> Silly Little Filly > by EnderBlaze > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Chapter 1 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Princess Celestia lay down on her giant bed, stretching out and resting after the day's activities. She usually wasn't this worn out, although she usually didn't have as much stuff to do. Celestia had gotten tired of the same daily routine, so she planned on taking a break from her duties. The sun and moon would still be raised of course, but everything else would be put on hold unless there was an emergency. A whole week without duties, Celestia thought, cherishing the idea. It was going to be a well needed break. Today, many ponies tried to cram visits and affairs that needed to be taken care of into a few hours, leaving the princess exhausted. Celesta stretched out, yawning. After she raised the morning sun and set the moon, she got back into her bed. She quickly fell sleep again, but was suddenly awoken by a sharp knocking at her door. Celestia groaned. If she didn't answer, surely they would go away? No, she respected her subjects enough to get up. Celestia hesitantly left her warm bed, and walked over to the door. Opening it, she started speaking. "What is so urgent that you should..." Nopony was there. Celestia took a deep breath, calming herself. Being a peaceful city, pranksters would occasionally sneak past the royal guards and, well, prank. She usually took it in stride, but this one got her out of bed during her first day of rest, which irritated her a little bit. Shaking her head, the princess closed the door and headed towards her bed again. She lay down, and put her head on the pillow. Everything was silent. When rooms become silent, even quiet noises become much easier heard. This was no exception. A faint breathing noise came from behind the door. Celestia opened her eyes, and glanced at her door. This trickster was really persistent. Celestia silently surrounded herself in a sound-proof sphere of magic, in case she accidentally made any noise. She got out of bed once again, and even though it was not necessary, tiptoed over to the door. She held still, and undid her sound spell. Celestia's face was mere inches from the door, but not in the path of it's opening. She put on her best 'I am not impressed' face, and at the count of three, would make the door vanish, surprising anypony on the other side. The princess held back a giggle. 1... 2... 3! POOF! The door dissipated, and Celestia gave the empty hallway a disapproving glare. "Huh?" Celestia muttered. She stuck her head out the doorway and looked down the hall, barren of any little foals. She still heard breathing however... Following the sound, Celestia looked to her other side against the hallway, and in the corner she spotted a small, tattered cardboard box. Celestia walked over to the box, and peered down into it. She gasped. Inside, was a very small, sleeping filly. Why had somepony put this filly here? What monsters would abandon their very own child! Celestia felt very sorry for this little filly, having lost her family. She lifted her out of the box, and examined her. The small foal's magenta coat was littered with dirt. Little leaves were entangled in her, well, tangled mane. She was very pretty, with a purple and pink striped mane and tail. In the bottom of a box, Celestia noticed a wrinkled paper. She carried the sleeping foal to her bed, carefully setting her down and putting a blanket over her. Going back for the note, Celestia prepared for the worst. What had her parents to say for abandoning their child!? She picked it up, and looked it over. On the front, was small letters. Celestia squinted. This pony had horrible hoofwriting, as if they weren't used to the concept. She looked closer. The note read, "Twilight" Celestia looked back at the filly resting on her bed, now cuddled into the sheets for a little bit more warmth. How could a mother give up such a cute kid? She turned the paper over, and on the back was a well draw out, colored... Heart. It looked as if the pony drawing it took a significant amount of time focusing on each line and stroke, carefully coloring small swirls around the edges. Celestia became worried. Had this pony any choice? Celestia brushed her hoof on something she hadn't noticed before. Part of the paper was... Wrinkled, as if it was dampened by... Tears. The realization struck her. After a moment, she closed her eyes in silence, and added her own tears to the paper. Celestia regained her composure and walked back into her room, closing the door silently. The little fil... Twilight, was probably having a dream right now. She was making funny faces, then smiling in her sleep. Celestia thought for a moment. She would probably have to find Twilight a home soon... But where? Adoption was very rare. The ponies that were poor were usually helped out by others, who helped them get back on their feet. In the rare case that somepony was homeless, stayed homeless, and had a foal, other families were usually hesitant to adopt. Distracted, Celestia sat on her bed... A little too quickly. It groaned under the sudden weight, causing Twilight to stir. Celestia held still, trying not to make any more noise, but it was too late. Twilight reached a hoof up to her face, and lightly rubbed her eyes. She then opened them, dazzling purple eyes greeting Celestia. Twilight was surprised, and took cover under the blanket. Celestia sympathized. It was probably very scary to wake up somewhere you hadn't gone to sleep. "It's okay Twilight." Celestia said, with a warm and almost loving tone. Twi slowly peeked her head out from under the blanket, looking up in awe at Celestia's shimmering mane. She took a brave step forward, to get a better view of it. Celestia smiled at the little filly poking her head from the covers. She giggled, and Twilight retreated under the sheets again. Celestia slowly lay down, a little bit away from the scared lump under the covers. After a moment, Twilight trudged through the blankets, and stuck her head out another time. The two just looked at each other for a moment... Then, Twilight smiled. She seemed to calm down, and walked across the bed over to Celestia. Curious, the filly gently placed her hoof on the princess. Twi looked up, and smiled at Celestia, who had her own wide grin. Twilight lay down next to the princess, cuddling against her. Celestia could feel the warm little body next to her. Twi was probably still tired. Yep, she just yawned. Twilight woke up around 15 minutes later. She rubbed her eyes, then looked up. The sleeping sun goddess greeted her. She wiggled against Celestia's side, attempting to get up. One she was upright, Twilight began a journey over to Celestia's head, which proved much harder than she though. She wasn't used to walking on this fluffy blanket yet. Twilight took a few small steps, then teetered to the side... She fell. The next attempt granted her 4 steps before she collapsed into the sheets again. Well, the third times the charm! Twilight got up again, and was determined to make this journey. She took on a serious expression, which was way cuter than she intended, but nopony was watching. She was determined to make this journey! Twilight marched past the mountains and Valleys of the blanket's folds, eventually coming face to face with the princess herself! Twilight had done it! She proudly looked back to the spot she started, and smiled. Yep, two whole feet. However, now it was time to wake the princess. Twilight lightly poked Celestia, who offered no response. She then placed both her hooves on Celestia's cheek, and stretched it into a silly face. Still no response however... Hm... Twi sat back, thinking. Don't worry, we all know that even at this age, Twilight, was still Twilight. The filly turned around, and started swaying back and forth, her trail brushing against Celestia's noise. She then scrambled for cover behind one of the blanket's folds. She giggled to herself, and waited... Nothing happened. Maybe she didn't do it right? Twilight hesitantly peeked up and over her shield, and saw the sleeping Celestia, unfazed. Twi left the safety of the blanket, and cautiously snuck back towards Celestia. This time worked like a charm! Twilight dove under the covers as soon as she heard the sharp intake of breath right before a sneeze come from Celestia. Then like a bomb going off, it happened. Celestia sneezed! Twilight tried to hide, but her giggling betrayed her. Celestia snatched up the covers, surprising the filly. "Twilight! You silly filly. Well I'm up now. Want a bath? Your dirty." Twilight only babbled out nonsense in response, not a care in the world. Celestia smiled, and got out of her bed, heading towards the bathroom. "Come on Twi!" Twilight struggled to walk across the blankets, and Celestia just chuckled and helped her across the bed, setting her down on the floor. Aaah, Twilight was much better at walking on this kind of ground. She trotted with ease after Celestia towards the bathroom. When in there, Celestia started the bath tub and made sure it was the right temperate. Meanwhile, Twilight was investigating the air vent, occasionally blowing air back at it. She rubbed up against it, feeling the warm air against her coat. Celestia lightly blew on Twilight, who got confused and glared at the air vent, thinking it had gotten her from a different direction. She then noticed Celestia, and understood. Twilight came to the edge of the tub, and Celestia lifted her in, gently placing the filly into the shallow water. Twilight looked puzzled for a moment. She dragged her hoof though the water, watching as it ripped. Celestia placed her own hoof in the water also, pushing some of the water around. Tiny waves struck against the curios filly. The serenity didn't last long however. Twilight momentarily stood on her hind legs, then with a squeal of delight, brought her hooves back down into the water. Before she could react, Celestia was drenched. Twilight braced herself against the grain of the wood floor, staring down her rival. She growled, then began to focus harder than she ever had before. This was the time. She strained extremely hard, and in result, got a, slight headache. That wouldn't stop her. She could do this! Twilight focused even harder, until a few sizzling traces of magic left her horn, and... The paper moved!!! Celestia smiled down at the filly that was attempting to turn the pages of a book. She couldn't read of course, but she seemed to have fun flipping through it. Actually, it was quite impressive that she could turn a page with her magic at that age. The magic is strong with this one. Twilight jumped up and galloped around Celestia's room, doing a victory dance. Celestia giggled and levitated Twilight off the floor. At first she was shocked, but then she laughed in delight as she slowly spun mid-air. Celestia winked at the filly, and set her down next to her on the bed. Twilight looked up at Celestia with admiring eyes. It was just too cute. Right then and there, Celestia made a decision. Celestia nuzzled the little foal lightly. "Twilight, I'll find a home for you after my week's break, but until then, you can be my little pony." > Chapter 2 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Celestia stared at the floor in shock. She had completely forgotten how messy foals could be during lunch. Celestia rolled her eyes and levitated the scraps off the floor that used to be her food, and placed it into a trash can. Who knew a banana could bounce so far? Also, Celestia had yet to find her potato. But Twilight did. After she nuked lunch, Twilight galloped after the careening potato out of curiosity and excitement. She chased it into a hall, and once she caught up with it, Twilight pounced! She landed atop the spud as planned, but moments later her momentum betrayed her, sending the filly past the potato and into the wall. Twilight stood up and shook her head. The potato had tripped her! How dare it! Twilight paced back and fourth in front of the treacherous vegetable. She stopped and growled softly. Celestia walked into the hall to find Twilight staring down her potato... Celestia rolled her eyes and levitated it away from her, and took a small bite. Twilight grinned evilly. Celestia raised an eyebrow. What was that all about? Celestia picked Twilight up and moved her out of the hall, and onto a couch. She was dreading this talk, but Twilight had to know. You can't keep secrets like these for very long without harming the pony in question. Celestia took a deep breath, and hesitantly began. "Look Twilight... after you went asleep, I lied down next to you to for a moment to make sure you were asleep. Once I was certain, I called for a few royal guards and had them quickly search the castle. Nopony was found, but we did find some lingering traces of magic from somepony teleporting in and out of the castle." Celestia paused. That was the easy part. Twilight seemed to not really care, but politely listened anyway. How could she tell this to such an innocent foal? She thought for a moment as to how to break it to the young filly. What was Twilight going to think of her? Would she be happy in the end? No, she will, and it must be said no matter what. "The magic left behind was from a strong unicorn, not very well trained, but full of raw power. Because of this, I was able to identify whom it belonged to. Twilight, that pony was your mother." Twilight perked up at this, disinterest replaced by excitement. She giggled, and wondered how long till she was home. Mommy had said she would be back soon after all. Celestia cringed. Did Twilight think this was just a sleepover of some sort? Was she expecting to be back with her mom soon? The reality of the situation made the next words all the more difficult. Nonetheless, eventually Twilight would find out, best get over the grief now. "Twilight, your mother is... She's..." Celestia couldn't do this! No, she must. But... Maybe she could lessen the blow a little... "She left for Manehattan. She said she loves you very much, and that she would miss you. I told her I could take care of you for a while, but not forever." Twilight pondered this for a minute, beginning to show signs of sadness. Celestia hated lying to foals, but the truth would be ten times worst. When the royal guards had located Twilight mother, she was in an alleyway. Dead. The autopsy reported that she had died of Influenza. It's a miracle Twilight wasn't infected. A few ponies speculate that the disease is what drove the mother to abandon her child. Twilight had grown up alongside her mother in the streets, and in effect, never learned to read or write. She didn't have the necessary resources to learn how to talk, but could understand others quite nicely from listening to conversations ponies had as they walked by her. Celestia was no longer surprised by her walking problem. It's extremely hard to develop much muscle without the nutrients. Which is also a question that was brought up by a royal guard. Twilight's mother's corpse was extremely thin, yet Twilight seemed fine, although still very skinny. Twilight's mother had probably fed Twilight all the food she had for a few Weeks, slowly wasting away herself. Where did she get the food? That question was answered rather rapidly. A shop was nearby, and the managed said the she had seen a pony digging through her trash occasionally. Celestia brought herself out of her thoughts, and looked down to see Twilight looking back up at her with watery eyes. She clearly wanted her mom back. Celestia smiled. Although fake, it still helped her go on. It would help Twilight cope with the horrible grief that was inevitable. "Twilight, like I said before, I can't take care of you forever. It's been a few days and I have had time, but that will end tomorrow. I'm sorry, but I'm going to have to find somepony else to take care of you." Twilight sniffed. She didn't understand! What did this all mean? Why was mommy gone, and why did she have to go live with strangers? Twilight felt cornered. Wouldn't her mom be sad and miss her? Unless... She didn't miss her. Yes, that was why she left her here... "You can have fun with them, and they will love you Twilight. It will be okay, I promise." Twilight finally let loose and began crying. She ran up to Celestia and buried her head against her, whimpering. It was all too much for Twilight. Her world was crashing down... "You're alright Twilight, everything will be okay." Celestia glanced down at Twilight, who was waving to ponies she saw as they walked. Celestia, of course, had to balance her occasionally, as Twilight was still very weak and wobbled a little when she raised a hoof off the ground. Some of the ponies waved back, but others simply bowed in the presence of Celestia. Finally, Celestia, Twilight, and a few royal guards arrived. Twilight came through the door, following Celestia, and Twilight shied away from the guards who came behind her. "Hello ma'am. I would like to file this foal for adoption." Celestia said to the pony in the adoption center. Twilight began quivering, what was this place? "Alright. May I ask why, princess?" "Yes, I found her outside my room. We speculate that somepony left her in hopes that she finds her way to a better home." "Okay. Name?" "Twilight." "Last name?" "I am not sure." Celestia sat down to look over the many documents associated with adoption. She filled them out, and began a lengthy conversation with various ponies working at the adoption agency. Once she was done, Celestia waved goodbye to Twilight, who seemed confused as ever, but a pony was talking to her in a soothing tone, which was slowly helping her calm down. Celestia knew she was in good hooves. "We will be sure to find Twilight a better home. Good day princess." "As for you." Celestia nodded at the receptionist and sighed. She would miss Twilight. The foal in question began hyperventilating as the pony talking to her started leading her into another room. She just hoped Twilight would be okay. > Chapter 3 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Of course I want a foal darling, its just, why adoption?" Twilight Velvet smiled at her husband, Night Light, and began to launch her final attempt at convincing the stallion. "I want to give a family to a foal in need. Just think of how hard their life just have been to be out up for adoption. It would be a wonderful opportunity for them to experience things beyond what their original parents would have to offer. Plus, there is only a small chance that our own baby would be a unicorn, with both of our fathers being pegasi, and you only getting your unicorn genetics from your grandfather, and even then it skips a generation. You yourself have told me about how much you would love teaching a young unicorn magic, and I wholeheartedly agree. Its more probable that we would get a pegasus than an earth pony or a unicorn. Flying lessons are so expensive these days, and it would be unfair to neglect a foal's need to fly, and we just aren't cut for such a thing! I think we should adopt so that we don't have to possibly raise a foal in a less than satisfactory environment. And if you think we should..." That last part stung Night Light. He was already convinced, she didn't have to say that. "No honey, I think its a great idea. Honestly, I only needed a tiny bit more convincing. So is it settled?" “Yes, we will bring a little filly in need into a new home. We will adopt!” Twilight Velvet and Night Light arrived at the adoption center, both hesitant to enter. “Dear… I’m nervous.” Night Light said, staring uneasily at the door that would lead to their new life with a little foal to take care of. “Don’t be, everything will be fine.” The couple had filed for adoption about a month ago, and the agency was being very complicated in the issue, but yesterday they had contacted the two and, In short, said that they had a match. (They informed them of that in much more detailed and formal words.) Velvet rolled her eyes at her husband’s nervousness and opened the door. In they strode, to start a new life with their new foal. Instead, they were greeted by a very stressed looking pegasus. She had a greenish coat, and a beautiful cyan mane, which was disheveled. That was probably due to whatever caused her so much worry. She was breathing heavily as she hurriedly gathered her scattered papers. She seemed like she hadn’t had sleep in a long time. She was also grumbling something under her breath, but it was too faint to hear. “Um.. Hello?” She immediately looked up at them, seeming both relieved and five times more nervous. “Oh you’re here!” She looked around quickly and set the papers she had on a bench close to the door. "Come here." She galloped through a door next to the front desk, down a hall, and into an office. Velvet and Night hurried after, careful not to lose her as she didn't check to see if they were coming. When they entered the door, the stressed pegasus was shuffling through papers, looking for something. "Its, not in here!" She shouted, more so talking to herself than the couple. She ran down the same hallway and entered another room. The two followed her and could hear her swear through the door. Finally, she excited and held up a few papers for the couple to see. "Ummmm..." Night Light shifted uncomfortably, unsure what to do. He gave a nervous smile as the mare scanned over the page. Night looked over at Velvet, who only returned a shrug. "AHA!" They were taken aback by her sudden volume, and didn't understand what was going on. "Here sign these here and here and here and... Everywhere it asks." Light groaned but Velvet took the papers and looked them over. The mare gave her a pen, and she began to sign her name in a few places. Meanwhile, the mare, seeing that they were busy now, took off down the hall and began frantically searching in another room. Where were those bucking papers?! Oh Celestia would kill her if she found out! The filly she gave them had quickly been found a suitable, no, exceptional family. Here they were signing papers, and they would be done any moment! She couldn't find the rest of what she needed to give them! This is bad, this is very very bad. "Where the buck are they?" She cringed. She probably shouldn't have said that so loud. But it seemed to scare the papers out of their hiding place, and she finally found them. She triumphantly yelled "AHA!" and snatched up the papers from the elusive folder. Night Light sighed and rubbed his head. "That was sooo much paperwork!" Twilight Velvet chuckled, seemingly unphased after the pile of paper had been taken care of. Just then, now looking much more tranquil, the mare started talking with a hint of regret in her tone. "I apologize for my behavior earlier. Its just..." Wait, should she tell them? If they knew their daughter had been taken care of by Celestia herself, would they become arrogant? Would they try to impose their own social standing among those of high class? Would they be scared of the theoretical consequences of making a mistake with Celestia’s very own foal? She knew they probably wouldn't, they were nice and logical ponies anyway, but better not take chances. Its only a minor detail anyway, right? "...nevermind. I am Cinder Smile." True to her name, she gave the couple a big smile, despite the stress and hardship she had been - and currently was - going through. "I'm glad you have chosen adoption. A dear friend of mine was adopted, and she is just as happy as everypony else. Adoption is a very misunderstood process. I am so happy you two haven't fallen for the "You're adopted" stereotype. It really gives the foal a new chance in life. With your decision, you two do much more than just adopt, you create a new world for a foal to live in. What you are doing now is something great, something wonderful… something to look up to.” Cinder Smile looked down a little, remembering what it was like to defend her friend who had no family against all the hatred. Why did ponies have to hate what is different? How can they be so blind to the fact that everypony is different, without exception? Is it only those who have much more visible differences? How many ponies hide who they are, strolling through life with a mask, covering up their true self? How can they have the audacity to tell her that she shouldn't cry when she sees that there is no one to come and pick her up, no one to hold her in her hardships, no one to comfort her. They don’t know! They couldn't know what it's like, wondering who your family is, and having others torture you to no end about what you can’t even control! A tear started its way down her cheeks as she remembered the pain. She shook herself out of her thoughts. "Thank you for adopting." Velvet winked at her husband, who seemed to have mixed emotions. "Would you like to see Twilight now?" So that’s her name! What are the chances that her and Twilight Velvet would have the same name? It must be fate. They both nodded giddily, and followed Cinder into another room. They heard a small gasp, and when they entered, nopony was there. The couple was surprised, but Cinder had to put a hoof to her mouth to hold in her snickering. Twilight Velvet looked around the room, searching for (little) Twilight. Velvet inspected the bed, which was extremely crumpled, but one of the bumps was… breathing? She smiled. “I wonder where Twilight is.” Velvet stated, watching as the covers giggled. She winked at Night Light, who smiled and strode towards the bed. He lifted up a small portion of the blanket, careful not to reveal where Twilight was hiding, but still making it look like he would at any moment. The filly under the covers was laughing gleefully as she backed away from the spot Night Light was searching at the moment. He turned away from the bed and winked at Velvet, who sighed. “I wonder if she is in another room.” Meanwhile, Cinder was doing all she could to keep from bursting out in laughter. Once the couple wasn't facing the bed, they began to walk in place, keeping their eye on the window on the door, in which they could see a faint reflection of the bed. Twilight heard them walking, saw this as a chance to see who they were, and crawled through the covers to peek her head out. Once she could see them, she noticed Cinder, her friend, was with two different ponies. There seemed to be something wrong with Cinder. Did she have a frog in her throat? Twilight had heard some ponies say that, and assumed that Cinder just didn't want to get rid of this one. She was holding her hoof to her mouth, keeping it from hopping out! Do… Do frogs taste good? Just then, the two ponies with her suddenly turned around and went ”Aha!” Twilight shrieked in delight and dove back to the comfort of her fluffy hiding spot. That was all Cinder could take. She let loose, filling the room with copious amounts of laughter. She was literally rolling on the floor laughing. Twilight was suspicious. Where was the frog? Was it tickling her, not wanting to hop out now? Or was this it’s escape plan? Twilight jumped out from the bed and onto the floor, stumbling and landing on her nose. That wouldn't stop her! She would save that frog! Twilight roared out her battle cry, charging across the land. The small trip was only a minor setback, she had a mission to complete. Cinder shouldn't swallow innocent little frogs! Cinder lay on her side, gasping for breath. However, whenever she managed to breath in, she just laughed it back out. Oh no… This was much more than an escape attempt… Twilight would avenge the poor frog! > Chapter 4 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Twilight charged across the room and pounced on Cinder Smile, who was still almost suffocating with laughter. Twilight got close to her mouth, then croaked. Okay there, now the frog knew which way was out. Or… did he not hear her? Twilight attempted to croak again, this time louder. There, he was sure to hear that. Cinder attempted to control her laughter lest she bounce Twilight off. She croaked back at Twilight and stuck her tongue out. Yess! The frog was… That’s no frog… Twilight swiped at her tongue, making Cinder giggle and gag, as her hoof still tasted faintly like soap. Okay, now the frog was fr- ”Ribbit” THE OTHER PONY CAUGHT HER! Twilight glared up at Velvet. Why was it so hard to get the adults from swallowing Mr.Frog? Twilight jumped off Cinder and sat on the floor moping. Why did they have to constantly try to eat Mr.Froggy? Cinder Smile got back up on her hooves and leaned out into the hall to check the time. She had a very important meeting with another family at.... Four thirty! She immediately exited the room and galloped down the hall, leaving the other three confused at her sudden exeunt. The couple looked at each other, then down at Twilight. "Four thirty?" Then, they heard the sound of galloping through the halls and Cinder burst through the door a second time, looking more exasperated than ever. "I'm sorry but I have to go and you have to talk to the pony about leaving but then it's okay and if you ever ever need help in any way possible you can contact me easily but I have to go now and remember to take good care of Twilight I know you will she is a very cute filly I just wish I could spend more time with her it has been such a wonderful time getting to know her more and playing and" Twilight Velvet and Night Light simply watched as Cinder rambled on nonstop, the latter holding back laughter. She eventually concluded her rant and waved, already halfway through the hall. "Okay, byeee!" Night shouted while Velvet waved. They turned back to Twilight who had occupied herself with searching under and around various furniture for whatever reason. "Twilight, I am Twilight. This is my husband Night Light." Twilight gave Twilight a suspicious stare, who responded by smiling back at Twilight. Twilight couldn't be Twilight, she was Twilight! "Twilight?" Night Light said, breaking the stare-off. Twilights looked over and he chuckled at the scene. Twilight rolled her eyes and ruffled Twilight's hair. "I should probably say I'm Twilight Velvet. My apologies Twilight." ... Twilight would find out this mare's real name later. "Lets go Twilights!" Night Light remarked, getting a deadpan glare from Twilight Velvet, and curiosity from other Twilight. They strode through the adoption center, turning every which way until they arrived... To the conclusion that they were lost. Twilight Velvet was becoming stressed, looking around for any places she could remember. In all the anticipation, neither had been observant enough to accurately remember their way back. Twilight Velvet slowly began breathing heavily, her heart rate accelerating. This was bringing back very bad memories. Night Light, however, noticed her distresses and embraced her, comforting her. Night Light let go and glanced over at Twilight, who was smiling at the two. "Do you know which way is out?" He asked. Twilight smiled wider and started trotting back the way they came. She knew the way out, it wasn't that hard to remember. Wait, what if these ponies were testing her?! Oh no, what if she didn't pass? Twilight nervously looked back at the couple, and noticed Velvet sweating a little, while Night Light winked at her. Bad sign! They were testing her and the impostor was afraid she would pass, because if she passed then the real Twilight would get to stay and the impostor would leave, but if she didn't pass Twilight would be banished! Or possibly thrown in a dungeon, or even banished then thrown in a dungeon in the place they banished her to!! She would pass the test and show her impostor she meant business. Twilight marched on through the halls, never braving another look back. After all, she lost points if she looked back. She arrived at the door to the main lobby, then turned around and saluted Night Light and... Her. Night opened the door revealing a bored unicorn behind the counter pushing a pen around. She perked up as they entered, and recognized them immediately. "Oh it's great to finally meet you!" She knew them? "Twilight is such an adorable filly, and she's lucky to get such great parents. You may take her home" Already? Was it really that easy? Yes! "Just fill these out, then we need to discuss the adoption." ...oh. Five hours. Night Light glanced at the clock for the fiftieth time. Six minutes had passed by. However, he never became bitter about the situation, as he had expected this to take forever. Plus, it was his new daughter they were discussing. That made it loads of interesting. Too bad only fifteen minutes were spent on that matter the rest is legal, medical, blah blah blah. My wife, Twilight Velvet, seems to be unfazed. I frankly don't understand that. Oh look it's been another 6 minutes. I hope Velvet is listening, cuz I sure as hay ain't. "Free!" Night Light shouted to the streets, causing a few ponies to give him amused side glances. Twilight and Velvet followed him out, the first giggling and the latter just smirking. Twilight left Velvet's side and went over to Night Light. He smiled down at her as she nuzzled his leg. She knew what was happening now. The nice pony who always wears that funny shirt had told Twilight about everything and why it was happening. Everything except the pink and white one's name. Twilight trotted off in a random direction towards who knows what, she just wanted to explore. "Home is this way honey." Night Light called out. "We don't have to go home yet" Velvet said. Her husband chuckled and agreed. They both began following Twilight through the streets... > Chapter 5 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- After wandering for a while, the trio had decided to visit Mrs.Cake, in her shop, Sweet Central. After entering, Twilight gawked at the inside of the store. Many sweets lined the counters and displays, and they all looked delicious. Night Light grinned as he also entered Sweet Central. "Want a snack, Twilight?" Twilight nodded and grinned widely as she started looking through the sweets once more, wondering which would be the tastiest. While she was drooling over the many treats, Ms. Cake came out of the back and up to the counter. "Hello deary,” she said to Twilight. “Oh and hello to you two as well." Twilight Velvet nodded her head towards the newlywed store owner, and Night Light waved and said "Heya!" "Oh it's so nice to see customers. Business has been declining the last few years and honestly we don't think the bills will continue to be payed if it goes on like this much longer. We're thinking of relocating." "It's no surprise. The posh and sophisticated ponies don't stop by very often," Night Light remarked. Twilight Velvet glared at her husband, who smirked in return. Meanwhile, Twilight had found the perfect snack: A bright blue cupcake, frosting towering off the equally delicious looking cupcake itself. She put her small hooves up on the glass. She could almost taste it! "Oh!" Mrs. Cake yelped, forgetting about the small filly that had entered her shop. "Do you want something?" Twilight nodded and prodded the glass where the cupcake was with her hoof. Mrs. Cake smiled and took the delicacy from the display, and placed it on the counter. Twilight struggled to reach it, but had no success. She frowned and looked at Mrs. Cake pleadingly. "Oh, here." Twilight Velvet slid five bits across the counter towards Mrs.Cake, who took the money slid the cupcake further across the counter where Twilight could reach. Twilight snatched up the cupcake and put it on the floor, then she did a small dance, making all of the others laugh. Twilight also giggled, then stopped and took a small bite out of the mountain of frosting atop her treat. Ack! Too sweet! She grimaced and put her hooves up and promptly squashed the cupcake, lathering the floor in frosting. Night Light snorted and Twilight Velvet gasped. "Twilight!" She scolded, while looking for a way to clean up the mess. "I am so sorry!" Mrs.Cake raised an eyebrow at Twilight Velvet, but then said "It's quite alright." She walked into the back of the sweet shop and brought out a small pile of napkins, handing Twilight Velvet a few, whom had resorted to gathering crumbs up with her magic. While the two were cleaning up, Night Light smirked at Twilight, who smiled back at him sweet and innocently as if she hadn't done anything wrong. He rolled his eyes and walked over to help with the clean up job. Twilight, without anything to do, decided to explore. She looked around and spotted the entrance to the kitchen. She approached, then entered. None of the grown-ups noticed her sliding through the folding doors. The first thing she spotted was a big metal thingy. Next was a small metal thingy, followed by a medium metal thingy. She went back to Small Metal Thingy and looked it in the eye. It blinked back at her, and she furrowed her eyebrows. It took on a suspicious look. She raised her eyebrows, and it acted surprised. Small Metal Thingy sure was strange. Twilight gave an awkward grin and slowly backed up towards Medium Metal Thingy. She didn’t want to hurt Small Metal thingy’s feelings, but she looked in a whole lot of discomfort already. Twilight felt bad. Look! She had even made Small Metal Thingy sad! This wouldn’t do, she had to make it up to her. She approached Small Metal Thingy again, this time giving her a soft hug. Cold metal contacted Twilight’s coat, but she held the embrace. Small Metal Thingy’s eyes were welling up with tears of desperation, almost as if she still wanted to be friends. Twilight gave Small Metal Thingy a reassuring smile, and broke the hug to rub her head against Small Metal Thingy’s. She backed up to take a better look at Small Metal Thingy, but she tripped and fell on her back, coming face to face with Medium Metal Thingy. Medium Metal Thingy seemed to be… just a machine. He had a dull grey luster, but not much else. However, she still felt bad for bumping into him. Twilight gave Medium Metal Thingy a hug also, but then was interrupted by Night Light. “What are you doing back there, Twilight? You have already caused enough of a mess, there’s no need to make it worst.” After stating that, Night Light got to witness one of the most heart warming things he had seen in a while: Twilight pouted, but then turned around and approached a small machine, probably for baking goods. She gave it a hug, then waved goodbye to her reflection as she walked back towards him. He could see that her cheeks were wet and he could only imagine what had happened back there. And why had she hugged her reflection? Well, that meant he had a smart and loving filly, right? Twilight suddenly seemed to remember something, then increased her speed and started running towards him. However, Twilight tripped and fell, nose becoming pressed against the floor as she slid momentarily due to her momentum, until coming to a stop. Night Light’s futile attempt to catch her rewarded him, too, with a sore nose. Night Light scooped Twilight’s now whimpering body from the floor and held her tight to his chest. She curled up to him and continued to sob. He could feel her warm body against him, and the small amount of wetness spawned from her tears. After a moment, she seemed to take some comfort in being with him, and her crying slowly decreased as Night Light nuzzled her lovingly. “What happened?” Twilight Velvet yelled across the shop. She came running towards the two, but then stopped and cooed at the scene. Night Light, still laying on the floor with Twilight, smiled up at Twilight Velvet, giving her a faint ‘hey’. She smiled back at him, and walked over closer. She then lay beside him and Twilight, giving them both a light kiss. Mrs.Cake nervously watched the heartwarming scene, wondering when she should tell them that it was raining. > Chapter 6 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The droplets of rain continued to endlessly thud against the wet ground outside. Night Light was lying down on the floor with Twilight snuggled against his side. She was watching the rain fall through the window, wide eyed. A small flash illuminated the shop every now and then, revealing Twilight Velvet sipping tea at a table, conversing with Mrs.Cake. The moonlight slithered it's way through the buildings of Canterlot, casting its light upon the floor in which the two ponies lay. The dark and cloudy skies roared down at the earth, beckoning those ponies who were outside to scurry back to their homes. The blanket of rain that covered the streets relentlessly pushed on, making traversing the slick ground rather risky. Twilight stared, wrapped in amazement at the sheer amount of water the sky could hold. She curled in closer to Night Light whenever the rolling booms would attack the shop, rattling the various metal pieces in the kitchen. The true, horrific face of the raging storm was still far away, but also seemed to be coming closer each minute. The rain was almost torrential, and it seemed to be working towards getting rid of that "almost". Suddenly, a huge crash of thunder rumbled through the shop, causing the windows to rattle. Twilight gasped and scampered away from the window, fear in her eyes. However, she quickly bolted back to make sure that Night Light could get away too! She tugged on his hoof, achieving nothing but a small movement of his arm. He chuckled however and stood up, walking with Twilight away from the window. "I think we should go downstairs now, eh?" Night Light asked of both his wife and the baker. The three took the shopkeeper's earlier advice to stay the night and strode through the kitchen to the door that lead downstairs. They descended, seeing only two small couches against walls opposite each other. Besides that, it didn't have much else other than a small clock adorning the otherwise bare walls. Twilight hopped down the last step and only wobbling momentarily as Twilight Velvet watched with pride. Mrs.Cake fetched a few blankets and apologized, repeatedly, that she didn't have any games for the three. The couple spread a few blankets out over the space between the couches, then motioned for Twilight to join. She trotted over, wobbling slightly, and snuggled up in between them. Twilight hiccuped lightly, causing giggles from the ponies on either side of her. Silence came over the group and after a moment Twilight Velvet folded one of the blankets over them, adding to the warmth. Twilight and Night Light yawned simultaneously, and in turn infected Twilight Velvet with the contagious devils that refuse to leave any one pony un-yawned. It seemed the night couldn't go five minutes without being filled with the cheerful giggling of one particular filly, but eventually, even that died down. Twilight re-positioned herself, poking Night Light in the process, but then she settled down. Slowly, with the warmth of her new family surrounding her, the love they shared and the rather insignificant blanket in comparison, Twilight drifted off to sleep. A small smile remained on her face. She couldn't be happier... Twilight opened her eyes and… Hardwood flooring… Streaks of mud crusting the walls… Dirty dishes in the sink… She was in a kitchen… HER kitchen! Twilight immediately jumped up and attempted to scramble away from the shape that now occupied the rank torture chamber so misleadingly labeled a house. Twilight backed away further, but her energy was drained. Nothing for days, how can one survive off that?! Even trash would be better than nothing! Small spots of pain lit up as she bucked up into the corner. That… That thing scowled at her. He raised a hoof, and struck Twilight. Her side exploded with pure searing agony. ”You’re not allowed in here, Mishap!” It sneered that last word, putting as much hatred and anger as possible into the cruel excuse of a name that he used to address, describe and torture her with. Her mother called out but she was immediately silenced by it running over and slapping her, making the tears that she had collected on her cheeks spray across the walls. They weren’t the only fluid on the walls, however, and it grabbed her face and smashed it into them, adding more crimson to the sick collection this house had. Every five feet or so another spot could be seen, another physical manifestation of its hatred and malice. She had attempted to leave once, but was immediately caught, and ever since, it demanded revenge. It could never get enough, however, and before long Twilight had come under fire as well. That abomination of a pony threw his head towards Twilight again, greasy hair whipping to the side. “WHAT? WHY DID YOU COME IN HERE, MISHAP? YOU WANNA WATCH?!” Twilight shook her head mercilessly, knowing full well it would do nothing to deter what had become of him, a once loving stallion. He immediately lunged and smashed his hoof into her now trembling knees, knocking her to the ground and paralyzing her with pain. Now helpless, Twilight watched, bleary eyed, as her mother was beaten and raped with the fury only her father possessed. “What’s going on in here?” A smooth voice rang out through all the noise, Twilight could faintly hear the sound of the flair door shattering. She was in a blurry haze as she saw him pause, then snarl at the door. To Twilight’s horror, she saw another pony at the door, his blue coat shimmered in a very unfitting elegance in this cruel world. Twilight tried to call out to warn him but it was too late, and her father charged. He yelped and began to run, but then he caught sight of Twilight. A filly… His demeanor changed in an instant and he met the charging stallion with a direct buck to the face. Taking no time delay he jabbed a hoof towards her father, but was met with a crucial blow to the side of the the head, knocking him unconscious. The monster that stood over their only hope was now chuckling in pure maniacal joy. “Another toy… Heh, I’ve never had a stallion before. This’ll be fun.” All Twilight could do was watch as the body was dragged out of her vision. The only proof that it still existed was a- “Twilight!” Twilight woke up, heart pounding and face masked with tears. Her throat was raw from screaming and her eyes wildly darted from left to right, taking in her surroundings. She flailed, escaping the embrace of Twilight Velvet and ran immediately towards the stairs. She kept wailing all the way, drowning out the cries of the soulless abominations that just wouldn’t LEAVE HER ALONE! Twilight’s stubborn and injured legs refused to stay straight, and they wobbled relentlessly. She only succeeded in stumbling on the stairs, bringing back that oh so familiar pain in her knees. She curled up where the stairs deposited her after falling, and cried. They were by her side immediately and wrapped their arms around her thin body. Reality dawned on her, and she cried into Twilight Velvet’s chest, whom had embraced her and was now lovingly humming a beautiful lullaby. Night Light was gently stroking her mane and muttering small words of comfort. Twilight sniffled, sneezed, then giggled. She wasn’t with that terrible stallion anymore, or on those cold hard streets. She was here, in the loving embrace of a family. A real family. Twilight chuckled lightly as a thought occurred to her. She knew she had cried loudly. Mrs.Cake sleeps like a rock. Silly Mrs.Cake. > Chapter 7 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- It had been long enough. They had intruded Mrs. Cake’s home and taken advantage of her hospitality. After so long away from home, it was finally time to head back. Velvet wouldn't take ‘no’ for an answer. Twilight apparently really hates the third bite of cupcakes, as it is usually squashed afterwards. Too many messes, too much time wasted for Mrs. Cake. Why did fate not allow them to just get home? Noteworthy stared in shock and awe as he struggled to comprehend what was before his eyes. His knees trembled, shaking loose the tears which had clung to his coat. Now on his haunches, he watched as a lavender bullet sped towards him. "Tw- Twilight!" Twilight embraced Noteworthy, leaving behind her trail of tears, tracing back to her parent's side. She nuzzled his chest, seeming like a clamp around him. He held her back, simply sobbing. Night Light and Twilight Velvet simply stood there, eyes wide, mouths slightly agape, hooves cemented to the earth. Their minds were gears, jammed by an unexpected rock which had come from seemingly nowhere. "Twilight... I... I can't believe it. It’s been so long..." His speech was cut off as his body was wracked in sobs. Twilight unburied herself from between his to look eye to eye. She smiled, only to find he had beaten her to it. The two rubbed noses, then giggled. "Um, he... Hello?" The voice of Night Light seemed to ruin the moment, as Noteworthy immediately froze. He glanced up at the two, and narrowed his eyes. Getting up, he assumed a defensive posture, shielding Twilight with a hoof. "Who are you and why did you have Twilight?" He demanded, glaring at the shocked couple. Each one's expressions switched to fear, then they narrowed their eyes. "We are Twilight's parents. Unhand our daughter." "Twilight, it'll be okay," the blue pony whispered to the small filly who now looked panicked. Twilight had gone through enough. He had saved her from her father, and wasn't about to allow these strangers to hurt her. Looking back to the couple, he replied: "Twilight already has parents. Or should I say a parent. She has a loving mother and deserves to be with her. Now, unless you two can tell me why she is with you, I'm going to have to call over a Royal Guard." "We have adopted her-" "Lies!" Velvet was about to yell back when her husband cut her off with a hoof. "Sir, we mean Twilight no harm. I can assure you that we are in fact her legal guardians, and we can supply ample documentation that proves such. Twilight seems to know you rather well, so I can tell that it is in both of our interests that she stays safe. There is obviously a misunderstanding here. However, I hope you can see our point here and the fact that we cannot have a possibly hostile stranger holding our daughter. Please... Let her go." Noteworthy simply stared for a moment. You could almost watch his toiling mind. "I am not holding her back; she may leave at her own free will." He glanced down at the filly, adding "Twilight, do you know these people?" Twilight nodded and approached the couple, turned, then smiled back at him. "I'm going to need to see aforementioned proof," he said. "With pleasure," Night Light responded, trotting over to him, subtly embracing Twilight on the way. "However, I would appreciate it if you would tell us how you got to know our daughter." That elicited a response. Noteworthy’s eyes widened, but then they softened. "I guess you do have a right to know." Differing levels of worried expressions had made themselves prominent on the faces of the couple. "Really?" Twilight Velvet muttered, almost inaudibly. In response, Noteworthy nodded, moving his tail to cover his flank. He lowered his head onto his arm, then shivered as the memories came back to haunt him like they did so often before. "How did you all get away?" She asked. "Well..." Consciousness swam in and out, mocking and teasing. This went on for hours, or maybe seconds, but eventually it had had its fun and was now slowly returning. Something groaned, then a softer, weaker echo. Light flickered into the world, but was instantly snuffed out. Moments later, it ventured back into the world of the living, yet this time it decided to stay, and grow. It grew until it morphed into a blurry image. Was that an... Ear? Yes, after a few blinks, it was a clear image of somepony's ear a few inches away from his face. Smell was the next thing to return, and he immediately wished it be expelled to the depths of tartarus. Getting up was a little harder. His legs ached as if they hadn't been used in years. Once balance had been achieved, it was immediately rejected as he fell. Getting back up, limping a little, he looked around. A muscular stallion lay on the floor, out cold. He could easily discern the cause of his unconsciousness, the objects on the floor next to him evidence enough. Suddenly memories of the night before came rushing back. Twilight and her mother being beaten, him being knocked unconscious. The door wasn't locked... He rushed out of the room, then ran through the house searching for the mare from the night before. "Hello? We need to get out of here immediately! Twilight? Twilight, where are you?" A small head poked out from beneath a dilapidated piece of furniture. He smiled at her, crouching low. She recoiled for a moment, but a slowly outstretched hoof beckoned her back. He caressed her cheek, tears coming to his eyes as he felt how rough it was. In an attempt to show his intentions, he strode to the front door and opened it. Hope glimmered like two amethysts in a sea of grime. The recounting ended with an embrace from Twilight Velvet. "Thank you for helping Twilight." "And thank you for giving her a good home." Gratitude was exchanged, as well as proper greetings and apologies. The former stranger, now trusted friend, lowered his head however. "I know that I must leave now. Neither of us want to bring harm to Twilight, and reminding her of the past incidences would do only that. I would serve no purpose but a walking beacon of memories." In the silence that followed, only the giggling of a small filly was heard as she apparently found amusement in something on the ground. She then glanced up, curious as to why the adults suddenly stopped talking. She saw that out of three, one looked sad, so she hugged him once more. She knew he didn't deserve to be sad.