What could've been Kyle's final moments in Equestria did not come in quite the way she expected. For all the ponies talked about (and feared) Princess Cadance, ruler of the Crystal Empire, she didn't call Kyle to some grand throne-room for their farewell.
But when the day of their departure arrived, she and Kara walked the strangely oversized pony frontier town, attracting stares and curiosity from the horse-sized people. At least with Kyle's alicorn features hidden, they didn't bow and cower before her. She could certainly count her blessings.
Through a set of gigantic double doors, she found a laboratory abuzz with activity. Scientific (or magical) equipment of all kinds lined the walls, all arranged haphazardly around a central platform.
Kyle didn't need to be told to know what she was looking at. She didn't even need her magical senses, which suggested an incredible pressure built around the platform. The sparking machines and glowing wires were poised to unleash who knew how much pent-up energy.
At first even the Alicorn Kyle knew wasn't there, only Monday and another familiar figure.
How Grandpa had somehow arranged for the transfiguration jewelry and managed to have a suit tailored in another universe, Kyle might never know. Likewise, how his bearing somehow allowed him to command such respect from the creatures all around. Maybe he was just bullying them.
"My grandchildren!" he exclaimed, hurrying over to take their hands one at a time. Hardly someone Kyle would've been excited to meet, under any other circumstances. But considering he was the only other human in the room, she'd take it. "They did mention to me some complications they had adapting your human form, Kyle. Er... forgive me, I can't tell you apart."
He looked to Kara, who gently nudged him in the other direction. "Ah, apologies. They did mention there would be some issues with reconstructing your proper, uh... arrangement. I wasn't aware they would be so serious. I can't imagine the discomfort this must be causing you."
"I'm fine," Kyle said. "Don't worry about it, Grandpa. I'm just happy to be human again. That's all you need to know."
"You don't sound happy," he said. "But never fear. We've been discussing things, these aliens and I. Quite reasonable folk, really, once you approach with the right incentives. I believe my organization may be exactly the sort of eyes and ears they wish to have in our world. It looks to me like the beginning of a long and productive working relationship."
"I notice you're not, uh..." Kyle hesitated. But Monday was busy speaking with some of the local scientists, and not paying her much attention. Actually, the decision seemed deliberate. She wasn't close, so she wouldn't be there to pressure Kyle into one course or another. "I thought everyone else could just be changed back. You're wearing one of these things." She held up her own bracelet, rattling it just slightly."
"Yes, well." Grandpa grinned. "A previous employee provided life extension. To her... hostage, to maintain the organization she sapped for resources like a leech." His hands clenched into fists, then released. "You would not believe how long ponies live, child. Returning my employees might be possible, but it would be doing them no kindness. The present arrangement ensures loyalty and discretion in exchange for a commodity more precious than any untraceable currency or gemstones."
Kyle nodded, though her expression remained dark. Of all the people and organizations to receive a gift like that, this just turned her stomach.
Not enough that she intended to change her request. The ponies weren't stupid, they would make their own decisions.
"Sounds exciting!" Kara said. "Does that mean no more... crime stuff? Stealing, or... I don't actually know what you did."
"Lawbreaking is all a matter of perspective," Edgar answered, patting her once on the shoulder. "But no, the Equestrians have strict stipulations. Many otherwise lucrative operations will be terminated. A waste, but I'm sure you'll be happier. Your brother too."
"My sister," Kara corrected. "That's the narrative from here on out. Kyle's not changing back. She'll probably want a new name, but she hasn't told me her ideas."
"Other things on my mind," she said absently. As she said it, the doors opened again, and several figures appeared in the doorway.
At once all activity in the room ground to a halt. Scientists and assistants all bowed to the newcomers. Even Monday and Grandpa, both with deliberate, political respect. Kyle and Kara shuffled to do the same, though they were several seconds behind the rest of the room.
"My deepest apologies for not meeting with the one who I owe so much," said a pink Alicorn, approaching her. She looked... a great deal like Kyle, though she was several years older. Her hips were wider, her mane a more unified mix of pink and purple rather than blue. “We were deeply distracted, and didn't have the opportunity before now."
Kyle straightened to her full height, looking between the Alicorn and the unicorn beside her. They were both quite a bit bigger and taller than she was, obviously far more so now. The white unicorn beside him could easily have pulled the old Budweiser carriage by himself
"Good to meet you," Kyle said. "You... Guess you heard who I am, from your historian. But I'm Kyle... sister's Kara... and you're Princess Cadance?"
She nodded. "Princess Mi Amore Cadenza," Cadance said, circling slowly around Kyle. "And this is my husband, Shining Armor. Flurry is his child as well as mine, and the rescue was as much his doing as mine. He managed affairs back home in the Empire while I was more directly involved."
Shining Armor nodded deferentially. But unlike the Alicorn, Kyle felt none of the pressure against her forehead from him. Whatever magic he had wasn't that different from the other unicorns. Wonder how their relationships work. "I did the easy stuff," Shining said. Then he lowered his head, dropping quite low indeed to be below Kyle's eye level. "You saved my daughter's life. There's no word, no payment, no favor great enough to repay you for that."
Cadance nodded, far less a show of open obsequience. "Shining is right, obviously. We've done everything we can to repay that kindness. We're returning you to your family as swiftly as we can. We've sworn to give you anything you ask for returning Flurry Heart to us, before you make your return trip."
"How is she?" Kyle asked. "Flurry... I haven't seen her since we crossed. How is her recovery?"
The scientists and scholars returned to their work, getting their distance from Kyle and the others as rapidly as they could. What could they be so afraid of?
"Not well," Shining Armor said. "Hasn't slept since we got back, so far as I can tell. Isn't eating, or..."
Cadance turned, glowering at him. "Flurry is recovering," she said. "The process is difficult, we knew it would be. She was taken from us during a critical time in her development. Through no fault of yours, but... nevertheless. The road to recovery will be long."
"I thought you would... I guess nobody told you, but I know what I want. I don't want anything physical, nothing you haven't already gave us. Just... I wanna see Fay again... Flurry Heart, I guess? Whatever her real name, I want to see her before I go."
"You've decided, then?" Monday asked. Her voice was flat, not overbearing or harsh. "Giving up your magic to return to a normal life? A shame—you showed such promise."
You're not making this any easier. Kyle nodded sharply. "Please. I want to see her before I go. That's my only request."
There was a sudden, nervous silence. Ponies looked away, focusing as much on their tasks as possible. How much work could it take to open a way between their worlds.
"I would prefer if you ask for something else," Cadance said, after a long silence. "The baby... Flurry is doing badly. We might undo all the progress we've made if you see her again."
Kyle nodded, shoulders slumping. Her face was wet, though she kept her voice somewhat steady when she spoke. "I hope she can recover quickly. She deserves a better life than my world could've offered her."
"No." Kara took her hand, squeezing it. "You don't get to tell her no like that. You people promised my sister anything. She gave up her whole damn life to keep Fay safe. You're gonna let her say goodbye."
The princess froze, glowering at Kara. But she didn't look away. This pony commanded a whole empire, to say nothing of her magical might. But where Kyle faltered, Kara only grew more resolved.
"This request will have consequences," she said. "Her recovery may be lengthened by weeks."
"And if she leaves without saying goodbye, my sister might never recover," Kara said. "Don't look at me like that, Kyle. I'm not stopping. You matter too."
More than anything else, Kyle wished she could vanish. It didn't matter that her sister was right—but this pony obviously didn't care. "Please," she added. "Just a few minutes."
The princess slumped in response, wings out along the ground. Then she turned to her husband. "Bring her. Twilight should be here to prepare for the transfer of power. We can perform that procedure as soon as your time with Flurry is complete."
Kyle had only moments to prepare. Granted, she wasn't surprised the baby would be so close. After losing her once, these two ponies would probably keep her within arm's reach as often as possible.
Shining returned, levitating a bundle in the air in front of him. Fay's voice echoed from inside, cries shrill and harsh in the strange building. Each one was separated by a long pause, and rattled in her throat like she'd been going for hours. Kyle's body tensed as she heard them. Her chest began to itch again, and both hands balled almost to fists.
"We used a sleeping draught last night," Shining said, speaking over her tears. "But we had to force it down. As soon as she woke, she was right back to this."
He held the bundle out in front of Kyle. Without thinking, magic rose within her, catching it in a faint purple glow. She held it there, probably far heavier than her arms could've supported anyway. She bent down, inspecting the bundle.
Her searches on parenting websites had suggested swaddling as one potential solution to fussy infants, though it clearly hadn't worked here. Flurry squirmed and shifted, fighting against her bonds. A thin metal ring wrapped around her horn, with a single gemstone near the base. Kyle needed no explanation of what that did.
"Hey, sweetheart." She bent down, reaching one delicate hand into the bundle and brushing the mane out of her eyes. "You're feeling grumpy today."
Fay stopped crying. Her eyes scanned the room suddenly, looking past her to either side.
Looking for me. Kyle bent down, lifting her out of the carrier and into her arms. She was right—the baby was incredibly heavy. She managed, somehow.
The baby squealed, making a familiar inquisitive sound. But she stopped squirming, and didn't resist being picked up.
"Right. I should've realized you wouldn't know how I looked." Kyle held her close, then started to peel away at the layers of soft fabric holding her. Cadance twitched once, but ultimately let her do it.
Flurry sniffed at the air again, scanning the room. Her eyes glazed past her parents, who watched in stunned silence, before finally returning to Kyle. "This is our last time together," she said. Her voice cracked—her own tears now made up for anything the baby lacked. "But that's okay. You don't need me anymore, Fay. You've got your real parents now. I know they'll take good care of you."
Was that... recognition? Fay blinked, then started crying too. It was a different sound—not confused, not scared. Mournful. How could she possibly know?
"That's... this is quite enough," Princess Cadance said. "Kyle, this is exactly what I meant. You're going to do more harm to our daughter."
The last of Fay's fabric tumbled away at their feet. But despite her strange form, the baby didn't try to get away. As Cadance approached, she clung tighter to Kyle's shoulder, wrapping her forelegs around her neck. She squeezed harder and harder, nearly suffocating her—but Kyle didn't care.
She reached down with her free hand, sliding her wrist free of the bracelet. As it tumbled to the floor, Kyle's makeshift outfit tore to ribbons around her. She settled back onto four hooves. Flurry clambered up onto her back, where she'd spent so long over the last few months. Then she laughed.
Kyle looked back at the princess, and the noble white unicorn beside her. She judged her sister's face, looking on with an expression she could only describe as “resolved.” Had Kara seen this coming when she couldn't?
"I can't go back to my world," she said, voice tearful. "No matter what it costs. Do you think... would you consider a royal babysitter?"
Princess Cadance approached, eyes stern. Returned to a pony, Kyle was still a full head shorter than she was. This was still a being that could crush her to paste, magically speaking.
Cadence’s eyes settled on Fay, giggling on Kyle's back. Instead of shouting, she deflated like a tire. "It seems my daughter has already made her decision. Very well."
will there be a chapter where kyle and cadence become the ultimate mum team?
I saw this coming. Of course, Kara did too.
But Cadence needs a doze of Pinkie Pie now.
Rarity can never resist a challenge.
Okay, now I'm curious. Just what has Edgar offered? And what is he getting in return?
Ah. Well, that's a plus... though I do wonder what novel perspectives he'll bring to this new arrangement.
Of course, the main focus of the chapter is Kyle's decision. Perhaps inevitable, and the best time to roll out the story title as chapter title. As Cadence said, Flurry's made her choice. I just hope Kyle's prepared for the consequences of breaking the Princess of Love's heart. Gratitude and resignation may outweigh resentment now, but we'll see how this unfolds given time...
Oh wait, this is the penultimate chapter. Okay, that's just me being paranoid.
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I think everyone saw this coming. I certainly did. And I approve very much. :3
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probably how twilight got cadence as a babysitter.
its only a matter of time until they get a silly ritual like twilight and cadance.
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you had me at resentment, we've already seen what it could do to one alicorn.
Nightmare cadance is still on the table if there is a sequel.
Does anyp- anybody enjoy watching people buckle? I sure don’t. Several probably feel as though they have been shot through the heart. I think at this time Harlequin and Ezri would be most welcome and useful.
I wish this could actually be called a twist.
Who would ever pass up a chance to cheat death? Save Alex.
When did the desire for custody or to raise children ever crop up prior to rewiring?
Awwwwww that’s good to hear.
Cadance should spend a lot of time with Kyle and Flurry and eventually she will get more comfortable with her again.
Nightmare Cadance is still on the table. From her perspective, Flurry replaced her... To a degree?
Curious to see how this plays out.
Kyle's future is set. No doubt Cadance isn't pleased about it. But it apparently wasn't her call to make.
Akiko was probably a unique threat and the Body Invisible for the most part wished non-interference from both sides. If the Equestrians wanted eyes on Earth I can't see how Kyle doesn't have an option C and could move between worlds occasionally.
When you have a spectrum of morality, you're bound to have the lesser bad guys win by virtue on being on your side.
It would have interesting to see the true pony Kyle. One that wasn't shaped by Flurry's desires. Of course, given Akiko's and Monday's transformations, it's possible Kyle was always a Cadance. Something that will certainly disturb the Princess of Love if the theory is proven. It's normal to be worried and jealous that your child is bonding more strongly to a stranger. It's unnerving if that stranger is also yourself.
Given how things turned out, it'll be interesting to see how their relationship will develop. An Alicorn learning from a unicorn. Not unheard of but given there's a plethora of Alicorns these days, no doubt Kyle will have multiple teachers in the days ahead. No doubt the normal ponies will also be intrigued with Earth-style magic as well if a "princess" is using it. A cultural change is coming, that's for sure.
There's bitterness and jealousy in that voice but the reasoning isn't illogical.
Still, a promise is a promise and spurning the hero is nothing short of an insult.
No doubt there will be much joy, sorrow, and conflict in the days ahead.
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Children are adaptable and love is not a zero sum game. As long as Cadence doesn't try to fight Kyle over it they're both gonna be mothers to Flurry and she'll love both.
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Cadance might eventually see how Kyle and Flurry's relationship mirrors her own with Twilight. That should ease tensions. Though I'm guessing "Princess Kyle" probably won't happen. Makes me actually wonder how secret (or public) knowledge of Kyle's existence will actually be in the Crystal Empire.
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just realized who the real mastermind of all of this is, Flurry heart.
this was all her convoluted plan to have two moms.
If cozy glow could trick the main cast of mlp and almost win if it wasn't for deus ex machina then why can't Flurry heart pull off something on a grander scale. Even if anyone were to find out what she did, what are they going to do to punish her since she's a foal and equestria is known for its nepotism.
Me: See's chapter title. Me: "It is happening. The winds of change are blowing, and the strings of fate are weaving. The time has come! The choice shall be made... God help those who choose, not to make the right choice, but to live after they make it."
Honestly though, I'm really hoping that there's a lot more chapters, or a sequel. With the number of loose ends that could be wrapped up, and metaphorical threads that could be extended to lengthen this tapestry of a story, it could be made far larger and more finished. With whatever the Uncle's trade deal is, Cadence's possible anger or frustration about the situation with Flurry, the possibility of members of "the body invisible" noticing what's happened, and whatever's going on in Equestria (I don't remember when the story takes place in terms of the canon timeline), this story could be considerably longer... something that I greatly hope comes to pass.
hmmm actually do they have anything like next of kin in equestria like kyle with twilight and maybe celestia and luna could act as an a emergency contact and or caregiver who would all look after flurry in case both shining and cadance are temporally or permanently incapacitated where they'll be responsible to look after till the emergency has passed she comes of age however they could lose custody of if kyle is deemed unfit whereupon another next of kin will help look after her but the family and the next of kin love her equally but cadance and shining will always be her mom and dad and will have primary custody until an emergency arises where then the next of kins will come into play.....
or maybe kyle could be appointed her regent since shes a princess
Aww, it's so sad and sweet.
Mi Amore Cadenza -- She didn't even let him use Princess Cadance. Sheesh pink pony alicorn, get a grip.
Estuve desde que salió el primer capítulo de esta magnífica historia, tengo que decir que me a gustado cada episodio de esta historia
yep i called that one.
i can see this story going all kinds of ways from hear or just a amazing rap up.
a grate story team you should all be vary proud of this story.
Cute end to the chapter
And Royal Wet-Nurse.
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I guess Alicorn's possessiveness is on the same level as a dragon. Being mom is even more so.
Am I the only one that thinks Kyle and Flurry's relationship is adorable? :)
Cadance's worst fears made real, but not precisely as she believed. She of all ponies should know what terrible cost it would have been to force the issue. If you've resorted to hard drugs just to bring your child under control you've already lost, and continuing that path would do far more damage than simply adapting to the new relationship that has formed.
Still, with the strengthening tie between worlds this isn't so terrible. Not like most any other HiE or similar, where there's no possible way back or communication.
Mr Stark please, I don't want to goThis is almost it, one left to go I think. I'll be so sad to see this world close, hoping for a sequel but iirc this was a comission so I doubt it.
I almost expected to send them home anyway, to. real the cycle of "once you go pony you dont go back" but this is, in a way, still the same thing. It's not the pony life Kyle wants, its Flurry.
Paraphrasing Yoda. "Strong in Maternity, this one is"
Oof, that last scene hurt.
Of all ponies, Cadence should know love goes where it wills, and shapes all things in it's image.
After all, that's what she sees every time Kyle is in the room.
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There are personal biases that could be effecting her in that regard.
I have been following this story senses chapter 1 and, I hate to say this but it is a bit of a let down. With how cadence is acting To Kyle and in general her attitude to him. It feels like a slap to the face. Sorry.
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Yea, shes jealous her kid favors someone else over her now.
I feel bad for Cadence. So much effort and all she got was the bittersweet reunion, the first few hours must've been emotionally devastating, seeing your own daughter cry in your own hooves, but not for you.
Grandpa is exceptional at landing on his feet.
Interesting that the successful Flurry rescue isn't the end of the Equestrian contact with Earth.
So he's also a redemption project.
Hell yeah. Amen, Kara.
Yeah, let's keep that on for a few more years, maybe a decade.
It's nice to see that in the end Cadance was reasonable enough to not tell Kyle no. And with the grandpa connection to Equestria, she won't really even be permanently cut off from her family.
Once I started reading this story I just could not stop reading it. And for once I actually wanted Kyle to choose Equestria, mostly because, at least in my mind, she has every reason to. A life not going so well to always be compared to a much better sister, or a life of potential friends, a child to take care of, etc. (Not to mention magic. But that's just a bonus.)
Really looking forward to more chapters of this story. I hope it doesn't just end here 'To Be Continued?' style with an epilogue next chapter and no sequel.
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I'm a guy and I agree completely. Flurry Heart was by Equestria standards a newborn, and to have her being frightened of her own mom and dad is oof to say the least.
Wow, this must be absolutely agonizing for the Princess. Her own daughter wound up forming an attachment to another pony, and they ended up forming a bond stronger than the baby to her. Ouch.
Huh. I honestly didn't see this coming.
On the plus side, both Kyle and her sister are immortal now. And... I'm sure their grandfather can arrange some visits if he's staying in touch with the Equestrian side
HAH!
Yes!
how can a fanfic turn into a emotional roller coaster like this!?
so many emotions; wonderful job