Princess Twilight and her family were preparing for some very special visitors; The royal family of Haygypt, which of course included Starlight's long-distance coltfriend, Prince Day Light. Day Light's father, Nightshade, had preferred not to travel far from Haygypt until recently, as the evil being sharing his body known as Black Thorn proved too unpredictable, and Nightshade couldn't risk the fiend sparking an international incident. But, with the recent expunging of Black Thorn from Nightshade's mind, and the monster's defeat, this was no longer an issue. With a little prompting from their son, Nightshade and his wife, Red Rose, sent a message to Twilight regarding the possibility of visiting, and Twilight (with much prompting from Starlight) agreed.
As you might expect, Starlight couldn't wait to see Day again.
"Just three more days to go..." She marked the date off on a calendar.
"You know, we're going to have to stock up on spare calendars if you keep this up." Flash joked.
"Funny, dad." Starlight rolled her eyes.
"I know how you feel, Starlight." Twilight sighed. "I used to do the same thing whenever your father came to visit..."
"Oh, you did, did you?" Flash smirked. "Just couldn't wait to see me, huh?"
"You'd better believe it." Twilight nudged him playfully.
"Yeah, we went through a few calendars back then." Spike recalled. "And a ton of ink too. Not to mention all the rugs you ruined by pacing on them.."
"Okay, knock it off, Spike." Twilight frowned.
"Glad to know I had that effect on you." Flash kissed Twilight.
"Anyway..." Starlight tried to get them back on topic. "We've really got to show Nightshade and Red Rose a good time."
"And we will." Twilight smiled. "It's not like we've never had guests before..."
"But none of those guests were the parents of my current coltfriend." Starlight pointed out.
"Relax, honey." Flash urged. "Day Light's folks are a nice couple. And besides, after your mom and I helped deal with Black Thorn, I doubt they'll be too worried about the accommodations."
"Yeah, they'll just be glad to be here." Twilight agreed.
"I hope so." Starlight sighed.
Three days later, the royal carriage from Haygypt touched down in Ponyville, just outside Twilight's castle. As the royal family disembarked, Twilight and her family came out to meet them. Her eldest child, Dusk Glow was with them, along with his wife, Dazzle, and their son, Sparkling Night. Starlight rushed ahead of them, and leapt into Day Light's waiting hooves.
"I missed you so much!" She squealed.
"I missed you too." Day Light kissed her.
"Good to see you again, Prince Nightshade." Twilight smiled. "Princess Red Rose."
"And the same to you, Princess Twilight." Nightshade said curtly.
"My, what a magnificent castle." Red Rose gasped upon their abode. "This must have taken a lot of work."
"Actually, it was... a real snap." Twilight joked. "Almost like it just sprang out of the ground..."
"We're so glad you could make it." Flash declared. "We know how hard it must be to find time to go on trips when you're in charge of an entire kingdom..."
"It wasn't easy." Nightshade admitted. "But it was high past time we went out and saw a little of the world."
"So true." Red Rose nodded.
"And this must be the rest of your family." Nightshade looked upon Dusk, Dazzle, and Sparkling.
"That's right." Twilight nodded. "This is my eldest, Dusk Glow, his wife Dazzle, and their son, Sparkling Night."
"Pleased to meet you, your highness." Dusk smiled.
"We've heard a lot about you." Dazzle added.
"We haven't heard so much about you." Nightshade declared. "But that's something we hope to change during this visit."
Sparkling, always shy around new ponies, hid behind his mother's leg. This didn't stop him from being noticed, though.
"Well, aren't you precious?" Red Rose cooed. "Hello, little one!"
"Hello..." Sparkling said quietly.
"Would you like some candy?" Red Rose held out a piece of Haygyptian toffee.
"...Okay." Sparkling nodded, holding out his hoof.
"Here you go, sweetie." Red Rose gave Sparkling the toffee.
"Mmm!" Sparkling smiled, chewing the toffee.
"What do you say, honey?" Dazzle prompted.
"Thank you!" Sparkling told Red Rose.
"You're very welcome." Red Rose beamed.
"And this is Spike, my personal assistant." Twilight continued.
"Hi." Spike waved.
"Oh, a dragon." Nightshade noted. "We don't see many of your kind around Haygypt. It might be the heat..."
"What a fascinating and diverse family you have, Princess Sparkle." Red Rose smiled.
"Yeah." Twilight smiled. "And I wouldn't have it any other way."
"Me neither." Flash agreed.
"So, how are you doing with those powers I've heard so much about?" Dusk asked Nightshade.
"Quite well, actually." Nightshade noted. "Despite the trouble Black Thorn caused with them, I've taken it upon myself to master them, so I can use them in defense of Haygypt for a change."
"How about a demonstration?" spike asked. "Day Light told us about your powers, but It would be nice to see them with my own eyes."
"Spike." Twilight frowned. "Nightshade is our guest, not a performing sideshow pony."
"It's quite alright." Nightshade smiled. "I wouldn't mind showing off a little..." He glanced around, seeing a pony statue across the street. "Observe."
Nightshade concentrated on the statue, his eyes growing wispy. Invoking the Animus spell, he made the statue spring to life. It leapt off its pedestal, and struck a pose.
"Wow!" Spike smiled.
"Not bad." Dusk declared.
"What an interesting power." Dazzle remarked.
"Cool!" Sparkling grinned.
"Thank you." Nightshade smirked, having the statue bow to them before hopping back on its pedestal.
"What about you, day?" Starlight asked. "Have you gotten any better since last time?"
"Well, I did learn how to do this." Day Light declared. Clutching Starlight's hoof, he had the grains of sand flowing around his body move to the ground and multiply, creating a sand platform that lifted him and his marefriend up. "Nice, huh?"
"Your love always did lift me up." Starlight joked.
"So cool!" Sparkling squealed, as his aunt and her coltfriend returned to the ground.
"No kidding." Flash agreed with his grandson. "Now, how about we quit standing around outside, and head indoors?"
"Gladly." Nightshade nodded. "I must confess, I'd like to see if your castle is opulent on the inside as it is on the out..."
"We'll leave that opinion up to you." Twilight declared.
As they entered the castle, Nightshade and Red Rose were astounded by what they saw.
"Amazing." Nightshade gasped.
"It must be like living in a diamond." Red Rose gazed.
"I must admit, when Day Light told us of your castle's interior, I thought he was exaggerating." Nightshade declared. "At least a little..."
"But it's every bit as incredible as he made it out to be." Red Rose remarked. "Even more so, actually."
"I'm actually a little jealous." Nightshade grinned. "Your castle puts our poor palace to shame."
"Your palace does have its charms." Twilight countered. "It's a classic structure, almost like a work of art."
"Yeah, those old places have a ton of character in them." Flash agreed. "Your place is what, hundred of years old? Ours is barely twenty-five. Not really much history there..."
"Plus, the simple stone structuring has a lot going for it." Twilight continued. "This place is so big, and expansive, I had a lot of trouble finding my way around in the beginning."
"Me too." Spike agreed. "Trying to find the bathroom in the middle of the night was a real pain in my scales..."
"A little decorum, please, Spike?" Dazzle cringed distastefully. "I know everpony in this room is connected to royalty, but a little class wouldn't hurt."
"He has a point, though." Dusk smirked. "Remember what happened when you first slept over?"
"I thought we agreed never to mention again." Dazzle pouted.
"Did we?" Dusk said playfully. "I can't seem to recall..."
"Maybe I could jog your memory." Dazzle nudged him irritably.
"Come on, guys." Starlight frowned. "Not in front of our guests."
"It's okay." Red Rose declared. "All couples have their little disagreements. Even myself and Nightshade."
"And don't forget about what happened in Haygypt, Star." Day Light added. "We had more than a few 'disagreements' before we were even a couple."
"True." Starlight admitted.
"It's almost time for lunch." Twilight noted. "I'm sure you must be hungry after your long trip."
"Starving." Nightshade nodded. "And I must add, quite eager to try some of the local delicacies."
"Well, you're in for a treat." Flash declared. "It's Spike's turn to cook, and he is one excellent chef."
"I wouldn't say 'excellent'." Spike smirked with fake-modesty. "More like 'pretty amazing'..."
"And that would make you 'pretty humble', right?" Twilight snorted.
"Yep." Spike nodded.
Shortly afterward, the two royal families sat in the dining room (Starlight and Day Light sitting side by side), plates full of hayburgers and fries placed before them.
"Yum!" Sparkling grinned. "Uncle Spike's hayburgers are the best!"
"So this is Ponyville cuisine, eh?" Nightshade asked. "How... rustic."
"There are fancier foods in Canterlot, but these are a local favorite." Twilight told them.
"Well, who said food should be fancy?" Red Rose asked. "As a former commoner myself, I've always preferred the simpler side of cooking."
"Nothing 'simple' here." Spike boasted. "I make the finest hayburgers in Ponyville."
"Easy there, Emeril Lagrassy." Flash teased. "Don't dislocate a claw patting yourself on the back."
Nightshade took a bite of his hayburger.
"Hmm, not bad." He noted. He tried some of the fries. "Delectable. I had no idea a dragon could be such an excellent chef."
"You'd be surprised what we dragons can do." Spike grinned.
"Indeed." Red Rose chuckled. "If I thought you'd go for it, I'd offer you a job in our royal kitchens."
"Thanks, but no." Spike declared. "This is where I belong."
"Spike's not just my assistant." Twilight declared. "He's a part of our family. I actually hatched him out of his egg. He's been like a little brother to me ever since."
"How touching." Nightshade smiled. "You truly are a wonder, Princess Sparkle."
"Thank you, Nightshade." Twilight blushed.
"Hey, easy with the compliments, pal." Flash joked. "You've got your own wife to flatter."
"That he does." Red Rose agreed.
After lunch, Dusk and Dazzle needed to go into Ponyville to attend to some business.
"You be good while we're gone, sweetie." Dazzle told Sparkling.
"I will, mommy." Sparkling nodded.
"If it helps, I could keep an eye on the little cutie." Red Rose offered.
"That's not necessary." Dusk declared. "You're our guest. And besides, there are plenty of eyes to watch Sparkling."
"But it wouldn't help to keep a closer set on him." Red Rose retorted. "I know from experience how troublesome colts can be at his age. The stories I could tell you about Day Light..."
"I suppose it couldn't hurt." Dazzle shrugged. "What do you think, Sparkling? Would it be okay to have Red Rose look after you?"
"...I guess." Sparkling said bashfully.
"Then it's settled." Dazzle smiled. "Come along, Dusk. Time waits for nopony, after all."
"Coming, beautiful." Dusk nodded.
After his parents left, Sparkling was alone with Red Rose.
"So, little one, what would you like to do?" Red Rose asked. "What's your idea of fun?"
"...Read me a story?" Sparkling asked.
"Oh, you like stories, do you?" Red Rose smiled.
"Uh-huh." Sparkling nodded.
"Then a story you shall have." Red Rose declared. "I saw that library of yours on the way in. Should be plenty of books there..."
Red Rose walked with Sparkling to the library, which, true to form, boasted an impressive array of books.
"So, which story would you like?" Red Rose asked.
"This one!" Sparkling made a beeline for a particular book, and gave it to Red Rose.
"'Little Red Riding Mane'?" Red Rose read the cover. "We don't have this story in Haygypt... But if you like it, it must be good."
"It is." Sparkling nodded.
"Okay, here we go." Red Rose opened the book. "'Once upon a time, there was a little filly whom everypony called Little Red Riding Mane'..."
Meanwhile, Nightshade was standing on the castle balcony, looking over Ponyville. The view reminded him of the view he had from his own palace.
"Such a quaint little town." He remarked. "So quiet. Yet it must be important, if a Princess calls it home..."
"Enjoying the view?" Twilight and Flash joined him.
"Indeed." Nightshade nodded. "This is a lovely little town."
"Isn't it?" Twilight grinned. "I grew up in Canterlot, but this place has felt like my real home for so long. Even before the castle was created."
"Same here." Flash agreed.
"Home..." Nightshade sighed. "I hope mine is getting along okay without me."
"I'm sure it is." Twilight declared. "After all, a great leader doesn't just lead. He shows others how to lead themselves. And I'm sure you've taught your subjects how to get along, even without you."
"Thank you, Twilight." Nightshade smiled.
"That's my wife." Flash put a hoof around her. "Always knows just what to say to a pony to make 'em feel good about themselves."
"I've had a lot of practice." Twilight grinned.
Just outside the castle, Starlight and Day Light were enjoying some 'alone time'.
"Now this is what I've been waiting for." Starlight grinned. "Just you and me."
"Just the way we like it." Day Light chuckled. "But I'm glad my folks agreed to come. It's so good to know dad is finally starting to branch out more. Just the fact that he was ready to let me come visit you was a minor miracle in itself."
"It was a miracle, alright." Starlight nodded. "Because it meant getting to see you... though not often enough for my taste."
"Or mine." Day Light grinned. "So we'd better make the most of the time we've got."
"My thoughts exactly." Starlight giggled, as they came together for a kiss.
Shortly afterward, Dusk and Dazzle returned to the castle.
"Home again." Dazzle smiled.
"I hope Sparkling wasn't too much trouble for Red Rose." Dusk declared.
As they entered the library, they found Red Rose finishing the book, Sparkling listening attentively.
"...'And then the woodspony cut open the Timberwolf, saving Little Red Riding Mane's grandmother'." Red Rose narrated. "'The Timber wolf was made into firewood for grandmother's fireplace. And they all lived happily ever after'."
"Yay!" Sparkling cheered. "Did you like it?"
"I did, actually." Red Rose nodded. "i can see why it's your favorite."
"We're back!" Dazzle smiled.
"Mommy!" Sparkling rushed over and hugged his parents. "Daddy!"
"Good to be back, sport." Dusk hugged Sparkling back.
"I see you had a good time with Red Rose." Dazzle beamed. "Thanks for offering to take care of him."
"It was my pleasure." Red Rose grinned. "It reminded me of when Day Light was a colt... only Sparkling is far cuter than Day Light was."
"Aw, thanks..." Sparkling blushed bashfully.
That evening, they enjoyed a dinner of Spike's homemade nachos.
"Mmm, delicious." Red Rose smiled.
"And this cheese if delightfully tangy." Nightshade declared.
"If you want seconds, just let me know." Spike grinned.
After dinner, the royals retired for bed. Nightshade and Red Rose occupied one guest room, while Day Light stayed in another.
"And no night time dalliances with your marefriend, young colt." Nightshade declared. "I know you love her, but there is still the little matter of decorum."
"Whatever you say, dad." Day Light played along.
"Oh, Nighty." Red Rose rolled her eyes. "You're such a prude sometimes."
"It may be old-fashioned, but I stand by the rules of courtship." Nightshade stated. "And I'm sure Starlight's parents feel the same."
After everypony had fallen asleep, Day Light snuck out of his room, making a beeline for Starlight's. Just as he was about to make it, he suddenly crossed paths with Flash.
"Well, well." Flash glared. "What's this?"
"I, uh... need to use the bathroom." Day Light lied.
"Don't try to pull the wool over my eyes, kid." Flash admonished him. "I know you're trying to sneak into my daughter's room."
"J-just for a goodnight kiss." Day Light said truthfully. "I wouldn't... under your roof..."
"I know you wouldn't." Flash smiled. "You respect Starlight and my and her mom too much. Go ahead, kid."
"Really?" Day Light smiled. "You mean it?"
"Yep." Flash nodded. "I trust you. Just don't take too long. My little filly needs her beauty sleep."
"No, she doesn't." Day Light smirked.
"You're right, she doesn't." Flash agreed. "Even so, don't take too long."
"I won't Day Light nodded. "Thank you, sir."
"No problem." Flash smiled. "And let's keep this between us, okay?"
"You got it." Day Light grinned.
After Flash returned to bed, Day Light entered Starlight's room.
"It's about time." The fully awake Starlight declared. "I was starting to think you fell asleep on me."
"Never." Day Light sat besides her. "Now, how about that good night kiss."
"Coming right up." Starlight purred.
The two kissed deeply, yet silently, enjoying the feel of their lips pressed together.
The next couple of days went much the same, with Day Light and Starlight enjoying each others' company, Nightshade learning of Ponyville from Twilight and Flash, and Red Rose spending more time with Sparkling.
All too soon, it was time for Day Light's family to return home.
"I can't believe you're leaving already." Starlight nuzzled Day Light. "It seems way too soon."
"I know, right?" Day Light smiled. "If it were up to me, I'd never leave your side."
"It was wonderful having you." Twilight declared.
"Feel free to drop by again sometime." Flash added.
"Oh, rest assured, we will." Nightshade chuckled.
"It was wonderful to meet you all." Red Rose told Dusk, Dazzle and Sparkling. "Especially you, you little darling."
Sparkling gave Red Rose a hug.
"Come back soon." Starlight whispered to Day Light.
"You know I will." Day Light grinned.
The two shared a loving kiss.
"As much as I hate to break up such a lovely scene, we really should be heading back." Nightshade declared. "I imagine my beloved subjects must be missing me terribly..."
"Of course they are, dear." Red Rose rolled her eyes. Nightshade's subjects loved him, but not that much...
"Bye, Star." Day Light kissed his marefriend once more.
The Haygyptian royal family climbed into their carriage, and took off into the sky. Starlight watched, her eyes locked on Day Light, until it vanished from sight.
"So, did everything go the way you hoped?" Twilight asked Starlight.
"Better." Starlight sighed happily. "It was perfect."
"Glad to hear it, sweetheart." Flash smiled.
The royal family of friendship went back inside their castle, Starlight already counting down the days until she saw her beloved Day Light again.