Pony Tails

by Bluecatcinema

In A Flurry

The train from Ponyville pulled into the Crystal Empire's station. Starlight disembarked happily and headed into the city. She had come to visit Sunburst. She really hated to take time off from her studies with Twilight, but she had found herself missing Sunburst more and more since his visit to the castle. The two had written to each other since then, with Sunburst assuring her that today was a good time to visit, as he hadn't been called in to assist Shining Armor and Cadance recently.

'This place sure looks better without all the snow...' Starlight thought, remembering the near-catastrophe that had happened the last time she was at the Empire.

Starlight made her way to Sunburst's cottage. She felt a lot better approaching it today than she had the first time around.

'How times change...' She thought. 'To think, I was once terrified of coming here.'

Starlight knocked on the door. Sunburst answered mere seconds.

"Hi, Starlight." He smiled widely. "What kept you? You're so late, I thought you stood me up."

"So you do jokes now?" Starlight chuckled.

"Well, I have been expanding my studies lately..." Sunburst grinned. "Glad you could make it, by the way."

"Me too." Starlight beamed.

"Come on in." Sunburst smiled. "I'll fix us some tea."

"I sure could use some." Starlight followed him inside. "The snack car was all out of drinks..."

Moments later, Starlight and Sunburst were sat at Sunburst's living room table, enjoying their tea.

"How are your friendship studies coming along?" Sunburst asked. "I hope Princess Twilight isn't pushing you too hard."

"Never." Starlight declared proudly. "If she were, would she have even allowed me the time to come down here?"

"I suppose not." Sunburst smiled.

"How about you, Mr 'unofficial royal advisor'?" Starlight smirked. "Hope you're not getting stumped by any magical problems thrown your way?"

"There have been one or two tricky ones." Sunburst shrugged. "But nothing that couldn't be fixed through studying the right book."

"And knowing you, you always have the right book." Starlight grinned.

"Well, I don't like to brag, but..." Sunburst said modestly, pushing his glasses back up his nose.

"Maybe you should." Starlight told him. "Think about it. You were the one who figured out to fix the Crystal Heart and save the Empire. That problem had everypony stumped. Even Twilight, and she's one of the most knowledgable ponies around."

"Well, when you put it that way, I suppose it is something to be proud of." Sunburst admitted.

"Exactly." Starlight nodded.

"You still believe in me, don't you?" Sunburst smiled.

"And I always will." Starlight pledged.

"Thanks, Starlight." Sunburst said happily. "That really means a lot to me."

"And you mean a lot to me." Starlight grinned. "That's why I came here, after all. I'm going to spend the whole day with my oldest friend, just hanging out and having fun, like the old days."

Just then, there was a knock at the door.

"Expecting more visitors, are we?" Starlight asked.

"Not that I'm aware of." Sunburst frowned.

Sunburst went to the door, opening it to reveal two Crystal Guards.

"Oh, hello... is there a problem?" Sunburst asked.

"I'm afraid you're needed at the castle." One of the Guards announced. "The Prince and Princess require your service."

"...I understand." Sunburst nodded. "Starlight, I'm afraid we're going to have to cut your visit short."

Starlight was crestfallen for a moment. But she suddenly set her face in determination.

"Oh no, we're not." She declared.

"Excuse me?" Sunburst frowned.

"I said I was going to spend the day with my oldest friend, and I meant it." Starlight stated. "So I'll just come with you."

"I'm not sure the Prince and Princess would allow that, miss." One of the Guards chimed in.

"Why not?" Starlight asked. "It's not breaking any rules for me to tag along. I might even be able to help with whatever problem there is, and it'll be solved twice as fast. I'm sure the Prince and Princess would appreciate that."

"She makes a valid point." Sunburst smirked.

"Okay, fine." The first Guard sighed. "Let's just go already."

"After you, gents." Sunburst nodded.

Starlight and Sunburst followed the Guards to the castle. Though she was annoyed by the interruption, Starlight couldn't help but be curious as what matter required Sunburst's attention.

Once they arrived at the castle, they were greeted by Cadance, who had a slightly panicked look in her eye.

"There you are, Sunburst." She smiled. "And... Starlight."

"Hello, your highness." Starlight declared.

"What are you doing here?" Cadance asked.

"Well, I came to visit Sunburst." Starlight answered. "And I didn't want to cut the visit short so quickly, so I thought I'd tag along. ...That's not a problem, is it?"

"Not at all." Cadance assured her. "In fact, you might be able to help a little."

"And what exactly is the problem, your highness?" Sunburst asked. "Is it a major problem?"

"Extremely." Cadance nodded. "Sunburst, I need you to... look after Flurry Heart this afternoon."

"Seriously?" Starlight frowned.

"Yes." Cadance declared. "Shining Armor and I have been called to an emergency meeting with the city planners. And we need somepony to watch over our daughter."

"Well... couldn't you ask one of the Guards?" Starlight asked.

"They're Guards, not foalsitters." Cadance pointed out. "And not only is Sunburst's Flurry's Crystaller, she's also taken a real shine to him. He's the perfect candidate."

"It's okay, Starlight." Sunburst told her. "I honestly don't mind. In fact, I welcome the opportunity to spend time with the little one."

"Well, when you put it like that..." Starlight mused.

"And I'm sure you'd be a lot of help." Sunburst added. "You've had some experience with foals, right?"

"A little.." Starlight frowned, recalling the colts and fillies that resided in her village of equality.

"Great." Sunburst smiled. "And like you said, things will go much smoother with two of us."

Shining Armor rushed down the corridor, carrying Flurry Heart in one hoof.

"There you are." He smiled at Sunburst. "Look who it is, sweetheart: Sunburst!"

"Gleh!" Flurry Heart gurgled, as Shining used his magic to float her over to Sunburst.

"Good to see you, little one." Sunburst beamed. "Did you miss me?"

"Yah!" Flurry Heart clasped Sunburst's beard with her hooves and tugged on it.

"I'll take that as a 'yes'." Sunburst chuckled.

"You be good for your Crystaller, okay, sweetie?" Cadance kissed Flurry Heart on the cheek.

"Eee!" Flurry Heart giggled.

"Okay, now we've really got to get going." Shining declared. He gave Flurry Heart a quick kiss of his own, them turned to Cadance. "Come on, dear."

"Okay, here's a list of things you'll need to do with Flurry Heart." Cadance gave Starlight a piece of paper. "Good luck."

"And the same to you." Sunburst smiled. "Say goodbye to mommy and daddy, Flurry Heart."

"Bah!" Flurry Heart waved.

"Bye, honey!" Shining waved back. "See you soon!"

Shining and Cadance departed, leaving Starlight and Sunburst with Flurry Heart.

"Okay, guess we're foalsitting." Starlight remarked. "Can't be too hard, right? After all, that spell you gave Flurry Heart's parents got her powers under control..."

"That may be, but she's still a rambunctious little ball of energy." Sunburst replied. "We'll need to keep a close watch on her at all times."

"Speaking of which..." Starlight glanced at list. "It's just about feeding time for the little one."

"Then it's off to the kitchen we go." Sunburst smiled.

"...You do know where that is, don't you?" Starlight asked.

"...We can ask a Guard along the way." Sunburst said sheepishly.

After getting some directions, Starlight and Sunburst reached the kitchen. Thankfully, Flurry Heart's food had already been prepared. Sunburst placed her in her high chair and put on a bib, while Starlight attepted to feed her.

"Okay Flurry Heart, ready for some yummy strained crystal carrots?" Starlight asked, holding a spoonful up.

"Nuh!" Flurry Heartturned away in disgust.

"Come on." Starlight urged. "It's really good!" She ate the spoonful of glittering orange mush... only to immediately spit it out. "Ugh, maybe not... but it's still good for you!"

"Nuh-nuh!" Flurry Heart shook her head.

"Can I try?" Sunburst asked.

"Be my guest." Starlight passed him the spoon.

Sunburst dipped the spoon into the jar, pulling out another dollop.

"Look, Flurry Heart!" He levitated the spoon with his magic. "Here comes the phoenix, flying into its nest!"

"Ooh!" Flurry Heart gazed in awe, the glow of Sunburst's magic combining with the crystal carrot gleam to produce a miniature light show.

"Open wide!" Sunburst the spoon toward Flurry Heart's mouth.

"Ahhh!" Flurry Heart allowed the spoon in. "Num-num-num!" She mumbled, enjoying the food.

"Ready for more?" Sunburst readied another spoonful.

"Yah!" Flurry Heart nodded.

"Wow, you are really good with her." Starlight admitted, as Sunburst fed Flurry Heart more.

"I suppose I just have a way with foals." Sunburst shrugged. "This foal, at least."

"Lucky you..." Starlight sighed.

Once Flurry Heart had had her fill, the three of them left the kitchen.

"Okay, next item on the list is... 'playtime'?." Starlight read, surprised.

"Sounds like... fun." Sunburst joked.

"That's real clever..." Starlight rolled her eyes.

They made their way to Flurry Heart's bedroom, which was strewn with plush toys and picture books.

"I can't believe 'playtime' is on the list." Starlight admitted.

"Playing is an important part of a foal's development." Sunburst declared. "I read that in a book I picked up, right after I became Flurry Heart's Crystaller. Figured I'd need to be prepared."

"Classic Sunburst, always doing the research..." Starlight chuckled.

Sunburst put Flurry Heart on a playmat.

"Okay, what do you wnat to play?" He asked.

"How about this?" Starlight held up a rattle.

Flurry Heart took the rattle, and shook it.

"You can never go wrong with a classic." Starlight smirked.

Flurry Heart suddenly threw the rattle, which hit Starlight on the nose.

"Ow!" Starlight yelped.

"He-he-he!" Flurry Heart giggled.

"Okay, let's try something a little less... solid." Sunburst frowned. He looked around, his eyes locking on a stuffed crystal ewe. "Aha!" He picked up the toy and held it before Flurry Heart. "How about this little fellow?"

"Eee!" Flurry grabbed the doll, hugging it tightly.

"That's her favorite toy." Sunburst told Starlight. "She plays with it all the time."

"At least it's not as hard as a rattle." Starlight rubbed her nose.

After a plentiful amount of playtime, they moved on to the next item on the list: Flurry Heart's afternoon bottle.

"Here we go." Sunburst tested it by dripping a few drops on his hoof. "Just the right temperature. Drink up, now."

Flurry Heart eagerly gulped down the milk.

"Why don't you burp her, Starlight?" Sunburst offered.

"Okay, sure." Starlight nodded. She held Flurry Heart up over her shoulder, and patted her back gently.

"URRRRP!" Flurry Heart belched loudly.

"That's a good girl." Starlight patted her again. "Let it all out..."

"Hurk!" Flurry Heart suddenly spat up all over Starlight's back.

"Not quite what I had in mind." Starlight cringed.

"I'll... take Flurry Heart while you get cleaned up." Sunburst said awkwardly.

"Yeah, you do that." Starlight said through gritted teeth, as she passed both Flurry Heart and the list to him.

After cleaning off the throw up, Starlight found Sunburst in the castle study, lightly bouncing Flurry Heart on one knee.

"Ooh-hoo-hoo!" Flurry Heart giggled.

Starlight couldn't help but feel a little jealous of her old friend.

'Why is this so easy for him, and so hard for me?' She thought miserably.

"Oh, hey, Starlight." Sunburst smiled. "Did you find the washroom okay?"

"Yep." Starlight said flatly. "So, what's next?"

"Well, according to this, it's almost time for Flurry Heart's afternoon nap." Sunburst read the list.

'Great.' Starlight thought.

"Come on, Flurry Heart." Sunburst told the royal foal. "Time for a nice little nap."

After placing Flurry Heart in her crib (her crystal ewe doll by her side), Sunburst and Starlight watched as she slowly drifted off to sleep. They tip-toed their way into a nearby room, ready to leap into action if there were any complications.

"I must say, this foal-sitting thing is harder than it looks." Sunburst admitted.

"Tell me about me." Starlight scowled.

"...Are you okay, Starlight?" Sunburst asked.

"Oh, I'm fine." Starlight lied. "Hey, how about I make us some tea? I'm sure Shining and Cadance wouldn't mind."

"Of course they wouldn't." Sunburst nodded.

After a quick trip to the kitchens, Starlight returned with two cups of tea. Both she and Sunburst enjoyed their drink.

'This is just what I needed.' Starlight thought. 'Something to calm my nerves...'

Just as they were finishing their tea, they heard a familiar giggling noise outside.

"Eeeee!"

"Was that...?" Starlight frowned.

"She must have woken up." Sunburst declared.

As they steped into the corridor, they saw Flurry Heart flying around, giggling happily.

"We'd better catch her before she bumps into something." Sunburst frowned.

"Right." Starlight nodded.

Though her magic had been suppressed, Flurry Heart's large (for a foal) wings still made her a decent flyer. She gave Starlight and Sunburst a merry chase, keeping just ahead of them.

"I've got an idea!" Sunburst declare, as they neared an intersection. "I know this floor's layout. Those two corridors intersect with the one in the middle. Let's split up and try to block her on both sides!"

"Sounds like a plan." Starlight nodded.

As they reached the turn, they split off. Starlight proved to faster than Sunburst, though, so she caught up to Flurry Heart. To her horror, she saw the foal, playing on an empty suit of armor, having been entranced by its shininess.

'Oh no...' She thought.

The suit of armor collapsed into piece, but Flurry Heart flew upwards, holding, giggling at the mess she'd made.

"Okay, that's it!" Starlight zapped Flurry Heart with her freezing spell, holding her in place.

"Nuh!" The foal groaned as Starlight pulled her into her grasp.

"Gotcha," Starlight smiled.

"Muh!" Flurry Heart reached down for the armor pieces.

"No!" Starlight yelled, her patience at its limit. "That's not for you! Bad Flurry Heart! Very, very bad!"

Flurry Heart's eyes welled up with tears, and her bottom lip quivered.

"Oh no." Starlight cringed. "Please don't-"

"WAHHHH!" Flurry Heart bawled. "WAHHHHHHH!"

"What happened?!" Sunburst finally reached them, panic-stricken. "Did Flurry Heart hurt herself?" He asked, glancing at the armor.

"No, I... yelled at her." Starlight bowed her.

"WAHHHH!" Flurry Heart wailed.

"Here, take her." Starlight pleaded. "Please."

Sunburst took Flurry Heart in his hooves and rocked her gently.

"There, there." He cooed. "It's okay..."

Flurry Heart slowly calmed down, sucking on her hoof for extra comfort.

"I'm sorry." Starlight sighed. "I... I didn't mean to-"

"I know." Sunburst nodded.

"I should never have come." Starlight bemoaned herself. "I'm no good with foals. Not like you. Maybe I should just sit the rest of this out..."

Starlight walked away, ashamed of herself.

"Starlight..." Sunburst frowned.

Starlight returned to the study, wallowing in her misery.

'Some help you were.' She berated herself. 'Don't go looking for a career as a foalsitter, Starlight...'

Just then, a Guard entered the room.

"Miss Starlight, Sunburst needs your help." He declared.

"I doubt it." Starlight pouted, standing up anyway.

At the Guard's directions, Starlight made her way to Flurry Heart's room, where the foal was crying once more.

"WAHHHH!" Flurry Heart screamed from within her crib, a discarded pacifier nearby.

"What's wrong?" Starlight asked.

"Flurry Heart lost her favorite doll." Sunburst revealed. "She must have dropped it during her flight. Can you keep an eye on her while I look for it?"

"I... I don't think I should." Starlight frowned.

"I know you can, Starlight." Sunburst declared. "I believe in you."

Bolstered by her friend's confidence in her, Starlight nodded.

"You can do it." He told her, before leaving the room.

"That makes one of us." Starlight edged over to the crib. "Um... hi, Flurry Heart."

Flurry Heart looked up at Starlight. She was all screamed out for the moment, but tears were still streaming down her face.

"I know you can't understand this, but I'm sorry about before." Starlight sighed. "You were right to cry. I was so mean. I shouldn't have yelled at you. Who yells at a foal? A terrible pony, that's who. I'm a really lousy foalsitter. I came here to help Sunburst, but I can't even do that..."

Starlight started to cry too. Flurry Heart's own tears slowed. She couldn't understand Starlight's words, but she could read her anguish as plain as day.

"Ba..." She held up her pacifier.

"...Thanks." Starlight smiled, humoring her by putting the pacifier in her mouth. "I thought I was supposed to keep you from crying."

"Gleh?" Flurry Heart held up a hoof.

Smiling, Starlight reached down with her own hoof, touching it to Flurry Heart's. Flurry Heart then wrapped another hoof around it.

"You really are a sweet little thing, aren't you?" Starlight cooed. She removed the pacifier andlifted Flurry Heart out of the crib and held her in her hooves. "There now. Your auntie Starlight will take care of you..."

"Yahhh." Flurry Heart nuzzled against her.

Starlight fet a warm sensation building in her chest as she gently rocked Flurry Heart.

"That's it." She smiled. "Everything's going to be just fine..."

Moments later, Sunburst returned, the doll in hoof.

"Here we go." He smiled. "Found it by one of the guest bedrooms."

"Look, Flurry Heart." Starlight grinned. "Sunburst has got you something."

"Eee!" Flurry Heart squealed, overjoyed at the return of her favorite toy.

"There it is." Sunburst gave it to her.

"Yah-yah!" Flurry Heart hugged the doll tightly.

"Okay, now do you think you can take a nap?" Starlight asked, lowering Flurry Heart back into the crib.

"Yuh." Flurry Heart nuzzled against Starlight's hoof.

"Sweet dreams." Starlight kissed her on the forehead.

"Mmm..." Flurry Heart closed her eyes, drifting off to sleep.

"Looks like you're better with foals than you thought." Sunburst told Starlight.

"Guess so." Starlight nodded. "This foal, at least..."

Shining and Cadance returned a couple of hours later.

"Hello, sweetheart!" Cadance cuddled Flurry Heart. "Do you have a kiss for mommy?"

"Ma!" Flurry Heart gave her mother a sloppy kiss.

"I hope it wasn't too much trouble, looking after Flurry Heart." Shining declared.

"Well, it had its ups and downs." Sunburst admitted. "But nothing we couldn't handle... together."

"This wasn't exactly the day I had planned..." Starlight tickled Flurry Heart's chin. "But it turned out wonderful. Right, Flurry Heart?"

"Geee!" Flurry Heart giggled.

"I bet you'll make a wonderful mother one day." Cadance smiled.

"Yeah, one day." Starlight nodded. "But for now, I'll settle for being an honorary auntie..."

"Yah!" Flurry Heart hugged Starlight's hoof again.

"I love you too, Flurry Heart." Starlight cooed.

As Starlight herself said, it wasn't the trip she had planned on. But it was a day to remember nonetheless.

Comments

[OmniFox]

Can't. Take. Anymore. Flurry'd!!!! (explodes)

[TigerAce]

Why do i get the feeling that blue shipped Starlight and Sunburst?
R

[redmar]

"Eee!" Starlight grabbed the doll, hugging it tightly.

Shouldn't it be Flurry Heart in this sentence instead of Starlight?