A Crystalling Tail

by Magic Kitsune Brony

Chapter 2

As the Friendship Express chugged along, 7 ponies, a dragon and a human occupied themselves in the carriage they were in. Rainbow Dash, after having a nap, gave a big yawn and looked behind her at Applejack who had a hoof on an item that was under a sheet.

“Um, Applejack, what is that?” She asked

“Oh, just a little somethin’ for the young’un,” she answered, then she lifted the sheet to reveal a baby bed. “Made from genuine Sweet Apple Acres apple trees. We made ‘em for all the Apples, and anypony related to Twilight is practically family.”

Rainbow rolled her eyes. “Yeah, it’s okay… But it’s no Cloudsdale mobile! Bam!” She said, pulling out a cloud and rainbow themed mobile

“Ooh, pretty!” Pinkie Pie tried playing with it, only for one of the clouds to fall of it, causing Rainbow to glare at her

“Well, a mobile is real nice… as long as you have somethin’ to lay in so you can look at it,” Applejack countered. She than looked over as the apple themed blanket was replaced with a white one with purple horseshoes.

“And a fetching blanket to keep you warm,” Rarity said, smiling at her work

“Hey, did you bring anything Sunset?” Rainbow asked

Sunset looked up from the text she was reading on her phone. She leaned over to her bag and pulled out a green and orange snail plushie. “Yea, I stopped by the local toy shop on the way to the portal. I just picked the first thing I saw. I hope the baby likes it.”

“Aww, so cute,” Fluttershy said, smiling at the snail

Twilight simply smiled at them. “I’m sure Shining Armor and Princess Cadance will love all our gifts. But I think they’re more happy we’ll be attending the baby’s Crystalling”

“Ooh! I can’t wait to see all that light and love make the Crystal Heart even more sparkly and shiny!” Pinkie exclaimed

“Actually, Pinkie, the Crystal Heart is an ancient and powerful relic. Without its magic, the Crystal Empire would be lost to the Frozen North,” Twilight explained

“Wow, this Crystalling sounds pretty important. I’d understand if you wanted to… you know… wait to do a different friendship lesson when we get back,” Starlight tried to suggest

“Are you kidding? This trip is perfect! Not only do I get to see the baby and take part in the ceremony that helps maintain the magic of the Crystal Empire, but I’m starting my new pupil off with the most amazing friendship lesson ever! I can’t wait!” Twilight gushed

“Right… Me neither…” Starlight said nervously “Actually, Twilight, I am a little worried about meeting Sunburst.”

“Oh, trust me. I know what it’s like to see old friends. But I’ll be right there to help things along. I’ve broken the whole lesson down into a few easy steps to ensure this reunion goes off without a hitch!” Twilight said as she unravelled a long list

Starlight gave a nervous laugh before turning to Sunset, asking a question that had been on her mind. “Um, say, Sunset.” Sunset looked up. “Twilight explained the mirror portal to me, I have to ask, how are you still human?”

“Actually, I’ve been wondering that myself,” Twilight agreed, after rolling up her list. All the other ponies turned to look at her, curious about the answer too

“I’m still human thanks to Spike having a book with a long-term transformation spell already for me when I came through,” Sunset answered, giving the dragon a grateful smile

“Really?” Twilight lifted an eyebrow at Spike

“Yea. I remembered in one of the Sunset’s journal entries, that she had mention that she would prefer being human here. So, I went looking for a book with the right spell in it, so it was ready for when she eventually came,” Spike said, smiling proudly

“It did take a couple of tries to get it right, I’m a little rusty in the magic department, but I got there. The spell should last about two days, by which time I will be back in the human world,” Sunset explained

“That’s pretty cool,” Starlight commented. “So, how do you feel about the reunion coming up?”

“A little nervous, but with the support from my friends and family back home, I know I’m ready,” Sunset replied. “I just hope Celestia accepts my apology.”

“Don’t worry, I’ve been telling Celestia every you’ve done in the other world,” Twilight assured. “Especially about the Battle of the Bands and what you did for my counterpart at the Friendship Games.”

“Thanks, Twilight,” Sunset smiled

---

The train pulled into the station and everyone followed Twilight as they got off the train. Twilight was busy reading the list for Starlight’s lesson

“… Step one, head to Sunburst’s house and get you two started on the right hoof. Step two, get to the castle with enough time to visit the ba-” Twilight was cut off when she bumped into her very tired looking brother, Shining Armor

“Shining Armor!” Twilight exclaimed excitedly, giving the list to Spike to hold

“Twilight…!” Shining greeted tiredly

“I didn’t know you were meeting us!” Twilight smiled

“Of course, I am! It’s me, right here. Here I am. Why wouldn’t I come meet my sister? Though we have met before, heh-heh…” Shining laughed

“Wow, he does not look good,” Sunset commented to the other ponies, all of which nodded in agreement

“Are you all right?” Twilight asked

“Never better! Being a father is amazing! And wonderful, and amazing, and confusing, and amazing, but surprising too, you know? I mean, not that you’d know. You wouldn’t know, I know… you know?” Shining rambled until he saw the worried looks being sent his way, he sighed. “Sorry. I haven’t really slept since Cadance had the baby. Come to think of it, she hasn’t either. It sure would be great to get a break.”

Twilight’s eyes widen in realisation. “Oh, of course! I don’t know what I was thinking! You two probably need all kinds of help!” She turned to Starlight. “I’m sorry, Starlight, but I guess combining your first lesson with this visit wasn’t such a good idea.”

“Oh, uh, don’t be ridiculous! You’re an aunt now! That’s way more important than some friendship lesson,” Starlight said nervously

Twilight sighed. “I just wish there was a way to do both.”

Spike looked down at the list in his claw and then a light bulb went off in his head. “Maybe there is! You’ve already done the work for Starlight’s lesson with this list. All we have to do is follow it!”

Twilight’s face lit up. “Spike, you’re a genius!”

Starlight nervously laughed. “Yeah… genius.”

“Then it’s settled! Shining Armor and I will head straight to the castle, and you two can head straight to Sunburst’s!” Twilight said

“Aye-aye, Princess!” Spike saluted, then walked towards their destination. Starlight looked at the princess nervously before turning and following the young dragon.

“Good luck, you two!” Sunset shouted after them

“You too, Sunset!” Spike shouted back

“Alright, big brother, let’s go see this amazing baby pony!” Twilight turned back to her brother, only to find him sleep standing up

“Ahhh… the baby…” Shining snored

Author's Note:

The snail is basically Flurry's whammy:

Coming up next chapter, the apology and of course a super powered baby

Comments

[Leo Luce]

Hey you are back. I was waiting for you. Great chapter.

[Magic Kitsune Brony]

10937964
Thank you. Yes I'm back. My current writing plan is one chapter for this story and two for my other story a month. That might change depending on how busy I get

[Stet709]

“I’m still human thanks to Spike having a book with a long-term transformation spell already for me when I came through,” Sunset answered, giving the dragon a grateful smile

Oh, ok. So the portal didn't malfunction, it still spit her out as a pony. I would imagine she brought an extra set of clothes, especially if she's staying overnight, as a transformation spell wouldn't include clothes like the portal's magic would on the other side.

Sunset looked up from the text she was reading on her phone. She leaned over to her bag and pulled out a green and orange snail plushie. “Yea, I stopped by the local toy shop on the way to the portal. I just picked the first thing I saw. I hope the baby likes it.”

Must be a text she received in the human world because I doubt that have cell phone reception in Equestria .