponyville." "Discord!" He laughed and captured her lips once more, she instantly quieted and moaned against his mouth. He quickly deciding they could steal a few more minutes together. He also concluded that once he got her home there would be no more excuses, he was locking them in their room for the next week. *Five years later* Flitter was waiting in the dressing room in the Chaos Castle. By now every pony would be taking their seats waiting for the ceremony to begin. She watched as her Aunt Rarity finished pinning Storm's mane into place and setting the final jewel. She smiled and proclaimed that she was finished. All the mares in the room cooed and praised Storm for being such a lovely bride, before leaving to take their seats. The only ones that remained were Flitter and Rainbow Dash. Rainbow looked at her daughter with tears in her eyes. She cupped her cheeks and whispered, "Where does the time go? Seems like only yesterday you were a small foal being placed in my hooves." Storm began to tear up as well and giggled, "Mom…don't get so mushy on me…you'll make my makeup run and then Aunt Rarity will get you." Rainbow laughed and hugged her daughter tightly. "Oh to heck with that fussy mare. This is my baby girl's big day and for once I'm going to be a sappy mare like every other mother does on this day." Storm laughed again and kissed her mother's cheek. Rainbow kissed her daughter's cheek back and whispered that she loved her and that she really was proud of the mare she had become. After the older mare had left, Flitter walked up to her soon to be sister-in-law and began to fix the makeup that had in fact run. "You look absolutely beautiful Storm. I know that you'll blow them all away, especially my brother." Storm giggled and placed her hooves over her stomach. She gave a small smile and whispered, "I'm so nervous…I feel as if I'm about to faint." Flitter nuzzled the mare, "You can't be nervous, you've known this day was coming for years now. Besides, if you faint there won't be anyone to revive Kibou." The two mares laughed and turned as there was a knock at the door. Soarin came into the room and smiled at his daughter. "It's almost time. Flitterbee you should take your position. I'm sure your brother could use you right now." "Oh dear…I'll see you soon Storm. Deep breaths!" Flitter called as she trotted out of the room. She made her way through her living room to the backyard. She quickly smoothed out her pastel pink gown before going out. Their backyard had been transformed thanks to the Pie family, with some help from Discord. There were tables set up all over the backyard to accommodate the large family and guests. Streamers and white balloons lined the white satin that lead to the altar. Flitter looked up to the altar to see Princess Celestia waiting with a very nervous looking Kibou at her side. Her mother and aunts were standing across from him, but it looked like they couldn't calm him down. She went to his side and rested her hoof on his shoulder. "Hey, are you doing okay?" She whispered and Kibou swallowed before looking around the yard. "I'm feeling hot all of a sudden. Maybe we shouldn't be doing this in the middle of the afternoon. W-why don't we wait another, oh I don't know…twenty years?" The older mares laughed and Rainbow gave Fluttershy a knowing look. "Like father, like son. Although I think Discord takes the cake for nervous grooms." "Hey!" Discord called from where he was standing, talking with Spike. Dusk and Cheese chuckled as they stood behind Kibou as groomstallions. Kibou sighed and looked down at the ground. Flitter placed her hoof over his claw and when he looked up at her, she gave him a reassuring smile. "You've got this Kib. Show me the strong, brave brother I have and pick your head up. After today, you'll know why you went through all this chaos." The music started and everyone settled down as they turned to the castle doors. Flitter smiled and nudged Kibou in the side. "Just wait until you see her. Storm looks great." The doors opened and out walked Storm, holding the arm of her father as they walked down the aisle. Her white gown was simple with its smooth design and flowing train. The trim of the gown was a soft pink to match the bridesmaid gowns. Storm's hair was pinned high at the back and had sparkling jewels intertwined with the rainbow locks. The mares sighed in awe at Storm and Flitter looked up at her brother to see his mouth hanging open. She laughed and closed it for him, "Told you." "No…you lied Flit…Storm doesn't look great. She looks absolutely breathtaking." Kibou grinned as he met the eyes of his bride. Storm blushed under her thin veil. When she reached the altar she turned and received a soft kiss from Soarin. The stallion moved off to stand next to Discord who patted the pegasus on his back. Both males looked at their children as Storm placed her hoof in Kibou's hand. The two were shining with pride and a small hint of sadness at the fact that their babies were fully grown. As the couple took their place Celestia began the ceremony. "Thank you all for coming. We are here today to celebrate the union of these two brave souls as they make their love a binding one. Over the years many of us have watched these two grow into the fine adults they are today. "And I believe I reflect the emotions of their parents when I say we couldn't be prouder. Kibou Chaos, Storm Cloud…you two are about to take on the biggest adventure you have yet to set out on. Starting a new life with each other, where you will face all kinds of new challenges. "But it is these challenges that will also strengthen your love for one another as you face them together. Now for the vows, the couple has chosen to recite their own words to each other. Storm Cloud, would you like to go first." Storm Cloud smiled up at Kibou and took a deep breath. "Kibou. There has been so much that has happened since I met you. You have always been by my side, offering me your strength when I needed it most. You have the biggest, kindest heart I have ever known and I am so grateful that you've allowed me into it. "I know that this is all new and scary…but I'm happy that I'll be facing it with you. I love you so much Kibou…Hmm, you know I've never been good at putting things into words but…but I hope I can show you for the rest of our lives just how much you mean to me." Flitter had to quickly wipe away some tears and the other mares did as well. Kibou's chest was puffed up in pride as he smiled down at Storm. "Beautiful words my dear…Kibou, it is your turn." Celestia whispered and Kibou nodded. He reached up and stroked Storm's cheek. "Storm…my Storm…Even after all this time, I can't believe that you've chosen me. You are the strongest, smartest, most beautiful mare I've ever seen. When we met I was in complete awe of you. Through the years of friendship we shared I began to understand just how much I needed you in my life. "You have given me a purpose in life, a reason to stay strong and keep going. I will do everything in my power to protect you from now on. I will always be there when you need me and you will never have a reason to doubt the love I hold for you. "Storm Cloud, I had always fantasized that someday you and I would be standing here…but I always thought it was just that, a fantasy. To see you here now, so beautiful and elegant…it melts my heart. I don't know what I've done to deserve you, but I will always be grateful. I love you more than words could ever completely describe. I can't wait to spend the next eternity showing you what you mean to me." He leaned forward and kissed her on the forehead through her veil. Now even Celestia had unshed tears in her eyes. She turned to Del, who was the ring bearer and nodded. He stepped forward and held up the pillow for her. Celestia used her magic to lift the two rings. She placed the chain over Storm's head, it was the same chain that had held the ring for years. The other gold band slid onto Kibou's finger on his paw. "Then by the power in me I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride." Kibou leaned forward and lifted Storm's veil and then cupped her face as he gently kissed her. The crowd erupted into cheers and stomped their hooves in excitement. Kibou turned with Storm at his side, her hoof tucked in his arm. Discord snapped his fingers and small bundles of fireworks exploded over the couple as they walked down the aisle. The sparks transforming into rose petals that fell gently around the two. He sighed and felt his wife wrap her hooves around his arm. He smiled down at her and wiped away her tears. "Our little hope is not so little anymore." He whispered and Fluttershy nodded. She leaned up and kissed his cheek. "He wouldn't be the stallion he is today without you honey." He turned and wrapped his arms completely around her. "Or you my darling wife." They looked over just as Kibou pulled Storm to him and dipped her back in a dramatic kiss. The family shouted and whistled at the pair. Flitter walked along the edge of the dancefloor. Smiling as she watched Kibou and Storm dancing close, Storm's head on her brother's chest. She felt tears prick her eyes again, she never knew that she could be so gushy over things. But it was a beautiful wedding and so it could be excused for the day. She began to sweep the backyard and took in all the smiling faces. She felt her own smile widen. After all the chaos, this is what it was really about. She was so glad she was a part of this crazy family. She wouldn't want to be anyone else in the world at this moment. She took in a deep breath and sighed as she continued to walk around the perimeter of the backyard. "Hey Flitter!" She turned at the sound of her name and her smile doubled. Her three friends were standing to the side, away from the party and they were motioning for her to join them. She turned and trotted over to the boys and grinned. "What are you guys doing all the way over here? The party is that way." She was laughing, but when she looked up at them her ears fell back. "Uh…guys? What's with the serious expressions?" She asked. Dusk took a deep breath and spoke first. "Flitterbee. You know that each of us thinks you are the most amazing mare we've ever known. We've each told you at some point how we feel. Well…we've been very patient and all wanted to give you the time to think it over." "Because we also cherish our friendships and don't want you to think this will in anyway change that." Cheese added in and Flitter felt her face flaming. She now understood where this was going and she felt a tightening in her stomach as well. She looked at Del curiously, "But…but Del…you told me a couple years ago that…" "Yeah. I never got a chance to tell these guys. I've been stuck in Canterlot since then and so never got to admit what happened." Dusk and Cheese looked at Del as he blushed. "You see. I realized a while ago that all I felt for Flitter was admiration and what you call a school pony crush. She's very dear to me, but only as a friend. I was just swept away by her in the beginning. What I feel for her can never compare to you two. We talked about it in Canterlot and she even admitted to me that she liked both of you and didn't know who to choose." "Del! You promised never to mention that!" Flitter shouted angrily and he laughed as he turned to walk away. He called over his shoulder, "Too late now! Besides, it doesn't matter now that you can't put it off any longer." When he had moved off, back to the party, Flitter turned to her friends. She had always taken for granted that they would wait forever. She really didn't want to hurt either one of them and she cared for both equally. She had to admit that both were very handsome stallions. But she wasn't sure if what she felt for them was love…real love, the kind shared between two beings. Like her parents who adored each other above all others. She didn't know what to think. She took the time to slowly look in each stallion's eyes. She swallowed and whispered, "So…so you want me to make a choice…Are you sure you want to do this?" They nodded and she sighed, she rubbed her hoof against her foreleg. "But…but if I choose one of you…won't it ruin what we have?" She whispered. The two smiled and moved forward to hug her. They laughed as they shared a group hug. "Flitter we love you. We're the best of friends." Dusk said. "So no matter what you decide…we will respect your decision. Nothing will tear us apart, you're stuck with us until the end." Cheese added and Flitter hugged them tighter. Tears filling her eyes, she was so lucky to have these colts in her life. Coming to a decision about what she must do in this moment made her smile. She pulled away and took a deep breath. She opened her eyes and looked closely at each colt. "Okay. I know exactly what I need to do." She walked closer to them and moved to Dusk. She leaned in until they were almost touching muzzles. Dusk blushed, but remained still as he was unsure what Flitter was up to. She looked him in the eyes and then took a small sniff. She pulled away and went to Cheese, leaving both colts a bit confused. She did the same thing to Cheese and then walked slowly around both colts examining them closely. When she came to stand in front of them again she was nodding. "Yes…It's clear. I've made up my mind…" "You mean you've decided who you want to be with?" Dusk asked and she smiled. Then she blushed and ran her hoof along the grass. "But um…could…could you guys turn around. It's still embarrassing…but I'll tap the one I've chosen…please." She turned her face up to them. Her red eyes sparkling and big, instantly melting the two colts. They turned around just as she asked. Cheese glanced at Dusk and whispered, "So no hard feelings in the end right?" Dusk chuckled and answered, "Are you kidding? You're going to be best stallion at our wedding." Flitter took a few steps back and then turned and ran. Dusk glanced behind him to see her white tail flying behind her. "Hey!" He shouted and the two of them turned to chase after her. "Flitter! You can't run from this!" Cheese shouted and Flitter turned to shout over her shoulder. "Watch me! I'm just not ready guys! You can't make me!" The two ran after her, trying to catch her once more. Flitter noticed them getting closer and chose to pull that ace from her tail. She turned suddenly and leapt into the arms of a very surprised draconequus. Discord laughed as he caught his daughter who had suddenly launched herself at him. "What the rush kiddo? Is this your way of requesting a dance or you just couldn't wait to see your ol' man again?" He teased and she giggled. Flitter turned to see Dusk and Cheese skidding to a halt. Discord looked down at the two and raised an eyebrow in question. Flitter stuck her tongue out at the boys and they shook their heads in frustration. "That's not fair Flitter!" Cheese said, but he was still smiling anyways. Dusk was also smiling as he added, "One day Flitter, we'll get you to answer." "Answer what exactly?" Discord asked and Flitter looked down at the two in triumph. She was being held in her father's arms and she rested her chin on one of her hooves. "Yes Dusk…explain to my father exactly what it is you asked me just now." Both looked up into Discord's questioning gaze and grinned innocently. "Oh it can wait for another time I guess. Say DL, how about we go have some cake?" Cheese said as he patted Dusk on the back. The other stallion rolled his eyes and agreed that he wasn't brave enough to face up to Uncle Discord just yet. "Fine…but Flitter…promise us that one day you will answer that question." Flitter looked down at both of her friends and nodded. She whispered, "I promise that I'll make a decision…just not right now. I'm just not ready. Besides, I don't think dad's ready either." "Ready for what?" Discord asked, but none of them answered as DL and Cheese smiled and nodded. Placated for the moment that Flitter would eventually choose one of them…hopefully. Flitter sighed in relief and fluttered out of her father's hold. He crossed his arms and repeated, "Ready for what?" Flitter giggled and placed a gentle kiss on his cheek. "It's nothing to worry about daddy. You still have me as your little girl for a few more years." Catching what she meant Discord groaned and slapped his claw over his eyes. "I swear, I've aged a thousand years in the eighteen years since you've been born." Flitterbee laughed again and her father grinned as well. He looked at her and then reached up to brush her mane out of her face. He sighed and whispered, "But you know little one…no matter how old you get…you'll remain my little girl forever." Flitter smiled and flew into his arms once more, realizing that she still felt safest when he held her. "I know daddy. I wouldn't want to stop being your little girl ever…I love you daddy." "And I love you too…My little Flitter…" Flitter smiled as she squeezed her father tighter and felt a tear escape her closed eyes. She heard him sigh as he pulled away from their hug. He looked off to where her friends were and took a deep breath. He set her down on the ground and knelt before her. "But you know…it is okay for you to be a little grown up too." She looked up confused and Discord swallowed again before continuing. "You should go be with your friends. No doubt they would enjoy having you around them…plus it'll…it'll make it easier for you to decide how you feel about them as well." Her face flushed and she hid behind her mane. Discord moved it to the side and tilted her chin up. He smiled down at her and whispered, "I know it's scary to fall in love little one…but trust me when I say it's worth the risk." "But…but I don't know if what I feel for either of them is love…at least…not like you and mom…or Kibou and Storm." She whispered and he chuckled. He rested his claws on her head, gently stroking the black curls. "Then the best thing to help you figure that out is to do as your father says and go be with your friends. You don't have to force a decision little one…let it happen naturally." He looked over his shoulder, behind him Fluttershy was talking with Rarity. "It's better that way…" Then he looked back at Flitterbee and cleared his throat. "Go on now…before I change my mind and chain you to your bed." Flitter giggled and gave her father another quick hug before galloping off to her friends. Discord watched her go and felt a small stab in his heart. He knew that no matter how much he wanted to…he couldn't hold onto her forever. He stood up as she reached her friends and stole a piece of cake from Cheese, making the three laugh. Eventually she would be able to stand on her own, fall in love, and leave to begin a new life. Just as his son was doing today. He glanced over at his son who was dancing with his new wife, both had wide, happy smiles. He sighed again and crossed his arms as he suddenly felt very old. He felt a hoof run up his mane and he shivered, but smiled. Without having to look he pulled the mare into his arms and inhaled her sweet scent. "That was almost painful…" He whispered against her rose mane and she sighed. She pulled back and looked up at him with her large teal eyes. He felt his heart skip at the sight of the love shining in their depths. "I know my love. But you did the right thing. Just because our babies are growing up doesn't mean they'll stop being our little ones." She whispered as she looked at both Kibou and Flitter before meeting his gaze once more. He nodded, although he still felt a bit sad that they were slipping away. He never realized how hard it would be to let go. "I can't believe the time has flown by…it's almost as if I blinked and there they were…all grown up." He said and Fluttershy nodded. "I feel the same way. But I couldn't be prouder…and I know you feel the same." Discord nodded in agreement and looked back to his wife. He brushed her mane out of her face and took in her eternal beauty. At least he would always have her at his side. He grinned suddenly and leaned in close to whisper in her ear. "Let's have another." "What!?" She shouted, causing several heads to turn to them. Discord laughed and taking her in his arms twirled her onto the dance floor. "Oh, I still love to see that shocked look on your face! Reminds me of the good ol' days when I used to drop in on you at your cottage!" Fluttershy realized he had been teasing her and joined in his laughter as he twirled her around the floor. Flitterbee flew around them to get their attentions and then did the same to Kibou and Storm. She flew to the side until she landed on the stage where Pinkie Pie was sitting behind a DJ table. She went up to the microphone, "And now I have a special surprise for my brother and his new bride! A very special present to welcome Storm officially into our family! Something that Cheese, DL and I put together with the help of our mothers and aunts." There was a small cheer as Flitter looked back to nod to her aunt. Pinkie picked up a record and set it to play as Flitter took a deep breath. "What is she up to?" Discord asked as he looked down at Fluttershy. She shook her head and leaned against his chest whispering, "It's a surprise…Just watch." Discord chuckled and smiled up at his daughter, the pride radiating off of him. "She certainly is my daughter, always full of surprises."