The former human known as Silver has attempted to throw his life away, but neither Luna nor his wife, Night Watch will tolerate this. He claims it was an impulse, but they will cure him of the deep breaks even if it means reassembling him from parts.
The former human known as Silver has attempted to throw his life away, but neither Luna nor his wife, Night Watch will tolerate this. He claims it was an impulse, but they will cure him of the deep breaks even if it means reassembling him from parts.
His life in Equestria has been full of ups and downs. He has two foals on the way, but has lost as many wives, and many more friends have moved on or away. He has been beaten, burned, and generally abused, sometimes at no fault of his own, and sometimes entirely at his discretion.
Savior of Canterlot, yet feared by many of its people, will Silver Lining find true happiness in this magic world of equines? Stripped of his diplomat status and declared a ward of Luna until such time as she proclaims him cured, he has little choice but the trust in her love, and hope it can fix the breaks within him, without destroying who he is.
Luna sat like a sphinx, watching Night and Silver. They were wrestling, with Night clearly the superior combatant. Silver was thrown over her shoulder suddenly, and she landed on his belly, forcing the breath from him before she pecked him on the nose with a soft kiss.
Luna shook her head, "You're not guarding yourself, and you're holding back. You know better, Silver."
Silver rolled to his hooves, wobbling, "She's my wife, and pregnant... I don't want to hurt her."
Luna rose to her full height, "And will you fear for my health?" She spread her wings wide as she prowled at him, "We are warriors. At your best, you may leave a bruise, but don't be so cocky." She suddenly lashed a hoof, knocking him to the ground before she tackled him, pinning him to the ground, "Broken stallion, you're not allowed to hide behind timidity any longer. You will take charge, even if I have to shove you forward to get you going."
Silver squirmed about beneath Luna as Night Watch approached, adjusting her new glasses along the way. Night leaned in, looking at him upside down from his pinned place, "I think she's serious, Silver. You should listen more and complain less."
With a soft sigh, Silver bobbed his head, "Alright, I'll fight."
Luna softly brushed a wing over his nose, and he sneezed. "You are such a day pony. I can hear the hesitation in your voice. I am going to bite you." And she did, lashing at him like a snake. Pinned under her, he could do little to avoid the blow. Her teeth pierced deep into his neck and he shuddered. It felt like when he had been seized by Nightwing, but something was... happening.
His body felt cold, but tingly. Luna was somehow poisoning him, injecting something into his veins. He writhed under her as the coolness turned to warmth. Luna pulled back abruptly, stepping off of him, but keeping one hoof on his barrel, "Night Watch, it is your turn."
Night took her place, pinning him down under her warm form before she struck, somehow biting the same place on the other side of his neck. Luna spoke as Night worked, "We will divest you of this softness. The essence in you pulls you to the night. The touch of your wife will bind you more surely. You two will be of my brood." She narrowed her eyes at Silver, "Before you object, I know they are false protests. Embrace Night, hug her as you feel."
Silver reached up with trembling hooves and pulled Night down. Acting on a sudden overwhelming urge, he bit her, sinking suddenly long teeth into her just as she did into him. "Good," spoke Luna, "Draw on the strength of the night. Shred the frailty. When you want something, you will reach for it. When something threatens what is yours, you will face it with determination." She wrapped her wings over the two as they consummated their relationship in a strange exchange of blood. "Never again be tempted to surrender."
Silver suddenly threw off Night, staggering to his hooves. Everything felt wrong, and yet so right. The dim lighting of Luna's room felt brighter, and yet his vision had contracted slightly. He felt new power pulsing in him, feelings running unfettered. He bared his new fangs, licking them clean of the blood before he looked between the two females that still desired him, despite his many mistakes. He felt less human, but he felt more... He wasn't sure. More something...
Night had bounced back from being shoved back quickly, and she met him in a fierce kiss. Normally he would have been pushed back, belly up, and surrendered to such passion, but this time he met it. His heavy endowment dropped and pulsed in almost angry twitches as he met her as an equal. They bit and nibbles across cheeks and shoulders, but soon he was beyond reach of her mouth as he circled around her. He wanted her, and nothing would get in the way of it. "Night, perfect Night Watch. My love, my wife, mother of my foals." He hopped up on top of her, biting at the back of her neck, "I claim you, even if you own me. You are mine, as I am yours."
Their coupling was fierce but brief, and this seemed right with both. Gone was Silver's gentle touch and unsure motions. The sounds that came from Night told him his confidence was appreciated, but he had little time to enjoy it. As he settled with her, Luna was beside them. "You are not done. The circle is incomplete." She went for Night's untaken side of the neck, making her go rigid beneath and around Silver. He grunted and held her still, assuring her as they shared their moment, though he wondered why a lunar pegasus would need such blessing from Luna.
Luna drew back, licking her teeth clean, "And now, to me, my children, my herd, and my ponies." Silver and Night separated and nuzzled against Luna, working up along her barrel until they both arrived at her neck. Working on some kind of suggestion, or perhaps instinct, they seized her, sinking fangs into the supple flesh of their moon goddess. Silver's ears began to itch terribly, twitching in spasms as new sounds began to reach it. A fresh wave of essence filled his mouth with the taste of copper, and he wanted more. His entire body felt expanding waves of piercing tingles as he softly chewed at Luna. Her flesh seemed unharmed, only yielding more of the strong-tasting blood. He opened a slitted eye, looking to Night enjoying her own taste. His uncertainties felt so far away. So what if he was an outsider? So what if anyone had a problem with him? Luna loved him. Night Watch loved him. He would protect them both. Nothing else mattered.
An unspoken command had them both draw away, panting for breath they didn't realize they were holding. Luna raised a hoof to either shoulder, "I was not entirely truthful, but there shall be no secrets between us now. I am not the mother of the lunar pegasi, not truly. A pair of pegasi came to me."
Silver perked a tufted ear, curious at Luna's words. A glance revealed Night's attention was also held fast.
"I shared a portion of the night with them, as well," spoke Luna. "They were fruitful, and begat the lunar pegasi. While my blood flows through them, it is not truly mine."
Night looked perplexed, but it made perfect sense to Silver. Her magical essence created them, but her genetics were not involved. They weren't 'related', and yet, related. Silver licked his lips, learning to navigate his new fangs, "Do you mean to repeat that?"
Luna nodded, "You will be the father of my second tribe. From your loins come the lunar unicorns. I had considered this before, but Fast seemed ill-suited to being a mother to a species." She nudged Night gently, "I mean her no disrespect, but she is no longer part of your herd, and I will take advantage of it. Night will be the mother, as she has already consented."
Night flushed with a mixture of emotions, "How can I make an entire tribe? I'm only one mare! How many foals do you plan for me to make?"
Luna raised a hoof, "Have little fear. I expect you to make as many as feels natural, no more, no less." She looked to Silver, "You will visit more than one."
Silver took his turn to flush. The idea of studding a tribe was at once appealing and terrifying, but the terror felt far removed. He could handle this. "Provided they are strong, but kind of spirit. I will not lay with any mare I cannot speak with kindly." He rose to his hooves, "I haven't forgotten my ambitions. Are you going to stop me from studying magic? Am I being put out to stud?"
Luna huffed, "If I thought you would enjoy that, but then, if I thought that, you may not be worth it. No, you will continue your studies. You will live." She spread her wings wide, "I did not spare your life for it to be squandered! You will live."
Silver leaned in, nuzzling Night along her barrel until he reached her belly, "What of the foals inside her."
Luna waved a hoof, "That is why she drank. She already has a shard of the night by birthright. Any unicorn within her now holds it as well. She may yet birth the new tribe this time."
Night reached for her glasses where they had fallen and slipped them into place, "What about earth ponies?"
Luna shook her head, "Had I not acted foolishly those many years ago, unicorns and earth ponies would already be part of my night tribes. Each will have their chance, in due time." She raised a brow, "Perhaps you will find a worthy earth pony." She snorted softly and suddenly nipped Night, "Will you return to me?"
Night blinked in confusion, "I'm right here."
Luna shook her head, "No, to my guard. It would be an honor to have you at my side, to have your keen eyes watching over me." She leaned in, nuzzling gently, "Will you think less of me if I said you made me feel safe?"
Night turned as red as her fur allowed, "I had no idea... Won't this get in the way of our... thing?"
Silver shook his head, "Our thing is private. If you're officially watching her again, it excuses you being near her more often. I think it's a good idea."
Night nodded, "Yes, that is sound logic. I was getting bored with my job anyway. I want a real challenge, with real stakes."
Luna nodded softly, "Then consider it done. While the public will know you as one of my subordinates, my heart will know my herd-sister is always at my side." She pointed at Silver, "As for you. You will be released. The public will know you have stepped down from your position. You have served admirably. You brokered peace on behalf of a bitter enemy, saved countless lives, twice, and survived an attack on a changeling hive. All accomplishments few ponies have. Your life remains mine, but I will not hold you here. You must learn to move with confidence. You are... no longer the human I once knew."
Night frowned, "Silver Lining doesn't seem to fit anymore." She tilted her head at Silver, "What about Silver Stars?"
Silver smiled, "I like the sound of that." He shook himself out before looking over his lunar form, "What will my actual position be? I don't want to be a layabout. I feel ready, for anything."
Luna nodded slowly, "Good, because you're serving with Night Watch. You shall be my vanguards. We have a mission shortly." She directed her ears forward, "Be prepared. This is no training exercise. I will want your wit and your eyes. We sail east, to Anugypt, to negotiate terms of a trade agreement. They have been... reluctant, and we fear treachery. Are you up for it?"
Silver nodded firmly, "Nothing will harm you."
Luna prodded Silver in the chest, "Good, and protect yourself. All three of us must return, or we have all failed."
Silver wondered what Anugypt held in store for him. His curiosity felt much stronger than any fear. He could handle what came, with his herd beside him.
Luna led the way towards the Canterlot Archives, with Silver trailing behind. Though he remained smaller than she, and most others, he did walk with a noticeable improvement in his gait. "Your time with Meadow agrees with you," she spoke as she walked, "While he trains your body, I will not have that keen mind going to waste. Lunar unicorns will show the world the potency of the magic of the night." She brushed aside heavy-looking doors with her magic and strode into the great library, moving towards the portion that Silver had not dared to approach long ago, when he visited with Night and Celine.
Silver smiled gently, "Your shadow was very supportive of me here."
Luna paused, glancing back at him, "I suppose that is what she was. I would be full of falsehood if I did not confess I miss that brief, simple time. Being your first wife was comforting, and reminded me I am still a pony." She turned away, "But I am glad you found Night Watch, and let her be your true lover."
Silver moved up beside Luna, whispering low, "As if you are not also. It is a pleasure and honor to be the stallion of your herd."
She extended a wing, brushing over his back before she moved ahead. She nodded to the solar guards that stood watch over the Star Swirl section, "Open the gate. Silver Stars and I are coming through. He is permitted to come as he pleases, but not to carry books out."
One of the guards saluted before their horns lit in unison. The gate pulled upwards, allowing Luna and Silver to pass quietly.
Once the gate slid shut, and they had walked a short distance, Silver looked to Luna, "I have realized your gambit, and it is impressive."
Luna perked an ear, "Oh? Of what do you speak?"
Silver pointed at Luna, "You are who Night and I are bound to. Night is the first wife of you, and I, a secondary. The genders are different, but you kept your promise, and Night is still first wife."
Luna cracked a subtle smile, "Does this displease you?"
Silver shook his head, "I will gladly serve as secondary." He sat then, "It's not like Tumble. I have ceded leadership, but you both accept me as stallion, and that I am. We will protect you, instead of me, because you are the herd."
Luna frowned faintly, "Do you say this out of submission?"
Silver snorted softly, "I will fight for you, not out of submission, but love. You have seen my heart. You have seen me shattered. You still want me, for reasons I still haven't quite pieced together. I will be worthy of that love, by standing tall." He looked around then at the dusty tomes, "So where am I to start? I brought my book of spells to write in."
Luna placed a hoof at her chin, looking thoughtful a moment, "Methinks it is time you learned some defensive spells. The ability to ward physical blows, and to undo hostile magic will serve you well if we are attacked." She moved purposefully, knowing Silver would follow, and soon arrived at a small cubby in the wall. Her horn glowed as she pulled a book free and opened it, "Star Swirl's Practical Book of Combat. Read, learn. I know memorization is not your favorite thing for this, but some of these spells must come instinctively in an instant, if they are to save yourself, or another pony you care for."
Silver advanced on the book, eagerly flipping ahead to the first spell, "Why can't I take the book back to our room to study?"
Luna shook her head, "Only Celestia could grant permission to remove tomes from this portion of the library. She is exceedingly protective of these spells, especially considering many of them could be used to great harm."
Silver snorted softly, pulling out his book and a quill, "I didn't hear a single rule saying I can't just copy these spells."
Luna watched him with a smile, pleased she didn't have to say the idea herself. "I trust you will memorize them soon. We depart in two weeks' time, and once we are adrift, no magic will let us return save by boat."
Silver perked an ear, "Why couldn't you just teleport? Wait, let me try this. Distance is the first, obvious answer." He flipped pages as he copied. "Does the water also serve as interference with long-range spells?"
Luna tilted her head faintly, "Correct on both accounts. The ocean will make it quite impossible to simply skip home. Celestia may perhaps pull off such a stunt at high noon, but it would be one-way, and leave her sick with fatigue. Anugypt is a long way away."
Silver flipped to the next page, working diligently, "I read a comic where Discord not only went through time, but also a large amount of space. Was it inaccurate?"
Luna frowned slightly, "Discord's limits are... indistinct. I could not speak with confidence of them. I will leave you here. There is work to tend to." Silver nodded at Luna, flashing her a fanged smile before she departed.
He spent several hours copying down the useful spells he found, but then went right to mixing and matching. A simple spell for that horn bolt Twilight could and did do many times in battle, and the sphere of protection. They seemed a natural fit together! He labored over them until it was about dinner time, and he packed up his book and left the restricted area of the library to get some food.
He stepped into the dining hall to see Celestia was in attendance. She raised a brow at him, looking over his curious new form. "If not for your cutie mark, you would be difficult to pick out as your old self."
Silver exposed his fangs in a brief smile as he clambered up onto a seat, "It is good to see you. I'm sorry you had to see me in such a sorry state before." His eyes wandered over the food, selecting a fish and carving off a piece with his magic to bring his way. He felt a distinct urge for meat, and no reason to battle the urge.
Celestia nodded slowly, "You appear... better. Luna has not announced your recovery."
Silver shook his head, "I am still under her care, but she has been very good to me." He sank his teeth into the fish, quickly rending it apart and devouring it.
The act seemed to not rest well with Celestia, "Did she... ask before she did that? Were you aware of what her actions would bring?"
Silver looked up at Celestia, "She offered, and I accepted. I feel much better now."
Celestia's expression became subtly disappointed, "You were such a peaceful little pony."
Silver took a moment to process that before he frowned, "Being a peaceful pony didn't work out well for me. The world kept throwing very... not... peaceful things before me. If I can fight them, defend other ponies, that is good." He rolled his shoulders, "I'm sorry being a pony of the day didn't work out."
Celestia raised some tea, sipping, "You will suffer a similar fate to my sister. My ponies will not appreciate your protection, or even be aware of it most of the time."
Silver shuffled in place, then huffed, "If Luna and Night appreciate my efforts, that is enough. I can make the world safer for their foals, and that's enough. I don't need to be famous. I don't need a parade."
Celestia was quiet for a time before she spoke, "A pony who has done what you have done is not normally allowed to be out on their own so quickly."
Silver tilted his head at her, "Part of living is responsibility. Luna trusts in me, and I respect that. I slipped once." He spotted some ribs on the table and raised a brow, "What are those from? I saw them at the academy and didn't recognize the taste."
Celestia blinked, "You were a solar pony then, why were you tasting it?" Silver looked at her evenly, and she sighed softly, "They are from a small animal griffons keep for food. They adore their presence when they visit, but don't always give warning. I have the chef prepare a small one once in a while, and we catch them more often than not."
Silver reached with his magic, moving several ribs to his plate. "They're very good. Have you ever tried one?"
Celestia seemed subtly uncomfortable, "I have not."
Silver sank his fangs into the savory flesh and made short work of the first rib. He sighed with the simple pleasure of the feasting, "The griffons have good taste, and your chef is excellent at preparing it, for a pony."
Celestia raised a brow, "The chef is, himself, a griffon."
Silver raised both brows together, "That makes sense. I will remind you, I spent most of my life as an omnivore. It's good to return to it." He flashed his teeth at Celestia, "But I wouldn't bite your flank unless you asked very nicely."
Celestia jumped, surprised at his sudden offer. "That will be quite alright! How are you handling being separated from Night Watch? You two were very close."
Silver waved a hoof vaguely, "We may not be married, but I see her."
"You're lying," said Celestia with confidence.
Silver forgot she was one of the few ponies that could spot lies so easily. "I never left her. We may not be married by law, but our hearts are together."
Celestia smiled gently, "I had a feeling that was the case. I'm glad Luna did not try to keep you two apart."
Silver bit into the next rib, destroying it ravenously. Magic was hard work, spellcrafting was no easier. "You knew she was involved. Luna took her at the same time she took me."
Celestia lifted some cake to her snout, taking a soft bite, "I knew not her intentions. She could have held Night until you were ready. Luna clearly feels you are doing well. The guards said they saw you studying quite intently in the archives."
Silver nodded softly, "I will not be caught unprepared. I will not be caught with only cantrips or a single, clumsy, slow firing spell to use. If trouble comes looking for me, it will find me ready. Ah! Will you help me test a spell?" Silver slid from his chair and moved to an empty patch of the floor, surrounding himself in a silvery bubble of force. "Go on, throw some food at me."
Celestia took another simple bite of her cake, then sent the plate and its contents sailing at Silver's face. It hit the shield and shattered violently, cake exploding in a spray of sugary goo. His shield wobbled and shook, but quickly reformed into a solid sphere. "Interesting."
Silver nodded from within the silver sphere, "I would like to know what you think it is."
Celestia smiled then, "Testing my magic knowledge? The sphere is standard Star Swirl defensive magic, but the cake exploded far more violently. A standard shield would have resulted in it splattering against it. Will you cast the spell again?"
Silver needed the practice anyway, so he released the spell and played it quickly across his horn, conjuring a fresh bubble.
Celestia beamed, "Was that a horn blast? Your shield blasts anything that touches it? That must be draining, and I imagine would become quite tiring if you were in a truly hectic confrontation. Still, quite the clever combination. Will you be sharing the spell?"
Silver tapped his hooves together as the spell dropped, "I suppose I could. What's the process for that? I doubt you want me giving these spells to a random foal on the street."
"I should think not," agreed Celestia. "Give them to me directly, and I will see them archived where they will do no harm. If it is a benign spell, you could turn it in directly to an academy, or even the archives." She slid to her hooves, "But for now, I must retire. Tomorrow needs me refreshed. Sleep well when you do, Silver Lining."
Silver shook his head, "Silver Stars."
Celestia departed with a faint smile. Silver assumed she approved of the name.
Silver rode a bike quickly through the city he had left just before coming to Equestria. Despite having hooves, the bike behaved well, ignorant of the fact that he had no real grip of the handles. He didn't question it, and it worked. He road up to the grocery store and hopped free of the bike. It rolled away and was soon forgotten as he fell to all fours and trotted into the store.
His tail was tugged on, and he looked over his shoulder at a small child pulling at him. "Mommy, Mommy, can I keep him?!" she cried, trying to gain the attention of a larger human.
The mother looked down at Silver appraisingly, "No, that one looks broken. We can find a better one." They walked on past Silver, and Silver felt abandoned, despite the fact that surely he came to this petting zoo to be pet.
Soft hands stroked over his skull and ears and he made soft happy noises until he opened his eyes and the crowd recoiled at the sight of his slitted pupils. He stood up and walked, passing by an empty yard with a lone tree. Something was hanging from it that drew his attention and he went to look at it. It was Fast, swinging alone.
Silver twitched his ears, "Poor dear, died alone."
Fast suddenly snapped her neck, looking directly at him, "That was your choice."
It was dark everywhere, there was only himself, and Fast, now looming over him. "I, what? You left, not me!"
Fast hissed like a leaking tire, "You could have chased me. We could have been friends. We could have been lovers. You chose to forget me! Did we mean so little together? Do you think my path is so easy?"
Silver turned to run and everything blurred around him. He ran past a swarm of changelings, past Tirek, past a half-dozen Tumbles, past his parents and old friends.
Silver woke up abruptly, still running, and crashed from his bed in the room he slept in alone. He was in a cold sweat, and the images flashed through his mind. He was still running. He climbed to his feet, frowning. What good was this portion of the night if nightmares could still plague him? If his past still chased him?
He slumped against the bed, giving a slow breath before deciding to face his issues. "You deserve better." He climbed up onto bed and resumed his slumber.
The next day, Silver rose and moved quickly from his room. He didn't go for breakfast, instead leaving the castle. Luna's voice reached his mind, ~Where are you? You're about to miss breakfast, and I know you are loath to do that.~
~I'm taking care of business I left behind for too long,~ came his reply as he approached a large house that swarmed with changelings. He hesitated a moment, consumed with doubt and a lingering fear of things that darted and flied in that insect way. They were not bees, and so he reminded himself of that, and pressed on.
He pushed open the door with his magic to enter the manor, exploring slowly. Most of the changelings seemed to ignore him entirely, at least until a familiar one dropped down in front of him. "I didn't expect you here," said Stand In. "I heard you fell ill, gave up being a diplomat."
Silver's tufted ears flicked back as he shook his head, "That's about right, but I'm here for Fast Change. Is she in?"
Stand In became the finely-crafted unicorn and nodded, turning to lead the way, "You have arrived with good timing. She's been increasingly upset, but she hides it well. You may be just the thing to brighten her day. By the way, what's up with the slit eyes and stuff? Practicing your own shapeshifting?"
Silver smiled, his fangs exposed slightly in the gesture, "They're permanent, but I'm still me." Still broken? He shook that thought from his head angrily. No, he would face his problems and resolve them responsibly. He didn't need a rainbow, or a savior. He just had to do it.
He drew on the confidence his new form gave him, like a finely crafted armor he could hide behind, "You're looking especially well today."
Stand snorted loudly, "Flattery will get you everywhere. You still in that herd? Oh, here we are." She tapped on a double door before nudging it open. Seated on a heart-shaped mattress was Fast Change, appearing as her old red-furred unicorn self. Stand waved at her, then flew off into the manor without another word.
Silver approached, trying not to be too fast or too slow, "Fast Change, it's me, Silver... though it's Silver Stars these days."
Fast perked an ear at Silver, looking him over, "What happened? They only told me you weren't a diplomat anymore, and that you were sick. You look just fine."
Silver reached the mattress and hopped up onto it, approaching Fast, "I was very sick. I almost died. Luna saved me."
Fast frowned, "I guess that explains why you've been gone for so long." Her frown turned into a grand smile, practically lighting the room as she grabbed for Silver, hugging him tightly, "But you're here now! I missed you so much!" She kissed him, and his heart soared. His love for her burst into a raging flame in his chest and that power flowed through him in a heady rush. She drew back, fed for the moment.
Silver wobbled a little in place before he regained himself, "No. I won't take that excuse."
"Excuse?" asked Fast, "What do you mean?"
Silver sat in front of Fast, "I've been well enough to leave the castle for days, but I didn't visit. It was my fault alone."
Fast pinned her ears back, "But you love me... I felt it? Why would you hide from me?"
Silver advanced on her, biting her shoulder with his fangs and sinking through the soft fur she currently had. She trembled, but allowed him, feeling confused. Fast drew back, licking his fangs and the green blood that coated them, "I was scared. I was so scared. What are we? You've married your swarm."
Fast shoved Silver roughly, "We're Fast and Silver! We're dear friends, I hope. What was the bite for?"
Silver shook his head, "What if I said I wasn't sure? It felt right... Did I hurt you?"
Fast shook her head in return, "No... But it stung, and I didn't expect it. What's with all... that..." She waved a hoof at his appearance as a whole.
Silver tilted his head, "Luna put her claim on me, and welcomed me to the night. I'm a lunar unicorn. Neat, right?"
Fast suddenly became a mirror of Silver, though she was still a she, "Neat! Wait..." She became Luna and suddenly shoved him back. Their lips met and the powerful surge spoke more than his words could. She pulled away, "You love her! You really, like, crazy love her." Then she frowned with Luna's face, "Well of course you love her. You were hot for her before, and now she saved your life."
As Fast became her birth form again, Silver gently nuzzled into her cheek, "I do. I... thought I could just ignore our feelings, let you move on."
Fast suddenly punched Silver in the shoulder, "Moron!"
Silver hissed loudly, baring his teeth before he calmed down, "I might be. But I'm here, aren't I? I'm talking to you, aren't I?" He placed his hooves on her shoulders, "I'm not running away, am I?"
Fast slowly nodded, and a smile spread across her face, "No, you're not. But you realize you're not getting out of here without a few hours of showing me the difference between solar and lunar unicorn foal-making, right?"
Silver had no complaint about how the next few hours went. He still loved Fast, and that was OK.
He staggered out of the house of changelings. It wouldn't be safe for him to return for a while, but Fast had been quite emphatic that he was to send Night, and try for Luna, if she was up for it. Silver had his doubts Luna would accept the invitation...
Silver looked over the city, considering what other business he had left dangling.
~Silver, where are you? The guards have not seen you all day,~ came Luna's concerned voice. ~You know I am to know where you are at all times.~
Silver snorted softly, ~Luna. I am dealing, constructively, with my past, like I should have done instead of hurling myself off a building. Do you know where Rough Tumble lives?~
~Rough Tumble? The barely-stallion with a history of abuse and assault?~
~That's the one, but I'll remind you he's older than me, physically,~ Silver thought back as he glanced around, ~I owe him a conversation.~
Luna gave him an address, ~What have you been doing? Please tell me.~
Silver began to trot eagerly towards the given address, ~I talked with Fast. I still love her. I never stopped, and I shouldn't have just assumed her becoming a queen makes her dead to me.~
~Did you?~
~Yes,~ he replied honestly.
Luna's voice came out as a sigh, ~You are an impossible stallion.~
~But a living one!~ came Silver's excited mental voice. He approached a tiny house pushed flushed against its neighbors to the right and left. He knocked on the door with a mental hand and waited.
The door swung open to reveal an earth pony stallion that Silver did not recognize. The pony peered at Silver, "Whatchu want?"
Silver tilted his head, "Is Rough Tumble in?"
He hocked up a large bit of phlegm and spit before shouting into the house, "Rough! You got a visitor!" He withdrew into the house without another word offered to Silver. The door closed.
The door opened to reveal a more familiar stallion, though he wore a pink shirt and poorly-applied makeup. "Yeah?" He looked at silver, appearing to not recognize him.
Silver wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not. Did he really want to? "Hey Tumble... It's me."
The voice made it click. Tumble fled, and the door slammed.
Silver sat there, staring at the closed door. He waited... Tumble never returned. Should he knock again? Silver didn't want to be creepy about it... He decided one more knock and then he'd go. He softly rapped on the door.
"Go away!" came Tumble's voice. He sounded frightened.
"Tumble? Come on out, Tumble. I'm here to say hello, not hurt you," entreated Silver, "We're friends, right?"
There was a moment of silence, then the door creaked open. Tumble had taken off the shirt, and wiped off everything else. His chubby face had lines of tears and Silver's heart broke. "Tumble..."
Silver sat up on his haunches and extended his forelegs wide, "Come here, Tumble." He thought he was ready, but he was not. He was bowled over by the suddenly-wailing earth pony. Silver was no expert on the matter, but the tears sounded... good. They were cleansing sobs.
"Tell me what happened, after we last met," encouraged Silver, "Tell me all about it..."
He couldn't be the lover Tumble wanted, but he could be a friend.
Tumble pulled himself away from Silver and sat down on his haunches. Silver sat in a similar way facing him. "It's nice to see you again," said Silver with an unsure smile, "What have you been up to?" A glance around revealed no vehicles.
Tumble gave a muted nod before he gestured back at his squat house, "I have a place of my own, uh, with a roommate. You met him already. He's okay..."
Silver nodded slowly, "I see. What do you do now, you know, as a job?"
Tumble smiled, "I work construction. They let me operate the vehicles. Some days I work the crane, sometimes the dump truck. It's a good job."
Silver clopped his forehooves together, "That's a fantastic match! I'm glad for you, really."
Tumble waved a hoof at Silver, "What about you? You're looking... different."
Silver looked down at himself before returning his eyes to Tumble, "I suppose that's true. Is it a good look?" He rose up and did a slow turn for Tumble. When he faced Tumble again, the stallion was red in the cheeks. Silver wondered why that might be before it became obvious, "Is your roommate...?"
Tumble shook his head quickly, "He has a marefriend... A-are you?"
Silver felt bad, but shook his head, "No. I'm expecting at least two foals soon."
Tumble's eyes went wide, "T-two? What happened to the little runt I knew? Is one of them from Celine?"
Silver flinched a little, "No, she's gone." He quirked a smile, "Would you believe I scored with her mom?"
Tumble's brows fell in a furrow, "No way! How do you do it? It's like your life is... blessed or something. You're getting everything."
Silver suddenly felt awful. Maybe his life really was good. He was surrounded by ponies that really wanted to see him happy, talking to a pony who had almost nothing. This is what he threw himself off a building for? "Tumble, have you told anyone? You know, about being a colt cuddler?"
Tumble shook his head violently, shrinking back.
Silver rolled a hoof, "You should. You're an adult now. What you are is not something to hide away, even if a few of your neighbors are jerks. Heck... You could always go country, it worked for me. Find a nice colt cuddling stallion and a mare and share her between the two of you when you're in that mood."
Tumble squirmed uncomfortably, "Would you be him?"
Silver flushed, "I'm already knee-deep in family life, I'm sorry. I won't be your stallion, but I am a friend." He approached Tumble and touched nose-to-nose, "You know Meadow's still in the city. He runs the gym just three blocks that way." He pointed, "You should say hi! He'd love to see some old friends."
Tumble smiled a little, "Yeah, I should. I should get back to what I was doing... It was really nice, you know, talking to you."
Silver pointed up at the castle, "You can send letters up there, to Silver Stars. Uh, in two weeks I'll be gone for a little while, but I'll get them when I return, and I'll answer them, every one."
Tumble nodded, but was also quickly retreating. Soon Silver was alone. He hoped he had said the right things, but felt a little better for having the conversation.
Silver trotted away as Luna's voice whispered to him, ~Silver, that is far enough. Will you come home or not?~
~Yes, Luna. I've talked to who I wanted to for today.~
There was a mental sigh, ~Good... You had me worried. Be back within the hour and we can eat together.~
Silver changed direction to head directly for the castle as he thought, ~I had a really good day today.~
~I look forward to hearing all about it, in person.~
Silver strode through the castle, looking at the stained-glass windows briefly on the way past. He soon arrived in the dining hall to see it was occupied by forces of the night. Specifically, Luna sat at the head, and Night Watch was to her right. He took the spot to Luna's left, feeling both of their eyes upon him. "Hello."
Night Watch extended a wing to point at him, "Where have you been all day? Nopony knew where you were."
Silver grabbed a slice of some cheesy-looking dish, "I visited Fast Change, to start."
Luna tilted her head a little, "How did that go?"
Silver raised both forehooves, pointing at a mare with each, "She'd really like to see you two. Schedule at least a few hours if you go."
Night went red instantly, "You didn't?!"
Silver nodded, "I did... I don't regret it. She isn't my wife anymore, but she still loves the stuffing out of me, and... I still love her. Besides, I promised, didn't I?"
Luna gave a soft nod, "That you did, but methinks you did not lay with her today out of duty."
Silver squirmed, "I was an idiot for writing her off at all. She didn't die. She didn't even move away."
Night flushed, "I promised too... Will you come with me?"
Silver tilted his head, "She took me pretty good." When Night looked like she might choke, he shook his head, "I mean, love wise. It wouldn't be safe to return for at least a week, but she really wants to see you. She misses you. We can visit next time together, I promise, but this is something you should do."
Luna sided with Silver, "He is right. This is a matter of your past you should confront, lest it reside like a spectre in your mind. I need your head clear for the trials ahead. Do you not have feelings for her?"
Night flushed deep, then nodded. "I'll see her," she said in a small voice, then cleared her throat, "So... is that what you did all day?"
"I saw Tumble," reported Silver between eager chews of food, delighting in the cheesy crunch of the vegetable casserole. "He was... alright. He really needs a coltfriend."
Night tilted her head, "Tumble? Rough Tumble? What is he doing?"
Silver replied, "Construction. He really likes operating the heavy machinery, but he has no homelife that I can tell. One roommate that doesn't care much, and that's it. He's still buried in the closet."
"Closet?" asked Night, "He lives in a closet?"
Luna searched through borrowed memories, "He is a colt cuddler, but does not confess such."
A messenger stepped into the room, though this one was familiar to Silver. He brightly smiled, accepting the letter from the wall-eyed mare. Oh god, was she Derpy or Ditzy? "Thank you, miss...?"
The mare paused, glancing around at Luna and Night then back at Silver, "Um, Hooves. Derpy Hooves."
Silver nodded, "A pleasure to meet you, Derpy. I'm Silver Stars. That's Princess Luna, and our friend, Night Watch."
Derpy nodded to each in turn before leaning in, whispering with comedic loudness, "I know who Princess Luna is, silly!"
Silver grabbed a muffin in his magic and held it before Derpy, "For the road?"
Derpy accepted the muffin with a smile, then was soon gone.
Luna smiled knowingly, "Is she what you expected?"
Silver considered that, "She was a pony. A cute one, but a pony. I'm sure she has a life to get to."
Night looked baffled, "What was all that about? You don't normally get all personal with the couriers." She adjusted her glasses, "Did you know her from somewhere?"
Silver nodded with a bright smile, "I did. Always nice seeing a familiar face." He tore the seal of the letter with his magic, then began reading.
Hey man,
Get it? Bit of a joke there. But, for real, big news! Twilight said she learned how to detect humans and we followed her horn-radar and guess what we found? A woman! That's right, man, I get to repopulate Equestria. Aw yeah... Just kidding. I think she's more interested in stallions than guys. You want me to hook you up?
Ponyville's doing good. It's just about time for summer to start. Man, Equestria's a healthy place to live. I've lost, what, half my weight! I'm half the man I used to be. It's OK, what's left is all clean. No videogames, few movies. If you want to have fun, you have to actually move. Scary, right? Twilight said you weren't the official rep for humans anymore, but I thought I'd write you anyway. We're friends, right?
Let me Know if you Want me to Send the Lady, Jake
Silver went rigid at the implications of the letters as his dining companions peered at him. "What does it say?" asked Night.
Silver passed the note to Night, who then passed it to Luna. Luna snorted loudly, "The human female should arrive regardless of Jake's words. We told Twilight to send any others she met here, so we can meet them and decide on a proper place. They can't all live in Ponyville, and some humans may be more benign than others." She gestured a wing at Silver, "Some are awful troublemakers."
Night squirmed a bit, "Is... I mean. Are you going to approach her?"
Silver flipped his ears back. He'd never touched a human female before outside of a hug or a kiss on the cheek. "I will defer to Luna's judgment on that."
Luna nodded her head, "Then I say you should meet her. You make it obvious this is something that lingers. Meet her, talk to her." She spread her wings, "Do whatsoever."
Night snorted, "You are telling our.." her voice dropped, lest a guard overhear, "Our stallion to possibly sleep with a strange mare!"
Luna raised a brow, "She is human, he, pony. He never had a chance with his own kind when he was one. I will not deny him his moment, if she is willing."
Night looked less allowing, "We don't know her at all! This is very improper."
Luna pointed at Night, "Like secretly becoming herd-sisters with your princess? There is a good chance Jake was exaggerating, and the female will not make any move. I doubt Silver will be the initiator, but I will not have him wallowing in doubt and shame."
Silver raised a hoof, "Still here."
Night huffed at Silver, "Fine. But if you put a foal in her, it's your responsibility."
Silver went deepest red. Was that even possible? "I don't... even know her."
Luna cracked a soft smile, "But you may get to know her... in the biblical sense."
Silver was stunned at Luna's Bible joke, while Night missed it entirely, "What sense?"
Luna softly brushed down Night's back with her wingtips, "Poor humor on my part at Silver's expense." She looked to Silver, "You did many good things today. I'm proud of your growth, though you must report where you are to me, good or not."
Silver stood patiently as a seamstress took his measurements. Even the length of his hooves and horn had to be taken, it seemed. "Can't hurt to have it ready," she said with a smile.
Silver tilted his head, "I'm still growing, by the time I come back, you'll have to do it again."
She waved off the comment with a flip of the hoof and proceeded, "So you're the newest night guard? Never heard of a unicorn night guard before. Easier than being a diplomat?"
Silver considered the question, "Different. I hope it won't be too easy, that would be boring."
She smiled and made another mark on her paper, "Good attitude. Thank you, by the way. The changelings have been quite a boon for the tailors of the city. They all came naked, and soon wanted to fix the fact."
Silver snorted out a laugh, "That must have been a sight, lines of changelings out of every clothing store... How are they doing?"
She shrugged softly, "Industrious sorts when they're not kidnapping ponies. I hear they've put together a new construction company and are going to town, bidding against the biggest and best with lower prices."
Silver considered this, "Makes sense... With the majority of their workforce willing to put in more than a full day's work for food." He jumped as her hoof wandered someplace it shouldn't. She apologized, and the measuring was soon complete.
Silver departed onto the streets just as Luna's voice whispered, ~The human arrives shortly. Proceed to the train.~
He nodded though Luna had no chance to see it, and headed at a healthy trot towards the station, whistling as he went. The city had, as a whole, not changed much since he arrived, but the occasional changeling flittering through the air in addition to the pegasus or two was new. The ponies went about their business, not paying much mind to the small fanged unicorn that moved through them.
He could see the train coming up the mountain. It would arrive in a few minutes. Silver trotted up to a bench and parked himself on it, trying on a whim to sit the way Lyra did that one time. Turns out it's uncomfortable. He slid down to his haunches instead, preferring the ground to the pose.
The train came to a gentle chugging stop, and ponies disembarked. He cast his eyes upwards, looking over the heads of the ponies, but no human came into sight right away. She had snuck up on him mid-yawn, "Hi there."
He jumped in place and looked around, spotting her. She was perhaps thirteen. She was far closer to the key demographic of the show he now lived than he ever was. She pointed at him, "You're the one I'm supposed to find, right?"
He smiled, "If you're looking for Silver Stars, yes."
She looked confused, "I thought they said Silver Lining."
He wobbled a hoof, "That's still me. I've had a few names. I was a human once, you know."
Her eyes went wide, "What?! No way!"
~Did you find her?~ came Luna's soft voice in his mind.
~I did. She will not be serving as a broodmare for a few years yet.~ Silver chuckled softly at his internal monologue, "What's your name?"
She pointed at herself, "Elizabeth." She suddenly reached for him and began petting him. He found it was a lot harder to get angry at a young girl taking liberties compared to Jake, and felt a little guilty for being angry at him for it.
Silver noted, "You should ask the locals before petting them."
She scratched behind one of his ears, making a hind leg thump on the ground, "You don't seem to mind."
Silver shook his head slowly, "I don't, but I'm also a human. You're adorable to me."
She huffed, but seemed to appreciate being called cute, "You look smaller than the other ponies. Are you my age?"
Silver considered that. He wasn't far off from her age, physically, but the whole answer was more complicated. "I have a job, and a cutie mark, that makes me an adult around here." That seemed a safe answer. "Right now that job is to escort you. I will keep you safe, and show you around." They left the train station and began walking side-by-side down the street, "How long have you been here, in Equestria?"
Elizabeth suddenly grabbed him around the neck from behind. He squeaked, then realized she was hugging him from behind. He held still for it, "What brought this on?"
Elizabeth let him go at last, "You're the first pony more around my size. Can I ride you?"
Silver considered that... "I... could try? I'm not the strongest pony on the block. Big Mac I am not."
She stuck out her tongue, "I bet he'd be way too big." When he lowered to his belly, she quickly scrambled up and he raised again. He was comically small for a true mount, with her feet held just barely free of the ground, but she was having a grand time of it, and soon they were trotting along.
Silver swiveled an ear back towards her, "Are you hungry?"
Elizabeth bobbed her head, "I haven't eaten since breakfast."
A glance at the sky showed it was mid-afternoon, "Alright, let's fix that. In case you weren't told by Twilight, ponies around here tend to eat vegetarian. Fish is accepted as a curious delicacy to some, mammals are right out, unless you go to a griffon or dragon establishment, and I haven't seen any of the latter in Canterlot."
She shook her head with some confusion, "That was a lot of stuff. Go someplace that has yummy things."
"Yummy it is," agreed Silver, carrying his passenger along. It felt oddly nice to help the girl. It was his first guard duty, and he meant to do it well. "How did you end up here, in Equestria that is."
He felt her drape over his back, "I was being dumb..."
"Oh?" asked Silver, "How so? I won't laugh, promise."
He felt an ear be pinched between fingers, "You better not! My mother sent me to bed without dinner because I wasn't doing my homework and got a bad grade. I was so mad, I wished I could run away, and it... kinda came true."
Silver recovered the ear with a soft twitch before he looked over his shoulder, seeing Elizabeth across his back, her head about equal with his own, though held up. "Regretting it? I can't help you get back, but this isn't so bad a place."
She made a noncommittal noise. He trotted up to a small stand offering carrot dogs and oat burgers, but they moved past, deciding the girl deserved a treat. He ended up soon at a place called 'The Eagle's Meow', a griffon eatery. The waitress was a pegasus mare who smiled at them brightly, though some confusion and curiosity played in her eyes. "Table for two?"
Silver nodded, "Please. If you have a private area, I'll take that."
She seemed to check a small board, "Not taken at the moment, but there is an extra twenty percent fee for it." When Silver nodded, she snatched two menus with her wings and led the way. The private area was cozy, with a single low table with four large cushions around it. It was lit by a candle with three tops.
Silver settled onto one of the cushions and shook himself a little. "Ride's over. Take a seat."
Elizabeth dismounted and patted him on the head before moving to sit across from him, "You are a fine steed."
He wasn't sure how to take that, but decided to accept it as a genuine compliment. "This is one of those griffon places I mentioned."
The pegasus, still there, nodded in agreement, "That it is, best in Canterlot!" She offered a menu to each of them, "I suggest the linguine with meatballs, seasonal special."
Silver tilted his head at the pegasus, "How do you... deal with serving so much food you don't eat?"
She wrinkled her nose, "Says who? Just cause ponies don't normally eat it doesn't mean they all can't. Besides, my father's a night guard, like you, with wings. I'll be right back with some water." And she was gone.
Elizabeth looked at her menu curiously a moment, then shrugged, "I'll take what she suggested. Can I have some ice cream after?"
Silver smiled, "My treat, yes. I'm not the human ambassador anymore, but that doesn't mean I stopped caring about my fellow humans."
Elizabeth was easily cheered, "You're the best." She flipped the menu over to where a dessert selection hid and pointed, keeping her finger on it as a reminder. "So why did you become a pony? Will I turn into a pony? I hope it's a pegasus!"
Silver held up a hoof, "A question first. How far along did you see the series?"
"MLP? Uh... I just kinda watched it once in a while..." she confessed guiltily.
Silver huffed, "Alright, so you're flying blind, but you have friends. You will not become a pony unless that's something you really really want and you have to earn it." He waved a hoof, "Nothing wrong with being human. I chose to be a pony, and it's been a long hard trip. It has its perks though."
He pulled out his book of spells just as the pegasus returned. She set out two glasses of water and a large pitcher, "Have you decided what you want to order today?"
Elizabeth eagerly ordered her pasta dish, which Silver echoed. It'd been a while since he had the dish, and he looked forward to it. The pegasus smiled and departed after that. Elizabeth took up her glass, drinking deeply a moment before she looked over Silver, "Unicorn huh? Can you do spells?"
Silver tapped the book he had pulled out, "Exactly why I took this out." He flipped through it with his magic, looking for the less offensive spells he had tucked in there. Ah, there was one, one of Trixie's. He played the magic quickly and small fireworks exploded around him harmlessly as a short introductory blare of music played on instruments that were not there.
Elizabeth clapped her hands, a sound he hadn't heard in a while, "Is that your specialty? Are you like Tricky?"
Tricky? Oh... "Trixie is my adoptive mother, actually. I copied her spell." He stuck out his tongue suddenly, "I'm a boy pony, so I blow more things up."
She rolled her eyes, "Boys."
He grinned at her, "I'm joking around. My cutie mark isn't an explosion."
She leaned off to the side, peering at his scribble of a cutie mark, "What is it?"
Silver tapped at his book, "I make spells. Combining them is fun and fast, but new ones I can do too, but those take a lot longer. The best part is, once I make the spell, other unicorns can use them."
"That's really handy," she agreed. "What do you think my cutie mark'd be?"
Silver shrugged, "I don't know you near well enough. Humans don't have any, and we manage just fine."
Their meal arrived, a large plate with a generous portion on each. Silver made a note to frequent this place more often as they began to eat happily. If nothing else, having another human around was fun, even if she was a bit young.
After the meal was complete, Elizabeth gladly took her position atop Silver and was borne from the shop. As soon as they were a small distance from the shop, she leaned forward and whispered into a tufted ear, "Why were they staring at me?"
Silver hadn't noticed. Since becoming a pony entirely, those sorts of stares had stopped. "Well you are the only human."
Elizabeth frowned a little, "Really the only one?"
Silver shrugged as he moved through the streets, "Besides Jake? You met him, right? He's the only other one I know of."
Elizabeth made a face, "He's kind of weird..." She clutched at his shoulders, "Are they always going to stare?"
Silver considered this heavily, "Well... you get used to it..."
Elizabeth raised a hand, making quotes with it, "Like you 'got used' to it, Mister Pony? So what's it like, you know, being all fuzzy."
Silver was in the unique position to describe the difference, so he thought back on his bare skin days. "Warmer, itchier. Not as sensitive to light touches. It's very comfy, doubly so if you're sharing with someone, er, somepony. Getting used to hooves took a lot longer, until I could use magic."
Elizabeth tapped on his back, drumming with her fingers, "Do pegasi get magic?"
Silver shook his head, "They can't make things float or cast spells. They can fly and manipulate clouds. Earth ponies are tough and strong."
Elizabeth gave a soft nod, "But a unicorn could cast a wing spell, right?"
Silver nodded hesitantly, "With enough practice? That's not an easy spell."
She brushed one of his ears, making it twitch, "You could cast it if you wanted to, right?"
Silver shook his head at the ticklish sensation, "I suppose. I haven't tried it."
"It's settled then," she said with an air of finality.
Silver swiveled an ear back to her, "What is?"
They had arrived at the castle and the guards nodded at him. He marched past them towards the dining area, hoping he was in time to catch one of the princesses.
Celestia was there, to his relief. She was enjoying a snack by herself, but looked up towards them as they entered. "Ah, I see you've found our newest guest. Hello little human. Is your name Elizabeth?"
"It is, but won't be," she said as she hopped down from Silver.
Celestia raised a brow, "What do you mean by that?"
Silver put two and two together and moved between Elizabeth and Celestia, "Don't even think about it! You're too young to be making that kind of decision."
She put her hands on her hips, "You're going to tell my mom on me? She isn't here!" She looked to Celestia with a frown, "Can you send me home?"
Celestia shook her head, "We have not determined where your 'home' is, nor how to reach it. You are welcome in my kingdom as long as you are respectful of its laws."
Elizabeth made a soft pained noise, but troopered on, "Will I ever get home? Be honest."
Celestia glanced around a moment, caught off-guard.
Silver spoke up, "Maybe. Twilight's working on it."
Elizabeth looked to Silver, then smiled, "You're nice, but I'm asking the princess there." She pointed at Celestia.
Celestia looked at the small human, "I cannot guarantee it. As Silver Stars said, Twilight is researching the event. What can I do to ease your transition?"
Elizabeth stomped a foot, "Besides sending me home?" She aborted the conversation, moving to the table and flopping into one of the chairs. She looked comically small in the chair, made for full ponies to sit on with their whole body.
Celestia looked back to Silver with a raised brow, "What did she mean to ask me, before you stopped her?"
Silver glanced at Elizabeth, then back at Celestia. "It's not obvious? She wants to do what I did. What if you find a way back tomorrow, and now she's a pony and stuck here? What would we even do then? She's way too young."
Celestia tilted her head a little, "How old are you, Elizabeth?"
Elizabeth frowned, "Fourteen." Silver had been off by a year. He felt proud for being that close to target.
Celestia looked Elizabeth over, "And humans do not have cutie marks, is this correct?"
Elizabeth shook her head, "I don't have any fancy marks on my butt."
Celestia raised a hoof, "By Equestrian law, you do not qualify to be an adult. You are not old enough to be declared such because you do not have a profession. As a visiting species, we would normally defer to their customs..." She glanced at Silver.
Silver shook his head quickly, "She's two years young for even getting a temporary job in most places, four years for adulthood."
Celestia tapped her chin, "But that makes her a minor. We cannot have a foal without parents. Elizabeth, would you object to some ponies watching over you while you remain in Equestria?"
Elizabeth made a face of displeasure before she shook her head, "They'd just stare at me and talk behind my back! I'd be 'that human girl'." She crossed her arms, "This sucks."
Celestia pointed at Silver, "What if he was the one to watch you?"
Silver flinched even as she brightened, "He treats me like a person. We had ice cream." As if ice cream was proof of awesome parenting, she looked sold. "He can be my dad until you figure out how to get us back. Then I'll go back to my regular folks."
Silver's ears pinned back, but he couldn't think of who else to hoist this responsibility on. Jake? He shuddered to imagine.
Celestia nodded her head, "Silver, fetch Night Watch. I know you two aren't 'official', but you may as well be, and she will undoubtedly assist you in this task."
Silver fled from the room, partially hoping that Night would think of a way free of this predicament.
As soon as Silver wasn't in sight, Elizabeth smiled at Celestia, "I don't look like Silver's kid."
"Foal," corrected Celestia, "And no, you do not."
"People will stare," said Elizabeth, "I won't be able to do anything. I'm gonna miss sooo much school! I can't show up like this to a pony school!"
"What are you proposing?" asked Celestia.
Elizabeth gave her best innocent smile, "I want to be like Silver, all fuzzy and with a horn and magic and stuff."
Celestia shook her head, "You are not old enough yet to request that."
Elizabeth waved a hand with exasperation, "You're being mean! I don't want to be the only girl in the entire world! You can do it, right? You did it for Silver, please?"
Celestia didn't bother bringing up that a different alicorn had done Silver. "Very well, but should we discover your home, we will restore you to your birth form, and send you to your original parents."
Elizabeth grinned with triumph before consciousness fled her under Celestia's gentle magic.
Silver soon returned with not only Night Watch, but Luna, who had been with her.
Luna looked around the room, "I see no human child."
Celestia indicated the brown and cream-dappled unicorn filly. She was only slightly smaller than Silver, lacking the subtle enhancements of Luna's night magic, and having no cutie mark. She was sleeping.
Silver sagged in defeat, "You didn't... I was only gone for like five minutes, tops!"
Celestia shook her head, "It is temporary, until the way to your homeland is discovered. She insisted to appear as your daughter."
Luna extended a wing towards the unconscious pony, "She does not appear so. He is clearly influenced by the night, while she is not. Ponies will notice."
Celestia raised a brow, "It is hardly unique for lunar ponies to not always breed true."
Luna shook her head, "He is the first. There has not been time for his blood to thin yet. This is easy to solve. I will bring her into Silver's herd properly." She exposed long fangs.
Celestia flinched, uncomfortable with this aspect of her sister. "If you think it proper..."
Silver let out a soft sigh, "Probably for the best. She'll get upset if we tell her she's a forced vegetarian."
Celestia rose to her hooves to depart, "I need to rest." As true as her desire to simply not be present while Luna worked her blood magic. She was soon gone, leaving them to some semblance of privacy.
Night looked down at the filly, "She's adorable... but I admit I assumed my first filly would be smaller."
Luna tilted her head, "Fate has dealt us a different hand, and we will rise to it and take advantage of it. Silver, lock the doors."
Silver's horn shone as he quickly locked all the doors leading to the dining room.
Luna smiled, "My sister has given our herd a new member."
Silver flipped his ears back, "She's still a kid. I'm not breeding her."
Luna waved a hoof, "I did not request this. She will be your foal, as my sister ordained. Our foal. By the time a way is found to your world, she may wish to remain with us. You will protect and guide her, nothing more."
Silver nodded, "I can, and will, do that. She deserves someone to watch over her."
Luna suddenly struck. Elizabeth jerked in her sleep, but did not rouse from the slumbering spell upon her. In turn they all tasted of her. Night licked over her fangs, "Doesn't she need a turn?"
Luna frowned, "That may upset her... I have an alternative plan." She fetched a water carafe from the table and casually upturned it, making a mess of water. "I will take some from each of you." Silver and Night nodded, though uncertain what 'some' was. It became clear when the carafe filled with three subtly different colors of red. Luna gave it a slow shaking to mix it together, then her horn glowed, making the whole thing look like a sugary drink instead of its macabre reality. "The shock is removed!" Looking quite proud of herself, she dropped a straw into it and gently nudged Elizabeth awake.
She woke with a start, blinking and looking around, "Where's Celestia? Hey Silver, uh, dad?"
Silver smiled, "I suppose I am a dad... For now. Princess Luna got you a drink."
Luna held up the carafe that looked like fruit punch, "A celebration, to the newest member of the herd."
She laughed at that, "Oh man, it's like the internet all over again." She made clumsy quotes with her hooves, "Welcome to the herd." She took the straw in muzzle and began slurping it down quickly. Its magically enhanced flavor was sugary, and she approved, draining half of it before she sat back, "Feel funny..."
Her change was rapid, gaining the tufts on her ears, slit eyes, and fangs in short order. She noticed the fangs first, opening her mouth and trying to look at the odd things that filled up so much room in there.
Night smiled gently, "Welcome to the darkness. We are all of the night, and now, so are you."
"Cool!" She exclaimed, "Am I a vampire? Do I suck blood?"
Silver cocked a brow, "Why didn't I think to ask that?"
Luna snorted softly, "No to both of those. Blood drinking is a very special thing, for family, not for nutrition or predation."
Night held up a hoof, "But you are now a proud member of the omnivore club."
"Omniwhat?" Elizabeth asked before tapping the ground with a hoof, "Almost forgot. My name isn't Elizabeth anymore, that's a stupid pony name. I will be--"
"Mistress Longfang Shadow the Third," declared Elizabeth proudly.
Night burst into a snicker, "There is no way you can take that for a name."
Elizabeth frowned, "It's my name! I can take what I want!"
Luna held up a hoof, "Let there be peace. A proper name has, traditionally, two parts. Why not share the last name of your adoptive father? Stars is a fine name."
Elizabeth was waving her head around, "How does this thing work?"
Silver gave a nervous smile, "That will take practice, but I'll help. After we get your name, and you can walk across the room without tripping."
Feeling rebellious, she began to walk. Four legs looks much simpler from the outside, and soon she was face first onto the wet spot on the carpet. "Yuck, what is this?"
Luna gave a soft sigh, "Just water, rise."
Elizabeth got up to her haunches, then pointed at Silver, "Fine, Night Stars, because I'm of the night!"
Night smiled a little, "That is a very appropriate choice. Now you are named and appear as our child."
Silver shook his head slowly, "You may live to regret this decision. You could have lived here in comfort with a nice pony couple."
Stars grinned, "What, are you two not a happy couple?"
Luna gestured to the east, "Methinks he refers to our trip. We travel to exotic lands soon, and there will be danger."
Stars only looked more delighted, "I get to go on a for-real adventure? Awesome! That's gonna be way more fun than school."
Silver approached her, doing a slow circle, "I don't want a girl getting hurt following me. That's..."
Stars frowned at him, "What, think a 'girl' can't keep up?"
Silver blinked, "What? No." He pointed at Night and Luna, "These two are the bosses of my life. Equestria is ruled by mares."
Stars wheeled on him, "Then I am your boss too, 'cause I am a mare."
Night rolled her eyes, "You're his daughter, he's still the boss, stallion or mare, at least of you. Also you're not a mare yet, you're a filly. No cutie mark, no profession."
Stars took her turn to circle around Silver, "I'm as big as he is!" This was true. They could be siblings more easily than father and daughter.
Luna pointed out, "He is almost triple your age."
Stars looked at Silver with new eyes, "What? You're an old man?"
"Thirty-five is not old!" objected Silver hotly, bristling. "Middle-aged at best."
Stars shook her head, "Ponies age weird..."
Night pointed at Silver, "I don't think he's physically thirty-five. How physically old is he?"
Luna seemed to consider this, "We admit to not selecting a specific age, only to make him young enough to be on the cusp of adulthood and ready to learn magic."
Silver's ears flipped back, "So we're basically the same age? Figures."
Stars rolled her eyes, "Fine then, 'dad'." She snorted at the title, "Or should that be bro?"
Night looked to Luna, "Does this work into your designs?"
Luna smiled, some plot brewing in her eyes, "In due time. For now, yes, Night Stars. I would prefer, in private, you to consider me as your mother. You may regard Night, in private, however you wish. He is too young to be your father. In public, listen to what he says. He has your best interest in mind."
Silver looked displeased at having his authority cut off so soon, but the expression soon faded, "Then you'll be taking over her instruction?"
Luna shook her head, "Perish the thought. You are a human as well. Your experience with how to learn to be a unicorn will be most helpful. I want you at her side at all times of the day."
Silver huffed softly, but nodded, "For now, I'm ready to retire."
Luna turned to depart herself, "Night court needs to begin. I will see you all later, my family." She trotted off with a pleased expression.
Night watched her go, then looked back to the other two. She leaned in towards Silver, "Sixty percent chance she's hoping you'll jump on this new mare."
Silver paled a little in his nose, "She's not an adult, even by Equestrian standards."
Stars had better hearing than expected, "I'm not big enough to give him a ride."
Silver went beet red and silent.
Night looked over Stars, "What he said is quite true. So long as you lack a cutie mark, there is little to immediately concern us."
Stars looked back at her blank, if dappled, flank, "So how do I get one of those again? Can Luna or Celestia give me one?"
Night shook her head, "It comes by learning what your natural talent is. You may get it while learning to be a unicorn."
Stars looked thoughtful, "I like drawing."
Silver huffed, "And yet you choose to become a fingerless pony?"
Stars lashed out a hoof, though her strike had little force behind it, "Shut up! I'll use magic! Show me how!"
Night rose and led the way, "Let's show you your room." They retreated through the halls, soon arriving at a small bedroom close to Luna's quarters. Stars immediately zipped over to the one bed present and claimed it by flopping onto it.
Night raised a brow at her, "We share that, just to warn."
Stars burrowed under the blanket, "Why is there only one?" came her muffled voice.
Silver put a fetlock over his eyes a moment, "Because we are mates, married. We do adult things."
Stars popped her head free and frowned, "You two have sex?"
Silver was stunned for a moment before realizing the internet ruined innocence quickly. "Uh, yes..."
Stars wrinkled her nose, "You're not doing that while I'm here. I'm not watching two horses go at it, yuck."
Night glanced between them, "She is very informed for a filly, though you should avoid using the term 'horse' as a comparison, unless describing raw strength or power. They are very large and powerful creatures, but slow of mind."
Silver offered, "Imagine being called a chimp or an ape back home?"
Stars gave a slow nod, "OK." Then she frowned, "Still calling dibs."
Night approached the bed and casually stepped up onto it, flopping down beside Stars, "It's large enough to share."
Silver moved to do the same thing, only for Stars to move with surprising rapidness, blocking his advances. "She can stay, we're both girls. Girls and boys shouldn't be sharing beds unless they're doing it."
Silver frowned, "This was my bed first. This isn't how you repay my kindness."
Stars stuck out her tongue, "You can have it tomorrow, we'll rotate."
Defeated, Silver sank just at the front of the bed. Fatigue demanded he sleep, so he did.
Stars perked an ear at Night, "Is he asleep?"
Night leaned forward a little, looking him over, "Seventy-five percent chance. Nothing will wake him unless it is very loud or shakes him."
Stars indicated towards him with her horn, "Is he really an adult?"
Night nodded, "Absolutely. Why?"
Stars flopped onto the soft bedding a moment, then looked to Night, "Do you two have any other kids?"
Night blinked, "We do not have any goats."
Stars frowned a little, "No, little ponies. Foals!"
Night patted her belly, "On the way, but not yet."
Stars blinked, "No. Way." She scooted closer and put an ear up to Night's belly quickly, but it was far too early to hear anything. "But I'm still first." She frowned, "Changed my mind. I'll be First Star."
Night raised a brow, "You can't keep changing your name."
First crossed her forelegs, "Last time, promise."
Night nodded and leaned over, biting First's ear softly in her fanged teeth, "Please don't torture Silver too much. He's a good pony, and just wants to be loved."
First looked confused, "Well, OK... I'll hug him when he wakes up if that's what he wants." She curled up in place beside Night, and was out almost instantly. It had been a long day.
Night settled, watching over her grown family curiously for a time. She joined First in slumber, though it was a light nap. She awoke a few minutes later and crept from the room, seeking out Luna.
Night Court was thankfully sparse in population that evening. Night Watch easily strolled up to Luna's side and seated herself, looking official. She whispered softly, "Are you certain this is a good idea?"
Luna glanced towards her with her eyes, but kept her head directed at the supplicants attending court. She responded silently with her mental voice, ~To what do you refer?~
~The filly. He is aware what you hope to do with her, but she is just that, a filly. That he knows her as a human 'child' won't make it easier.~ She adjusted her glasses nervously. ~Celestia may also object if she's fat with foal when it's time to return her.~
Luna huffed indignantly, ~All in due time. She is, as you said, a filly. They will bond as she learns to be more than that. I have learned my lesson. I will not push. I will trust them to either be drawn together, or not, by the time she has earned her cutie mark. Do you agree with my thinking?~
Night was comforted by the question, ~As long as we don't push them, and it is their decision, I agree. Did you talk to your sister about this? I mean, turning her into a pony in the first place.~
~Nay. We are as surprised as you to see Celestia do such a thing.~ Luna paused as she answered a question out loud concerning a night-time entertainment building, a 'nightclub', as Luna was learning. ~She was very critical of our changing Silver. My guess is that she hides behind the fact that she believes it temporary.~
Night gained the shadow of a smile before she could fight it away, ~And you swooped in and claimed her for the herd. You act quickly.~
Luna replied, ~It was a unique opportunity. Now we have two lunar unicorns of prime age, at least once she has earned her mark. I was sorely tempted to request a viewing of her soul, to learn where we should press to learn her talents, but that is another lesson hard-earned. We do not need another human's cluttered mind, even a young one.~
Night looked over the loose gathering of ponies as she thought, ~All lunar unicorns are humans, so far. That will be a curious heritage to look back on, years from now. Lunar pegasi were ponies, right?~
Luna nodded, looking attentive to the current discussion, ~They were. Dear friends, lost to the ages while I slumbered on the moon. It pleases me that their children live on, and are such fine ponies.~ Night could feel the affection radiating across the mental bridge, and was satisfied for the time.
~One thing,~ spoke Night Watch in their minds, ~she has taken the name First Star.~
~A fitting title for one who may yet be first of many more,~ agreed Luna, seeming pleased.
Silver trotted through the city, with an equal-sized pony beside him. He glanced sideways at First, "You sure you don't want to go to school?"
First snorted, "Has it been that long since you were in one? I'm not in a hurry. What would pony school teach anyway, how to chew oats?"
Silver let out an exasperated sigh, "Well come on, we're teaching you something." He turned off the road into Meadow's gym. There were about six ponies already inside, making use of the facilities. His expression brightened when he saw Tumble was one of them trotting heavily on a treadmill.
Silver raised a hoof at him, "Hey Tumble! Good to see you up and about."
Tumble stumbled at his voice, turning his head about until he spotted Silver, "Hey! ... Did you get another one?" he asked, staring at First.
First tilted her head at him, "I'm his sister."
Silver hesitated with surprise, which was already too long. Tumble nodded, "Oh yeah, you two do look alike. What brings you this way?"
Silver shook himself out, "We're looking for Meadow, for a workout. I meant it though." He smiled, "You look better already, outside, with ponies."
Meadow seemed to appear out of nowhere, popping up beside First, "Who's this pretty filly?"
First tried to jump back, and ended up flopping over as Silver had done many times. Silver moved around her, "This is First Star. I was hoping you could train both of us."
First climbed back to her hooves, "Who are you?"
Meadow Leaper pointed at himself, "Me? Meadow Leaper! I run this place, and show ponies how to move their flanks. And you're my newest client." He circled around her, looking her over intently.
She blushed brightly, "Why are you looking at me like that?"
He pointed at her with a hoof, "You look like you have all the parts in the right place, we just have to show you how to use them. This way," He began to lead her away, leaving Silver and Tumble behind.
Silver hopped up onto the treadmill beside Tumble and soon had it rolling underneath him, keeping him at a steady trot. "Meadow made a nice place for himself, yeah?"
"Yeah," replied Tumble, seeming to face forward pointedly. "You were right, this place does help."
Silver nodded as he used a silvery hand to make his go a little faster, testing himself. "A little movement can help shake loose the cobwebs. So... how's work?"
Tumble frowned, "Not so good. Stupid changelings are chasing away business."
Silver winced, of course... "Well, you know how to drive now, right? Why not, say, delivery?"
"Delivery?" asked Tumble, peeking at Silver before looking straight forward again, "What do you mean?"
Silver shrugged, "Don't any big trucks go from city to city? How do they move big heavy things that a pegasus couldn't carry?"
Tumble frowned thoughtfully, "I don't... think so..." He glanced sideways at Silver again, "You did it again."
Silver blinked, looking at Tumble with less shyness, "Did what?"
Tumble snorted loudly, "Ideas! You keep coming up with ideas!"
Silver wasn't sure how to explain he was just saying what came obviously as a product of his civilization, so he shrugged, "Just comes to me. So... you going to be the first?"
Tumble raised a shaggy brow, "Do you think I could?"
Silver smiled, "Of course! And the changelings wouldn't be competition for that."
Tumble looked thoughtful as he ran along, and the two fell into a companionable silence. He broke it first with a musing, "Getting a big truck isn't free."
Silver almost asked if he could ask his family for help, but remembered how unlikely that was. "How much would it be?"
Tumble frowned, "I'll have to ask around... Wish I had the one you gave me before. That woulda been perfect."
Seeing Tumble's spirits sag, Silver spoke quickly, "I'll help! I mean, I'm not rich, but being a Night Guard isn't a volunteer position. I can help with a down payment?"
Meadow appeared suddenly, as is his habit, "Down payment on what?"
Silver stumbled, falling and being carried by the treadmill right to the ground in a pile. "Meadow! You... amazing stallion! How do you do that?"
Tumble answered Meadow, "We wanted to get a truck, to do deliveries between cities, for money, be the first, uh, inter-city, delivery company."
Meadow brightened, "They don't already do that? I'll help with that! I'll send some letters out to the pals from school. I bet they'll help too."
Silver recovered from his fall and stepped back onto the traitorous treadmill, resuming his pace, "See, you have friends, Tumble."
Tumble looked happy, a sort of uncertain happy. "I don't even know what to say... Thanks, both of you."
Meadow looked to Silver, "No problem, hey, First is doing some laps. How hard do you want me to be with her? She's just as bad as you were when you started, worse even. It's like she wasn't even born a pony or something."
Silver gave a nervous laugh, "Yeah... feels like that. Be firm, but don't break her. She's still a filly."
Meadow snorted, "She's the same size as you. She just has to find her cutie mark. Maybe she'll find it in the gym? That'd be pretty awesome! By the way, are you two really sibs? She doesn't talk like you at all, and she doesn't talk about you like a sister."
Silver tilted his head at Meadow. That stallion was more perceptive than he gave credit for. "She was adopted into my herd, you know, extended family?"
Meadow nodded once firmly, "That makes more sense. She's a little firecracker! Glad you didn't teach her magic yet. Uh oh, she's almost done, bye!" And he galloped off.
Silver stepped off his treadmill and shook out, "Tumble, when Meadow's done, can you ask him to walk First back up to the castle?"
"Sure thing," he said, still trundling along.
Silver slipped out of the gym and went for a walk. A treadmill was nice and all, but actual movement had that something... extra. His content walking was disturbed by a glint from directly beside him. He quickly leaped aside as an earth pony lunged out into the space he had been. He glanced around, realizing he had wandered into a side road between the main thoroughfares.
The earth pony was flanked by two unicorns. "We haven't forgotten you, 'Ambassador'," came a voice from above. Silver peeked up to see a pegasus hovering there with a malicious look. "You've made fools of better ponies one too many times."
The earth pony stallion charged at him and Silver quickly summoned his hands, burning with the extra power he'd learned to tap from Nightwing. He brought the hand in a crushing slap, knocking the pony aside and sending him into a rough tumble across the ground. Feeling giddy in his victory, however partial, Silver cried, "The night guard won't be beat up that easily."
One of the unicorns lowered her horn at him, playing magic across it. He grabbed for her horn, tugging her by it. The spell fizzled as she gave an almost-bleat, falling forward. Suddenly he was lifted, held in the second unicorn's magic. The pegasus flew up to him, flipping a ring out into her mouth, "Hold still."
Silver played the first spell that came to mind, and illuminated the area in fireworks. Thinking they were far more dangerous than they were in reality, the pegasus veered away from him. The first unicorn had regained her stance and scowled at Silver, sending a quick horn blast into his belly. He grunted and wriggled his hovering hooves in the air. That hurt more than he gave it credit for on the show.
The second unicorn suddenly released him, letting him topple from the air onto the ground in a heap. The earth pony, having recovered from his fall, was on Silver in a flash, driving his hooves into exposed ribs, "We own this city!" he shouted, "You stay out of our way!" The pony rose a hoof to strike again, but Silver played a defensive spell. His hoof struck the brightly-glowing silver sphere, and his sneers turned to screams as his foreleg exploded violently on contact. Silver could feel the power within him being drawn almost as abruptly away, fueling the destructive magic as it incapacitated his attacker.
Silver rolled up to his hooves, "You can surrender now. Celestia is well-known for her mercy." The pegasus pointed at him frantically and the two unicorns nodded. Their magic combined silently, reaching out and ripping his spell apart. The bubble popped and the pegasus dropped, slamming the ring onto his horn with a kiss.
His magic couldn't escape, his horn was useless.
He still had a weapon. He lunged forward, tackling the pegasus out of the air to the ground, then bit into her neck with a ferocity to do any vampire proud. She screamed a wail of utter torment. He could feel her heart thundering under him as he closed his jaws. Suddenly... it stopped. She went slack. Surely he hadn't choked her that quickly? He had no time to consider that as he wheeled around to face the two unicorns, fangs dripping with his recent score.
They took a slow step away from him, eyes wide and full of fear.
"Remove the ring," he ordered in a growl, tail lashing.
The first unicorn's horn glowed, and he could feel the congestion leave him. "Good," he said, "Shall we visit the princess?" They chose to flee instead, running off in two different directions. He decided to leave them be, instead inspecting the two he still had. It only took a moment to confirm the female was quite dead, though he still wasn't sure what killed her. The male was alive, but in shock.
He ran off to get help, holding the stallion up despite the strain of it. The nurses took him away quickly once they arrived at a clinic. "He is not to leave. He is a witness." They rushed to obey, and Silver had a moment to himself, breathing heavily. He had defended himself. He had killed. Still confused as to how exactly he had killed, he returned to the scene of the crime. The body still lay there, cooling and abandoned. He lifted it gently. Pegasi were much lighter than earth ponies.
Not knowing where else to go, he trotted towards the castle with his grizzly prize. The ponies afforded him a wide berth, not wanting to be anywhere near the dead pegasus. When he arrived at the steps, the guards didn't allow him past, "Put that down! What are you thinking?"
Silver glanced around, "I don't know what to do. She attacked me, I defended myself, and now she's dead."
The guards shared a look before one of them trotted to the side of the castle, leading Silver along. They placed the body in a small dark room, "I will summon the doctor. Stay here, you need his attention as much as she does."
Silver sank against a wall, letting all the tension leave him. There would be questions to answer, soon.
The doctor had arrived shortly, looking over the still body of the pegasus and making a few notes before he looked to Silver, who had stood up onto his haunches. The doctor circled him a moment, then twirled a hoof, "Roll over please."
Silver did as he was bidden, and the doctor prodded him lightly, drawing out a faint grunt when he poked a tender spot. "Yes...," said the doctor, then twirled his hoof again, "Present horn."
Silver rolled to his belly and leaned his head for the doctor to see.
The doctor made some more quick notes as he muttered to himself, "Dreadful. You're clear to go."
Silver tilted his head a little, "You're not here to talk about it?"
The doctor raised a brow, "I cure bodies, not minds. Your injuries should sort themselves out in time, nothing serious. The mare is beyond my help. At first examination, I'd say heart attack. You missed any major organs with your bite."
Silver only looked more confused, "What about arteries?"
"What?" replied the doctor, looking baffled.
Silver gestured lamely, "The thing blood goes through?"
He shook his head, "Blood suffuses through the flesh. You really shouldn't try to do a doctor's job for him." He turned and departed quietly, leaving a baffled Silver behind.
Did ponies not have arteries? It did explain how they could just bite each other without worrying about bleeding. What did the heart do? Silver decided to stop trying to argue the logic and biology of this mythical world he had become part of. Silver moved over to the fallen pegasus, pondering the heart attack she apparently suffered.
"She died of fright," came Celestia's voice from behind him. She entered the room, wings unfurled. "You scared her to death."
Silver spun around to face Celestia, and cringed at her unhappy expression, "That wasn't the intention. She was part of a gang of four."
Celestia shook her head, "It has been some time since a pony has taken the life of another in the heat of conflict. I had hoped it would be some time yet." She leveled a gold hoof at Silver, "When guards are outnumbered, do you know what happens?"
Silver looked confused, "They get thrashed?"
Celestia shook her head, "They surrender. Why did you fight them?"
Silver's ears perked, "I always surrender! I'm tired of surrendering!" He stomped a hoof in agitation, "I will not be a punching bag for this world anymore."
Celestia sat, looking down at Silver, "What did you think they would do to you?"
Silver lifted his shoulders, "Two trained unicorns, a leering pegasi, and a brute of an earth pony did not make me confident. The earth pony is alive and in a hospital. We could check with him?"
Celestia raised a fine brow, "How did he end up there?"
Silver glanced around, "You know that shield I showed you? He kind of... punched it."
Celestia developed a new frown, "It is fortunate, for you, he is being helped and has not joined his peer." She leaned closer, "Do not grow used to violence. It can change a pony. I've seen cutie marks reform from darkened hearts, and rarely do they recover." She extended a wing to the fallen pegasus, "It seems you have brought more pain to my little ponies. What am I to do with you?"
Silver huffed, grinding his teeth together a moment, "That's not fair. I was just walking along, minding my business. I treat ponies fairly, help them out however I can. I will not just... accept that I'm bad for defending myself."
Celestia reached for Silver with a wing. Though he shied an inch, he allowed her to brush his face gently with her feathers. It made him sneeze. "You have such a look of innocence when you are pet. You are a troubling mix of traits. You are not wrong. I have watched you be a blessing on your friends and strangers, but you are a terrible scourge on others, sometimes yourself. You are not bad... per se, but you are extreme." She seemed satisfied with the word she had decided on, nodding lightly.
Silver rose and approached Celestia. She did not stop him from nuzzling into her barrel. She sighed softly, "Neither monster nor clean." She wrapped a wing about Silver, holding him, "Protect my sister with your ferocity. Ensure she returns home safely, and I will forgive today."
Silver wrinkled his nose and leaned back a little, though still held in the warm wing, "So I will be your monster?"
Celestia gave a soft nod, "If I can turn you on those that would harm my sister or my ponies, yes. Show them those fangs of yours, and let them know Equestria will not quietly accept their aggression. Do this, and you will be known as a protector, and not a killer."
Silver wasn't entirely sure he liked this side of Celestia, but nodded anyway, "I don't like fighting. It was awful, but I didn't want to lose, or roll over, again."
Celestia raised the wing on Silver, brushing his brown horn, "The doctor said you had a magic neutralizer put on while using a lot of magic. That can strain you in ways that are not immediately obvious, but you weathered it well. How did you get the excess magic free?"
Silver looked confused, "I didn't do much after that. I bit the pegasus after she ringed me, then... you know, she died."
Celestia made the twirling motion the doctor had made, "On your back."
Silver obeyed, rolling over for the sun princess. Thugs in the alleyway were one thing, he mostly trusted Celestia. She placed one hoof on his barrel, pinning him, as she leaned in close to examine his fangs, "I want you to imagine you are biting her, and the emotions you felt while you did so."
Silver tried to obey, working his jaw and thinking about how desperate he was at the time, how much he wanted to stop fighting. He really was scared, though it was buried under adrenaline.
"Stop," said Celestia, rising up. Her hoof remained on his barrel. "I will have to discuss this with Luna, but you appear to have channeled magic through your teeth. She felt your fear, possibly magnified, combined with her own terror at being bitten. It was clearly too much for her." She sighed softly, "My little ponies are timid creatures, though they hide it well. When they see danger, they run. If they cannot run, they surrender and cry. If that doesn't work, sometimes, they give up. My guards have learned to not run so easily, but they too will surrender and cry if it comes to it."
Silver tried to roll up, but the hoof held him down, "Is that what you want? For me to run, or surrender?"
Celestia shook her head, "Neither will help you in Anugypt. Fight. You have found a fire in you, and I will turn it against any that would bring harm to my sister." She held up her other forehoof, "But here, in Canterlot, please. No more killing. Live as a pony."
"Which means run, or surrender," echoed Silver.
"Just so," said Celestia, "if you cannot safely subdue. No more killing."
She withdrew her hoof from him, "Do you still not regret coming here?"
Silver rolled up onto his belly, "I don't. I've found some... satisfaction. Even if confusing and sometimes painful, I have purpose, and family." He smiled at Celestia, "Even you, when you're scowling at me. You are like a judgmental, but loving, grandmother."
Celestia snorted loudly, "But you take my sister as a lover?"
Silver went red and quiet.
Celestia brushed his cheek with a hoof, "I am not blind to the workings within my own castle. I know she has claimed you as her stallion in all but title. That is not very... appropriate of her. She should be tending to your recovery, not your..." She just nodded, "But the results speak well for her. You seem very well embraced with life. I suspect she does not announce your recovery to keep you close at hoof for as long as she can."
Silver perked an ear, "Does that... bother you? This feels more than a bit awkward, talking about this with her sister. I really really don't want to disrespect either of you. You're both amazing mares." He flashed a grin, "If you had approached first, I would have rolled over for you."
Celestia softly snorted, "You are fortunate I don't have another pie. My sister can take whomever she pleases as a lover. I will not stop her from trying to find happiness. Others are more judging, and I understand her hiding. I will turn a blind eye to it, but I felt you should know that I am aware. If you need to speak on it, turn to me, do not wallow alone." She shuddered, "Now, leave. I have to tend to this fallen one..."
Silver did leave, but not before he gave a parting nuzzle to the sister of his herd-mate, "You can talk to me too, if you want. I have an alien perspective, mildly dinged, still works like new." A flash of teeth, then he emerged into the sun of day. He trotted towards the castle proper, mind heavy with thoughts.
~Silver, are you well? I have heard you were in an altercation,~ came Luna's voice.
~I'm fine, mostly. Want to talk about it?~ he replied.
~Come to my quarters. I'm just rousing for the day,~ came her gentle whisper.
Silver made quick progress to the dim quarters of his beloved. He saw more clearly in her room with his new eyes, and beheld that Night Watch was curled beside her. Luna was awake, sitting up and reading a book as magic brought a brush through her flowing mane. Luna smiled on seeing him, and soon he joined her, parking on his belly and facing her.
Silver leaned in to rub noses with her, "What a day."
Luna nodded, "Tell me of it."
Silver did just that, explaining how he planned to help Tumble, of First's gym experience, then his walk and fight with the four ponies. He explained how Celestia said he scared the pony to death.
Luna frowned a little, "This is my fault entirely. I had intended, long ago, for this to be a gift of the lunar tribes, to help them defend the solar tribes and themselves. It bred out as blood thinned, but you are the first of your kind, and the gift is there, intact. You buried that mare in a world of your own design, filled with your insecurities and doubts. She did not survive the experience." Luna tapped the bed she was perched on, "That is not how I intended for you to learn of any gift of mine. I apologize, but I also applaud you. You took on four ponies intent on harming you, and you made them fear you instead. You should be proud."
Silver smiled a little timidly, "I wasn't trying to scare them all, just make them stop fighting. It was over so quickly..." Silver considered a moment, shuffling, "Celestia knows, about us."
Luna frowned sharply. Silver raised his hooves, "She doesn't plan to get in your way. She supports you finding happiness. Please don't confront her about it."
Luna gave a loud snort, "Very well... if our sister is taking our decisions maturely, then we shall as well. Now then, your tale has roused an old fire in me. I will have the company of a true warrior." She turned away from him and presented herself.
Silver roused from his sleep to find Luna pressed nose-to-nose. This pleased him, and he gently rubbed noses with her, only to find he was rubbing noses with Discord instead.
"Good morning," he said, "Was it good for you too?"
Silver scrambled up to his hooves, looking around for the real Luna, or Night Watch, and seeing neither, "Discord? I mean, man, that was kind of rude. I thought we were buds."
Discord rose up fluidly, then began to stretch, "And friends play little jokes. Don't tell me you're a spoilsport."
Silver let out a huff, "Fair enough." He sat on his haunches and looked over Discord, "Sorry, you just woke me up." He felt no lingering anger towards the chaos god. He was doing what he should. "Nice to see you. Where have you been?"
Discord shrugged, "Twilight needed this and that, you know how it is. Look at you!" He pointed at Silver, "Sleeping with one of the princesses, with another mare too. So you do have those urges... So, how was she?"
Silver flushed gently, "She was great, but I don't really want to, you know, kiss and tell?"
"Oh pshaw," laughed Discord, "She has nothing I haven't already seen."
Silver sat up a little, "Bet you never gave her a foal before."
Discord raised a furry brow, "You haven't either."
Silver looked confused, "But... I felt it. It was pretty hard to miss!"
Discord shook his head slowly, "Sorry, m'boy, hate to be the bearer of sad tidings, but Luna does not work that way. Unless you get the full alicorn package, and remain a guy, you are not giving her any foals."
Silver wanted to feel upset, but curiosity was the stronger force, "So, what happened then? Do you know?"
Discord tapped his chin, "She took some of you. I didn't feel anything out of her, so I think she already did something with it." He looked over Silver a moment, "I think I found it."
"Found what?" asked Silver.
"Oh you'll figure it out," assured Discord, "Or not, but telling is boring. So, I heard you've been a very bad pony. Tsk tsk, I really expected better from you." He rubbed one finger against the other in the classic motion of shame.
Silver flipped an ear back, "I was attacked, and defended myself. It's not exactly my fault Luna didn't warn me about killer fangs."
Discord wagged a finger, "Things die when you bite them? When did that start?"
Silver felt aggravated a little and grunted to show it, "I didn't mean to, and you know it."
Discord shrugged softly, "Hey, not my problem. You just stay away from Ponyville."
Silver raised his brows, "I hadn't intended on visiting...?"
Discord nodded, "Good. At least that Jake fellow is harmless. A little clueless, but he couldn't hurt a fly. You, my friend, are dangerous. You think dangerously, and now you're living dangerously."
Silver rose to his hooves and stretched out, "I'm still just me. I'm just less of a pushover." He flopped onto his side, "So, want to hang out today?"
And so they did, playing Equestrian version of boardgames he knew. They were eerily familiar, including one that hadn't even bothered to change names, Apples to Apples. Several hours had passed in relative peace and shared, if slightly odd-tasting and conjured, tea. Discord checked a watch he hadn't been wearing before, "Oh look at the time. I really should be off. We should definitely do lunch some time. Oh, good luck with that other human. She was making eyes with the sports pony." Before Silver could ask about any of that, Discord was gone, leaving a tray of cookies behind.
The cookies proved to each have a different taste, but they were all good tastes, so Silver accepted the gift with a smile and some crunching. Snack enjoyed, Silver rose to wander the castle, wondering where First Star had run off to, or Night Watch. Looking out the window he could see it was still dark, so he guessed Luna was in court, and perhaps Night was with her. He sped up to find out, nudging open the door to see Luna seated in deliverance of a stern talking. The target of the dressing down was a unicorn stallion that kept adjusting his bowtie.
Silver looked around for Night and found her lurking in the mid-back, watching him in return. They exchanged a smile, and he moved to join her. "Hey." He went to smooch her on the cheek but she gently rebuffed him.
"On duty," she reminded, "But it's nice to see you."
Silver nodded in kind, "When do you get off?"
Night glanced towards the windows, "Another hour. Want to do breakfast?"
Silver smiled brightly, "I would be delighted." He paused then, "Am I under any kind of house arrest?"
Night shook her head, "Not that I'm aware of." She took a moment to adjust her glasses, "I would hope they'd tell me about that kind of thing. You're as free as a bird. See you in an hour in the dining hall." She nudged him with a wing, sending him on his way.
Silver trotted out into the halls and turned a corner to spy the other mare, er, filly he had on his mind. First Star was gazing at a painting that was hanging on the wall, showing Celestia reclining in a very Victorian-like painting. First looked enraptured with it, licking her lips and staring without moving.
Silver began to step towards her when he noticed movement. His eyes dropped to her flank where a picture frame faded into being. Was it going to be that easy for her? He felt just a little jealous, but suppressed that emotion to approach her, "Hey, First! What's on your mind?"
First jumped in place before looking at Silver, then pointing at the painting, "I was just admiring this picture. Look at it..." she began going into the artistic technique used and what the artist may have meant or been thinking about while drawing it, "Celestia's more white than this. She looks almost pink..." she kept going on and on, describing the picture and its making with seemingly endless energy. "I really like it," she concluded.
Silver pointed down at her flank, "I think you more than like it."
First Star glanced back and hopped to her hooves, almost doing a circle in place trying to get a good look at it, "I did it! Wait, what'd I do? I don't get it! It's just a frame. I don't even see a picture in it."
Silver reached a hoof to steady her, "I think you're an art critic. You can analyze art really well. I didn't know half the things you were going on about or how you noticed the other half."
First tilted her head a little, "Can I get a job doing that?"
Silver shrugged, "Knowing that Quills and Sofas exist, I'm certain there's room for anypony. If nothing else, you could work at an art gallery, explaining pieces to ponies. I bet that pays well."
First clopped her hooves together, "Ooo, or I could teach an art class in college or something!"
Silver shook his head, "They don't have that kind of college here, but you could offer classes on your own, sure. Hay, you could do both." He was suddenly bowled over as First pounced him.
"Thanks, you're the best!" He got a smooch for his trouble, but she ran off after that in an excited gallop.
Silver rolled back up to his hooves in time for her to come rushing back in, "Hey! I forgot to bug you about magic. I've got a cutie mark, so no more excuses. Magic me."
Silver looked over the filly, er, was she a mare now? Close. She didn't get a job yet... "Well, I have no objection to a lesson or two, so come here, sit, and listen." He began going over the basics of using a horn much like Trixie had with himself. He explained how it should feel from a human perspective, which seemed to help, and soon her horn was glowing proudly with her burgundy-shaded magic. "Great job! Now you just have to keep practicing that for a while, say... until the end of the week."
She frowned, but kept glowing, "Why so long?"
Silver rolled a hoof, "Being able to push magic through your horn is the most basic, but important, skill, and there are two parts. This is the first one, and how you get raw power through there. You have to have it down before we move on. I'm not jerking you around, promise."
"You better not be," warned First. "Oh I'm going on a date with Leaper, K?" she rose up and moved to walk away as if she had said nothing.
Silver raised a hoof quickly, "Hold your horses!"
"Ha ha," she said, rolling her eyes.
"Seriously," insisted Silver, "A date? I mean, you can do that, I guess, but no, uh, sex, please?"
She wrinkled her nose, "You're not my boss!"
Silver sighed softly, "I'm not trying to be a random bossy adult. You like him, great, but get to know the guy first? You'll have plenty of--" He suddenly had a hoof shoved in his mouth.
First Star scowled at him, holding the hoof there, "I wasn't planning on it. Stop assuming I don't know anything! Jeeze. I'll be home before nine, bro." She withdrew her hoof and stood up, "Thanks for the lesson!" And off she went.
Silver rubbed his cheek a moment, missing the innocent human girl that rode his back such a short time ago. It had felt good being a knight for her, but she was adapting to Equestria faster than he had, and was in no shape to be given rides anymore. With a soft snort, he pressed on. After he passed two solar guards standing at attention, a faint whisper caught a sensitive ear.
"There he is, the throat-tearer."
"Did he really kill a pony?"
"With his bare teeth. He took on four ponies on his own without a scratch."
"And they just let him roam the halls?"
Silver soon walked out of range of them, but felt... "Damn it." He sat on his haunches and raised a hoof, poking one of his sharp teeth. "I don't want ponies to fear me."
Twilight's voice echoed from down the hall, "Then why did you become a bat pony?"
Silver looked up to see Twilight approaching with a smile. He tilted his head at her, "My favorite book horse, hi! But I'm not a bat. I don't even have wings."
Twilight leaned left, then right, "I suppose that's true." She lifted him bodily, wrapped in her pink magic, "Wings or not, I have studying to do."
Silver wriggled a bit, but was held securely, "Um, Twilight? Why are you carrying me away?"
Twilight walked along, carrying him along in her pink magic, "I need to examine you. You don't mind, do you?"
Silver shook his head, "I would be lying to myself if I said I'd object to spending time with you, Twilight, but you could... ask?" He played a spell over his horn, and the magic around him wobbled dangerously.
Twilight peeked over her shoulder, "You didn't cast that correctly." Then she continued along. He was being kidnapped by Twilight Sparkle. On one level, horrifying, on another, exciting. He decided to opt for exciting and let her carry him where she wanted to. He doubted she wanted to do him harm.
Silver was floated along as Twilight descended some steps, her wings fluttering lightly. She broke the silence, "I was very surprised when Luna gave leave to fully examine you. Celestia and Luna had been adamant about leaving you alone until now."
Silver felt less certain of his safety, but tried to have faith in his favorite librarian, "Hey, uh, I never got the chance to thank you much for the work you did for me in Manehattan."
Twilight waved a hoof dismissively, "No need to be sarcastic, I was in a rush."
Silver's ears fell, "I meant it. You took time out of your day to give it a shot, and everything worked out in the end."
Twilight paused in her advance, looking up at Silver, then continued forward, "They were right, you can compete with Fluttershy. I did very rough work that day and shouldn't be thanked for it." She pressed on a brick and the wall slid open where there was no door, permitting access to what appeared to be a dungeon, with more scientific equipment in it. She moved Silver onto an examination table and quickly had his hooves strapped in, "Comfy?"
Silver shook his head, "Would you be upset if I said not really?"
Twilight nudged the door shut then circled around Silver, "It's for your own safety. Now, let us review the given facts, and you can interrupt me if I'm wrong. You were born a human. You appreciated our culture through the limited view offered by your entertainment media. You are now a pony." She hiked a brow, "You are very sexually active."
Silver interrupted with a huff, "With only a select few. I'm not running around looking for mares."
Twilight waved a hoof lightly, "Most stallions settle for one mare, Mister Lining."
Silver flushed softly, "Silver Stars."
Twilight raised a brow, "Huh, I'll have to update my documents." And papers lifted from her saddlebag as she got right to work updating his name. "Now where were we. Ah, right, sexually active. You have a lopsided grasp of magic."
Silver tilted his head at her, "What do you mean?"
Twilight nodded her head, "How many spells have you created?"
Silver considered, "Entirely new, or new combinations?"
Twilight wobbled a hoof, "Good enough answer, now show me the magic alphabet."
Silver ran through the symbols, but was actually worse than his best, having long ago given up on the effort.
Twilight nodded, "I rest my case. Do you know how many spells I have created?"
Silver raised his brows, "A lot?"
Twilight thrust a hoof in the air, "One, and it was already mostly written for me."
Silver began to worry anew, "Are you, uh, I mean... I'm not trying to show off."
Twilight approached him from the side and lightly poked, "I'm not jealous. I'm curious! There's a lot about you I want to know about. So, are you a 'brony' as Jake self-identifies as?"
Silver nodded lightly, "The term fits well enough, as silly as it sounds when you're actually a pony."
Twilight nodded, making a scribble, "Who is best pony?"
Silver squinted. He decided Jake must have told her about that meme, and silently cursed his name. "You were always my favorite of the mane six."
Twilight flashed a smile, "You're just saying that!"
Silver shook his head, "I always identified with you, and your eager absorption of knowledge, and some of your, uh, social awkwardness."
Twilight snorted softly, "I do not have social awkwardness."
Silver didn't argue it, watching her silently from his prone position.
Twilight continued, "I would have thought you would have said Fluttershy. You have many traits in common with her. Acceptance of unacceptable behavior, extreme introversion, a massive desire to avoid conflict of any kind."
Silver grew warm and red as she spoke, wriggling, "Those are not traits I value, at least, not entirely. Your traits, for the most part, I do value."
Twilight tapped her chin softly a moment, "Fair enough." She spread her wings, "So you know how I got these?"
Silver nodded, "You finished the old spell from Star Swirl, undid the mixed-up cutie marks, and got destroyed. Celestia put you back together, with wings, and sent you back."
Twilight raised a brow, "That's a very condensed version, but essentially correct." She paced around Silver slowly, "If you knew all about me, and my friends, why didn't you approach us when you had the opportunity?"
Silver shrugged as best he could with his hooves still strapped down, "I was trying to respect you. You were living your own lives. Heck, you were in the middle of one of your adventures at the time and I didn't want to mess it up."
Twilight raised a brow, "Are we still living out the stories you saw?"
Silver shook his head, "Your defeat of Tirek was the last thing I knew for certain. I have no idea what's going to happen."
Twilight reared up, placing her forehooves on the edge of the table Silver was strapped to, "Fascinating! Now hold still a moment." She brought down what looked like a huge version of the colander with christmas lights she used on Pinkie Pie and lowered it to hover just above Silver's body.
She sat down and directed a beam of power at a curious-looking terminal nearby. The christmas lights began to flash and blink as Silver saw it emit Twilight's magic over him. He began to tingle and feel warm, but could do little about it. "So..." he began, "What are you looking for?"
Twilight gestured at the terminal, "I'm seeing how much human is left in you."
Silver raised a brow, "I can't imagine much, physically."
"Why theorize when we can just see?" countered Twilight with a patient smile. She walked over to the terminal, eyeing the squiggly lines and characters spilling out of it. "I must confess, I find it odd that you fit in as well as you do."
Silver snorted softly at that, "You must not be in touch with the going-ons. I've not had an easy time of it. Hay, just before you got here, I was mugged by four violent ponies... I... kinda killed one of them."
Twilight's wings ruffled lightly, but she didn't look too surprised, "Luna mentioned this. You are the gentlest murderer I've ever met."
Silver rolled his ears back, "How many have you met, and I'm not sure that's a compliment?"
Twilight flashed a smile, "It means I can do whatever I want with you, provided I don't maim or kill you."
Silver's blood ran cold and he gave a tug at the straps, "Please tell me you're just joking around?"
Twilight shook her head, "I checked with Celestia. Provided I cause no lasting physical damage, you're mine to examine and experiment with."
Silver wriggled more violently, "I don't get a trial or something?"
Twilight tilted her head, "I was told you confessed to Celestia already."
Silver sagged. He had. He told her everything, and didn't argue the deed. "I didn't mean to. I'm not a killer."
"But you killed," argued Twilight, "Ergo, you are a killer. A very nice killer, from what I've seen, but still a killer."
The terminal gave a soft beep and Twilight paused speaking to look over the long run of paper it had produced.
Silver conjured his hands but wasn't sure what to do with them. He could unbuckle himself, but Twilight would overpower him easily and throw him back on the table, likely with a magic inhibitor. He decided to try a different tact and sent the hands over to Twilight, gently petting her mane with one hand while scratching behind her ear with the other. "I always liked you, Twilight. I don't want you to think of me that way."
Twilight made a soft noise as she was pet, seeming to enjoy it at first before she snapped back to attention and approached Silver, "You shouldn't have killed then. However! What is harmony without forgiveness? After my experiments are complete, you will be released. You're not my subject forever." She flashed a smile, "I'm a little amazed. You still had magic and used it to pet me?" Her horn flashed and his magic became impeded, "You are a strange stallion."
Silver sagged as he realized his gambit had failed him. "Luna didn't warn me about the teeth. I had no idea I would hurt her like that."
Twilight raised a brow, "Good ponies do not grab other ponies on the throat with their teeth, especially not those teeth!" She pointed at the fangs that protruded from Silver's mouth. "But bad ponies don't broker peace for several hundred desperate changelings, or give up their wife to be their shepherd. Bad ponies don't care for the weak and infirmed. Good ponies don't throw fire around a school! Bad ponies don't..."
She grunted softly, "You are a confusing package. Speaking of!" She produced a flask and hovered it over to Silver's belly, "I'll need a sample to see if you still produce any human-compatible essence."
Silver blinked softly, looking down at the hovering vial, "What kind of sample?"
A soft pinch was felt in his arm as Twilight drew blood swiftly, "Well that's one down." A swab went for his mouth as he yelped and drew back quickly into a smaller vial, "Two down. Just need urine and semen and we're all done." She wobbled the vial that hovered over him. "It doesn't matter much which comes first."
Silver let out a slow sigh, "Considering I've been nothing but cooperative and have never used magic to escape a pony of authority, could you take off the magic blocker?"
Twilight raised a hoof, "Being pet is distracting."
Silver nodded slowly, "Alright, so I won't pet you. You just had to ask."
Twilight considered it a moment before she plucked the ring off of Silver, allowing his magic to flow freely again, "I'm trusting you to be a good pony."
Silver let out a soft sigh of relief, "It's like an instant head-cold when you wear one of those." Twilight was looking at him with a swishing tail and an eager look. She was adorable, but a little scary. "Uh... so... I can provide one of those samples, but I never mastered any trick that'd let me give you the other on command."
Twilight turned the vial and slipped it down over his sensitive bits, "Let's get the easy one then, shall we?"
It wasn't hard to give Twilight her precious bottle of piss, and she tucked it away before pulling out a fresh bottle, "One left to go!"
Silver shied back a little, though there was little room for him to wiggle on the table, "You're not one of my wives, Twilight." Not that he'd object to it on principle, but had a feeling it would be terribly unlikely for Twilight to just relocate to Canterlot. "You're cute, but staring at you isn't quite... enough."
Twilight's horn glowed ominously, "There are always alternative ways. Besides, you're single."
This was insufferable, or so Silver thought as Twilight began to rather mechanically tease him. If he was going to be worked up by Twilight, he'd rather it be a two-way activity. He cleared his throat softly, "Twilight, you're doing that in a very sub-optimal fashion."
Twilight paused, tilting her head, "I read in a book this is the way they do it."
Silver perked an ear, "Do it with... what, I dare ask?"
Twilight looked up towards the ceiling, "I think it was on horses."
Silver frowned, "I am not a horse, I'm a pony. That's a little insulting."
Twilight looked ashamed of herself, "I thought the anatomical differences were close enough!" Her wings spread in alarm, "Did I hurt you?"
Silver shook his head, "No. Twilight. I will help you, as an assistant. I have nothing against science, or you. Please untie me."
Twilight frowned with new thought, "You're going to run away, or bite me, if I do that."
Silver gave her a flat look, trying to be as indignant as possible while sporting an uncomfortable excitement, "I have never hurt you, and I hope to never start. I like you, Twilight Sparkle. Please can we be friends and not just scientist and her subject?"
Twilight huffed loudly, "Fine... But if you misbehave, I'm reporting it to Celestia, and putting the blocker on." Her magic made quick work of undoing the straps, "Now help me get that sample. I have research to conduct and we're wasting time."
Silver sat up, relieved to no longer be a prisoner. He considered Twilight rapidly, wondering just what he could get away with or not... Why not go for broke? "In order to proper stimulate a male pony, it is crucial," he said, trying to sound as official as possible. Twilight seemed to be eating it up so far, looking at him in wonder, "to simulate the interior of a female pony. Body temperature surroundings, extremely high humidity, and some careful pressure all help to encourage the process."
Twilight tilted her head with a squint, "That is complicated. No wonder you don't have a spell to do it. So how do I get all of that quickly? I want to have your samples right away."
Silver glanced towards the sealed door they entered from, "There are several ways to extract the essence of a male pony. The most direct direct way involves--"
Twilight held up a hoof, "You're obviously an expert on the matter, go ahead." She floated a beaker over to him, "Fill it, and stop assuming I don't know anything, mister." She casually shattered Silver's thoughts of her complete innocence with her delicate frown, "No more excuses."
Silver accepted the beaker in a silver grip, glancing between it and Twilight. Shoot. "Uh, OK... got a shower or something?"
Twilight raised a brow, then pointed to where a spigot just hung over a drain, offering no privacy. "For the humidity?" she asked, baffled.
Silver snorted and turned away from her, "Give me a second..."
Soon enough, Silver had filled the beaker and offered it to Twilight. It was still a small step up from being milked like an uncooperative horse. Twilight accepted the beaker and quickly approached her odd terminal, slotting various samples into places and apparently understanding the nonsensical arrangement of squiggles, blinking lights, and other output.
Silver hopped down to the ground and approached her from behind as she scribbled busily on her papers. "Anything interesting?" he asked, but she offered no answer, just talking to herself as she hurriedly wrote and read.
She suddenly turned on him, "Go lay down, belly down, on the table."
Silver jumped in place before moving to do that, unsure if he wished to test Twilight's patience. He could feel her magic running through the machine, prickling at his exposed top-side.
Twilight gave a soft suck, then shook her head, "Something's obviously wrong. Silver, here." she pointed at the ground.
Silver huffed, "Magic word?"
Twilight lifted him in her magic and set him on the ground, then tapped the dangling heart crystal he forgot he was wearing, "I think that's throwing off the results. Take it off."
Silver quickly removed the sphere, which stopped glowing lavender once it wasn't in contact with him. Twilight rose a brow, "Why was it glowing my color? Nevermind, put it there." She pointed at a countertop. Silver set it aside carefully, then was placed back on the table, belly up, in Twilight's magic. "You're lucky I'm not holding that stunt against you. A lesser unicorn would strap you back up."
Silver flushed gently, not having any ready defense for trying to take advantage of Twilight, "Sorry... Well, now you know how it feels to be treated like trash. Can we just promise to assume the other is a mature and responsible adult?"
Twilight squinted at her machine, poking it with a hoof before twisting a knob, "Fine, let's. The readings are still off." She snorted loudly and turned to Silver, "Why do you have pegasus traces? And female? You're obviously not female. Your net's a complete mess! How do you function?" She suddenly clopped her hooves, "Of course! Maybe you are!"
Silver blinked slowly, "Maybe I am what?"
Twilight pointed at him with a smile, "Female! That would explain the disorder, and your erratic behavior. You're a mare in a stallion's body." She seemed relieved to have arrived at a conclusion, already busily making notes of it as Silver peered at her, them closed his legs.
"I'm very happy having my male bits, thank you," he squeaked in alarm, "I have a foal coming, from a lovely mare, that I need, and very much enjoy, being with, as a stallion."
Twilight moved up and gently pet Silver on his head and across his cheeks. She was being soft and gentle, "Of course you'd say that, you must be so confused! I'm sorry for lashing out at you, poor thing."
This was going downhill quickly, and no amount of Twilight petting would fix that. Silver chanced it, trying to play the teleportation spell from memory that was in Star Swirl's book. His fur suddenly appeared by the door, then fell to the ground, leaving him entirely exposed.
Twilight blinked softly, "Why did you do that? This is more serious than I thought!" She clucked her tongue loudly and lifted the truly naked Silver up, setting him on the table and strapping him down gently, "You wait right here. I have to speak to Celestia, but don't worry! I'll be right back, and nopony is mad at you." She turned tail and was soon out the door, leaving an aghast Silver behind.
Silver sagged on the table, but quickly remembered he had his magic and undid the buckles. He slid to the floor and moved for his heart crystal. He felt a little less naked once it was strapped into place. He still had affection for Twilight, but that mare needed to learn to slow down. He clamped his back legs together again as he frowned. She needs to not make him a mare!
~Silver, where are you? I thought I asked you to tell me if you left the castle,~ came Luna's voice.
Silver practically jumped for joy, smiling. He couldn't reach Luna, but once she reached him, it went both ways. ~Luna! I am so glad you're there.~
~Calm down, Silver. You sound upset. What is going on?~ came Luna's voice, emanating a calming nature that soothed his jangled nerves.
Silver took a slow breath, ~It's Twilight. She said you gave permission to study me.~
~This is true,~ said Luna, ~She said a few simple examinations may shine light on your condition and be helpful. I saw no reason to prevent her.~
~She snatched me up in the middle of the hallway and strapped me down!~ thought Silver excitedly, ~That's not actually what I'm upset about right now. She thinks I'm a mare in a stallion's body and I think she's going to ask Celestia to try making me a mare on the outside.~
~This would be beyond the efforts of most,~ replied Luna, ~But Twilight is no normal user of magic.~
There was a pause there, and it carried on for too long for Silver's comfort. ~Luna?~ There was no reply. And Silver began pacing around the room. He approached the door but couldn't find the latch Twilight used on it. He scraped at it with his hooves a moment before whimpering. ~Luna?! Please don't leave me alone.~
~I am afraid I am but one princess, and Twilight and Celestia are two. If they agree the best treatment is to make a mare of you, we will make the best of it,~ came Luna's voice.
Silver sank to the ground, tail tucked in against himself. ~That's... Really, Luna, really?~
~Verily,~ she replied.
Silver rested his head on the odd machine Twilight was using, ~Since we're on the topic of reproduction... What's up with you not only not being pregnant, but not being able to become so?~
~Who spoke these words to you?~ came Luna's voice, sounding agitated.
~Does it matter?~ replied Silver, rolling onto his back. ~I thought there were no more lies. Why is every... pony... being so awful to me?~
~We did not lie... We can produce life, just not as foals. I gave you the essence you helped create within me, as I offered in your darkest hour.~
Silver frowned, ~That doesn't make sense. You turned First Star into a night unicorn without any real problems.~
Luna spoke softly, ~But her change is superficial, good enough. You, you are the progenitor, the first of the line. Yours is the loin that carries my project towards completion.~
Silver flailed his hooves in the air, ~Mine are the loins that are going to be inverted by a well-meaning but infuriating librarian! What then?~
Luna went silent for a time, ~If nothing else, you may mother what I had intended you would father.~
Silver whimpered, closing his eyes, ~That's a lot of foals to ask a guy to birth...~
~And yet,~ spoke Luna with confidence, ~I am aware the idea of it does not entirely bother you, simply the lack of choice.~
~Is that wrong?~ Silver rolled to his belly. ~Choice isn't a bad thing to want. I've been really trying my best to fit in, and this time I don't think it's my fault at all.~
The door clicked and Silver retreated away from it, hiding behind Twilight's machine as best he could. Soft clip-clops of incoming hooves alerted Silver to the fact that at least two ponies had arrived. The door shut quietly and clicked back into locked position.
"He was just... Ah!" came Twilight's voice before her magic wrapped around him and lifted him into the open easily, "Here he is."
He could see Twilight sat beside Celestia, and both looked at him with an appearance of mild pity.
Silver squirmed in Twilight's grasp, "Of course I look female, uh, magically. I've been bent and spindled by mares since I got here. I've been enhanced, ponied, half-ponied, and a dozen other things, all by mares." He kicked a leg out fruitlessly, "Why wouldn't I smell of female magic?"
Celestia shook her head, "What Twilight describes is not gained by simple contamination of that sort. We would like to help you, Silver. If you accept this, all past crimes will be expunged, and we will welcome you as a sister."
Twilight set Silver on the ground, but he could feel and see her magic preventing him from fleeing. He stomped a hoof on the ground, "No! I'm tired of bullshit offers." He pawed agitatedly, as if he may charge, though Twilight's magic made that unlikely. "I think you're wrong. I'm perfectly fine as a stallion, but whatever. You're used to getting your way."
Celestia tilted her head, "Does that mean you accept?"
Silver shook his head, "Not so fast. This time, I want something. This time, I'm demanding the favors. You want to conduct your little 'experiment?' Fine, but you both owe me a favor, and it can be anything short of hurting another pony or breaking Equestrian laws, to be redeemed whenever I feel like it." He clopped a hoof on the ground, "Take it or leave it."
Twilight looked at Celestia with an arched brow, clearly deferring to her. Celestia extended a wing, "Very well. I know you will not request anything too out-of-hoof. It is not in your nature."
Silver grinned internally. This would be an annoyance, nothing more, but favors from the two could be turned into something much better. "Alright, then we have a deal, a favor from you both, and all official records of past misdeeds expunged and forgotten."
Twilight unfurled her wings, "What?! I thought the favors were instead of, not in addition to."
Silver turned up his nose, "My stallion parts come with a heavy price tag."
Celestia simply nodded, moving a wing to block Twilight's view a moment, "Lay down, Silver, and we will begin."
Silver slowly lowered as Twilight's magic faded from him, "Just in case you decide this wasn't a great idea, how reversible is it?"
Twilight smiled with a benevolent energy, "We can put it back if we have to, but I don't think we'll have to. I know we're asking a lot of you, but do you trust us?"
Silver tilted his head, "Can I walk past you and leave?"
Twilight seemed to pause at that, then shuffled to the side, "You may."
Silver raised a brow, "You just gained a point, Twilight."
Celestia glanced between the two, "Will you leave then?"
Silver shook his head from the ground, "Nope, but I am curious, so mare me up."
Twilight raised a brow, "You'll do it out of curiosity?"
Silver looked to Twilight directly, "I said I aspire to your attitudes. Wouldn't you do it, for curiosity sake, just to know? I want to know, and experience. I'm just tired of being forced around like my opinion doesn't mean anything."
Twilight tapped her chin, looking thoughtful, then curious. She looked to Celestia and opened her mouth in time for Celestia to silence her with a hoof, "You will not become a stallion. If you wanted to try that, you should have thought of it before you became an alicorn."
Twilight pouted with a soft grumble, bemoaning the opportunity long removed from her. "Well, fine." She looked Silver over again, "Maybe I did misjudge you. I hope we can become friends." She flapped her wings before she recaptured her calm presence and moved across from Silver from Celestia. "Ready."
Silver perked an ear, "If you start asking before doing, and accept no, then we can be friends." He looked to Twilight, then Celestia, starting to sit up when Celestia's hoof gently pressed in his shoulder, "You must lay down."
Silver settled back down, "Don't knock me out, if you were thinking about it. I'd rather feel it, even if it hurts, a lot. I will not die a man and be reborn a woman."
Neither princess knew exactly what a man or woman was, but context clues proved good enough to grasp the basic concept. Their horns began to glow and a slow series of notes played over them back and forth, like two modems finding the right rate to communicate with. Apparently they found it, as they began playing a wickedly complex spell that Silver had to close his eyes against, a headache blooming from just watching it.
He turned his attention to himself, half-curling so he could watch his body change, especially the stallion bits he'd grown fond of. As it turns, his coltish body wasn't shaped all that masculinely to begin with, so the changes were subtle at best, barely even noticeable to his human eyes, though he assumed a pony would know the difference. Each subtle change came with a soft pop or creaking bend as he was reconfigured under the combined might of the two, but the real show began when they stopped working on the superficial and turned their attention to where his eyes rested. His outtie became an inny slowly. It didn't hurt as bad as he had feared, more like a long steady pinching rather than the explosive agony he had predicted.
When there was no sign of having been male, the magic intensified, and his body warmed as things were changed deep within him. Unseen by him, his net become more complex, ready to support young of any tribe, but also smoothing out as its more intricate network bonded and forged through the frayed portions of his...her magically-abused form. Silver let out a soft sigh as a pressure she never noticed faded away, and the magic began to settle within her, leaving her a healthy young mare. "Well... how do I look?" she asked, perking ears at her strange voice.
Twilight smiled, "You look like a healthy mare that has just entered adulthood."
Celestia nodded in agreement, "The transition was a success. Do you feel better?"
Silver rolled up onto her hooves and took a few experimental steps. Her center of balance hadn't shifted too much, though there was some change there. "Nothing a few sessions with Meadow won't figure out. I'm not changing names again, by the way. Silver Stars works fine for a mare or a stallion."
Twilight tilted her head, "I suppose so. So... do you feel relaxed?"
Silver frowned in thought, "I really can't answer that. I just lost a piece of myself, and got a new one. Give me some time, egghead."
Twilight frowned, "Don't call me that."
Silver bared her teeth, "I'm messing with you, and you deserve it, tying me down like that. This is not how you deal with troubled ponies, or humans that look like ponies, seriously." She shook herself out, "Now, assuming I'm still me, and I go back to making spells, how will being a mare help?"
Celestia extended a wing, brushing Silver's barrel, "I have doubts you will avoid the desire to have foal for long, and when you do, you will learn a new respect for life."
Silver blinked softly, flopping down on her haunches. "I didn't want to hurt... anyone to start with." She raised a hoof at Celestia, "Do you really think I'm out to hurt ponies?"
Celestia glanced away, then back at Silver, "It will be a learning experience regardless. Few are well-supported mothers who condone violence."
Silver stood up again and trotted up to Twilight, almost nose-to-nose with her, "Twilight."
Twilight tilted her head, "What?"
Silver bumped their noses together, "Boop." Twilight looked baffled, and Silver took her leave, content for the moment. ~Luna, are you still there?~
~You had gone quiet,~ came Luna's reply. ~Are things resolved?~
~In a matter of speaking. I have a favor to ask. I want to visit the Crystal Empire. Cadance is the only princess that has been entirely legit with me. She's never tried to force me into anything, and I want to talk to her before we go,~ thought Silver in a firm tone. At least her mental voice was the same, though it didn't help that she thought in the voices of fictional characters more often than not.
~Are you desiring revenge against Twilight, or Celestia?~ asked Luna.
~Amazingly, no. Twilight backed off the 'Do whatever I say and like it' thing at the last second. They were willing to let me walk out. That doesn't mean I'm happy as a clam with them, but I'm no longer imagining ways of inflicting horrific damage,~ explained Silver.
~I will remind,~ thought Luna, ~she is still my sister. Do not envision harm upon her, even if she acts poorly.~
~You may be princess of dreams,~ thought Silver with a huff, ~But I'll think what I want, so long as I don't act on it. Don't pull a Twilestia on me.~
~A what?~
Silver didn't reply, instead moving for the front of the castle. ~I'm going to catch a train. I presume that's alright.~
~No, take Night Watch with you at least,~ came Luna's voice, ~And be back within the week.~
Silver had no problem with Night Watch, and waited beside the gate. She came trotting up but slowed to a halt, peering at Silver.
"Yes, it's me," she said in her new voice, "We have a train to catch." She turned and led the way through the city. Movement as a female was odd. She had less things dangling about, which she missed the presence of more than she'd have imagined.
Night perked an ear at him, "Are you alright? Shouldn't we be laying down, not headed for the trains?"
Silver huffed, "What will that change? I want to visit Cadance, now."
Night shrunk a little, then moved to catch up, "Did they force this?"
Silver glanced at her, "No, they just started with the heaviest sales pitch they could. How many times do I have to say to at least try asking first? Is it that hard?"
Night held up a hoof, "Peace, Silver. I'm not forcing anything. You're not angry at me, are you?"
Silver shook his head, "No, and I plan to show you just how not-angry I am later, on the train."
Night flushed as she followed him, "I'm glad your appetite hasn't changed with your... parts."
Silver perked an ear, "Did you already forget Fast Change's gift to us? I'll be on top, have no fear." She clucked her tongue, "In fact, I think I'll just leave it on, confuse everypony."
Night scrunched her nose lightly, "That... would get attention. Do you want that kind of attention, being a mare with stallion bits on display?"
Silver shook herself out, "I'll decide after we get out of this city. I need to not see Canterlot for a bit." She moved up alongside Night and nipped at her shoulder, "It's not you. Thanks for coming."
They arrived at the station and waited for the next train peacefully. Twilight went soaring overhead, to the pointing and gasps of others. Night frowned up at her. Silver gently nuzzled into her neck, "She's adorkably dense. Save your anger."
Night huffed, but accepted snuggling against Silver as an acceptable alternative to scowling at Twilight, "We haven't had some 'us' time for a while."
Silver perked an ear, "You're right. With First Star hogging up the room and our jobs keeping us going... let's look at this like a second honeymoon, just us, enjoying each other."
Night pressed warmly against Silver, "I like the sound of that. Let's forget everything that's not us for a little while."
Silver hopped off of Night with a soft huff, shaking herself out, "How was it?"
Night seemed to consider it as she circled around Silver, nipping at her as she went, "Not much different. You weigh about the same, you act the same before, and you're just as... you know?"
Silver tilted his head, "I noticed something odd, but I'll save that for Cadance. She's about the only magical expert I fully trust right now."
Night sat on her haunches, "Even Twilight? I thought you used to like her a lot."
Silver shrugged, "Still do a little, but liking and trusting are not the same."
Night looked genuinely guilty and glanced away. Silver frowned, not in the mood to let it lie this time, "Fess up."
Night shrank, "I don't want to..."
Silver clopped the ground with a hoof, "Tell me. There's been enough lies."
Night looked at Silver's determined eyes before she let out a slow breath, "Fine... Celestia asked that I keep an eye on you, long before."
Silver cocked a brow, "Are you still doing that? And what were you looking for? Plots to overthrow the throne?"
Night shook her head, "No, violent thoughts, or trying to hide from her or Luna. I think Luna shared much about you with her."
Silver frowned in deep thought, brows furrowed a moment before she recovered, "I... damn it. It all boils down to the same thing. They should just talk to me, like a person." She raised a hoof and prodded Night, "Why did you go along with it?"
Night shrugged miserably, "She's the immortal god-ruler of the realm? Please don't hate me."
Silver half-lidded her eyes, "I'd have stronger footing to complain if I didn't just let her strong arm me into ditching my bits."
Night tried to jest, though her tone was half-hearted, "You got them back quickly."
Silver advanced on Night, nuzzling her neck. Night began to relax until Silver bit her, sinking the fangs deep and channeling her magic into them, sharing her feelings with Night, flooding her with Silver's frustration and insecurity. Night began to sag to the ground, crumpling under the force of her onslaught. Silver drew back, licking her fangs, "That is how I feel."
Night shuddered violently, curling up in place, "I don't want to feel that ever again."
Silver stomped the ground, "It's what I feel right now! And it won't go away like what I gave to you. How can I trust you, if you'll just do what Celestia or Luna asks?"
Night scrunched her eyes shut, knocking her glasses free with a twitching of her wings. She had no answers, and Silver began to feel bad for pushing her this hard.
Silver grunted softly, "I won't make any... more... rash decisions until we reach Cadance and speak with her." She hopped up onto the bed of their cabin and curled for rest, though her eyes remained on Night's trembling form, wanting to comfort her, and yet so angry with her.
They passed the remainder of the trip quietly. When the train drew to a halt, both sighed with relief and were quick to disembark. They trotted together towards the large palace that was Cadance's home. The ponies peered at them curiously, clearly not used to the presence of lunar ponies. None of the crystal ponies attempted to impede their journey, so they walked past them, ascending the steps to the palace.
Night cleared her throat, "Silver. I'm not going to say sorry, because you've heard that a lot of late... I still want to be your wife. Do you still want to be my stallion?"
Silver turned to face her, tail twitching, "I'm a pretty strange stallion right now... but yes. I do want to be your stallion." She leveled a hoof at Night, "I gave Luna a few tries to cut the act, and I'm feeling a little burned. She didn't even try to comfort me when Celestia was making her move." She grunted, clopping the ground in an angry stomp, "Do you understand?"
Night adjusted her glasses as she nodded, "I do... You're putting me in a bad spot, but... you're not, really. Luna did that. She's... betrayed us both." She advanced and bit Silver softly in the neck, but her fangs couldn't share her feelings. Silver accepted the token as presented, and raised a foreleg to hug her.
"Excuse me," said a solar guard, "Please don't block the hallway." Night and Silver scooted out of the way, and he proceeded past.
Silver raised a hoof, "Wait! Where's Cadance?"
"Princess Cadenza?" asked the guard, "She is attending court. Do you need a guide?"
They were soon following the guard through the Crystal Palace. Much like the solar guards in Canterlot, he seemed to have little to say, and simply brought them to the courtroom. It was much less gaudy than the one Celestia and Luna shared. A few cushioned benches rested before Cadance, who was speaking to a crystal mare animatedly.
When they entered, the princess spotted them immediately, offering a smile, but not pausing her discussion. They found a seat to wait their turn as Cadance went over some sort of crystal corn-growing farm and the details of its expansion. The crystal mare soon left, looking pleased.
Cadance turned to her newest guests, looking over Silver and Night, "Hello Night Watch. I'm afraid I'm not recognizing your friend, but I feel like I should."
Night extended a wing to fold over Silver, "This is Silver Stars, previously Silver Lining, previously David."
Silver snorted, "And currently annoyed. Please tell me you have some time to talk?"
Cadance glanced at the empty room, "It appears I do." She looked to a guard, "Inform any latecomers that court is recessed for the day." She rose and guided the two to a small room close by, "We're private here. Silver Stars was it? It's been quite some time."
"Too long," agreed Silver, "Please, you're the only princess that has treated me fairly and evenly. I want to share this story with you, but it doesn't paint the other princesses in flattering lights, but it has parts where I mess up too. I want you to listen until I'm done, then you can ask questions or comment."
Cadance tilted her head a little, "You're certainly no crystal pony." She settled onto a cushion beside a table, "Please, go on. Would you like a drink? Crystal berries make a delightful beverage." She lifted a carafe with her magic and poured out three cups, offering one to Silver and Night. Night sat down and sipped at her cup while Silver remained standing, holding the cup in her own magic.
"Thank you," began Silver with a smile, "Where to begin... Luna professes deep love for me, which I worked rather hard to get, but now I'm wondering if maybe that was a mistake... She's great fun when she's in the mood, but she's also extremely... dark. Pragmatic and unsympathetic, she seems willing to ignore any feelings I might have to see her lunar unicorns made reality."
Cadance opened her mouth to speak, but aborted the effort, instead making a hoof gesture to continue. Silver did so, "I thought I had laid a foal in her, but it was only the essence she needed to make me a lunar unicorn, which is what I am now." She twitched a tail, "I don't mind it so much, really. I mean, it makes me and Night fit together better." Silver paused to nuzzle Night gently, "Luna played on my, er, fetishes, whispering promises of putting foals in a lot of mares, but I suppose that's hardly a unique fetish for a stallion to have. Anyway! I was attacked by four ponies at once. I fought them off, but when I bit one, I found out 'pure breeds' of lunar ponies project feelings through bites. In a battle, this manifests as fear, and can kill. I took a life. I didn't plan on it. I didn't want to, but I did."
Silver settled to the ground on her belly beside Night, "Anyway, Celestia is ready to banish me from the looks she was giving me, but decides I'm more useful guarding Luna when she goes to Anugypt. Biting a few things that aren't her little ponies doesn't bother her conscience much." Silver huffed with annoyance, "Luna thought the fight was hot."
Cadance blushed at this, but managed to remain quiet, listening to the story. "Then Twilight shows up, grabs me, and takes me to a nice secret lab to tie me down and start examining me," reported Silver with a frown. "She could have just asked. If she just said 'Silver, come with me. I'm going to examine you,' I would have followed her. Heck, if she said flat-out she wants to do some experiments on me, I probably would have followed her." Silver sank her head down on her hooves, "If she just asked... Anyway. I did convince her I had a good track record of being cooperative and she let me stand up and help with getting all kinds of samples. She does her thing and decides I'm unbalanced, with more mare than stallion, and that I should be switched. She left me in the room, locked in, and fetched Celestia. They made it sound like I had to change. I asked Luna about it and she acted like it was no big deal. Said I could mother the new race as well as I could father it."
Night perked an ear, "You didn't tell me that part."
Cadance held up a hoof, giving Night a shoosh.
Silver continued, "I flat-out asked Twilight if she was going to force me into it, and she backed off and gave the option of going. I didn't. I demanded a favor from each of them, let them turn me into a mare, and then stormed off with Night to you."
Cadance gave a slow, hesitant, nod, "I see... Why are you still..." She hinted under Silver's barrel.
Silver snorted softly, "I learned a few tricks in college."
Cadance's wings unfurled, "That is not what I learned in college!" She controlled herself, doing the breathing technique she showed Twilight, "So are you mare, or stallion?"
Silver rose and turned away from Cadance, letting her judge.
"Both?" she said, "This is almost beside the point. First, tell me how you feel. Be honest. Let's start with Celestia."
Silver turned back around and flopped to the ground, "Scared. Angry. She talks peace and harmony, but she clearly loves mares more than stallions. I wish she liked me, for real, but she doesn't, and I doubt she ever will, and she's too corrupt to assume she'll leave me alone now that she knows who I am personally."
Cadance tilted her head, "I see... And Twilight?"
"Forgiving," said Silver. "I want to like her. I loved her before I even came to Equestria. If I'm honest with myself... if she came up to me, right now, and begged for forgiveness, and meant it, I wouldn't be able to say no to her. Her biggest crime is just not asking first. She hasn't schemed against me. She's been impulsive and... even adorable even as she scared me." Silver extended a hoof, "And no telling her to do that, that's cheating! She has to mean it."
Cadance held a hoof over her chest, "I promise. Luna?"
"Conflicted," said Silver. "Hurt. Betrayed? Crushed."
Cadance nodded softly, "Those are a lot of very negative words."
Silver sagged, "It was my idea to get close to her. I was the one that kept pushing and pushing. She tried to avoid it! It feels awkward to then turn around and blame her for being bad at this thing she was trying to avoid doing. She's an awful wife, but she told me that before I bull-rushed into her life and demand she try it anyway."
Cadance reached forward, resting a hoof on Silver's shoulders, "It takes a big pony to admit a mistake like that. Do you want to let Luna go?"
Silver rolled her ears back, "Can I do that? I'm carrying her project. I am her lunar unicorn, her hopes and dreams."
Cadance shrugged softly, "I don't know about that, but so long as you have foals eventually, aren't you doing your part?"
Silver blinked, "Is it that simple?"
Cadance shrugged, "It should be, or Auntie is being unreasonable." She waved a hoof, "And I won't accept that. Tell me plainly, Silver, do you wish to move past her?"
Silver nodded slowly, "Yes... I love her, but it won't work. She won't come down to my level, and I can't climb that high."
Cadance made a wiping motion with a hoof, "Consider it gone. I will talk to her, and until that is done, you are a guest of the castle."
There was a sudden fizzlecrack, and Twilight appeared with a frazzled mane, looking haggard. "The Crystal Empire?!" she exclaimed, "What are you doing here?!"
Cadance frowned, "Twilight, sit. You are being rude. What are you doing here?"
Twilight collapsed bonelessly, "I told the girls what I did, thinking they'd support me, but they all chastised me for being a real jerk. I remembered Silver wore a pendant attuned to my magic and teleported to it to apologize. I didn't expect to teleport that far! I'm exhausted and in pain right now."
Silver glanced at Night, then rose up. She approached Twilight, "Well, I am here. Say your piece."
Twilight grabbed the carafe of berry juice in her magic and brought it to her muzzle, guzzling for a moment before she put it down with a relieved sigh. "Silver!" she exclaimed as if she just remembered she was there, "I'm so sorry! I never should have done half the things I did! I had a horrible bedside manner, pressured you into treatment, and was just plain... rude the entire time!"
Silver nodded lightly, "That is accurate."
Twilight clopped a hoof on the ground, "Don't say that! I'm sorry! Ok, maybe I am a little jealous... You made more spells than I did half a dozen times over like it's no big deal. You live with Celestia and Luna, like it's no big deal. You murder a pony and get away with it, like it's no big deal!" She collapsed to the ground, panting. Silver was about to say something when she rebounded, "But that isn't the only thing! Then you tried to seduce me!" She pointed at herself with a hoof, "That wasn't nice, faking attraction to get away from me. I have enough self-image problems, thank you very much!"
Silver snorted softly, "Twilight, I am still attracted to you. That wasn't faking."
Cadance nodded knowingly, aware of the truth of the statement.
Twilight started to go red rapidly, "And I turned you into a mare! I'll never get a stallion." She flopped to the ground. "I probably don't deserve one anyway." She hid her face in her hooves, looking miserable.
Night cleared her throat softly, "Um, Miss Sparkle?"
Twilight looked up at Night Watch, "What?"
Night reached out a wing and knocked out one of Silver's legs easily, lifting it up to expose her undercarriage to easy viewing.
Twilight blinked. She sat up slowly, staring, then she buried her snout in a saddlebag, coming out with parchment and writing supplies. "Did we do that, or was this a later spell? Are you fertile? Tell me everything."
Cadance put a hoof on Twilight's shoulder, "Enough, Twilight. Relax. There will be time for that, later. For now, I am glad you two have explained your differences. Can you forgive each other?"
Twilight smiled broadly, "Everything is forgiven."
Silver raised a brow at Twilight, "Don't think this gets you out of your favor, and you have to ask in the future if you want something. I'll probably say yes even, but if I say no, you respect that, right?"
Twilight bobbed her head, "May I examine you?"
Silver looked to Cadance, then Night, "In front of the others? Twilight, show some shame."
Twilight flushed and nodded, ceasing her request.
Cadance gave a soft smile, "Then it's settled. Did you leave anything in Canterlot?"
Silver frowned in thought, but Night thought of something first, "You left behind your artifact. The one with the games."
Silver nodded, "That's true... but I don't care much about that anymore. Life got interesting enough to not need games. Why play games?" Silver felt good about saying that. She had grown, if painfully.
Cadance nodded, "Then you stay with me for now. If you have any problems, talk to me. I promise to listen."
Silver gestured at Night, "Her too, right?"
Cadance smiled, "I wouldn't dream of separating a herd."
Night flushed a little, "Luna technically dissolved our herd..."
Cadance looked at Silver and gestured at Night.
Silver caught the hint on the second gesture, "Oh! Night, will you be my first wife?"
Night smiled joyously, "I would be honored."
Cadance clopped her forehooves together, "Then, as princess of the Crystal Empire, I do officially recognize this herd."
Silver raised a hoof, "One other problem. I sort of tried to kill myself once, and Luna hasn't declared me recovered yet."
Twilight frowned, "Why would you do that?"
Silver sagged, "Moment of incredible stupidity. But I'm not technically allowed to be by myself."
Cadance shook her head, "I accept responsibility for you, Silver. This is my kingdom. I will give you a week. After that, I will declare you cured, unless you give me reason not to."
Silver gave a sigh of a laugh, "You are so... ugh, what's the word... fair? Helpful? Forget it, you're best princess."
Cadance rose, "I should get back to being that 'best princess'. Enjoy your stay, Silver, Night." She looked to Twilight, "Play nice!" Twilight shrank at the stern words from her former foalsitter.
Night looked at Twilight, "Did you mean half the things you said?"
Twilight sat up and tilted her head, "About what?"
Night snorted, "The apology, to my husband. Did you mean it?"
Twilight unfurled her wings, "Of course I meant it! I want to be his... her? Uh, their friend, yes. If they will allow me, I would also like to be their physician."
Silver raised a brow, "Translated, you want to examine me intimately, both physically and magically."
"Maybe," said Twilight guiltily.
Silver reclined in her pillow, "Well, fine. The idea of being leered at by Twilight Sparkle is not a turnoff, assuming she does it respectfully."
Twilight looked pleased, and yet nervous. "So... did you mean it? I mean, liking me?"
Silver raised a brow, "You spoke to Jake. You know how bronies work. You were best pony."
Twilight flushed softly, "He said that it varies per brony. What does that mean, exactly?"
Silver felt very little shame. It was a day for airing out emotions. Besides, he, er, she, couldn't see the future, so whatever. "In my case it means I like you a lot. Like like. You hurt my feelings terribly when you treated me that way. It was like having a lover just walk all over me. If you had asked me to, nicely, I would have put myself on that table for you and done everything reasonably in my power to help you." She twitched her spiky tail, watching Twilight.
Twilight looked miserable. "Oh now you'll hate me forever! I wasn't thinking of you as... a pony. I was--"
"There is your mistake," piped in Night. "Everypony deserves to be looked at like a pony first."
Twilight gave a slow nod, "Yes... You're right, of course. I'm so sorry, Silver. We'll talk tomorrow, if you want." She rose to her hooves, "Right now, I am totally bushed. Long-range teleportation is no joke."
Silver went with her instincts and kissed Twilight on the cheek suddenly, teeth brushing her flesh, "Sleep well."
Twilight went red and fled the room, stuttering something of a goodbye on the way.
Night snorted softly, "Does this mean I'm forgiven?"
Silver moved up to Night and rubbed along her side, "Let's discuss this forgiveness, in private. I'll take the high road, you take the low road, and I'm sure a solution will come between us."
Night failed to stifle a laugh at the poor humor, "Oh my, that sounds like heavy negotiations. We should get started immediately."
They retired to their new room, and eventually came to a conclusion.
Silver awoke to the warmth of Night Watch and smiled, snuggling against her quietly before Silver opened her eyes to have Twilight's face only a few inches away.
"Good morning!" said Twilight excitedly.
Silver scrambled up to her hooves, "Twilight! When did you sneak in here?"
Twilight waved a hoof, "Oh, about an hour ago. You were asleep, so I waited."
Silver half-lidded her eyes, "Don't be creepy, Twi. You're looking better." Silver stretched out slowly, "What brings you this way?"
Twilight pointed at Silver, "You. I want you."
Silver blinked, "What?"
Twilight advanced on Silver and her magic undid Silver's pouch. She pointed at the book poking out of it, "Is that your spellbook? I want to see it."
Silver relaxed, letting out a breath, "Don't say 'I want you' unless you mean me. I am not my spells." She grabbed her book in her silver magic and brought it over to Twilight, "You can look though, sure."
Twilight eagerly took it in her own magic and soon had it open, reading the spells with a little giggle. Her tail swayed back and forth and she looked so happy it was contagious, and Silver settled to watch her read.
Night roused from her slumber and cracked an eye open, looking at Twilight reading, then Silver watching Twilight read, "Are you two having a wild book party?"
Twilight looked confused immediately, "Is that a thing?"
Night rolled up to her belly, "With Silver around? Wouldn't be surprised. Good morning, Silver, Your Majesty."
Twilight huffed, "Twilight will do." She flipped to the next page. "Your spells all have a serious rough edge to them, but they work! I imagine if you put some actual time into optimization you could achieve most of these effects with half the energy." A book suddenly appeared beside Twilight and landed beside Silver's and the words began to copy from one to the other with Twilight's horn glowing.
Night shuffled closer to Silver, "So... About the whole mare thing?"
Silver raised a brow, "Yeah?"
Night pointed at Twilight, "We have Twilight and Cadance. Surely they're enough together to put you back to full-stallion mode again, so why aren't you already leaping at the chance?"
Silver blushed a little in her cheeks, "A guy, er, girl can't experiment a little?"
Night twirled a hoof, "You had a chance to be with a stallion long before, with Rough Tumble, and you melted down."
Silver flicked her tail, "I didn't have a vagina then, he isn't interested in vaginas anyway."
Twilight perked an ear at the conversation, but seemed to be trying pointedly to ignore it.
Night snorted, "So you want to use it? To be a mare?"
Silver shuffled uncomfortably, "Maybe? A little... To see what it's like. Besides..." Silver moved in to bump noses with Night, "I have you, my lovely First Wife, to be all the stallion I care to be with."
Twilight thumped a hoof on the floor, "You two are very sweet and all, but that talk is very... distracting."
Night gained a smirk quickly, "You've driven poor Twilight to distraction, you monster."
Silver bared her fangs, "Your monster." She advanced on Night and slipped over her, soon embracing her warmly. "I want to practice something. May I bite?"
Night shivered softly, "Will it be bad?"
Silver shook her head quickly, "No." She leaned in, softly playing her teeth along Night's shoulder before biting. She was getting better at deciding where her magic went, and opened the channels to her fangs, sharing her affection and love for Night. The two sagged together, and for a time, nothing else in the world mattered.
"Done," declared Twilight, snapping both books shut before noticing the two other ponies were in a very intimate moment. She blinked owlishly before pointing, "Are you... biting her?"
Silver withdrew her fangs and clambered off of Night, "I was."
Twilight looked quite perplexed, "Why? That looks painful."
Night rubbed her shoulder, "It doesn't hurt nearly as much as it probably looks."
Silver raised a hoof, "As for why, I can share emotions through bites. I didn't know that when I scared that mare to death."
Twilight conjured some parchment and began taking notes, "Fascinating! Do you mind if I examine this? Could you bite her again?"
Silver tilted her head, "I suppose I could...? If you don't mind?"
Night smiled, "If it's that same feeling, I'll gladly accept." She rolled over onto her back, "Hug me."
Silver had no reason to deny such a request, and soon they were belly-to-belly. Silver pushed her teeth into the same place as before, deciding not to make new holes in her beloved.
Twilight watched and made furious notes, muttering to herself a moment before she suddenly stood up, "No. We need a proper laboratory for this."
Night looked up from under Silver, "Where would that be?"
Twilight sighed heavily, "I'll ask Cadance if the castle has any suitable supplies, or I'll have to have mine sent up from Ponyville." Suddenly, she vanished in a puff of lavender light.
Night smiled gently, "Nice mare, but a little obsessed. Now that she's gone..."
They greeted the new day eagerly.
Eventually, they emerged and began to roam the palace. Night adjusted her glasses as she looked around, "It's all very pretty, but I feel like they're missing the art."
Silver wobbled a hoof. "Makes sense," she said, "They were under the hoof of a tyrant, then banished a thousand years. Give Cadance time." Silver looked left and right, "I haven't seen a single other lunar pony."
The sound of approaching hooves brought their attention forward to a white stallion. Silver tilted her head, "Hello Shining."
Shining smiled, "Hiya. Cadie said you'd be our guests for a while." He looked Silver over carefully, "Are you the same pony that found that changeling? I was certain that was a young stallion, not a lovely mare."
Night wrinkled her nose, "Don't make Cadance jealous."
Shining shook a hoof, "I didn't mean anything by it. Seriously, you have to totally share that spell."
Silver raised a brow, "Have, or should?"
Shining looked confused, "Should?"
Silver nodded, "Correct answer. Do you have a magic academy?"
Shining shook his head, "Naw, but we have a sweet library! Show me the spell and I can pass it on to the guards."
Silver felt conflicting emotions. Shining's accent made her want to giggle, but his large stature and what she presumed to be the pheromones of a healthy stallion were tickling at new female sensibilities. She shoved the urges off to the side, deciding Shining had very little in common to bond over, and was already married! "I'll get a copy to you ASAP, but I just remembered something."
"Yeah?" asked Shining.
Silver pointed at Shining, "Your sister is adorable, and insane."
Shining frowned a little, "I'm not sure how to take that, but Twilie says you're OK by her." He started to move off, "Catcha ya later!"
Night nipped at Silver, "Don't insult royalty to their brother. What are you thinking?"
Silver shrugged, "I never claimed to be good at that 'thinking' thing." She bumped Night gently, then they walked together.
They found the dining hall with some exploring, and found Cadance was already there with Twilight, enjoying breakfast. Night took a seat beside Silver, who sat beside Cadance.
Twilight was still speaking, "The state of magical research in your kingdom is a matter of dire importance."
Cadance held up a pink hoof, "That my people are fed is more pressing. We lack much in the way of an infrastructure with a thousand years of not existing. Research and development can come after full bellies and safe borders."
Twilight snorted in disagreement, "Fine, but you don't mind if I set up in one of the empty rooms, do you?"
Cadance shook her head, "I do not, but if this involves Silver, be sure it is consensual. He..." she glanced over at Silver, pausing, "Do you prefer he, or she?"
Silver was suddenly in the spotlight and frowned in thought, "I assume I look obviously female to everyone else?"
Twilight raised a brow, "You can't tell?"
Silver shrugged softly, "I wasn't born a pony. The differences just don't hop up at me as quickly. If I look like a mare, we'll go with that and make it less confusing." She quietly added another tally point to Cadance's mental score sheet.
Night nudged against Silver, "I think Celestia was trying to make you a very nice-looking mare."
Silver frowned a little, "I don't look that different than before."
Cadance nodded, "It's true. You are quite fetching, but let's stop talking about that, you look uncomfortable. Let me put this out there plainly. In my kingdom, no means no, and not asking doesn't get you an automatic yes." She dipped her head at Silver, "I apologize for manipulating you before."
Silver perked an ear, "Do you mean at the picnic?" Cadance nodded. Silver waved a hoof, "You can make me kiss Night whenever you want."
Cadance frowned, "It was still wrong, at least a little."
Silver smiled at Cadance, "I'm very glad to hear you say that, but I'll give permission now. If you have my interests in heart, I do not fear your magic." She paused, "You can't make love, right?"
Cadance shook her head, "Only enhance what is there, or suppress it, if need be."
Silver bobbed her head, "Then consider permission given."
Cadance agreed, though her eyes were on the thin thread binding Silver to Twilight, uncertain if it spelled bright possibilities or future tragedy. She looked for any connection between Night and Twilight and saw none. "Twilight," she said out loud, "I would like you to keep Night Watch with you, should you work with Silver Stars."
Twilight raised a brow, but nodded, "Alright. Night, how are you at recording?"
Night flashed a fanged smile, "This magnifying glass isn't for nothing. Data recording and analysis is my specialty."
Twilight looked much more enthusiastic on hearing the news, "Excellent! I look forward to working with you."
Cadance slid to her hooves, "I should get to business. Silver, I am certain one, or possibly both, other princesses will stop by for a visit. Do not speak to them if you have the option. If they approach you, speak calmly and do not let them goad you into reaction, and do not go anywhere private with them." Soon she was gone, moving through the crystal castle.
Twilight huffed a little, "Celestia's not a monster. Just relax and be yourself and everything will be fine." She began to eat at last, which reminded Night and Silver that they were also hungry. Crystal Empire food proved to be crunchy on the outside much of the time, but the inside was sweet and delicious. No meat was provided, so they did without.
Silver sat in a room. It was a small room. She was on a comfortable pillow, and across from her, barely a foot away, Cadance smiled at her. They were alone, as Silver had requested, though Silver was feeling the twitch of old shyness return.
Cadance would not accept that, and reached to gently brush her side, "You called me, Silver. What's on your mind?"
Silver took a slow breath, "I'm not sure who I am anymore."
Cadance pointed, "You are clearly Silver Stars, but what that means is up to you."
Silver frowned at that, "I don't know what's left of me, the me that came to this world a while back. I've embraced change after change, trying to find... that thing. I don't even know what it is. Am I human anymore? I suppose not entirely..."
Cadance looked Silver over from top to bottom, "I don't know much about humans, save what Twilight shared with me about her guest. You're both nice people." She lifted her shoulders, "But that is not you. You're you. You're not 'human'." She saw Silver wasn't following her and frowned delicately, "You're asking the wrong question. It isn't 'am I who I am?' because nopony is who they were before. Ask instead, 'Am I happy with what I am now' and 'What can I do to improve who I am?'"
Silver nodded slowly, "You've been far too kind for us. You have a kingdom to run..."
Cadance held up a hoof, "If you feel responsible, you can always use that spell-writing gift of yours to help the people." She caught herself and quickly added, "You are not obligated! Do it if you want, or don't, and I won't be upset." Silver rose to her hooves and stretched. Cadance took a faint peek, "I admit, I'm glad to see you're no longer... halfway between."
Silver perked an ear, "Staying both was an act of rebellion... The ponies of your kingdom have been nothing but kind, so there's no point confusing them for no reason."
Cadance offered a smile, "Good." Her nose twitched softly and she looked over Silver intently, quietly thankful Silver had no stallion in her life. She decided to leave off such discussions for when Silver was more stable and comfortable. "You will be a great asset to the kingdom, be it as a resident or more, at your choosing."
They departed the room together, and Cadance quickly clip-clopped away to royal duties. Silver turned away to get a facefull of Twilight's broad grin. She hopped away in surprise, squeaking. Twilight was dressed in her gala gown, and approached Silver with slow, measured steps, "Hello Silver," she said. Silver could have sworn she was trying to be seductive, though her voice was... far overdone. "I'm so happy to meet you here." She leaned in towards Silver, then nipped her right on the nose.
Silver went rigid, "Twilight, what are you doing?"
Twilight tilted her head, "I am setting the mood. Am I doing it right?"
Silver tilted her head back at her in the other direction, "Twilight, if you're trying to... Twilight, what are you trying to do?"
Twilight bobbed her head, "I've used your spell, and considered your words, and I agree! We should try, for both of our curiosities. You will be the mare, and I, the stallion, and," Parchment appeared beside her head, quill soon produced, "we will take rigorous notes on the entire process!"
Silver flushed softly, but soon began to laugh. Even as Twilight's face fell, Silver grabbed her, pulling Twilight close and nuzzling into her cheek, "You are too much, Twilight. I love you so much."
Twilight's ears pinned back, "I don't understand. This will be very valuable data. There's a lot of writing about what a mare knows and what a stallion knows, but basically nothing on what a stallion feels as a mare or vice versa. It'll be a whole new perspective for the field! Maybe they'll give me a medal for it... So, did I do a good job propositioning you before?"
Silver held up a hoof, "You did not. Before you approach someone who is in a herd, you must have permission of the first wife. So off we go, to Night Watch." Silver began to trot away, with a mildly-baffled Twilight following along.
"So... you agree?" she asked, "Because I really didn't want to upset you again. If you don't want to, I have other experiments we could do!"
Silver swiveled an ear back at her, "Twilight, you're pretty close to the top of ponies I'd spread my legs for."
Twilight's wings went stiff, "Stop that!"
"Telling the truth?" asked Silver, "Never."
They found Night Watch on the parapets, looking out over the city. She noticed them coming and smiled, "Hello there, Silver, Twilight. What brings you to the rooftop? Why so dressed up, Twilight?"
Twilight shuffled in place, getting incredibly awkward.
Silver decided to bring it up for her, "Night, Twilight wants to do things with me, and wants the permission of the first wife."
Night scowled at Twilight, making her shrink in place. Night approached quickly, circling around Twilight before huffing, "She's a bit of a... nerd."
Silver shrugged softly, "Exactly why I thought she'd fit in with us."
Night cracked a smile, "I can't argue that..." She poked Twilight, "But we have a stupidly bad history with nobility." She poked again, "Twilight, are you going to hurt Silver?"
Twilight shook her head, "This is for scientific advancement... And I asked permission first!"
Night quirked up a brow, "Twilight... that's common courtesy."
Silver nuzzled Night gently, "She's learning."
Night nodded, "I suppose she is." She nodded again more slowly, "Right, you two have a fun... date, or whatever? Tell me how it goes afterwards, and if I need to look at her more closely." She rose up and spread her wings, launching herself from the top of the castle easily and sailing away.
Twilight watched her go a moment, then looked back at Silver, flashing her white teeth, "OK! Now can we proceed?"
Silver gave a nod and a thoughtful frown, "We shouldn't... get together. I'm still not certain that wouldn't mess with things in odd ways."
Twilight looked baffled a moment before huffing, "We are conducting an experiment, not getting married! Let us proceed to the testing area."
And so they did. Twilight proved an awkward partner, though that also kept her going for longer. Many notes were made between them, and after several successive tests, they collapsed into one another's legs, snuggling as Twilight made lazy scribbles on her parchment.
Silver decided being female wasn't a bad experience, though felt certain Twilight wasn't the best partner for it, but she was gentle, and followed the instructions she found in a book somewhere. Twilight was entirely female again as they recovered, "I need your opinion, for the record." She held up the paper in her magic, then began to give Silver a questionnaire. How did Twilight perform in accordance to dexterity, endurance, and so on and so forth. Silver provided numbers quietly until she got to, "How likely are you to have a foal?"
Silver paled, "I... don't know?"
Twilight tilted her head, "Are you receptive or not?"
"I don't know," repeated Silver.
Twilight frowned, "How can you not know? All mares learn that from their mothers by the time they're fillies."
Silver snorted, "I was never a filly! I don't know! What should I be looking for?"
Twilight recoiled at Silver's sudden exclamation, then sat up, "It's hard to describe. You get a little warmer, and a... little wetter. Some mares get cramps, and others feel energized. It's a very personal experience. Stallions say they can smell the difference."
Silver poked Twilight in the ribs, "Did I smell like it?"
Twilight shrank a little, "I don't know! That was my first, and only, time. You smelled... good."
Silver let out a slow breath and rolled over into Twilight, biting at her chin softly, "Whatever will happen, will happen. I can think of worse foal daddies."
Twilight sprang to her hooves, "No no no no... This is not part of the experiment!" She began to hyperventilate and ran around in a circle before she looked back at Silver, "I have to go." And she did, vanishing in the lavender light.
Silver sat up, looking down at his...her potentially rebellious womb. Did she want this? It could be a big fat false alarm. She may not be in heat at all. She rolled up onto her hooves and went to go find Night... after a shower. Of all the problems Silver imagined when accepting the deal to come to this world, carrying Twilight's foal? That wasn't on the list. She emerged, clean, but still unsure.
She found Night Watch shortly. Night had been heading back for their room, which was serendipitous. Silver smiled at Night and rushed up to touch noses.
Night rubbed gently back, "How'd it go?"
Silver flipped an ear back, "Unsure... She's awkward, but she's awkward about everything."
Night raised a hoof to point at Silver, "I called you awkward a few times."
Silver sat on her haunches, "And it's still true. Takes one to know one. Uh, I have a few female things I need to ask."
Night raised a brow, "Since you're a member of the female club, I suppose those are safe to answer... What's on your mind?"
Silver rolled a hoof, "Question the first, am I in heat?"
Night nudged Silver to her feet, then did a circle around her. Her nose went close to delicate areas and sniffed, and she was poked in the legs, barrel, and her knees. "You could be. I count half the signs." Then she frowned, "She didn't."
Silver glanced away, which was answer enough. Night shoved Silver, "You let her put a foal in you? Of all the irresponsible things!"
Silver shrank away and Night pursued, biting at Silver in painful little nips, "You're still thinking like a stallion, dangling parts or not! Making a foal from his part's easy. If you let Twilight do what we think you might have, you have years of effort to look forward to."
Silver tried for a little smile, "At least we're in it... together?"
Night flopped onto her haunches. "I suppose we are." She huffed angrily, "She'd better take responsibility if you start growing. Stupid princess, where is she?"
Silver shrugged, "Teleported away after we got to that part of the conversation."
Night bared her teeth angrily, "Already running! I'll report her to Cadance, and to the newspapers! I'll see her name smeared from here to the griffon kingdoms!"
Silver put a leg over Night's withers, rocking her, "Easy there, easy... we don't even know if anything happened yet, and if something did, we haven't given Twilight a chance to do anything right or wrong. Don't kill her preemptively."
Night's breathing slowed down as she leaned against Silver, and soon both were flopped together. Night bit into Silver's shoulder, "Look at us, two mares, two foals, no stallion. This isn't how I planned on it going."
Silver nuzzled into her quietly a moment, "We'll be fine, together. This is a fine place to raise a family, even if it's just us two. I'm going to ask a stupid question and I want you to just answer instead of judging."
Night sat up curiously, "This a human question?"
Silver bobbed her head, "Exactly! I noticed you didn't ask at any point about getting rid of the foal if there was one."
Night looked immediately confused, "You mean like giving it away for adoption? We're not homeless! We're not beggars!"
Silver wobbled a hoof, "Technically we're both of those. We just have good taste in who we beg from, but I mean even earlier than that."
Night crossed her forelegs, "You are not poisoning yourself! We're not that desperate."
Silver nodded, "Alright, that answers that question. Human science is a bit further along in that field."
Night shook her head, "I don't want to know." She rose up to her hooves and trotted around the bedroom before flopping onto her belly, looking at Silver, "We'll work this out, if there's something to be worked out."
Silver was in a dark place. At first she wondered if the Text had summoned her again, but Luna stepped from the shadows instead. Silver wasn't sure which was the preferred option.
Luna's expression was sad, and only grew worse as she looked at Silver, "You wince with fear at the sight of me. What did you expect? What did I expect? Did I not tell you our union was doomed from the start?" She sat, looking down at Silver. "I cared for you as best I could. Was it so poor?"
Silver bit back any quick replies, trying to think of their time spent together, "I... liked a lot of it, but we were never really... together. You were my mistress, my queen... I basked in your glow and every smile I could produce made me happier."
Luna tilted her head, "You were quite skilled at forcing a smile from me on sour days. Why then has this proven insufficient, to run away, fleeing like an outlaw from my domain?"
Silver glanced away, "You let Celestia run roughshod over me. I was your pet, not hers, and I really shouldn't have been eithers, but... at least I walked into yours and put the collar on myself. Celestia just clipped her leash on your collar and pulled me along, and you didn't complain."
Luna sagged in place, "Do you think it pleases me to watch her take my things? Do you think it doesn't tear at me every time she just... assumes... She knows best. She has always known best." She looked to Silver with a few fresh tears, "I cared for you deeply, as close to love as I think I am capable. You were the light of my evenings, even when you were bringing trouble at your heels."
Silver pawed at the blank ground, shuffling, "I don't hate you..."
Luna spread her wings, "But you don't love me?"
Silver sank to her belly, "I do love you..."
Luna frowned, "Is this how you show love? Cadance has told me you are her responsibility, and that you are not likely to return. Night Watch as well, my entire herd, simply... gone..." Her wings fell limp to the black ground, "Do you think that does not hurt me? That I am above it all? Why did you not give me a chance?"
Silver stomped a hoof silently, "I have given you chances, Luna. I have..." She growled, then sighed, "It's my fault. I'm sorry. I dragged you into this, then I ran away."
Luna nodded slowly, "On this, we agree. You have hurt me, Silver Stars, hurt me in a way no pony has done since before I began to fall." She approached Silver, looming over him, but she felt defeated and hollow, not intimidating. "You have broken my heart."
Silver didn't know what to say or do. He didn't like the idea that Luna was hurt, but what could he, er, she, do? "Luna, I have something you might like."
Luna perked an ear, "No trinket will mend this ache."
Silver shook her head, "Better than that. I have a boon, from Celestia. Any one thing that doesn't break the law or hurt a pony."
Luna tilted her head a little one way and the other, "Do you speak truly? And you would give it to me?"
Silver nodded, "Think of it as a parting gift..." She stood up then, finding balancing on two hooves much easier in dreams. "I still love you, even if I'm not beside you. Take the gift, and have fun with it. You can always visit my dreams."
Luna suddenly flashed a predatory smile, "Do you mean that?"
Silver flipped her ears back, "As long as they're friendly visits."
Luna suddenly pinned Silver to the formless earth, which became Luna's bed, "I may yet make you regret that."
Silver found she didn't regret it, and awoke a little tired, but happy.
Night Watch was there, shaking her gently, "You OK?"
Silver perked an ear, "Why wouldn't I be?"
Night shrugged, "You were tossing and turning. I thought you were having a bad dream."
Silver rolled up to her hooves and shook herself out, "I saw Luna. We had a good discussion."
Night raised a brow, "There wasn't yelling and screaming?"
Silver shook her head, "Reconciliation, I think... She seemed happy with her gift."
"Gift?" asked Night adjusting her glasses, "You let her keep the artifact?"
Silver blinked, "I didn't even think of that, but no. I gave her a boon to use with Celestia. I hope she does something properly embarrassing to her." Silver suddenly giggled, "I wonder if she'll make Celestia a servant for a week or something. I would love a picture of Celestia in a maid's outfit."
Night extended her wings, "Why didn't you use it to keep them away from us?"
Silver frowned, sagging, "I didn't think of that... I still have one with Twilight?"
Night softly poked Silver on the nose with a hoof, "You are impossible."
Silver shrugged, "But I keep things interesting... So, do you regret your time with Luna?"
Night paused, looking thoughtful, then shook her head, "No... She made me feel so safe when I slept with her. She kept my waking hours in a comfortable schedule. She never let me go to sleep bored..."
Silver frowned a little, "I really messed it up for you."
Night swatted Silver with a wing as she chastised her, "We were together first! I could have gone back to Luna, but I didn't, moron. Let's get something to eat."
They began their day. After breakfast Night looked a little bored. Silver nudged against her, "Come with me to the library. I want to do something productive."
Silver checked out a book on farming magic, 'Earth Magic for Not Earth-Ponies', and headed to the edge of town where the farms were still being constructed. She gestured at them, "Cadance mentioned they were short on food. We're doing well, eating what Cadance serves herself, but we should help everypony else out, right?"
Night bobbed her head, "I'm with you so far. You going to cast some kind of crazy spell?"
Silver opened the book held in her silvery grip and flipped through it, "I have a few ideas to help things along, but first..." she found a section about earth ponies that explained their farming magic and began reading over it, "Can you find an earth pony or two and pull them this way for a second?"
Silver felt a familiar swell of magic, and her new voice rose in song. She loved the voice, coming through so clearly and sweetly, but everything got dim. She had faint memories of working with the other ponies, and Night. They were all singing, dancing, and farming. It all passed in a blur of music for what felt like hours before they ended with Silver exploding with fireworks, surrounded a circle of crystal earth ponies. As control passed back to Silver and vision cleared, she flopped forward.
Night perked an ear, "Something wrong? You that tired? It was a hard day."
Silver sat up on her haunches. She felt tired and worn as if she had worked all day, and the sun was starting to hang heavy where it had barely started its climb before the song. "Tell me what just happened."
Night walked up alongside Silver and sat with her, "You were there, what do you mean? We got the season's plants all nice and harvested with you coaching the earth ponies how to use their magic and helping get the seeds in the ground. I was helping direct their efforts from above, keeping them properly spread over the fields and not doubling up. We did good!"
Silver frowned a little, "I fell into song magic harder than before."
"Song magic?" asked Night.
Silver rose to her hooves, "Hard to explain and I'd sound insane trying."
Night looked at Silver flatly, "You want to try that one more time? I doubt you could say anything that surprising compared to the rest of our life."
Silver took a slow breath, "Alright. Apparently the people of this world can get swept up in a moment. They start singing and dancing and getting something done, without ever realising they were singing, or dancing, or sometimes doing things they couldn't normally do. Since I became a pony, I've felt it three times now. It seems to hit everypony in the area. I'm usually awake during it, but can't move my body, this time I half-blacked out... I have a nice singing voice."
Night looked pensive, "If everypony goes along, then it doesn't really matter."
Silver tilted her head, "Come again?"
Night waved a hoof, "If everyone goes with it, then we may as well have not done it at all."
Silver nodded, "Except humans are not affected. I was close to a song magic when I first visited Manehattan and felt no urge. A human might try to interfere, and we already know I'm not the only one here."
Night nodded slowly, "That's very odd, but what can we do about it?"
Silver tilted her head, "I'm not sure... So long as a human doesn't, you know, decide to attack us, I guess it's harmless."
Night flashed her teeth, "Did I dance well?"
Silver frowned, "I... let me try to remember." She tried to clear her jumbled thoughts, to think back on the song that had been hidden from her, "You were making loops in the air... You were graceful, as always."
Night nudged Silver, "You realize I have to accept what you say on faith alone. There's no way to prove what you said is right or wrong."
Silver tapped a hoof on the ground, "If I could make the song magic happen on command, it would be easy to prove it with Jake. He'd just snap a few pictures while it was going on."
Night rose up and started back to the castle, "We did a fine job, mystery of the universe or not. Let's tell Cadance and get some food."
Silver let the trouble go. There wasn't anything she could do about it. She followed after Night to the castle, to find Cadance in the dining hall, apparently entertaining a few crystal ponies with warm smiles and good food. She looked up at Silver and Night, "Ah! I just heard you two have been up to so much in the fields."
One of the crystal stallions nodded, "Oh yes, those are the two. They organized the farming force and helped spread the seeds. We're now two weeks ahead of schedule! "
A mare seated beside him smiled brilliantly, "They worked like they were possessed."
Silver giggled, "We kind of were."
Cadance blinked, "What?"
Silver waved a hoof as she sat down, "Nothing, bad joke. We're quite happy to have helped."
Night nodded in agreement, "It's much better to be helping than to idle around."
The week passed peacefully. Silver and Night made it their business to rise with the coming sun and head out to aid in the reconstruction efforts. Night's keen observational and organization combined with Silver's magic made for good progress. It seemed that the Crystal Empire had only pegasi and unicorns in the form of the guards at the castle, and they were trained only for defense.
Having a flyer and a spellcrafter on the ground to help the ground-bound populace of the city paid quick dividends. They completed the expansion of the farming area and moved on to a mine.
"Do we have enough food?" asked Silver, "I thought Cadance said to handle that before we went on to other things. Why a mine?"
One of the crystal ponies pointed at the dark hole, "That is food. To be entirely healthy, we need a little gem dust sprinkled on other things." At Silver's expression, he laughed, "Don't worry, it doesn't hurt ponies any when it's ground up that fine. Besides, what do you think most of the buildings are made of?" He gestured back at the gleaming city. "Gems. At least this time we're doing it because we want to." He shuddered softly, then trotted back into the hole.
Night watched him go, then glanced back at Silver, "I suppose these ponies understand what it means to not have choices."
Silver huffed, "Compared to them, I've always had choices. I've got little right to compare. Let's go check it out and see where we can help."
The first thing Silver noticed was the lighting was dim. Sure, her slit eyes brought it up to an acceptable level, but she knew the crystal ponies had no such advantage. "Torches would be dangerous in a confined area... I think I read something that would be useful." She pulled out her book of spells and got to reading as Night scouted ahead.
Night came back at an idle walk, "They're just digging at the walls wherever they see something shiny. There's no order at all."
Silver raised a brow, "That's not good, but I know I can trust you to sort that out. You get them in line, and try to find me a crystal about this big." She held her hooves apart about the size of a baseball, "Round would be ideal."
Night trotted into the depths, and soon her loud barks were heard as she began loudly bossing the crystal ponies around. She wasn't mean-spirited about it, but she did take charge. Silver sat up, ready to cast when Night came back. Night pulled three gems from her saddlebag. Two were close to the ideal size, and one was the yellow hue Silver desired. She picked up the selected gem and began playing magic at it. With focus and magic, its internal matrix aligned to form a magic battery of sorts. "Time to do some magic electrician work!"
Night raised a brow, "Huh?"
Silver led the way out of the mine and looked around for a good spot. She tucked the yellow orb into a rocky nook, where it would be exposed to the sun. "This is the heart of the new light system. There aren't enough unicorns around to assume they'll juice it up. This one will refill itself through the day. I just need to start making the lights draw from it." She tilted her head at it, "One this big should support about a dozen lights. I'd make a bigger one, if I could... I'll have it dim out and turn off as the sun sets, since ponies should get some sleep anyway."
Night patted Silver with a wing lightly, "Your eyes sparkle when you start talking about this stuff. You're adorable." As Silver blushed, Night leaned in and kissed her on the cheek, "Don't go all introvert on me. You have lights to do."
Silver nodded quickly and headed back into the tunnels, "I'll want some more crystals, but tiny ones will do, say no bigger than this." She held up her hooves to ping-pong ball in size, "Round isn't needed, any color." Before Night could go searching, a passing crystal pony offered up some of her haul. Silver smiled, "Thanks!" She quickly snatched a silvery handful and got to work. As each crystal was bound to the solar crystal outside, it began to glow with its light, casting yellow-tinted illumination across the area.
Night picked up one of the crystals, "Looks like it's working. So they just have to put these around where they're working?"
Silver nodded, "And on the tunnel heading back to the surface. They can be moved around, so it should be good for a while. Since it uses the magic of the sun, they should keep on glowing unless they're damaged. They're still crystals, so tell them to not abuse them."
After the crystals were distributed, Silver trotted for the surface, Night just behind. Silver suddenly collided with something both hard and soft in places. She backed up a step and gracelessly landed on her belly. She looked up at the brown-orange pony she had crashed into. He had two-tone blue hair for mane and tail, and wore the gold armor of a guard. Silver's mind whirred a moment before she blinked, "Flash?"
Flash blinked his blue eyes, "Have we met before? Sorry for bumping into you, miss." He offered a hoof to her and Silver stood up with his help.
Silver squinted suddenly. She'd been helped up by Flash Sentry. By series logic, they had to fall in love? She snorted at the idea of it, though part of her agreed with the notion. He was a well-shaped pegasus, and he was polite, and he smelled kind-- Silver shook her head out. She was no one's waifu and she would not be stolen by Flash! She sagged a little, but would it be bad to be stolen in those orange legs?
Night slapped Silver lightly with a wing, "Equestria to Silver? You alright in there? Sorry for the trouble... Flash was it?"
"Flash Sentry," he agreed, "Nice to meet you both. I didn't expect to see lunar ponies outside Canterlot. I heard you were doing work around the mines and thought I'd come say hello and thank you."
Night flashed a fanged smile, "It's our pleasure. So what's guard work for Cadance like? She seems like a real sweetie."
Flash nodded, "She is. This has been my best post. She treats everyone like family. I don't know how she squeezes in all the time to talk to everypony, but she manages somehow."
Silver tilted her head, "How long have you been here?"
Flash rubbed behind his helmet with a hoof, "Well let's see. There's been one Hearth's Warming so far, so not quite two years yet. You two just arrived?"
Night nodded before adjusting her glasses, "Week and a half ago. We just finished in the mines."
Flash raised a brow, "Already?"
Silver smiled, "It wasn't that much. They needed to focus their efforts, and be able to see." She turned and pointed at the yellow crystal, "Don't let anypony mess with that. It powers the lights inside."
Flash nodded towards it, "I'll let the other guards know. Back to business for me, see you around the castle." They exchanged waves, and parted ways.
Night trotted alongside Silver as she spoke, "He was a fine slice of pony, wasn't he?"
Silver sagged, "Oh thank god I thought it was just me and a broken hormonal mind."
Night smirked, "Gotcha."
Silver went red and shrunk, "That was... really not nice Night, come on."
Night nudged Silver, "You were looking at him like you wanted to sail away in his eyes. He's not a bad looker, really, but you were lost to me. What am I going to do with you?" She nudged Silver again, "It's like you took Fast's place."
Silver blinked softly, flopping down on her haunches. "Huh... I never thought of it like that."
Night snorted softly, "Sometimes it takes an outside perspective." She leaned in close, "Do you think he's interested?"
Silver stiffened, "I didn't ask! Should I have? Night! Seriously... I don't want to be an awful herd, uh, sister."
Night raised a hoof, "And there is the problem. You're a mare, and you seem comfortable with that." She leaned in, "Before you freak out at that, I'm already OK with you as a mare, stallion, both, whatever. I like you for your crazy brain." She snorted and rolled her eyes, "So we're both mares. We get to shop around for a nice stallion."
Silver frowned, "What about Twilight? I might be... carrying her?"
Night shook her head, "Still a mare. Even if she decides to support you as best as she can, she is not going to stop being a mare. She's also a princess and won't publicly marry either of us." She flashed her teeth. "Good thing she can trust your devotion to her to keep quiet about where your foal came from..."
Silver sat with a stubborn blush. She wouldn't ever do something to purposefully harm Twilight, or at least she was pretty sure of this... "So... are you still first wife or not?"
Night tilted her head, "No stallion, no first wife, or second wife. We're just two girls in it to win it."
Silver frowned, "I don't like that. We're more than that."
Night shrugged gently, "Social constructs, what can you do with 'em? You can call me whatever makes you happy, so long as it's not bat pony."
Silver leaned in to nip at Night's neck gently, "What if I called you my darling little bat?"
Night wrapped her wings around Silver, "I would kill you and make passionate love to your still-cooling body."
Silver barked out a laugh, "Not the worst way to go. So... stallion market, that feels weird..." She glanced around, "What about the crystal ponies?"
Night shrugged, "Nice enough ponies, but what if that crystal runs to other places." She waggled her brows suggestively.
Silver swallowed loudly, "Alright, I can see why that might be an issue."
Night bumped against Silver, "I thought you would. Let's grab some lunch and see what else we can shove our snouts into."
As they turned to head to the castle, Silver felt song magic bubbling up within her. She let it take her and sang out one quick line about 'It will all work out', and then it passed over her. Silver glanced at Night, "Tell me you felt that."
Night blinked, "Felt what?"
Silver sighed and led the way to the dining hall, eager to replenish the energy spent in making the light system.
Cadance wasn't there, but a few other crystal ponies were, and they were eager to chat idly over lunch. Silver wasn't entirely sure, but she thought one of them, a stallion, was eyeing her. She pretended to not notice and focused on filling her belly.
Silver reclined on her bed. Luna peered over the edge at her. Silver perked an ear, "Is this a dream?"
Luna nodded quietly.
"Are you here to play?" asked Silver, sitting up.
Luna shook her head, "Nay. We have considered things. Where we did well, and where we did not. I will share these thoughts with you." She flashed her teeth, "If you allow."
Silver gave a slow nod, "Please, go ahead."
Luna joined Silver on the bed, sitting on her haunches and looming over Silver a bit, "We shall start before the beginning." When Silver arched a brow, Luna continued, "I shall place the 'beginning' as your arrival in our world. When you were but a youth, you argued at your father's urgings to not return to your mother. This was your choice, coerced as it may have been. You later earned a full scholarship, payment for your education ceased to be an issue, but you threw it away. You didn't seek help. You didn't try to change. You folded and ran. 'College is not for me', you decided, and that has been your mantra, even through several feeble attempts to return."
Silver looked distinctly uncomfortable as Luna recounted her early life, but this did not stop Luna's oration. "You fled your father and school, choosing to join a 'friend' elsewhere. There you got your first sip of self-sufficiency, and your first bitter gulp of others leaning on your achievements. You ran, again. Your mother opened her arms, and you fled into them. You shut down for a time, but you stirred yourself. You began to make more decisions. You found a job, then another, and another. Some you moved on to better, others you fled away from." She paused, looking over Silver, "Have I gotten my facts correct so far?"
Silver nodded stiffly and Luna smiled, continuing, "Excellent. You began to get 'real' positions, with responsibility, hm, let's skip ahead a little. You are presented another chance to escape life. You do not like where you are. Your relation regularly requests your earnings, and you give it. They cannot force you, you force yourself. It is your choice. You also choose to run. You choose to run to Equestria. You choose to greet your 'OC', you choose to go with him to Manehattan. You choose to socialize with Lyra, even after she displays dangerous behavior. You choose to try romance with them. You did not choose to be captured. You meet me. You choose to run, again. Now you are a colt. Your friend is now your parent. Good for you, a chore for him, but one he accepts stoically. He is much like you. He does not say no well."
Luna rose, spreading her wings, "You choose me. I give Celine. You choose to enjoy the moment. Choose to forget what is ahead. Choose to accept Tumble as your mare. Choose to struggle against Tirek."
Silver frowned, "What are you getting at, Luna?"
Luna pointed a wing at Silver, "You choose to take your wives with you to the changelings. You choose to reach for a fireball. You choose to lunge for the neck of a pegasi. You choose to run away, again..."
Silver stomped a hoof ineffectively on the mattress. "What is your point?!" she cried, breathing heavily, chest heavy with a growing tension.
Luna clucked her tongue, "You choose to attack Tumble with Trixie's help... You choose many things." She raised a hoof to point at Silver, "You are the main source of your own woes. Your cries of helplessness, of being a victim of fate, are in your mind. You have taken a very intricate path to get here, but it was your hooves, your will, that brought you here. Very few things were done... randomly to you, without provocation." She flapped her wings once, "You even choose to expose your ability to see changelings, thinking it would not cause issue. It did. You are the fate that works against you. You are to blame. Why are you a pony? Why are you here? Why did we ever meet? All you. You. You. you." She brought down her hooves, somehow making a thunderous clap against the bed.
Luna leaned closer, "I have decided that you are broken, as I decided long ago. I am no longer angry at you. I pity you." She let out a light sigh, watching Silver. Silver was quietly falling apart, crying motionlessly. Luna moved a hoof under Silver's chin, "I do not hate you. I wish you best of fortune, and will even look forward to speaking to you, you infuriating creature. I will treasure our time."
Silver gave a stiff little nod, "So..." She wiped her face with her fetlocks, "What'd you do to Celestia?"
Luna raised an ear, "I made her write a 'friendship letter' about her behavior regarding you. It was delightful. She will not bother you, unless you give her reason to."
Silver gave a soft smile, "We've been helping out in the Crystal Empire."
Luna nodded with her eyes closed, "We have had no doubt to your willingness to help." She opened an eye, "You wish to be accepted, and will work for it."
Silver slipped to the floor and paced around, "I never did get to say thank you."
"For?" asked Luna.
Silver flashed a fanged smile, "You brought Night to me. That has been an enduring gift. Was that Celine, or you?"
Luna snorted softly, "That was I. It pleases me to know at least one plan we shared came to fruition." She reached with a wing, nudging Silver, "Do you seek to have our gift removed?"
Silver tilted her head, "I'm tired of changing, and running. I'll be a lunar unicorn." She sat and moved a hoof to her belly, "Can you tell if I am with foal or not?"
Luna's eyes widen, "Tia was right?!"
Silver sank, "Yes... I, uh, accepted the advances of a pony. Can you tell?"
Luna advanced on Silver, rolling her over onto her back. "Close your eyes and clear your thoughts, try to be as blank as possible."
Silver tried to obey, though her thoughts whirled curiously. "Quieter," ordered Luna, "There is nothing. You are in a void." A peek showed that this was true, floating in nothing at all. Even Luna was gone. She let out a slow breath and started to make progress, concentrating on that nothing, the emptiness. A sudden flowing rush filled Silver and she came back to waking, sitting up in her bed. It was still night. Night Watch was sleeping peacefully beside her.
Silver frowned. Did it work? Did she mess it up? She walked quietly out onto the balcony, looking out over the dim lights of a sleeping city. It was nothing like the cities she had left behind on Earth. Her ears swiveled, trying to pick up some sound, but it was so quiet.
"Silver?" came Night Watch's voice. Silver returned to her and they became warm under the covers.
Silver nuzzled Night gently, "I'm tired of running." She nibbled along Night's chin slowly, "Don't let me. If I turn tail, shout, then bite. Hold me down if you have to."
Night perked an ear, "What brought all this on?" She pushed Silver over, soon on top of Silver and hugging him, "Are you alright?"
Silver nodded her head, "I'm fine... Luna just kind of... Luna'd me? She did her job, and she did it well, and I feel scared straight. She took all my... past and threw it in my face."
Night frowned, "That sounds harsh... but good. It's over now, let's sleep." She squeezed Silver gently, lulling Silver to sleep with affectionate hugs and stroking hooves.
Luna did not return, and Silver forgot most other dreams she had that night. Silver and Night descended to the dining halls to find Shining Armor and Flash Sentry discussing something.
"They will arrive in two days," said Shining Armor, "We don't have much time to prepare."
Silver wondered how they had arrived at just the right time, but quickly decided Equestrian harmony allowed for such things. "What's coming?" she asked, "Sounds like trouble."
Flash nodded, turning to look at Night and Silver, "No good at all. The frozen north is home to many ancient foes of ponykind. You two would be better off staying inside. We'll keep you safe."
Night wing took a fighting posture, "I am a former member of the guard! I will not hide inside while there's a fight." She nudged Silver, "And neither will she."
Silver glanced sideways at Night before nodding, "We want to help. You don't have flyers, right?"
Flash spread a wing, "Besides me? We have four crystal pegasi in the guard."
Silver tilted her head, "There are crystal pegasi?"
Shining nodded his head, "Totally, but not many. Most are earth ponies. There are some crazy thoughts about why, but let's focus."
Night wobbled a wingtip, "Yes, what's coming? What do we know about it?"
Flash pulled out a book with a wing and set it on the table. He folded it open to show a shaggy beast of shadows. "Sombra used to use them as enforcers. They would attack a pony that wasn't working hard enough." Flash trailed off, looking uncomfortable.
Silver approached and read over the page, "They would go for the kill, murdering in the most painful way possible, so their friends and family would learn a lesson in disobeying." Silver looked up and saw most of the ponies had become withdrawn and a little terrified. Silver frowned a little, "Well, this is what we're up against. They're, uh, obviously melee specialized, so we want to take them down from as far away as possible."
Shining sighed, "We didn't place very well in the archery competition, and two of the three unicorns in the kingdom are in this room."
Night nudged Silver, "Good thing one of them loves messing with spells. Come on, whatever you make, Cadance will cast it. All the power you could want, if you make the spell."
Silver smiled brightly, "That actually does sound... fun. I'm going to visit the library and cook up something, but before I do, where are all the citizens going to be?"
Flash tapped the ground, "We're bringing them into the castle and barring the doors. There's still hope they'll give up and leave if they can't gain access to the castle."
Night nodded her head, "Alright, that's at least a single defensible point. We can work with that. Go on, Silver, I'll work with these guys."
Silver started to trot off, then paused, looking over her shoulder, "Are you trying to be alone with the stallions?"
Night snorted, "If I am, I deserve one time to myself. You have no leg to stand on."
Silver flushed dark, and fled with no argument to Night's words. Though she felt jealousy welling, she knew it was petty and undeserved, and shoved the feelings aside. Night was probably busy with defense, and if she wasn't, she did deserve any fun she had.
Thoughts cleared, Silver dashed into the library. The librarian was already gone. She paced around, finding the magic section and starting to pull down books. Any book with combat magic had been removed, likely by Sombra long time ago. This was fine... She found what she wanted and began her splicing work. This would require stupid amounts of energy... "Good thing I won't be casting it," she sang to herself as she scribbled manically in the book.
Silver returned to the castle to see that it had changed while she was away. Windows had been boarded up, and the door looked barricaded as well, but not completely. She squeezed past it into the entry foyer and two crystal guards went to work sealing it up entirely behind her. "So... busy?"
Shining turned to face her, "You could say that. Any luck with that spell?"
Silver levitated out the paper that held a copy of the spell, written out slowly after the fact so others might comprehend it, "Here, but I think it may take your assistance to cast properly."
Shining raised his brows together, "Huh? I'm not that good at magic."
Silver raised a hoof, "Except shields, which this one is, at least in part. You should work with Cadance to make it perfect."
Shining didn't argue too hard about working with his wife, just nodding, "Bring the spell to her, do you have a second copy?"
Another paper lifted free, "I had a feeling," said Silver, passing one to Shining, then trotting onwards to seek out Cadance.
Cadance was standing beside Night Watch, going over some plans with a map of the castle. Silver approached them quickly with a smile. "Have it!"
Cadance looked up, "Have what?"
Night pointed, "A spell. What did you cook up, Silver? Give me all the details."
Silver floated the page to hover in front of Cadance, "It will take Shining and Cadance together to power it properly. It will make a sort of... alarm? A circle that gets set off whenever something goes past it. Except, instead of just making a sound or a light... Fireball."
Cadance tilted her head, "A little ball of fire won't dissuade these beasts much."
Night shook her head, "No, if this is Silver's fireball, it's big enough to dissuade most things. I like it! How far away will it be from the castle walls?"
Silver shrugged, "That part depends a lot on Shining. It will be his shield magic that powers the perimeter itself, while Cadance's magic will fuel the fireballs. I went into this assuming she would have a deeper reserve to draw from, but Shining could hold a nice steady field."
Cadance nodded slowly, "I have every confidence in Shiny. He's held a shield steady over all of Canterlot for days at a time."
Night took a bit of chalk out of her pack and drew on the map, making a circle around the castle, "Then we'll put the spell here. Nopony is to go across it until the all clear is given directly from Cadance or Shining unless they're that desperate for a deep tan."
Cadance looked at the circle, then tilted her head, "Why not cover the entire city?"
Night shook her head, "Those fireballs are big. This spell is going to take up enough energy as it is. We've already gathered all the ponies here, so we just have to keep the castle safe. I want it, relatively, small and manageable."
Silver raised a hoof, "Now that I made the spell, what will I be doing?"
Night looked at Silver a moment, "I don't suppose I'd convince my lovely partner to hide?"
Silver frowned a little, "Thank you for the offer, next? If those things bust in here, there's no hiding anyway."
Night nodded, "I had a feeling. There was a twenty percent chance you would hide. Do you have any long-range attack spells?"
Cadance had ceased to be part of the conversation, studying the spell.
Silver nodded a little, "I have a few in my book, besides the fireball."
Night waved a hoof, "None of those. You said it takes a lot out of you, and we're going for endurance, not one big blast. What about, you know, basic horn rays?"
Silver produced her book and flipped through it to find the spell, and inspiration came to her! She started scribbling on the spot.
Night put her hoof over her face, "Never a bad time for that, I guess. Go up to the parapets when you're ready and try to catch some sleep. They usually move at night. They'll either be here tonight or tomorrow night, most likely."
Later, Silver rested in the gentle wind of the castle walls, watching into the evening. She could see the dim line of Shining and Cadance's spell surrounding the castle, which was good, as it was becoming quite dark down there. Silver flopped over into a new position, considering trying to take another nap when a dark spot danced, somehow darker than the shadows around it below. She squinted into the night, trying to get a better look at it.
"Do you see something?" asked a nervous crystal guard. He was stationed beside a bow and a bucket of arrows.
Silver shook her head slowly, "I'm not sure... I think so?" She traced the shadowy impression as it darted through the city, becoming lost behind buildings until she could find it again. It was coming closer to the castle. Silver pointed, "Do you see that?"
The guard reared up to peer over the parapet more clearly, "It's dark."
Suddenly the ring flared, and fire engulfed the area violently. The ground shuddered faintly and Silver wondered if she put too much 'oomf' in those fireballs. "One down. I think it was a scout," said Silver as she watched the flames gutter out, leaving nothing behind that she could see. "If we're lucky, we won't have to fight at all." A snatch of movement caught her attention and she saw more impressions of shadow approaching the castle. There were many of them. Some appeared to be larger, and in the air... "Or not!"
The guard could see none of this, looking confused and alarmed as Silver went into a brief moment of panic. "What is it?"
Silver shouted, "Attack incoming! We have airborne, at least five. Ground forces, uh, a lot!"
Night suddenly landed beside Silver, "I was just coming to report that and I hear you shouting about it. Are you trying to put me out of a job?"
Silver rushed for Night, hugging her tightly before pointing at the shadows, "Did you get a look at them? I just see shadowy... things."
Night nodded, "The larger ones are carrying three of the enforcers with them each. They look ready for a scrap. I put odds of our success at fifty-four percent."
Silver blinked, "That's practically a coin toss! Give us better odds than that."
Night frowned into the darkness, "I wasn't expecting flyers. We'll have to improve the odds ourselves."
Silver suddenly smiled, "We should stop them from reaching the castle. Can you pick me up?"
Night snorted, "I always pick you up." She lifted into the air and got all her legs around Silver and soon they were flying slowly away from the parapets. It was... frightening, soaring along with only the goodwill and legs of Night Watch to hold Silver up, but she focused on the shadowy forms ahead. She could only see the, what she had guessed was, shadow magic radiating from them. It was good enough to aim with.
Light began to gather as Silver focused on a fireball, heat and energy swirling together, densely packed as it came. "Go, uh, two o' clock!" shouted Silver. The first large shadow became dead center and Silver let the ball fly, directing it towards the beast that hid in the darkness. The fire vanished into the signature of shadow, but Silver could feel it brushing against something. She let the compression free, and the night was fiercely lit. The shadow beast she hit was revealed to be similar to a flying elephant with comically tiny wings. The explosive blast of heat knocked off its three shaggy riders, plummeting to the ground as it began to crash, while on fire, to the street below.
"Can you do that four more times?" came Night's voice.
Silver shook her head, "Two more at best. That was a big blast! I'm not Twilight."
Night squeezed Silver from above, "Do what you can. That was good."
Silver smiled as she panted, already 'reloading' as it were. It felt odd, being a living weapon, but odd wasn't bad. She could feel the start of fatigue and hunger building and knew two more blasts would leave her dizzy and famished. "I'm not going to be helpful for the rest of the fight," She warned as she let the second ball free, guiding it until it bumped into something. She felt something hit it violently. Did they try to kick it away perhaps? She didn't resist the kick, letting the fireball free to consume a second flying mount.
The flaming corpses revealed much of the incoming forces. Silver couldn't count how many were there, but decided it wasn't enough to be called an army. It was plenty to outnumber the relatively small number of guards they had though. Silver began to gather the last fireball. Just forming it was proving a challenge, scraping against the edges of her reserves. "It's in your hands," she spoke softly before guiding the fireball out with a silvery hand until it felt constricted and... wet? Silver released the hand and the fireball. One of the mounts crashed from the sky, but it wasn't on fire. Silver was too tired to puzzle over it.
She could barely tell that their direction changed until the light of the crystal palace came into view. Night carried her safely to the ramparts and set her down. Silver staggered on her own legs before flopping against the crystal, "Odds?"
Night flashed a fanged smile, "We'll pull the rest of the odds." A dull roar began to rumble from the floor as the incoming mob approached within range of the circle, conjuring fresh flames to burn and bake. The twang of a dozen arrows joined in the chorus of resistance. One of the flying elephants lumbered into view. It was too high to get caught in the alarm circle, but the flames made it quite visible, and it began to be peppered in arrows. The concentrated fire made it start to sag to the ground, but another flyer came in behind it, too close to stop, with the third not too far beyond it.
Shouts rang out across the darkness as ponies wielding swords and spears moved into revised positions to repel the aerial offense. Night hefted up Silver and trotted off, carrying her to the dining hall and setting her down. "You stay here, that's an order." She spread her wings and took off to rejoin the battle.
Silver settled against the table. She didn't feel like eating, but her body demanded food, even cool leftovers. She began to devour the food with both deep hunger and listlessness. She could hear the pitched battle going on not far away, as could the other ponies that had chosen to hide in the same room. When her belly was filled, the hunger abated, and all that was left was a deep fatigue. Consciousness began to flee despite her attempts to remain present. She decided she would either wake up to victory, or not wake up at all.
Silver woke up with a start. Everything smelled wrong. A quick glance around revealed she was... in her room, her old room. It was like nothing had changed. A quick glanced showed she was still a unicorn, still female. She hopped off the bed and reared up in front of her computer. Didn't she take this with her? And yet, here it was... She conjured her silvery hands and swiped the mouse before clicking the power button on the monitor and poking around. The Internet was up! Oh, she had mail, a lot of it. She squinted at the date. Not nearly as much time has gone by as she previously thought. This was all getting too odd... but it was full of details, including the writing, that wouldn't fit a dream. She was a pony on Earth.
OK, no time to panic, or so Silver thought to herself. She fueled her horn and cast her silver light over the room. "Magic, check," she said to herself. She went back to the computer and poked at it. Oh hey, there was a convention the next day, a pony one! She already paid for a table and everything, and she had all her stuff right there... She could pass herself off as a publicity stunt or something for her game company. That'd work!
... No, that was stupid... That didn't get her back to Night Watch, or even find out what happened. She plopped down on her haunches with a frown, trying to think of a more direct answer, but few were coming. All she could do was pass the time, and hope, no, pray, that she would fall back into Equestria the second time as smoothly as she had the first time. She pulled out her book of spells and flipped through it a moment.
"Uncle?" came a young voice before the door opened an instant later. A young girl of thirteen years of age peered at Silver, and Silver peered back.
"Hello, Jazmine," said Silver, "Please don't freak out."
Jazmine didn't freak out, but she didn't move either, just looking at the talking unicorn a moment before she asked, "Do you know where Uncle Dave is?"
Oof, that hurt. Silver considered her answer frantically. Did she tell the truth? That would be confusing! A comfortable lie... "Yes. He's safe, and... he sent me to check on you. He said you like unicorns."
Jazmine looked confused, "A little, I guess. Not as much as Uncle Dave." She approached then, reaching out and grabbing Silver's horn without asking, though Silver couldn't muster the will to be angry at her own niece. Curious hands confirmed that she was real and not glued together or some other trick, then she backed up a step, looking uncertain.
"Are you well?" asked Silver, "Getting good grades still?"
Jazmine nodded quickly, "All A's."
Silver detected the faint odor of garbage from the other side of the house, "You forgot the trash again."
Jazmine looked hesitant to do much about it, "I guess it's too late to apologize."
"It's too late," sung Silver on instinct before she shut her mouth.
Jazmine pointed, "Uncle Dave!"
Silver shrank a little, "Jazzy, I can't stay."
"Why not?" she asked, getting excited, "Where were you?"
Silver glanced off, then back at Jazmine, "I have to get back. Keep being awesome, alright?" She pushed to her hooves and moved to escape the house, but got hugged by Jazmine on the way past her.
"Don't go," she said.
Silver quivered. If there was one person that could make her hesitate... "I... have to. I can't run again, and I left important things behind." She sucked in a breath, "You're doing alright. Your uncle has to do stupid super-hero things, like out of a movie."
She released Silver's neck, "Will you come back?"
Silver shrugged, "I really don't know... but I can't promise that." Silver stepped in and gave Jazmine a kiss on either cheek, "Pretend I was never here."
Silver turned and departed, but before she even got halfway down the hall, the scene skipped like a case of bad editing. Was this a dream after all that? Silver tried nipping herself on the leg but it hurt as it should. She looked around. It appeared to be a hotel. There were many people milling around her, but few seemed concerned that a pony was parked right there. "The heck," she said, and it was as if the spell was broken. Eyes turned towards her. Silver spotted a registration table. She was at the convention. Alright! "I forgot to pick up my badge," she said dramatically. "Anypony going to the con should get their badge."
She trotted towards the registration area. The line fell to confusion as she moved to join it, and most stepped aside to let her go past. The few that didn't were shamed into it by those ahead and behind them, and soon she was at the front with only a few dozen hands stroking over her back along the way. She would have been lying to herself if she denied the attention wasn't nice on some level. She reared up at the table and smiled at the con staff behind it, "Hello! I am David Silver, with Ponyfinder, here to get my badge."
The con person tapped at the computer, though his eyes wandered back to the pony he was talking to constantly, "Uh, do you have ID?"
Silver shook her head, "I left it in my other... saddlebag."
There was a polite chuckle from those in earshot, and soon she had a badge dangling around her neck. It was a vendor badge, but she didn't bring anything to vend... oh well. No matter, she ambled off to look around, though could feel the eyes of many following her as she went. She took a moment to thank the universe in general for the fact that ponies were pretty furry bunches, and little was on display when not being actively used. It was as if Equestria itself wanted to be child safe. Not to say someone wouldn't see something if they lifted her silver tail and checked, but with it in its default position, she wasn't giving too bad a show.
Just as she thought this, a new set of hands descended. She looked up to see a group of bronies had surrounded her while she was thinking and were talking about her as if she wasn't there. "I don't know what pony she's supposed to be," one said.
"She's obviously an OC," replied another, a skinny white male. He crouched down and read Silver's badge, "Ponyfinder huh? David's a weird name for a girl pony."
Silver tilted her head, "I do talk," she pointed out.
They startled. One, an overweight white male, laughed, "Crazy! We thought you were a doll or something. Is that a suit? It's crazy!"
Silver licked the back of her teeth before nodding, "Yes, a suit." Easier than the truth. "Do you like it?"
A heavier-set male gave a huff, "Yeah, I'd like to see how realistic it is, if you know what I mean."
Silver's tail lowered protectively, "No thank you. Enjoy the con!" She quickly trotted away from the group, frowning. She took a moment to unfurl the con guide they handed to her, considering where would be safest, and most interesting, to go. Ugh, none of these options got Silver back to the Crystal Empire, but she couldn't think of anything she could do to do that. The ground lifted away suddenly. She was being carried away by someone! Their hands wandered where it should not, seeming surprised that she had all the required parts of being a mare under the fur. "Watch those hands," she hissed, and the human dropped her instantly.
"Oh! I thought you were a display," said the startled man, who made himself scarce.
Silver tapped her chin. Maybe some magic was in effect here? She trotted quickly to a panel room and sat on her haunches and went still. Only a moment later, a small girl rushed up and hugged her around the neck. "Mom! Can I have this one!?" she cried out to a larger woman walking up behind her.
"Not for sale," said Silver, startling the girl, who was soon guided away. Silver gave a soft hmm of thought. If she was still, everyone thought she was a doll or something. This could be exploited perhaps. Silver began bouncing from room to room, until she ended up in the tabletop room. She found a group rolling familiar dice, and saw they were playing Ponyfinder. Well, at least something would outlive her presence on Earth.
She flashed a bright, fanged, smile, "One of my favorite games."
One of the players glanced at her, then did a double-take, "Uh."
Silver nudged her badge, "I'm with Ponyfinder, sent to make sure this game has sufficient ponies in it."
It was stupid enough to break the ice, and a laugh resulted. Silver watched the game play out, then wandered off. As she wandered up some stairs, a sudden nudge sent her tumbling, but she never hit the bottom, instead landing in darkness. "Oh here it is," she said to herself, picking herself up, "What is this?"
Words appeared silently. 'Your time is up. You had one chance to contact any you wished to.'
Silver tilted her head, "Wait, what? Why didn't you tell me that before I freaked out? That was pretty jacked up."
'I am under no obligation to do so.'
Silver frowned, "I suppose not..." At least she got to say goodbye to her niece. That was good. "Did you have another question for me?"
'Do you regret this venture?'
"Which? Going to Equestria, or this side trip?" asked Silver, "I don't regret my time in Equestria... I have a question. What are you?"
'...'
"Did you literally just write an ellipsis?" asked Silver with a cocked brow.
'Yes.'
Silver flopped onto her belly, "Am I amusing you?"
'Yes.'
Silver tapped on the empty floor a moment, "Did I survive?"
'Yes.'
Silver nodded, "I get the idea you're waiting for me. I won't hold it against you if you give me a hint."
'Do you wish to go back?'
"To Equestria? To Earth?" asked Silver.
'Yes.'
Silver clopped her hooves together. "I said I wouldn't run anymore. Send me back to Night Watch, please. If you feel up for it, warn the next person through before you dump them back on Earth with a day's time and no clue."
Silver awoke in bed, her proper bed. Night Watch was curled against her. Everything seemed calm. Silver snuggled in quietly to Night. If they were tucked in, things must have gone well enough that they could wait until the morning to get the details. Silver sat still and listened to the sounds. She could hear Night breathing softly, their heartbeats working together. She could hear a servant somewhere in the castle cleaning something. The pony world wasn't quiet, she decided, Earth was just so loud.
Night Watch returned to the top of the castle to find it already pitched in heavy battle. A solar guard and a crystal guard were trying to peel one of the enforcers free of a crystal guard that was being torn into. The shaggy beast seemed to ignore the attacks against it, intent on tearing the guard beneath it apart as the poor guard screamed in agony. Night dive-bombed at the thing, driving her hoof into its snout and knocking away those razor teeth for a moment. It was opportunity enough to wrench the guard free, though the shadow beast was clearly ready to continue the fight.
Night looked around quickly, frowning. This battle was going poorly. An idea struck her, and she launched into the darkness, leaving her compatriots to hold the line for the moment. The sounds of the battle faded behind her as she soared as quickly as she could to the mines. She grabbed the sphere from its place in front of it and with strong flaps, was well on her way back to the tower. She would have to ask forgiveness later of Silver, if they survived to worry about it.
As she sailed over the fire line, she could see that most of the creatures had been stopped there, though a few had made it to the door, where they clawed and scratched frantically at the barricade. She wasn't sure how they got through, but there was little time to ponder that. She returned to the pitched melee on the roof and whipped her head, dashing the stone on the crystal of the castle. The rock cracked, and the magic inside escaped in a bright light. The golden rays of the captured sunlight spilled across the field, and the shadow creatures hissed as one as they shrank from it.
The guards gave a triumphant cry, pressing the advantage for all it was worth. Dizzy and apparently blinded, the shadow beasts were shoved right off the parapets to crash to the ground far below. The area was clear, for the moment. Downstairs, a loud splintering was heard. "They're breaking through the barricade!" shouted Night Watch, "All able-bodied melee soldiers, on me!" She moved for the stairs and glided down.
~There is no hope.~ whispered a voice in Night's head. ~Even now those you dared to harm are recovering.~
Night shook her head clear, frowning, "They have mind magic!" She quickly approached the front doors to find four shadow beasts fighting as many guards. The guards were losing quickly, but seemed encouraged at the presence of Night and reinforcements.
~Creature of the night, why do you betray the shadow?~ whispered in Night's ear. Night tried to ignore the words, tackling one of the beasts and wrapping her wings over its eyes to give the guard some welcome relief. A clawed hand grabbed her at the leg and yanked her free of the beast, slamming her into the ground. A fanged mouth hissed at her, only inches away. ~Sombra would welcome you to his court, creature of the night. Renounce the light. You have no place among them, these ponies of light and hope.~
Night brought up her legs together and lashed at the beast above her, but it barely seemed to notice the strike. Its teeth sank into one of her wings. ~Surrender, or we will break you. You can dig in the mines .~ As the words faded, the teeth clenched, the beast crushing the wing as she hissed. She twisted her body and got her head close enough to sink her teeth into the neck of the shadow creature, biting savagely. She worried her head back and forth, but so did the shadow creature, spreading agony through her abused wing.
Night saw a bit of movement before the beast atop her was knocked free. Flash Sentry came down heavily where it once was, "Get up. Retreat if you have to." With wings spread wide, Flash snarled at the still fighting-able beast. Night rolled up to her hooves and folded her good wing. Trying to move the other was pure agony, so she let it hang limply. She adjusted her glasses as the fight continued, then took a slow breath. Centered, she felt ready to rejoin, damaged wing or not.
"There's nowhere to run to," she said as she moved around to surround the beast with Flash, "We fight here, or we don't fight at all." Her thoughts wandered to the half-delirious Silver she left behind. If she couldn't keep them from roaming freely through the castle... She put aside the thought and jumped for the beast's back as it fought with Flash. She bit and she kicked at its back, barely seeming to slow it down, but it was all she could do.
"How many are outside?" shouted Flash as he ducked a swipe of razor sharp claws and spun around, bucking both hooves into its chin as it went for a bite, "We may have to abandon the fire circle."
"Looks clear!" shouted one of the guards just before she was tackled to the ground by one of the enforcers. Her screams joined the others as it began to tear into her in the most painful ways it could devise.
Not everyone had the bravery to fight this losing battle, and fled deeper into the castle. Soon there were only about six defenders, and the four intruders looked as healthy as ever. "They don't give up," said Flash between heavy pants, now decorated with bloody marks of the steady fighting. "They aren't... immortal, are they?"
The shadow beast in front of Flash surged forward, knocking aside an incoming hoof and sinking teeth into one of his forelegs, or so he tried. A sudden bright bubble appeared around Flash, protecting him. Standing at the end of the hallway was Cadance and Shining. Cadance took a ready stance and summoned her magic. The crystal heart flew rapidly to her side, pulling itself free of its cradle. "You have made the mistake of harming my people. Not a single more."
The beasts hissed loudly at Cadance before abandoning their fights entirely in favor of charging down the hallway towards Cadance, intent on the destruction of the wielder of the crystal heart. "As you wish it," she said, bringing up a hoof and slamming it down. The heart beside her flared to brilliant life and a beam of concentrated hope and love engulfed the attackers. Their charge petered into a pathetic stagger, then they collapsed to the ground, twitching helplessly.
Night was on one in an instant, pummeling its helpless form until it stopped moving.
Flash trotted up less frantically, kicking one along the way, "Why didn't we do that from the start?"
Cadance shook her head, "Against the original number? They timed their attack. The Crystal Fair is a month away and the heart was near its weakest point. I couldn't have repelled so many with it."
Shining nodded in agreement, "Guards, do a sweep of the city. If you find any other beasts, do not engage, report immediately. If you're too injured to move unimpeded, get looked at, and rest. You've earned it."
A weak cheer rose up from the defenders, most slumping against walls or anything else available.
Night made her way to Cadance, "I know your thing is love, but can you do anything?" She gestured at her busted wing with a hoof, "I can see in the dark and scouting is my specialty."
Cadance gave a soft nod, "Healing is not my strong suit, but I'll try. Focus on why you want to be able to fly, preferably somepony you want to love and protect." Night held the thought of Silver in her heart, and her desire to protect all the ponies of the kind kingdom that had taken her in. Cadance could see the lines swell and reached for them. With a gentle push, she let loose a stream of energy from the crystal heart to echo through the broken lunar pegasus. It wasn't healing magic specifically, but its potent dose of hope and love was a thing of miracles, and the pain began to fade away as things straightened enough for Night to fold the wing against herself.
Night flashed a bright smile, "Many thanks. I will look for more of those things." She spread her wings, wincing a little. The wing was still tender and would likely remain so for a while, but it was enough to get moving. She was soon out over the darkened city, looking for trouble.
~You have changed nothing,~ came a familiar voice.
"Buzz off," growled Night. "We already beat up most of you. Sombra's dead and not coming back."
~The shadow is beyond Sombra. Embrace the darkness of your own being,~ it whispered sweetly, ~We can offer you so much.~
Night kicked out a leg as she flew, "Stop bothering me!"
~Very well... But your wife has a darkened heart. We are sure she will listen to reason, even if you do not.~ Its tone was one of threat and finality.
Night winced, thinking back on Silver and wondering if she was OK. "I'll protect her. She's a creature of light, not dark."
~That is not what she said...~ whispered the voice. ~She will be our eager servant.~
Night couldn't take it. She abandoned scouting and flew straight back to the castle. She found Silver sleeping, face down in the food. Night cleaned Silver off, then took her away.
~You can't save her,~ taunted the voice, dripping with evil intent. ~I will have her.~
Night offered no response, climbing the stairs quietly. She set Silver down on their bed and watched her a moment before deciding to join her in the bed, curling protectively around her. It became quiet, and she could hear Silver's soft breathing. Night kissed her sleeping face, and she didn't react or stir at all. Night began to wonder what dreams were locked away in that alien mind. She didn't have Luna's dream visiting ability, so she could only guess, and hope they were pleasant.
The next morning, both awoke to a largely recovered city. They descended to find Cadance and Shining Armor presiding somberly over three caskets. Silver flicked her ears forward, then folded them back, "I thought they didn't go for kills right away?"
Shining Armor frowned, "They were tossed from the castle roof in the struggle. The ground... had no interest in their suffering. They will be remembered as heroes of the Empire."
Night nodded, "Is everything... clear?"
Cadance glanced towards the doors leading outside, "The city is safe. The Crystal Fair approaches, with it, renewed protection against the shadows." She approached Silver and smiled gently, "We have you to thank for your part." Rather than flowery words, she lowered her wings over Silver and held her there. Silver felt warm all over, and found it much more meaningful than any amount of words could have been.
"I'm glad I could help, and I wish I could have done more," said Silver. She scuffed the ground, "I'm only one unicorn."
Shining approached Night, "And you. You were instrumental to our victory as well. The men tell me you literally brought the sun to the roof to give them victory? I'm not sure how you did that, but we all owe you."
Night smiled nervously, "Ah, about that..." She looked towards Silver, "I broke your sun collector. It was for a good cause, but you'll have to make a new one."
Silver huffed, "Figures, go and break my things the moment I close my eyes." Her tone was light and absent of reproach. "Don't just thank us. Without the guards to fight too, neither of our efforts would have been enough on their own."
Night nodded quickly, "They were very brave, and I'm glad they were there."
Cadance gave a slow nod, "Everypony poured their hearts together to have enough hope against the darkness. Thank you all."
The following day, the ponies of the city returned to their duties. The forces of darkness, apparently interested only in pain, had caused very little actual damage on their rush for those hiding in the castle.
Silver was awake, having been gently nudged along to Cadance's court, where Cadance and Shining Armor stood before about a dozen of the defenders, including Silver and Night. "You all worked very hard last night," said Cadance with a soft smile. "Some of you are barely citizens of the nation, being generously-lent guards from Equestria, or even civilians. We owe you much." She bowed forward towards the gathered ponies.
The guards seemed unsure how to react. Silver responded with a quick bow back, almost tipping over, though Meadow's lessons had paid off. Cadance looked to Silver, "Some of you have demonstrated unusual abilities. I would like you to stay behind." Her gaze turned back to the rest, "All of you, you are awarded with the Crystal Medal of Stalwartness, to commemorate your staunch stand against the forces of darkness."
Shining Armor stepped forward, horn glowing as he pulled out medals with a shielded heart and began to hang them on pony's chests. He placed them on armor where available, and on fur when not. Silver wondered how that worked, but it hung there on her bare pelt without issue or pinching. Shining Armor saluted the lot. "Dismissed, and you're all relieved of duty for the rest of the day. You've earned it."
The room emptied out, though Silver remained, and Night with her. It was down to Cadance, Shining, Silver, and Night. Cadance nodded at Silver, "We have a problem."
Silver perked an ear, "What problem is that? Are there more shadows?"
Cadance shook her head, "Simply put, your ability to weave magic spells is too potent an ability to leave free. Without even trying, you can upset the state of magic in dramatic ways by changing the way things are done too quickly." She extended a pink wing, "I have tried to shield you. Your heart is gentle and your intentions pure, but word of your actions are already spreading. Others will hear of it."
Night frowned, pawing at the ground. "Celestia and Luna?" she demanded.
Shining shook his head, "No, well, yes, of course, but more than them. Other nations will take interest, either to see if his talent extends to their own magic, or seeking to neutralize him and remove his benefit to us."
Night huffed softly, "She."
Cadance glanced at Shining before nodding, "She... The fact is unchanged. While you, alone, are not much a threat, you make any other unicorn around yourself more capable."
Silver started to shrink a little, but paused and regained her upright posture, "What do you suggest I do about it? You know I was acting in everyone's best interest."
Shining nodded quickly, "Of course, and we are very thankful..."
Cadance slipped in where he faltered, "But we are worried for you. We don't want you to be hurt."
Night extended a wing, wrapping Silver in a hug. "Alright, what do you suggest?" she repeated Silver's question with a cocked brow.
Cadance took a slow breath, "I want you to stay here, where you seem so safe and happy, but the Crystal Empire is no haven of security. You should return. I will not force you, either of you, but I do suggest it. Auntie Celestia and Luna can do much more to keep you safe from external threats."
Silver snorted softly, "So long as I roll over and present my belly to internal ones."
Cadance looked towards the ground a moment, then back up at Silver, "I will not force you, ever. You came to me in confidence, with a wounded heart. You have returned my kindness with bravery and loyalty. Our kingdom will always be open to you both. If you decide you wish to stay, we will do our best."
A soft knocking came from the closed doors of the court, then a messenger crystal pony poked his head in. He trotted up to Shining Armor, offering a floating letter. Shining accepted it with a nod and tore is open. His eyes scanned over it a moment before perking an ear, "You already have a guest."
Night blinked, adjusting her glasses, "It is incredibly unlikely somepony heard and responded that quickly."
Shining nodded in agreement, "It is an old friend of yours, Fast Change? She has arrived at the train station and is requested an audience."
Silver jerked back in surprise, though the wing around her made the movement muted, "What?! Really? Send her here!"
Night agreed quickly, "Of course!" She then paused, "Wait, is she a changeling?"
Shining and Cadance both looked alarmed. Cadance shook her head, "I should hope not!" She cringed a little, "I don't want to see those loathsome things again. Silver, you know a spell to detect changelings, please make sure."
Silver shook his head, "Even if she is a changeling, we would want to meet her. She is good-hearted."
Cadance clopped a hoof on the ground, "I will not tolerate a changeling!"
Shining stepped ahead of his wife, "You must understand... We were both very... affected, for lack of better word, by Chrysalis' actions."
Night shook her head, "Fast Change is working against Chrysalis, by providing harbor to so many changelings eager to get out from under her rule, and live productively."
Cadance raised a brow, then frowned, "Of course..."
Silver put the pieces together, speaking in hesitant tones, "Celestia never told you two, or likely anyone else."
Shining nodded stiffly, "We have little reason to doubt your words. Go and meet your friend."
Silver and Night departed, leaving the somewhat frazzled royal couple behind. As they trotted out of the castle, Night glanced at Silver, "Why do you think she came?"
Silver shrugged, "I really don't know. I thought she'd be busy being queen."
Night suddenly yanked Silver back as Trixie landed where Silver was a moment ago. "The great and powerful Trixie has arrived to confess her love!" Trixie approached Silver, batting her eyelashes, "Trixie simply cannot deny your ultimate magnetism."
Silver glanced around in a fit, unsure what to do, say, or even think at that moment. Night reached forward with a wing, slapping Trixie upside the head, "Hello Fast."
Trixie became Fast quickly, "Aw. Hi!" She leaped up to hug them, her original ruddy red-furred self. Fast nipped at the stunned Silver's ears, "Miss me?"
Silver nodded as senses returned to her. "I did so much."
Fast suddenly punched Silver in the barrel with a hoof, sending her to the ground, "Too much! What's this I hear you threw yourself off a roof? I thought I was bound to a smart stallion, not a stupid... mare?"
Night's wings spread in alarm, "Hey!"
Fast held up a hoof at Night, "He deserves this!" She frowned down at Silver, "You selfish jerk! Why did you do that?"
Silver staggered up to her hooves, sore from Fast's sudden attack, "I felt so... lost, and hurt. You were such an important part of myself, I couldn't imagine living with that hole for a moment. I was stupid."
Fast shoved Silver right back over, "Who said I'd be gone forever?!"
Night shook her head, "Please explain. I thought it was forever too."
Fast snorted loudly, "The changelings have leaders under the queens. I got the drones all nice and settled, then passed the reigns on to that nice leader we met, Stand In."
Silver sat up on her haunches, "Why'd you break the marriage if you planned to rejoin us anyway?"
Fast huffed a soft sigh, "Because I didn't know better? I'm a unicorn, not a changeling. It's good to be back, by the way." She approached Silver, who winced in fear, but no strike came. Fast pressed lips to lips, kissing Silver until the tension fell away. Fast drew back with a sigh, "So... why are you a mare?"
Night approached and gave Fast a chaste kiss on the cheek, "You can blame Princess Celestia for that, and Princess Twilight Sparkle. They said he, at the time, was balanced towards female, so they made the outside and inside match his net, and now he is a she."
Fast flashed a grin, "Does this mean I can be the stallion?"
Silver looked decidedly uncertain, "Uh, well... I suppose if anypony was going to be the stallion of the herd besides me, I wouldn't mind you." She stood up and shook herself out, "So... are we married again?"
Night pointed a wing back at the castle, "We should make it official, but... I feel that should wait. We should simply be together and learn one another again. Vows can wait."
Fast nodded at Night, "Right you are, smart mare. I could always trust you to have your adorable head straight."
Silver heard a voice whispering from nowhere, ~She returns to steal Night Watch from you.~
Silver glanced around as she frowned, "Anyone else hear that?"
They shook their heads, then Fast pointed, "Looks like they're setting up for something big! What are they up to?"
Night turned to where the point was, "Ah, the Crystal Fair is in a week. You're just in time."
~Just in time to take what is left of your masculinity. She will rob you of your birthright, grinning madly all the while.~
"Tell me you heard that," grumped Silver. "This isn't song magic."
As if conjured by name, Silver felt the increasingly familiar blossoming of the melodious sorcery. She rose up on hind legs abruptly, putting a hoof to an ear, asking who was speaking to her in a soft musical tone. Night and Fast replied in equally enchanting voices that they heard nothing, then started to dance away. Silver cursed internally, trying to follow them, but things faded to black instead.
Great green eyes opened in the darkness with red irises. Shadow-tainted eyes, bleeding fell magic glared at Silver as a rough voice joined the song, promising to save Silver from her traitorous wives and offering powers beyond imagining. Silver found herself singing with doubt and uncertainty. Internally, she raged. She was certain she didn't want anything to do with shadow things, but her part in the music had her playing along, singing back and forth and seeming to be slowly capitulating to the siren song of the shadow.
Silver grasped for her humanity, digging deep inside and uttering a sudden, masculine, "Fuck you!" The song magic shattered, and she fell onto her belly on the spot. With the music magic broken, Night and Fast quickly returned.
"Are you OK?" asked Fast, offering a hoof up as Night peered around.
"That was the strangest thing," said Night. "It's like I forgot a few minutes. You were beside me, then you were gone."
Silver accepted Fast's help up, nodding her head quickly, "Song magic... I broke it. Shadow... something was trying to get me to follow it. I almost did!"
Fast frowned, "Almost did? You don't strike me as the shadowy type."
Silver bobbed her head, "I know, right? But I was doing it in the song, going along with what the shadow wanted. I broke out and the whole spell broke apart."
Night adjusted her glasses a quiet moment, "I have little choice but to assume, for the moment, your theory on song magic is correct. Your breaking of the spell disrupted the usual smooth transition and stopped us from explaining away our singing."
Fast threw up a hoof, "That's a load and a half! I'm not going to be brainwashed in some kind of musical number, thanks." She threw that same hoof over Silver's withers, "Come on, let's get something to eat, then we have so much kissing to catch up on."
Silver looked between Night and Fast, both on the same large cushion. "I admit, I don't even know what to say." She reached for Fast, running a hoof over her chest and shoulder, "I'm just..."
Fast shuffled closer and bit Silver on the shoulder, "Stop stammering." Silver started to object but Fast took it as cue for a open-mouthed kiss. "I missed you two too," she said when she drew back, "So, go on. Tell me what's going on."
Night cleared her throat before starting, "Well! From the top, we were briefly a herd with Luna after our former stallion tried to... be foolish." She tilted her head, "She was not a bad herd-sister, though she acted more as the stallion than a sister. Being that she is royalty and older than us all combined, that was basically inevitable."
Fast frowned, "All that, and I still didn't get a chance to give her the paces... Go on."
Night nodded, "After that, Silver showed marked improvement in confidence and sprung back to, at the time, his, old self. He was attacked on the way home. He did well for himself, defeating, and crippling, an earth pony while two unicorns and a pegasus were on him. The pegasus managed to get a magic blocker on Silver, but he didn't give up. He jumped on the pegasus and bit them." Night flashed her fangs, "It scared the pegasus to death. The unicorns ran away."
Fast peered between Night and Silver, "Did she have a heart condition or something? How'd you scare her to death with a bite?"
Silver spoke up, "Apparently when Luna made me a lunar unicorn, I got the full package, which included emotion-sharing bites."
Fast tilted her head, exposing her neck. "Share something nice then," she demanded without hesitation.
Silver moved beside Fast and nuzzled her neck a moment before sinking sharp fangs into Fast. With a flow of magic through those fangs, feelings of relief and rekindling love were shared between the two, and they sank to the cushion, almost sleepy.
Fast sighed out, "That's nice... Is this how you really feel?"
Silver drew back from biting, "I, yes... but, you left. I want to throw that all aside, but it... hurt."
Night nodded softly, "I didn't... do anything foolish, but it hurt me too."
Fast rolled her ears back, "I didn't mean to hurt either of you. I was trying to help..." She took a slow breath, "I'll explain what happened in better detail, then maybe you can finish the story, since none of that explains why he is now a she, or why we're in the Crystal Empire. So, OK, being a changeling queen? Both exhausting and yet, invigorating. I was walking a tightrope the entire time. I felt like if I fell off one side, I'd be the old me, and if I fell off the other, I'd be little better than Chrysalis, maybe a bit less crazy."
Silver smiled a little, "You were always a good crazy."
Fast smiled brightly, "Thanks, so, anyway. I was helping oversee all the feeding pods and negotiate things on behalf of the changelings. Once they were basically settled, Stand In approached me. She asked why I was looking so tired, so I shared with her, and she told me to just fall over on the old side and let her and the other leaders take it from there."
Night raised a brow, "That simple? You were clearly a changeling through and through. You fed from us."
Fast shivered softly, "That... felt odd... I did a little reading around about it though. Since I never took any unwilling or faked love, the door was still open for me to 'fall' back out of it." She leaned forward a little, "The love of you two was the sweetest, fullest... Does that make me a bad pony that I was hoping every day you would come and share it with me?"
Silver shook her head quickly, "It felt great, for me at least?" She looked to Night, who nodded in agreement. "We just didn't come by often to make sure we didn't start dying with a smile." She raised a hoof and batted at Fast's heart crystal, "Never took that off either, I see."
Fast quickly nodded, "Good thing too!"
Night frowned suddenly, "You do realize there's a good thirty-five percent chance Stand In just wanted you out of the way so she could take over?"
Fast shrugged, "She can have it! I did my part, now I want what's really important to me, you two. Now tell me why we're here?"
Night raised a hoof, "Before that... were you serious?"
"About?" asked Fast.
Night rolled a hoof through the air, "About becoming the herd's stallion."
Fast nodded, "In a heartbeat. If you want me after all that? I'm sorry I hurt you both... I really thought it was... not a road I could walk back from. I cried myself to sleep so many times, but it was for the greater good, right?"
Silver leaned in and pushed nose to nose, "You were a good pony. I was... stupid, to give up so quickly."
Night joined in the nuzzle, making it a three-way exchange, "Promise us you'll never leave again, even if it's for the 'greater good', and definitely never before talking to us about it before you just throw yourself into it."
Fast flushed with renewed shame as she bobbed her head, "Never again... besides, if I'm the stallion, you two will be protecting me, from myself if you have to."
Silver looked confused, one brow cocked, "I thought stallions protected the mares?"
Fast snorted, "Some try, but us mares know the real score." She nudged Night, "Right?"
Night nodded in agreement, but said nothing.
"So," started Fast, "Come on, spill the beans already. Finish the story."
Silver continued the tale, explaining how Twilight arrived, and then their declaration that Silver should be female, and the subsequent transformation to become just that. "It felt odd, like there were things inside me that were waiting for the right connection, and they just slid into place.
Fast nodded lightly, "Maybe she wasn't wrong? Or... Wait, you skipped the part where you became all lunar-fied."
Silver rewinded the tale, "Well, after I tried to do something stupid, Luna decided to formalize the herd and give me a new purpose, so all three of us." Silver pointed at Night as she spoke, "shared blood directly, and she gave the portion of me I had given to her... I thought it was a foal, but she said it was just essence she could use later, to make me the first unicorn of the lunar tribes."
Fast tilted her head, "What if that 'essence' was female, or became so while it was all snug and warm in Luna's womb?"
Night adjusted her glasses thoughtfully, "That would... make sense. That would mean all of the lunar magic in Silver was female, and that would explain the imbalance." She clopped her hooves together, "And when you became all female, the magic fit better! Yes, that could explain it."
Silver flicked an ear, "Would this be a bad time to say I was thinking I'd want to maybe go back to being a stallion?"
Fast snorted softly, "Well then do it. You said you figured out how I do it."
Night shook her head, "Silver might be pregnant."
Fast's eyes widened, "With who?! Did you give Night some stallion bits? Did some stallion sweet talk you into it? Get to that part of the story now!"
Silver couldn't help but quirk a smile, "I missed you a lot... so, I shared the spell to add stallion bits with Twilight, and she used it, and then she was curious about the whole thing, and she wanted to experiment, like, really experiment. She took notes the entire time and asked a hundred questions, but we did it."
Fast rolled onto her back, legs kicking in the air as she laughed, "Oh sweet Celestia! You let Princess Twilight Sparkle mount you? As a science experiment?" She rolled back onto her belly, "How was she?"
Silver flushed softly, "Awkward, but eager. I... wouldn't mind her if she focused more on actually loving and less on notes."
Night nudged Silver, "She is not a member of this herd, nor do I think she ever will be. Keep your fantasies to your actual partners."
Fast gave a soft pfft, "Dreams aren't hurting anypony. I still want to rail Luna, but I guess that chance is gone. Anyway! So Twilight zapped you into a mare with Celestia and you...?"
Night sighed, "We fled the city immediately. Silver took me to the train station and we took the next one bound to the Crystal Empire. Cadance has been nothing but stupendously nice to us since we got here. We've helped out around town, getting the basic infrastructure set up for winter. There was a shadow attack, but we defended the castle alongside the guards."
Fast stuck out her tongue, "I miss all the fun things! I could have helped! I heard Cadance is a sweetheart through and through. So, we're staying here?"
Silver wobbled a hoof, "It's not that simple. The shadow seems to want to convince me to join it, and Cadance suggested we return to Equestria since my spell-making powers are going to attract the wrong kind of attention."
Fast tilted her head, "Why go there? Why not someplace else?"
Night raised a brow, "Like? I don't look forward to living with griffons."
Fast snorted, "Plenty of countries with equines in them, like Saddle Arabia. They're large and pretty. We could go to the zebras, they're exotic." She tapped a chin with a hoof, "Lots of places."
Silver looked thoughtful a moment before asking, "But will they be able to, and want to, keep us safe? I got Luna to apologize and swear to leave us be, and she implied she spoke to Celestia. I doubt Celestia will bother me so long as I stay a mare and don't hurt anyone again."
Fast rolled a hoof, "Which you just said you might want to stop doing."
Night stood up on the cushion, "Later. I say we accept Canterlot's hospitality one more time, if they will give us a house to stay in. We rest, recover, and have our foals. We can decide where we wish to be after that."
Fast looked to Night, then Silver, "I don't care much where we are, if I'm with you two. If we do go back to Canterlot, I'll probably go back to school and try to cram in more study when I'm not busy apologizing to you both in every way possible."
Silver flushed softly at Fast's suggestion, "Cadance might have a house in Canterlot? Maybe we could ask for that?"
Night nodded at Silver and hopped off the cushion, moving for the door, "An excellent idea. I'll ask her now."
Silver smiled between her herd-mates, even if they were in audience with Princess Cadance. She felt no fear towards this particular royal, however. "Cadance, you've given us so much already that I feel guilty even asking, but you suggested we move back to Equestria. We were wondering if you still had a home in Canterlot we could use?" asked Silver, "My herd-mates and I would be very thankful and do as you ask."
Cadance gave a slight pout, "Would that you had asked two months ago. I had little use for such a large manor and I gave it away to a local there." She tapped her chin, "But I doubt Aunty would let you be homeless. If you return to her and ask nicely, she will undoubtedly arrange something. If not, let me know, and I will."
Fast shook her head a little, "You're right, she is best Princess."
Cadance gave a soft smile towards Fast, "And you are Fast Change? I am told you worked very hard to give succor to those who were... once... our enemy." She had a subtle twitch as she said it. "That was very noble of you. It seems Silver surrounds herself with wonderful ponies." She gestured over Night, Fast, and Silver, "Have you decided to form a new family?"
Silver was quick to nod, "I don't think we need anypony else besides us three."
Cadance nodded slowly before she pointed at Silver, "I was certain one would be enough, but you do seem all the happier. You compliment one another wonderfully. I hope nothing will ever stand in the way of your love." She spread her wings wide, "In the name of the Crystal Empire, I recognize you as one."
Night perked a tufted ear, "You didn't specify a herd, or stallion, or anything. Was that intentional?"
Cadance nodded, "I think such titles have only gotten in your way in the past. You three should stand equally, side-by-side, with only love between you, not more titles and formality."
Fast clopped her hooves together, "Best Princess. Thanks!" She then grabbed Night around the withers and pulled her into a fierce kiss.
Cadance watched Silver a moment, then gestured outwards, "There is nothing for you to wait for. You can leave whenever you feel ready, and no sooner. If you want to return, you'll all be welcome. Silver, there is some news I have for you, and I want you to accept it as an inevitable growth of your love, not a problem to be solved."
Silver perked an ear, looking confused, "What? Did something break?"
Cadance shook her head, "I think not." She pointed at Silver's belly, "But I see a new thread of love. Have you been thinking of a foal?"
Silver flushed a little, nodding and shuffling in place, "I have..."
Cadance smiled, a gentle expression free of judgment. "Your love has found something to bond with. You are a mother."
Silver felt tension grow quickly as theory become hard reality. She wobbled a little in place before she was tackled to the ground under the weight of both of her wives. Night looked Silver in the eyes, peering through her thick glasses. "You're not allowed to freak out," she said firmly. "We love you, and you'll be OK. We promise."
~They can't protect you,~ whispered a dark voice in Silver's head. ~Your own doom grows within you.~
Fast, seemingly unaware of any voices, kissed over Silver's cheek, "I'm so happy! Our family is going to get big fast! Don't worry, I'm not going to get all fat, so you can leave the chores to me, and I'll accept payment in kisses, hugs, and anything else that comes to my mind."
Silver nudged the two affectionate mares away, struggling to her hooves, "Cadance."
Cadance peered at Silver, "What is it? You look upset. Is it about your foal?"
Silver shook her head, "No, it's... a voice. A voice keeps whispering terrible things to me."
Cadance drew a breath in a ragged hiss, "Did you ever see... eyes?"
Silver nodded quickly, "Shadow eyes, like Sombra."
Cadance clopped a hoof on the ground, "You have to go."
Night shrank a little, "I thought you weren't forcing us."
Cadance shook her head quickly, "This is for your own good. The shadow forces of the north are reaching for you. They can't operate at a distance, but nothing will keep them away until the week is over, and I fear what damage may be inflicted while we wait. Please, go. I would never forgive myself if you were harmed in such a way under my watch."
Silver turned for the door, "I understand the difference. I don't hold this against you. Night, Fast, let's go."
They followed after Silver quickly. Fast leaned in a little, "I barely got here, but I'm going where you lead. Where to?"
Night adjusted her glasses nervously, "Well if I had to say, the train station. We have to leave the kingdom, and there's no other way out unless you want to hoof it."
Silver shook her head, "No, thanks. Pregnant..."
Fast rubbed alongside Silver's side, "Does that bother you?"
Silver shook her head, "I feel kind of giggly. The thought that some part of Twilight is... growing in me. I wish... a lot of unreasonable things."
Night huffed, "Which are? Stop teasing us and tell us. You obviously like Twilight... a lot. I'd say there's an eighty percent chance you'd faint on the spot if she asked to join the herd."
Fast flashed her flat teeth, "Should I ask her for you?! We're all equal so anypony can do the asking, right?"
Silver went red as she shook her head all the faster, "We shouldn't interfere with her life... she has important things to do."
Night nudged Silver in the lower barrel, over her belly, "She's interfered with your life in a big way. You should tell her, next time you see her. She deserves to know she will become a father, and to make a choice."
Fast agreed easily, "Yes. She may refuse you, but she should have the option one way or the other. If she says no, more of you for us, so it's a win-win either way." She waggled her brows, "Give me a night with her and I'll change her mind."
Night quickly bonked Fast on the shoulder, "She's royalty! Drop that thought back in the gutter where you found it."
Fast pouted a little, and they went quiet until they were safely on the train. With as little preparation as their arrival, they departed the Crystal Empire. Silver gazed out a window, watching the glow of the city withdraw. She felt tears sting at her eyes as she wondered if she would return here eventually, and see its kindly princess. "I hate goodbyes," she cursed to herself, trying to banish the tears with fetlock-rubbing.
Fast softly nuzzled Silver's shoulder, "She obviously likes you."
Night perked an ear, "Who?"
Fast rolled her eyes, "Cadance, duh. You don't need to be a princess of love to know that Cadance cares about Silver. Not in the hot kissy way, but like a foal she didn't have." Fast tapped at her chin, "I wonder how different things would have been if you had come here, to the Crystal Empire, first."
Silver sighed as she sank into her seat, "I wouldn't have met Rough Draft, Trixie... Lyra... either of you. I don't know what that world would be like, but I don't want to imagine one without you two. Even the harsh parts are worth remembering. Celine..." The tears grew more intense as old feelings mixed with new ones and Silver curled on herself. Her wives did not allow her to wallow alone, and she was surrounded by warm bodies as the train chugged forward.
It was quite some time later, and the train starting up again stirred Silver from her nap. She heard hooves clopping on the ground and peeked out to see Twilight and her friends just... walking along to their seats. Silver couldn't believe the luck of it, and trotted out towards them. "Twilight?"
Twilight froze, then spun around in place, "Silver?! What are you doing here?"
Applejack glanced at Silver, then Twilight, "You know her, Twi?"
Rarity gestured at the dangling heart crystal around Silver's neck, "They have a good sense of accessories. It goes well with her coloration."
Silver offered a shy smile, "I'm kind of fleeing the Crystal Empire."
Twilight tilted her head, "Fleeing? What could you have done that would make Cadance kick you out of there?"
Silver raised a hoof, "She sent me out, for my own safety. Long story, but I didn't do anything wrong." She flicked the crystal medal she still wore, "I helped them."
Rainbow's head burst through the line of mares, peering at Silver, "Hey, that's a fancy-looking medal! What'd you do to get it?"
Twilight approached with a slow nod, "That is a medal of valor, but I don't remember the specifics. Well.. it's nice to see you, Silver. We're just coming back from an exciting mystery. Some crazy mare was stealing cutie marks."
Silver tilted her head, "You can do that? That sounds awful, like Tirek."
Applejack nodded, "Yup, just like that, but they didn't keep the marks, they stored them away like a squirrel preparing fer winter."
Silver nudged Twilight, "So, did you learn it?"
Twilight blinked, "Learn what?"
Silver smiled, "The magic. I may be good at making new spells, but I've seen you copy things you've only seen once. Did you learn it?"
Twilight shuffled nervously, "I don't think that's a spell anypony should know."
Silver waved a hoof, "Magic, not a spell, or am I wrong?"
Twilight shook her head. "Magic," she agreed, "Not a formal spell."
Silver clopped her hooves, "Show me? It can be reversed afterwards, right?"
Twilight looked quite hesitant, but nodded, "If you really want to see..."
Rainbow cocked a brow, "No wonder she got that medal. She's nuts. I'm not ever giving up my cutie mark again."
Twilight's horn glowed softly, then brighter as the magic surrounded Silver. A terrible pulling sensation built in both of Silver's flanks as the letters that made up her cutie mark peeled away. Silver's colors drained and she felt a little tired as the two marks quickly became one, then hovered over Twilight's head. An equal sign appeared in the mark's place.
Silver looked back at the sign, blinking, "What's that supposed to mean?"
Applejack volunteered, "It means you're 'equalized' or somethin'. Your special talent's been sucked right out of you."
Silver frowned, then fetched her book of spells and a quill. She flipped through the book and stared with building frustration, "I can't see the patterns at all!"
Twilight nodded, "Applejack is right. Your special talent is gone while I have your cutie mark. Do you want it back?"
Silver tapped her chin. Human cleverness was not gone, even if magic pattern seeing seemed to have been tied to the mark, "What if you gave it to somepony else, and gave me theirs? Could you swap marks with it?"
Twilight blinked softly, "I... didn't think of that."
Rainbow quickly covered her mark with her tail, "Not it."
A timid voice squeaked, "I'll try it, if that's OK..."
Twilight turned to regard Fluttershy, "I'm surprised you'd be the one to brave it, but if you're sure?" Fluttershy nodded with a smile. With a quick zap, Twilight had Fluttershy's cutie mark over her head, orbiting with Silver's. With a look of heavy concentration, she forced Silver's mark over Fluttershy's flank and after some rubbing and coaxing, it became part of her, overriding the equal sign on both sides. Twilight repeated the trick quickly for Silver, giving her butterflies on her flank.
Silver floated his spellbook towards Fluttershy, "Have a read, see if it makes any sense." The mark on her rump felt... odd. It was almost like it was trying to wriggle away, but it was part of her.
Fluttershy looked equally uncomfortable, but accepted the book. Her eyes darted back and forth. "I don't know magic," she confessed, "But I... think I see the pattern Silver was talking about, maybe?"
Silver trotted to a window and threw it open. With the magical timing of Equestria, a bird landed on the sill almost immediately. "Hello bird," said Silver.
The bird chirped softly, but Silver felt certain the bird was returning the greeting. "It's working! I mean, Hi! I'm Silver. Are you hungry?" The bird chirped that it wouldn't mind some seeds. No actual words formed, just extremely clear impressions. Silver turned towards the others, "Do you have any seeds?"
Fluttershy approached quickly, producing a small bag of seeds that the bird eagerly gobbled up and gave a brief thanks for before flying away. Fluttershy looked sad, "I couldn't understand the tweets at all."
Silver blinked, "No one can understand tweets. Uh, OK, switch us back, Twi, please?"
Twilight quickly set free the cutie marks and let them fly back to their homes. "That's amazing, and good to know. Maybe some good can come of this magic after all, if we come across a proper situation."
Silver nodded, then hinted at a cabin nearby, "Twilight, could I talk to you, in private?"
Twilight went tense again, "Oh, uh... if you insist..." She started to shuffle towards the room, but Rainbow zipped in front of her.
"Nothing doing," said Rainbow. "That's the second time you made Twilight nervous. Whatever you have to say, you can say in front of us. We're her friends, and we won't let her be bossed around by some strange mare."
Silver glanced at Twilight, then Rainbow, back to Twilight, "If she's OK with it?"
Twilight gave a faint nod, "I suppose... But this is a secret! For real! Pinkie promise nopony here will ever speak a word of it."
The group went through the motions, ending with a poke in their eye. Silver nodded as she sat on her haunches, "I'll get to the heart of it. Twilight Sparkle, you are becoming a father."
Rarity peered at Silver, then down at the collapsed Twilight, "I'm afraid you have us rather at a loss, darling. Did you mean Twilight is a mother?"
Applejack tipped her hat, "Don't see no reason you'd know if she became a mother, so how'd she go and be a father?"
Silver looked over the Mane Six, to find Rainbow rush against her, driving her back and flopping over backwards. Rainbow stepped over Silver's form, "How do we know you're telling the truth? Some strange-looking unicorn just shows up and scares Twilight? Sounds fishy to me."
Applejack shook her head, "Remember what Twilight said, sugarcube. She was experimenting on this mare and being right rude about it. Hay, she was a stallion if I recall right." She hiked a brow, "She turned you into a mare, then put a foal in ya?"
Fluttershy hid behind her mane, "Oh my... that sounds awful!"
Rarity covered her mouth with a hoof, "You must be terribly upset with Twilight."
Silver denied it, legs wriggling impotently as she was still pinned down by Rainbow Dash, "No! She asked beforehoof, and... I want to be a mother, now that I've thought it through, especially if it's Twilight's."
Applejack ambled over and nudged Rainbow free of Silver, offering a hoof up. "Tell me straight, sugarcube. Do ya like Twilight?"
Silver went upright, pulling at Applejack's strong hoof, "Yes."
Rarity fluttered her lashes, "Do you love her?"
Pinkie snorted, "Of course she does! Does this mean I get to plan a wedding party? Weddings are so much fun!"
Applejack cocked an eye at Silver, "Ah get th' feeling yer not here to propose."
Silver pointed back at the cabin she had emerged from, "I'm part of a herd. My wives are sleeping. I don't... think Twilight would want to join that. I wouldn't object, and neither of them would, but she's a princess, and we're very not, so, no, I didn't come to propose. I just thought, er... she should know, right?"
Twilight stirred, climbing back up to her hooves, "Yes... I am glad you told me." She flicked her ears back, "I didn't think there would be enough love to form a foal."
Silver blinked, "Come again?"
Twilight tilted her head at Silver, then smiled, "Ah! I forgot how uneducated you were about some things. Usually, it requires a certain level of love to form a foal in a mare. The... act..." She flushed deep red, drawing looks from her friends. "It's not strictly required, it just creates a moment of focus for the love. A couple could watch some fireworks or share an especially fond moment over dinner and it could be enough."
Rarity looked to Twilight, twirling a hoof, "Well, do you love her?"
Twilight flushed, "They're, uh, you're OK! I didn't love love! I thought it was safe!"
Pinkie nudged Silver in the side, "That just means she had enough love for both of you."
Silver took a slow step back, "I didn't mean to be a huge bother... I don't want to turn your life upside down."
Twilight seemed happy to be offered the out, "Well! It's really nice knowing you're doing OK!"
Rarity shook her head at Twilight sternly, almost glaring at her, "You will not run over this poor mare twice!"
Rainbow shrugged softly, "Yeah, it's kinda weird to do that to a mare, however you did that, and walk off."
Applejack nodded in agreement, "Ya gotta take responsibility, Twi."
Twilight shuffled in place, "I'm not marrying her! We're barely friends, even if she does know an uncanny amount of things about us."
Fluttershy offered a shy smile, "A little kindness would be good."
"And loyalty," spoke Rainbow Dash.
"And honesty, with her and yourself," joined Applejack.
Rarity ran a hoof through her mane, "Just show a little generosity."
Pinkie stuck out her tongue, "Why's everyone so serious? We should be celebrating! I'm gonna plan such a huge party when we get back home!" She looked to Silver, "Where were you going? You need to come with us! We can't throw a foal shower without the mother."
Twilight sunk in a defeated fashion, an exasperated sigh escaping from her, "Fine... Silver, where were you going?"
Silver was a soft red as the girls fought on her behalf. "Canterlot... I was going to beg Celestia for a house and protection. Cadance said my spell-crafting ability would draw the wrong kind of attention soon."
Twilight shook her head with a frown, though it quickly turned to a thoughtful expression, "I could offer you protection, in my tower, and you wouldn't mind if I studied your talent, would you?"
Silver gave a slow nod, "If it's not too much trouble, no... Ponyville Isn't a bad place."
Fast's voice joined in as she walked up from behind Silver, "What she means to say is 'Thank you for your generous offer, please lead the way.'"
Night walked up on the other side, and Silver relaxed in the presence of the two. Night nodded at Twilight, "Your majesty, a pleasure to see you again."
Twilight glanced around at her friends, who all seemed to be waiting on her, "Well... you could all share one of the guest rooms that I seem to have an abundance of."
Fast leveled a hoof at Twilight, "You're being nice, but not at all loving with the mare that is eagerly bearing your foal."
Twilight's ears fell back, "I... wasn't planning for this. I..." She froze up with uncertainty.
Rarity stepped in, "I'm afraid our poor little Twilight has never had the pleasure of a coltfriend, let alone considered raising foals of her own. The poor dear is still adjusting to the idea of it."
Twilight stepped forward suddenly, approaching Silver until they were nose-to-nose, "Do you love me?"
Silver flushed softly, "Apparently a lot, or we wouldn't have a foal on the way."
Twilight asked, "Why?"
"Why?" echoed Silver, "Why what?"
Twilight twirled a hoof, "Name four things you love about me."
Silver smiled nervously, "I like the way you seek out knowledge. I love your dorkiness. I love how your royalty hasn't completely run over the fact that you're still a mare, and can get scared... like right now. I love... you. You're adorkable and smart and I'd even say just plain pretty on top of all that."
Twilight took in a slow shuddering breath before she circled around Silver. Her wives parted to allow Twilight to come in close, "This is all very... new to me. I'll try to be a friend, a true friend. I can't promise anything more than that. Celestia would turn colors if I joined a herd, and you don't look like you'd want to leave your wives."
Silver flipped her ears back, "No! They complete me. I would be lost if they were gone."
Rarity fluttered her lashes, "How romantic..."
Rainbow huffed, "Sappy stuff. Anyway! Now that this is settled, let's sit down and wait to get to Ponyville."
Night gestured at herself, "Speaking as the last-acting first wife, I extend the invitation to you, Princess Twilight Sparkle. If you wish to join us, we will welcome you. You've left a permanent mark on our Silver Stars, and her love for you is plain as the sun in the sky."
Fast bobbed in agreement, "I wouldn't imagine trying to keep her away from you, if you wanted her there." She flashed her flat teeth, "But we come with the package."
Applejack barked out a laugh, "Well shoot, here ah thought herding was on its way out! Ya could be a regular stallion of yer own herd, Twi."
Twilight had no proper answer to offer, just a stiff nod at Fast and Night before wandering off, looking dazed.
Silver shrank a little, "You're being too pushy with her..."
Fast nudged against Silver, "She's the one that did it. You're doing no favors by pretending nothing's happening."
Night nipped at one of Silver's tufted ears. "And you're being very readable. You want her to look at you with some warmth, and she's hurting you with her confusion."
Applejack reached out a hoof to rest on Silver's shoulder, "Give her some time. She always comes around. Ahm just glad yer not striking me as somepony trying ta take advantage of her. We're mighty protective of our Twilight."
Rarity nodded quickly, "Of course, darling, just relax and give her some time. She needs a moment to think about it, and probably write about it."
Silver glanced at Fast and then Night, "So are you two OK with Ponyville?"
Both nodded together as Night spoke, "A bit small compared to what I'm used to, but I'm sure I can get a job helping with the town watch."
Fast flashed a smile, "And it has my lovely wives, so what more do I need, really?"
Silver suddenly had a realization, raising her head, "Oh... Jake still lives with Twilight, right?"
Rainbow nodded, "Heck yeah. Jake's awesome! You know him?"
Silver smiled, "I used to be human, like him. Is he getting into trouble?"
Rainbow made a dismissive wave, "Nothing he can't get himself out of. He's gotten into the swing of things really good. Good guy." Rainbow looked Silver over curiously, "You don't look human though."
Night nodded, "And yet, human she was, male."
Rarity wrinkled her nose, looking thoughtful, "Ungainly two-legged thing to all fours, and then a mother. My, darling, you've been through quite a change."
Silver flushed lightly, "I think... I want to be a male, a stallion, again, but... not yet. I won't be a terrible mother. I let Twilight put it in me, it's my responsibility."
Fast nudged against Silver lightly, "And I bet you'll be a fantastic mother, and you'll have help."
Fluttershy approached timidly, glancing around, "If you... need help, I know some herbs that can help."
Silver pointed at Night, "Let's not forget I'm not the only expecting mother in here."
Pinkie bounced in place, "Yes! Double foal shower!" She bounded away, talking excitedly about her party plans.
Applejack tapped her chin, "Ya should also check in wit' Zecora. That mare knows tricks with brews and potions that'll have yer head spinning."
Rarity peered at Night, "You're not...?"
Night shook her head, "Not Twilight's."
Rarity let out her breath with relief, "One is already quite enough, darling."
Silver perked her ears, "Say, where's Spike?"
Rainbow huffed out a half-laugh, "Hanging with Big Mac, talking about hoofball."
Silver blinked softly, "I didn't know that was a thing, or that Spike was interested in it."
Applejack nodded, "Right adorable, ah say. Good t'see Big Mac bonding and having a good time."
The conversation died down gently as they decided mutually to retire to the dining car and get a snack along the way. Ponyville would come soon enough.
The train pulled to a smooth halt, and they all spilled out onto the station. Rarity raised a brow, "Did you have any baggage?"
Night shook her head, "We have our things in our saddlebags."
Rainbow shrugged, "We didn't have much either, but we were out on a trip, not moving to a whole new town. Good luck with Twilight!" She suddenly sped off in a trail of rainbow hues. Her departure seemed to be a cue for most of the others to depart, leaving Pinkie Pie and Twilight of the Mane Six.
Pinkie smiled brightly, "You get a welcome party, and a foal shower! I'm almost jealous, but I get to throw them both, so that makes us even." She tapped at her chin, "Any of you allergic to anything? Favorite music? Party games?"
Silver reached out and gently poked Pinkie on the nose, "Seeing you is gift enough."
Pinkie blinked in confusion, "Huh?"
Twilight sighed, "Silver is one of those 'bronies'. She knows all about us. I'm guessing she means she's happy to meet you."
Pinkie bobbed her head, "Well I'm happy to meet you too! So let's get this party right."
Silver wobbled a hoof, "I'm easy to please. Just don't play the music too loud and I'll be fine."
Pinkie looked to Night expectantly. Night raised a brow, "No foal's games, and I second Silver's request to keep the music moderate."
Pinkie nodded once more, "Got it! You get settled in with Twilight while I get these parties planned!" She about-faced and bounded off in springy motions that seemed far too elastic for equine frames.
Silver raised a brow, "It looks stranger in person." Silver's gaze wandered over Ponyville itself, trying to spot familiar buildings. She could see Sugarcube Corner as they approached Twilight's tower. She could also see the fruit stands, and it seemed Big Mac, Carrot Top, and that stallion that looked like a taxi driver were offering up their fruits and veggies.
Silver paused when she saw Bon Bon seated in front of a shop. The candies on the dangling sign implied it belong to her. She looked... down. Her eyes were downcast and she was just sitting there, doing nothing. Silver detached from the group, letting Night and Fast continue with Twilight as Silver approached Bon Bon, "Hey."
Bon Bon jerked upright, looking at the lunar unicorn approaching her. Her eyes went wide, "Oh my! Did I do something wrong?"
Silver shook her head, "Not that I know of. I'm not with Luna. It's me, David, though I go by the name Silver Stars of late."
Bon Bon tilted her head one way, then the other, "You don't look or sound like David..." She sank to the ground, "It's not nice to play jokes. I'm sad enough as it is."
Silver considered a moment before asking, "Is it about Lyra?"
Bon Bon flinched at the name. "No!" she blurted with far too much denial, looking away.
Silver stepped closer, "She's OK, last I saw her... she's becoming a good teacher, and she thinks about you a lot."
Bon Bon glanced at Silver, then away, "You're just saying that... Big dum dum got dragged away and probably forgot all about little Sweetie Drops..."
Silver sagged a little, saddened by Bon Bon's state. "I'm telling the truth. She taught me magic, and I'm not an easy student. Did you ever tell anypony about how we almost became a herd?"
Bon Bon looked to Silver sharply, "No... David? What happened to you?"
Silver sat on her haunches, "Long story, but you remember I was made into a foal, but I learned magic, and got mixed up with Luna, and now I'm a lunar unicorn, and then later, a mare, and after that, pregnant."
Bon Bon blinked owlishly, peering at Silver, "You are a blessed or cursed pony, maybe both... Congratulations, I suppose. Who's the father?"
Silver shook her head, "I'll let them announce it, or not. Now stop being so sad! Lyra will come back with a hundred stupid stories and she still loves you so much."
Bon Bon smiled gently, "Do you really think so?" Silver nodded quickly. "Alright," said Bon Bon, "I'll try to buck up. Say, want to try a chocolate?" Bon Bon rose to her hooves and led Silver inside. It smelled divine with a mix of all sorts of candies and treats. Silver opened her mouth to comment when Bon Bon stuffed something into that mouth. Silver chewed softly, almost melting with pleasure. She couldn't remember a better candy before. The chocolate melted across her tongue just right, and the herbs flavoring it danced in an ecstatic explosion of delight.
"I think I might have just died," said Silver in a dreamy tone. "Is this what heaven's like?"
Bon Bon giggled at Silver's reaction, looking better for it. "I heard Pinkie rushing past. Is she planning a party for you?"
"Two," replied Silver. "Greetings and Foal Shower."
Bon Bon gave a genuine smile, "I'll be sure to bring some treats with me." She suddenly darted forward and kissed Silver on the cheek, "Sorry it didn't work out, but you're a fine pony."
Silver departed Bon Bon's shop, happy and blushing. She almost ran into Fast Change.
Fast Change grinned at Silver, "Old flame?"
Silver jumped back in surprise, "Maybe! I thought you were with Twilight."
Fast threw a leg over Silver's withers and started to guide her towards Twilight's tower, "And leave you behind? Never! My mare will never escape my watchful gaze."
They soon arrived. Silver blinked at the great map that occupied the main room, not remembering that being there. Fast guided Silver right past it though, into a library where Twilight and Night were conversing.
Twilight saw Silver coming in, "We were just talking about you. You three can stay on the second floor. You're welcome to read any book you like, provided you handle them with care." She pointed at Silver, "I expect to begin my first experiment tomorrow morning."
Silver perked her ears, "As long as you never forget that I am a pony, and that I love you. Treat me kindly and I'll be good for your tests."
Twilight flushed softly, "I... am not used to test subjects with such strong feelings."
Silver objected, "What about Spike?"
Twilight shook her head, "That's different! He's used to... how I act, and doesn't usually argue it, or how I treat him."
Silver laid down on her belly, "I'm not asking for much, I don't think? Just tell me what you're doing before you do it, and give me the option to not do it. I probably won't take the option often, but giving it is a sign of trust, and that is something we both need from the other."
Night nodded her head, "It's only reasonable. Twilight, you were saying, about the map?"
Twilight clopped her hooves, "Right! We may get called away at any time, me and the girls. If we are, you three will be the official guardians of the tower. Nothing fancy, just keep the place clean, collect my mail, water the plants, the little things."
Fast perked an ear, "I think we can handle that. Is that what you were all up to when we ran into you on the train?"
"Exactly," agreed Twilight. "I'm not about to drag two pregnant mares or their wife along, besides, you're not Element bearers."
Silver felt bold and rolled over so that her belly faced Twilight, "Are you excited? I mean... it's your foal as much as mine."
Twilight froze in spot, staring at Silver like a deer caught in the lights.
Night snorted as Fast burst into laughter. Night softly bopped Silver on the snout, "Stop breaking her!"
Silver fidgeted a moment, searching her feelings, "I know we aren't married, but I wouldn't... mind if the father was a little closer."
Twilight shook herself free of the stupor, looking at the three mares that had become part of her house. She timidly approached Silver and reached out, rubbing across the ribs with a hoof once before she suddenly fled. "I have to check something!" she exclaimed before she was gone, dashing up the steps.
Fast smiled gently, "I think that went quite well, considering."
Steps came down the steps, but they were clearly not hooves. A familiar human stepped into view. Jake was whistling to himself idly, not noticing the new ponies at first as he wandered past towards the kitchen. His whistling caught as he stopped and looked into the library. "Hey chicas! Huh woah, a... what are you?"
Silver saw his eyes on her solidly and rolled to her belly, "Lunar unicorn. Nice to see you again, Jake."
Jake frowned, "Huh? What? No way! Silver? Why are you a girl? I thought Celestia was going to do that for me." He shrugged, talking on without waiting for answer, "Suits me just fine. Being a human's working out for me, so why a mare? Why the whole 'lunar' thing? What's going on man?"
Fast looked him up and down, "Is this the infamous 'Jake' then? He doesn't look awful."
Jake burst into laughter, "Ouch, what have you been telling her about me?"
Silver inserted her face into a hoof a moment, "Quick story, I'm a mare, I'm tied to Luna, and I have a foal cooking in here."
Jake approached and reached. Silver shrunk away a little, but far too little to avoid Jake petting Silver across the ears and skull. Nails worked at sensitive ears and along her neck, and Silver began to relax. Silver sighed out, "You are still a bit grabby."
Jake chuckled softly, "I'll stop the moment you want me to."
Silver decided this was fine, and didn't stop him. Fast moved up, presenting her own head. She began to make soft happy noises when a hand went to work at her. Fast glanced at Silver, "This really is nice. Why'd you give up your hands?"
Night rolled her eyes, "You're both acting like overgrown pets." She rose to her hooves, "I'm going to make something in the kitchen, hungry?" All three nodded, including Jake. Night huffed and was gone to the kitchen.
Jake casually rolled Silver over as she squeaked. A hand rubbed slowly over Silver's lower belly, "Just you, or all three of you? Are you, like, married?"
Silver's hind legs kicked out in soft twitches as her belly was rubbed. It was both ticklish and delightful. "Mmf, yes. All three of us. Like a herd."
Fast moved alongside Silver and flopped over, presenting her own belly.
Silver bumped sidelong against Fast, "Hedonist."
"Never claimed otherwise," was Fast's easy reply, sighing out as she soaked up Jake's belly rubs.
Jake stopped petting after a moment, "Gonna see if your friend needs any help." And off he went to the kitchen.
Fast perked an ear, "He seems pretty nice. I think Equestria's been good for and to him."
Silver had grown used to Ponyville faster than she had thought. The local ponies were friendly, though a bit shy around an odd looking lunar pony, as she and Night discovered. The air was crisp and often filled with delectable aromas, and the ponies of the town were usually smiling and content. But it all changed about two days later when Silver returned from the market to find that the interior of the tower was dark.
She clip-clopped her way inside, closing the door behind herself. As her night vision returned, she could see many ponies lurking with silly grins and anxious expressions, and she put it together. Pinkie. Not wanting to ruin the whole thing, she trod forward as if she saw nothing. The lights came to life as a collection of ponies, Mane Six included, yelled surprise loudly, and Silver's welcoming party began. A party hat descended, and Silver glanced up to see Jake was the one putting it on her. With a snap of its elastic cord, she was dressed for the party.
Silver nodded her thanks at Jake before glancing around quickly. She spotted Night and Fast lingering near the snack table and approached, "Hey! Is this just for me?"
They both shook their head as Fast spoke, "All three of us. They made us be quiet while you came in though."
Night cocked her head, ear up, "Pinkie listened to us. The music is mellow and nice. Let's go say hello to everypony."
They separated out to meet with the other party guests. Fast had the easiest time, cavorting, flirting, and generally making friendly conversation with everypony she ran into. Night was more methodical in her greetings, trying to make time for each pony in turn. Silver was overwhelmed with all the background ponies come to life, each with their own distinct personality and drives. They were not cardboard cutouts anymore.
Carrot Top shoved a bundle of carrots into her mouth while gabbing excitedly at her, welcoming her to Ponyville and inviting her to stop by her stall any time. Silver tucked the bundle away and thanked her before running into Cheerilee. The teacher looked Silver up and down, "Oh my, you're barely a mare and already with foal?"
Silver flushed through brown fur. She supposed she hadn't told anypony not to say things about it, so it had become public knowledge swiftly. She nodded at Cheerilee, "Nice to meet you."
Cheerilee pat Silver on the shoulder, "Don't you worry, dear, you're in good company. You're part of the community now, and we won't leave you hanging."
Pinkie appeared suddenly beside Silver, "Having fun!?" She shoved a slice of cake into Silver's open mouth. It was delicious. Not as good as Bon Bon's chocolate, but good.
"Hi Pinkie," said Silver once she had swallowed the treat, "I'm meeting a lot of new ponies, and they all seem nice so far." On a whim, Silver stepped in and nuzzled Pinkie's cheek, "Thanks."
Pinkie giggled manically, "I win the bet!"
Silver stepped back, "What bet?"
Pinkie pointed at Silver, "That you'd nuzzle or hug me after the first sentence." When Silver's expression soured a little, she shook her head, "I was complimenting you, silly. I said 'I bet Silver will be so happy with the party, she'll probably hug, nuzzle, or kiss me!'" She leaned in a little, "Though I guess it's naughty to kiss married mares, so good choice!"
Silver shook her head, letting tension go with the internal mantra of 'It's Pinkie, you don't argue with Pinkie.' "You are something else, thank you again." Pinkie grabbed her, pulling her up to two legs to hug her tightly. Silver could feel Pinkie's powerful earth-pony muscles squeezing, but the embrace was warm and fond, not crushing. Pinkie let her go back to all fours as she bound off to some other purpose.
Silver looked around curiously before spotting a familiar mare. She approached Bon Bon when a large shape got in the way. Looking up, she realized it was Big Mac. He was big! Her nose quickly informed her that he was... kinda dreamy. He was a solid mass of muscle, but she felt no threat from him. Being immediately attracted grated just a little. It wasn't... natural, to just look at a male and instantly gauge attractiveness, or so Silver thought with her mind that had been male much longer than female.
He nodded at her, but said nothing. Of course he said nothing. Silver smiled, but it felt goofy. "Hello Big Mac!" she squeaked without meaning to. She cleared her throat and tried again, "Hello. Enjoying the party?"
"Ayup," replied Big Mac. His eyes wandered over her form, making her shudder faintly with an emotion she wasn't sure of. "Yer a mite small to be having young, aintcha?"
Silver felt like she could die from mortification, "I'm... not as young as I look. Have you decided to have a foal with Cheerilee?"
Big Mac somehow went redder than he already was, "Ah..." He closed his mouth, and walked away without finishing the thought, embarrassment clearly displayed on his face.
Silver watched him go, wondering if she went over a line or not. She wasn't even sure if they were dating! Suddenly she felt a painful tug at her ear and turned to find an angry Cheerilee glaring at her, holding the ear in her teeth.
Cheerilee released the ear to speak, "I don't know who told you, little filly, but don't go spreading around other pony's business!"
Silver felt renewed shame, rolling her ears back, "I didn't mean anything bad by it. Your secret is safe with me..."
Cheerilee nodded and her sunny smile returned, "I knew you were a good filly." She patted Silver lightly, "Now go off and play."
Silver wandered off, wondering at being addressed like a little filly. Better than being the target of lingering anger, she decided. She found Bon Bon again quickly and approached before anyp-- "Hiya!" said Pinkie. "We're about to play pin the tail on the pony. Wanna play?"
Silver pointed past Pinkie, at Bon Bon, "She looks like she isn't having a good time, you should fix that."
Pinkie gasped dramatically as she spun to take in the sad Bon Bon, "Gee willikers, you're right! How could I not notice?!" She was beside Bon Bon in a flash, talking animatedly at her. Silver wasn't sure if she should feel good or bad for unleashing Pinkie upon Bon Bon.
"Hello, Darling. Adjusting to Ponyville life?" asked Rarity as she trotted up to Silver.
Silver looked over Rarity with a developing sense of pony aesthetics. She was a pretty mare, who looked like she worked very hard to be just that. She had a cup of some kind of beverage floating beside her. Spike was trailing after her quietly. "Hey Rarity," said Silver, "It's all good. This town is... friendly, and nice."
Rarity made a wave with a hoof, "And yet I haven't seen you at the boutique. You simply must come by and we can see what looks good on a, what was that, lunar unicorn? I'll give you a friendly discount, of course."
Silver bobbed her head, "I think I'd like that. Tomorrow?" The idea of being fussed over by Rarity sounded interesting to Silver, and being a test subject to fashion couldn't be harder than being one for magic.
Silver moved off after friendly goodbyes, and ran into Rainbow Dash and Jake. Rainbow waved at Silver, motioning her closer. "I was just telling Jake I found this sweet new stunt course! You wanna watch me do it?"
Silver perked an ear, "When?"
Rainbow tapped a chin as if she hadn't thought of that, "Tomorrow?"
Silver shook her head, "Rarity has me tomorrow, and Twilight after that. Two days from now?"
Rainbow bobbed her head, then looked to Jake, "That cool with you, big guy?"
Jake gave a thumbs up, "I can wait a day to watch you being awesome, RD." He offered a fist and she met it with a hoof eagerly.
"Hi!" came a high-pitched voice, soon chorused by two more. Silver turned to see Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Apple Bloom. They were adorable. They were also not as small as they could be, relatively. Their presence drove in the point that Silver wasn't full-grown, perhaps in her mid to late teens, relatively. "What's your cutie mark mean?" asked Scootaloo, pointing at Silver's scribble of a cutie mark.
Silver glanced back at it before replying, "It represents a few things. I tend to work fast without double-checking until afterwards, which is why it looks messy, and I'm good at messing with spells. It's actually a bit of my notes on the first spell I ever made."
Sweetie Belle tilted her head, "I'm just starting to learn magic. Look!" She concentrated and her horn began to fizz and pop as she grabbed a drink from the table with her magic and pulled it over, wobbling in the air.
Silver gave a polite clopping of her hooves, "Very good! It was a lot of practice to get to that point." She was lying, a little, but she had no desire to say anything but nice things to the little ponies. "Any good crusading lately?"
Apple Bloom blinked, "Ya already know 'bout that? Uh, it's been good!" All three looked more nervous all of a sudden.
Silver tilted her head a bit, then reached to gently poke Apple Bloom, "Why the long faces? Nothing wrong with being a Crusader. You'll find your special talents, and you're awesome even without them."
All three smiled at once, and Silver felt giddy with a simple pleasure of creating such expressions. "Thanks Silver!" said Sweetie Belle excitedly, "Nice to meet you!" They dashed off into the party.
Silver decided to give approaching Bon Bon one more try, trotting across the room. As she came within talking distance, Fast slid into position with a grin. Silver huffed softly, "Hey Bon, Fast."
Bon Bon flushed, "Sweetie Drops. Bon Bon is a pet name..."
Silver mentally kicked herself. She had forgotten that.
Fast leaned forward, looking Bon Bon over, then over at Silver, and back again, "So..."
Bon Bon leaned away. "I'm not trying anything!" she squeaked defensively, "I'm no wife-stealer."
Fast adopted a predatory look, "What if you're the one that got stolen? Silver's looking at you with her 'I must save that lonely pony' eyes."
Night landed between Fast and Bon Bon, nudging Fast backward, "Stop that right there." She spun on Silver, pointing at him, "We are not taking in another random sad mare, even if you know her from before. It didn't work with Luna, and I doubt it'll work now."
Bon Bon was cherry red, "L-Luna? I..."
Silver frowned, "Don't be rude. I just wanted to say hello, to a friend. I wasn't proposing to her. Bon B... uh, Sweetie Drops is Lyra's marefriend, and I wouldn't steal her away from Lyra in the first place."
Bon Bon sank to the floor, glowing with conflicting emotions.
Night glanced at Silver, and Bon Bon, then sighed. "Sorry." She turned to face the overwhelmed Bon Bon. "I'm being rude. Hello, I'm Night Watch, and these two lovable fools are Fast Change and Silver Stars, though I get the idea you know Silver."
Bon Bon nodded at Night, smiled at Silver, then recoiled from Fast Change, flopping over as she beheld the Lyra that stood in her place.
"What's wrong, Bonnie?" asked the new Lyra, approaching with a grin.
Silver clopped a hoof on the ground, "Line, you're crossing it!"
Fast reverted to her usual form with a huff, "Fine..."
Bon Bon scrambled to her hooves, "A...are you a changeling?"
Night shook her head, "Unicorn magic and a lecherous streak a mile wide. Sorry about that."
Bon Bon looked around a moment before moving to excuse herself, but then paused. She pulled out a small bag from a pouch she wore and offered it to Silver with a little smile, "As promised."
Silver accepted the bag in her magic, "You're the best, but seriously, if you want company, as a friend, I'll be glad to hang out."
Silver floated in Twilight's magic, suspended effortlessly. She felt no particular fear, only a building curiosity as Twilight stared at her with a glowing horn. "What do you see?" asked Silver.
Twilight ran magic across Silver, which felt like a full-body petting that made her shiver. "You are progressing well, from everything I've read on the subject. I don't particularly understand how, but your body is growing in all the right ways to do it."
Silver cracked open an eye, "To do... what?"
Twilight waved a hoof at Silver, silent a moment before she regained herself, "To produce that foal."
Silver flipped her ears back, getting an idea, "I'm being made into a brood mare."
Twilight perked her ears, "I... wasn't going to say that, but... Yes? Are we certain you're not just growing into it on your own?"
Silver twitched a floating leg, "I'm pretty certain. Luna still wants foals out of me, whether I'm with her or not." She flushed hotly, "She's probably messing with me when I sleep." Silver considered the thought. Was being slowly corrupted into a foal production machine awful, or kind of... sexy? Awfully sexy, Silver decided, tail twitching. A new thought surged up, "Will this interfere with being a male again when I want to be?"
Twilight huffed a loud sigh, "I'm uncertain. Your energy is very pronouncedly female. Just flipping the switch, as it were, would leave you very skewed and that could be unhealthy in a number of ways. You are, for better or worse, transitioning to a mare, completely. Of course, that was kind of the idea... You weren't supposed to want to be a stallion later."
Silver huffed softly. Conjuring her magic, she turned herself to face Twilight, "What do you think then? I'm swelling with you... and I'm OK with that..."
"Twilight," spoke Silver gently, "I mean it." She took a slow breath, "This sounds stupid as all hell, but I want my... foal's father to be there. I would like her to be warm and loving, even if she doesn't look at me like a lover."
Twilight suddenly shoved Silver, sending him drifting away. "Stop saying things like that! You're exaggerating!"
Silver guided herself to the ground with her silvery hands. Once it was in reach, she trotted up to Twilight quickly, "Give me a moment, and a nip. It's odd, but I can share how I feel with a bite a lot better than a bunch of clumsy words." She flashed her fangs, "May I?"
Twilight shuddered powerfully, "I don't want to be eaten, Silver."
Silver tilted her head, "A single nip, no eating. You know I wouldn't want to hurt you."
Twilight sighed softly, releasing Silver from her magic which caused her to settle more heavily on the ground. "Very well. I wanted to document the effects of a pure-blooded Lunar pony bite anyway." She conjured quill and paper, "You may proceed."
Silver cared little for the research and moved in, nuzzling Twilight's neck. Twilight opened her mouth to object to the affection when Silver's fangs sunk into the tender flesh. Silver let the magic flow powerfully, sharing her eager affection for Twilight, the building excitement and love she had for the growing foal within her, and the hope she had for their future, all building together into a heady mixture that sent Twilight to her belly, notes forgotten and falling to the ground in a heap.
Fast poked her head into the room and blinked, "Damn Silver..." She stared at the bite with some jealousy, knowing how intoxicating a dose of those amplified emotions can be.
Twilight drew away once Silver released her grip. Twilight licked over her lips, looking stunned and overwhelmed. "I... Is all of that for me?"
Silver shook her head, "Most of it. Some of it was for the foal, and some of it was... us, together."
Twilight rose to her hooves and turned to see Fast staring at them both. Twilight jumped back in surprise, "When did you get here?!"
Fast waved a hoof dismissively, "Just love watching Silver share her feelings. You should do me next. So what did you find out?"
Twilight looked down at her dropped papers, "First, that doing personal research on this is counter-productive. Second, your wife is becoming suited to foal-making, be it through her own design or somepony else's remains to be seen."
Fast tilted her head, "Design? Is somepony casting a breeding spell on Silver?"
Twilight shrugged, "Maybe? I don't know. But we can find out. If it is Luna, her magic would affect you while you are asleep, and we can monitor you during night hours."
Fast moved up beside Silver and rubbed against her side-to-side, "If she is, is that bad? Explains why I thought you were looking especially sexy lately. I thought it was just Ponyville working out for you."
Silver rubbed back a moment before nodding, "Either way, I would like to know what's going on. I don't like the idea of being shaped without being aware of it... I'm still undecided if being nudged to become a broodmare is good or awful, though it leans towards the latter if it's going to make turning back more of a pain."
Fast pouted a little, "Why can't somepony fire some sexy beams my way?"
Twilight rolled her eyes, "Anyway! On to the next experiment. I want to watch you create." She trotted off and returned with two books, "In this book is a spell to find foals, for worried parents. The second book has a spell to quickly dust and clean a room. Can you combine then?"
Silver quickly nodded, "Off the bat I can think of a few ways those two could work together."
Twilight smiled brightly, "Good, now..." She flipped the books open to the spells, "I want you to show me this 'pattern' of yours, what do you see in the spells themselves?"
Silver shook her head, "I don't have all the symbols memorized, but I see a few I do know." Silver pointed at one point of the first and another at the second, "That symbol increases area. It's clear the foal one reaches further. With the number of repetitions and placement, I'd say a range of about... five miles?" Silver was already reaching into her saddlebag as she spoke, drawing out her trusty book with its reference guide.
Twilight nodded, "About right for an average unicorn. Forcing more power through the pattern can extend it, of course, but that's not efficient. I... think I see. So you don't look at the whole spell, but instead what each symbol could mean and how they work together and with themselves?"
Silver nodded, "I haven't worked out every symbol, and I copy and paste a lot." Silver looked between her reference guide and the foal finding spell, "Alright, there," she pointed, "That's where it appears to identify the foal by thought, so I'll copy that out..." She dutifully did just that, "And instead of this part, which I think would tell you were they are, instead copy the effector of the second spell..." She scribbled onwards, pasting the two spell pieces together.
Twilight held up a hoof, "Stop!" Silver stopped abruptly. "You're not directly copying. You're adding in new symbols between the two parts, why?"
Silver looked between the two spells, and her new third one, "I... don't know. It just felt right?"
Twilight smiled, "We just found your talent. This is where your talent takes over and you make this... amazing leap. I've had experience with this before. Pinkie has an incredible intuition as a sort of native... intuitive, magic."
"Pinkie Sense?" asked Silver.
Twilight nodded, "Exactly that."
Fast shook her head, "I'm barely keeping up here. So Silver has a good grasp, intellectually, on where a spell should be cut and pasted to make a new spell, but his talent is filling in the holes?"
Silver resumed the new spell, feeling compelled to finish what she started. Twilight nodded at Fast, "Exactly. I'll never be able to ask Silver why he, uh, she does the middle parts, because she doesn't know, and can't know. Go on and..." she trailed off, seeing that Silver was already hard at work completing the spell. Twilight sat and watched, making notes casually.
"Finished!" announced Silver some time later, "Shall I try it?"
Twilight shook her head, "I want to see it at full power, let me." She pulled Silver's book closer and read off the spell before focusing her horn. The spell played across it and powerful bolts of lavender fired out of the castle in a wild fan of magic. "... What did I just do?"
Silver smiled, "If it worked, you just cleaned every foal in--" Silver was interrupted as one of the purple bolts came flying back in and struck her. She was suddenly spotlessly clean from top to bottom. "That..."
Fast giggled a little, "Twilight's magic just called you a foal."
Twilight shook her head, "That was probably my fault. I was focused on Silver while I cast it. Thank you, Silver. You're free to go."
Silver glanced at Fast, then darted forward, smooching Twilight on the cheek before moving to vacate. Twilight's magic grabbed her before she could make it far, pulling Silver right back over to Twilight. "I'm trying to be understanding..."
Fast poked Silver on the nose, "Don't push her like you did Luna."
Silver went red and sagged, feeling guilty on a new level, "You're right, sorry. No more surprise hugs or kisses."
Twilight set Silver down, and Fast moved in to kiss Silver on the cheek as she had to Twilight. "This is why you have wives."
Silver smiled sheepishly and vacated unimpeded.
Twilight looked to Fast after Silver was gone. "Does she really?"
Fast sighed, "Hopelessly. If you said the price of your heart was jumping off a cliff, she'd consider it. She means well, and she will back off if you're firm, but please don't hurt her. She really wants to be a good pony."
Twilight gave a slow nod, then pointed at Fast, "And you?"
Fast shrugged, "You're cute. If you join the herd, I'll show you a few things."
Twilight gained a new blush, "I... see... Well thank you. I should get back to my studies."
Fast raised a hoof, "One thing, don't think any of us are motivated by your being a princess. We've had Luna before, and Cadance is willing to take us back if we want to go back. We're not hurting for royal contacts. Her love is much too straightforward for that."
Twilight said something unintelligible as she strode off towards the comforting simplicity of her books.
Elsewhere, Silver knocked on a door. Sweetie Belle opened it and smiled, "Hi Silver Stars! Are you here to crusade, or are you looking for Rarity?"
Silver smiled at the filly, who looked quite clean indeed, "Rarity. She's expecting me. I didn't think I qualified to crusade, having a cutie mark?"
Sweetie stepped aside, "I guess I just got a little excited. It's not that often we get a new filly in town."
Silver perked an ear, "Not that I have anything against the crusaders or you all, but I'm not really a filly. I have a cutie mark, and a profession, and even, you know, a foal on the way." She stepped inside, smelling the scent of cut fabric and looking at the colorful dresses on pony mannequins curiously.
Sweetie followed behind, "You're still a filly. You're not even finished growing up!"
Silver turned to Sweetie and conjured a hand, drawing the smaller filly close for an unannounced nuzzle. Sweetie seemed to accept it with a giggle, "You are the best thing I ran into today. I mean that. Go on and play with your friends." She set Sweetie Belle on the ground, and the younger filly dashed off.
Rarity stepped out from the back, eyes locked on Silver, "There you are! Come here, darling, we have so much work to do! First thing's first, we are going directly to the spa. Your mane and tail are in desperate need of a makeover. You will feel fabulous when we're done with you. You'll look like a real mare."
Silver started to backpedal, uncertain of Rarity's kind but dangerous-sounding words. Rarity lifted Silver from the ground, trotting to the door with her, "I simply won't take no for an answer. You're long overdue for being treated like the mare you are."
Silver sagged in defeat. She's rarely ever come out on top when another mare got an idea in their head. Better to just surrender. "Be gentle."
Rarity looked over her shoulder, "Of course we'll be! Lotus and Aloe are simply marvelous at their job. You'll be treated like a queen, as you should be."
Silver snuck back to the tower and scurried to bed, thankful that nopony got in her way. She hid under a blanket and was soon asleep. Her dreams were not to last long. Luna stood there, as if waiting for her to nap.
"Hello," said Silver, defaulting to her usual response to unexpected guests.
Luna nodded, "Greetings. We are aware that you are aware of our interference."
Silver tilted her head, "First... how? Second, does that mean you'll stop?"
Luna wrinkled her nose, "I reserve the right to not speak on the first, and I will not on the second. It is for your own good."
Silver frowned, "I've heard that a lot. Your sister used it like a club when she declared my masculinity against the law."
Luna sighed softly, "Silver, you are not my lover, but you are still loved. I would think of you as my child, and I am looking out for your interests."
Silver shook her head, "Not following. What interest of mine is served by making sure I grow into a perfect little brood mare? That sure sounds like you being selfish, working with what you have, instead of helping me become a stallion again."
Luna waved a hoof, and Silver was suddenly bloated and round. Silver collapsed under her own weight as pain began firing in agonizing spasms through her abdomen in clenches of muscles powerful enough to make her vision swim with dots. "I thought... dreams, no pain?"
Luna leaned over Silver, watching the agony passively, "You are in my realm. If I wish you to not awaken for a time, it is well within my power. You are experiencing labor with your original form. Is it pleasant?"
Silver grunted and began to kick out her hind legs, but no amount of wriggling made the pain settle, "No! It really isn't!"
Luna reached out, placing a hoof on the tense dome of Silver's belly, "Your hips are too small, your... I will spare you the anatomy lesson. You have this foal. I will not let you hurt yourself carrying it to term."
The pain vanished as Silver returned to the form she went to sleep in. She panted for breath as she flopped over onto her side. "On one hoof, that was a really brutal lesson... on the other I don't imagine I would have gotten it otherwise."
Luna moved the hoof from Silver's belly to her cheek, "Do you hate me?"
Silver crawled back up to her hooves, still wobbly from the pain, "I'm really bad at hating people. If you're really doing it for me, then I should say thanks." She hiked up a brow, "But is it just coincidence that it makes me prettier? Are you hoping to keep me going on and on?"
Luna lifted her shoulders, "Fertility is one of the most primal signals of attractiveness. If we are speaking of my... goals... you would still serve better as a stallion." She snorted, "I fear Tia will never allow you that, especially since you have given every sign of improving as a female. She watches you as I do, in her own ways. It... amuses and alarms her to see you flirting with her precious little Twilight Sparkle."
Silver frowned, "What does she think about the fact that I carry Twilight's foal?"
Luna cocked a brow, "She seems of two minds. She does not favor thinking of Twilight in that light but in some ways, she defeated and reformed you as she has so many other dangers in the realm. The foal within you is a symbol of your reformation, so Tia is happy with it."
Silver sagged, ears falling, "I don't think I like being the monster of the week, to be beaten and tamed by Twilight."
Luna pet over Silver's head with a hoof lightly, "When you have delivered your foal, we will speak on your future. You deserve agency. You have yet to abuse your power, despite temptation. You have been deemed a hero of the Crystal Empire. That was you, not your womb, nor your old gender. You."
Silver smiled a little, cheered by Luna's encouragement. "I do hope you find someone who can be your peer."
Luna made a dismissive wave of a hoof, "That is unlikely..." She drew Silver closer with soft wings, "But thank you, for not spurning me as a mother."
Applejack, Twilight, and Night Watch sat around a dimly-lit table. Applejack looked to Night, who looked back, then they both looked to Twilight.
"Yes?" asked Twilight, looking back and forth between the two, "Why are we here?"
Night tapped the table, "You're hurting Silver, and she doesn't deserve it."
Twilight frowned, "What? I'm giving her room, shelter, food... everything!"
Applejack looked at Twilight flatly, "Sugarcube, Silver could get that stuff from anywhere. She didn't agree t'come with you fer that."
Night rolled a hoof, "She loves you. Stupid mare only knows full-throttle love. She doesn't love a lot of ponies that way, but she doesn't give them up easily."
Twilight spread her wings wide, "And that means I should just take her?!"
Applejack shook her head, "No. Ahm not asking you to do nothing you don't want ta do, but you need to make a choice, and be clear." She raised one hoof, "On one hoof, ya give her a chance, go out on a date or somethin', see how it goes." She lowered the hoof and raised the other, "On the other, you tell her straight that you're not interested."
Twilight sagged in place, "I... don't know."
Night gave a soft huff as she played with her glasses, "Then give her a chance, a real one. Don't be like Luna was. She's not your toy, or your pet, no matter how willing she is to roll over and let you step on her if you smile while you're doing it."
Twilight cringed, then clopped her hooves on the table, "I am not stepping on her!"
Applejack cocked a brow, "Alright, so how'd tha last time ya spent with her go?"
Twilight looked upwards as she thought back, "I was examining her for anomalies and studying her special talent. We made a small breakthrough, and a discovery."
Applejack waved a hoof, "Did ya ask her how she's doing?"
Twilight shrank a little, "No?"
Applejack nodded lightly, "Did ya ask, or even care, what she did after ya finished what ya wanted wit' her?"
Night spoke, "What did you do when she expressed her feelings, again?"
Twilight wilted into her chair, "What if I'm not ready to be... married?"
Applejack wobbled a hoof, "Ah reckon she'd be right pleased if ya just gave her a hug or a kiss once in a while. She's not hunting for yer hoof, just..." she looked to Night.
Night nodded quickly, "All she wants is a chance, not a wedding. Are you willing to give her a try? If you feel bad, tell her. If you don't know what to say, tell her. She's... so not judging." She flashed her fanged teeth, "When she starts judging, you know you're really getting to know her and moving forward."
Twilight drew a deep breath before letting it out in a sigh, "Fine. I'll ask her how she's doing, then invite her to read with me." She flashed a bright smile, "That's a nice thing to do together, right?"
Applejack clopped the table, "Twi... yes, ya do that. If she likes it, ya done found somepony right fer ya."
Night raised a hoof, "Silver used to be a writer, long ago."
Twilight raised her brows, "What, really? She was? Not just spells?"
Applejack smiled broadly, "See, now we're talking. Ya should encourage her t' write something. Who knows?"
Twilight nodded with a thoughtful expression, "You're right. I should be talking with her more. If nothing else, we should be comparing notes." She pushed up to her hooves, "Thank you both. I think I can handle this..."
Luna nodded to Celestia across the table. "Have you heard the report from Cadance?"
Celestia sipped from her tea, "Of course. I'm glad they weren't harmed, the ponies of the Crystal Empire, and Cadance."
Luna waved a hoof, "And of their savior?"
Celestia raised a brow, "I did say she would make a fine mare. She has become so much more than she was before."
Luna snorted softly, her look on Celestia turning flat, "This is the same pony that struggled for days tending to the ponies of this very city, and who surrendered his wife for the betterment of Equestria. I dare say her actions are entirely in line with their past behavior."
Celestia softly sipped her tea as if in protest, "Her destructive urges have been turned entirely to protection. You can see her glowing with maternity, and it suits her brilliantly. I am certain she will be a very caring and doting mother."
Luna nodded softly, "Of this I have little doubt. She will love the life within her no matter her gender, with all of her heart..."
Celestia nodded, "I'm glad you agree. She is much happier now."
Luna heaved a light sigh, "Will you not reconsider allowing her to claim her masculinity?"
Celestia frowned delicately, "There would be no purpose to that." She waved a hoof, "Besides, I am perfectly aware of the little spell he shared with little Twilight." She wore an expression of distaste for a moment, "That's as male as either of them needs to be."
Luna shook her head, "This isn't like you, dear sister. When did you decide you dislike stallions."
Celestia raised a brow, "I do not!"
Luna bit into a cookie, chewing a moment, "Then why so insistent she never become one?"
Celestia narrowed her eyes a moment, then let out a breath. "You deserve the truth, Lulu. She scares me."
Luna tilted her head, "She is as dangerous as a beaten puppy. How does she scare you?"
Celestia made a slight wave of a hoof before sagging in her seat, "If she... he... were to turn to hatred, there is little that would prevent them from competing with Sombra for the harm they could inflict."
Luna snorted loudly, "And you prevent this by snatching away his tool and mocking him? He could be a Star Swirl instead, but you deny him the chance. It is a true testament to his benevolent nature that he still dreams of your forgiveness."
Celestia frowned sharply, "You jest."
Luna shook her head, "It is a recurring dream. He stands at your hooves, looking up at you like a tower of pony perfection, and he begs quietly for you to forgive. In some dreams, you crush him mercilessly beneath your hooves, and in some, you gently pet him, and he is happy. In either, he weeps, wishing he hadn't made you hate him so."
Celestia clopped a hoof on the table, "And what, pray tell, does he dream of you, dear sister?"
Luna smiled a little, "He dreams of our time together. There is a sense of longing. He wishes he could have me, as an equal, for all titles and formalities to be thrown aside and true love could bloom." Luna leaned forward, "Impossible, of course, but I am touched by the fondness of it."
Celestia snorted softly, but managed to calm herself with a soft sip of her tea, "You are making it sound more dramatic than it likely is."
Luna waved a hoof, conjuring an image of Silver. He was a he, and on his back. "This dream is less common," spoke Luna as it played on. Silver was crying and wriggling. The view changed, showing a leering Twilight with a scalpel floating beside her in glimmering magic. Celestia was to the left, watching on impassively. Twilight began to cut away at Silver. Silver looked to Celestia, begging and pleading, but Celestia just watched on until the deed was done. When the surgery was complete, Twilight pranced away with a smile and an unseemly jar held in her magic.
The dream-Celestia stepped up beside Silver and looked down at the neutered pony. "You are a bad pony. This is what you deserve. You disgust me."
The vision ended. Celestia trembled slightly as Luna spoke, "What you say varies from dream to dream. Sometimes you get quite long-winded about his failures, other times you just glare."
Luna conjured another dream, the one she hinted at the first time. Silver cowered at the seemingly titanic hooves. She was a she, and she said soft apologies at the hooves. The words were meaningless, just a jumble of dream apologies and desperation. "He really is quite sad. Is this the Sombra that you fear? You are making it so, if that be the case. Desperation turns eventually to resentment, then to anger, then to hatred. Why are you so set on turning him away from harmony?"
Celestia hissed loudly, "You turned him away from harmony when you took his light soul and plunged it into the night!"
Fast pulled the blanket off of Silver, then blinked, "What happened to you?!"
Silver blinked her sleepy eyes, staggering up to her hooves, "Huh?"
Fast waved a hoof at Silver, "You're all... prettied up. I didn't even know your mane had a 'not frizzy' option."
Silver flushed lightly, "Rarity had her way with me."
Fast cocked a brow at that, "And you didn't invite me to see that?"
Silver shook herself out lightly, pausing a moment as she realized she was feeling her hair bounce in new ways, "Not like that. I don't think she has that kind of interest in me. She just decided to make me an art project."
Fast moved up, nuzzling Silver on either cheek, "Well, it worked. You're pretty as all get out. How do you feel?"
Silver looked herself over, "Wearing a dress is not something I had planned."
Fast poked at the dress, "You really shouldn't sleep in it, it'll get all wrinkled." Her horn glowed and the dress fell free of the wrinkles it had gained, freshened and ready. "There we go. Want some breakfast?"
They proceeded to the living area of the castle. It seemed most of the residents of the tower were of like mind. Night was talking with Jake about something, while Twilight was speaking with Spike. Waves and nods were exchanged before food was nibbled on.
Twilight looked at Silver, then away, then back again, "Silver Stars."
Silver looked up at Twilight, ear perked, "Have another experiment today?"
Twilight shook her head, "Not like the other ones... You're... looking nice today. Um, no, today I want to do some reading. You're from another world, right?"
Silver shrank a little on being complimented, as if unsure what to do with it, but she nodded quickly, "Yes. What did you want to know about it?"
Twilight smiled, "I was hoping we could compare literature. We can pick a book and read it together, and you can tell me how it might have differed if one of your people had written it?"
Silver tilted her head, "Sure! That sounds like it could be fun."
Jake chuckled, "Awesome, reading date." He departed to the kitchen and returned without the bowl he'd been carried. "Hey, Silver, if you're not the human ambassador anymore, who is?"
Silver blinked, "Nopony, last I checked. Celestia might have picked a new one? I'd hope she would send a letter to you if she had."
Jake pat Silver on the head once, "What's with the new style? You're looking a little froufrou today."
Night smiled, "It's not a bad look. You look much more like a mare, if that was the intention."
Spike looked Silver over, "Was it Rarity?"
Silver bobbed her head, "And Aloe and Lotus. Those three seemed to take special delight in taking away my scruffy usual appearance."
Twilight nodded lightly, "That sounds like them."
Silver suddenly perked up, "Oh! I found out why I've been changing."
"Luna?" asked Fast.
Silver nodded, "Well, yes, but I mean why she was doing it. It isn't nearly so sinister as we assumed."
Night waved a wing, "Go on, don't keep us in suspense."
Silver considered how best to explain it, "Well, to make it simple, I'm young. Foalbearing could be a long, painful process that could have left permanent injuries if things went badly. Luna is encouraging the growth to make sure everything comes out alright, pun intended."
Fast raised a brow, "Hard to find fault in that, though this reminds me that we really should get both of you mothers-to-be a caretaker."
Jake volunteered, "What about Zecora? She strikes me as the type that would be great for this."
Silver quickly agreed with a bob, "She does have that sort of wisdom. I would feel pretty safe if she was looking over things."
Night spread her wings, "Then I have my job for the day. Spike, care to come with me? You know the way and you know Zecora, right?"
Spike quickly scampered over to Night and was soon mounted up, "Let's go!"
The two left shortly as Jake looked to Twilight, "He was a bit eager, don't you think?"
Twilight snorted with a smile, "Don't say I told you, but he's been curious about lunar pegasi for a while."
Fast finished up her meal and set the bowl aside, "So, reading date... I'm going to explore Ponyville a bit. I'll see you all later." She rose and made herself scarce with a knowing grin on her face.
Jake gave a light wave, "I'll join the crowd. I promised I'd help out at the schoolhouse today."
Twilight raised a brow, "What do they need?"
Jake shrugged, "Nothing fancy, just some repair work that's easier with hands. Miss Cheerilee said she wanted the foals to see a not-pony working around too, for diversity exposure or whatever. See ya later!" And soon he was gone as well, leaving Twilight with Silver.
Silver sat there, watching Twilight with uncertainty. Twilight smiled a little, "Let's pick a book."
They proceeded to the library, where Twilight quickly plucked down a selection of novels and spread them before Silver. "I'll let you pick one."
Silver looked them over curiously. The first three were Daring Do novels, then what appeared to be a sci-fi novel. There were more, but Silver stopped at the sci-fi book and pointed at it, "This one should be interesting."
Twilight quickly set the other books back in their place, "Beyond the Sky," she read, "I remember this one. Why did you pick this one, if you don't mind me asking?"
Silver flipped the book open to the first page, "Science is one of the biggest differences between our people. We don't have magic, so we only have cold, hard science to fall back on, so we ran with it. Is this book actually speculative?"
Twilight tilted her head, "I'm not sure I know what you mean?"
Silver wobbled a hoof in the air, "Is it based on science as it is known and built from it in a logical way, or is it a flight of fancy on the part of the author?"
Twilight frowned, "I... don't actually know. I'm not sure anypony looked at it quite that way before. How can you write a fictional story about real science?"
Silver smiled brightly and began to explain, any tension she had forgotten as she spoke, "Well, it's fictional because the author tried to take the science we know and extrapolate to the next step. For instance, if you know... Huh, give me an example of a new technology, for ponies."
Twilight tapped at her chin softly, "Movies are new."
Silver bobbed her head, "Great, that works. Now imagine a world where movies become so commonplace, that everyone, everywhere, has a movie watcher in their own home. Movies would be made all the time, and people would take it for granted that there would be one, if not several, choices at a given time. Imagine if movies were so common that they were released on a specific schedule, allowing entire series to be watched over weeks, like ponies watch sporting events live now."
Twilight scrunched her face in thought, "That sounds... impossible."
Silver raised a hoof, "With today's technologies, but what about tomorrow's? Is it theoretically possible? The world I described was already a reality back home."
Twilight recoiled a little, "You're joking! Everyone has a movie watcher, er, projector?"
Silver nodded, "Many people had several, one in bedrooms, one in the living room. We had small devices that could play movies on the go. You couldn't get away from them, practically. A good science-fiction writer takes what is already there and tries to paint a picture of what it could be, logically."
Twilight tilted her head, "What about books? Did they advance?"
Silver considered a moment, "Well... they stopped being books, in part."
Twilight frowned, "Come again?"
Silver glanced around, "Well, we got really good at showing things, like the movies, so someone thought, hey, why not show a book the same way? A lot of reading happens the same way, through the movie watchers. I could fit this entire library." Silver waved over the books, "In a device this big." She held her hooves not far apart. "And be able to search for text in a snap, the entire library!"
Twilight looked indignant, "Now I know you're just teasing me!"
Silver tilted her head, "But you get to control the weather and do magic. Neither world is... better, just different." She smiled at Twilight, "I like it here though."
Twilight smiled back a little, then tilted her head, "Wait, you have no weather control at all? How do you get anything done?"
Silver shrugged, "By accepting it. Sometimes it'll rain when you want to be outside. Sometimes it won't rain at all and an area may suffer for it. We solved a lot of the reliance on weather by working together. A place without water could buy water from a place that does, and so on. We developed really good skill at predicting the weather, even if we couldn't change it."
Twilight settled beside Silver and lifted the book. Silver had forgotten it in her eager explanations, but they soon settled together and began to read. They had a good time.
Outside, Fast hissed at Jake, "What're they doing now?"
Jake, with his height advantage, peeked in through the window, "They're all snuggled up side-by-side and reading from a book."
Fast bobbed her head, "Are they kissing yet?"
Jake shrugged, "Doesn't look like it?"
Fast frowned then, looking thoughtful, "We should let them be. I think they're doing fine." She rose to her hooves and stretched out, "So what is there fun to do around here?"
Jake pointed off towards the school, "I wasn't lying before. I do have to help out. Want to come with?"
Fast shrugged, "Lead the way, big guy. More hooves gets the job done faster."
Later, Night Watch returned with Spike riding her. She looked to Twilight and Silver, who had apparently lapsed into a nap at some point. She smiled a little, content to leave the scene as it is, but Spike spoke up, "Hey, Twi! Letter!"
Twilight jerked upright, which woke Silver up quickly. Twilight looked around before focusing on Spike. She grabbed the letter in his claws with her magic and pulled it over to unfurl the scroll. "Celestia wants to see you, and is visiting tomorrow," she announced, glancing at Silver.
Fast frowned a little, "Twilight... I know this is a lot to ask of you, but this is your tower, and I'm going to ask you to behave like a princess. Do not allow Celestia to intimidate Silver."
Twilight looked baffled, "Celestia wouldn't do that! Silver is a good pony, I'm sure she's coming for something nice." She clopped her hooves, "Maybe to thank you for the Crystal Empire?"
Twilight spent much of the rest of the day cleaning around the tower. Spike and Silver volunteered to assist, and they had it shining, not that it had ever stopped shining, but that was beside the point. When it came time for dinner, Twilight looked uncertain a moment before she looked to Silver, "Say... have you ever tried stargazing?"
Silver perked her ears, "Not personally. I've seen pictures of the stars. Did you get a new telescope?"
Twilight opened her mouth a moment, then shook her head, "It is unnerving how much you know without having been there... But, yes, I did. Would you like to use it?"
Silver smiled, "With you?"
Twilight nodded, "Of course. If you haven't used one before, you'll need some help... besides, we can talk."
Silver readily agreed. She ate dinner quickly and waited impatiently for Twilight. She didn't say anything, looking almost anywhere but Twilight. When Twilight was ready, Silver followed up to the new observatory. Twilight's magic soon had the instrument pointed in a desired direction, "Have a peek."
Silver trotted up and put her eye up to the piece. The stars were not the same as the Earth sky, but she expected that. There was a lot more... motion. It was as if the Equestrian sky was alive, which she guessed may very well be true. "It's very pretty."
Unseen by Silver, Twilight consulted a checklist floating beside her. She cleared her throat before announcing, "Like you."
Silver jumped with surprise. She drew back from the telescope. The checklist vanished at the first movement, and all Silver saw was Twilight smiling. "Um... thank you." Silver looked back into the telescope, warmed.
Twilight casually adjusted the view, bringing the moon into view. Checking her list again, she asked, "So... What do you like in a pony?"
Silver perked an ear, but didn't draw back again, "In general? As a friend? As... something more?"
Twilight waved a hoof through the air, "Let's say, theoretically mind you, something more."
Silver began to catch on to where this was going, but, despite temptation, kept her eye on the piece, lest she make Twilight nervous. "I like clever ponies, with a life of their own, strong-willed, kind..." Silver huffed softly as the view shifted again, showing a cluster of stars that twinkled animatedly. "What about you?"
"Me!?" squeaked Twilight before she could calm herself, "Of course, me... Um..." She narrowed her eyes, squinting in thought, "I think I'd like a nice pony, who cared about me, and other ponies. I would want a pony that didn't think my reading was a bad habit or try to haul me out of the library too often... but once in a while... I think I'd like somepony who appreciated magic..."
Silver internally cheered. She hadn't said anything that disqualified her, "Do you... prefer mares or stallions?"
Twilight huffed, "You first."
Silver perked an ear, "Mares, but this body swoons a little when a handsome stallion wanders past. It's... confusing... You're the only semi-stallion I've let hop up on me"
Twilight's ears fell, "Beginner's luck, I guess... So... uh... are you... looking for another?"
Silver snorted softly, "Your turn."
Twilight moved around Silver, though her magic adjusted the telescope easily. "Alright, well... I haven't been with anypony but you. I thought I'd settle with a stallion, eventually. Our... time together was..." She struggled for a good word for it. "Good." She winced, knowing that wasn't ideal but failing to come up with better.
Silver swiveled an ear back at her, "Good enough to... repeat?"
Twilight went red, "You're already with foal!"
Silver lifted her shoulders, "Then it can't hurt anything. Without papers and quill, just as two ponies, sharing a moment."
Twilight looked over her checklist with a frown, "You're skipping a lot of steps there."
Silver giggled as Twilight made it clear she was working off a list, "Sorry, what's next on the list?"
Twilight let out a soft sigh, "You don't mind that I'm doing this?"
"What's this?" asked Silver, "You mean the list thing? No, you're adorable when you do that. Please, go on."
Twilight rubbed over her nose with a fetlock before nodding, "Alright... Name three physical things that you find attractive. No peeking."
Not that Silver needed to peek to remember Twilight, but she tried to set that aside, "Physically? Alright..."
And so the evening went, sharing the personal questions back and forth while Twilight gave Silver a tour of the sky. They never got to the step that involved Silver's question, but neither felt let down by the evening. When Silver was invited to draw back, she nodded at Twilight, "Thank you... For showing me all that, and for this evening." Silver went in and took the kiss she wanted, getting Twilight directly on the lips. Twilight stiffened, but didn't reject it. Twilight tilted her head a little, allowing it to deepen, and they stood together, enjoying the quiet moment. Twilight wasn't sure at all what the protocol was, and waited for Silver to draw back, which she did.
Twilight flashed a bright smile, "I'm sorry for waiting so long to at least give this a chance. Go get some sleep. Celestia'll probably show up around noon." She gestured over Silver's dress, "Clean that and wear it. It'll make a good impression to see you at your best."
Silver nodded lightly, glancing off, then back at Twilight, "Do I look better?"
Twilight reddened, "I... yes... Not that you looked bad before, but your mane is quite pretty. Now go, sleep." She shooed Silver off, and retired herself shortly after.
The next day arrived swiftly. With Night and Fast's help, Silver was as prettied up as she could be. Jake and Spike had wandered off, something about hoofball with Rainbow Dash and Big Mac? Celestia arrived around eleven, appearing in a flash of brilliant gold light in the foyer of Twilight's tower. Twilight rushed up to her, and they embraced with wings a moment before Twilight stepped back, "Welcome to my home. I trust your trip was pleasant?"
Celestia quirked a smile, "The spell worked just fine, dear Twilight." She looked over those present, eyes settling finally on the prettied up Silver. "I can hardly recognize you." She stepped towards Silver, and Silver flinched back barely an inch before she controlled herself. It was enough for Celestia to notice, and her careful smile dropped faintly. "You appear to be doing well, Silver Stars."
Silver nodded, "I am surrounded by friends, and family." She conjured her magic to draw Night and Fast closer. "I could scarcely ask for a better family."
Celestia raised a fine brow, "Oh? I hear you aim to... expand that family."
Twilight went red. Fast and Night frowned. Night advanced first, "Actually, it is my idea, as the first wife. Silver has simply accepted my suggestion, as supported by Fast Change."
Celestia regarded Night Watch and asked, "How can you be first wife, when you are all wives?"
Fast growled low, "I wonder whose fault that is!?"
Twilight cleared her throat, "My my, I'm being rude. We should all have a seat. I've prepared tea!"
The group moved in an uneasy procession to take places at a round table. Fast and Night flanked Silver, while Celestia and Twilight sat together.
Celestia accepted her teacup and took a sip before leveling her gaze at Silver, "You are to be congratulated. You worked very hard for the ponies of the Crystal Empire, you and your family. You helped them get their farm in order, and to mine more safely and efficiently, to say nothing of that terrible attack."
Silver nodded stiffly, "I did... what I could. It was the right thing to do."
Celestia asked familiar words, "Do you hate me?"
Silver jerked back, not expecting such a blunt question, suddenly nervous, "I... am bad at hating people..." It was the truth, just as true when she said the same thing to Luna. She turned the question back around, "Do you hate me?"
Celestia seemed to consider it, as if the answer was not immediately obvious. "The stronger the dam, the higher the water, the more disastrous it will be, should it fail," she spoke before sipping her cup, "Do you not agree?"
Night frowned all the more sharply, "Are you implying Silver is waiting to burst?"
Celestia shook her head, "The shadow chose her as a target. She has a darkness inside of her, a large one, that she keeps buried down deep."
Night clopped a hoof on the table, "The shadow tried to mislead me too! Am I a monster now? It's going after weaknesses, the ones you helped make."
Silver sagged a little, "It's... not untrue. I've had very dark thoughts from a very early age, but I never act on them. Thinking and doing are different things. I want to do good things, so I do."
Celestia quirked a smile, "Have these... dark thoughts... lessened since you became female?"
Silver frowned in thought, trying to remember back. "I... have been so busy, that I really wasn't thinking about it, to be honest."
Celestia nodded, looking victorious, "You are becoming quite the lovely mare." Celestia reached a wing across the table, but Fast quickly swatted it aside, growling again.
Twilight looked shocked, "Fast Change! You should not... hit Celestia!"
Celestia shook her head, "It's quite alright." She locked eyes with Silver, "You are a good pony."
Silver felt something inside herself uncoil, and she sagged in place. Tears she didn't know she was holding back suddenly began to flow thickly, ruining the light makeup that her wives had helped apply. Fast's attention become fixated on Silver, comforting her and ignoring Celestia.
Night sighed slowly, "What... do you want, Princess Celestia?"
Celestia nodded primly, "What I always wanted, what's best for my little ponies." She turned her eyes to Twilight, "Are you considering their offer?"
Twilight went stiff, "I, uh, we... we're getting to know one another before I make any quick decisions."
Celestia shook her head, "You made a quick decision when you did what you did with Silver, in the name of science or not."
Twilight went cherry red and silent.
Celestia lifted Twilight's head with a wing, "I have faith in you, Twilight. You will do what's best." She looked to Silver again, "A question... why do you not begrudge Twilight? Was it not her idea first? Was it not her discovery that made us consider it? Why is your fear and loathing reserved for me alone?"
Silver fidgeted uncomfortably, "Twilight... was Twilight... She acted with what she had in hoof at the time. You... should know better. You had the power... to stop her, but you didn't. Instead you encouraged her, and me to abandon my identity. Twilight didn't show me scorn, you did..." Silver sagged a little, "Your sister did it in her own, lesser, way. That is why I fled." Silver looked to Twilight, who was already looking back. "Twilight, I forgive you. You were trying your best."
Twilight suddenly frowned, "Why don't you use your favor to get me to marry you or something?"
Silver snorted, "Would you ever love somepony who would do that?"
Twilight shook her head, "I suppose not..."
Silver smiled, "I'd rather you decided we're not working out, honestly, than to try and force you into it."
Celestia nodded, "Very good. Twilight, I will be sending a small unit of ten guards to enhance your security. Word of Silver's abilities are spreading, and I would not be surprised if guests arrived, some kinder than others." She rose to her hooves, "I should be going."
A soft knocking summoned Spike to the door. He pulled it open and peered at whomever was outside, "Uh, yeah?"
Two zebras stood before him, a male, and a female. The stallion bowed a head towards Spike, "Good tidings, small dragon. Is the Princess of this castle present?"
Silver, who had been perched nearby, perked an ear, "No offense, but I thought zebras rhymed."
The two looked at Silver, then brightened. The stallion spoke, "Ah! You may be whom we seek." They attempted to enter, only for spears to descend from other side in a cross from the guards standing outside the door. They frowned a little at the guards, but the expression was fleeting.
The mare looked to Silver, "Only our shamans speak in the rhyming tongue. It is a sign of deference to the spirits, who also have difficulty communicating clearly."
Silver nodded with a smile, "Makes sense to me. I see the jewelry is common though?"
The stallion glanced down at his neck rings, "All zebras of station wear such. Be cautious if you meet one without, for they are without means." The stallion tilted his head, "You are much more enchanting than the reports given."
Twilight arrived to save Silver from self-consciousness, smiling at the zebras, "Hello! How can I help you two today?"
The mare smiled at Twilight, "We hoped to speak with your guest." She pointed at Silver.
Twilight tilted her head, "Well, let me ask her." She moved to Silver, speaking softly, "The zebras have long been allies of Equestria, and they look nice. Do you want to talk to them?"
Silver couldn't help but notice an inappropriate giddiness at the simple pleasure of being asked something instead of it being foisted on her. "I'm not doing anything else, and they do look nice. Invite them in."
Soon Silver sat across from the zebra diplomats. Twilight sat to the side of all three, keeping a watchful eye.
The mare spoke first, "We hear you have a very specialized skill in spell-crafting. May we ask for a demonstration?"
Silver bobbed her head, "Sure. Did you bring some spells?"
The stallion raised a hoof, "And here is the challenge." He pulled a book out of a satchel and set it down. Once open, Silver peered at the odd writing.
"This isn't a spell. It looks more like a recipe?" noted Silver.
The mare nodded softly, "Exactly the case. We wish to see if you can blend two potions the same way you blend two spells. Are you educated in the way of our people?"
Though Silver had a good impression the mare knew she was not, she obligingly shook her head, "I'd be pleased to learn more."
The stallion spoke, "Like ponies, zebra have magic. Like unicorns, we have spells. We do not command the aether directly, instead we direct and channel it through potions and poultices. There are effects we can do that would require one of your 'Princesses' to achieve. It's slower, but when you work with nature, instead of against it, miracles are possible."
Twilight looked raptly interested, listening along with Silver.
Silver raised a hoof, "Do you have some kind of index of what does what? I don't know what any of these ingredients do, even in theory, so there's not a lot for me to start from."
The mare drew out a new book. Its front was decorated with a smiling herb and its title read, 'My First Potion, an Exhaustive Guide.' "Do you need time?" she asked, "We are in no hurry. If you can blend potions, it would be quite a sight, and well worth an extended stay."
The stallion nodded in agreement, "Please do not feel pressured. If you cannot, there is no shame, but if you can, the potential is incredible."
Twilight smiled at Silver encouragingly, "I haven't met a zebra I didn't like so far."
The mare perked an ear at Twilight, "How many have you met?"
As if summoned, the door knocked again, but then swung open. The guards apparently allowed Zecora past without challenge. She was burdened with bags of jars and plants. She saw the other zebras and her eyes went wide, "Oh this I did not predict, I fear our schedules do conflict. Greetings friends from far away, what brings you to Twilight's tower today?"
The couple both rose and offered a bow towards Zecora before the stallion spoke, "We were not aware Princess Twilight had dealings with a shaman. We would have sent word to you before arriving if we had known."
Zecora shook her head, "You have caused no harm, there is no reason for alarm. I have come to see this mare, for her foal she must prepare." Zecora approached Silver directly, guiding her to the ground and starting to inspect her without further waiting or prompting.
The mare zebra perked an ear, "I was not informed Silver Stars was with foal."
Twilight nodded her head, "It's true."
The mare and stallion glanced at each other, then back at Twilight as the mare spoke, "If you wish us to leave and return later, we can do that."
"No," objected Silver even as she was rolled over and Zecora inspected her undercarriage and other more sensitive portions, "I don't want to sit around idle. I'm not even showing yet."
The stallion smiled, "If you insist. We will leave these books with you, however. It will take you time to read them and try your best. If the shaman is feeling generous, perhaps she may help." They were led off by Twilight, being shown off to a guest room to stay in.
Once everyone was gone, Zecora asked, "Is that a beginner's book I see? To master brewing takes more than a day or three." Her hooves were skilled and gentle as she looked Silver over with touch and eyes and even hearing.
Silver relaxed under Zecora's care, feeling safe around the wise zebra. "It's nice to meet you, Zecora. Yes, they want me to try blending potions together like I do spells, and I said I would try my best."
Zecora nodded lightly, "You are healthy and entirely fit. Perfectly suited for foals, I admit. For one so young, your body prepared. Scarcely can I begin to compare." Her eyes turned to her pouches as she began swiftly preparing a few herbs, grinding them together and then offering the stone bowl to Silver, "Eat."
Silver sat up onto her haunches, then accepted the bowl in her magic. She slurped up the paste of plants, despite its bitter taste.
Zecora turned her gaze to the two books, "They are fools, and you will be hurt. Start with potions that you do not insert." She flipped the pages of the recipe book, "Here is one that looks safe, the worst that can happen is a chafe."
Silver smiled gently, "Will you show me a little? I used to cook, before I came to Equestria."
Zecora looked Silver over, "Your friend Jake spoke of you dearly, but I am afraid I did not understand clearly. Are you truly a human as he? How did ponies and humans share a family tree?"
Silver huffed softly, "I was human, then I wasn't. I was a stallion, then I wasn't." She smiled a little, "I am me, at least. I'm not trying to be vague, but the story gets longer every time someone asks."
Zecora nodded as she opened the introductory book and pointed at the fourth page, "Start here. Unlike unicorn magic, experimentation is encouraged of fledgling brewers, but try not to vary too far, and do not attempt potions you drink yet."
Silver blinked, "That didn't rhyme at all."
Zecora prodded Silver gently, "There is but one time a shaman can speak plainly, when she takes a student."
Silver went red as she grasped the honor being bestowed on her. She bobbed her head, "I will do exactly as you ask, thank you!" A thought came to her, "Potions are zebra magic, do I have the right... connections?"
Zecora smiled, "If you are truly committed, you will make such connections over time. The art of potion making is not specific to zebras, we just come to it naturally. The minotaurs are also very good at it. Pony folk, with their magic, find it too slow."
Silver and Zecora quickly assembled a brewing station to start with. A heavy pot over one of Twilight's Bunsen burners did the job. Zecora set aside some tools, namely a variety of stirrers and tongs, "These will be yours now. Never use the same things for brewing as cooking, unless you are far more experienced."
Silver nodded lightly as Zecora filled the pot with water. "We shall begin small..."
The hours went by as Zecora patiently showed Silver how to prepare herbs for the 'cauldron', how to spot ideally fresh and ready ingredients and such like that. Silver found much of it to not be that different from cooking in general, and was soon in the swing of it.
Night Watch happened by and approached curiously, "What are you doing?"
Zecora said nothing, so Silver spoke up, "I'm learning to brew potions, like zebras. Zecora was ever so kind enough to teach me."
Night raised a brow behind her thick glasses, "Wow, really? What'd you make so far?"
Silver leaned over the pot and sniffed at it, "Well, if this one works, it should make whatever you spill it on make a very silly sound when stepped on."
Night's expression flattened, "Really?"
Silver nodded with a silly grin, "Start small." She hefted up the pot with her magic and trotted outside with Zecora and Night following after her. She went for the main street of Ponyville and waited for the traffic to lighten a moment before she casually spilled the brew out and went dashing off to hide.
Night settled beside Silver, "This feels extremely foalish."
Silver just giggled, waiting and watching.
Night nudged against Silver, "I don't get it. Why would anypony want a potion like this? Why not start with something actually useful?"
Silver opened her mouth to talk, but stopped as she saw Mrs. Cake wandering over the patch. When her hoof came in contact with it, it let out a ripe noise of flatulence. Mrs. Cake went red and scurried off, but this carried her through the patch, pooting the entire way.
Silver struggled not to laugh and give it away, collapsing to the ground with silent laughter.
Zecora noted, "With your skill, it will not last long. Soon will end the ripe song."
Night shook her head, "I still don't see what this teaches."
Silver made a vague hoof gesture, "Zebra magic is different than unicorn magic. I have to practice to get the magic flowing properly."
A loud farting trumpet alerted them that another pony had fallen victim for the simple prank. Perhaps learning alchemy wouldn't be too monotonous.
Zecora rose and started back to the tower without word. Silver quickly dashed after her, and Night took up the rear. "So, why the sudden interest in alchemy?" asked Night curiously.
Silver explained as she walked, "Some zebras came and wanted to see if my talent could apply to potions, but I have to learn how potions work before I can do anything with the recipes, so here we are."
Night shook her head, "So why not read more and prank less?"
Silver snorted, "I learn by doing, not reading. I'll learn ten times faster by actually making potions than I will with my nose in a book trying to memorize it all."
Night accepted the logic, and Silver and Zecora were soon back to trying another potion.
It had been three days of learning the basics before Silver felt up to trying a combination of two simple potions. She looked at the two, then back at the reference chart for ingredients, then back at the recipes, then flopped onto her haunches with a frown.
Zecora tilted her head, "Is something amiss?"
Silver shook her head, "Just don't see the pattern like I did with unicorn spells. I could make an intellectual guess, but it'd just be a guess. I definitely don't have the confidence to suggest anyone actually drink the result." She frowned a little as she looked between the two recipes again, "The diplomats are probably going to be upset."
Zecora glanced upwards, "Let us find out." She was gone swiftly, and returned with them in tow. "She has put in effort true, but her talent is no use for you," said Zecora on the way back.
The diplomats looked saddened at the news as the stallion spoke, "I trust Equestria will continue to share its discoveries of magic with us."
This made Silver's tufted ear perk, "What can zebras do with unicorn magic?"
The mare smiled, "It is always such a surprise to be reminded how little our allies know of us. We have troubled you long enough, and have other places to visit. Peace on you." They bowed in unison and saw themselves out.
Silver looked after them, then turned to Zecora, "They took that rather well."
Zecora tilted her head, "If I may be frank, you have me to thank. Their ire was fierce, but short. I convinced them to return and report."
Silver bobbed her head quickly, "Well, thank you. I did my best..." She nudged the recipe book, "Don't they want their books?"
Zecora glanced down at them, "You will find it more useful than they. Study it perhaps to learn a new way?"
Silver noticed something then, "Oh... you're rhyming again. Does that mean the lessons are over?"
Zecora just nodded. Silver advanced and nuzzled her shoulder, "Thank you for being an awesome teacher. You'll still be around, right? I didn't stop having this foal."
Zecora nodded once more, "Princess Twilight was quite clear, to you I should remain near. Until the foal has tasted air, you can trust that I'll be there."
Silver turned and started cleaning up the potion-making supplies when she heard new clip-clops approaching. Turning, she beheld Night Watch, who looked a little different. Silver tapped her chin thoughtfully before it hit her, "Oh!"
Night looked back at Silver, blinking through her glasses, "Oh? Did the spell-combining work for potions?"
Silver shook her head quickly, "No, but you're growing." Silver moved up quickly with a smile.
Night snorted, "Don't remind me. Big fat mother is not a title I'm looking forward to, and it's your fault."
Silver nuzzled Night, rubbing snout-to-snout until her frown turned into a light smile. "You aren't really angry, are you?"
Night nipped at Silver's cheek with sharp teeth, "No, silly pony, but I'm fairly sure one foal's enough." She perked an ear at Zecora, "Unless I'm getting a pair?"
Zecora shook her head, "Neither of you bear twins today. There are two foals between you on the way. With mothers as healthy as the two, the foals should come easily for you." She turned and trotted off after the good news, leaving Night and Silver alone.
Night rubbed noses with Silver fondly, "Are you happy?"
Silver perked an ear, "That's a sudden and deep question... I suppose I am. I have a family that I love so much, with more on the way. We're stable, with a network of friends." Silver shrugged softly, "Even Twilight seems to be warming up. I'm not sure what more I could ask for right now."
Night wrinkled her nose lightly, "Not even to be a stallion again?"
Silver shuffled in place, "Low blow... Right now, this very instant, I am happy. When I have succeeded as a mother, I can face the next challenge. What about you?"
Night extended a wing to point towards the center of town, "I met Mayor Mare and she put me in contact with the right pony. You're looking at the town's night watchpony. This is not a very... exciting town, but everypony's nice enough, give or take."
Silver's ears twitched, "I hear a but."
Night went flat-lipped a moment before she sighed out, "But, it's also kind of boring? There isn't a lot of call for a... warrior. When I worked for Luna, she would send me out on exciting missions. Even if I was only watching, it was important watching. Watching a sleepy rural town is like the opposite of that."
Silver sagged a little, "Well... I don't want you bored... How can I help?"
Night looked quite uncertain, taking a moment to adjust her glasses, "Well... If we're not doing exciting things on account of foals, we can at least spend more time together. Now that you're done messing with silly potions, how about you take me out on the town?"
Silver smiled brightly, "It would be a pleasure. Do you want to go alone, or should we invite Fast along?"
Night tapped her chin with a hoof, "Let's bring her along. She always makes a fun situation more so. I'll go get her, you go pretty up."
Ever since Night and Fast had seen her with managed mane and tail, they never let Silver go back to her natural spiky appearance. With a bit of a grump, Silver trotted off and proceeded to get dressed for the evening ahead.
Silver emerged to the appreciative nods of her herd-sisters. The front door opened just then, admitting Twilight and Spike. Spike noticed the three of them all gussied up, "What's the occasion?"
Twilight looked over the three, "Did I miss a holiday?"
Fast flashed a bright smile, "Girls' night out. Want to come, Twilight?"
Twilight looked hesitant a moment before she bobbed her head. Spike crossed his arms, "Wouldn't want to go on a froufrou thing anyway." He stormed off in a bit of a sulk. Twilight, oblivious to it, marched off, and soon returned with her own pretty-work completed.
"Where to?" she asked.
And so they were off. The first stop was the nicest eating spot Ponyville could support, where they sat around a round table and talked over the tasty food.
"Oh thank Celestia," sighed out Twilight, having just been told neither of the expectant mothers were having twins.
Fast nudged against Twilight, "You sound especially happy about that."
Twilight shook her head, "I don't mean it like that, but, well... I'm barely getting my mind around being mother...father? Parent! Of one foal. I know the Cakes are handling theirs pretty well."
Night reached across the table with a wing, poking Twilight, "You're not alone. Even if you don't join us formally... I don't think I'm alone in saying you're part of us."
Fast quickly nodded, and Silver followed. Silver smiled gently, "If you need anything, don't feel shy about it. We're one family, fancy titles or not."
Twilight flushed a little as she wriggled in place, "I... thank you..." She let out a slow breath, and her tension went with it. "You really want to be with me like that? I'm a bit... neurotic. And I'm... obsessive, and I hide in my books all the time, and..."
Night shook her head slowly, "You're describing things we've learned to find endearing, and they aren't absolutes anyway."
Silver put up a false wall of bravery as she spoke, "You just get sexier when you're obsessing over something."
Twilight went red through her lavender fur, "You're joking!"
Fast wobbled a hoof, "Afraid it's true. You're just an adorable alicorn. The more you get fixated, the more I want to tackle you to the ground and offer a... distraction."
Twilight's wings extended stiffly as her eyes went downcast, unable to form a reply.
Night tilted her head, "My turn! Tell me why I'm sexy."
Silver reached and gently tapped Night's glasses, "You're cute with them on, and taking them off makes you look dangerous, and I like that."
Fast bobbed her head, "When you analyze my madness, I feel like you can see through me, and that makes me want you all the more."
Silver and Fast looked to Twilight, who looked back and forth between them, "What? Oh! Uh..." She shrank a little, "I... want to be wrapped up in those wings..."
Fast slapped the table with a hoof, "You did not!" She burst into gales of laughter, collapsing. Night was as red as she could be, silent.
Twilight looked to Silver, "Did I do it wrong? I'm sorry!"
Silver shook her head quickly, "You did it very right. If you don't mind my echoing, I also think Night's wings are wonderful. When she holds me in them, I feel... so safe."
Night cleared her throat and adjusted her glasses in a double gesture of composure, "I do believe it's Fast's turn. Fast Change, I find your earnest expression of your feelings to be a buoy in my life. You lift me in dark times, and bring me to happiness in light times. You are the white to my black, and I couldn't dream of life without you now."
Fast's laughter died quickly, and it became her turn to color, "Oh... oh Night... That was so..." She leaned in and kissed Night on either cheek, "I love you too."
Twilight raised a hoof, "Your honest expression of affection is something for me to strive for. I doubt I'll ever get as good at it as you are, but I am glad to have you around."
Silver took her turn, "Fast, you're sexy as hell." Blunt, but Fast seemed to appreciate that. "You're also optimistic, clever, and best of all, you put up with me. Thank you for being with us."
Twilight pointed at Silver, "Your turn, hmm. Well, I'll start with the obvious... You were my first, and you accepted me even when I was being rude. You have a searching intellect, and you like to read."
Fast wobbled a hoof, "Go on."
Twilight darkened, "I... was consi--"
The doors to the restaurant exploded inwards as the lights were snuffed out abruptly. Silver saw flashes of magic as it happened. Twilight surrounded the table with a sudden force field that only Silver could see in the dark.
Loud clip-clops filled the area. Silver shrank a little, wondering why her eyes couldn't penetrate the gloom. She could hear ponies being shoved to the ground with cries of fear and alarm. Night whispered softly, "We should leave." Silver heard her wings unfurl just before Silver was grabbed in big paws. Before Silver could panic, she smelled Fast's scent and knew she was safe. The bubble suddenly shuddered violently and Twilight grunted with effort.
Twilight let the bubble vanish, and Silver could see nothing. She felt movement. Fast was going somewhere with her. They emerged through the window of the eatery, crashing past and flying off into the night, leaving the attack behind.
The night wind whipped through Silver's coat as she was carried along in Fast's paws. Taking stock of the situation, Silver could see that Fast was currently a chimera, large and fast as it soared towards Twilight's castle. Silver craned her neck, spotting Twilight following after, but no Night Watch. She frowned sharply, then spoke to the universe at large, "If you take away my Night, I will... do something. Don't be that way, come on!"
"What?" asked Fast as she leaned her head closer.
"I don't see Night Watch," shouted Silver.
"What was that?" asked Twilight as she caught up.
Silver wriggled a little, frustration building, "Night! I don't see her!"
Twilight looked back down in time for a bolt of energy to fly past her. "Starlight?"
"What?" asked Silver before a familiar intense pulling erupted from her flanks. Energy fled her and her colors faded.
Fast growled, but only sped up, soon depositing Silver on a balcony of the castle before turning to immediately depart. "Wait!" called out Silver, but Fast was gone in a flash. Silver guessed she had gone to help Night.
Twilight arrived a moment later, "Where's Fast going?" She fluttered her wings, "Starlight's working with others. There's no way she can win!" Twilight scowled as she looked over Silver, "She got you! We have to free your cutie mark." She made no move to immediately depart.
Silver clopped a hoof frustratedly, "Why aren't you doing that?"
Twilight shook her head, "She's flanked by a squad of combat unicorns. I don't know who's sided with her, but she just became a lot more dangerous. I've signaled the girls."
Silver sank, "But... Night, and Fast..."
Twilight looked full of guilt, glancing around furtively before she approached Silver and gathered her up. "We'll do one pass by, maybe we'll see them." They were soon in the air on Twilight's wings. It wasn't hard to spot the brightly-colored cutie mark thief. She was galloping away with her cohorts, already putting some distance between herself and the town. Silver's cutie mark floated beside her head, glowing with her magic.
Twilight, seeing they had departed, descended towards the stormed eatery. Night and Fast were not hard to find, intact but beaten to unconsciousness. Silver writhed free at the sight of them, falling several feet to the ground and then scampering over to her fallen wives. "This is... so wrong..."
Twilight landed beside Silver, using her magic to gather up both victims and place them side-by-side, "Yes, yes it is."
Ponies were starting to gather, trying to figure out what was going on. As the darkness inside faded away, it seemed all the others who had been enjoying dinner had also been subdued.
"What is the meaning of this?" asked Mayor Mare as she stepped onto the scene. "Princess Twilight Sparkle?"
Twilight nodded, "Hello, Mayor. We've been attacked, by an outlaw and accomplices."
The rest of the Mane Six began to arrive, looking around for trouble, but that had already fled.
Mayor Mare tilted her head, "Were they thieves?"
It soon became clear that nopony had lost things in the attack, besides dignity and security. Twilight sighed, "They came for Silver Star's cutie mark, and they got it." She pointed at the equal sign that then adorned Silver's flank.
Silver gave a soft growl, but seemed more interested in standing vigil over the fallen wives than chasing after her mark.
Rarity looked over the scene, "I do say you've been assassinated, darling."
Silver tilted her head, "I'm still alive."
Rarity shook her head, "Maybe, but I doubt she'll come back with that cutie mark. Whatever threat you posed has been thoroughly removed."
"Tough break," said Rainbow Dash, shrugging.
Nopony was moving to chase the culprit, and Silver began to get irritated, "And we're just OK with that?"
Twilight took a slow breath before releasing it, "If we chase her right now, we have to deal with hostile magic and cutie mark-stealing magic. One of those we could handle with care, but both? I..." She sagged her head, "I failed you."
Silver's anger inverted, suddenly feeling awful for pressing Twilight. "Don't cry. We can fix this. Can she keep my mark just... floating there forever?"
Fluttershy shook her head, "She has to put it in a container eventually, or it would fly right back to you."
Silver bobbed her head, "So we just need to find that container, and take my mark back!" She pointed at Night and Fast, "After they get to a hospital. Who does that around here?"
Applejack approached, easily hefting both onto her back, "Don't you worry none. Ah'll get them both there safely!" And off she went.
Silver's tension lowered a little with them seen to. She looked to Twilight, but Twilight was talking with the rest of the Mane Six, minus Applejack. Silver approached, listening to Twilight work out some kind of plan. Little of it made sense to Silver. She almost figured out why, a flash of inspiration stirring before she felt a throbbing in her flank. Suddenly the fog settled back down over her, and inspiration was denied flatly.
Silver looked back at the equal sign hatefully, but it had no response, other than to remain plastered across her flank, mocking her silently. "Twilight," she asked, "Why can't I understand your plan?"
Twilight tilted her head at Silver, then an expression of pity washed over her features, "That must be related to your talent, putting things together. The sign snuffs out things tangentially related to your talent. I'm sorry. We'll get your cutie mark back... Why don't you go to Fast and Night? They'll be happier waking up with you there."
Silver rose to her hooves and started moving off, stopping first to shed her mildly-tattered dress, making an idle note to have that fixed. Dress stowed, she made her... where was the hospital? Rather than ask anyone about it or puzzle it through, she just wandered aimlessly, trying to find where her wives were. She had the nagging feeling there was a more effective way around the problems, but it refused to come to her.
"Excuse me," asked a strange voice. Silver looked up to see Berry Punch staring at her. "You look lost. What are you looking for?"
Silver smiled joyfully. Of course, she should ask someone! "Hello! I'm looking for the hospital."
Berry looked Silver over critically, "Are you hurt?"
Silver shook her head, "No, but my wives are. I need to find them."
Berry raised a brow, "Wives?" She paused, and Silver had no idea why, so she waited patiently. Berry nodded at Silver, "Alrighty, follow me."
Silver followed as bid, and soon they arrived at the front desk of the Ponyville Clinic. A smiling nurse looked between Berry and Silver. Berry shrugged, "She's looking for somepony. Later." She wandered off, muttering something about needing a drink.
The nurse, whom Silver suddenly recognized as Redheart from her large red heart of a cutie mark, gestured inside, "Are you here for the two mares that just came in?" She led the way swiftly to where Night and Fast were tucked in. "They're perfectly fine and should wake up soon. Just give them some love and they'll be back to fit in a week."
Silver smiled, relief welling up, "I'm glad to hear that... Is... her foal alright?"
Redheart tilted her head with a frown, "Oh... We should check that."
Silver felt something, only for it to be suppressed by the accursed mark. She sank to the ground, feeling defeated and alone. Redheart stepped around her to start looking over Fast. Silver blinked, then pointed at Night, "That one!" She snapped more than she had meant to, and cringed at the sound of her own voice. Redheart looked ready to fight back, but apparently noticed Silver wilting and let it go.
Silver fell asleep where she had sank, and she rested without dreams.
It was dark. Silver felt she should recognize it, but it seemed the effects of the mark followed her even here, to... "Where am I?"
Words appeared, hovering, 'Are you ready to give up?'
"What? No!" Silver stomped a hoof on the darkness. "I have two lovely wives, and two lovely foals on the way, and... even Twilight is warming up."
'Had.'
Silver shrank back, "The nurse said they were fine!" She leaned forward then, stomping, "Don't you take them away!"
'I can only open paths. Yours have been closed, though perhaps that will change.'
Silver winced in pain, thoughts crashing against that mark and refusing to surface. "What do you mean?"
'The foal within you is all that will remain. All evidence of you as a man has been destroyed.'
Silver trembled. The way the voice had phrased that felt like a sledgehammer, and she sank beneath its weight. "Oh... Oh Night... Is she alright?"
'She will live.'
"Are you... enjoying this?"
'Strangely not. I was enjoying your victory, small as it was.'
Silver pawed at the ground desperately, "Can you save the foal? Please?"
'Why should I?'
Silver squeezed her eyes shut, tears forced free, "That... would be more fun, right? Please..."
'All acts come with a price. The last we spoke, it was at my initiative that I made an offer, this time it is you that begs. If I open this path for you, I may open others you care less for, but you will have no cause to complain. Do you accept this price?'
Silver nodded with scarcely a thought, "Please! I've been a good pony. I've been entertaining. Please..."
'Awaken.'
Silver jerked awake to the sound of Night wailing. She scrambled to her hooves and saw two doctors trying to console her as she thrashed violently. Silver acted without thought, rushing for Night and leaping up on top of her, to the doctors' surprise. Silver squeezed her wife tightly, "It's OK... It's... going to be OK..."
Night slowly went still under Silver, sobbing more quietly. "They... they said he was gone."
Silver perked an ear, "They were wrong... It was a mistake. He's healthy... He's fine."
Night trumbled and pushed at Silver a little, "How can you know that? How?!"
Silver bit into Night's ear softly, "I just do. Please... Trust me... We will be wonderful parents, together."
Night started to go limp under Silver, "Do you swear it? Do you swear it on everything?"
Silver nodded quickly, "I hope I never get my cutie mark back if our child... our foal... is gone."
Night smiled faintly, "You sound like you're lying, but you're not... Confusing mare." Night squeezed Silver back, and they remained together, entwined, together against the world until Fast joined them, forming a ball of equine flesh. Nopony dared to disturb them, where they remained, drawing strength from one another until daybreak eventually arrived.
Some part of Silver wondered what terrible path she had traded that would equal in magnitude for this avoided eventuality and shuddered at the thought of what could be considered a fair trade by the amoral entity that controlled her life so casually.
It approached mid-morning when a doctor finally approached them, looking stiff and unsure. "Ladies," he said, "Can we talk?"
The three mares disentangled reluctantly. Fast sat on one side of the bed, and Silver the other, with Night still on the bed.
The doctor nodded, "We didn't want to... interrupt... It was obvious you..." He looked away, seemingly unable to speak.
Night reached for her glasses, taking them off the dresser and putting them on. "Don't try to make it pretty, just say it," she ordered firmly.
The doctor nodded stiffly, "Your foal was crushed. We can only assume you were... attacked viciously."
Silver tensed. The Text had yet to lie to her. The foal couldn't be dead!
"There's nothing we can do, but... clean up," said the doctor.
Silver's mind raced through the fog, struggling against the mark that barred her answers. She began to thump a hind leg against the ground as she writhed and fumed. The mark pulsed, vibrating with anger as Silver focused against it, letting the magic rage within her louder and louder, aiming for that heat she had felt only while strapped to the giant thermometer long ago. The other ponies in the room became distracted by her, peering as she flopped over and wriggled around almost spastically. Her cutie marks were smoldering, and she could almost see, almost... It suddenly felt like she was stabbed in both flanks. The marks burned hot and she screamed as they became literal brands, but she didn't release the heat within her, even as the mark seemed to try to cut off that flow, to take more from her.
As the mark's attention seemed to focus on stopping her gathering of magic, it released just enough for a refreshing drop of insight. Silver threw herself at the bed, clambering up as dizzying pain ached through her abused flanks. "Night... We need..." She panted between each bit of speech, burning up inside and out, "Bite me!"
Fast perked an ear, "This is hardly the time." She looked at the doctor, "Is she alright? Help her!"
Night nodded slowly at Silver, drawing her closer. She leaned in and nuzzled at Silver's neck as Silver focused on the heat, desperately racing the mark that felt like it was burning to the bones. Night sunk her teeth into the offered neck, and drank of the magically-rich blood Silver had prepared. With only one way to escape, Silver could feel the magic practically geysering out through the bite. "Only open... the paths," she sighed out before she surrendered, fading from consciousness.
Night continued to drink for several moments longer, until the taste of the blood changed as Silver's magic became exhausted. She drew back, licking the wound gently before she flopped against the head of the bed. The doctor remained, looking entirely unsure of what just occurred before him. "I--" he started.
Fast gave him a hard glare, "You will look Night over again, and assume nothing."
The doctor glanced around before giving a hesitant nod. "If it will help," he said, drawing out his stethoscope and approaching Night. The investigation proceeded from the top, and didn't last long. The doctor stood there with a slack jaw.
Night flashed a bright smile, "She did it, right? Tell me she did it."
The doctor shook his head quickly, "I don't know what she did, but I hear a heartbeat. I... should see to her." He pointed at Silver. Neither argued when he moved to lift Silver and put her in her own bed. He called for a nurse, and the room got busy caring for the other expecting mother.
Silver was in the dark again, "So soon?"
'There were several paths before you. You rushed down the one of self-sacrifice.'
Silver frowned, "I can't think clearly with this mark on me... what was the other way?"
'A path not taken does not pay to consider. You amuse me.'
Silver cracked a faint smile, "That's good... right?" Silver was suddenly thrown onto her back, and she felt as if she were being pet from top to bottom across her belly. It was good. "Do you... like me?"
'I may. I find myself wanting to see you succeed.'
Silver wriggled as the petting continued, "I..." An idea came to her, and the fact that it did surprised her. It pierced the fog as if it wasn't there. "You don't... actually do anything."
'Why do you say that?'
Silver looked at the letters, "You watch. You didn't save the foal... I did. You just told me there was a way to do it, and left me to figure it out. You didn't send me to get trained, I did. The only thing you've definitely done is bring me to Equestria, and send me back for a day."
Silver felt the petting intensify, and she felt an almost-purr force its way out of her pony body. It just felt good.
'Perhaps. Do you regret it?'
Silver shook her head slowly, "No... I'm thankful. This life, all of it, even the hard parts, I want it."
'Your mind has time to change. You have not seen the dark places your path may yet go.'
Silver felt the petting change, focusing on her lower belly, where life grew. "Please tell me I'll give birth properly," begged Silver. The petting was nice, but the location of it made her nervous. Suddenly she realized, oh, another realization! "The mark's not working!"
'Twilight Sparkle has returned. Your cutie mark is restored.'
Silver glanced down at her scribbled cutie mark, letting out a loud sigh of relief to see it. "You didn't answer my question."
'I did not. I think it would be more amusing to see you go ahead with it. Heed the words of the shaman.'
Silver woke up suddenly to find Twilight leaning over her. Pain throbbed in her flanks and she felt sore everywhere. She forced a smile, "Hey, Twilight."
Twilight tilted her head, glancing back at her friends, then looking down at Silver, "Um, what happened? I put your cutie mark back, but almost your entire flank looks like it's been in a fire."
Silver nodded slowly, "A small price to pay to help Night Watch." She smiled, showing fangs, "I created life."
Night corrected from the next bed over, "Restored life."
Fast frowned, "Did you drown that witch in a hole?"
Rainbow Dash snickered, "I like her style."
Applejack shook her head, "'Fraid not. We just kept harassing her until she got tired enough to slip up and release the cutie mark. Her flunkies prevented us from apprehending her."
Rarity approached beside Twilight, "Now whatever happened in here? It smells like burnt fur and worse!"
Fast spoke up, "She's crazy!" She pointed at Silver, "She refused to give up when the mark kept trying to beat her down. She practically killed herself saving Night's foal." She sank to the floor on her belly, "I don't know if I should hug her or finish the job..." Tears ran down her face as she trembled, "Stupid mare..."
Silver's ears fell, "I... didn't mean to make you cry, Fast."
Twilight put a hoof over Silver's snout, "Enough. You're a hero. We're all tired right now. Come on." She pulled at Silver. Despite the pain, Silver obliged and was soon standing with wobbling legs. "We're all going home, now."
No one argued with Twilight's words. Though the nurses attempted to do so, Twilight was in no mood, and was royalty. Ultimately, she brought her new family home. Applejack casually nudged her head up under Silver and lifted her up, carrying her easily the rest of the way. Silver faded out along the way, and was not bothered or comforted by the Text this time.
The next few days were spent in bed. Silver was rarely alone, with Fast or Night popping in to rest with her, and Zecora often dropping by with a new poultice to apply. Silver felt strength returning and the aches faded away.
One evening, Night had her head on Silver's barrel, watching her as she looked back. They were both resting quietly. "How did you do it?" asked Night Watch. "How did you even know there was a chance?"
Silver considered a moment, then decided lying to Night wasn't even an option worth considering. "When I first came here, I spoke to some... being, a god maybe. I call him, her, it, the Text. They've been watching me. All my triumphs, defeats, twists and turns, they've seen it all."
Night perked an ear, "That sounds impossible, but I'm listening."
Silver nodded and reached for Night, drawing her up so they could be snout-to-snout. "It taunts me sometimes, but yesterday, it... seemed kind. I really think it wanted everything to work out this one time. It hinted there was a way to turn it around. I could... barely think, but an idea came, and I threw everything at it."
Night pointed out, "That was three days ago. So what did it do, besides talk?"
"Wasn't that enough?" asked Silver. "It helped me come up with the inspiration to come up with the idea, and I burned, and your foal lives." Silver reached, petting the slight bulge in Night's belly, "Our foal..."
Night blushed warmly, "You have no idea how I felt, when the doctor's first told me. It was like everything fell apart. I couldn't breath, I couldn't think. I just screamed and screamed. You suddenly woke up then. You held me, and told me it was going to be OK..."
Silver smiled, "Was I wrong?"
A soft knocking came from the door before Twilight entered. She smiled gently, "Feeling better?"
Silver felt good enough to flirt, and did so, "An enchanting mare just walked in, that helps."
Twilight reddened, "I'm sorry our date had to end so... abruptly. I really enjoyed it while it lasted. I do have to ask, what did you do with Night Watch? The doctors won't stop harassing me to find out."
Silver thought back to it as Night snuggled in against her. "I... built up my magic as hard as I could, until I was fit to burst. When Night drank some, the magic went into her. I... kinda hoped her body would make use of a whole other body's supply of magic. It was desperate, but..."
Twilight looked thoughtful, "You're lucky Night Watch isn't a unicorn. She probably would have fizzed and popped and nothing else would have happened. Being a pegasus, on the ground, she wasn't letting any magic out, so, and this is a theory," She gestured expressively with her hooves as she spoke, "the magic had nowhere to go, so her body could grab it and make use of it." She frowned then, "Zecora said you gave up so much you put yourself and your own foal at risk."
Silver nodded at Twilight, "You are adorable when you get a theory, even when it involves something terrifying." Silver leaned in towards Night, kissing her a moment, "Do you need to go report to the doctors?"
Twilight nodded softly.
Night extended a wing and patted the bed Silver rested on, "Come back after."
That night saw all four of them cuddled together. There was no touching, groping, or other advances, just resting together, and it was good enough. Everyone had come through the traumatic event, together, and they felt more united for it.
Fast nudged Night along. "I'm not accepting no," she said firmly, "Silver won't die if you're away from her for a few hours. Besides, Twilight is checking on her every hour, on the hour."
Night glanced back down the hallway leading to their room before relenting, going as Fast guided her, "I'm just worried. From what Twilight told me, there's a twenty percent chance Silver traded my foal's loss for her own, and another twenty percent chance she or the foal may suffer some kind of effect from all the magic she built up."
Fast waved a hoof, "And there's exactly zero we can do about that. Put it out of your mind. You're better, and I'm better, and we deserve a day together." She leaned in and nibbled at Night's cheek, "Besides, it's not your foal or her foal, they're all our foals. You're not giving her enough credit. She'll break all the rules if she has to."
Night cracked a smile, "She would... Alright, what do you have in mind?"
Fast waggled her brows, "Well if you want to keep it simple, I could tackle you to the ground and show you how much I love every inch of you."
Night flushed deep red, "I... What's the second option?"
Fast gave a soft pfft, "Oh fine. If you won't accept my ravaging, we could start the day with a walk around town. It'll do you good, and let ponies know you're alright. We can end the walk at Sugarcube Corner, where we'll get something at least half as sweet as you are."
Night nodded quickly with a smile, "That sounds lovely. Let's go." She went to retrieve her saddlebag, and then joined Fast at the door. They exited into the warm morning. The sun was bright, the air was clear, and it did feel good to just walk. Fast nudged her along to a faster pace, bringing them into a full trot instead of a leisurely walking gait. "What's the rush?" asked Night.
"No rush," replied Fast, swatting her tail at Night, "Morning walks are better when they're jogs." Their eyes were drawn towards the eatery where their aborted evening took place. Whatever damage it had suffered was fixed, and it was opening up for ponies seeking breakfast. The town seemed happy and secure.
Night perked an ear, swiveling it around, "Do you think they'll try again? To take her mark, that is."
Fast frowned a little, "Without a doubt, but we're here to relax, not stress some more about the future."
Night sagged a little, "I feel... useless. You can become all kinds of terrible things, but what can I do? We're ambushed and about the only thing I did was provide a good beating target. I couldn't even fight!" She frowned, "Damn unicorn magic."
Fast reached for Night's face, turning it so they were nose-to-nose, "I couldn't see either. We just ran. You are a lovely and wonderful mare."
Night's ears sagged, "I'm the only one without magic."
Fast frowned, "So? You have your head, and it's a mighty fine one at that." She leaned in and kissed Night on the lips, but it didn't last long as the distressed Night pulled away.
Night stomped from one hoof to the other, frustration building, "Look at our herd! We have the Princess of magic and friendship, a shapeshifter good enough to play a changeling queen for a while, a unicorn that's so valuable, her cutie mark isn't safe from thieves, and then... you have me. The watcher."
Fast put her hooves back on Night's cheeks, "Night, I have a request."
Night trembled, but didn't pull away again, "What?"
"Watch over me," asked Fast. "Help keep us safe. Love us."
Night quirked a little smile, "I'll... try."
Fast suddenly perked as inspiration came, "Hey! Why don't we try switching places?"
Night frowned, "What?"
Fast pointed back at the tower, "We'll get Twilight to swap our cutie marks after I turn into you. Then you'll have my mark and can turn into me! We'll switch for a week!"
Night plopped onto her haunches, looking stunned at the idea, "I... you'd do that? You would be giving up most of your magic."
Fast waved a hoof, "If it made you smile? Yes. Let's do it!" Fast suddenly became a copy of Night, glasses and saddlebag included. She flapped her new wings, "I never said it, but it's easy to be jealous of wings. Flying is so incredibly fun!"
Night looked her doppelganger over before leaning in and biting lightly where the outstretched wing met the body, where she knew it was sensitive on her own body. Fast went stiff, and Night knew it mirrored properly. Enjoying the moment, Night continued her soft attention, working the wing slowly from the root towards its tip.
"Ahem," came a voice that made the two lunar pegasi jump apart. There was Mayor Mare, looking on patiently. "If you're quite done, there are ordinances about this sort of thing."
Both nodded at her in eerie sync, even speaking together, "Yes ma'am, sorry ma'am."
Mayor Mare looked a little baffled, "Yes, well, do keep that to your own homes, thank you." She wandered off to deal with less confusing issues.
Smiling at one another, the twins spread their wings and flew off towards the castle swiftly. "Did you mean it?" one asked, "About being jealous?"
"It doesn't consume my day," said Fast, "But yes. Having wings is great! Lunar wings are especially awesome. You don't have to preen them and they mostly take care of themselves if you keep the rest of you clean... Not that a good preening from a loved one is a bad experience, but having to do it, blech."
Night smiled with rising spirits, "Well, maybe you'll enjoy the week then... but if you miss your magic, you can just ask. I won't keep it away from you."
Fast snorted, "I made the challenge! I won't back out of it! Besides, I'll be spending the week with you, so how bad could it really be?"
They landed on the balcony together and quickly proceeded inside. They found Twilight nowhere in sight. They checked in on Silver, who reported Twilight hadn't been around in quite a while. "She said something about Applejack, I'd check there." They left Silver there after making sure she was fine. Zecora assured them she would be attentive, and off Night and Fast went to Sweet Apple Acres.
Swift wings brought them out of Ponyville swiftly, to spot Twilight easily. Twilight was quite busily digging holes. Applejack stood nearby with some potted apple trees. The lunar pegasi descended as a pair and landed on either side of one of the holes. "Hey, Twilight!" One of them called.
Applejack peered at the two, "Uh, are mah eyes playing jokes on me?"
The other shook her head, "Just a little wager. It will be a lot less confusing in a moment. Twilight?"
Twilight poked her head up out of the hole she was in, "Yes? Oh! Night... you've doubled?"
Fast pointed at her unchanged cutie mark, "Not quite. Can you do your magic and switch our marks, please?"
Night nodded her head, "We agreed to swap places, and bodies, for a week."
Twilight rose a hoof, "I... suppose I can, but you realize the foal will still be with Night, no matter what form she takes." The two nodded, and Twilight worked her magic, prying free each of their cutie marks as gently as she could and switching them around. Night became a slightly pregnant-looking Fast Change with a thought and giggled at the alien sensation of the transformation.
Fast pointed at her doppelganger, "You forgot to lose the wings."
Night looked at her bat-like wings on her otherwise unicorn body. "I'm an alicorn!"
Fast chuckled softly, "You were already my princess, now really, ditch those."
Soon Night had become entirely like Fast Change, if one ignored the small sign of her impending motherhood. "This feels so... strange."
Twilight raised a brow, "If you wouldn't mind taking notes, that would be fantastic. We didn't get a chance to see how Fluttershy or Silver adapted since they swapped back so quickly." She vanished back into the hole, and resumed digging.
Fast flashed her fangs, "I can't say your body is all that strange to me, but I can... see a lot more. It's like everything just clicks together." She looked towards Applejack's barn, "That has a thirty-five percent chance of collapse within the year."
Applejack raised a brow, "Say what now?"
Fast shrugged her shoulders, "I don't know how I knew that. It just came to me. This is so cool!"
Night moved up and kissed Fast on either cheek, "Thank you, for this idea."
Fast extended a wing and hugged Night close, "You can thank me with some lunch. I didn't forget the plan to hit up Sugarcube Corner. Let's go."
They trotted side-by-side back to Ponyville. Fast kept talking, "Since you're me, sort of, remember you can get wings back whenever you want. Comes with the cutie mark."
Night tapped at the horn on her head, "But I have a horn. Could I learn magic too?"
Fast frowned in thought, then realized, "Aw shoot. I don't have a horn, or my mark. I'm really going to be experiencing pegasus life."
Night rubbed up against Fast's side, "If you want to call it off..."
Fast snorted, "Never! I can make it a week without a horn!"
Night nudged open the door to Sugarcube. There were about four ponies in the booths, but it was mostly empty. Pinkie Pie was stationed at the counter, and smiled brightly when they entered. "Hey guys! You look like you've got something I can fix." She ducked down and came up with two different sweet treats. Both of their mouths watered and they advanced, diving right into the one that smelled best to them.
Pinkie looked confused, "But... huh. You guys are eating each other's."
Fast burst into laughter, sending cream and frosting flying as she hadn't removed her face from the confection. "Sweet Celestia! Already found out, by Pinkie Pie's treats."
Pinkie Pie smiled, "I did?"
Night nodded, grabbing a napkin and wiping her muzzle clean, "We've switched for a little while. This is very good! How much do we owe?"
Pinkie Pie tapped the counter, "Two bits a piece, and how'd you do that? Are you wearing a disguise, 'cause I have a great disguise of all my friends! Watch!" She ducked down beneath the counter, and Rarity popped up. "I say, your fashion is just terrible," said Pinkie with a bad impression. Pinkie unzipped her Rarity outfit with a burst of giggles.
Fast laughed with her, "Oh, oh, that's just too good! You're almost as good as me at changing. Is that some kind of crazy earth pony magic?"
Pinkie shrugged, "Just comes naturally to me. Also, you mean as good as her, right?" She pointed at Night.
Night grinned and focused on the pink pony before her. Soon there were two Pinkies. The first Pinkie shook her head, "No! I've already had to deal with a bunch of me once!"
The second Pinkie tilted her head, "But this one is your friend."
The first Pinkie nodded, "Well, that's true... I'll let it slide this time, but only if I get a hug." She reared up and threw her forelegs wide, and the second leaped across the counter, tackling the first to the ground. They giggled together in a fit of mock wrestling.
Fast watched the two play with a bit of a grin before taking the opportunity to polish off the remainder of both plates of deliciousness. This was going to be a fun week.
The day went exceptionally well until soon after noon. Fast and Night strolled together through the streets, headed towards home to check in on things when Fast suddenly staggered against Night, wings flapping awkwardly.
Night took it in jest, gently nudging Fast onto her side of the road, "I thought you said my body was easy to control." Her words trailed into uncertainty when the nudge never stopped. Fast fell away from Night with the momentum, collapsing to the ground limply. "Fast, that's not funny..." She tried to piece together the clues, feeling there was something to be grasped, but all that came were ideas for forms to become to help the situation.
Fast kicked out a leg with a grunt, "No... No it really isn't... Blast it all." She slowly rolled up, her legs spread awkwardly across the ground as she lay on her belly. Understanding dawned in her expression and she scowled. "I used magic to have working legs, to be... you, and that failed. I don't have the magic without my cutie mark to just do that casually."
Night sprouted hands, as unnatural as they looked at the end of her forelegs, and grabbed Fast with them, pulling her up tight. "We're going home." Night moved swiftly, dashing along on her hind legs as quickly as she could in an awkward ambling with Fast balanced in her arms. "When we see Twilight next, we'll have her undo it. No amount of curiosity is worth you being crippled for a week."
Fast twitched her ears, more coming to her with Night's borrowed insight, "Oh, Night! Stop changing!"
Night tilted her head as she hurried, "Why?"
Fast poked at Night's chest, "You didn't get a heart crystal! When you put me down, I'll lend you mine, but no more changing until then."
Night stiffly nodded and they traveled in silence before arriving at Twilight's tower soon after. Night set Fast down on a soft bed in an unused room and nuzzled what appeared to be her old self, but that fell apart as Fast became Fast. Fast rolled onto her side, "I was stupid... Here." She worked off her heart crystal, "Take it."
Night snorted, "I don't need it! I'll have Twilight switch us back, no more changing."
Fast crossed her forelegs, "The dare is still on and I'm not budging. I can suffer a little..."
Night frowned, "Why? That doesn't make any sense at all." She did take the dangling crystal and slipped it around her own neck. It felt warm, and reminded her somehow of Fast. With the crystal on, she banished the odd-looking hands in favor of hooves and slid up onto the bed with Fast, snuggling the disabled unicorn.
Fast pressed back warmly, "I saw the look in your eyes. You're really enjoying this, old defects aside. Please don't give up on it for me."
Night did not accept the logic, shaking her head, "No! Ridiculous! I'm just fine as a lunar pegasus, and you were as a unicorn. I'll trade in magic to get you on your hooves any day."
Fast smiled warmly, "You always did have your heart set... on your loved ones. You used to only have that tone when you looked at Silver, and I'll admit it, I was so so jealous of it. I wanted that. I would have done anything to be loved so purely, so completely."
Night dropped the changes entirely, becoming her old, bat-like self as she pushed Fast over and mounted her, legs on either side of Fast and squeezing. "Well you got it! I do love you, idiot. You're just like him sometimes. Don't be so... selfless."
Fast flashed her flat teeth, "And you're better? Your cutie mark is whispering to me, you know. I can see how much pleasure you're getting from having magic. You're willing to toss that all aside at the first hint that I'm not comfortable."
Night wriggled her back end as she stared daggers down at Fast, "I guess we're just made for each other, all of us. A bunch of stupid ponies willing to give up everything for the other, until we have nothing left for ourselves."
Fast leaned back and closed her eyes a moment before whispering, "This is getting depressing. I want to have fun, and I know just the thing."
Night perked an ear up, "Will I agree to it?"
Fast considered that a moment, "Sixty percent chance."
"Good odds," agreed Night with a smile, "Alright, what is it?"
Fast reached with her forelegs, working as well as ever, and pulled Night's head down for a quick kiss on the nose. "I'm going to teach you how to love me as a stallion, and you're going to do it... over and over."
Night went as red as she could as she considered the option given her, "But... you're... I... There's so much wrong with that idea!"
Fast rolled a hoof lightly as she began listing, "You think my back legs giving out makes it not right, well that's just wrong. If I want to be loved, then I do, so forget them. You're afraid you'll hurt me, which is exactly why you won't. You care far too much about me to hurt me. You're a little afraid I'll get a foal too, but I swear my season passed a while ago and the next one isn't due yet. The tricky one..."
Night frowned, "Yes? Ugh, please don't just quote all my problems like that. Do I do that?"
Fast shook her head, "Not usually, but your talent doesn't make me stop being me any more than my talent made you stop being you. Alright, the tricky one, you're a little afraid you might like it, and regret it all the more when you're back to your old talent, but I have an answer for that!"
Night sat up, putting more pressure on Fast's belly, "I'm already afraid to hear it, but go on. I know you want to tell me, talent or not."
Fast bobbed her head, "That's because we're in love, silly. We'll get you a crystal of your own, so Silver and I can work our magic on you, whenever you want. But, right now... I want you to think of Silver, of that stud that put that foal inside of you. Think of him when he was all he and he wanted you."
Night nodded slowly, and followed Fast's prompts. Fast got exactly what she wanted, and Night got to experience things from within Silver's old masculine body. When all was done, Fast had faded off to sleep with a pleased expression, but Night found rest refusing to come to her. She slipped from the bed and wandered the castle aimlessly. Twilight returned deep into the night and didn't even hear, let alone acknowledge, any questions fired at her before she staggered off to bed and passed out.
Night eventually wandered up to the observatory and sat beside the telescope without looking through it. There she rested until sleep crept up on her, and she faded into dreams.
She awoke to the sensation of being kissed. She opened her eyes to see Fast had found her, and they shared the good morning exchange for a quiet moment before Night drew back, "How did you get up here?"
Fast chuckled, "Well, I'm a unicorn again." She reached up and poked her horn, "I don't have my talent, but I did learn a fair share of spells the hard way. Now, breakfast. I'm starved!"
Night followed after Fast as she descended the stairs, "Are we still keeping the marks? We're not even switching bodies now."
"So?" asked Fast. "Stop feeling bad for me! I'm perfectly happy."
Night reared up and grabbed Fast at the cutie marks, stopping her. "I'm serious," said Night. "As fun as it may or may not be, that fun is lost when I think about the price you're paying for it."
Fast shrunk a little, "But I'm... having fun watching you have so much fun..."
Night began to rub across the cutie mark that had been hers, but was then emblazoned on Fast's flank, "I'm not a unicorn. I was being stupid wanting to be something I'm not."
Fast rolled her eyes even as she sighed in soft pleasure, "I'll have you know wanting to be something you're not is kind of my thing. You're calling me stupid."
Night blushed and slid to the ground, "I didn't mean it like that..."
Fast bumped against Night lightly, "Stop overthinking this so much and do things! Do all the things you always wanted to do, but couldn't!" She fluttered her lashes at Night, "Do the things you know I won't say no to."
Night darkened and looked away, "You are insatiable..."
Fast nodded, "But I am yours. You and Silver asked that I save all my love for you two, and I did it! You get it all, nopony else." She sat down on her haunches, "Don't think that was an easy thing... I'm a hedonist, through and through. My eyes wander and I see pretty mares, stallions, griffons, or whatever, but I actively decide not to go chasing any other flank, because I love you. Because I love Silver."
Night quirked a smile, "Because you love Twilight?"
Fast waved a hoof dismissively, "We're working on her. She's adorably smart and reclusive, but she hasn't opened up to us yet, and while she's..." Fast squinted, "Ugh, how do you even function with all this information?"
Night smiled timidly, "You get used to it... Your talent's no better. I keep getting ideas for other things to be."
Fast reached out and beeped Night on the nose, "If you want to mount me again, I wouldn't say no, but, about Twilight, she loves the idea of love, but she still sees herself as above it all."
Night tilted her head, "That does make sense, but as you said, we're working on her." She frowned, "Those stupid ponies... She was about to say something, something important..."
Fast smiled brightly, "Silver will draw it out of her. They have a bond. They both love magic as a science. They're both awkward as all get out, and he's known her for a long time, even if she didn't know him. Now, are we going to play?"
Night nipped at Fast's ears one after the other, then moved away, "Let's go for a walk first. We'll get to your 'playing' after we do a survey of the city, for safety's sake."
Fast moved to follow Night, nodding, "That sounds just fine, get the blood pumping before we get to pumping."
"You are impossible," said Night with a bright smile.
They were soon out exploring the city, searching for signs of trouble that would trouble them later. Nothing happened out of place for the rest of the day, and they eventually retired so Fast could educate Night on the intricacies of being a shapeshifter under the sheets. That time, they both slept together.
Fast and Night had grown all the closer as the days went past, but they noticed a curious lack of one Twilight Sparkle. They checked around the castle, finding Zecora caring for Silver, which they joined for a few minutes before continuing their quest. Twilight just wasn't there... They did run into Spike.
"Hey Spike," said Fast, "Have you seen Twilight around?"
Spike waved a claw, "She's helping Fluttershy out with something. She'll be back tomorrow though! We're having a big pancake breakfast!"
Night smiled a little, "That sounds delicious."
Spike bobbed his head, "And all the girls are coming!"
Fast put a hoof to her chin, "Alright, we'll catch her there then."
The next morning came swiftly. As promised, all the girls were in attendance, but Twilight was passed out at the table. Night raised a hoof, "I... think something is wrong with Twilight."
At this the girls all nodded. Rarity spoke up, "Leave this to us. We're her best friends, we'll figure this out. Twilight, darling?"
Twilight came awake with a start, a pancake draped over her face. Rarity approached, speaking quietly to her as she removed the pancake. She seemed to be in good hooves as her friends rallied around her.
Night and Fast took this as their cue to depart, and they stepped just outside, looking out over Ponyville. Night ruffled her wings lightly, "I'm very thankful you gave me this chance, Fast, but I'm worried we're tackling things oddly." She turned and kissed Fast's cheek, "I love you to pieces, but I'll still be surrounded by three very talented unicorns."
Fast frowned, "It must be your missing cutie mark, but you're missing the obvious. Clear sight of the situation is not a small gift. Twilight doesn't have it. I don't normally have it. Silver has it, but gets emotional whenever things get tense. You," Fast poked Night in her barrel, "are the brains of the family. You are our solid compass, keeping us aimed straight. You are also quite physically capable when you're not fighting in pitch darkness and starting to bear a foal."
Night wobbled a hoof, "And you're not physically capable?"
Fast gestured back at the tower, "Twilight and Silver suck at physical anything. Silver has the excuse of not being born into the body, I don't know Twilight's reason. She's just a nerd. We, us..." She pointed at Night, then herself, "We are the bodyguards of the herd. It's not a competition, and it's not something I'm trying to claim for myself. If I have to give up my magic forever to put your anxiety at ease, just tell me right now."
Night recoiled, going pale, "No! We won't have that... That would be very unfair to you, and greedy of me."
Fast poked Night on the nose, "That was not the sound of understanding. That was the sound of giving up. Look at me, Night. Do you know how much I love you?"
Night looked Fast in the eyes, and they gazed at one another. Night cracked a smile, "I... feel a little stupid..."
Fast snorted, "Good, because you are. We really need to get your mark back on your sweet flank." Fast nudged Night over and pinned her down, not that she resisted much. Soon they were laying on the ground quietly. "I'm already tired of knowing so much. I don't know how you cope with it."
Night leaned in and bit Fast on the neck lightly. She couldn't share emotions with a bite, but those soft nibbles expressed well enough through actions, "I cope by having some amazing friends. I used to just be separated from everypony, but now... I'm in the middle of a great herd."
Fast squeezed Night gently, "I used to find pleasure where it was offered. Anypony, anytime, but they were all shallow ghosts compared to the love I feel just hugging you right now. Please be my adorable little flank-kicker with the keen eyes."
Night nodded stiffly, "I think I'm ready for that..."
Spike suddenly emerged with Twilight. Both paused on seeing Night and Fast entangled on the ground. Spike blinked innocently while Twilight gave a nervous laugh. "Say, girls," started Twilight, "We're going to the spa. Want to come with? My treat?"
They got to their hooves quickly and fell in line with Spike and Twilight, accepting the offer with smiles. As they walked along, Night advanced alongside Twilight and nudged her gently, "You're looking rough. What's wrong?"
Twilight sagged, "I miss my old library... The castle is nice and all, but it's so huge... and empty."
Fast snorted lightly, "You've got friends, inside and out. Speaking of, what are they doing back there? I didn't see them come out."
Spike smiled as he spun around, walking backwards, "They're going to spruce up the castle!"
Twilight bobbed her head, "They offered to make it feel more like home."
Meanwhile, in the castle, Silver frowned even as she sang, swept away in the most intense song magic she had felt to date. She could just hear the rest of the Mane Six's voices as they did their parts. Her own part felt quite silly, basically singing about how she'd help if she wasn't in bed. She would rather have just not sung at all, but the harmony of Equestria didn't regard that as much an option. Zecora wandered in halfway through the song, seemingly unaffected by the whimsical demands of song magic.
When it faded from her and Silver could speak again, she asked about it, "What happened? How weren't you affected?"
Zecora blinked with surprise, "The question that comes to mind, is how to this you are not blind?"
Silver put a hoof to her head, "I never told you, sorry. I'm... not actually a pony, at least by birth."
Zecora tilted her head, "Of this I would like much to hear, I resist the magic because I'm a seer. Shamans sing with every word, and the ability to choose is conferred."
Silver nodded slowly, "Alright, I... kind of get that. You do a sort of willing song magic all the time, so when it flares up, you can opt out?"
Zecora nodded back at Silver, "Now tell me the tale of your beginning, I fear my patience may be thinning."
Silver sat up, soon on her haunches on the bed as she began to tell her tale, from her arrival in Equestria and beyond. It had become quite a story, but Silver felt no urge to leave out parts, so she just said it all.
Zecora listened attentively to the story, not interjecting until the tale was completed. "This explains much that I've seen, looking back on where you've been. I thought you a strange unicorn mare, but there was so much hiding there." She reached out and rested a hoof on Silver's belly. "Do you bear this out of guilt? I find that more pressing than the magic of lilt."
Silver looked to Zecora's hoof, then shook her head, "I want it because... I want it. I feel stupidly lucky to even have the chance. I feel love for it, and its father."
Zecora smiled, "To call your child an it is rude, there is a small colt that you will extrude."
Silver sagged a little, "A little colt? That's... wonderful. Night's having a filly, right?"
Zecora nodded, "Your family grows well today, but with mysterious powers you should not play. Your child's life was in danger, your sacrifice may make her stranger."
Silver flipped her ears back. "Did I hurt her?" she asked in a quivering tone.
Zecora shook her head, "Your constitution is quite strong, but that doesn't mean nothing is wrong. Your child will be born intact, but you flooded her with magic, and who knows how that will react?"
Silver flopped back onto the bed, sprawling out miserably. Zecora gently pet Silver's cheek a moment, "Your actions were brave and your heart was true, I'll be here to watch over you. Your foal will be safe, of this I do swear. Your little colt will not despair."
Silver reached for Zecora and pulled her close, squeezing the zebra tightly. For a time they were quiet, but it felt more important than many words spoken.
Night and Fast enjoyed the spa treatment. Aloe and Lotus were very careful with Night, insisting she not partake in the hot waters in her condition, or most other heated therapies. This didn't stop the rest from going full-speed. Mane brushing, coat brushing, hooficure and facials. They were treated as princesses for the time they were there until it was about time for massages. Twilight emerged with Spike, looking far better herself than she had in the morning.
Spike tried suggesting some extreme massage and Night blanched, "No thanks, that doesn't sound very pregnancy safe."
Fast grinned, "I'm up for anything once." Twilight opted out, going with Night to get a much gentler massage.
Fast and Spike were picked up in the hooves of an extremely excited Bulk Biceps, who carried them through a wall to their fate.
Later, all four emerged from the spa. Spike and Fast looked a bit worked over. Fast tried to stretch out her abused joints, "I feel like I've been torn apart and put back together!"
Night tilted her head, "Is that good or bad?"
Fast frowned in thought as she worked out the kinks with each step, "I... you know, I think it was good, just not something to get done every week."
Spike groaned, "Speak for yourself..."
Twilight looked down at Spike with a light frown, "Poor thing. Hop on up, we'll get back to the castle faster!"
Spike suddenly looked nervous, "Uh, well..." An excuse issued forth from him.
Fast saw through it with a tingle from her flank, but then it came to her, "Say, Twilight. Since you're feeling better. Could you swap our cutie marks back?"
Night smiled brightly and bobbed her head, "Please. I've seen things from Fast's point of view long enough... I'll miss magic a bit, but I won't hold it from her any longer."
Twilight did as was bid, freeing their cutie marks and letting them go. They flew quickly to their homes without any prompting. "Did you try magic, Night Watch? We should get together after we're done and compare notes. I'd love to hear an 'outsider's' view on the process."
Night could suddenly see that Spike was stalling as her insight returned, "Oh, why don't we compare some notes right now, while it's still fresh in my mind?"
Twilight bobbed her head, "That would be lovely! Spike, prepare to take it down."
Spike looked relieved as he pulled out a parchment and quill and stood ready to write.
Fast smiled and sat down in place, admiring Night as she took hold of the situation and made Twilight a happy mare at the same time.
When Spike subtly gave hints that enough time had passed, Night stopped rambling about her time with Fast. She yawned instead, showing off her sharp teeth, "Oh my, look at the time! I bet your friends are all done now. We should see what they did."
They all began to hike towards the tower. Night moved in closer to Twilight, "So... when are you going to tell your friends?"
Twilight hiked a brow, "Tell them what?"
Night snorted softly, "About us?"
Spike blinked, "Am I missing something?"
Twilight went red and shook her head, "No you are not!" She clenched her teeth, "There's nothing to tell them..."
Fast frowned as Night shrank back a little. Fast moved closer, "Don't give me that! There is a lot to tell them. Twilight... We've welcomed you into our lives. Are you really going to keep us firmly out of yours?"
Twilight stopped walking, instead looking at her freshly hoofficured hooves. "I... They wouldn't understand. What would ponies say? I don't want to disappoint Celestia!" She sank to her belly, expression falling to misery and confusion.
Fast leaned forward and kissed Twilight's exceptionally long alicorn horn, "If they are your best friends, which it's obvious they are, they will understand. Would you stop being Applejack's friend if she started dating somepony?"
Twilight shivered softly, "Applejack knows... She's the one that helped talk me into giving Silver a chance."
Night nodded, "I was there, but that's half the point. She knows, and she hasn't reacted badly. Why so little faith in the rest of your friends?"
Spike half-lidded his eyes, "I'm right here. Can somepony at least tell me what's going on?"
Twilight reached out a hoof and grabbed Spike, pulling him in close and whispering to the side of his head a moment.
Spike went red through his scales instantly, "No way!"
Twilight's ears folded back at his reaction, "If you want to move out, I understand."
Spike blinked, "What? Twilight, you're doing one of your breakdowns. I'm not moving out over that." He crossed his arms, "So you're playing kissy-face with Silver's herd. I mean, that's a little weird, but whatever. You're still Twilight, and I'm still your number one assistant."
Twilight smiled, a cautious expression that was as timid as the rest of her. Slowly she rose to her hooves, "You're right, of course... I should have more faith in my friends. Let's go see what they've done, then we can talk more about it, alright?"
The tension around the group was let go, and they resumed their march to the tower. Despite the words, Twilight waffled at the door, "Wait here, please. Let me speak to them first, OK?" She went inside with Spike.
Night and Fast waited around. Night adjusted her glasses lightly before pulling off the crystal dangling around her neck and offering it to Fast. Fast smiled and had it around her own neck quickly, "Thanks! Almost forgot about that again."
Night smiled gently, "I'll miss it. It felt like I always had a piece of you with me..."
Fast tilted, "Silly mare! Didn't I say we'd get you one too! I'll prime it and be right next to your heart, always."
Night leaned in to rub her snout against Fast's, "That sounds perfect..."
More time passed quietly, but there was no sign of Twilight. "I'm going in," said Fast impatiently, walking past the guards. Night quickly followed behind. What greeted them was a largely unchanged castle, at least until they found Twilight gazing up at a crystal mobile dangling from... tree roots? The other girls were there, and they were reminiscing about old times together.
Twilight spotted the two coming in and stiffened a moment before she sighed, "Girls, I have a confession."
The conversation in the room died almost instantly, all eyes on Twilight. Twilight shuffled a little, "I... have been dating."
Rarity grinned broadly, "My little Twilight's growing up! Who's the lucky stallion? Tell me every little detail!"
Twilight started to pinken as her other friends joined in the encouragement. Rainbow nodded, "Spill the beans, Twi! Who've you been seeing on the side, huh? Are they as much an egghead as you are?"
Fluttershy said nothing, just smiling. Applejack pointedly glanced away, knowing too much. Pinkie clopped her hooves excitedly, "Oooo, this calls for a party!"
Twilight thrust a hoof into Pinkie's mouth, "No party! This is a secret... between friends." When Pinkie nodded, Twilight withdrew the hoof.
Pinkie grinned, "Small party, just us girls, and the lucky stallion." She waggled her brows, "So who is it?!"
Twilight pointed across the room to Night and Fast, "Well, there's two of them right now."
Silence descended as the girls stared at Night and Fast, then back at Twilight. Rainbow spoke first, "I don't get it."
Rarity looked to Twilight, "Well! I certainly didn't imagine you swung that way, darling, but I don't hold it against you. They're lovely mares."
Pinkie bounced over to Night and Fast, looking them over from every which angle before she suddenly exclaimed, "This one's got it!" She pointed at Fast Change, who wore a smug grin.
Rainbow blinked slowly, "She... has it? You're kidding, right?"
Applejack edged over to Twilight quietly, whispering to her, "So... ya did fall for her? Good on ya. Ya know ah have yer back, right?"
Twilight smiled at Applejack, "Thank you. They've... been nothing but nice and considerate to me."
Fluttershy shrunk behind her mane, "Does this... mean you won't have as much time for us?"
Night spoke up, adjusting her glasses as she said, "We aren't foals. We know Twilight is a princess, of friendship no less. We have no interest in keeping her away from her dear friends or her other duties. We're here for Twilight, not the other way."
Twilight frowned a little, "That hardly sounds fair."
Fast shrugged, "Life isn't fair. You do what has to be done, including treating your friends right. We'll always be a comfortable place for you to land when the adventure's over."
Rarity shook her head, "It sounds to me like you've picked a fantastic herd, darling."
Twilight reddened instantly, "A Princess has not been part of a herd for centuries!"
Rainbow grinned, "Then you get to be the first!"
Applejack nodded in agreement, "We're all with you, Twi. You do what's right for you."
Pinkie tapped her chin, "Does this mean I can invite other ponies?"
Fast pat Pinkie on the shoulder, "Let's keep this low key for now, alright?"
Pinkie pouted, but nodded, "Oh alright, but you're all getting a huge cake! Oh where's the other lucky mare? I don't see Silver Stars anywhere!"
Twilight, Night, and Fast all put their faces in a hoof at once as they realized they had practically abandoned Silver for a while.
Applejack chuckled a bit, "Why don't ya go and git her and we can have that party Pinkie's dying ta do?"
Fast lived up to her name, suddenly replicating Rainbow Dash and zipping from the room. Rainbow blinked at her doppelganger's departure, then understanding came over her features, "Ohhhh... Oh..." She scrunched her muzzle, "Oh?" She landed beside Twilight and nudged her with a hoof, "Dang girl! You pick 'em weird."
Rarity nodded in idle agreement, "I confess, I imagined you going for a more quiet, bookish type."
Night volunteered, "Like Silver?"
Rarity frowned a little, "I admit I never took the time to get to know her better." She extended a hoof towards Night delicately, "Rarity Belle, a pleasure to meet you again."
Night accepted the hoof in a light shake, "Night Watch. I hope we can be good friends."
Fast burst into Silver's room, rousing Silver from sleep with a start. On seeing Fast, Silver smiled brightly and slipped from the bed, rising to shaky legs. Fast quickly approached and they hugged warmly. "Sorry for not being around much."
Silver buried her snout in Fast's neck, "I'm snuggling Rainbow Dash."
Fast burst into giggles as she became her usual self. "How'd you know it was me?"
Silver nibbled into the neck before her, "Your heart crystal was a hint. Of course, if you were playing a joke, I wouldn't say no to a snuggle with Rainbow Dash, but she's not really my type for much past that."
Fast laughed merrily as she started to pull Silver from the room, "Come on, Twilight just came out to all her friends about us and we're going to have a party about it."
Silver blinked in surprise, "Really? The Mane Six know about... all of us?"
"Mane Six?" asked Fast, blinking, "Oh, the Elements? Yeah! They're pretty cool about it, though I think the yellow one's a bit scared about the whole thing."
Silver peeked around, "Where's Jake, I suddenly think to ask."
"Right here," said a voice, conjured by the strange forces of Equestrian timing. A human hand settled on Silver's head and petted across her ears in a delightful way, "Twilight's friends have been going crazy decorating. I've just been staying out of the way. So what's this about 'coming out'?"
Fast looked to Jake and flashed a smile, "Twilight is officially dating us. She just told her friends."
Jake let out a laugh, "Awesome! Man... if you'd told me that back when I first got here, I'd be so pissed."
Silver tilted her head, "So... are you hoping for a special somepony?"
Jake crossed his arms thoughtfully, "Uh, well... I wouldn't say no to Rainbow. She's pretty rad, and fun to be around. I'd say she's awesome but that's pretty cliche."
Fast pointed to the stairs headed down, "She's here. Why don't you just come out and ask?"
Jake froze a moment, "Uh... I don't think she's in for mushy stuff. Maybe... later."
Silver rolled her eyes,"Read: Never."
Jake frowned at that, "Hey, don't be a jerk about it."
Fast waved a hoof, "She's right, you know. If you feel this way, you should say it, and let Rainbow decide if she wants 'mushy stuff' or not. Just accept her answer like an adult and there's no harm in asking."
Jake nodded, "Well... if I did get her, I'd just want it to be her. Your herd thing looks way too complicated and weird. I got enough love for one special mare, and they don't come any specialer than RD. I've never had a bad time when she was around. Win or lose, she's an amazingly fun athlete. She inspires me to be the best I can be, and never accepts less than 100% out of me. To put it straight, she is best pony, and I love her."
"Do you mean that?" asked a new voice as Rainbow's head popped up from the stairs, hovering there with curious, and slightly misty, eyes.
Rainbow floated up into full view, rubbing behind her head, "Well, sheesh. That's, uh, really nice Jake." She flashed a big grin. "I don't think I'm ready to, you know, go to the next level. We'll talk later, K? Just buds!" She vanished in a trail of rainbows back downstairs.
Jake let out a slow breath, "Well..."
Silver moved over to Jake and reached out a hoof, poking him on the hip, "She didn't actually say no. She said not right now."
Fast nodded in agreement, "Don't let it get you down. You should ask Silver what her record is with the mares."
Jake looked at Silver curiously without a word. Silver shuffled in place, "Well... alright. I ran into Lyra and Bon Bon first, and Lyra decided she wanted me, but that ended up in getting magically worked over half-a-dozen times, kidnapped once, and a nice time eating the pony equivalent of Japanese food." She paused a moment, tapping her chin, "I really want some of that again."
Fast tilted her head, "Neighponese? Good stuff! Fish is a bit of an acquired taste."
Jake nodded lightly, "They don't have that here in Ponyville, or Appleloosa. Where were you again?"
"Manehattan," provided Silver. "So then I got hooked up with a mare I thought would be my dream mare forever." Fast giggled at the phrasing, but Silver continued, "She... had to go away. Then there was the dominating one. She was fun, if you left your ambitions behind and let her be in charge. I was almost-raped once by another m--"
Jake held up a hand, "Getting a pretty clear picture. I guess my track record with Rainbow isn't nearly as dramatic. I value her as a friend, so I won't go pushing and shoving." He shrugged, "Besides, uh, she is kind of a pony?"
Silver raised a brow, "Really? I didn't think you would have that particular hangup."
Fast looked between the two, "Which one?"
Silver pointed at Jake, "He's not sure if he can be physically in love with someone outside his species."
Jake flushed, "Don't be a jerk, man. I know, intellectual like, that she's just as much a person as me, you, or her." He pointed at Silver, then Fast, "That doesn't make the problem just vanish. I don't think being nervous is that odd."
Fast nodded, "Makes perfect sense to me. You should have seen me the first time a griffon made eyes at me. I didn't know what to do!" She flashed a smile, "He was a good lay though... A little spiny, but fun."
Jake made a bit of a face, "Ugh, TMI! Thanks though." He offered a hand to Fast. Fast nuzzled the hand gently before sitting next to Silver.
"I guess I got lucky," said Silver. "By the time it came time to do... that, I was already a pony myself. Nothing wrong with a pony going at it with another pony, right?"
Fast snorted, "You're going to kill the poor guy." She smiled up at Jake, "You'll find the right pony for you, or griffon, or diamond dog, or minotaur, or whatever..."
Jake gave a thumbs up, a motion without easy equivalency to ponies, then ambled off about his business.
Fast nudged against Silver, "Do you see me that way?"
"What way?" asked Silver with a confused tone.
"Like an alien," she replied.
Silver looked Fast over again, considering that question, "No... more than almost anything else I've dealt with in life."
Fast blinked slowly, "That answer... I'm going to ask Night about it." She started off, and Silver followed her, and soon they were in the main room. While Silver peered at the new crystal mobile, Fast approached Twilight. "I meant to ask, why can't I go with you on adventures? I mean, I know Silver and Night are getting fat and pretty, but I'm perfectly fit, right?"
Twilight glanced away before looking at Fast, "Well... To start." She pointed at the chairs, "The table is calling us specifically. There's no chair for your cutie mark. For another, the world's still out to get Silver, and somepony has to watch her and make sure she's safe, which I would hope would be you. I'm not letting Silver go because, A: See the above about the world being after her, B: She's pregnant, and C: No chair for her either. It's a distant other reason, but it's also nice to know my home is safe with ponies I care about so much."
Fast tapped her chin thoughtfully, "Those are a lot of good reasons... except the chair thing. That's stupid. Like I care what a map wants me to do?"
Twilight rolled her eyes, "Be that as it may, I'm glad you understand the other reasons. I'm not trying to keep you three out of things, but it really is safer if Silver isn't wandering Equestria while the world seems to be looking for her." Twilight began to turn away but Fast moved in quickly, kissing a lavender cheek. Twilight warmed, but moved away.
Rainbow burst into a fit of giggles, apparently watching the exchange. Pinkie suddenly kicked in the door and rolled in with a large tray with a larger cake precariously balanced on it. Way at the top were little figures of Silver's herd all kneeling with a big horn ring in a box being presented to a little Twilight figure. She set it down on the map, crushing most of Equestria.
Night blinked at the massive display and folded a wing over her eyes, "Pinkie..."
"Yes?" asked Pinkie as she started lighting candles on the cake eagerly.
"Did you just walk through town with that?" asked Night.
"Of course! What do you think I am, a unicorn?" Pinkie replied with a scoff as she produced a frosting gun and added some finishing touches. "Why?"
Applejack caught up with Night's logic train, "Because ya just told all Ponyville what's going on in here."
Pinkie paused. The thought bounced around a moment in her blank gaze before she clopped her hooves together, forcing the frosting out of the gun in a great spray, "Oh! Sorry!"
Twilight sank to the ground, "Celestia is going to kill me..."
Fluttershy casually found a convenient place to hide behind her throne while Rarity approached Twilight, "Now dear, don't panic just yet. Princess Celestia is a loving and understanding ruler, and your mentor beside! Surely she'll understand it if it truly makes you happy? You're not hurting anypony, after all, nor breaking any laws."
Spike suddenly belched up a letter, and held it out for Twilight. Twilight hid behind her wings, "Read it for me, Spike. I can't... even look at it right now."
Spike shrugged and began to read, "Dear Princess Twilight Sparkle, Imagine my surprise when I heard you had plans to marry and didn't invite me! This must have been an error of some kind. Is Spike well? I'll visit tomorrow just to be sure. I've also extended an invitation to Cadance. We'll make sure your wedding is fit for a princess. With Best Wishes, Princess Celestia."
Twilight's mane sprung out in wild curls as she groaned out and collapsed, petting her tail like a stuffed animal, "This is the worst possible thing!"
Rarity cocked a brow, "Do you need to borrow my fainting chair, darling?"
Silver shook her head, "Are we... getting married? That seems like an important thing to determine before we can react to this."
Twilight sprang up to her hooves, "Do you want to get married?"
Silver glanced at Fast, then Night, and back to Twilight. "If it's to you three, yes? I think I could get old and die in this company and not regret it."
Twilight rubbed her forehooves together, "Well that's good! Because what Celestia wants, Celestia gets, and she wants a nice, big, public... spectacle... We'll be paraded around in tight outfits and made to smile like we just won it big the entire time, then we'll have a huge ceremony, and everypony will just stare at us, looking for even the tiniest mistake! Then the rumors! The scandal! Look at her, thinks she can form a herd with no stallion, with nothing but commoners!"
Rarity leaned over to Applejack, "Do I ever sound that bad?" Applejack had the sense to not answer.
Pinkie pointed at Silver, "She's not a comma!"
"Commoner," corrected Rainbow with a smirk.
"That thing!" agreed Pinkie, "She was an ambassador."
"Was!" sobbed out Twilight, melting down into tears.
Night adjusted her glasses before taking a slow breath, "If Celestia wants it public, she already has a spin worked out."
Silver nodded, "I have a hard time imagining she wouldn't have a plan if she's come this far."
Fast looked to Silver, "So, are you going with it? I know you two have a checkered history."
Twilight was on her hooves again and rushed Silver, knocking her over to the floor, "You have to! Whatever she says!"
Silver flipped her ears back, cringing under the practically frothing and frantic Twilight. "Taking my masculinity aside... I have nothing against Celestia..."
Fast snorted at that, "You should..."
Silver shrugged, "That's not how I'm wired. I'm not going to drag Twilight through the mud to spite Celestia."
Twilight squeezed Silver tightly, making bones creak with the power of it as she wailed into the hug.
Night gently extracted Twilight from Silver and accepted the hug herself, better able to match the power with Twilight.
Applejack nodded lightly, "Well alrighty then. It sounds like we're settled for th' moment. Ah kindly suggest we enjoy the rest of the day. It'd be a mighty shame to let Pinkie's cake go to waste."
The tension slowly ramped down as conversations were shared and cake was eaten. Even Twilight was brought down from Defcon 1 to a mere Defcon 3, with Twilight muttering to herself between forkfuls of otherwise-delicious cake.
Rarity pointed at Fast, then Night, "We're just going to have to get you two in something nice. Celestia will not have you being married in that attire."
Twilight suddenly took off like a bolt and returned with a small bag of bits she tossed at Rarity's hooves, "Spare no expense!"
Rarity blinked softly before she lifted the bag with her magic, "I'm on the case!" She trotted off to collect Night and Fast, "Come with me, girls. We'll have you looking your best in no time at all."
Fast pointed at Silver, "What about her?"
Rarity shook her head, "She already has a lovely dress. I should know, I made it, and recently repaired it. Now come along. We haven't a moment to spare." And off they went.
Rainbow tilted her head curiously, "When'd you get a fancy dress?"
Pinkie and Applejack joined in the query, looking to Silver expectantly.
Silver quirked a little nervous smile, "It takes a little bit to get it on if you're hoping to see it on me..." Looking around she saw four heads bobbing. Even Fluttershy wanted to see apparently. Silver began trotting for the stairs, "Wait here then, I'll get it on as quickly as I can."
When the party ended and everyone went home, Silver and her herd accompanied Twilight to her room, and casually invited themselves in. Silver helped Twilight into bed as Twilight still looked jittery and frazzled. "Twilight, we want to talk to you."
Twilight perked an ear. "Can it wait? I'm... No... go ahead."
Fast trotted up and sat beside the bed. "We wanted you to know, now that everypony else is out of earshot, that if you want to not get married, we're completely alright with that."
Night took up vigil at the other side. "We've had to stand up for Silver being bossed around before, this is no different. Marriage shouldn't be something you do for someone else."
Silver nodded softly as she gazed at Twilight with a fond look in her eyes. "I would have to admit I don't really love you if I forced you like that... We've been over this, remember? I still have that favor. I'll use it right now. I want you to do what's best for you, not me, not Fast, not Night, not Celestia, or anyone else, just you, for once. Do that and we're even."
Twilight cracked a bit of a smile, voice quivering with uncertainty. "But how can I get away? Celestia and Cadance are coming!"
Night shook her head, speaking with confidence. "That works to your benefit. Cadance is already tired of Celestia manipulating Silver. If you tell her, flatly, that you do not wish to be wed, she will do everything in her power to put a stop to it. Wasn't she your foalsitter?"
Twilight sat up in bed, frazzled hair flopping about. "It's... not that I don't want to be part of you three, but not like this. I don't want another huge spectacle made of my life. I don't want all the attention this will bring to Ponyville." She scrunched her face. "I don't want to deal with the inevitable drama that will explode during the wedding itself."
Fast hopped onto the bed without invitation and flopped out beside Twilight. She gathered up Twilight in her hooves and started rocking Twilight back and forth. "We're here for you, official wedding or not. We already invited you to the herd, don't forget. We didn't."
Night bobbed her head in agreement before she peered out the closest window into the darkness. "I expect Luna will appear with a seventy percent chance. If she doesn't, her agents have an equal chance of appearing instead. She will not ignore this." Night pointed at Silver. "You hold Luna's hopes for the future in that womb of yours."
Silver folded her ears back. "So? I'm giving her what she wants. What more does she need?"
Twilight jerked a bit in Fast's grip as realization hit her. "She's going to want to make sure you... get around."
Silver made a face and shuddered. "Oh god no! I'm not cheating on my herd for her benefit... Besides, mare or not, I don't want to get under a stallion anyway."
Night looked at Silver calculatingly. "I think you are lying to yourself again."
Silver recoiled, but Night continued. "I've seen you gaze dreamily at several stallions."
Silver thudded to the ground on her slightly-bulged belly. "Hormones and instincts do not make up a mind. I will not be gay for Braeburn."
Twilight blinked softly. "What's Applejack's relative have to do with anything? Why wouldn't you be happy for him?"
Fast giggled at Twilight's naivety and snuggled her all the more firmly. "Silver means being a colt cuddler."
Twilight didn't look any more convinced. "But she's a she. It wouldn't be colt cuddling."
Night rolled her eyes behind her thick glasses. "Let's not get mired in these labels, since they fit our little group extremely poorly. Even you, your majesty. Was your laying with Silver filly fooling?"
Night gave an almost smug nod. "Exactly. We're all kind of bisexual in all meanings of the word. The point remains, Luna will want Silver to produce foal from different fathers."
Silver shook her head firmly. "Well she can wait. I still want to be a stallion again, and even if, if, I didn't, I'd sooner spend time with each of you in turn before I considered anypony else. Besides, I won't want another foal just after the first. Who does that?"
Twilight raised a hoof. "Somepony trying to spawn a new bloodline of ponies?"
Silver sagged.
Fast thumped the bed ineffectively. "We're getting distracted. This is about Twilight, and weddings. We can beat Luna off with a stick later. She can't do much with Silver already getting fat. Twilight, what's the deal? Do you want to get married? If so, we go ahead with it, but don't lie to us, or yourself. Look deep inside and decide."
Twilight sank down onto her bed. "Right now, I want to sleep. Thank you, all of you, for being understanding." She hesitated a moment, then let out a sigh. "If you want to stay here, this one time..." Fast curled up against Twilight, spooning her without regret. Silver and Night soon joined them, and they faded to sleep together.
Silver felt the warmth of the sun beating down on her. Big Mac was working hard, pulling a plow through the earth. Though he made it look easy, Silver could see the impressive and bulging muscles that were at work that made the feat possible. He labored on in stoic silence, doing what had to be done to care for his family, and Silver could understand those feelings.
She was beside him then. She could smell his sweat, his fur, and so much more. He smelled good. She walked along as he worked. Neither said anything. Nothing needed to be said. Silver felt content to simply be in the presence of this living symbol of her own quietness that she didn't get to express often in this hectic world. His power felt protective, and his physique was exciting her.
"All done." Big Mac shrugged off the harness that bound him to the plow, then he turned towards Silver. "Your turn."
She did have some fertile fields. Surely he could plow and seed them just as well as the farm's lands. She grew warmer by the moment, gazing at him with building desire. There was some hesitation deep within her, but it had little hope before the seemingly-overwhelming force that held her still. Her fields were plowed well.
Silver startled awake, drenched with cold sweat. She half-fell out of the otherwise-empty bed and saw that it was well into the morning. She hurried to the shower to wash the remains of the dream from her and prepare for a new day, but thinking about not thinking about something was often worse than just thinking about it. "Ugh, why Big Mac? What would we even talk about?" She stepped free of the shower and got to drying herself, a long and arduous task on the best of days. "Of course, we wouldn't talk at all. He would just... be..."
Fast poked her head in. "Talking to yourself? You must be more stressed than I gave credit for."
Silver jumped in surprise, and slid to the smoothly-tiled floor gracelessly. "I didn't hear you coming."
Fast smiled as she approached. "Hard to hear over yourself, huh? So what's got you worked up? Twilight?"
Silver gathered herself up. "No... I had a dream."
Fast perked an ear. "A nightmare?"
Silver shivered, but shook her head. "Not really. Nothing... bad... happened."
Fast perked the other ear, now both raised. "Out with it, what was it about?"
Silver began to describe the dream, but didn't get far before Fast burst into giggles. "Big MacIntosh? Really?"
Silver flushed dark. "I'm trying to get some support here..."
Fast nodded quickly as she moved up to rub against Silver's side. "Sorry for laughing, please, continue."
Silver hesitated, but did resume her tale, skipping over describing certain parts in any great detail.
Fast shrugged. "I don't mean to belittle, but that sounds like a normal enough dream, well, if you were used to being a mare. But that aside, Cadance is downstairs."
Silver perked up at the news. She tried a quick haphazard spell. She knew how to gather heat from her fireball spell, so she did just that, using only a single heat and several area symbols while trying to control the level at which it manifested. Her fur quickly dried out and she was left warm all over.
Fast blinked as she backed up. "Did you just make a new spell, again? Girl, you freak me out sometimes."
Silver smiled. "Well, it would either work, or I'd have lit myself on fire. Let's go see Cadance."
They trotted lightly side-by-side and descended to the main hall. Cadance was seated across from Twilight and Night. Cadance was smiling, Twilight looked nervous. Cadance spotted Silver instantly. "Ah, there she is. Silver, please join us."
Silver moved up to sit beside Twilight and Night. Fast sat on the other side of Twilight. Cadance looked over the four carefully. Her keen eyes could see the tangled network between them. The strength of them varied, with some still clearly developing, and their colors varying subtly. This did not bother her. "I see a lovely family. Twilight, are you happy?"
Twilight blinked at the question. "Happy? With?"
Cadance reached across and ran a hoof through Twilight's mane. "This. You have formed a united front without any prompting. You are a part of this."
Fast frowned and pawed at the cushion she was on. "That's no excuse to push her into things."
Cadance perked an ear. "Push? Who said anything about that?"
Twilight quickly produced Celestia's letter and floated it over to Cadance. "Take a look at this."
Cadance scanned her eyes over it quickly. "Auntie has a lousy sense of humor." Her eyes settled back on the four before her. "This is a warning. You were careless, and if it becomes public knowledge that you're doing what you're doing, then it will become a reality. Well, except the part about inviting me, that was true."
All four relaxed together. Silver leaned forward. "It's really nice to see you again."
Cadance gave Silver a little nuzzle, rubbing noses. "You are looking well! Has Ponyville been kind to you?"
Night nodded for Silver. "Except the time we were attacked over dinner, we've all been doing well here."
Cadance frowned at the news. "Attacked?"
Twilight waved a hoof dismissively. "We handled that! Everything's OK."
Cadance let out a slow breath. "If you're sure." She looked to Twilight pointedly. "You should take this warning to heart. If you wish to continue, do it fully, otherwise, this is the last chance to back away. I suggest announcing an engagement if you are proceeding. That will make your activities less rushed and forced, and allow you all to be together publicly without outcry."
Silver suddenly had a thought. "Cadance? Can you give us a little blessing?"
Cadance looked utterly baffled. "You already have my blessings. I hope you are all happy."
Silver shook her head quickly. "No, uh... I meant your magic." She pointed at Fast. "I was just thinking about your love magic, and how it healed me and, uh... Do you think it'd help our foals?"
Cadance tilted her head and looked thoughtful for a moment. "I don't think it would do much. You both already love your foals dearly, and they are not harmed, are they? I don't know what the love could do. I don't want to experiment on them."
Fast laughed suddenly. "Congratulations, you're already better than Luna."
Cadance frowned and clopped the table once with a hoof. "Don't be mean to Auntie Luna. She's trying her best. She writes about you, Silver, and you too, Night. She misses you both, and she's terribly sorry it worked out the way it did." She let out a slow breath. "I blame myself. I told her it would turn out this way and I relented in the end. She wanted so much to be a part of... this." Cadance gestured over the herd, Twilight included.
Twilight cleared her throat. "Let's get back on topic. So you're just here to visit and check on us?"
Cadance nodded. "Precisely so, and to help you with any arrangements, if you are moving forward. Other than that, this is a leisurely visit. The Crystal Fair went well and the kingdom is safe without me for a little while. Shining is handling things for me. So don't think of me as a visiting princess, but as a friend, because that is exactly what I am."
Cadance excused herself to go settle into a guest room for herself, leaving Twilight and the others behind. Twilight let out a slow breath before nodding at each of her three potential wives. "I'm going to say something, and I know it will sound cruel, but it's the truth as I feel it, and I need you to respect that, alright?"
Hesitant nods were her answer, and Twilight made an odd gesture, breathing in and out once with her hoof guiding the motion. "I don't want to be married."
Silver sank a little, but nodded. Fast looked much more irate, thumping the table lightly. "That's your choice, of course, but why? I thought we agreed?"
Twilight shook her head, "I... thought, a lot of things. Now that the pressure is let out, I know I'm not ready for this." She slipped from her seat and moved around. Without warning or prompting, she hugged Silver from behind. "I still want to be your friend, a very special friend, but no marriage..."
Night pushed her glasses back up with a fidget. "Only a twenty percent chance..."
Silver was a little limp in Twilight's grip. All the words that came to her felt tawdry, bitter, or just inappropriate, so she ended up saying nothing. She started when she felt Twilight nuzzle her. Silver reached out, pulling Twilight close, "I... really want it to work."
Night extended a wing, slipping it between Silver and Twilight. "Stop right there. If she doesn't want it, she doesn't. We learn from our lessons, right?"
Silver shrank away, nodding. Twilight glanced at Night with some confusion before she gave an 'oh' and gently brushed aside the wing. "There's no power involved in this. No centuries of life separating us. I'm just not... ready. I'm immature, and I admit that. I'm not ready to be a wife, or to go through the wringer that would come with being part of such... an amazing herd."
Fast chuckled softly as she rose up to full height. "That was a tactful way of putting it. My offer to be the acting stallion still stands. We don't have to be an all-mare herd."
Twilight shook her head and stepped away from Silver. "I will not ask you to sacrifice who you are for my benefit."
Fast's expression turned into a scowl as she clopped a hoof on the ground. "Buck your benefit! Silver is the one I care about. I'll be a stallion forever if I can get life to stop toying with her heart."
Cadance wandered back in, pausing dead in her tracks. She looked to Silver's quiet tears, Fast's furious expression, Night's stoic look, and Twilight's almost helpless befuddlement. "What did I miss?"
Night pointed at Twilight. "Twilight has decided she is not ready for marriage."
Cadance gave a slow nod. "I see... Well nopony is going to force Twilight to do such an important thing before she's ready. Twilight, do come here." Cadance led Twilight away, shielding her in a large, pink wing.
Fast raised her hoof high as it swelled in size and brought it down like a hammer, only drawing back at the last moment with barely restrained fury. "Celestia take it all! I thought we were settling down. I thought she loved us..."
Night took a moment to adjust her glasses as she looked over Silver and Fast. "You don't blame many ponies. If you found her in the embrace of another pony, you would likely blame yourself first." She slid to her hooves. "We are still a herd, and have each other, whether or not Princess Twilight Sparkle decides to stoop down to join us or not."
Fast bobbled her head. "Yeah, we don't need her!" Suddenly Fast was quite much like Twilight Sparkle, leaning in towards Silver. "Nothing a little role-play can't fix..."
Silver shivered softly at the sight and sound of a sultry Twilight. Even the smell was right. But she knew it wasn't the real Twilight. But it was Fast Change, and she was a fine mare too. Silver leaned in and kissed the faux-Twilight on the lips, and soon they had fallen over, faux-Twilight holding up Silver as she lay on her back.
A polite cough brought their attention to Cadance standing in the doorway. "As... interesting as it is to watch a doppleganger of dear Twilight enjoying a moment of passion, could I speak to you all?"
Fast guided Silver up to her hooves before becoming her usual unicorn self. "Of course, Cadance. You always have our ear."
Cadance smiled a little wistfully. "I wish I was the bearer of good news, but Twilight is closing up hard. She's seen the way out and she's hit the ground running. Her assessment was quite accurate, she's being immature. She obviously loves you all, and loves being around you... She's just afraid to handle everything that comes with it."
Night nodded lightly before pointing at Cadance. "Do you have a suggested course of action?"
Cadance tapped at her chin, "I can think of several... She told me about your aborted time out together. I do think you should do one of those, without the interruption. I could... cheat a little. She has love for you all, it could be enhanced. She may realize love is more important than her short-term fears, or it may drive the poor dear into fits. I'm wary of pulling out that sledgehammer of a solution."
Fast suddenly smiled. "You are the princess of relationships. We are humble commoners before you. Save us from our folly and we will follow your guidance faithfully."
Cadance looked to Silver pointedly. "What of you? What are your thoughts?"
Silver sagged a little. "I shouldn't have pushed into her life so hard in the first place. She, er... her destiny is already filled. I bet she's supposed to meet a nice stallion that isn't a human at some point, and I'll just be in the way of that."
Fast snorted loudly, "That's a huge load of dung. We're not in your visions anymore, Silver. We make destiny, not live it."
Silver pointed off towards the map room. "Twilight lives destiny. She believes in it, and so do her friends. Who am I to decide it's a bunch of nonsense, especially when it involves her love life? I mean I saw it work! I watched history play out."
Cadance half-lidded her eyes as she approached Silver. "Alright, then let's take this logically. Fate is real, you've witnessed it. Correct?"
Silver nodded at her.
"Nothing can turn fate aside, so far you have seen?"
Silver shook her head.
"Then you can't really mess it up, can you? If you aren't meant to be, then no force will change that, unless you're saying you can change destiny. And if you can change it, it's not really destiny, is it?" Cadance looked smugly satisfied with her reasoning.
Silver flopped onto her haunches. "Well... no, I suppose not. I still don't want to force Twilight. I've been forced enough times to know it sucks balls."
Cadance frowned. "Language. We will not force Twilight. She is my sister-in-law. I wouldn't dream of forcing her, but I do think she's being... rash. This isn't like Luna. Tell me, when you're with her, does she lord her status over you? Do you feel inferior?"
Fast shook her head. "No way. In fact, she's usually overwhelmed by me. She doesn't use titles unless we're in public, and even then she doesn't try to give out orders. I've only seen her do that in emergencies, and that's cool."
Night nodded in agreement as she pointed at Silver. "She's still getting used to being a princess, and prefers being treated like a pony first and any titles after that, which is fine by me. When she's looking at Silver, it's with fondness and confusion, but never superiority. Sometimes she even seems jealous."
Silver hesitantly joined in the agreement, settling on one of the chairs instead of the floor. "Twilight, after our rocky start, has treated me like a friend, and sometimes as a lover, never as a princess."
Cadance watched their lines. Speaking of Twilight thickened the ones that trailed upwards towards her. "It's not too late. I do think we can work past this."
Silver raised a hoof. "What if we just keep it a secret? Then she doe--"
Night shook her head quickly. "Nope, scratch that thought right out. We were doing that before. Secrets get out. If we want to do it, we have to do it right."
Fast rocked back and forth a moment before she clopped her hooves together. "We should treat Twilight like a princess, I mean, romantically. We should give her a day of just being pampered, carefree, and happy."
Cadance smiled gently. "I don't see anything wrong with that idea. I can't promise it will shake her fears, but you could all enjoy it." She let out her breath slowly. "There is another thing you can do, but it's risky."
Silver tilted her head in curiosity as she shuffled her hooves. "What would that be?"
"You can formally announce your courting of Princess Twilight Sparkle."
Fast blinked, but Night seemed to grasp the picture faster. "Oh! I see... Then we'd be in the spotlight either way, and Twilight's decision to proceed has nothing to do with the attention, since it's already here."
Cadance nodded slowly. "It would mean you would all become very famous, very quickly. You will be followed, pestered, and possibly mocked for your... unconventional... herd grouping. Some will blast you for trying to 'corrupt' Twilight. Some may even attack directly, financially, verbally, or even physically. You will take a lot of heat, but that's half the point."
Fast nodded and moved to sit beside Night. "We can handle a few naysayers. Besides, offer's still open."
Silver perked an ear at Fast, then blinked as she leaned forward. "Wait. Fast. Honest time. Do you want to be our stallion?"
Fast wobbled a hoof. "Maaaaybe?"
"You keep offering, and I don't... think you're hesitating."
Night nodded in agreement. "If you want to be our stallion, you should say that, instead of offering it."
Fast huffed, shuffling in place. "Watching you two get all fat is... hot, OK? I want to put a foal in those ovens, but I don't want to get fat myself." She tapped at her chin a moment before continuing, "We should... talk, work out a perfect stallion for you both."
Silver snorted. "None of that. You're a perfectly lovely pony as you are. You can be a male-you, but I won't have a custom-ordered stallion. I love Fast Change."
Fast moved over to Silver and they shared a soft nuzzle as Fast became a stallion version of herself, growing in mass and musculature. Fast bit at Silver's closest ear. "You're lucky there's a princess watching."
Cadance cleared her throat softly. "Yes! Well, are we in agreement then?"
It was late afternoon when a loud knock came to the castle’s door.
One of the guards that stood before the castle entered, looking for a resident. Happening on Night first, he directed her towards the entrance. "There are two ponies seeking audience." He didn't know too much more, and so didn't offer. Night nodded to him and moved at a light trot to see who it was.
Outside awaited a pair of pegasi. The stallion was in the lead; a sky blue pegasus with navy mane, wearing a simple black tie and a black hat with a card tucked into the rim. The card had some writing on it, but it was cut off by the fabric it rested in. His cutie mark depicted an upside down compass. The mare, a yellow pegasus with flowing curvy lines as her mark, sat a few steps behind him and to the right, wearing nothing but an irrepressible smirk.
Night tilted her head slightly, looking them over curiously. "Are you looking for Princess Twilight Sparkle? Who should I say is waiting for her?"
"I am South Wind, and this is my associate, Wind Chaser," the stallion began, talking quickly. "We are with the Itinerant Kingdom, an up-and-coming magazine on news and political commentary with a focus on social engineering. We actually were hoping to get a chance to interview Silver Stars, if we could. She has just the sort of unique perspective to really set our organization apart and help us reach our goals. May we come in?" To his credit, despite the haste in his voice, at least he waited patiently rather than push his way in.
Night adjusted her glasses as she looked over the two with some clear suspicion. "Silver's had her share of snoopy media ponies. She isn't really involved in social engineering." She plopped down on her haunches, blocking the door as if the guards weren't already present to help. "What do you need with her?"
The pegasi traded glances, Wind Chaser commenting “I like her already.”
“I didn’t want to do this,” South Wind said as he sat down, glancing around the street to make sure no one else was snooping. Lowering his voice, he added “can you just tell her the Text sent me. I’m sure she’ll be willing to talk.”
Night furrowed her brows. "Text." She glanced left and right at the two guards before gesturing inside, "Come in." She turned away from them, her wings ruffling as she stepped at a leisurely walk towards the dining room and pointing at the table there. "Sit, wait. I'll be back." She departed without waiting for much response, trotting into the depths of the castle.
The pegasi nodded and took a pair of seats. The stallion took off his hat and tie, and passed a pair of bits to the mare wordlessly. They didn’t look at each other or talk as they waited, instead keeping an eye out in opposite directions as if half expecting an ambush, though it seemed more a matter of habit than circumstance.
Night returned shortly with Silver and Fast trailing behind her. She pointed with a wing at the pegasi, "There they are."
Silver trotted ahead of Night, ears perked forward. "Did the, uh, Text send you, or are you also a former-human?" Her ears quivered slightly as she looked them both over.
“The Text sent me here, in so much as I am a former human. Though.. I’m not so sure how ‘former’ to take the formerliness.” The stallion shrugged. “Actually, that was the main thing I wanted to discuss with you. If you don’t mind my asking.. what did the Text say to you when you first came here?”
Silver tilted her head a little, looking at the other maybe-human curiously. "After I arrived? Before? He… It? They didn't start talking to me for quite a while after I arrived. I did see them beforehand, just to ask where I wanted to go, and what to bring with me." Silver wriggled a bit in place. "Becoming a pony was my idea, way after the fact, if that's what you're asking? What's your name?"
“Daniel Holden,” he said, offering his hoof. “And, no, Wind Chaser is a native, more or less. If I might follow up.. did you want to come here then? Equestria, that is? And what did you bring?”
Silver reached out, bumping hoof against hoof lightly. "Silver Stars, formerly David Silver. I came looking for adventure and purpose, and I got it by the armful." She turned towards the two flanking her. "This is Fast Change. And she's Night Watch. They're my better halves and keep my head on straight, besides both being enchanting creatures."
Fast Change flashed a smile before he reached for Silver, drawing her in close to himself. "So you were a human too? Seems only Jake kept his naked skin."
Daniel laughed happily. “Yes, this world is quite full of adventure for the adventurous, and I felt that bearing skin was too much of an attention grab. A changeling taught me some fun tricks early on, and to be honest I haven’t spent enough time in my own form in years to be sure I could walk without falling over.”
Silver perked an ear as the other fell off to the side. "Wait, so are you a… human with changeling magic? I didn't think I could do that. I mean, any magic, as a human." She lifted a hoof to tap at her horn. "All my magic goes through here. Will you show us your true self then? Wait… that was impolite. Your old form. This is your true form, right?"
“I feel it would be pretentious of any of my forms to call themselves ‘true’,” Daniel said as a wave of green magic flowed over him, and a human form resolved. The green magic assembled clothing over him, a white pressed shirt and black slacks, perfect to match the hat and tie discarded on the table. He was lean, with toned muscles, fair skin and unkempt, curly blond hair, which he promptly hid under the hat. “The trouble with humans using magic is it’s impossible for us to learn it without using it first, at least as far as I’ve seen. Crossing that hurdle is always an interesting feat.”
Silver tilted her head one way and the other. Night leaned forward. "You look much more presentable than Jake. So what is your purpose? What brought you to Equestria? Were you also seeking adventure?"
Fast bobbled his head. "Good question. Looks like you found yourself a nice little wife there." He pointed at the quieter pegasus, looking her over a moment.
Silver perked an ear at each of her wives. "Uh, nice to meet you, again. Huh… do you use a heart crystal? I don't see one?" She brushed her hoof against the lavender glowing orb around her neck.
Daniel answered Night, then Silver. “Thanks, though I don’t think I looked much better when I first arrived. A life of adventure has done me well, though from what I’ve seen Jake seems much improved himself. By the way, do you think him any less harmless than he appears? As for my own reasons for coming here.. I was actually hoping for Risa, personally, but now that I’ve been here I don’t have any desire to leave. The Text and I had a, umm.. bit of a talk about all that though, not long after I arrived. It’s actually why I’ve been hoping to check up on any humans that arrived since, to make sure its keeping with its side of the agreement. As for heart crystals.. nope. I don’t use any kind of crystal since the Text and I exchanged challenges, even though I know a heart crystal wouldn’t really be breaking the rules. Changelings don’t need heart crystals, and so emulating one doesn’t require it.”
Meanwhile, Wind Chaser spoke aside to Fast Change. “Thank you for your compliment, Fast Change. I would also like to thank you for your actions on behalf of the changelings of Canterlot, since I have a moment to speak to you personally.”
Fast nodded his head with a smile, "It was my pleasure, well, my duty anyway. They needed my help, so I gave it. They're doing better now, I hear?"
Night shook her head at Daniel. "That raises as many questions as it answers. Does that mean humans have something in common with changelings?"
Silver shrugged softly. "Maybe? I… don't know…" She leaned forward a little, only to have Fast softly pull her back a bit. Silver snuggled back into Fast, eyes half-closing. "Well, you're here now. Were you looking for Jake too? He's a human, still is all the way. He's doing pretty well. The ponies of the town are getting along with him, and he likes it here."
Wind Chaser answered Fast, “I confess that I do not keep close contact with them. Still, I was quite saddened by their fate under the Queen’s mismanagement, and so I am quite glad they have gained another chance. Perhaps we will check up on them next.” She traded glances with Daniel as if silently conversing for a split second before continuing. “We have some ideas of how they might be further integrated into pony society, and perhaps it would be good to have you or Silver pass them on to the changelings later.”
Daniel continued his own conversation, “I have my own theories, but I can’t say I have the data to prove or disprove them. I think we work as sort of.. magical conductors? We don’t have any energy of our own, normally, which makes it really hard to get started. But we can pick up things with enough exposure and practice. Getting up from zero is really hard, as it’s kind of hard to practice the impossible, but after that it gets a lot easier. Still, even after years I find myself outmatched by unicorn foals, so, it never really gets too easy. As for Jake.. brony who bumbles around being friendly to ponies? Nah, I’m not really worried about him. You,” he pointed to Silver, “were cause for investigation, but I’m convinced that all your abilities are native to this world, so I can rest easy.”
Silver nodded her head lightly. "Do you think, maybe, that's why ponies always seemed eager to throw magic at me? Never particularly maliciously, mind you. The first time was a…" Silver paused, frowned, then looked up. "Changeling. The first one I met. I hope she's OK… Anyway, she did some magic on me at a friend's request. Then I got turned into a pony, then half-pony. The list kind of goes on and on. It's been better recently, but then I feel more like a unicorn than a human lately."
“Excuse me,” Daniel said before shifting back into a pegasus and stretching his wings. “As I said, I’m not as comfortable in my own skin anymore.” The clothing was gone except the hat, and discarded tie, though his coloration was more lime with forest green mane this time. The cutie mark remained the same, but tilted at a different angle. “I tend to assume ponies throw magic around because they’re magical creatures in a magic rich world, and that’s just what they do. Do you think they’ve been targeting you preferentially? Aside from what the situation may have demanded?”
Night reached over to nudge at Silver. "I bet she practically invited it without knowing, and enjoyed it even when it was uncomfortable."
Silver flushed a little. "That may be true. Knowing someone, or somepony, was interested in me was very nice, especially so far that they wanted to make me into a better physical match for them. It was all very flattering on one level or another. So, are you a brony too?" She perked an ear, "What season did you see up to?"
“Eheh.. I barely made it past the pilot, and arrived before Season 2. May be hard to believe, but I actually got to see some of the later episodes here on Equestria after I arrived. It was... kind of disconcerting seeing the future play out, especially with some of the... uh... temporal shenanigans I have been privy to. I ended up avoiding most of it by leaving Equestria and touring the world for a few years.” As an aside to Wind Chaser, in a loud stage whisper he asked “how did we miss half-pony?”
Silver shook her head, "Becoming a pony satyr wasn't fun at all. Twilight basically stretched the pony out of me, leaving a pony-free upper half that was my old self, with pony hips and down. It was quite painful, and I'm told it left my innards in a wild disarray that took a princess sitting down and working out to undo. It was… still kind of fun, outside that. I had hands and some fur." She wobbled a hoof, "Getting back to the other, that sounds confusing and I think I won't pry into it much, but huh, not much of a brony then? Surprised you picked here to come then, instead of some other world."
“I didn’t pick here.. the Text was.. much less constrained in those days, and I would say downright cruel in our case. It brought a dozen of us here against our will and challenged us to a ‘game’. After a great deal of effort, and very nearly breaking the world, my glorious guardian angel arrived and wiped away all of our pain and fixed everything.” Wind Chaser blushed visibly at the compliments, obviously directed at her. “We managed to get all of the others home, but I chose to stay behind. I challenged the Text to only bring those who wanted to be here from now on, and to not give them anything that didn’t belong here. And it in turn challenged me to... live by some perfectly reasonable constraints. So far it appears the Text has held itself to my challenge, but I do occasionally stay up at night wondering if I’ll know in time if the Text breaks the rules before things go too far sideways.”
“Don’t let him fool you,” Wind Chaser added, “he stays up at night regardless.”
Silver and her herd looked confused together a moment. Night adjusted her glasses before asking, "So, what? Destroyed the world? Could you rephrase that a little? Unless you summoned Tirek yourself, I'm not sure how that happened."
Wind Chaser started listing off, “Created pockets of low magic where anypony present lost the ability to use magic, including pegasi losing flight midair, got Luna killed, and very seriously threatened the stability of international politics by using the sun as a super weapon, to say nothing of the sheer number of casualties. As I understand it, at some point in the sequence of temporal shenanigans the state of the world was objectively worse than that, but I can only confirm the one alternate timeline personally. On an unrelated note.. who or what is Tirek?”
Daniel laughed nervously, “I think we should have stuck with the not-prying plan on that one. What happens in the alternate timeline, stays in the alternate timeline, am I right?”
Silver shook her head slowly. "I read somewhere that Star Swirl himself basically wrote himself out of existence by messing with too much time magic. I don't plan on following in his hoofsteps, no matter how otherwise-glorious they may be." She glanced between Daniel and Wind. "I admit it's kind of surprising to hear the Text being outright cruel. It's been distant, cold… Recently, I'd even say it's almost warming up, but never outright taking any pleasure in misery."
“That’s right, you hinted at it earlier. You are still in contact with the Text?” Daniel asked.
Fast leaned in, whispering in Silver's ears, "Do you believe half the things out of their mouths?" Wind Chaser looked about to reply, annoyed by Fast’s quiet comment, but Daniel silenced her with a glance.
Silver shrugged softly. "I don't get to choose when I see him. I just appear back in the darkness, and we talk. He seems to prefer dramatic times. I have a few theories on that…"
“I’d love to hear your theories. I’m just happy to hear it’s softened up a bit.” Daniel replied.
Silver perked an ear. "A question first. When was the last time you spoke, relatively speaking, with him." She suddenly rose up. Fast tried to pull her back, but Silver wriggled away, nuzzling Fast's cheek before dancing away, trotting in a wide circle.
“It was shortly before Discord was first set free, months before Cadance’s wedding.” Daniel sat mostly still, turning his head to watch Silver’s movements curiously. “Does that affect your theory at all?”
Silver shook her head as she continued walking, seeming to not want to be still any longer. "No, just curious. I think I amuse Text. They… kind of pet me last time." She snorted softly. "Kind of odd, thinking back on it, but I wasn't thinking clearly at the time. It was very supportive, thinking about it, even if it didn't really give direct help." She stopped and turned to Daniel. "My theory, and this could be wrong, is that our lives are kind of… its show. Not the wide world of ponies. Think of it like a director or an author, and it wants to see us challenged, and do interesting things, but also, usually, come out better for it."
Night shook her head quickly as she flipped a hoof in a dismissive fashion. "That's extremely self-centered."
"Maybe," agreed Silver, "But I don't see Text talking to too many other people, so forgive me for thinking that way."
“That fits with my experiences as well. It definitely wanted to see what we would do with what it provided us with. I’d like to think it can be influenced as well, and that my challenge to it made a difference. It seems intelligent and self-aware, and that more or less means influence is inherently possible.” Daniel shrugged. “It sounds like you’re a good influence on it yourself. Which... makes me all the more happy to offer you this.” He looked to Wind Chaser, who pulled a small wrapped gift box from her mane, about a hoof-width to a side, and offered it to Silver.
Silver paused in her pacing when a box was held up to her. She grasped it in her silvery magic hand, a second approaching to curiously tearing it open. "We just met, it's a bit early to be offering gifts isn't it?" The faintest flush showed through her brown fur as she unearthed the gift.
Within the box was a small round rubber ball, with small slits cut in the sides. It was a little heavier than it looked.
“Consider it a belated congratulatory gift for your appointment as human ambassador,” Daniel laughed. “Actually, it’s more a practical matter, given our itinerant lifestyle. It’s a radio transceiver. If you squeeze it, it will allow us to hear what you have to say, and if you shake it you should be able to recharge the battery as needed. I’d like to offer our services in anything you need, especially anything that... shall we say, princesses should not be the least involved in. Or, if you just want someone to talk to that has a common perspective. Just... be aware that travel times may be somewhat prohibitive if you need an urgent rescue or the like. I’ll try to keep options open, but you can be a hard pony to keep up with, even when we aren’t busy with our own matters.”
Silver gave the ball a squeeze to test it as she spoke, "Oh, that's actually kind of cool. I didn't think I'd be getting a walkie-talkie at this point of things. I'm going to hope I never need to use it for emergencies, but a friendly voice couldn't hurt anything."
Night pointed at it. "Exactly how do we know you're not tracking Silver with it?"
Fast bobbed her head. "Good thought. Don't be so eager to accept gifts from world destroying time-travelers, Silver. I swear, you'd throw yourself down a dragon's throat if they asked nicely."
“Well, it’s always good to have a line to a friendly neighborhood world-destroyer if things ever pass the Godzilla threshold,” Daniel winked. “We can track its location when it’s activated, by triangulating the source of the signal, but otherwise it’s inert. Put it where you don’t mind us knowing its location, or don’t use it. Whatever. Silver generally shows up on the public radar eventually anyways, but we can be dreadfully hard to find at times. And I’d honestly rather not commit to showing up in person on a regular basis just to be assured a chance to talk.”
Silver tucked it into her saddlebag for later as she nodded. "So, leave anyone behind?" Fast and Night both winced a little at the bluntness of the question.
“How do you mean the question?” Daniel asked, cocking his head. “On Earth? No one worth going back for, though I do miss my parents and siblings. It was time to be off on my own, anyways, and I have done so much better here than there. If I could, I’d keep in contact with them, at least by email or something. But... that option is not presently available to us. I don’t know if the others brought word of my survival back when they returned, but I honestly doubt they told anyone else where they had gone. If you mean when we came to give you a visit, well, I didn’t want to overwhelm you with the whole Itinerant Kingdom, and especially not our foal.”
"Speaking of our foal," Wind Chaser interjected. "We really ought to be going."
"Before we go though... Night Watch. I had this whole big speech prepared about how you need to keep more situational awareness, but you pleasantly surprised me by cutting through our little social engineering trick. I am glad to know our little 'ambassador' is in such good hooves. I know you're all quite skeptical of all we had to say, but it really is a simple pleasure to have someone I can be open with and just... talk."
Silver broadly smiled at that, "Night is my guardian with the glasses. She sees what I miss." Silver trotted over to kiss Night on either cheek. "Be well, wherever you end up. You can call us too, I think? So go ahead if you need an ear."
Night flushed gently at the kiss, nodding. "Travel safely."
Fast rolled her eyes quickly before joining the nod. "See you when I see you. Good luck."
Twilight sat at the dining table, finishing up breakfast when she noticed a presence at her side. She turned to find Night Watch beside her. "Hello, Twilight. We have a busy day ahead of us."
"We do?" asked Twilight with confusion. "My schedule was blank this morning. I was just going to see what I missed. I don't remember having a free day."
Night Watch smiled as she guided Twilight to her hooves. "Cadance has taken your royal duties, and your lovely friends are taking care of the rest. Today, you are ours."
Twilight followed Night Watch, though her baffled expression only worsened. "'Ours'? Who are you talking about? What are we doing?"
Night pushed open the door leading outside and gestured to the carriage waiting for them. Twilight hesitantly approached the coach before she was wrapped in silvery magic and pulled the rest of the way in. Soon she was seated between Silver and Fast. Night climbed up and settled in before barking at the driver, "We're ready!" The coach lurched into motion and rolled away from the castle.
Twilight blinked softly before it came to her. "I've been foalnapped."
Fast bobbled his head. "That you have. Now we're going to do awfully fun things with you until you give us what we demand."
Twilight perked an ear, "What do you... demand?"
Silver leaned over and kissed Twilight's cheek. "A chance."
Twilight warmed at the kiss, looking uncomfortable, and yet... "Fast, why are you a stallion? I told you, you don't have to be a stallion for my sake."
Fast rolled his eyes. "I'm doing it for me. Lucky for me, my wives happen to appreciate having a stallion around, which is good. The more I'm around them, the more stallion I feel."
Twilight flushed softly and shook her head. "This is all very improper."
Night adjusted her glasses. "I disagree. Twilight Sparkle, we are courting you. We desire you for our herd. As first wife, I extend invitation. Fast Change, do you agree with my selection?"
Fast Change bobbed his head. "Oh most certainly I do." He extended a hoof towards Twilight. "Will you allow us to court you, your majesty? You don't have to say yes or no to joining our herd until we've tried to woo you first."
Twilight bumped her hoof against Fast's. It wasn't quite the proper response... "Oh fine. I suppose there's no... harm in this." She looked towards Silver curiously. "That makes you secondary wife? I'm not that well-read on herd family units."
Silver shrugged softly. "We're equal to each other. For formality's sake, Night Watch is the most even-headed of us, and I would trust her selections. I have picked some amazingly poor partners before."
Night rolled her eyes, taking her turn. "Alright, enough of that. Twilight, for our first trip, we are going to a favored event of yours that you lost track of. The Star Swirl the Bearded Traveling Museum is in Ponyville."
Twilight's hesitation evaporated with eager clopping of her hooves. "Is that now?! I completely forgot! Last year Discord ruined the whole thing and I didn't get to browse at all."
Silver perked an ear at Twilight. "Well you did get to browse a little, but not long."
Twilight shivered. "It's still a little creepy when you do that. Have you seen... private things?"
Silver shook her head quickly. "The show was made for, uh, foals, so nothing even remotely objectionable was on display, discounting some violence. Sorry... It was just a show at the time. I didn't realize you were a real, living... wonderful person."
Twilight smiled gently, and the carriage went quiet for a short time before they arrived at the open-air fair. Silver hopped out first and conjured a silver hand at the door, making it bright enough with power for Twilight to see it. She stepped onto it and was gently carried to the ground. Fast clambered down next and offered his own gallant assistance to Night. The carriage pulled away and rolled off.
Night nodded towards it. "It will be back in time to bring us to a lunch. Our schedule is quite full." She leaned towards Twilight. "Just the way you like it." She produced a slip of paper, held by a wing, and extended it towards Twilight.
Twilight took the paper in her magic, looking it over. "You prepared a checklist for me?" All three bobbed their heads with bright smiles. Twilight let out a little laugh. "You're serious about this... Thank you." She looked to the first item, reading out loud, "Read the checklist and thank Night Watch for writing it." She hiked a brow. "Thank you, Night Watch." She crossed off the item and trotted into the fair with a soft chuckle.
The visit went well, with Silver playing the part of the listener. Twilight eagerly gabbed about the importance and history of each artifact, with Silver following along after her. Much of it flew over Silver's head, only catching and storing tiny shreds of the overall mass, but being with an excited Twilight was a reward all in itself.
Silver asked a question as they walked from one exhibit to the next. "What made Star Swirl so special? Why couldn't some other pony do what he did?"
Twilight shrugged softly. "Nopony else had quite the same combination of magical talent, foresight, and bravery. He was a great pony because he did great things."
Silver tilted her head. "That reminds me. Twilight?"
Twilight turned to look at her. "Yes?"
"Can you copy my magic?"
Twilight blinked softly. "I... that's actually a really good question. Your magic is in your head, making it harder to see, let alone copy. Even if I could peek inside your head while you worked on a spell, that would be a gross violation of privacy."
Silver snorted softly. "You'd do it if you could, be honest."
Twilight colored slightly. "Maybe."
Silver leaned towards Twilight, about to go for a kiss when Fast nudged in between them. "Easy there, love birds. They're about to do a showing on the foalhood of Star Swirl." Fast led them both along towards the small amphitheater.
Silver perked an ear towards Twilight as she walked. "If you figure out a way, I would play the part of test subject again. I would trust you."
Twilight said nothing in reply. Soon they were watching the show. They were quiet for the duration, but Twilight began citing inaccuracies when it was over. "Star Swirl had a purple-blue set of pajamas, not the same blue as the robes he wore later."
Night shook her head. "I read that it was actually a burgundy shade."
They began arguing animatedly as Fast nudged Silver to the side softly and spoke to her. "What do you see in her? She's pretty enough... but she's so..."
Silver tilted her head. "I thought you liked Twilight?"
Fast poked Silver in the chest. "I love you. I love Night. I think Twilight's pretty and wouldn't mind being on top of her. There's a difference. Did you even listen to yourself? You were practically begging to be her test subject." Silver darkened, but Fast continued. "I just want to know what the appeal is? She doesn't seem to know you, and she's polite to you, but is she actually nice?"
Silver raised her hooves to cup Fast's cheeks. "I want to master a new spell. I want you to trust me, intimately, while I work it out, gently playing with your insides with the greatest of care, exposing your innermost soul to my curious gaze."
Fast began to heat up as Silver spoke, but she wasn't done. "I'm going to lay you out before me, and I will admire every piece of your amazing soul..."
Fast drew back sharply. "Damn that's... kinky, and hot." He looked back to Silver, licking over his lips. "Would you do that?"
Silver flashed a bright smile. "If I knew how, and you agreed? Yes? To render you entirely naked, in the truest sense, or to strip off all the walls I put up myself for you?" She leaned in closer to Fast. "That kind of trust... It's very romantic to me."
Fast leaned in and bit into Silver's shoulder. "You are one messed up little mare. Never change."
Twilight pointed off towards Ponyville. "The checklist says the next thing on the plan is a pleasant lunch." She paused, "I don't mean to be... is it safe?"
Night nodded softly. "We have taken every precaution. Nopony is going to bother us today." She began trotting, soon having the others following her. They found the carriage idling nearby and filled it, soon carried back into Ponyville proper. They were let out in front of Hay Burger.
Twilight rode Silver's magic to the ground, tilting her head at the choice of venue. "This is hardly a royal choice?"
Fast grinned. "This was Silver's choice. She said you'd like it more than fancy eats."
Twilight ruffled her wings lightly. "I... Yes, let's go on." And in they went. The interior was almost eerily empty, save the one pony working the kitchen, and another that approached their table quickly to take their orders without them needing to approach the counter. Once the orders were taken and she departed, Twilight looked to the others. "Did you arrange this?"
Night nodded as she played with her glasses. "This day is your day. Our day, rather. We've put everything in its proper place. There are--" Her words cut off with a bright flash coming from outside. Night glanced up to see a reporter be tackled to the ground by Applejack and dragged off, hogtied, behind some bushes. "There will be nothing in our way."
Twilight looked behind herself, but saw nothing out of place, then looked back at the others. "Huh... Alright. You're doing a very good job so far. I've had a lot of fun today."
Hay burgers and oat fries were soon coming and it became time to fill their faces with greasy deliciousness. Night spoke between nibbles. "You know, Twilight, if you do accept our offer, we will be very understanding."
Twilight perked an ear. "I don't follow."
Night wobbled a hoof. "Any mistake you've made, this herd's probably done. You could use some support, and so could we. We can lean on each other to be stronger than any individual." She pointed at Fast. "Obsession with her magic to the point of possible self-harm." She moved the hoof to point at herself, "Obsession with details." She then pointed to Silver. "Do I need to go into specifics?"
Silver flushed and sank. "Hey..."
Twilight giggled a little and reached out a wing, squeezing Silver, who found that a fair trade for the barb.
Night continued with a slow nod. "My point stands. We won't get in the way of your growth, but we will be there, as friends, as family, to support and encourage you. When things go wrong, you can come to us and tell us, knowing we will not judge, just help."
Twilight took a soft breath, then grabbed a napkin to clean her dirtied snout. "Fast change." Fast perked up. "Do you love me?"
Fast glanced around, suddenly in the spot light. "Uh... No?"
Twilight nodded slightly. "Thank you for being honest. You hurt me when you told me you didn't care about my feelings."
Fast thumped the table lightly with a hoof. "I didn't say I don't care! I just care about Silver's more. Silver saved me, from myself, from Tirek, from changelings! She's always been there... She always will be." Silver warmed at the words, saying nothing. Fast leaned towards Twilight. "I want to give you a chance to show me why I should love you half as much, and being a princess gets you no points."
Twilight tilted her head. "Huh? Do you dislike royalty?"
Fast shook his head. "I can take 'em or leave 'em. No points, not negative points. You want to be my pretty princess? Show you're worth the time."
Night held up a hoof at Fast. "Fast Change, you're being rude."
Twilight extended a wing to block the hoof. "No, she's right."
Fast puffed out his chest. "He."
Twilight nodded. "He. He's right. I'm... impressed you're willing to accept me into your herd if you're that unsure of me."
Fast pointed at Night, then Silver. "They say you're worth it. I trust them, completely. You're getting that chance. If you say yes, I will treat you like the princess you are, and you'll either prove you're worth that, or..."
Twilight frowned a bit and rolled her hooves as she looked at Fast. "You're not making this easier."
Fast shook his head and crossed his forelegs. "On the contrary. I want there to be no secrets in our herd. If one of us does something stupid, the rest should point it out. If I hurt one of my wives, I want to be told." He unfolded those legs and reached out for Twilight, brushing over her snout towards a cheek. "While you are my wife, I want what's best for you, and only truth will allow that."
Twilight colored at the intimacy and cleared her throat softly. "You do realize you've likely made papers across Equestria with this stunt? If you were trying to lay low, that's going to be basically impossible now."
Silver perked her ears quickly. "If you don't want to go along with it... You can tell us that. No pressure."
Night laughed at Silver. "No pressure she says." She leaned towards Twilight. "No pressure." She rolled her eyes before softly patting Twilight on the back above her wings. "We're still training her, but she's a nice mare once you get to know her."
Twilight quirked a smile. "You three remind me of my friends sometimes..." She pointed at Fast. "You're like Pinkie Pie and Applejack mashed together." She turned to Silver. "Fluttershy, and a little... of me, I suppose." She flushed before she shook it off, looking to Night.
Night tilted her head. "Well? Which am I?"
Twilight seemed to consider this a moment with a frown. "Unique? But if I had to... I'd say a dash of Applejack and myself with some exotic spices would suffice."
Night flashed her fanged teeth. "I can live with that."
Fast extended a hoof. "Princess Twilight Sparkle, do you accept our suiting?"
Twilight shrank back from the sudden move, pausing in place with thought. "Do you understand what you're trying so hard to be involved in? I'm going to be in the public light, always, which means you will be too. I will be called away on business for weeks, maybe longer, at a time. I will be a horrible wife, when you get down to it. Royalty doesn't get time to be good spouses."
Night gestured at Silver. "And yet..."
Silver shrank a bit as all eyes settled on her. "And yet... I still want it, stupid as it may be. When I let you climb on top of me, Twilight, you were my first as a mare." Twilight colored at the mention of the incident. "You were awkward, clumsy, and unpracticed, and I was still so happy. If I was to pick anyone to be mare to, it would be you, my obsessive little princess."
Fast snorted softly. "I call dibs on that womb next. I was here first."
Twilight glanced across to Fast, then looked back at Silver. "I admit I'm not sure how to take all that. It's very flattering to be thought of that way, but I'm a mare, Silver. I'm not sure I'll ever try that spell again. Would you still want me, as a mare?"
Silver leaned in, pressing nose-to-nose, though she had to lean up to do it. Twilight was larger than Night and Silver. "I love your mind just as much. If you... like us, I will be forever faithful."
Night gestured at Silver, looking to Fast. "There you go, you get her next. Now that this is all settled..."
Twilight let out a slow breath. "I think you're all mad... But if you want it that badly... Having somepony waiting for me at home, besides Spike, would be nice..." She paused. "That reminds me. You need to treat Spike nicely! He's not to be made into an outsider."
Silver tilted her head. "I wouldn't dream of it. Spike's a cool guy. Heck, wish Rarity would stop stringing him along."
Twilight opened her mouth, then closed it and shook her head. "Your knowledge is as unsettling as ever."
Night tilted her head the other way. "It's a secret? I thought it was obvious."
Fast snickered softly as he reached to pet the manes of both his wives. "It was."
Twilight sighed and smiled. "I suppose it was. Cadance is going to go crazy when we get back home, you realize."
Silver smiled gently. "Cadance has never done something I regretted. I'll trust her to handle things properly."
Twilight took a slow breath, performing the calming gesture with a hoof. "I didn't get to say this before... but I'm very glad you all entered my life. I... never had somepony around to look at me this way, to say I'm pretty and mean it. I'm not sure I'm ready for parenthood, but I walked into that myself."
Silver perked up, looking excited. "Does that m--"
Twilight shook her head and held up a hoof. "Don't get the marriage plans ready. I just became a princess, and just got this castle. I want us to be engaged. I want to be with you, but, please, let's put off the next great change for a little while?"
Silver sat on her bed, looking at a letter hovering in her magic. Silver took a moment to consider the floating letter, not actually reading it, but noticing that she wasn't always using hands to get things done. Sometimes she just wanted something to float, and it did, and it was easier than bothering with a full hand or two. "I really am a pony," she said to herself, holding up a hoof to look at quietly before setting it back down. She flopped back against the head of the bed, closing her eyes and trying to envision her old self.
The image of David wasn't very clear. He had dark skin, and was slightly overweight. He had hands, and a scruffy beard that would sometimes get quite thick. He spent most days typing on his computer, not dealing with people face-to-face. Silver opened her eyes, sitting up. Was David dead, or changed? Was there an actual difference between the two? Silver drew a shuddering breath as fresh tears began to build. She felt foolish and tried to force them to stop, but they kept coming. She was mourning her old self, and she became irritated at herself for doing it. "I'm not dead!" she shouted to the empty room, thumping the mattress. "Life is change..."
Life is change, but very few went from being a highly-evolved ape from a technological society of greed and merit to a magic-driven matriarchy of equines. Very few surrendered their masculinity for a womb and became a willing brood mare for their family. Even then she could feel the slowly-growing ball of life and magic within her. She was not filled with disgust and fear, as would be a normal reaction for a male in this situation... Contentment, even pleasure instead greeted her. She wanted to be full of life, to be a mother. Silver hopped to the floor, leaving the letter behind. "I'm still me!"
She forgot the letter was there and stormed from the room, descending the stairs towards the exit. Twilight and Night were discussing something. Silver ignored them, storming for the door. She almost made it. Magic wrapped around her and gently lifted her from the ground and she was brought over to float in front of Twilight and Night. Twilight reached out a hoof, brushing at the fresh tears. "What's wrong?"
Silver was silent, falling back on ancient habits and just staring dead ahead.
Night advanced under the floating Silver and nuzzled up against the underside of her barrel. "Talk. What has you worked up?"
Silver squirmed at the ticklish sensations. "Nothing..."
Twilight frowned a moment, then carefully adjusted her grip. Silver felt soft petting run over her body and began to sag in place. She was putty between Night's nips and Twilight's "full-body" strokes. Twilight set Silver on the ground on her side. Night moved over Silver, pinning her down and biting at her neck. "Bite me."
Silver blinked at the command. "What?"
Night nodded. "Bite me. Show me what you're feeling."
Silver shuddered softly. "I don't want to share this..."
Night frowned, nudging Silver with a hoof. "Not up to you to decide. I can handle it."
Twilight pulled Silver away in her magic, hauling her up. "Do it to me. Consider it an experiment."
Silver wriggled, but could not refuse her wives for long. She leaned forward and found Twilight's neck, and soon her emotions were shared with blood. Twilight stiffened as her wings unfurled. Soon her own tears were staining her snout, then she began to sob, squeezing Silver close and tight. Silver tried to draw back, to stop biting, but Twilight wouldn't let her. "I know exactly how you feel..."
Silver perked an ear at the words, but couldn't speak with her mouth full. Twilight continued despite it. "I look in the mirror, and I don't know who I see sometimes. These wings... I never asked for them. I'm taller than all my friends. I wear a crown... I have a castle! Is this me? Am I some imposter come to replace Twilight Sparkle?" Twilight squeezed Silver. "Am I me...?"
Night was silent, watching the two with concerned eyes, but this wasn't really her conversation. She was still very much the pony she was a year ago, minus her romantic entanglements.
Twilight stroked down Silver's back and drew away, breaking their connection. "I understand."
Silver smiled gently, believing her. "We understand." They nuzzled nose-to-nose, which became a kiss, and they sank to the floor, holding one another and crying, but they were happier tears than the ones before them.
Feeling the tensest moments past, Night tilted her head at the two. "Is there something we could do, to help?"
Silver and Twilight sat up on their haunches, helping straighten one another out. Silver spoke first, "I don't think so, besides being an awesome partner, which you already are."
Twilight nodded. "We have to work through this ourselves, but... It's really... comforting... to know I'm not alone." She looked across at Silver and flashed a smile. "I didn't realize you were feeling that way."
Silver squirmed a little. "I didn't either... It all kind of crashed down on me earlier today. I've... changed a lot since I came to Equestria. I like change, to a degree, but looking back at all of it, at once... I was overwhelmed."
Twilight and Night came together and soon they were resting on one another.
"Started a snuggle party and didn't invite me?" Fast stepped towards the huddled ponies and invited himself into it, squeezing them fondly and nuzzling tear-stained cheeks. "What's with all the water works?"
Twilight gave a half-giggle. "We're getting over it. I just shared a moment with Silver."
"Literally," said Fast as he tapped a hoof against one of Silver's still bloodied fangs. Silver flushed and licked them clean quickly. "Silver, I think you left a letter upstairs? It's still on the bed."
Silver bobbed her head. "I'll go read it. It's from Rough Draft." She vanished up the steps shortly.
Twilight perked an ear. "That name is familiar..."
Fast nodded. "It should. That's his adopted dad."
Night adjusted her glasses as she sat upright. "And a good friend. They... created each other, in their imaginations, then met each other when Silver came to this world."
Twilight's eyes widened. "They're mirrors!? I didn't think the world Silver came from was a mirror of this one... That's amazing! I... this gives me some ideas..." She rose and trotted off with an occupied look, already mumbling to herself.
Fast nudged Night. "You, me. We're going out and having fun." Night opened her mouth, looking ready to object, but it died unspoken and she nodded. The two departed side-by-side, leaving their more unbalanced partners to take care of themselves for the moment.
Silver picked up the letter from where she had dropped it and began to read.
Hey Dave!
I hope that you don't mind that you're still David in my mind. How are things going? My address is on the envelope, so be sure to write me back. I know you're busy getting into all kinds of crazy adventures, if I had to guess, but it'd be nice to hear from you once in a while. Enough lecturing, on to good news! The book's selling well and ponies are eating it up. Trixie announced she is with foal and has retired from magical study to 'do it right', as she said.
She's cleaned up my house to the point that I don't even recognize it anymore! She's been a good influence on me, and I hope I've been a good one for her. Thank you for bringing us together. I never realized it before, but I was living a very lonely life. Trixie fills all of my holes, and we are very happy together. So how are you doing? Master all of magic yet?
Please Write Back, Rough Draft
PS: We love you.
Silver set the paper down and sighed gently. "I did something right..." She held up the paper again. "I still don't get how he writes so good with his mouth..." She quickly got her own paper and quill and set to writing.
Hello Rough Draft,
Sorry for not writing you sooner. Your letter made me really happy. How did you even know where I was? Congratulations on the foal! I bet he or she will be adorable. Wouldn't it be amazing if they looked like me? After all that, I really was the image of your bond? I admit to not being sure what to say about how I brought you two together, except that I'm glad. I hope you two remain together, happily.
As for what I'm up to... that's a long story. Here goes...
Silver spent the greater portion of an hour detailing all that had happened, finally ending with.
Your Loving Daughter, Silver Stars
Silver got a sudden idea and grabbed her dress from the closet. She carefully put it on before trotting out of the castle with the letter in her magic grip. She stopped by a photography shop and soon had a picture taken of herself, showing off her entire form with a smile. She tucked the new photo into the letter once it was ready and sealed it in an envelope. "I hope Rough Draft doesn't faint..." Fearful or not, Silver sent the reply on its way and felt better for it.
"Silver," came Twilight's voice as she walked into her room. "I have a question."
Silver slipped off her bed, smiling at Twilight's presence. "Of course. What's up?"
Twilight wobbled a hoof. "Chances are against it, but I want you to think hard. Is there anything at all in this world, Equestria, that also exists, or interacts with your world, Earth?"
Silver lowered to her haunches and looked thoughtful about it, tapping her chin. "I... was sent back to Earth once."
Twilight leaned forward, eyes sparkling with curiosity. "You didn't mention that. What happened?"
Silver waved a hoof. "That wasn't very important, but one part was. My desk was still there, in the other world, even though it's here too. My computer, my books, some of the clutter, all the things on that desk were apparently copied, rather than moved."
Twilight clopped her hooves with excitement. "You're the best!" She turned to leave and Silver conjured up a quick hand to gently catch her.
Silver moved up alongside Twilight. "What are you up to? I'd like to help if I can?"
Twilight stopped trying to get around the invisible hand and smiled at Silver nervously. "I..." Silver gave her a flat look. "Oh alright. I want to see if I can make a portal to your world, like I did for Canterlot High."
Silver tilted her head. "Is that possible? Where would you even come out of? Would you become a human?"
Twilight spread her wings. "I don't know! That's exactly why I want to find out. Your world is full of wonders from your description,"
Silver shook her head as she leaned in and nuzzled Twilight's neck. "Nothing Canterlot High doesn't have, I think. You just haven't explored much past the high school there."
Twilight tapped at her chin a moment. "I don't think they're the same, but we're just throwing around theories at best. We need to test and see to be sure. Besides, Canterlot High is a direct mirror of this world, and yours is clearly farther removed. In your world, our world is a story, and there isn't a perfect copy of everypony. Your 'mirror' was an entirely different pony! My copy could be an accountant or something."
Silver tilted her head a bit before nodding. "Well, sure, but my copy was a much better copy than you give credit for. We were both authors, both brown, both kind of messy... We invented a roleplaying game to play a member of the other's world! That's a pretty good mirror in my book, even if our personalities diverged a bit. A lot of our differences became so great after I came to Equestria."
"Where is Rough Draft anyway?"
Silver restrained a giggle poorly. "He married Trixie. They're expecting a foal."
Twilight's jaw fell for a moment before she shook herself clear. "Good for them. I guess your copy is also eager to start a family. I still want to see where this goes. Will you help me?"
Silver nodded firmly. "Of course!"
Twilight lowered to the ground. "Hop on."
Silver tilted her head one way and the other as she circled Twilight. "Aren't I a little big?"
"Nothing a little magic can't overcome." She ruffled her wings a bit, then waited. Silver slid up onto Twilight, trying to mount her as Silver had long ago as a human to a horse. She leaned forward and hugged around Twilight's neck as Twilight rose up. "You have decent posture for never riding a pony before." Twilight rose up to her hooves and trotted out onto the balcony. She spread her wings wide and took off into the sky. She made a slow banking turn towards Canterlot and began ascending towards the mountain city.
Silver felt her heart hasten and a giggle began to force its way free. She couldn't help but to keep right on giggling, looking down at the ground so far away and the whistle of the wind zipping past. She was scared, and giggling was the first and only response she had for it. It was exciting and terrifying at once to ride Twilight so far and so fast. She held on firmly to the belief that Twilight would never let her fall. They shared no words as Twilight made the trip that would take the Friendship Express the greater part of a day in about fifteen minutes going in a straight line.
Twilight soared over the city of Canterlot and started to descend, landing neatly just before the castle. She strode past the guards who startled a moment on realizing the shape on Twilight was not Spike, instead a being quite a bit large to be riding a princess around. Twilight paid them no mind, moving through the castle towards the Sun Court. "You should probably slide down, unless you're that eager to show off that you have riding privileges with me."
Silver darkened and hugged Twilight's neck from behind. "And if I am?"
Twilight craned her head to look back at Silver. "Then you stay up there, but don't blame me when people say things."
Silver nipped into Twilight's thick mane before rising up straight, looking more proper as a horse rider... Which she knew well she was not.
Twilight opened the court doors with a flick of her magic and strode purposefully into Sun Court. All eyes snapped towards her, then her passenger. Murmuring spread wildly. Celestia sat on her throne, watching Twilight approach. She turned to the current supplicant. "Please, sit yourself. You will be called up as soon as this business is concluded."
The supplicant, a pegasus stallion, nodded dumbly, then scooted out of the way. Celestia smiled at Twilight. "A rare and unexpected visit, Princess Twilight Sparkle. How can I help you today?" Her eyes moved with practiced deliberation, making it clear that her attention had slid to Silver. "And Silver Stars. I see you are doing well."
Twilight nodded her head at Celestia. "A pleasure as always. We've come for Silver Star's possessions. I would like to study them."
Silver raised a hoof, wobbling dangerously as her balance shifted. "I gave her permission to."
Celestia put a hoof to her chin. "The scholars of the academy will be sorely disappointed to lose access to them, but they do belong to Silver Stars. You will share what you find, of course?"
Twilight gave a single firm nod. "Of course! I'll have a full report ready as soon as I've reached a conclusion."
Celestia smiled. "That is all that I ask." Her eyes turned up to Silver again. "I would like to speak to you. Meet me after court, before you return home." Her eyes fell to Twilight. "As always a pleasure, Twilight. You know where to go. Travel safely."
Twilight carried Silver from the room, the nobles there still speaking to one another in hushed tones. Once they were outside and the doors closed, Twilight let out her breath in a loud sigh. "I hate court. Well, that went well. Let's get your desk."
Silver tilted her head. "Celestia said she wanted to talk to me. I don't think ignoring her command would be a good idea."
Twilight lowered to the ground. "This is your stop then. I'll get the desk and bring it to the castle, then return for you. That sound OK?"
Silver shuffled a little. "Would I be a bad pony if I said I'm a little intimidated by Celestia?"
Twilight shook her head. "You'd be a pretty standard pony, now hop off. She won't hurt you."
Silver slid to her own hooves and turned to face Twilight. "See you soon."
Twilight was soon gone, trotting towards wherever they kept curious magical artifacts.
Silver turned to find Luna staring at her only an inch away. Silver squealed like a little girl and collapsed in place.
Luna gave a wry smile. "I still have that effect, it seems. Come, we have much to discuss." She wrapped Silver in her dark magic and walked off with Silver secured.
Silver placidly lay there, not trying to struggle against the trip. "Celestia wants to talk to me after court."
"Is that so?" Luna looked over her shoulder at Silver. "We'll just have to return you before court is complete. Fortunately that is a few hours yet."
Luna made her way swiftly to her quarters. Its scent brought back memories for Silver, most of them good. Luna set Silver down on a pillow, then waved the door shut. "Do you still trust me?"
Silver tilted her head a little. "I... mostly? You let your sister have her way with me. You didn't warn me before I took somepony's life with a power I didn't know I had."
Luna nodded at each retold sin. "This is true. I would apologize, but you've had enough of those."
Silver held up a hoof. "Do you think you did wrong?"
Luna looked Silver over quietly a moment. "Yes. I think about you, and Night Watch, quite often. I wonder if I didn't try hard enough. I wonder if I should have gone to arms against my sister. I wonder if I was a fool for letting you so close to me at all." She leaned in close to Silver. "You fill me with wonder, for all meanings of the word."
Silver gave a slow nod. "Apologies may come cheap, but that doesn't make hearing you think you could have done better meaningless." She smiled gently. "You're still enchanting. Have you fou--"
"No." Luna ruffled her wings. "I have not found another. Unlike you two, or four, now. You all smile together, the very picture of harmony. There is no jealousy. There is only understanding. I thought I brought you to my side, but you never stopped being a sun pony, did you?"
Silver canted her ears forward. "You shouldn't associate yourself with disharmony. Night and I are still happily lunar ponies, and we bring a different side of things to the herd for it. We are different, even if we can all work through that." Silver rolled onto her back. "I don't regret being a lunar pony. Don't make it a thing synonymous with bad."
Luna nodded softly, eyes half-lidded. "Very well. Prove it. Prove you still care. Let me gaze into you one more time."
Silver blinked at the question, standing up. "What would that prove?"
Luna spread her wings slowly. "Prove? Nothing... But I want to know what you felt, when you decided to leave. What you saw in your wives. Why you took Twilight Sparkle, and why you avoided me. I want to know how you truly feel about me, and about my sister, and about this world. Do you hide your hate, or do you truly forgive all the slights? I will not force you, or deceive you. It is your decision alone." She brought down a wing, tickling Silver across the nose and making her sneeze. "My sister is correct in that. You are adorable when you sneeze."
Luna watched Silver patiently. Silver looked back at her. She was regal, tall, proud... Silver felt the familiar stirrings of sympathy. "I want you to be happy."
Luna tilted her head. "I was happy. You did your part."
Silver pointed at Luna. "You were right, before, that I had a lot of agony in my life, but that doesn't change yours. You chose to peer into my soul. You chose to fight for me, in a variety of ways, often without my asking. You chose to let Celestia have her way. Well, she did, and now I'm a mare... A happily-married mare, with a family... I... think I love you, Luna, but I can't hurt them."
Luna reached with her wings, drawing Silver closer. "What if I could make you stallion once more?"
Silver tilted her head, "There is a foal in me, that I have learned to love. I won't risk it."
Luna turned Silver over, who offered no resistance. Soon Luna was rubbing her undercarriage and across her belly. "I heard of your battle in the north, defending the Crystal Empire... You are a true warrior."
Silver closed her eyes, enjoying the petting as she nodded. "I did what I had to... to protect ponies around me."
Luna perked an ear. "That is exactly what a true warrior does." She gently poked the forming foal. "Are you happy as a mother?"
Silver sighed gently. "I think I am?" She opened her eyes and looked at Luna. "This is better, for us."
Luna tilted her head. "For us?"
Silver smiled and held Luna's hoof in two of her own. "Talking... You don't need to read me like a book, when you can talk, as a friend, and... more."
Luna frowned. "Don't tease me! You just said you were loyal to your herd, which does not include me..."
Silver pulled at the hoof she held. "You asked me to see you as a mother. Did you mean that, or were you playing with me?"
Luna clenched her teeth, tail lashing as she delayed in responding. Silver nodded a little. "I know that feeling. You want more, but you're afraid to let go of what's offered."
Luna pulled her hoof back, slipping it out of Silver's grip. "I want you, entirely, as my own."
Silver rolled up onto her belly. "That ship has sailed. I belong to my herd. If you hurt them, I would never forgive you." Silver rose to her hooves.
Luna tilted her head. "Are you leaving?"
Silver advanced on Luna instead, nudging her over. She lacked the strength to force Luna, but Luna went along with it, peering at Silver curiously. Silver nuzzled at Luna's underside until she found what she was looking for. "Will you watch over me? You can have me, in a fashion, but not as it once was."
Luna began to voice objection, but was cut off when Silver attached to her like an overgrown foal. She settled limply and they were silent together for several minutes of companionable quiet. "This is hardly an answer," spoke Luna at last. "But it will do... Do you still love me?"
Silver sat up on her haunches. "As a foal. I want you to be happy, and I love you, but we aren't mates."
Luna nodded slowly as she sat up. "Very well... As your mother, I bid you to return once a moon. We will share stories, and be together."
Silver smiled gently. "That I can manage, gladly. I really do like you, Luna. I don't want to... drift apart more than we already have."
Luna kissed Silver, on the lips. The passion was a bit much for 'motherly', but Silver let it slide. "I should see what Celestia wants. Please, be well. I want to hear about other friends you make beside myself."
Luna's expression went bitter swiftly, and she waved Silver off. "I would still like to see you, all of you. Perhaps another time."
Silver emerged from Luna's quarters and found her way back towards the Day Court. On the way, a guard stopped her. "Celestia wishes to see you. Follow me." Silver followed without objection, finding herself in a small room with a single table and a few cushions for seats. Silver placed herself on one and curled comfortably to wait.
Celestia arrived as Silver began to nod off. Silver didn't know Celestia was there until a hoof patted over her smoothed mane. "I see you've started minding your appearance."
Silver jerked upright, sitting up to face Celestia. Celestia smiled gently. "You look better for it. Do you still miss your masculinity?"
Silver's expression darkened. "That's... just an unkind thing to start with."
Celestia nodded and reached out, petting Silver's mane. "It was, my apologies. You are adapting well to life, and I find myself proud to call you one of my little ponies."
The mere presence of the sun princess made Silver feel somehow relaxed and sleepy. Like Luna, Celestia felt like a mother or grandmother she could curl up in the presence in, if not for... "Don't you feel guilty at all? You stole a huge part of me, then you insist I thank you for it. I was not an unhappy male, or a violent one... You have to know that."
"Are you angry?"
Silver searched for that answer, pawing at her cushion with her hooves. "I'm pretty awful at holding grudges... I've adapted, as you said, but that doesn't make it... right. How can I trust you when you trust me so little that you'd rip pieces of me away?"
Celestia leaned in, nose-to-nose. "You frighten me, little pony. Seeing you swell with life, and surrounding yourself with loving ponies, this puts me at ease. Have you been kind to Twilight?"
Silver tilted her head. "I love her. I think she loves me. We... understand each other. We've both been changed." Silver rose a brow. "Come to think of it, we've both been changed at your hooves. Do you ever regret changing her either?"
Celestia shook her head. "It was her destiny, and she is better for it. Why should I regret that?"
Silver sank a little. "She hides her sadness behind her neurotic behavior, but she was hurt. You never warned her, just foisted it on her, as if it were the natural state of things."
"It was." Celestia rose to her full height. "It may yet be your destiny as well."
Silver's guts clenched as she shrank back from Celestia. "I'm so very much not princess material... There are other, more worthy, ponies."
Celestia nudged Silver over with a gold-shod hoof. "It was no coincidence you've found yourself at Twilight's side. You were meant to stand there, beside her. Magic without innovation is stagnation. You can help Twilight, be a key for her to unlock her full potential." Celestia leaned in over Silver. "You do like Twilight, don't you?"
Silver nodded and moved to roll over, but was hefted up in golden magic and brought towards Celestia. "Then be the best wife you can be. I ask no further. If your herd can bring happiness to Twilight, without distracting her, then you are doing me a great favor." Celestia clucked her tongue. "This reminds me. Don't taunt my little sister any further. She's been hurt enough as it is."
Silver frowned at the suggestion. "I have not teased her. I've tried everything reasonable to be kind to her, and to have a healthy relationship."
Celestia waved a hoof lightly. "I will see to Luna's happiness. You're just complicating things. Focus on Twilight. I should think one princess is more than enough for a pony to concern themselves with." That hoof moved and cupped Silver under the snout, raising it to look her in the eyes. "Are you happy as a pony?"
Silver nodded, tail swaying. "I... am. I like... most of it at least. I like having fur. I like the tail. I like the twitchy ears. I like having my purpose right there on my butt."
"Flank."
"Sorry, flank. I love my herd." Silver glanced away from Celestia. "I want to like you, but you refuse to concede you did anything wrong at all."
"I haven't." Celestia raised Silver up and kissed her pregnant belly. "You are objectively better as a mare, both to others and yourself."
Silver squirmed in the magic grip. "Why do my feelings count for nothing?"
Celestia lowered Silver and kissed away a tear. "Is that how you feel? I care how you feel, Silver Stars." Silver could feel Celestia growing warmer, and began to feel more drowsy, as if she were laying out on a bright sunny day. "You look happier than you were before. I know it seems cruel when you are pulled from the comfortable bed you once knew, but you are in a better place."
Silver suddenly smiled. "Alright. I have it. Would you let me go back to being a stallion after I've birthed my foal?"
"I don't think you'll want to."
"Humor me." Silver held up a hoof. "If I wanted to, and made that decision, would you respect it?"
Celestia looked genuinely thoughtful. Seeing her consider it bolstered Silver's spirits. "If you truly wished it..."
Silver perked her ears up. "Really? You promise it? Swear it?"
Celestia held up a hoof. "I swear on my crown. If you request to return to being a stallion when you are not with foal, I will respect your wish and do everything in my power to make it so."
Silver gave a nervous giggle, wriggling in the golden magic. Everything seemed a little brighter. "Thank you... That's all I ask. It's my body, I should have a say in what happens to it."
Celestia's snout rubbed against Silver's pregnant belly. "I still believe you will have no such true desire. You will enjoy being a mother."
Silver flushed softly. "That may happen... but it's still my choice. Is that unreasonable?"
Celestia shook her head. "I suppose it isn't. You've been a model pony, for the most part. Do you know that I love you?"
Silver found that easy to believe on reflection. "Not like a lover, or even entirely like a mother."
Celestia nodded. "You are my little pony, growing into a fine mare. Perhaps you should write me friendship letters, as Twilight once did."
Silver snorted loudly. "No thank you! But if you're so interested, I'll tell you the last friendship lesson I learned." Celestia tilted her head curiously, so Silver continued. "I learned Twilight and I share a little hurt, and we understand one another. I learned that our friends can have deep hurts that they don't make obvious. This doesn't make them bad ponies, just alive. As friends we should be there for them."
Celestia lifted an ear. "That was a bit more mature than I've come to expect."
Silver shrugged, "You are speaking to a middle-aged person turned young again. I didn't become a kid along the way, at least not mentally."
Celestia set Silver down on her hooves. "Do you think I truly don't care how you feel?"
Silver tilted her head at Celestia a little. "You make it easy to think that, but it's hard to hold that thought when we're face-to-face like right now. I wonder a little when you seem eager to taunt me."
Celestia brought in her wings, tickling Silver along her sides gently. "I do care. I want you to be happy, which is why I acted as I have. I want all of my little ponies to be happy."
Silver wriggled in the tickling, trying to swallow back the giggles, but they escaped in fits and starts. "You don't run around trying to help every pony out there. Why focus on me? I'm not that special. I'm not even the only human turned pony. How is she, by the way?"
Celestia sighed gently. "Testing me, as all humans seemed destined to do. She is a good pony, and wishes to remain that way. Now that she is considered an adult as a pony, she is claiming the right to decide her own destiny."
Silver tilted her head. "If she is happy, and being good, why not let her?"
Celestia smiled gently. "Perhaps I am overthinking this." She stroked down Silver's back with her wings, making Sliver shudder. "You are also a good pony. I heard of your struggles in the Crystal Empire."
Silver flipped her ears back. "I... did what I could. They're good people. No one deserves to be torn apart like that."
Celestia nodded slowly. "You made a spell for Cadance and Shining Armor. They say it was very rough around the edges, but it worked admirably." She raised Silver's muzzle up to face her directly. "Will you help Twilight as well?"
Silver looked away from Celestia. "Questions like that make me wonder how well you know me..."
Celestia leaned in, nose-to-nose with Silver. "I thought you said you wanted us to ask more, instead of assuming?"
Silver let an immature impulse get the better of her and raised a hoof, resting it on Celestia's nose in a boop. "I did say that. I will do everything I can to help Twilight. She is a wonderful soul. Aren't you mad that I made such a destructive spell? I thought I'd be hearing more about that."
Celestia brought her wings out wide. "One, my little pony, you made it and gave it to the highest authority in the land. You did not use it yourself. Two, it was used in defense of innocent life. Three, it was destroyed afterwards. Four, it only harmed shadow creatures, not any ponies."
Silver gave a slow nod, then a thought came to her and she sat up straight. "I asked Cadance once, but I'll ask you. You're more powerful and wise, in your own way."
"Yes?"
Silver pointed down at her lower belly with a hoof. "Can you do a birth blessing of any kind?"
Celestia's face brightened, seeming to make the entire room brighten along with it. "It has been many years since a heavy mare asked for that. I knew you would be a fine mare." Before Silver could object, Celestia rolled her over onto her back and leaned in. Celestia gently kissed the swell of new life and Silver gasped loudly. Golden light flowed from Celestia's snout into Silver, filling her body with an intense heat. "May you enter motherhood with all the grace of the sun."
Silver rolled up to her haunches, panting as the heat washed through her. It was intense, but it also felt good in some alien way. "The sun is... not very graceful, but thank you." She flashed a fanged smile. "Mother or father, this child is mine, and I want the best for them."
Celestia softly snorted. "Are you calling me clumsy?" She smirked with a jesting expression. "You should go. I have other business to tend to."
Silver rose up to her hooves and after a final parting exchange with the sun princess, she trotted out into the hallway, practically bumping into Twilight on the way. "There you are! Come on, let's get going." Twilight grabbed Silver in her magic and was soon trotting out of the castle with her passenger. "I hope the discussion went well? You look happy."
Silver hugged Twilight's neck as they took off and began sailing towards Ponyville. "Yes, I think it did. I... still think Celestia is dangerously out of touch with the ponies she loves, but she really does love them."
Twilight swiveled an ear back at Silver. "What makes you say that? She's always been so kind and understanding whenever I've seen her."
Silver gently nudged Twilight with a hoof. "Which is why she didn't tell you for the entire time between the return of the Crystal Empire to your solving of Star Swirl's last spell that she was preparing you quite immediately for being an alicorn?"
Twilight's flight became a bit wobbly. "What? She knew for that long? How?"
Silver sighed out gently. "I saw it, in the show. When you left to go to the Crystal Empire, she was speaking to Luna about your being prepared for 'the next level'. She knew exactly what she was doing, but never shared it with you, even after it was done."
Twilight's expression darkened. "It was... for the best. She didn't want to worry me. I would have... freaked out..."
Silver hugged Twilight gently from on top of her. "You deserved the chance to freak out a little. It was a big deal. You died, Twilight."
Twilight shuddered in a wave of small spasms. "Don't say that!"
Silver shook her head. "I saw it. The girls eradicated you. Celestia gave you a new body."
Twilight shook her entire body back and forth in denial, making Silver clutch tightly for dear life. "Don't say that!"
Before either could argue the point further, a bolt of magic flew up from below. Silver saw it coming. "Incoming!"
Twilight looked around in confusion before she was struck. She was knocked violently off course, and Silver began to fall. As the ground began to speed towards her, Silver prayed that some amount of cartoon physics might help her. Heart thundering, death rushing on her, she couldn't focus well enough to try grabbing herself in her magic. She felt the impact, and all was dark.
"I told you cutie marks bring misery and despair," said a female voice. Silver cracked open an eye, feeling grateful that she was still alive to do that. She was in a very small cage, barely large enough to stand in. She could feel her magic stopped up in her horn. The owner of the voice came into view, smiling gently at her. "Oh you're awake! You're tougher than you look. Just relax there, dear, you've been through so much already."
Silver struggled to sit up. Everything felt sore, but she didn't feel any sharp pains that would imply an outright break. "Who are you?"
The pink pony with purple mane and tail shook her head. "Don't you worry your pretty little head about that." She reached through the bars and stroked Silver along the side. "You poor thing. Nopony told me you were pregnant. You'll be a good little pony, won't you?"
Silver looked around nervously. They seemed to be underground, if the uneven stone wall behind the mare was any hint. She could hear others moving around, but could only see the pony before her. "This will sound cliche as hell, but my friends will find me. Just let me go."
She drew her hoof back and slapped it against the metal bars with a ringing sound. "I think not. That Twilight Sparkle won't stop me a second time. No, you're coming with us. Somepony is paying far too large a sum for your ghastly little cutie mark, extra with your pretty little flank attached."
"Starlight," came a masculine voice. "We're ready to move."
Starlight smiled and reached up, pulling down a cloth covering from above and plunging Silver into darkness. "You stay right there. If you're good, Starlight will come play with you later."
Silver was certain she didn't like the way Starlight said that. She waited a moment for her eyes to adjust to the gloom and began inspecting her surroundings. She found the door, but it was locked with a large keyhole set into it. The keyhole seemed much larger than it needed to be, but that didn't really help much. On a lark, Silver shoved her horn into the hole and tried wiggling her head about, but that accomplished little.
The room jostled, then began to shake back and forth like it was moving. Was she on a wagon? Silver frowned in thought. Her horn was blocked, but she could still channel through her teeth, but that wasn't very useful. Teeth couldn't play unicorn spells! Silver sat up and patted herself down, finding her heart crystal still dangling in place. She batted at it listlessly a moment before an idea came to her. She brought up the crystal to her mouth and touched her teeth to it and focused on her intense helplessness for a moment, then switched to hope. She flipped back and forth for a small while before letting the crystal flop back against her chest. She had no idea if it worked or not, but it couldn't hurt, right?
Celestia sat across from Luna at the dining table. Both ate quietly before Luna looked up at her sister. "I feel as if I have made an important step forward today."
Celestia's expression brightened. "Please, do tell."
Luna waved a hoof. "Time is one thing we both have in abundance. I have been behaving as a short-lived pony." She tapped the tabletop with a hoof. "No plan of mine will be hindered if I must wait a generation. I will let Silver Stars live peacefully, serving as her godmother." She sat up straight. "It is time for me to behave my age."
Celestia clopped her hooves together once. "I know you hate it when I say it, but it's true. I am so proud of you right now, sister."
Luna huffed softly. "I'm not doing it for your approval, Tia. Silver has been the center of my meddling for long enough. She can bear her foal in peace." She raised a brow. "Will you also leave her be?"
Celestia tilted her head. "I have little waiting on her, though I did bless her and her foal, to make the birth easier. She--"
Luna jerked upright. "You did what?"
Celestia looked surprised at Luna's strong reaction. "I blessed them. So she would have a good birth. She asked for it."
Luna sank against a hoof. "Tia, sister... I already blessed Silver Stars, slowly, over the course of weeks. Did you not see she was quite well ripened for such a young flower?"
Celestia raised a hoof over her mouth. "I had thought that was my own hoofwork in changing her." She frowned. "You have shown exceptional growth today, I suppose it's just my turn. I have made a mistake. How do you propose to address it?"
Luna tilted her head. "I... Thank you, Tia." She watched Celestia a moment, savoring this rare moment when her sister admitted cleanly to wrongdoing. "You've already done it. She is full of both our magics. I assume she didn't look immediately ill?"
Celestia shook her head. "A little overwhelmed, but that is a natural reaction. She went off with Twilight immediately after."
Luna rolled a hoof in the air. "Silver is a lunar pony, with a lunar foal, both very pure bred, and yet..."
Celestia suddenly smiled. "And yet, it is Twilight's foal. Her name comes to haunt us again."
Luna smiled even as she sighed. "Where day meets night. Are we still making a foal?"
Celestia tilted her head. "I saw the swell of it. What do you mean?"
Luna wobbled a hoof. "I have swollen with life before, but it was no foal. What if what Silver holds so lovingly is something greater, or less, than a foal?"
Celestia frowned at the thought. "It would break her heart, and it wouldn't do well by Twilight either."
Luna rested her hooves on the table. "Let us make an oath, to each other, sister. The former human, Silver Stars, has been the middle grounds of our petty squabbles long enough."
"What do you suggest?"
Luna smiled. "I am entirely convinced she will do what is best for Equestria until the end of her days. Let us treat her well, together. As Twilight's friend, and as ours. Let there be no more scheming on our part towards her, for better or worse, and let no magic of ours touch her unless she requests it."
Celestia flashed a gentle smile. "I can agree to this. I will add one thing. Let neither of us intimidate her into asking. You know she would do whatever you asked if you asked the right way. Does this mean you won't chase her hoof anymore?"
Luna huffed at that. "Low blow, Tia... She is hooves-off unless she comes to me begging, and then I will perhaps consider."
Celestia leaned forward. "Then you are available. I have a few strapping stallions I'd love to introduce you to."
Luna turned red. "Tia!"
Celestia waved off the shout. "None of that. You need to learn how to be loved. You just leave this to me and you'll be so much happier in no time at all. A real warrior! I know how you are. Some of the guards that served along Silver were quite brave and fierce in their defense of the Crystal Empire. I'm certain they might interest you..."
A unicorn poked his head up under the cloth, looking directly at Silver. His horn flashed and Silver's heart crystal was wrenched free without a word. The unicorn slipped away and it was quiet again. The sense of movement stopped after some amount of time. Starlight appeared, slipping under the cover without pulling it up. "Oh poor thing. Still holding it in?"
Being reminded made her nod quickly. She really did have to go.
Starlight smiled, then frowned. "Where's her pendant?"
A male voice replied. "It was a heart crystal. I've stowed it in the back for safe keeping."
Starlight rolled her eyes, then moved for the door. She undid the lock and allowed Silver out They were in the middle of some kind of forest. Silver could hardly see anything but a lot of trees. Starlight nudged her along towards some bushes. "Go on, I won't let any of those stallions bother you."
Silver nodded at her and looked around for a place with some privacy, but Starlight kept her in view at all times. Eventually Silver gave up and did her business. Starlight approached to put Silver away. Silver pulled away, trying to resist until Starlight just plucked her up with magic and carted her off towards the cage. "Don't be a bad girl. Good girls get treated very well. Have you changed your mind? If your cutie mark is removed, you could be on your way home soon. They're nothing but trouble anyway. Look at all the pain yours has caused you."
Starlight set Silver down in the cage, then stepped in after her and closed the door. "All you have to do is lay down and let me take care of you."
Silver stepped back nervously, but there wasn't much room for retreat in the cage. "I'm fine with my cutie mark, thank you."
Starlight advanced on Silver, raising a hoof to stroke over her chin. "Poor little mare. You'll come around. Nights with me are a lot less cold than the floor of this cage by yourself." She turned away, brushing Silver's face with her tail before she departed.
Silver sank to the floor. It was cold. She wondered why Starlight seemed to want to convince her into it instead of just taking it, but decided not to complain. The foggy mugginess of a neutralized cutie mark was horrible, and she didn't want it. She looked up to where she thought the moon was, hoping Twilight might be coming soon to rescue her.
Twilight recovered from the stunning magic just before she struck the ground herself. She righted herself and pulled back into the air, surrounding herself with a bright shield. There were no additional attacks coming. And no Silver. Twilight cringed, looking around slowly over the ground, trying to locate where Silver had fallen to. It occurred to her that Silver's heart crystal was attuned to her. She cleared her mind and sent out her thoughts, trying to find the crystal, but... nothing. "She must be asleep." Without Silver's consciousness, the crystal wouldn't be fully powered enough to trace, at least easily.
Twilight took off to Ponyville, grim and resolute. She landed on her balcony and trotted inside. She went to her room and threw herself on her bed, eyes closed and marshaling her magic. She let Silver fall, she would find her and rescue her. Those that attacked them would pay. She wouldn't admit it, but the lingering fury at Silver's alarming words only built over time, focusing on their attackers. By the time she felt the return ping on her magic, she was ready to bring down the full weight of her fury on those that wronged her. As her emotions built, she felt a sudden wave of hope and helplessness in overwhelming pulses. She shook herself out. "Get it together, Twilight. Silver is counting on you!"
She let out her breath and rose to her hooves. She called up her shield and went over her spells. "Zap in next to Silver. Make them pay. Get out." With her plan gone over in the simplest of checklists, she felt ready. She focused on the signal, pulling it tighter and tighter. It was clear Silver was still not filling it with magic. She must be very hurt. The thought of it made her scowl. They would pay...
Twilight appeared beside a wagon with a pop. Twilight looked over at it and nodded. Silver must be inside. She launched up into the canopy of the forest they were in, magic gathering dangerously just over her horn. She hurled the mass down at the wagons and the forward part of the caravan train was obliterated instantly.
Silver looked up at the sound of wings. There was a bright flash. Silver died. She was barely aware of the happening, it was over so quickly.
Twilight landed with a soft panting. There was nothing left. The door to the wagon beside her opened and a unicorn stepped out. Starlight?! "You get away from Silver!" Twilight slammed Starlight to the ground with her magic. "You awful pony! Give up, give up right now!"
Starlight scrambled against the ground, trying to regain her hooving unsuccessfully. "Twilight? What did you... do?"
Twilight stepped towards Starlight, growling. She passed the open door and looked inside. Silver wasn't in there. There were no other ponies in there. She released Starlight numbly. "Where is Silver?"
Starlight got to her hooves quickly. "You destroyed everything! You and your wicked cutie mark!" There was a bright flash, and Starlight fled into the thick forest, quickly lost to sight. Twilight didn't chase her. She just wasn't important anymore.
Twilight sank before the crater she made. "Silver..."
Silver floated in a sea of stars. They were of wildly different sizes, with some being mere pricks of light and others quite a bit larger. She called out, "Hello?" This didn't feel like the inky void of the Text. No, it looked... worse.
Words appeared, 'You have arrived at the end of the path.'
Silver flicked her ears back. "Am I dead?"
'Yes, but you may yet walk onwards.'
Silver grit her teeth. "I said... long ago." She paused to think back on it. "I definitely said I didn't want this."
Soft stroking began to run down over Silver's back as new words appeared. 'You know I do not make you do things. I told you that this path would be long. You would suffer. You would face grave danger. You would likely die. Has this not come to be? Have I not told the truth?'
Silver sagged towards the 'ground'. "I don't want to be a princess. I was just getting half-decent at being a normal pony." She went stiff. "What about my kid?" She stomped a hoof silently. "Tell me!"
The petting grew more intense, distracting Silver, but only faintly. 'Your child is passed, as you have. You may yet walk further.'
It hadn't answered the question, and Silver demanded it. "What of my child? Can it 'walk further'?"
A powerful presence became known as Celestia emerged from the star field with the saddest expression Silver saw since she had stood over the dead body of that pegasus. A moment later, Luna appeared beside her.
Luna looked around with an expression of awe. "Where are we, sister? Why is Silver here?"
Celestia heaved a slow sigh. "This is the astral plane, dear sister. Silver has defeated my plans, again." She approached Silver. "Do you understand what you've done? I groomed Twilight Sparkle for years, gently nurturing the magic within her, guiding her growth in magic and mind to be prepared for this moment."
Silver shrank back away from Celestia. "I didn't want to come here. This wasn't my idea."
Luna quickly trotted up alongside Celestia. "Sister, please tell us clearly what is going on. Neither of us understand." She paused, sifting through Silver's memories a moment. "This is where Twilight Sparkle ascended?!"
Celestia nodded slowly. "Silver was swollen with magic, a combination of mine, yours, and even Twilight's. What might have been your shared foal is now catalyst for this."
Silver shook her head violently. "I want my child, not wings!" She sank to her belly, tears stinging at her eyes. "I didn't even find out if it was a stallion or a mare..."
Luna grit her teeth a moment. "Is there nothing we can do?"
Celestia gestured at Silver. "We can let her die. The magic will be liberated, and that will be it."
Silver struck the ground with a hoof, clambering back to standing. "Text! Stop hiding!"
Luna glanced around sharply. "It is present?"
'I am.'
Celestia recoiled back from the floating letters. "Who are you?"
'We will use Silver's title for me, Text. We stand at a crossroads. You must choose the path you will walk.'
Luna reached up, poking the word 'crossroads', which dissolved on contact. "What marvel is this? Are you a god?"
Silver looked towards the fading text. "Tell us what the paths are! Stop making me blunder along blindly."
'I watch. I can see many paths. In some, you choose to lay down and die, ending the story. In some, you rise up to power and try to shape Equestria. In others, you throw yourself wholeheartedly into being Twilight's partner, comforting her damaged soul and bringing her from the darkness she now finds herself in.'
Celestia scowled at the words, reading them quickly. "What is wrong with Twilight? She was fine just earlier today."
'...'
Silver wobbled a hoof. "Don't dot dot dot us, go on."
'She killed Silver.'
Silver bared her fangs. "What?! I... on purpose?!"
'There is but one path where you somehow emerge with your child, but it is a faint path. I do not predict you will find it.'
Luna pointed at the letters. "Will you tell us how to find this... path?" She glanced aside at Celestia. "I owe you a debt, dear sister. You brought me here so that I might preside over the ascension of the first lunar princess. This is a great honor that you could have denied me so easily." She advanced and nuzzled Celestia gently. "Your faith will be rewarded."
Celestia's darkened expression softened at Luna's words. "I could not deny you this, Lulu. If Silver accepts her destiny, it should be at your hooves that it occur."
Silver flopped onto her haunches, trying to calm herself. "Celestia, Luna... is the magic that you two put in me enough, without Twilight's?"
Luna approached Silver and looked her over intensely. "I can't see where our magic ends and Twilight's begins..."
Celestia shook her head. "I do not see it either... Will you accept your destiny, Silver? Twilight... will be shattered if you remain dead, at her hooves. Please."
Silver shook her head violently back and forth. "I don't want that on Twilight. It... had to be a mistake. Adorkable idiot..." She sank entirely to the ground. "I wanted to be a mother, not a princess..."
Luna suddenly turned to Celestia. "Silver brings up an excellent point. What would she be princess of?"
Celestia shrugged. "Twilight was the Element of Magic, but became Princess of Friendship. We can see where Silver fits in after we are finished here. Go on."
Luna reached for Silver cupping her cheeks in hooves. "There are no words I can say to ease the pain of a mother for the loss of her foal, but you will serve nopony in laying down your life as well. Accept your destiny, dear Silver Stars, and stand at our side. We will only proceed at your urging."
Silver rose up, rubbing her cheek into Luna's hoof. "Can you bring Twilight here?"
Celestia frowned in thought. "She has not yet advanced to that level. She has not yet bonded to the fabric of the world." She brushed a hoof through her flowing mane. "When we accepted our destinies and began to move the sun and the moon, they tethered us to that fabric, and their power flows through us. Twilight will find her own tether, of this I'm certain. You too, perhaps. Without it, she should not return here."
Silver's mind whirred frantically, trying to find the angle that let her walk out of the mess with her foal intact. There had to be a way, the Text said there was, but she couldn't find it... The other paths were so much more obvious. She could become a good alicorn and try to do well at Twilight's side, or even Luna or Celestia's side. She could take the power and make some crazy power play against Equestria. She didn't feel angry enough at either of them for that, she decided. Hurting was just not her goal in life. "Help me... I don't want him or her to die..."
Luna pointed at where the text had faded away. "It was correct. If there is a way, it is very well hidden. Our time draws short. We must revive you or forever lose you. Please, allow us."
Silver hung her head, then rose to her hooves. "Do I get a musical number?"
Celestia tilted her head in confusion. "What?"
Silver wobbled a hoof. "You know, going over my accomplishments, etc. etc.?"
Luna hesitantly nodded. "I suppose I can do that, but why I would sing it is beyond me."
Celestia went rigid. "Your tales carried even to here?! I did not sing to Twilight!" She stomped a hoof, looking agitated.
Despite that, the song music swelled up around all three. Luna began gently singing the tale of Silver's arrival, how she met him first in the cave while she slumbered as the human male. Images appeared around them, showing the sleeping David. It showed David carried into that first little town on the back of Wet Hoof. He met Rough Draft. He rode a train to Manehattan. He met so many, Lyra, Bon Bon, and others. He faced off against Luna's wrath at the changeling actor. He had a good time with what he thought would be his herd, before being kidnapped.
He decided to become a foal at Luna's hooves. He lived with Rough Draft and Trixie. He made new friends at school, and new enemies. He met Discord in person, and had brunch with the princesses. He experienced song magic for the first time. Luna kept right on singing as the images came and went. She seemed unaware of most of them, though Silver took them in, watching her life in Equestria play through. She saw an image of Celine and felt her heart clench. The hurt became new again as she watched several images pass of them together, being so happy and complete. Luna sung on, though a single tear ran down her cheek.
Silver shuddered, unable, unwilling more likely, to face the memories as they continued to crash down around her, but there was no looking away. The great battle with Tumble's parents brought Night Watch into her life, and cast Tumble out of it for a time. The great fireball lit up the panel it was on as Silver joyfully demonstrated her magic crafting ability, and she was in university, reunited with Lyra. She joined with Fast Change and Night Watch in the first herd that would stand the test of time, forged in the fires of Tirek's arrival. She moved against the changelings. She threw herself off a roof. She became a lunar unicorn.
Silver began to regret asking for this extended flashback, even if Luna's words were gentle and so pretty. Luna's hoof settled on Silver's head as she began to taper off. "Are you ready?"
Silver cringed, choking out a tiny, "No..." An old thought came back to her. Where were her rainbows? "Go ahead..."
Luna lifted Silver with a thought, her own hooves upraised. With a gentle mystic tug, she pulled free the magic within Silver. It swirled and bobbed around her. Silver grabbed for it, tears suddenly flowing powerfully. She thought she had heard a giggle, the barest sound of the child she was losing, but it was gone. The magic slammed into her and all was lost for a time.
Silver awoke beside a crater. She could hear sobbing, and it wasn't her own. She opened her eyes and saw Twilight with her hooves over her eyes, weeping bitterly. "Twilight?"
Twilight's head snapped up and focused on Silver. Her wings shot out wide. "Sil...ver?"
Silver rose to her own hooves and approached Twilight even as bright flashes signaled the arrival of Celestia and Luna. Twilight met Silver halfway and bowled her to the ground. Silver learned the new discomfort of having a wing compressed, but ignored it in favor of embracing Twilight with every hoof, squeezing desperately. "I'm sorry Twilight, so sorry..."
Twilight shook her head. "What in Equestria could you be sorry for? I... I blasted you... I went too far, and... what happened?"
Silver rubbed her wet snout against Twilight's chest. "I couldn't think of a way to save our foal. I failed our herd. I failed you. I..."
Twilight cringed and sank, pinning Silver down under herself. "I... it was me, Silver. I blasted you. You... don't get to blame yourself for not fixing my mistake."
Luna cleared her throat softly. "We do not mean to pry..."
Twilight only then realized the sisters were present and scrambled off of Silver, offering a hoof to help her up. Soon they sat side-by-side, facing Celestia and Luna.
Celestia smiled a sad little smile. "Welcome, Silver Stars. I am sorry for the nature in which you have joined our order, but you are welcome."
Luna frowned. "It was quite unkind for that 'Text' to taunt us with a solution without providing direction, nay, even a hint towards its location."
Silver deflated at Luna's words. "It can only show a path exists. Only our hooves can carry us on them. I wasn't strong, or clever, enough."
Twilight extended a wing to wrap around Silver, hugging her tightly. "What are you all talking about?" Twilight noticed that Silver was a little taller, but she was still smaller.
Celestia shook her head. "Let us put this behind us, for the moment. We must coronate you, Silver. The ponies will need to be informed they have a new princess."
Silver cringed at that. "I don't think the ponies of Canterlot will be thrilled at the news."
Luna tilted her head. "On the contrary, this does make your shameless display with Twilight come into a whole new focus. I doubt many will speak ill of it now. She was clearly preparing you in some way they cannot hope to comprehend."
Twilight rolled her eyes, then buried her face into Silver's neck. "I can't say sorry often or hard enough. Words aren't enough for... this."
Silver snuggled against Twilight. "Don't say that! I'm... not... I want to be with you, Twilight." She flashed a fanged smile. "We are two peas from the same pod." They sank against one another and slowly slid to the ground, united in loss and drawing strength from the fierce love both felt for one another, stoked into a painful fury in their battered hearts.
Silver was left with Twilight. Celestia and Luna had planning to do. Twilight rubbed her cheek against Silver's. "We should go home."
Silver forced a smile, then spread her new wings, looking back at the leathery limbs. "Night and I have something new in common."
Twilight reached out a hoof to gently brush one of the wings. "Do you want to try them out? It takes a bit of practice before you start really flying with them." She flushed softly. "I'm guessing you saw some of my first attempts."
Silver nodded at Twilight before flapping the wings, lifting herself up a few inches before coming down for a wobbly landing. "They're... nice, but not worth the price of admission."
Twilight's expression soured. "I don't mean to be callous, but let's just... not talk about that right now."
Silver brushed up against Twilight's side. "I can agree with that entirely. You were very brave, coming to rescue me. I was hoping so hard you would."
Twilight cringed back. "Ta... da?"
Silver licked her nose. "It's not your fault. If you start blaming yourself I'll get so mad!"
Twilight raised a hoof and poked Silver in the chest. "That goes double for you! I can already see you getting ready to find a bed and cry under the covers, alone."
Silver gave a hesitant nod. "How about... we find that bed, and we cry together?"
Twilight snorted. "That sounded romantic and pathetic at the same time."
Silver bobbed her head. "It's a date?"
Twilight wrapped a wing over Silver, squeezing. "Yes. Let's go home." She lowered to the ground. "Hop up."
Silver moved to mount Twilight and found the few inches she'd gained made it even more ungainly than before. Twilight's magic wrapped over Silver, holding her tight. "I will not let you go this time..." Twilight launched herself into the air, and they swiftly approached Ponyville, leaving the rest of Equestria behind.
Silver leaned in, shouting to Twilight over the wind. "We should really land on the balcony. Ponies don't need to see me like this yet."
Twilight nodded in agreement, and landed lightly on the upper floors of the castle. The door leading inside banged open as Fast Change came out with a smile on his face that turned to mild confusion. "Hey Twilight, Silver. Silver, are you practicing shapeshifting? You must be getting better. Gaining body mass is hard!"
Silver slid down off of Twilight and flapped her new wings before folding them up awkwardly, trying to find the right lay for them. "It's not that. Is Night Watch here? We really should talk about this together, as a herd."
Fast darted off without another word. Twilight turned back to the railing and looked down at Ponyville before glancing at Silver. "I..." She trailed off.
Silver nuzzled against her. "Say what you want to say."
Twilight closed her eyes. "Will we ever be parents now? I was just warming to the idea of... you know... kinda being a dad?"
Silver frowned, shuffling in place. "That hurts to think about... but..." She sagged. "Do you believe in souls?"
Twilight tilted her head. "Like ghosts? No."
Silver put her haunches down. "You were a ghost. When Celestia led you through the field of stars, you had no body. What were you?"
Twilight frowned with thought. "I... don't know."
Silver pointed at herself. "I heard it, our child... It... was the hardest thing I ever heard... But..." She wobbled a hoof left and right and sank a little. "I could be grasping at straws, but I like to think... their soul might still... exist on some level... and we could get them back."
Twilight's face became one of pity and sadness as she nestled in with Silver. She said nothing.
Silver sighed out. "Yes, I know. I'm not being very logical! I still think... somehow... If I do it again, right... If I face this... this terrible void inside of me... the soul will come back. I can still be their mother."
Twilight shrank in place, speaking with a sincere misery. "You're grasping at straws in the desperation of a grieving mother. You may have another foal in time, but it will be a new foal, not the first. Souls are... superstitions used by scared ponies afraid of death."
Silver threw herself against Twilight, rocking against her in a solid thump. "I heard them! That little voice. They weren't screaming in pain, they giggled. They... I just have to give them a home. I took his or her home away so selfishly, threw them out of myself to make room for a crown I don't deserve."
Twilight nipped at Silver's shoulder as the door opened again, admitting Fast and Night. Night looked over the both, her keen eyes soaking in the details. "I..." Words failed her, and Night rushed at Silver, hugging her. Silver went still in surprise, but the hug continued fiercely. "You worked so hard to protect mine..."
Fast tilted her head. "What?"
Twilight began the story as Silver sat and enjoyed Night's presence, soon joined by Fast, then Twilight. They huddled together, sharing warmth. Fast nudged at Twilight. "This is not helping your case."
Silver felt her wings spread out on their own as she became agitated. "Do not play the blame game right now! Just... put it down..."
Fast bristled with badly-restrained anger. "You were killed... You got over it, but your foal's gone! How can I just forget that?"
Twilight hung her head. "I will accept whatever punishment you think is worthy."
Silver bristled, trying to pull back her wings, but they refused to collapse in her state. "Enough! Twilight was trying to save me. I... can't blame her."
Fast rose up to his hooves. "I can." He put a hoof under Twilight's chin as she flinched. Fast rose up the chin, looking into Twilight's eyes. "You're going to have to do it again."
Twilight blinked in confusion. "I'm not going to blow up Silver!"
Fast smirked. "You're going to blow up, just not that way... The moment our mare feels that 'special' itch, I'm locking you two in a room."
Night coughed into a hoof. "Fast! Seriously... They're both hurt right now."
Fast softly stroked over Twilight's reddened snout. "I may not be as clever as the rest of you, but I think a pony would have to be blind to not see the connection. How killing somepony makes you tighter, whatever, not the point. I'll wait my turn." He glanced at Night.
Night flipped her ears back. "I'm not having any more foals after the first for now, so stop leering."
Silver finally folded her wings in, letting out a breath slowly. "So..."
Twilight turned her attention back to Silver. "So... you're an alicorn now. Like me."
Fast grinned. "I'm married to two royals."
Night softly bonked Fast. "You're not married to Twilight yet." She looked to Silver, then Twilight. "How do you two... feel? Be honest. We're here for you."
Twilight sagged a little. "I feel like... just awful. I... murdered..." She sunk to her belly. "Our child is gone, at my hooves."
Silver moved over to drape herself over Twilight, hugging her from above. "I feel empty. There was a life inside of me. I could almost... feel like, like Twil--" She stopped talking and pat herself down. "Twilight, did you ever find my heart crystal?"
Twilight shook her head. "No. Why weren't you wearing it? I... thought you were."
Silver frowned. "I was! Then they took it, and you showed up not long after. At least they're gone..."
Twilight huffed. "Starlight's fine. She was in the back. She ran off after she told me you were in... the front."
Night scowled. "That's the unicorn that attacked us before, right?"
Fast nodded quickly. "I still owe her a good buck across the snout!"
Silver sagged a little. "She probably has my crystal. I've had that for so long... Rough Draft and Lyra bought it for me, and you primed it, Twilight. I could always feel you close by with it." She pawed at the ground softly. "I..."
Twilight moved to nuzzle against Silver, nipping at her snout towards her neck. "We can get you a new crystal. It's just a thing. That can be replaced."
Silver sat up and got thoughtful before she frowned sharply. "Damn it! Damn. It." She began clopping her hooves on the balcony with increasing agitation, tears flowing freshly.
Night moved beside Silver and gently wrapped her in a wing, calming her. "What's wrong? You suddenly looked like you realized something."
Silver sagged against Night. "I just... It could be nothing, but... if I brought my crystal with me to the other place... Maybe I could have stored the essence of my child, held it tight until I could do something with it."
Fast wrinkled his nose. "I don't know if that works that way, but..." He trailed off, waving a hoof impotently in the air.
Twilight stepped into the silence. "I think what Fast means is that we're sure you did your best."
Night nodded. "Watching you two suffer is terrible. You two even suffer because the other's suffering. It's a great whirlpool of depression." She adjusted her glasses lightly. "So... alicorn? I'm a little upset I didn't get to see that, but on the other hoof if it involved you being blown to ash, maybe that was best. For today, how about we have some comfort food."
Fast flashed a sudden bright smile. "Yes! Silver, what's your favoritest comfort food?"
Silver frowned in thought. "Spaghetti, pasta in general. Rice and beans is good." She twitched her ears lightly. "I... want to say something."
Twilight nodded at Silver. "We're listening."
Silver spread out her hooves. "I am the luckiest mare in Equestria to have such a great herd. You're all amazing ponies, and I love you all so much, even if I suck sometimes at saying it right." Little was accomplished as all four came together and shared a group hug that turned into a group snuggling. No food was prepared, but the soul sometimes hungered for things not prepared in a pot or in an oven.
Fast hooked a leg around Night's neck. "Let's get to making that dinner." Soon they were descending the stairs. "Night. I need your honest opinion."
Night followed along beside Fast. "On?"
Fast swiveled a red ear towards Night. "Twilight. Alicorn Silver. Everything. Break it down."
Night frowned in thought as she went. "Twilight is an idiot. She nearly cost herself the one pony in Equestria that would do anything for her, loves her to a fault, and carried her foal. I want to scream at her until the sun comes back up. There was no good reason for her to use that much force, even if Silver wasn't caught in it. If she didn't look like she'd been kicked in the belly repeatedly, I'd be tempted to do it myself."
Fast nodded hesitantly. "Alicorn Silver?"
Night shook herself out, wings flapping. "Undeniably sexy."
Fast raised a brow.
"You asked for honesty. Everything attractive about her before is larger and bolder. I may be a horrible pony, but I'm hoping she firms up a little, personality-wise."
Fast shook his head a little. "You want a replacement Luna."
Night's wings flared wide. "I!... I thought you couldn't see things so clearly now?"
Fast leaned over and bumped into Night. "I don't have your vision, but I love you, which means I try extra hard to get in that adorable head of yours." He pressed in closer as they arrived in the kitchen. "Are you hoping Silver will spread those big wings of hers and start commanding you, her deepened voice bellowing with authority? Perhaps, if you were good, she would sink her teeth into you, hold you down, and do as she wants with your pinned form."
Night shuddered powerfully, almost stumbling. "Stop that! By the moon..."
Fast nodded lightly. "If it makes you feel better, I would not be opposed to that, but I love Silver the way she is. Soft or hard, so long as she's Silver." He frowned softly "Which brings to the next point. Silver was really looking forward to being a mother. Silver is not getting that anymore. Thoughts?"
Night sagged against the frame of the door leading into the kitchen. "She has to be hurting inside so much... I don't even know what to do with emotions like that. I just want to be the best friend, lover, and wife... I don't want to make it worse. Above all else, I don't want to make it worse."
Fast stiffly nodded as he started to get the pots together and begin dinner preparation. "I felt the same thing. I wanted to yell at Twilight. I wanted to yell at Silver! I wanted to just yell and yell and kick and scream... It wasn't my foal, not directly... but I made room in my heart for it. I was going to be an uncle, and that... that's gone."
Night swiftly advanced and wrapped a wing around Fast, squeezing him tightly. "You will still be an uncle. I know that's not a cure, but it's still true."
Fast smiled gently and leaned over, sharing a brief kiss with Night. "What do you think they're doing with us down here?"
Night considered a moment. "Crying. They are probably curled up together in a ball and waiting for us to call them down."
Fast stomped the ground before pulling the pasta free. "I hate this. This is a lot easier when the pony responsible is a jerk I can aim a hoof at. Twilight's not a jerk, just an idiot." He busied himself around the kitchen, focusing on the task.
Night took a slow breath before letting it out. "Your turn."
Fast perked an ear. "For? Oh... I think Twilight... was trying to do right, and did it the wrong way, big time. Did she murder somepony? I mean, besides Silver. She should have found us. We should have gone together. We should have fought together, like a herd. I would have caved in the faces of any pony in the way, and nopony would..." He dumped the pasta in the pot in an angry toss of magic.
Night slowly nodded. "And yet..."
Fast rolled his eyes then sagged a little. "And yet... I probably would have done the same thing. I would have rushed to help without thinking it through. I might have made things worse. I might have gotten us both killed or captured... I feel like a huge hypocritical jerk for every bad thing I think or say about Twilight, but that doesn't stop the thoughts."
Night moved up beside Fast and began helping to prepare the food. "I think we should forgive her. It was a mistake. A terrible... awful... mistake. It was a mistake that cost her so much. That was her foal." She turned to look at Fast. "I saw her eyes. She was warming to being a father. She wanted that foal. She wanted to be a parent." She shuffled a little. "That's probably half the reason she reacted the way she did. She thought of losing Silver, who she bonded with, and their foal... She went a little crazy. You know that feeling, don't you?"
Fast clenched his teeth, nodding even as a few tears forced their way free. "I do... I really do... I can't stop myself! I want her to suffer, but I know that's exactly what she's doing right now. I want her to really understand the horror of what she's done, but she knows even deeper than I ever could... I want to hurt her, but she's hurting herself better than I could..." He spun on Night. "It's not fair."
Night leaned in, stealing a kiss. Fast suddenly shoved forward, and they fell to the ground. The kiss was not one of love. It was an angry and desperate exchange between two hurt souls. Night squeezed Fast gently before pushing him back to his hooves. "We have to be the big ones this time. Please don't make me be the rock alone in this. Please..."
Fast's ears fell instantly. "No! No... I'll be strong." He bumped against Night gently. "I'll be kind. I'll take on that burden with you. I will forgive... Even if my heart sings for blood, I will." He pulled the pasta free and strained it. "Thank you, Night. I feel a lot better."
Night moved to assist with the sauce. "Good... Let's see if we can't make them feel better. Silver has a lot of change coming at her, and Twilight will be beside herself with grief."
Fast pointed at Night. "You should show Silver how to fly starting tomorrow. You have more experience with lunar wings."
Night flashed a bright smile. "That should be fun, if she gets into it. I will be gentle with her, but I know she learns by doing."
Fast tapped his chin. "She's a princess, does she get a crown or anything? That makes me a royal consort, right?"
Night rolled her eyes at that. "Yes, and yes. Congratulations on your promotion. Now do your duty and bring them some food."
Fast saluted before lifting up two plates and vanishing up the stairs.
Upstairs, Twilight and Silver lay on the ground, though Silver had mounted Twilight, belly-to-belly. They gazed into one another's eyes quietly, as if they could reach a deeper understanding if only they waited long enough.
Twilight reached up and ran a hoof slowly over Silver's ribs. "Do you hate me?"
Silver recoiled. "That is a question I admit I'm tired of hearing. No. I very much feel the opposite you. That's called love." She frowned a little then. "Sorry... that came out way snappier than I meant it to."
Twilight brought up the other hoof, rubbing both sides of Silver's barrel. "You should. I killed your foal, our foal. I killed everything... I'm a killer... We took away your stallion bits for that without a second thought, snip... What do I deserve?"
Silver frowned at Twilight. "Let me scan you for imbalances." Silver shot a light at Twilight, sweeping the silver light across her face. "Ah yes, it's clear now. You have a severe lack of hugs." Silver squeezed Twilight, drawing a groan from her at the poor joke. "Stop beating yourself up. It was... my foal, inside me... If I can forgive that, you should too. Don't do that again."
Twilight perked an ear. "Silver... We both know you'll forgive almost anything if the other pony looks apologetic. It means nothing! I mean... Ugh... I don't mean you're worthless... I mean... I don't know what I mean..."
Silver sat up on Twilight and focused intently, becoming more male. The magic required felt less than before, drawn from a much larger well within her. Silver rubbed down against Twilight, making the adjustment known. "Perhaps you're right, Twilight. You can't be trusted with dangerous stallion urges."
Twilight darkened to red quickly. "The timing's wrong for what you likely have in mind."
Silver moved against her, threatening to turn it into more than snuggles. "Then we'll just have to do it again and again until it sticks. That's the human way. I know you better than ever before, Twilight, and you know what I feel right now. I want you. I want you in every possible way."
Twilight suddenly replicated the spell, and Silver flushed darkly. Some small part of her wondered if this was gay, then decided the entire situation was so alien that trying to slap such labels on it was futile at best. "What's this? You dare defy me, Princess Silver Stars?" Silver spoke with her best authoritative tone, rising up over Twilight imposingly. "I will have to discipline you, whelp, and drive the foul taint from your body."
Twilight tried to keep a straight face, but ultimately failed, bursting into loud giggles underneath Silver. It felt like the miserable pall around them had broken just a little, and they smiled at one another warmly. The wound was still fresh and sore, but they had each other, and that felt enough, at least for that moment.
Fast suddenly appeared, ascending the stairs with floating plates. He paused, looking at the two alicorns rubbing against one another with tear-stained faces. The combination of sad and lusty bounded around in Fast's mind before he shook his head and set the plates down beside them. "For you. We're here for you, Night and I. Silver, tomorrow, you're learning those wings of yours from Night."
Silver extended those wings, giving them a testing flap as she slipped down off of Twilight. "I... OK? I guess I really should."
Twilight smiled gently. "I had to learn from Rainbow Dash. She's a good girl, but I don't recommend it for you. Thank you, Fast. It smells wonderful."
Silver pointed at the two plates. "Where's yours? And Night? Go get her, please. I want to eat with everyone I love tonight."
Fast warmed from deep within. Hearing Silver say that felt good, like a tiny balm on the burning ache inside him. "I won't deny you that. Be right back." He quickly fled, to return with Night and two more plates.
They ate together, cleaned the dishes together, and ultimately retired together. Silver was quite feisty that evening, but Night called her out on it. "You're coping with sex."
Silver frowned a little. "So... what if I am? I want to be with my lovers, my herd... I want to feel life all around me right now. Is that bad?"
Silver opened her eyes as sun light spilled over her. She could hear soft breathing. Glancing around, it became quickly evident that she was buried in a warm pile of ponies. She took a long breath and settled back down, thinking about things. Was she that bad off? She grabbed the pony closest to her hooves which turned out to be Night Watch. A smile emerged as Silver began to cuddle into Night's sleeping back. No, as the religious drivel her mother used to say, 'This too shall pass.' She was alive, healthy, and had an amazing family. The sleep had turned the sharp emotional ache into a dull throb, and Silver knew how to push those aside.
She slipped from the bed and stretched out slowly. Her wings spread out in the motion, almost knocking her over before she regained her balance. Silver looked over her shoulder at the large wings, giving them a slow flap. With a firm nod, she grabbed some paper and a quill and got to writing.
Hey guys,
Big news! Guess who's...
Silver crumpled up the note and tossed it aside with a scowl before trying again.
Dear Rough and Trixie,
I am an alicorn.
Silver peered at the simple note, frowning. Surely she should write more, but the words failed to come to her. She signed it and folded the paper, deciding they deserved to know, even if she sucked at telling them. They wouldn't have to find out first in some newspaper.
Silver set the note in an outbox and then trotted downstairs. Jake was there. He looked at Silver with confusion. "Dude?"
Silver tilted her head at Jake. "Yeah..."
Jake reached out a hand and pet Silver across the head. "Cool. You try flying yet?"
Silver spread her wings again. "Not yet. Night's going to give some lessons later..."
Jake's hand moved to those wings and suddenly Silver closed her eyes as a new sensation exploded from contact. Jake was pressing some kind of nerve cluster at the base of her wings and everything was right in the world. "Don't stop doing whatever you just did."
Jake did stop, however. "I'm not going to get blasted by jealous ponies. I'll show them the trick for you, how about that?"
Silver opened her eyes to regard Jake. "That'll have to do. So... how do I look?" Silver did a slow turn.
Jake considered a moment. "Bigger a little, but you're still kind of small. Fiercer... It's hard to explain. Everything you had is just a little more of that. Thinner."
Silver recoiled a little, "Oh, uh... yeah, thinner." She frowned again.
Jake became confused, then slapped a hand over his mouth. "Shit."
"Yeah," agreed Silver.
Jake suddenly hefted up Silver, much to her surprise. He brought her into the dining room and set her down at the table. "You're sitting right there. I'm making pancakes."
Silver did as was asked, and was soon rewarded with delicious pancakes. As she devoured them, Fast joined her at the table. Fast sat across from her with a cautious smile.
Silver looked up at him, then sat up. "Jake made pancakes."
"That was nice of him." Fast tilted his head. "How are you feeling?"
Silver snapped up a strawberry. "Better... I don't want to mope around, that's not my preferred style. Is Night awake?"
Fast shook his head. "She'll come down when she does. How do you feel? No censoring."
Silver went to immediately start censoring and Fast reached across to poke her on the nose. "No censoring. If you delay, I'll just have to assume you're thinking instead of talking."
Silver huffed annoyedly. "I still feel empty, but it's a dull empty instead of an angry, stabbing, bleeding kind of empty... I keep reminding myself that I'm surrounded by wonderful people and that my life isn't really that bad, even if something terrible happened in it." She snapped up a pancake and practically inhaled it. "Thank you, for last night."
Fast tilted his head a little before it clicked. He flashed a bright smile. "You know I'm good for that kind of thing, but that's just a band-aid."
Silver tilted her head. "Maybe, but what a bandaid... You're welcome to perform first aid as often as you want."
Fast shuffled a little. "Don't tempt me. I... think I know how you feel right now, I mean..." He wobbled a hoof. "I used to run away from all the hurt in the arms of anypony that would accept me."
Silver pointed at Fast. "I'm not sleeping around. When was being with my herd the same?"
Fast huffed. "Good! I'll be very cross with you if you start sleeping around. We're not one of those 'open' herds, ugh, why even have a herd?"
Silver twitched her tufted ears as a thought emerged. "What about Luna?"
Fast tilted her head. "What about her?"
Silver gestured towards Canterlot. "I'm not sure how pressing it is, but I'm pretty sure she still wants me."
Fast flashed bright teeth. "Can I visit her as you?"
Silver went dark quickly. "Oh god! Would you really do that?"
Fast tapped his chin. "If you and Night said I could, yes. I made it no secret I wanted a turn with her. You might have to rescue me afterwards if she sees through me."
Silver flopped onto the table, narrowly missing the last pancake. "I almost kinda want to see that."
"See what?" Night descended the stairs, joining them at the table. "Good morning. You're looking better, Silver."
Silver pointed at Fast. "Fast wants to visit Luna as me and do extremely inappropriate things."
Fast gasped sharply. "Traitor!"
Night glanced between the two. "You must be feeling better..." She focused on Fast then. "Luna would tear you apart if she found out. We'd have to put something properly embarrassing on your tombstone."
Fast stuck out his tongue thoughtfully. "Here lies Fast. He reached for the moon, and was crushed with a smile. No no: Remembered fondly, Fast gave his all to reach the moon, shame he didn't prepare for the landing."
Silver burst into giggles at the antics before looking back and forth between the two. "Not that I mind the joking... but are you serious?" She looked to Fast. "Would you let her?"
Night rose a brow high. "I don't think I need to note that this would be stupidly dangerous."
Fast smiled. "And yet, you didn't say no."
Night looked to Silver. "I'm more interested in what Silver thinks of this. If visiting her as you can get that reaction from her, I'm guessing she still has feelings for you... and me? Does she still... love us? I don't know how to feel about that... I'm already struggling to deal with two alicorns in my life."
Silver lowered her ears. "I'm not trying to encourage her, but I think I'm pretty awful at shutting her down flat-out. I don't want to hurt her. She looks at me with big sensitive eyes and I go to pieces."
Night tilted her head. "Big and sensitive? My Luna is fierce and dominant!"
Fast blinked softly. "My Luna?"
Night went red across the face and sunk silently a moment. "Am I a bad pony for saying I miss her?"
Silver shook her head quickly. "No! I mean... I'm the one that dragged you away from her. She never hurt you."
Night hopped up to her hooves. "Enough of this! Time for flying lessons."
Silver shook her head. "Flying can wait. Emotions right now." She muffedly stomped her cushioned chair. "Do you love Luna?"
Night frowned and looked back and forth between Silver and Fast, wings spreading. "A little... A lot..." She sank to the floor. "I'm so sorry!"
Fast reached for Night, gently petting over cheeks and head. "You have nothing to be sorry to me for. Luna's kind of hot. You never told me what being her herd-mate was like?"
Night looked up at Fast, partially hiding behind a hoof. "She had this quiet aura of power. She would make me sit beside her, and everything felt so...safe. I would fall asleep with her and nightmares just couldn't get close. When we... did things... she always took charge, and it was great, every time." She sat up slowly. "As long as you don't mind her being the one calling the shots, she was... fantastic."
Twilight descended to join them with a wicked case of bed head. "What are you talking about? Who was fantastic?"
Night flopped to the ground and went silent. Fast chuckled. "We were talking about old times, back in school." It was a lie, but one Twilight failed to spot.
She joined them at the table and looked across at Silver with a smile. "You're looking better today!"
Silver pointed back at Twilight. "I could say the same." She took a soft breath. "Let me just say that I am blessed thrice over for having three amazing partners in life. I love each of you so much." She spread her wings wide. "Night, ready?"
Night rose up and shook herself out before nodding. "Yes! Let's get to flying." She moved towards the door and was soon gone.
Twilight reached across suddenly, lifting Silver's chin. "I'm going to Canterlot. I should be back in the evening. I need to talk to Celestia. Alright?"
Silver nodded before kissing the hoof in her face. "I'll be here." Silver slipped to her hooves and trotted off after Night.
Fast reached over and pulled Twilight closer without warning, setting the princess down in his lap and stroking her mane into better appearance. "You don't need Celestia."
Twilight frowned at that. "What? She's my mentor, and a friend. I want to hear from her, and I will..."
Fast kissed Twilight's right cheek gently. "I won't stop you. Just remember that we all care about you, crazy mare."
Twilight shivered a moment before she turned around in Fast's lap to face him. "Do you really? You looked ready to leap at me yesterday."
Fast tilted his head. "You hurt my first love... Of course I was. I'm still angry if I'm honest with myself."
Twilight shrank away a little. "Then why are you being so nice?"
Fast leaned in to close the distance, pressing nose-to-nose. "Night asked me to be. Silver desperately wants me to be. So, you tell me, what did you do wrong?"
Twilight shrunk a little, leaning back hard enough to prop up against the table. "I hurt Silver..."
Fast poked Twilight's nose. "Even if you missed Silver, there was no reason to do... that. Unless you're fighting a grown dragon or Tirek or something, you had no reason to be doing that."
Twilight stiffly and slowly nodded. "I wasn't thinking straight... You must hate me so much right now."
Fast snorted softly. "Are you a member of our herd or not?"
Twilight blinked. "Officially?"
Fast frowned and didn't reply.
Twilight put a hoof on Fast's chest. "I want to be."
Fast nodded slowly. "Then you focus on making Silver happy." Fast leaned in and bit one of Twilight's ears. "Stupid mare is still wildly in love with you. Make her smile, you make me smile."
"O... K..." Twilight squirmed, trapped by Fast. "How do I do that?"
Fast smiled. "That I can answer... Invite her to--"
Twilight stepped past the royal guards, who saluted her but otherwise remained still. She moved as if she belonged, even if nagging doubts tugged at her. Silver may have been joking the day before, but she really did do exactly what she had. She didn't deserve any more mercy than she had gotten.
She arrived at a familiar room and softly knocked on the door before pushing into the small receiving room. Celestia was there, perched on her favored cushion. Celestia smiled brightly and gestured to a free cushion. "It is ever a pleasure, my dear Twilight. It's become a rare treat that you would request my company, outside of calamity."
Twilight cringed as she nudged the door shut with her magic and moved quickly to her seat. "I wish I could say that was the case... I did something truly awful."
Celestia tilted her head. "What could you have done that has you so rattled?"
Twilight looked confused a moment. "Didn't Silver tell you?"
"Tell me what? Twilight, please start from the beginning."
Twilight made a slow gesture with her hoof as she breathed. "Alright... Silver was foalnapped right off my back when we were flying back to Ponyville. When I found her, I let my magic go... wild... I destroyed basically everything... Silver included..."
Celestia took her turn to cringe, wings spreading a little before they folded themselves back into place. "Were there any other victims besides Silver?"
Twilight shook her head. "I don't know... Starlight had two unicorn associates at least. I have no idea if they were in the blast or not. Starlight is still at large... Sil--Our foal..." She hung her head. "I am a killer. I'm worse than Silver! I threw that magic wanting to destroy! I wanted them to all go away, forever..."
Celestia brought down her wing over Twilight, blanketing her in soft warmth. "Twilight Sparkle. You have done a very wrong thing, but I do not believe you are a bad pony."
Twilight jerked away from the wing, expression darkening as she barked, "You're just saying that! You're protecting me!" She hopped up to her hooves. "I'm not your student anymore! I'm a princess, same as you! I should have known better! It wasn't a mistake... It wasn't an accident..." She stomped a hoof on the ground. "I was evil... I threw aside harmony entirely... Nopony else can take the blame."
Celestia smiled thinly. "Twilight, sit down. I wish to tell you a story."
Twilight shrank back, wings flared out defensively. "This isn't the time for stories..."
Celestia gestured at the cushion. "It is. This one is important."
Twilight shivered in place before collapsing onto her cushion, looking at Celestia sullenly.
Celestia nodded once then arced her wings, creating a spell between them that created an image as she began to tell her story. "There was a time, long ago, where an alicorn ruled over her people. It was an unharmonious time, filled with strife and struggle." The image showed a smaller Celestia, her mane waving lightly, garbed in armor as any guard. "She did not have her sister, for she was banished not long before. Times were quite difficult, and ponies were hurt. Equestria was wild, and..."
Twilight clopped a hoof on the table. "Celestia! This is not a lawless time... We have peace. We have a nation. My outburst doesn't have your excuse. I wasn't doing battle with some great evil or even an opposing army! It was three unicorns, three! They hadn't even shown that much magical talent, basic battle magics all around."
Celestia lowered her wings. "Are you so convinced you need to be disciplined?"
Twilight looked down. "Disciplined? I... deserve to be punished... harshly. If anypony else did what I did, you'd have their horn! You should have seen Starlight's eyes. It was like I had risen from Tartarus itself. She was utterly terrified, and she had every right to be. I was a rampaging, wild unicorn with the power of a princess! Didn't you see the crater beside us after Silver ascended? That was me! Even if I didn't catch Starlight's friends, I brutally snuffed the life of an unborn foal. The punishment for that is very clear." She sank down, choking back a sob. "That... it was mine... makes it even worse."
Celestia tried to lift Twilight in her golden magic, but a burst of lavender dispelled her grip as Twilight glared at her. Twilight would not be casually handled as Silver might. Celestia nodded. "Very well. It is an honorable thing that you have turned yourself over to me, Princess Twilight Sparkle. Your trial will be held in three days' time. Can I trust you not to flee or otherwise attempt to evade justice?"
Twilight nodded stiffly. "I demand I be treated as any other criminal."
Celestia held up a hoof. "You are a princess. There are certain requirements you may not waive. Return to your castle. You are not to leave its grounds unless you are coming here for trial. You may bring witnesses to speak on your behalf, and I will do the same." She lowered her head and tapped her horn against Twilight's head. "May justice be done."
Twilight rose stiffly, moving to stride from the room with what grace she could muster. Celestia's wing fell across the door. "You are not a bad pony, Twilight."
Twilight gently brushed the wing aside, sniffling. "I did a bad thing, whether or not I am. I will not hide behind my crown, or your love." She vanished in a flash of light.
Fast looked up, watching Night and Silver flap around the sky. Silver's flight was... awkward as expected and more often than not resulted in a sudden impact with the ground. It seemed princesshood had agreed with her durability, and Silver was determined to get it right. She would bounce back to her hooves and take off again, resuming the lesson.
A rainbow streak suddenly joined the two as Rainbow Dash appeared. "Hey, what's all this? When did w--" she paused when she spotted the horn on one of the lunar pegasi. "Huh, what? Nopony told me Ponyville got a new princess!"
Night flew easily in front of Rainbow. "That's Silver Stars. She's learning to fly."
Rainbow made a bit of a face. "Really? Wow, uh..." She leaned in, "Did you have to blast her? That freaked me out when Twilight got her wings."
Night glanced away a moment. "I didn't do it, Twilight did."
Rainbow tilted her head. "Wait wait wait! You mean Twilight can blast anypony into a princess? Sign me up! I'll bring some real pizzazz to royalty." She struck a cocky pose. "No more boring balls when I'm in charge!"
Silver laughed on her way past, but it was only moments before she made another rough landing. She rebounded up and quickly lifted towards Night and Rainbow, trying her best to hover in place. Something about the magic of Equestria made hovering a lot easier than it should be. "Don't fall for the hype. Being a princess isn't your style."
Rainbow waved a hoof, "Yeah, guess you're right. If I was a princess they probably wouldn't let me race or compete in the Equestria Games! Twilight had to sit it out, that was lame. Your timing's off by the way." Rainbow joined Night in coaching Silver's movements, but wasn't shy about sharing her views. "So, lunar princess? That's new. Do you get awesome night powers or something?"
Night tilted her head. "That is actually a very good question. I'm not sure if anypony knows, but if anypony did, it would be Luna."
Fast nodded from below, shouting up at them. "We should go ask her eventually." Tiring of not being close enough, Fast burst free feathery wings and joined them. "Luna's probably psyched that she has a princess that follows more after her for a change. Twilight and Cadance are total Celestia fangirls."
Rainbow nodded at Fast quickly. "Exactly! Maybe Silver can dream walk or something? That would be cool. Not my specific style, but cool." Rainbow suddenly flew after Silver, catching her before she could kiss the earth again. "Keep your wings moving together. There's hardly ever a reason to flap them out of sync."
Night kept up with Rainbow and Silver. "I don't know why Twilight said you were a poor teacher. You're doing quite well, thank you for joining us."
"What?!" Rainbow crossed her forelegs. "That ungrateful little... I taught her how to get off the ground and this is the thanks I get?"
Fast shook her head. "Don't take it personally. Twilight was pretty frazzled this morning, you know, with Silver ascending and all?"
Rainbow waved a hoof. "Nah, not even gonna worry about it. Twilight's a crazy girl. She just doesn't like getting all sweaty, and you have to do that if you're going to learn to fly properly."
They turned their focus onto Silver, harassing her through the day. Though Silver gave a whine once in a while, she stubbornly stuck to it, and even thanked them for keeping on her case. Getting close to noon, Rainbow took off on other business, and the rest landed by the castle. Night looked between them. "I'm ready for some lunch. I'd suggest going down to Sugarcube for an energy snack, but that would mean trotting through town."
Silver shook herself out, looking thoughtful. "They're going to know. Some of them probably saw us flying around. One moment." She dashed inside and returned with her scant letter. "I want to send this on its way." They trotted towards Ponyville from the castle. Silver strode with a confident and spritely step, amped up from her workout. Seeing the lunar princess brought about a variety of responses. Some ponies bowed at her passing, others just stared, and some hid away from the strange sight.
They passed Carousel Boutique and Rarity spotted them through her window. She was out in record time. "Is that you, Silver Stars, darling? Whatever happened?! You're..."
Night extended a wing to gesture at Silver. "Behold, Princess Silver Stars, though she has not been formally coronated yet."
Rarity dipped down into a bow, but rose up as quickly. "A pleasure, your majesty? My my! It feels like just yesterday... You are an imposing sight! Look at you." Rarity circled around Silver. "There's no way my old dress fits you. I'm certain we can adjust it, and maybe make a new one." She reared up and clopped her hooves. "Oh yes, idea! Your stunning lunar theme could be put to such uses! Did you get Celestia's stipend yet?"
Silver tilted her head at Rarity. "Stipend? I get a stipend?"
Rarity waved a hoof. "Why of course! We can't have princesses in poverty. Maybe she's waiting for your coronation. No matter. I can start a tab and we'll settle it after that silly paperwork is out of the way. Where are you going now? It would take but a moment to measure you." She produced her measuring tape in her magic.
Fast sat himself. "No harm in that. Can you measure Night and me too? We can't look like slobs next to our royal lover."
Night adjusted her glasses nervously. "I do not appear to be a slob."
Rarity shook her head. "No! No, of course not, darling. You look adorably... quaint."
Night frowned, seeing through the politeness effortlessly. "What do you suggest, assuming we still need to be mobile? We are her guardians as much as anything else."
Rarity tapped at her chin. "I'm certain I can work with that in mind. Now let's begin." She advanced on Night and began measuring her from top to bottom. "You're lucky you came to the best fashionista in all of Ponyville."
Fast chuckled softly. "Are there others?"
Rarity snorted. "Not after they realize the competition they're in for." She moved to Fast next, but was stymied. "I don't understand. Every time I double check the measurement, it's changed."
Night struck Fast lightly with a wing. "Be good!"
Fast huffed. "I wasn't doing it just to mess with you, Rarity. My special talent is shapeshifting. What can you do with that?"
Rarity plopped onto her haunches. "A true challenge... Something elastic, clearly. We'll have to make sure it can adjust with you. Now, please, relax and let me get your basics." Fast didn't change again, and soon Rarity had her measurements. She turned on Silver last. "I saved the best for last, your majesty. Please spread those lovely wings of yours."
Silver snuggled into her bed with her loved ones tucked in with her. It had been a hard day, and she was sore, but it was a good sore. She was tired and ready to surrender to sleep. Fast gently poked her in the ribs. "You sure you're tired?"
Silver laughed and rolled over to face Fast. "I am certain, but if you want to cuddle..." And cuddle they did. Silver's thoughts drifted to the fact that she was gladly cuddling a male, and cast the thought side. It was Fast. Fast was worthy of cuddles no matter what parts they had. Silver kissed Fast's throat with a soft growl, then faded away into the embrace of sleep.
Silver was in a familiar dark place. "Text?"
Text did not appear. Luna did. She approached Silver slowly. "Are you calling for your writing friend? I have seen no sign of them since your ascension."
Silver nodded once. "I thought he had called me here. Was it you?"
Luna tilted her head. "Nay, but here you are."
Silver perked a tufted ear. "Rainbow Dash said I may take after you, being a lunar princess."
Luna extended her wings. "Does this disturb you?"
Silver smiled gently. "No. Will you teach me?"
Luna turned away from Silver. "Follow." They were abruptly standing in a long hallway of doors. "This appears as you wish it to. Sometimes I travel a field of stars, other nights, I am drawn to gaze in a pool." She looked over her shoulder at Silver. "I feel I should warn, dreams are no kind place. Some ponies dream of terrible things, and not all of them wish to be roused from it. If you wish to return to your own mind and never return, I will not blame you."
Silver trotted up beside Luna. "Have you been working this by yourself for... however long?"
Luna tilted her head. "Who else could take this burden?"
Silver pointed at herself. "Me, now... I didn't intend to become a princess, but sitting on the title seems even worse. If I can be a help, a real help, then that is what I want to do."
Luna turned towards Silver. "You play a dangerous game, young princess. You tempt me, and I surmise you haven't even told your herd of our meetings."
Silver shook her head with a smile. "Wrong, actually. We talked about you this morning... Well, all of us but Twilight."
Luna glanced away, then back at Silver. "What did... they say? Did Night Watch remember me?"
Silver frowned a little, pawing at the ground. "Remember you? She... she really misses you."
Luna stiffened then raised a wing to brush it against Silver's face, making her sneeze. "You lie to make me feel better. I would rather the truth."
Silver rubbed her nose with a fetlock. "It's true. She..." Silver trailed off again and sat on her haunches. "She loves you."
Luna bared her teeth and advanced on Silver. "Why would you tell me that?! If it is a lie, it is one most cruel! If it is a truth, it may yet be as cruel! She is bound to you, and you to Twilight Sparkle. You will not return to my side, so why taunt me with this? Why?" Luna sank before Silver, fresh tears flowing. "Why..."
Silver realized she had messed up in a big way and clenched her teeth as she tried to find a way out of it. "You deserve to know the truth..."
Luna suddenly pinned Silver, leaping at her before she could even register the movement. Silver was thrown to the ground and Luna pinned her, teeth clenching tightly around the throat with a terrific force. Her voice was quite clear despite the stranglehold, the logic of dreams caring little. "The truth does not always set one free! You have attacked me with things I cannot have! I cherished her. I cherished you! You ran away, not I. You gave up on me..." Luna sank against Silver, her crying becoming more potent than her moment of fury as she draped herself over Silver's body.
Silver took a deep breath when she was able. She might have grown a little, but she was still but a foal under Luna's bulk. "What can I do?"
Luna sat up then, looking down at Silver. The tears were gone, banished to where forgotten things go in dreams. "You will swear fealty to me, my little princess of the night. I will formally deputize you as a watcher of the night hours, and you will respect this task with all the burden that it is. You will not complain, nor whine, nor receive recompense. It will be thankless work that most will not remember you rendering. You will suffer terribly."
Silver tilted her head at Luna. "As you already have."
Luna stiffened. "Yes... Do you accept?"
Silver looked around a moment, then tilted her head. "This is another crossroads."
Luna blinked at Silver. "Yes, yes it is. What do you mean by that?"
Silver waved a hoof vaguely. "The paths that Text speaks of. This is one of them. I could say no, and hide, and live a quieter life."
Luna frowned. "Yes, that is an option."
Silver pointed at Luna. "Or I could step forward, and know that my life will be more complicated for it."
"Yes." Luna tapped a hoof on the ground. "Do you accept?"
Silver nodded slowly. "Then I accept. Future me, you did this willingly, so no crying."
Luna smiled. "No crying indeed. I thought you would back away, considering the pain you have suffered so recently."
Silver frowned a little. "Think... of it this way... I paid a lot to have this chance. If I throw it away, then I paid for nothing but a few inches and some wings."
Luna raised a hoof at Silver. "And yet, by marching forward, you invite further pain. Enough. I profit not by talking you out of this. Concentrate on the image of somepony."
Silver considered a moment, and a door slid into view, stopping in front of them both. Luna gestured at the door. "Their dream awaits. I do hope you selected well."
Silver opened the door, and was suddenly elsewhere. She was part of a loud angry crowd, shouting and jeering. Standing up on the gallows was Twilight. Her hooves were secured to the floor and a noose hung around her neck. Her eyes were bloodshot and she was messy with tears and rotten fruits.
Ponies in the crowd shouted hurtful things at the captive Twilight.
"Hang the murderer!"
"Show her how we treat killers!"
"Unicorn menace!"
"No more hiding under Celestia's hooves!"
Twilight cried and sobbed, piteously apologizing for her crimes, but the crowd hardly seemed to notice. A pony in a black mask stepped forward and wrenched a lever. Twilight fell down, the noose went taut, and suddenly Silver was ejected violently to Luna's side with a blinding headache.
Luna looked down at Silver impassively. "A nightmare, I gather. From the dazed look in your eyes, it ended. As you have experienced, a nightmare that ends without your being prepared for it is quite painful. You will learn how to 'land' properly with practice. Tell me, what did you see in Twilight Sparkle's dream?"
Silver slowly gathered herself up as the pain ebbed away bit by bit. "She was being hanged! What the heck! Do they even do that in Equestria?"
Luna nodded slightly. "Only for most heinous crimes. Celestia prefers to reform wrongdoers." She pointed at Silver. "For instance."
Silver flipped her ears back. "I... Well I guess better mare than dead or in jail forever." She shook herself out. "I turned out well, right?"
Luna raised a brow. "That remains to be seen. Our job is not simply to witness, but to intercede when a lesson of a dream is not being learned. Some nightmares are very educational, and should be left to do their work, but other times, the pony becomes frightened or confused and loses sight of the wisdom being offered. That is when we intercede. Do you understand?"
Silver gave an unsure nod before focusing a moment. A new door slid into position. Silver glanced at Luna, then nudged it open and stepped inside into what appeared to be her own bedroom back home, on Earth. Luna appeared beside her, making the bed creak under their combined weight. "Ah, your own dream world? Well, it is yours, you can change it as you please."
Silver looked at Luna curiously, then they were on a ferris wheel, side-by-side, riding it under a sunset. Luna smirked lightly. "Silver... Romantic visions are not called for. Good control, I confess. Come, let us visit a dreamer who can control her own dreams." They were back in the hallway again and a new door slid up in front of them with a large sun painted on it.
Silver pointed at the symbol. "Celestia?"
Luna nodded. "Of course. She has a powerful dream magic of her own, deeply prophetic, but it is personal. She cannot enter the dreams of others as we can." Luna opened the door and they were drawn inside. They were soon seated around a small table. Celestia was there, and all three of them had cups of tea held in their magic.
Celestia smiled. "What a pleasant surprise! Luna, you are a rare delight, but you brought a friend." Her eyes turned on Silver. "I wondered if Sister's lunar talents would rub off on you. Are you enjoying dream walking?"
Silver nodded. "I'm still learning, so I can help Luna. It's terrible that she has to do all this alone."
Celestia's expression softened to sadness. "It is... but she was the only one that could do it. Now that's changed!" She clopped her hooves together twice and a stallion stepped in with cake. The stallion was the literal definition of stallion attributes. His muscles were well defined under a glistening coat. His features were strong. Even his scent was virile. Silver barely had to glance to see that this stallion was the complete package. This avatar of masculinity set the tray down before Celestia then prancing away.
Celestia noticed Silver's wide eyes and smiled gently. "These are my dreams. Even I'm allowed to enjoy my own dreams, am I not?"
Luna snorted softly. "Of course, Sister. You're just confusing Silver."
Celestia reached out and stroked the befuddled snout of Silver. "You'll understand when you get older. Ah... since you're both here. I will need you both to be ready for a trial in three days. Twilight Sparkle has turned herself in for a most grave crime."
Silver cringed and recoiled at once. "What? She fell asleep just next to me a moment ago."
Luna tilted her head. "I do presume Princess Twilight Sparkle has been given time to gather witnesses. What is the crime?"
Celestia pointed at Silver. "The slaying of your unborn foal, and the unsafe release of extreme war magic. Both serious crimes."
Silver banged the table with a hoof. "Celestia! Really?! How could you do this to Twilight?"
Celestia exploded in light and heat, the table turning to ash as she leaned forward. "Do not presume to lecture me here." The heat and light suddenly faded away. "As I said, Twilight gave herself up. It was entirely her initiative. I would rather not have this proceeding at all, but Twilight will not rest until she faces judgment."
Luna and Silver stood in the hallway of doors. Luna pushed open a new one and bade Silver to enter. The inside was identical to Luna's chambers. Luna moved to her familiar cushions and settled on them. "Now we train. I must see that your mind is hardened against the horrors that lurk beneath the sunshine that Celestia believes bathes her kingdom."
Silver moved to sit in front of her. "How bad could it be? Even deranged ponies don't seem quite as twisted as I could imagine."
Luna frowned a little. "I confess there were memories of yours I dared not commit to mine own, but... Let us test. First, a simple distraction."
Silver suddenly found herself covered in crawling insects. She shuddered powerfully, rising to her hooves and scrambling away without thought before she could marshal her willpower. She crunched her teeth together, grinding up the bugs in her mouth before she flared brightly with heat, roasting the rest and freeing herself of the infestation.
Luna nodded lightly. "Very good. I have seen some fall to tears. But you have a weakness."
Silver was suddenly covered again, but this time, bees. They were all bees! She went rigid and still, heart pounding wildly as the brightly-colored bees danced over her stunned form. She drew the magic to send out heat and suddenly pain exploded across her body. They were stinging her! Silver made a pitiful noise that turned into a strangled cry of pain as several crawled into her nose and began to sting her there. This was a true nightmare. Silver collapsed to the ground, weeping silently and defeated entirely by the swarm. Suddenly, they were gone.
"Hmmph." Luna made a dismissive wave of a hoof. "I thought you were made of tougher stuff."
Silver rolled onto her belly, grunting. "I could show you things."
Luna tilted her head. "How delightful! You would challenge me, in my domain? Very well, do your worst."
Silver wove a quick scene, and Luna suddenly grunted, then rolled over. "A little pain? Is this... the best you can conjure?" The pain pushed more specifically downwards and she bared her teeth. "You turn my thoughts against me? I have seen a troubled birth before. This is not new."
A human stepped into the room, garbed in the sterile whites of a doctor. He brandished a scalpel and advanced on Luna. "This is the only way to save your child." His words carried the weight of truth that dream words can have, and Luna felt a new strange terror gripping at her as the strange doctor began to cut her open, not to hurt her, but in some barbaric ritual to extract the child from her swollen womb. She howled and kicked her legs, but the cutting would not stop, but the methodical slices would not stop. Despite the pain, Luna knew it was being done out of kindness, and that somehow made it worse.
Luna suddenly waved the doctor away like a cloud, forcing her way to her hooves with an angry glint. "Enough! Your world's medicines are barbaric and cruel. It is enough to cry out in thanks that I am barren to such things." Luna trailed off as she was suddenly in a ditch. Explosions rained down around her. She couldn't see them, but she could feel them, and hear the deadly rattle of guns that would cut her down without her ever seeing her killer. Beside her, other ponies quivered in terror as one in charge barked orders, commanding them all to go up top and charge the enemy line. The first pony didn't even finish clearing the top before he collapsed to the ground, shot through the barrel. His death meant nothing to the commanding officer, who pressed for them to make a united charge. "Is this some dream of yours?"
Silver whispered in Luna's ears, "I was not there personally."
Luna conjured a sphere of protection and made the charge, confident that her magic could pave the way to victory. The bullets rained down on her. The bubble shattered after the first. The second pierced a wing, then a leg. She collapsed into the mud as she was torn apart almost instantly.
Luna and Silver woke up in the hallway, with Silver nursing a new headache. Luna scowled. "You... You impossible creature! You ejected me from mine own dream." She rose to her hooves. Suddenly they were back in Luna's chambers. "Impertinent little princess!" She pulled Silver in close and snorted, breath gusting over Silver's nose. "Your horrors are new, I grant, but not worse."
Silver was suddenly standing before a deep hole. She looked inside and saw the peaceful but still forms of her herd-mates. Luna kicked dirt onto their bodies. "Death is forever. You'll never get them back. You'll be alone for all eternity."
Silver recoiled away from the hole. "That's not even remotely funny..."
Luna sat herself beside the hole. "No. No it is not. We are not here to have fun. If you find my challenges vexxing, give up, go home, and forget dreamwalking ever again."
Silver sank a little. "Luna... I don't want to fight you for this. I want to help you."
Luna marched up to Silver with a frown. "Your help has done little but drive daggers through my heart, reminding me I am still alive by the merit of feeling those pains."
Silver drew in a slow breath. "The truth this time. Why did you write me off so quickly when Celestia and Twilight had me trapped?"
Luna waved a hoof, and suddenly they were in Celestia's waiting room. She and Luna were seated at the table.
Celestia smiled. "I think I can fix that human."
Luna raised a brow. "Fix? I have already mended him. He is well and happy in my care."
Celestia made a dismissive wave. "You say that, but he's unbalanced. Just one little tip." She made a pushing motion. "And he'll topple over."
Luna frowned and tapped the top of the table. "He will not. He is loyal and wonderful."
Celestia shook her head. "Very well, a wager. If he remains as good as you say for one month's time, I will reward him with a gift of your choosing. On the other hoof, if he fails, I do it my way."
The memory suddenly paused as Luna looked up from the meeting directly at Silver. "You failed. Celestia demanded her price."
Silver thumped down onto her haunches. "I... She was just waiting for me to fuck it up. She was waiting to take it away. What about Twilight? She saw some imbalance? Was that a lie?"
Luna shook her head. "I could not say, but one does not normally check for that which Twilight checked for. Methinks my sister knew what your energies were, and told Twilight to look for what looked most incriminating to make her assist in the process. You were in no danger from the energy inside you."
Silver let out a little breath. "O... Ok... So Twilight's probably innocent in this." She thumped the floor once. "Why does Celestia hate me so much?"
Luna snorted softly and half-lidded her eyes at Silver. "On the contrary, she loves you quite dearly, especially now. You are so submissive, it excites her, I think. You are a fine weapon that is willing to work where you are pointed, but will not be a threat to her precious little ponies."
Silver shrank back a bit, then flopped to her belly. "I'm sorry I ran away."
Luna reached forward, brushing Silver's cheek with a hoof. "I yelled and fumed at sister for days when you fled. She cost me dearly. When Cadance sent word that I was not to come after you, it was like..." She leaned in and kissed Silver, lips to lips. They stopped speaking and shared their hurt passion a moment before Luna drew back. "Enough. What is done is done. You have your herd. The night is young yet, there is much to teach you."
They turned away from personal subjects and focused on dreamwalking. How to enter, how to leave, and how to 'land' without being harmed when the dream ended. "For now, you are to look and listen. Hurting a dreamer is easy. I made many terrible mistakes when I was young. You will not repeat them. Look, listen. If you think a pony needs help, find me and tell me. You will learn over time, but not by leaping into nightmares, hooves flailing."
Silver bobbed her head quickly. "Look, listen, report, cooperate."
Luna tilted her head. "I do not recall saying the last one."
"Old joke." Silver smiled. "So, royally speaking, what is our relation? Twilight is quite happily Celestia's protege and student, even as a princess."
Luna stood at full height. "As you are mine, at least in matters of dreamwalking. We are both guardians of the night, though you are yet in training for the task. Does this bother you? Did you hope to be a student of love or the sun, or perhaps even young Twilight Sparkle?"
Silver frowned a little. "Unfair question..." The thought of being Twilight's junior princess tickled Silver. It was an adorable idea that made her smile thinking about it. "Twilight would be an awful teacher, I think."
Luna wobbled a hoof. "She has had some success in education, do not discount her. Your talent remains your own, and it does not involve dreams, even if your tie to me has dragged you here. You are stubborn for insisting on helping me, but do not let it limit you. Your talent will not express itself here."
Silver ruffled her new wings. "Do you want help or not?"
Luna turned away. "Only if you are offering it for some reason other than a desire to 'make up' or some other compulsion. If you surrender your evenings to me, so be it, but your days are your own. Do not waste them."
Silver glanced around a moment. "Am I going to be rested after all this?"
Luna tilted her head. "You will be mildly fatigued, as if you had slept half as long, give or take, but we are at an end of today's lessons. Sleep."
Luna's word was quite a command. Silver felt herself hit the ground, and she was banished to her own dreams for the rest of the evening.
Silver sat with the others around the dining room table, eating breakfast. Spike was present, gabbing about how he'd made a bunch of bits with a little betting with Big Mac. Silver's thoughts divided between wondering if gambling was just legal in Equestria, to how to approach Twilight about... things.
A noise jarred her from her thoughts as loud shouting came from the front of the castle. The voice sounded familiar and female, and Silver was soon out of her seat with several others, all trotting to see what the commotion was about.
"Trixie demands that Princess Sparkle be brought forward immediately!" Trixie faced off against two guards, with Rough Draft behind her. "Trixie's patience wears thin. She will not wait forever."
Twilight tilted her head. "I think this is more for you, Silver. I'll be in the library." She made herself scarce.
Silver looked to Night and Fast, who remained close by. With a nod, she advanced into sight of Trixie.
Trixie's next verbal attack cut short as Silver came into view. "What is this? You... It wasn't a cruel joke on the part of Twilight Sparkle?" She marched past the guards towards Silver and suddenly slammed her to the ground with a colorful spray of magic. Her attack got her tackled by the guards, pinned down quickly.
Silver quickly bounced back to her hooves and looked to Rough Draft, who was standing there awkwardly. "Hi Dad... what's going on?"
Rough Draft approached more cautiously. "We got your letter. Trixie was certain it was a joke of some kind, but... there you are." Rough waved at Silver. "You're... different."
Silver warmed in the cheeks, becoming self-conscious. "Is it a bad different or a good different?"
Rough Draft settled down on his haunches. "First thing's first. Trixie, love. Will you promise not to attack our daughter again?"
Trixie wriggled from under the guards. "Trixie promises nothing!"
Silver tilted her head at Trixie. "What's wrong? Why are you so mad?"
Trixie sagged, going limp under the guards. "While she is very proud to have raised a princess, Trixie finds it very unfair that she is never considered for the role. Trixie would make a great princess!"
Silver considered Trixie seated on a throne, wings unfurled and a dazzling crown on her head. "You would be the very model of royalty, mother."
"I know!" whined Trixie. With her fury seemingly departed, the guards let her up. Trixie approached Silver and circled around her. "Instead some hairless ape from another world is chosen before Trixie. It is unfair! Unjust! Un... something else."
Rough Draft raised a hoof. "Uncanny?"
"Yes, uncanny!" Trixie smiled. "You are kind to Trixie." Her eyes settled on Silver. "When you sent pictures of yourself as a mare, she was already surprised beyond reasoning, but then you sent that little scrap. It was barely one sentence! Trixie demands all the details, so tell them all to her, right now." She closed in on Silver and began poking at her, inspecting wings, barrel, even her tail and mane and horn all got a turn being looked over and felt with her hooves. "You are still small for an alicorn."
Night Watch softly coughed into a hoof. "Would you two like to come inside? We still have some breakfast to share?"
Rough Draft perked up at the offer. "I gladly accept. Night Watch, was it? I'm glad you've been watching over Silver Li... Stars." He advanced and gave Night Watch a warm hug of appreciation.
Fast Change tilted his head. "Where's my hug?"
Rough looked over Fast a moment with some confusion. "I... Who are you?"
Fast pouted. "I'm that stupid mare's stallion."
Rough went red all across his face. "Oh! Oh... Oh my... I feel terrible." He offered a hoof to Fast. Fast went for a hug instead, squeezing the solid earth pony affectionately.
Trixie looked past Silver to Night and Fast, then returned her gaze to Silver. "You really are a mare." She leaned in. "You picked a handsome stallion." Trixie flashed a bright smile. "Trixie will accept your offer of breakfast, and she will speak further inside."
They soon retired to the dining room, though Trixie was far more interested in inspecting Silver than she was in any food. "You look like one of those guards Luna has, but you are a princess. Do you serve Luna?"
Silver perked a tufted ear. "Actually, yes."
Night blinked. "You didn't mention that."
Silver shrunk a little. "I only found out last night... I can dreamwalk, like her. We ran into each other. She's showing me how to do it right."
Fast suddenly grinned. "I dare you to visit mine."
Silver looked towards Fast, then suddenly looked away. "I'm not sure I could handle that, Fast."
Fast huffed softly. "I'd be gentle... We're bonded. You should trust me."
Silver gave a slow nod. "You're right. I will remind you it's a dream so you can control it."
Night adjusted her glasses lightly. "I want to try this as well."
Trixie puffed out her chest. "See, already Trixie is improving things."
Silver leaned forward and kissed Trixie's cheek. "You always improve things, Mom. I'm glad to see you both! How has life been?"
Rough Draft came up behind Trixie and cradled her delicately as his hooves rubbed over her lower belly. "Trixie is a great and powerful mother-to-be."
Trixie shivered at the caress, nodding her head. "And Rough has been a doting and loving husband. We... are happy. It is a new feeling. Besides being outraged at your fortune, Trixie has felt... content. Domestic life has been good to her, and she still has time to study magic. Speaking of which, have you memorized the patterns yet?"
Silver sagged a little. "No... but I did defend the Crystal Empire from ravening shadow creatures?"
Trixie rolled her eyes. "Trixie will accept this for now." She spread out her forehooves silently. Silver accepted the cue and they hugged, with Rough hugging Silver around Trixie in a warm and snug embrace.
Rough spoke up first. "When is the ceremony? We want to be there for you."
Night pointed towards Canterlot. "Celestia hasn't yet announced a date. Do you need a place? I'm certain Twilight could arrange space."
Trixie looked ready to argue, but Rough gently slid a fetlock over her mouth as he kissed and nipped at one of her ears, calming her down. Rough looked to Night as he gently but expertly handled Trixie. "We'd be delighted."
Night rose to her hooves. "I'll find her." She trotted off in search.
Silver took a soft breath, spreading her wings. "As a princess, I welcome you both to Ponyville."
Trixie burst into giggles at the formal greeting. "You have to practice speaking with authority, but she is grateful anyway." She slipped away from Rough Draft and approached Fast Change, looking him over. "Are you treating Trixie's daughter well? She is not yet swollen with foal. How long have you two been together?"
Fast suddenly got nervous. "It's not for lack of desire on my part, I promise! She... uh..."
Rough Draft interceded. "Many perfectly healthy ponies are together for years before having any foals. Don't harass them about it." Rough looked to Silver. "Besides, uh, you're probably still a bit off balance with that, right? You were a stallion before?"
Silver considered taking the out Rough provided, but shook her head, both at Rough and herself. "I... had a foal, but lost it."
Trixie spun on Silver with wide eyes. "I..." She rushed up to Silver. "You poor thing! How? Why? Are you alright?"
Silver started to explain when Fast muffled her as well as Rough had gently muffled Trixie. "It was an accident, while camping."
Silver wriggled away from Fast. "No lies. It was an accident, but it wasn't while camping. Twiligh--"
Trixie stomped the ground, her magic flaring brightly. "Twilight Sparkle caused you to lose your foal? Where is she?! Trixie will destroy her!"
Silver held up her hooves quickly, leathery wings spreading wide. "No! No... She was trying to rescue me. I was foalnapped. Don't blame her for it."
"And I failed." Twilight descended the stairs with Night behind her. "Hello, Trixie, Rough Draft was it?"
Trixie skirted around Silver, stomping towards Twilight angrily. "What did you do, Twilight Sparkle?"
Twilight stopped at the bottom of the stairs and hung her head. "I destroyed Silver Stars, and she ascended, without her foal."
Trixie snorted powerfully through her nose, making it flare. "You are the cause of both travesties? You should be punished, severely!"
Twilight sank, flopping onto her belly. "I should be... I will be." With a flash of magic, a letter appeared before Trixie. "Here, you can attend my trial."
Fast stopped beside Twilight. "Trial? I was not informed of any trial. What are you hiding?"
With a pop, a new letter appeared for Fast to take in her wings and scan over. "Two days?! Twilight, why aren't you preparing a defense?"
"Because I am guilty." Twilight closed her eyes. "There is no defense. I did it. I wasn't mind-controlled, and the danger wasn't that great. I had no excuse."
Silver stomped a hoof beside Twilight's head, making her crack open an eye to look up. "I'm not accepting this, Twilight. I know you feel bad, but throwing yourself before the court like this will hurt more people."
Twilight sat up with a perplexed expression, but Trixie spoke first. "What do you mean? Twilight Sparkle deserves to be punished. How will this hurt anypony?"
Silver took a slow breath. "You're a princess, Twilight. Ponies look up to you, as an example. Pleading guilty to murder is hardly the picture you should show them. You messed up. I know that, you know that, but everyone involved that was hurt is right here. The only thing that will change is that you'll hurt everyone else's view of princesses."
Twilight shook her head violently. "I took your foal! I deserve to be punished, not just... forgiven idly. You'll never get that life back. How can I just forget it happened? Stop trying to absolve me!"
Silver advanced on Twilight. Her wings spread, and Twilight's did in turn. For a moment they were like two strutting peacocks vying for supremacy. Silver was quite intent on winning this one. "I won't allow it. If you want to be punished, fine, but there's no reason to drag your name through the mud for it, or to be made a public straw man to burn. You want to face justice, than accept the justice of the one you hurt, not your mentor. You know as well as I that she'll bend the rules to the breaking point to make your punishment gentle."
Twilight reared up, forehooves cycling in the air. "And you would be better?! You already said you forgive me. You're ready to pretend nothing happened. You still want to marry me, the killer of your foal! How can I trust your judgment? How can I look at myself in the mirror and see anything but a murderer that has escaped justice?"
Silver suddenly threw herself forward, barreling into Twilight and knocking her onto her back. With a clenching of her jaw, Silver sunk her teeth into the throat of Twilight. Fear, anger, and a lingering affection burned through the connection. Twilight's heart began to pound violently under Silver and Twilight's pupils drew tight as she began to be overwhelmed in it all.
Twilight exploded with magic, throwing everyone in the room against the wall behind them in a chorus of grunts and yelps. Twilight rose up to her full height. "Silver Stars! You have a choice. You can either stand at my side, as a friend, or you can stand in my way, as an enemy. I will go through with this. I have to." She deflated a little, the adrenaline rush ebbing. "Please help me go through with this."
Silver rolled up to her hooves and nodded. "If I can't convince you, then I will help you, as a friend." She licked over her bloody fangs lightly. "Sorry, for biting you."
Twilight snorted. "Easy to say. Prove it." She waved a wing in the direction of her library. "Find every book of law you can find that relates to this. I'm not letting Celestia get away with bending the laws." She stomped a hoof. "Help me. The ponies of Equestria deserve to have truthful rulers, that accept their mistakes. I'd rather be a true failure than a false hero."
Trixie rose a brow. "Trixie will help, if only to ensure Sparkle gets what she deserves." She rose and moved towards the books without another word.
Night tilted her head a little. "I approve of justice, but you do know outright horn removal is one of the options for murder, right? I don't think you deserve that."
Twilight tapped a hoof on the ground. "That is for the judge to decide. All I'm asking is that we arrive at that point with all the facts followed and the laws obeyed. I've gotten away with a lot being who I am, and I won't stand for it anymore. I will be judged as anypony else."
Night slipped off to join Trixie in searching the library. Twilight looked to Silver, who was seated on her haunches. "Your bite has... gotten more intense with your ascension. You should be more careful with it or I'll be presiding over your trial next."
Silver frowned. "Let's not even joke about that. If it means anything, Celestia seemed to be taking this seriously for the moment."
Twilight tilted her head. "How can you know that?"
Silver began describing the dreamwalking she performed the night before, skipping the details like how she and Luna tortured each other or Celestia's hunky stallion servitor.
Twilight gave a light nod. "Fascinating. It seems the time you spent with Luna has bonded you in more ways than you thought." For a moment it looked like her curiosity would be more powerful than her obsession for justice.
Silver tried to capitalize on it. "I can go to your dream tonight, if you want, and 'wake you up' so to speak. We could explore a little, together."
Twilight reached with a wing and brushed it across Silver's cheek. "Nice try. Now get to searching. We can explore dreams after the trial, when I can devote myself fully to study."
Silver rose up and plodded off to help the others, leaving Fast and Rough behind. Rough shrugged a little. "I'm a writer, not much of a researcher. Nice to meet you again, your majesty. Sorry for the timing."
Twilight smiled at Rough. "It's not your fault. Your daughter has been driving me to distraction."
Fast tilted her head. "In mostly good ways, right?"
Twilight nodded faintly. "Mostly good ways. Please, make yourself at home. I have to join them. If you see a small dragon, that's Spike. He's harmless and very polite." Twilight turned away and joined the others in the library.
Fast leaned in and nuzzled Rough's cheek, making Rough squeak and shy away. "I don't swing that way."
Fast suddenly became Trixie, batting her eyes at Rough. "You swing this way for the great and powerful Trixie, do you not?"
Rough's ears spun back. "Uh... Trixie? How did you do that?"
Fast giggled softly. "I can't do this to my wife's father." She became a he again. "Shapeshifting is my talent. Sorry."
Rough leaned in and sniffed at Fast gently. "You looked just like her. Were you... all like her?"
Fast raised a brow. "If you're asking if I was a mare, yes."
"Wow." Rough shook his head slowly. "You have a very powerful talent."
Fast waved a hoof at Rough's flank. "You write things that affects hundreds of ponies easily. I can't dream of doing that. You don't even need to meet any of them! Writing's a fine talent."
Rough blushed softly through his dark fur. "You're just being nice, but thank you. You seem like a very kind stallion. I'm glad Silver found you."
Fast tilted his head. "Even if she was a he when you two last met? That's OK, I was a she back then. Even trade."
Rough blinked and put his face in a hoof. "Not going to even try figuring all that out. I just hope you two are happy."
Fast bobbed her head. "We are. We really are. She makes me happy deep inside, and no matter how sad she is, a good hug from me gets her smiling. I have not a single doubt I found the right mares to be with."
Rough let out a slow sigh. "I feel that way about Trixie. She always knows just what to say to make me smile. I know she can seem a little... overbearing, but she doesn't mean to be. She's a good pony."
Fast reached out and put his hoof on Rough's nose. "Any mare that can hold onto a nice stallion like you has to be a good pony."
Rough wasn't sure how to react to this overly friendly stallion and the odd feelings his attention brought up, so settled on awkward silence.
When the day had come to an end, with the herd coming together to collapse together, and Rough and Trixie settled into their own room. It was time for sleep. Twilight softly brushed the cheeks of the others sharing her bed. "Thank you all, for helping me with this. This is very important to me."
Silver nuzzled against Twilight's ears. "We're a herd, even if not official."
Fast nodded in agreement. "Which means we stand together."
Night huffed. "Even if we disagree a bit."
They settled together, and one by one, they slipped off into their dreams. Twilight was still awake, and her wakefulness kept Silver awake, who was waiting on her. "Something wrong?"
Twilight softly snorted. "A lot! Are you going to come tonight?"
Silver tilted her head. "I'd like to, but only if you want me to. Just because I can doesn't mean I should."
Twilight shuffled around and pulled Silver in tight, gazing into her eyes. "Why do you still love me? Are you incapable of being angry?"
Silver frowned softly. "It was a mistake... God knows I've made plenty of those. I'd want you to forgive me, if I was sincere, and I didn't do it again."
Twilight reached a hoof and rubbed over Silver's empty womb. "This won't come back with an apology. Hate me a little."
Silver felt pain blossom as she was reminded of the life she lost. "I hate that I was kidnapped. I hate that you were so worried about me. I hate that I didn't think of a more creative way to signal you. I hate that I didn't think faster when I was being ascended!" Twilight kept rubbing, and the pain seemed to deepen. Silver squirmed against her with the building discomfort. "The Text told me, straight up, there was a way I could have gotten out of there with my foal, but I didn't find it. I hate that. I hate that you're hurting so much. I hate that it hurts when you touch me there. I want to love your touch."
Twilight jerked her hoof back, then sighed gently. Her hoof returned, rubbing insistently. Part of Silver wanted to lash out at her as the pain returned. "Twilight... I'll help you through this, but don't demand I hate you. Please. Even if you feel society should get a pound of your flesh, don't insist I do too." Twilight pressed a little more firmly, almost hurting physically from the pressure, but much more so from the thoughts the rubbing brought. "I get it, Twilight! I get it..." Twilight leaned in and kissed Silver on the lips. They hugged silently, and finally sleep came for them both.
Silver awoke in his room on Earth. "Is this where I'll start every time?" She slid to the floor and approached her desk, flicking the monitor on. She had a lot of mail. Curiously she checked the date and saw it read the 22nd. She frowned a little. Is that how fast time was moving? Was she actually on Earth? She rushed for the door and pulled it open, only to find herself in the hallway of doors. "Shoot."
Silver considered where she should go to first and concentrated on Twilight. A door slid into view and she entered to find Twilight working in her lab. She was scrawling wildly on a chalkboard that was bigger than the rest of the room. She suddenly turned around, facing a crowd that wasn't there before. "And that's how you do it!"
The crowd was silent, heads tilting this way and that.
"What?" Twilight turned back to the chalkboard to find it had been replaced with '2+2=a picture of an apple'.
Before Twilight could start to panic, Silver made her presence known. "Hello Twilight."
Twilight jumped before blinking at Silver. "Huh! You weren't fibbing. Hello."
Silver shook her head. "Nope. We're in your dream right now. I can leave if you want me to?"
Twilight considered a moment before she shook her head. "No, stay. Maybe we can continue our discussion."
Suddenly Silver was on the ground, and Twilight was over her, rubbing right in that same spot, bringing back the awful feeling of emptiness. "Hate me."
Silver hissed, baring her fangs. "You didn't want me to force you to do it my way, don't do it back. I'm not going to hate you, Twilight. You don't deserve to be hated."
Twilight bit Silver on the ear, crushing the sensitive flesh. "I deserve it and more. Stop forgiving me and hate me! Punish me!"
Silver suddenly rolled over, wielding a folded belt in her mouth. "Fine! I'll punish you. Bad girls get the spanking." With a shove, Twilight was spread over her lap, flank presented. Silver raised her tail and brought down the belt, somehow stinging smartly despite the fur and bringing a quick blush as Silver struck her several times in quick succession.
Twilight squirmed under the abuse, but it wasn't enough. "Do it like you actually mean it! Your foal is dead Silver, hit like that means something to you!"
Silver brought down the belt, but it became a cane half-way through the strike, drawing out a pained cry from Twilight when it struck her. "I thought we were growing closer together, Twilight."
Twilight grit her teeth. "I don't deserve to be closer. I murdered you. I killed your foal. Hit me!"
Silver spat out the cane and grabbed it in her silver magic, bringing it down all the more firmly on Twilight's exposed rump as it began to bleed from the abuse. "I'm tired of neverending cycles of pain, Twilight. I choose to break it."
Twilight pushed her back end higher, "It's not your choice! Harder! Punish me!"
Silver shuddered, then shoved Twilight onto the ground, climbing over her and hugging her tightly from above. "I want you to pay my pain forward."
Twilight swiveled her ears back at her. "What?"
Silver nibbled at Twilight's shoulder. "Help other foals. Help other mothers. Keep other innocent ponies from ever feeling what we feel right now. You have so much magic, we could save so many lives. We lost one... we could save so many."
Twilight sagged weakly under Silver, starting to tear up. "I don't even know how to do that! I don't know very many healing spells, or midwifery spells. Most mares are treated by midwives and doctors, not wizards."
Silver found Twilight's wing bases and started to chew at them gently, making Twilight squirm. "Then let me figure it out. If I make the spell, will you use it? Will you pay back that lost foal, because that will mean a lot more than a thousand years banishment or having your horn chopped off. Neither of those gets that foal back. If you bring me a smiling little face that would have otherwise faded from this world like mine..." Silver sagged as limply as Twilight, crying instead of speaking.
Twilight squirmed around, turning to face Silver. She brushed away the tears with a fetlock gently. "That... is a very sweet thought..." She snuggled up against Silver, and they were united in their misery for a time before the dream ended. Silver landed properly back in the hallway, tears staining her snout, but no headache pounding in her head.
Silver turned away from Twilight's dream door with an aggravated sigh only to be face-to-face with Luna. She hopped back in surprise and Luna moved with her. "I thought," said Luna, "you would not be so fast to return to Twilight Sparkle's dreams after being so rudely evicted last night. What draws you to her so soon?"
Silver recovered from her surprise then flopped on her haunches. "You promise to speak... No, that was almost a stupid request. This involves love and pain."
Luna shrugged her shoulders. "I am familiar with both. Speak, Silver Stars. I will hear your story."
Silver nodded slowly. "Twilight is torn apart at... killing me. I'm not dead, obviously."
Luna gestured at Silver's belly. "Your foal was not so lucky."
Silver spread her wings out as she glared at Luna. "You didn't help."
Luna shook her head. "If you are angry at me for not solving that puzzle, you may do so. I did try, but fail to see how your foal may have been saved. I think your 'Text' may have lied, or spoke of things so obscure as to not be worth mentioning, and yet mention it did."
Silver sagged with a loud sigh. "I'm angry at a lot of things, but Twilight wants me to be angry at her."
Luna wobbled a hoof. "That should be easy. It is she that catapulted you to the astral realm."
Silver pawed at the ground. "But I could have saved it... I failed."
Luna leaned in close. "That does not absolve Twilight. If you cannot feel anger, I will help you."
Before Silver could ask questions, Silver was back in the darkness of the cage that Starlight had put her in. Silver could feel the old fear return to her. She wanted Twilight to come and save her. She trembled in fear before she heard a sudden flapping of wings. She looked up towards it just before everything became bright.
Her mind was not thrown into the astral. She could feel her body dissolving under the assault, painfully coming apart. She fell through the burning cage bottom, getting out a strangled cry as the pain became overwhelming. The light faded, and Silver collapsed to the bottom of the crater, somehow still alive despite feeling like she should be ten times dead. Twilight landed at the edge of the crater, glaring down at Silver.
Silver couldn't remember how it had gone down before. All she knew was this act of betrayal. "Why?"
Twilight slid down easily across the crater. "Because it felt like the right thing to do. Because I thought I had all the answers worked out. I had it all under control."
Silver bared her fangs, climbing to her charred hooves and grabbing for Twilight but only succeeding in flopping against her. "You... Twilight... I trusted you! I... wanted to be your wife, and you killed our foal!" Silver shook Twilight impotently. "You killed us! Was I that horrible?"
Twilight's eyes filled with tears. "I... I had a plan. You were supposed to be safe."
"I'm not safe!" Silver sunk her teeth into Twilight's shoulder, channeling the fury and agony before she drew back. "You were the only good part of being a mare..."
Twilight recoiled in surprise. "What? I... I'm sorry Silver."
Silver swatted at Twilight's comforting hoof with a wing. "You don't even want to look at me like that. You're scared to even look at me like that. You're disgusted. Is that why you killed it? You didn't want any evidence of your moment of weakness?"
Twilight shoved the weakened Silver to the ground. "That's not why! I made a mistake..." She approached the weeping Silver and wrapped herself over her, hugging close. "I'm so sorry."
Silver whimpered in her grip. "You're just saying that. You didn't want to be a parent in the first place. You didn't... have to do that. If you didn't mean to do it, you... Why? You were... more powerful than the unicorns here. You could have thrown them around."
"I could have!" Twilight clenched all the tighter. "I should have... I was wrong... Silver, I am going to turn myself in. I will submit to the justice of the land for my crime."
Silver turned to face Twilight, forgiveness bubbling to her lips, but the feeling drained as a flash of the pain swept through her, the strangely specific sensation of the foal within her burning away to ash. She grit her teeth firmly. "That is... good of you, Twilight. I am... I am..." She punched at Twilight weakly. "I don't know what to do!"
Twilight pressed her nose to Silver's throat. "You still have a favor..."
Silver perked her ears. "Give me our foal back. That is my request. Give me our foal back!" She started punching at Twilight, battering at her with limp buffeting. "I was ready to be a mother! I was ready to be a mare! Give it back, Twilight!"
Suddenly Silver remembered everything, the astral plane, the Text, all of it. Silver shuddered violently as the anger remained, drawn out from her depths, it now remained exposed.
Luna nodded at the two from the side. "Nightmares are not the only thing dreams might accomplish."
Twilight blinked softly at Luna. "Is she just a dream?"
"Nay. You are both dreaming, but your words are your own."
Silver nodded and slid up to her haunches, no longer ashen and destroyed. "I... Wow..."
Twilight tilted her head at Silver. "So... did you mean all that?"
Silver quickly nodded. "Yes. I... want our foal back so bad. You destroyed 'us'... Your... distance just hurt more. You cut our tie and then hid away from me."
Twilight spread her wings. "I abused my magic and killed you and our foal. I deserve to be punished."
Silver nuzzled one of those feathery wings before biting, pulling harshly at the sensitive flesh. "You're making things worse. I will stand by your side, Twilight."
Twilight reached and rubbed Silver where it hurt before, but Silver felt anger, not pain. Silver swatted at her hoof with a growl. "Don't do that unless you plan to make good that favor."
Twilight folded her wings back and nodded. "Very well. Do you not want me to help other mothers now?"
Silver perked an ear. "I... that would still be a lovely thing to do... but it doesn't give me our foal back... Tell me the truth. Did you want that foal? Were you accepting it out of obligation?"
Twilight frowned a little. "I was angry at first, then scared, but I learned to look forward to it. Silver Stars, I will give you that foal, one way or another."
Silver smiled gently. "Good... I don't like being angry with you. This feels awful, but I was angry the whole time."
Luna nodded quietly from the side. "You were denying that anger. You are quite skilled at burying your emotions so deep you cannot find them again." She reached out a wing to poke Silver. "Perhaps one night I will find your true feelings for me?"
Silver snorted softly. "You first. Don't even try to say you aren't repressing things."
Twilight let out a slow breath, flopping back onto her own haunches. "Thank you. Both of you. I feel better, just a little. Will I remember this when I wake up?"
Luna made a soft wave, and Twilight vanished. "There, she has awoken. Sh--" Silver vanished. "Or she will awaken you. My work here is done." Luna departed off to resume her patrols.
In the waking world, Twilight shook Silver awake and peered down at her. "Did you mean all that?"
Silver gave a slow nod as Twilight came into focus. "Do you still want to be judged?"
Twilight nodded. "Yes. I might have killed other ponies. I don't even know for sure, and that itself is horrible. Will you help?"
Silver snorted softly. "I already said I'd do that." She reached to Twilight and brought her down, laying belly-to-belly. "Will you get me that foal back?"
Twilight tilted her head. "I can't promise it will be the exact foal... I'm not even sure that's possible, but a foal... our foal? Is that good enough?"
Silver gave a hesitant nod. "Try your best. You rarely fail when you put your heart to something." She leaned in, pressing nose-to-nose. "You do get rainbows."
Twilight looked baffled at the words. "What?"
Silver frowned a little. "Hard to explain. You're blessed to have the right thing happen, in the end. No matter how horrible it is in the middle, it will work out somehow in the end. If you want to get my foal back, you'll figure it out, eventually. There's a good chance rainbows will be involved."
Twilight looked like she was struggling to hold back laughter, but it faded off as she thought back. "Oh... I think I see what you mean. Do you think rainbow power would actually... work? I don't even know how to summon that."
Silver wrinkled her nose. "Cute idea, but I don't either. Don't try for that." Silver snuggled up against Twilight. "Stupid unicorn..."
"Hey!"
"Stupid sexy unicorn." Silver nipped softly at Twilight's closer cheek. "Magic isn't the cure for everything."
Twilight poked at Silver lightly. "So you'll just say no when I say I want to do an experiment on you in the morning that involves a whole lot of magic?"
Silver bared her teeth. "Dirty pool! Have you been talking to Fast Change?"
Twilight gave a wan smile. "I may have. If you still have that trust in me, I think it's past time I did lay you out completely, to learn you inside and out, and maybe undo some of the harm I've done."
Silver huffed. "Just don't do anything rash... I want to trust you Twilight."
"So do you want it or not?"
Silver nodded and closed her eyes. "I'm getting the rest of my sleep. Rest, Twilight. Plenty of time in the morning."
When Silver's breathing became soft and even, Night turned to regard Twilight with her slit eyes. "That sounded good. What changed?"
Twilight jumped a little. "Oh! We... we talked."
Night shook her head. "You talked before. What changed? She sounded like she was actually upset at you instead of everything else under the moon."
Twilight stepped off of Silver and settled to the sheets on her own belly. "Luna helped. She made us forget the extra parts, so we could focus on just what happened between us."
Night nodded softly. "You did bad, Twilight, but you are not bad. We'll get through this."
The next day had the castle quite busy in looking up every shred of remotely relevant legal facts. Twilight sat at a wide table, organizing it all into some kind of order. "Celestia is likely to use this defense." She pointed. "A figure of nobility or royalty who employs lethal magic in defense of an innocent shall not be held liable." She pointed at Silver. "You are not innocent. We have to prove that."
Silver scratched behind her head. "I was kind of in a cell, with a magic blocker."
Night nodded. "And yet... you were still lethal."
Twilight smiled at Night. "Good thinking! So long as you had your teeth, you were a deadly combatant, horn blocker or not. You've already killed a pony with them before. You've also fought in service of the crown of the Crystal Empire. A soldier is not an innocent."
Twilight shuffled the papers. "Here. A unicorn that has recently increased in at least three grades within the span of a year should be judged leniently if their control should waver, provided they are willing to submit to education and further training."
Fast tilted her head. "Well... wouldn't you be? What's wrong with that one?"
Twilight clopped the top of the table. "If I take advantage of that, Celestia will use it to give me a pathetic ruling."
Silver pointed at Twilight's midsection. "You are not a unicorn. You're a princess."
Twilight extended a wing. "Excellent point." She made a quick note and found another paper. This is how the day went, with finding defenses Celestia might use to pardon or lessen the crimes put against her and figuring out a way to puncture them. They paused only for meals, and by the time the sun began to set, they were all ready for sleep. Twilight curled by herself under the blankets, eschewing the close contact of the others. "Thank you all, for helping... I hope you'll all be there, tomorrow."
They all gave agreement that they would be there, and soon sleep settled over the herd.
The next day, a chariot arrived early in the morning to take Twilight away. Twilight pointed at Silver. "She comes along. She is one of the victims." Soon they were off, leaving the others to make their way to Canterlot their own ways. They were taken through the castle swiftly to a small room with little save a few plush chairs. They settled in them and waited.
The door opened and Celestia entered, closing it behind herself with her golden magic. "It is not too late, Twilight. Are you certain you wish to proceed with this?"
Twilight nodded firmly. "I am. I'd rather be an honest failure than a false hero. The ponies of Equestria deserve to know that even princesses follow the rules."
Celestia nodded softly before smiling. "Whatever happens, I am very proud of you, my darling student. You are standing by your convictions, and they are good ones. I may be your opponent today, but you have my respect and admiration."
Twilight turned dark red through her fur at Celestia's words, shuffling uncertainly. "I... thank you... I would be more worthy of praise if we weren't here at all."
Celestia turned to Silver. "You have been the center point of much strife, and yet much hope. You are a force of change, once human, now princess. It is little wonder you get along with Discord so well. I blame myself for not finding more time to tutor you in our ways."
Silver shrank back a little. "Why are you talking as if I'm on trial? I didn't do anything wrong."
Celestia departed without another word, the door closing with her golden magic behind her.
Silver looked to Twilight. "What was that about? I didn't like the way she said that at all."
Twilight furrowed her brow thoughtfully. "I don't know, but I don't like it either. She must have found another angle..." She performed the calming motion of a hoof while breathing. "Whatever happens, we'll stand together, right?"
Silver smiled at that, feeling the fear vanish. "Yes. Together. During and after."
They were escorted out some time later, led to the Day Court, which was filled to bursting. News of the trial had spread quickly, and everypony who was anypony was there to ogle the event. Silver was led to the witness bench, while Twilight took the position of the accused.
It seemed two princesses were required for this, as both Luna and Celestia were presiding. Luna pointed at Twilight. "You stand accused of causing the death of an unborn foal, and the release of war magic outside the scope of battle. For the record, how do you plead?"
Twilight rose up to her full height. "I plead guilty to both, but why have you renamed the first?"
Luna tilted her head. "It cannot be murder if it was accidental. Surely you did not intend it, did you?"
Twilight shook her head slowly. "No..." It made the accusation against her weaker, but the truth was the truth.
Murmurs spread through the crowd as they began needling Twilight for every detail of the day, from the start to the end.
"Why," asked Celestia, "did you fly Silver to Canterlot instead of letting her take the train as anypony else? You are still developing your flying ability. Surely it had risks, even without attack?"
Twilight considered a moment. "I wanted to get here and back as quickly as possible. I wanted to research the possibilities of opening a new portal to Silver's old world."
Celestia nodded softly. "And you had to return to retrieve Silver, is this correct?"
Twilight nodded quickly. "That is correct."
"If you didn't need to return, you would not have been flying when the attack occurred?"
Twilight tilted her head slightly. "I... suppose?"
Celestia waved a wing. "That will be enough. The court calls Princess Silver Stars to the stand."
Silver moved up to the stand nervously and settled down onto her haunches. The extra inches of princesshood allowed her to see over the podium while sitting, unlike the last time she was called to the stand. Celestia and Luna started from the top, grilling Silver about every detail of the day.
Luna waved a hoof. "You used your lunar pony emotional magic to signal Princess Twilight Sparkle?"
Silver nodded. "I don't think it worked, but I tried."
Celestia rose up. "I have come to a conclusion." All eyes turned towards her. "Princess Twilight Sparkle is guilty, at her own admission, but she was not in her right state of mind. She was corrupted and misled by her." She pointed at Silver. "Even just before the incident, Princess Silver Stars flooded Princess Twilight Sparkle with a tumult of emotions, confusing her. It is little wonder that she behaved erratically. We cannot punish Princess Twilight Sparkle severely for a crime she committed while under such influences."
Twilight hopped to her hooves, striking the railing before her. "Tha--"
"Silence!" boomed Luna in the Royal Canterlot voice. "You have not been recognized by the court."
Celestia nodded lightly. "The corruption runs before then. Why was the Princess in the air? Silver Stars. Why did she have to go back and forth, giving the assailants time to find and intercept her, Silver Stars. Who did she think she had to strike so violently for? Silver Stars." She leveled a hoof at Silver Stars. "You are a bad influence. Do you have anything to say in your defense?"
Silver looked like she was caught in headlights. This wasn't supposed to be her day to be accused. She shuffled in place, but no words emerged from the chaotic mess that her thoughts had become.
Fast rose up in the crowd with a shout. "What a bunch of nonsense!"
Luna struck down with a hoof. "Silence!"
When the silence returned, Celestia nodded "Good. Luna, what is the word from the royal examiners?"
Luna shook her head. "No sign was found of any further death save what was discussed already."
Celestia pointed at Silver, then Twilight. "I sentence you both to isolation rehabilitation until such time as you learn better control of your magic. The ponies of Equestria should not fear their princesses."
Guards moved to escort both away swiftly as the crowd exploded with excited whispers. Silver wriggled against the guard that grabbed her. "I didn't do anything!" She saw Luna's horn glow just before she went limp, falling asleep in the guard's grip.
Twilight let out a soft sigh, allowing herself to be led away with a sullen look, but not fighting it.
Later, Silver awoke on a pile of cushions. Twilight was there, looking just as sullen. There was little else in the room. "What happened?"
Twilight clopped a hoof on the ground. "She did it... She found an out." She sank her head down and put her hooves to either of her temples. "Ugh, she always finds an out. She got us both accused of lesser crimes instead of letting me face the larger one."
Silver frowned. "She doesn't always want to find an out... She didn't find any out when I needed her. So... what do we do?"
Twilight huffed angrily. "We sit here and wait. A pony comes along once in a while and talks with us about our feelings and our magic, and when they decide we're better, we can go."
Silver shuffled upright, "Not that I'm complaining, but why are we... together? Didn't she say isolation?"
Twilight shrugged. "We are isolated from everypony else? I'm not sure."
Silver rose up and moved over to twilight. She lifted a hoof, then brought it down on Twilight's head in a light bonk.
Twilight looked more confused than hurt. "Ow? What was that?"
Silver settled beside Twilight. "I'm still angry, but this is stupid."
Twilight leaned against Silver a little, and they fell to silence. Time passed slowly. The lights in the room suddenly went dark. No food arrived despite their hunger. "They're taking this isolation thing a bit far." Twilight frowned softly. "Maybe this will be a more serious punishment than I thought."
Silver closed her eyes. "They can't stop me from escaping in my dreams. I'll go talk with the others."
Twilight smiled. "That's a great idea! Tell them what's going on so they don't have to worry at least."
Silver slowed her breath and calmed her heart, a technique she learned as a human that worked as well as a pony. In, one heartbeat, two, three, out, one, two, three. Over and over as the heartbeats got slower. She faded away into the dream world.
Luna stood before her as she opened her eyes. "No."
Silver scurried back a few steps. "Jeeze!"
Luna followed after Silver. "No. Go back to your room. I am not to permit you to wander the dreamscape." With a wave, Silver was sent back to her Earth room.
She went for the door and found it was locked. She tried imagining the door open, then simply imagining herself somewhere else, but none of it worked. A new idea came to her and she hopped onto her uncomfortable computer chair. She pulled up gmail and started typing an email to Fast.Change@Ponyville.Equ
I have no idea if this will work,
Twilight and I are safe, but they're keeping us in isolation from everyone else. They haven't even brought us any food! How long has it been since the trial? There's no clock in here to see the time.
Love, Silver Stars
She jammed send, then went to flop on her bed and wait to awaken. It felt odd to be a bored pretty princess in her human bed, and she giggled at the thought of it. "If I wandered in right now, as a human, I would be soooo amazed." She tapped her chin thoughtfully and mused idle thoughts. There was little else to do.
Silver awoke to find Twilight busily scrawling with a bit of chalk along the wall. Looking around revealed that all the walls were covered in writing. Twilight quickly noticed she was awake and smiled. "Morning, I think. Food's over there." She pointed to a tray of cool vegetables set beside the door.
Silver moved to nibble at the food. It was bland, especially for Canterlot offerings. It was also room temperature, but her belly wouldn't refuse it, and she wolfed it down without thinking too hard about its quality. "What are you working on?"
Twilight peeked over her shoulder. "Since we're stuck here, I was working on your problem."
Silver rose up and joined Twilight, trying to read over the manic scribbles. A lot of it looked like horn letters, but an equal amount of it was unfamiliar. "I can usually spot a letter, even if I haven't memorized it... What's that?" She pointed.
Twilight tilted her head. "That's a letter? Are you sure you know them that well?"
Silver frowned. "I never saw that one before..." She clopped a hoof on the ground. "Oh gods, of course! You were taught by Celestia personally, right?"
Twilight nodded a little hesitantly. "Yes?"
Silver pointed at the mystery letter. "She casually taught you letters that normal schools don't teach!" Silver brightened with curiosity. "I wonder what it does... You probably know so many new letters. Urg! Why did I leave my notebook at home!?"
Twilight brightened watching Silver start to geek out. "I can forget how passionate you can get about magic..." Twilight reached and rubbed that dreadful spot. Silver's thoughts crashed violently and she squeaked, recoiling away from Twilight. "That's the problem I plan to fix."
Silver shook her head. "Please don't touch me like that unless you... That sounds so selfish." She flopped down, aborting the thought.
Twilight frowned. "Be selfish. Tell me. I want you to be honest, with me, and yourself. Especially yourself."
Silver peeked up at Twilight before she drew a shaking breath. "I don't want to be touched there by you unless it's part of... love. If you want to hug me, fine. You want to kiss me there? No problem... But that rubbing... It makes my skin crawl and reminds me of too much."
Twilight nodded lightly. "Wish granted. And if I disagreed, I'd say so. Friends can say 'no' without stopping being friends. Stop assuming everypony around you will turn away from you at the slightest provocation."
Silver's ears sagged a little. "Sometimes I wonder why there's so much fuss around me. I'm not that special."
Twilight softly tapped Silver on the nose. "Too bad. We disagree. Now do you want to know what I'm doing?"
Silver sat up, then rose back to her hooves. "I do. How does all this translate to me? I can't make out the pattern with all the new letters in there."
Twilight perked an ear. "So your talent doesn't work with new letters? I suppose that makes sense." She made a quick mark towards the ceiling. "I'm still working on the basic hypothesis. Right now it wouldn't do much more than put you into a receptive state."
Silver burst into giggles. "Do not share this spell with Fast Change or very little work will get done."
Twilight rolled her eyes. "Noted. We need a lot more than that to get to where you want to go."
Silver gestured at the mess. "Where do you you plan to go then? What is this building towards?"
Twilight nodded her head firmly. "You inspired me, talking about 'souls' and things. What if your--our foal wasn't destroyed? If they are in that other place, maybe they can be called back? It's all extremely theoretical, and it may turn out to be nothing but a waste of time... But I owe you that much." She made another mark and frowned. "Even if it did work, the magic required would be more than even I could put out at once."
Silver raised a hoof. "Well you have another princess ready to give her all."
Twilight nodded. "I figured you would be, but we'd need another. Perhaps Cadance, or Luna..."
Silver perked an ear. "Not Celestia?"
Twilight looked guilty. "Uh, yeah, or Celestia." She sank a little. "I'm not sure how I feel about her right now. I mean... She gave me exactly what I wanted. I'm being punished. This room is maddening, but you shouldn't be in here! You're a victim, not a criminal..." She reached a hoof, brushing across Silver's slender snout. "And you being here makes me happier, which somewhat negates the whole punishment thing."
Silver nuzzled the hoof. "Let's use the time productively."
And so they did.
Luna sat across from Celestia. "You are in the wrong."
Celestia raised a brow. "What about?"
Luna gestured vaguely. "We promised to interfere no longer. Silver has done nothing wrong, and yet there she is."
Celestia nodded. "There she is, beside the pony she adores. Given enough time, they may yet produce a new foal."
Luna snorted loudly. "They are not farm beasts, to be contained in a room until breeding is a success. One is your pupil, who idolizes your every step, the other is a fragile soul who is already convinced you hate them entirely. Do you not see the widening rift you make between yourself and Silver? I would think you, oh politically-minded sister, would wish a new princess to be at your side, not opposed to you."
Celestia raised a brow lightly. "And what do you suggest then?"
Luna clopped the top of the table. "Enough games. Tell Silver exactly how you feel and what you want, and assume she is an adult. We cannot keep them both as if they are wayward foals. Keeping Silver out of the dreamscape was needlessly cruel." She crossed her forehooves. "I will not do it again. She has only just discovered this aspect of her life, and I will not hold her back from it."
Celestia waved at Luna. "Now that you have a student of your own, you fear upsetting them, is that it?"
Luna frowned deeply. "She is a friend, a confidant, and a student. She is also a subject. She is many things, but a criminal she is not. She has done everything we've asked. Stop torturing her."
Celestia leaned forward in her seat. "But I am not torturing her, as you say. I am guiding them towards happiness. They will find deeper love with Twilight Sparkle over time, and they will bond tightly. They are meant for each other. I am certain she will unlock Twilight's next step along."
Luna heaved an exasperated sigh. "Please, just for once, dear sister, consider the steps and not just the end goal. Silver loves Twilight, this much is true, but being forced like this... Give them choice." She waved a hoof. "Have faith for once. Let your people find their way on their own."
Celestia suddenly stood up. "I will speak to her. I think you're being far too melodramatic about this whole thing, but I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and have a one-on-one with Silver and see how she feels."
Luna brightened a little. "Will you release her if I am right?"
Celestia half-lidded her eyes. "And if I'm right?"
Luna shook her head quickly. "This is not a wager! I'm trying to do the right thing, sister. Please, be serious."
Celestia turned away and departed, leaving the frustrated Luna behind. Luna let loose her magic, and a pink pony faded into view. Cadance shook her head slowly. "You weren't lying."
Luna nodded. "I fear for her, and for Equestria. She means well by the whole, but..."
Cadance frowned. "But she is willing to crush anything in the way to that happy ending. You were right, this is a serious concern, but what can we do about it?"
Luna sagged a little. "Challenging her publicly would do little good for us."
Cadance sat across from Luna. "I confess, I thought you were being jealous... Are Twilight and Silver alright?"
Luna nodded in reply. "Twilight wanted to be punished, and is being so. Silver shows signs of agitation, but is getting along with Twilight. I shudder to think if Celestia had placed them separately. Isolation reform, as if that's what either of them needs."
Cadance shuddered softly. "That sounds terrible. We'll talk more. I'm going to discuss this with Shining." She quietly departed.
The door to their small room opened and a voice called in. "Silver Stars, step out."
Silver glanced at Twilight. "Be strong."
Twilight smiled. "Get going. I'm fine."
Silver emerged into darkness, which she quickly realized was a burlap bag over her head. She was led along in the dark of the sack for several minutes, then nudged to lay down on a cushion. A golden glow wrapped around the bag and lifted it, revealing she was seated at a small table across from Celestia. "Hello."
Silver blinked. "Um... Hi?" Her ears spun back as her heart picked up, thinking of a thousand reasons Celestia could want to suddenly speak, many not good. "I'm sorry?"
Celestia tilted her head. "What could you be sorry for?"
Silver frowned in thought. "Uh... I killed that pegasus? I... corrupted? Twilight?" Each word had its own question, and Silver shuffled uncomfortably. "I don't know! You just hate me."
Celestia drew Silver closer, her wings deceptively powerful. "Would I bless someone I hated?"
Silver shuddered. "I lost that child, despite the blessing... Maybe because of it. You didn't try to help it."
Celestia shook her head slowly. "There is very little that can interfere with ascendance in any positive fashion. You are the first to be bearing a foal during it. I had hoped you would become a mother first, and a princess afterwards, if at all."
Silver suddenly lashed out a hoof, thudding against Celestia's chest. "You're hurting Twilight. Stop it."
Celestia snorted softly. "I have given her exactly what she wished. Now it is your turn." She set Silver on the table. "Poor damaged thing. Your tears move me." She rose a hoof under Silver's chin, raising it so they looked eye-to-eye. "I know you surrendered your favor to Luna, but that was dirty pool. What do you really want?"
Silver froze a moment. What did she want? What could she deliver? "I want to be treated as an equal. I want to be spoken to, instead of at. I want you to stop dragging me into things."
Celestia spun Silver over, belly-up, without effort, tracing a hoof slowly across her. "You say that, but your eyes, those moist, tearful... searching eyes. You want to be loved. You want to be accepted."
Silver did want that, and began to squirm under Celestia's gaze as her petting grew more intense. Silver almost fell into it, surrendered to her gentle siren's call, but her hoof pressed against that emptiness, and the angry pain flared up. Silver gave a sudden almost-strangled yelp and shied from her. "You had your chance. I don't need to be your... pet. I am ready to be a mother, and an adult. I might be small, but no more." She moved to sit up and Celestia began stroking her, robbing her of her strength as giddy pleasure built in her.
Celestia could learn fast, and avoided that sensitive place of discomfort. "I saw your eyes in my dream. You stared at him. Do you still think yourself a stallion, or are you mare entirely?"
Silver flushed at the question. "There are very few I want to be under. Your dream fantasy isn't one of them."
"That doesn't answer the question." She leaned in and licked away the tears under one of Silver's eyes. "What are you?"
Silver sighed out as she flopped. "Complicated question... I... I'm comfortable in this body now. I'm alright being a mare."
Celestia smiled almost triumphantly. "I had thought you would. Are you not thankful, looking back?"
Silver tilted her head at Celestia. "You were... just plain horrible. I say that in the nicest way, which isn't very nice I suppose, but you were. Trapping me like that, using Twilight... That bet! I know about that! If you had just... asked? If you just walked up to me and asked, 'Hey, Silver, I want to make you a mare for a while.'" She snorted. "Heck, if you got Twilight to ask as part of one of her tests, I probably wouldn't have thought of refusing her, but you could have asked yourself." Silver rolled up to sitting at last. "Why don't you have even a shred of faith in me?"
Celestia waved at Silver. "But see what good has come of it."
Silver grabbed at one of Celestia's forelegs and buried her tear-covered face in it a moment, getting it damp. "This is not good. I could have gotten here without being angry with you. I could have gotten here without any of that... Now I'm a mother without a foal, with a heavy crown I don't know how to wear. Was that the goal? Really?" She spread her wings wide to either side. "It's not in my nature to hate, but you're testing even my patience. I want to love you."
Celestia rolled Silver back upright and looked at her curiously a moment. "Why?"
"Why what?"
"Why do you want to love me?"
Silver considered that with a chin tapping. "That's a good question. You... the you I knew before I came here was the epitome of a kind mother. I guess I fell in love with the idea of that, of being watched over, and loved, like that."
Celestia brushed over Silver's back with the tips of her wings. "That is still possible, little lunar princess."
Silver frowned at Celestia. "I told Twilight, and it goes double for you. Stop touching me like that unless you mean it. You don't like that I'm a lunar pony, let alone a lunar princess. Stop pretending this softness just to slap me around more later. You said I was a good pony before, then you hurled me under the bus to save Twilight without hesitation, or asking, again." She threw up her forehooves. "Now I get to look forward to ponies staring at me when I didn't even do a damn thing this time!" Celestia reached to pet Silver but was brushed away angrily. "I did exactly what you said to do! I gave up. I rolled over. I waited for help. My reward was a lost foal, and new responsibilities, then to be put on public display as a 'corruptor'. What is it about me that disgusts you to the core?"
Celestia ruffled her wings uncomfortably. The conversation had gone to places she had not planned for. "Silver, I do not hate you. You are one of my precious little ponies."
Silver thrust a hoof at Celestia. "Prove it! You're all pretty words until it's time for action, then you crush anyone in the way."
Celestia huffed softly. "Very well. The favor is yours to ask. What is it you wish?"
Silver closed her eyes. "Fine. I asked for the impossible once and got the best few weeks of my life. Here we go. I want my foal back. I want that precious little life back from wherever ponies go when they're not alive. Is there a pony heaven? Do you even know what I'm saying?"
Celestia tilted her head. "Not exactly, but I know what you are referring to. Your foal can't be.. brought back, because it's already here."
Silver blinked. "Come again?"
Celestia reached out, brushing slowly along one of Silver's wings. "Your foal is in you, part of you. When you learn how to tap into your new nature, you may even become familiar with them."
Silver shuddered as her imagination spun wildly. "What kind of life is that, trapped inside of me? Can they see? Can they hear? Will they grow?" She stopped dead and looked at Celestia. "Are you telling the truth?"
Celestia placed a hoof over her chest. "I swear it. Your foal yet lives."
Silver collapsed to the table limply. "Alive... Shit..."
"Language."
"Fuck the language!" Silver sat up onto her haunches. "I'm... stupidly happy to hear he or she is alive, but I don't want them to be stuck in me forever! That isn't the life I want for my kid." She slid off the table. "You wanted me to be a mother, well this is what you got. I want my child, alive, separate from me. I want to hold them, not... this."
Celestia shook her head. "Your child will never be complete. At best you may separate for small times, but they will need to return to you or perish."
Silver flared her wings. "What if something happens to me? Celestia... This..."
Celestia sighed gently. "This is the truth. It is more than you had moments ago."
Silver nodded slowly. "That is true. Thank you. Thank you for telling me, and letting me decide what to do with it." She moved around Celestia. "Do you plan to keep me here?"
Celestia gestured off. "You will be returned to Twilight's side. That is where you wish to be, is it not?"
Silver tilted her head. "Sort of? I didn't want to be a criminal in a cage. I didn't want to be accused of somehow helping ensure my own foal's death... who isn't even dead? Why is Twilight in jail if nopony died?"
Celestia gave a wan smile. "That is what she wanted. Please, keep her company, and help her through this dark time. I cannot do that."
Silver sat up straight, "That is a request I can fulfill with pleasure. Is that why the food's terrible?"
Celestia waved a wing. "She must feel punished, or she will accuse me of not 'performing justice'. I care for her, Silver. She is practically a daughter to me. Will you care for her?"
Silver bobbed her head. "Of course. I love her, as much as I know how to love anything. I'm becoming convinced I really don't know that very well."
Celestia arched a brow high. "That is a powerful thing to realize. If you wish to speak to me again, knock three times, then four."
Silver was sent back to her room with Twilight, head full of plenty of new things to consider.
Silver stepped back into the small room and the door sealed behind her. She spotted Twilight busily working on the formula on the wall. "Twilight, we have to talk."
Twilight perked an ear towards Silver. "One moment, I think... No..." She slumped. "I don't have your talent. This new spell is going to take months, at least, maybe years. I'm sorry, I--"
Silver put a hoof to Twilight's lips. "Shhh, Twilight. Everything is OK, for real."
Twilight brushed aside the hoof with a frown. "I thought we went over this. I'm not taking any idle forgiveness. I made this mess and I'll fix it!"
Silver shook her head. "You didn't kill anypony. My foal's alive, sorta."
Twilight arched up a brow. "Is this more soul nonsense?"
Silver lifted her shoulders. "Sort of? Not really... Celestia said my foal wasn't destroyed, it was taken out of me, then put... into me, all of me. My foal is in me. It explains what I felt, what I heard... I heard her, or him? They giggled when I ascended." Silver advanced on Twilight. "You didn't kill anypony."
Twilight shrank back a little. "How can I just believe that? Can you prove it?"
Silver closed her eyes. "I can try?" She let the magic within her loose, starting to warm up. She built the flow higher and higher as she reached down deep, trying to find the new source of power. She heard Twilight gasp and opened her eyes. She was wreathed in silvery magic, wisping off of her in bands of power. The surprise of it cut her concentration and it began to fade but she grabbed that feeling back and resumed fueling it. Her mane and tail began to waft on a breeze that wasn't there, sparkling with stars from within as she drew up the power higher and higher without letting it free.
She heard a giggle in her head, and her concentration snapped. The bands faded and her hair fell back to normal. She slumped against a wall, exhausted. "I heard... I heard them again... She wasn't lying."
Twilight tilted her head. "I... didn't hear anything..."
Silver sat on her haunches, breathing deeply a moment. "Well, I did! Take this thing on faith, this time, not forever. I'll figure out how to get my foal free eventually, but right now." Silver reached out. "Twilight, you are not a killer. You didn't take my foal away."
Twilight squirmed in place uncomfortably. "I still forced this on you. How am I better than Celestia? You wanted me to be angry at her. You should be just as angry at me."
Silver clopped a hoof on the ground. "You didn't manipulate me into ascending. You've been there every moment. You are a great friend, Twilight, and I hope even more than that. Nopony died from this. Please... This isn't even about forgiveness anymore, at least, not from me. Forgive yourself. You're a wonderful pony, Twilight."
Twilight's wings ruffled on her back. "But... what if I..."
Silver reached to put a hoof on Twilight's snout. "We'll be there, for each other. We'll keep our power safe for everypony, and use it for good. Stop running away from me."
Twilight looked at Silver silently a moment, then stepped in, and they embraced quietly. For a time, there was quiet peace between them.
Celestia sat across from Luna over lunch, sipping from some coffee for a change. "I spoke to Silver Stars."
Luna restrained the hope within her. "Oh?"
Celestia nodded as she sipped. "Perhaps you were not entirely wrong."
Luna's heart lifted. "Have you released her?"
Celestia waved a hoof. "I asked her to help Twilight, and she agreed. It was her choice. She obviously cares deeply for her."
Luna tapped her chin. "Yes, I think that is true... But Twilight is the killer of her foal. Even if she buries that feeling deep, there must be some hurt there."
Celestia set her cup down gently on a saucer. "About that. Silver Star's foal is well, if unusually." She explained the nature of it to Luna. "Until Silver learns more mastery over her magic, the foal will remain a part of her."
Luna tilted her head one way, then the other. "This news changes much..." She perked up with an idea. "Perhaps we could draw her free in the dreamscape, if it is mature enough to form thought?"
Celestia smiled gently. "An excellent idea. What makes you think it is female?"
Luna drew back a little. "I presumed. I suppose Silver's foal could be a filly or a colt."
Celestia gestured at Luna. "This should not be so surprising for you. Have you not split off before? I seem to recall that being your first relation with Silver."
Luna winced a little, thinking back on those happier times. "Silver was a fine stallion. I still think it was wrong of you to take that away from her so callously."
Celestia lifted some cake in her magic and nibbled on it quietly a moment. "Is she not still? This reminds me. That spell must be expunged from public circulation. Think of the damage it might cause. Silver is quite dangerous with her spellcrafting talent, but..." Luna held her breath, waiting for Celestia to finish. "I think we can guide her." Celestia smiled. "In the open. I will give your way a chance, dear sister."
Luna sagged a little. "Do you mean that?"
Celestia nodded lightly. "I was using the wrong approach on her. She respects earnestness. If I impress on her what I say is for the greater good, she will comply without further manipulation."
Luna waved a hoof in a circle. "You have described most ponies, Tia. Silver wishes to do good, not be evil. You trust your little ponies to govern their cities, trust in your fellow princesses to govern themselves."
Celestia softly snorted. "Luna, know your place. I will handle matters of governance. For now, see to Silver's continued training. They have much to learn about your world, do they not?"
Luna gave a resigned agreement, and lunch resumed quietly.
Silver peered into a pool. The doors hadn't appeared that time, but the pool worked much the same way. She looked around nervously for Luna, but no one came to bar her progress. She thought of Twilight, and the pool began to show Twilight seated in a desk much too small for her. She was in magical kindergarten, awkwardly sitting through class.
Silver snorted softly and slipped into the pool's waters. She suddenly became tiny. She was an adorable little alicorn foal instead of a teenager. She landed in a desk beside Twilight and the class proceeded. Silver wondered how she had changed like that and glanced at Twilight, who was staring intently at the chalkboard. "You have a very powerful mind, Twilight."
Twilight's head jerked to find Silver beside her. "Silver? Oh Celestia you're adorable!" She snatched up Silver and began snuggling her and Silver giggled in delight. Being hugged like that by a huge Twilight made her feel great. "What happened? Why are you so tiny?"
Silver waved a hoof at Twilight. "This is your dream. You made me like this to fit in."
Twilight tilted her head. "I did? Well, I did a good job..."
Silver buzzed her little wings. "You did. I feel so... cute."
Twilight suddenly looked thoughtful. "If I can do this to you in my dream..." She put Silver down on her desk and put her hooves on the foal before pulling apart as if trying to split Silver in twain. Being a dream, this worked better than it would in the real world. Silver squealed in surprise as she split apart like a banana. Inside was a small ball of silvery light. Twilight tilted her head at the ball and reached for it. When her hoof brushed its surface, a soft giggle rang out in both their ears. "Oh my..."
Silver perked her ears despite being split open. "I heard it again!"
Twilight nodded. "I did too... OK, I believe you." She gently closed up Silver, then willed her into being her usual teenaged self.
While Silver was delighted to be normal again, her mood was tempered by the fact that Twilight was crying. "What's wrong?"
Twilight waved a hoof dismissively. "Nothing... It's just... I thought I was a killer... I thought I did something so horrible... I didn't deserve forgiveness."
Silver leaned forward. "You almost did, but you didn't... This is a lesson, for both of us. Let's grow from it."
Twilight smiled tearfully at Silver. "How do you smile all the time like that?"
Silver shrugged. "Years of perfected denial. But I really am happy right now. I know, for a fact, my foal is safe and alive. I'll figure out how to get them free of me, eventually... That... That's something I can work towards. That's something concrete. I like concrete. Dead foals are a lot harder to work towards fixing."
Twilight made a face, then nodded. "I can see that. Can I trust you to be honest, with yourself?"
Silver shook her head. "If I said yes, you would know I'm already lying. I can't change who I am that quickly. So I'm going to have to ask you to prod my sore points. Hound me, Twilight. If I'm hiding from myself, I want you to find me and shake me until I come out of that dark cave."
Silver sat up on her haunches and took Twilight's hoof, placing it against her lower belly. "This was a gift, from you to me. You reminded me I could be sad, or angry, especially that latter one."
Twilight pressed against the spot, but the discomfort was fading from Silver. With her foal alive, she had much less reason to grow to despise the emptiness. Silver leaned in and kissed her nose. "I love you."
Twilight smiled gently in return. "I..." She glanced away suddenly and Silver's ears fell. "I don't know how I feel. I know I want you close. Is that enough?"
Silver nodded softly. "I would... be a jerk if I demanded you rebound to love after all that so quickly. Let's settle with you not being a killer, alright?"
Twilight nodded. "Alright... I'm... not a killer." The class vanished, replaced with Twilight's old room/library in Canterlot. "Oh, I haven't been here in a while."
Silver looked around, "Huh, I never saw this past the first episode. You lived here a long time?"
Twilight nodded and moved around to explore. While the details of the room were limited to her own memories, they were buried memories that she eagerly explored.
Silver stretched out slowly, wings pumping. "I'm glad Luna didn't chase me out of the dreamscape this time. We needed this talk."
Twilight perked an ear and turned to face Silver. "We were speaking while awake just fine... But I'm still glad. I needed to see that, or hear that. Our foal..." She put a hoof to her own chest. "Our foal."
Silver and Twilight chewed thoughtfully on their cold breakfast before Silver perked an ear at Twilight. "So, are we leaving today?"
Twilight gave a stiff nod. "I think we should… I don't have anything else to… do here? I mean, do you know what I mean?"
Silver nodded in return. "I do." She gestured at the writing on the walls. "Plan to write this down?"
Twilight gave a soft snort, smiling. "You want me to be able to make you receptive whenever? This is a spell that's just as well forgotten."
Silver flushed softly. "I suppose we should deal with the foal we half-have before considering the next."
Before Twilight could respond, a wave of translucent energy appeared in a corner of the room, expanding to wash over them. It felt like... nothing. The absence of something, rather. Where it originated, a yellow glow appeared and resolved into the form of a yellowish pegasus stallion with an upside down compass cutie mark, before the energy faded away. The pegasus bore a pair of metal bracers on his forelimbs, the left with blue gemstones in runic patterns, the right with brightly glowing yellow ones. The yellow one was smoking lightly, and as the pegasus opened his mouth to speak, he let out a pained “hot-ot-ot-ot-ot!”, flailing his limb for a moment before managing to release the clasp and drop the offending bracer to the ground, revealing singed fur.
Twilight hopped to her hooves in surprise as Silver tilted her head at the intruder. Though her wings spread in the surprise of the moment, Silver didn't seem as shocked to see him. "Is that you again? Why are you here?"
The pegasus went to open his mouth, but hesitated as a second wave of energy erupted through the room, depositing a young white male blank-flanked alicorn, by all appearances, bearing a similar pair of bracers, but not smoking. “One moment... umm... why isn’t yours overheating?”
The alicorn turned to the pegasus, “why, I simply learned from your mistakes, of course, father. Here, pass it over and I will fix it, as soon as introductions are accomplished,” he quickly grabbed the princesses’ hooves to kiss them lightly one after the other. “I am Prince Alexander Gabriella Stormbringer the First, it is such a pleasure to make your acquaintance!”
Twilight took a defensive position. "Prince?! What's going on here?" Her horn glowed as a sphere appeared around herself and Silver. "Nopony is supposed to be in here but us."
Silver rose up beside Twilight and leaned over. "I… think I know these two? I think? They look different, but the color's right? I'm not sure."
“Please, forgive the intrusion, Princess,” the pegasus began. “I know our sudden appearance is most unexpected. I had thought to offer my assistance, should it be required, though I am also... hesitantly glad for the opportunity to meet and speak to you as well.”
Twilight shook her head a little. "Are you from another country? Equestria has no princes, at least, not true princes. Especially not male alicorns! That's not even supposed to be possible." She clopped a hoof on the ground. "Is this a trick?"
“I am nothing if not an impossibility.~” the alicorn sang happily, the pegasus ignoring him.
“Forgive me, I still have not introduced myself to you at all, and not... entirely to Silver,” he bowed politely. “I am known by several names, South Wind... David Holden... and also the ‘Itinerant King’. I lead a group who has been... poorly served by Celestia’s justice, and those of other governments the world over. I am... considering allowing a more open relationship with Equestria’s leadership, coming out of the shadows as it were. Now that we have something of an opportunity to have a... controlled first impression.”
Silver shook her head. "You're the ones that visited the castle, right?" She nudged against Twilight. "They're shapeshifters I think, not a true alicorn."
Twilight relaxed at the news, her sense of reality no longer being challenged. "What did Celestia do wrong to you? She's been fine for both of us."
"Mostly." Twilight glanced at Silver, then rolled her eyes before looking back at their guests.
“I myself had the odd fortune to come into possession of a changeling shortly after arriving here, and have not so much personally been failed by her. Most of those I represent have been more a victim of distributed failures in the system than her personal failings, though... as sovereign that is her responsibility as well. I don’t pretend it is easy to keep local governance uncorrupt, but it is imperative. I believe you have had some run-ins with such problems as well... what was that place called? ‘Our Town’, or some such nonsense. But I am not here to charge the Princess with any crimes. To the contrary, we wish to have more open relations. We can offer... unconventional aid, while being able to deal more openly will make things less troublesome for ourselves. Worldwide, our numbers have reached the point that remaining entirely ‘invisible’ is becoming troublesome, especially if we want to acquire more... esoteric materials for our research.”
Meanwhile the ‘alicorn’ busied himself manipulating the discarded bracer with some form of magic that was invisible to even Silver. The pegasus's burnt fur, meanwhile, mended itself quietly as they talked.
Twilight cringed. "All the more reason for me to get home. They need me there. If you want to talk to Celestia, you should go to court, not… here? Why did you come here of all places? We're locked in."
Silver pointed at where the nigh-invisible door was. "It's true. We're not really going far for the moment. Celestia's usually willing to listen if you approach her, especially if she doesn't already have plans about whatever you're talking about." She tilted her head. "Has Text visited?"
“I promised Silver my protection, and that includes from Celestia if it comes to it. I understand if you don’t want to break out of prison, but I can also carry messages if you like. Do you have any idea how long you will be here? From the sentence, it sounded rather... open-ended. And no, the Text has not yet deigned to visit me again. I hope if nothing else that proves I haven’t failed his Challenge as of yet.”
Meanwhile, the alicorn studied the markings on the wall, looking quite excited about Twilight’s work.
Twilight glanced between Silver and the guests. "What's the Text have to do with this? I still haven't seen this Text of yours, and now even Celestia and Luna have." She gave a soft huff. "I'm feeling left out… Thank you for your offer, but I think we'll leave today. I've been here long enough. Do you need help finding the Day Court?"
“What my father is failing to mention,” said the ‘alicorn’ to Twilight, “is that he, like your Princess David Silver Lining Stars is what is known as a ‘child of Adam’. Or in other words a human. And/or former human. The line is a little grey. The Text brought him here several years ago, well before your Princess. Also... do you believe this spell would work on changelings? It seems like it could be quite fortuitous!”
Silver nodded in agreement. "I don't think I could go back to being any of the others at this point. I don't know what I'd do with myself." She took a slow breath. "Not that I knew what to do with myself before, so I guess that wouldn't be new."
Twilight waved at the scrawls on the wall. "Why would a changeling need this?"
The alicorn seemed to ignore Silver’s comment. “Normally only queens are able to be receptive. My own conception was but a convenient matter of happenstance, in circumstances not reasonably repeatable. You have a brother, is it not great to have siblings? I assume, lacking the opportunity as of yet.”
Twilight gave a hesitant nod. "I love my brother very much… Well, I guess, if it will help them? We are talking about the good changelings, right? The ones living in the city?"
“Oh! I suppose we can share it with them as well, assuming it works!” the alicorn said.
“His mother is a changeling, if you hadn’t gathered that yet,” the pegasus offered. “Which reminds me... Silver, do you think you could arrange an introduction to Princess Cadance for me, after you have been out of here for a bit? I have particular interest in meeting and speaking to her.” He cringed a bit, unable to hide the body language of nervousness about the topic.
Silver nodded. "We're good friends, but… she's pretty nervous about changelings, even 'good' ones. Speaking of, if you're not with the city changelings, who are you with?"
“Wind Chaser, the one who was with me when last we met. She was of Chrysalis brood until shortly before Discord was first set free. She... came to me, with memories of a time undone by time travel, and swore her loyalty to me, breaking from her queen then. We were… in the city, investigating the influx of changelings when the whole incident with Cadance and your brother took place. It was... terrifying, if fortuitous.”
Twilight raised a hoof, speaking with a gentle authority like a parent would a child. "Time travel is extremely ill-advised and I must strongly recommend against it."
Silver snorted out an almost-giggle. "But do you have a hive then?"
“There is a reason I am called the ‘Itinerant King’. Well, starting with refusing to be declared a ‘Queen’, but beyond that. We generally keep on the move, and lately don’t keep together. My other subjects are not changelings... ponies, a few griffons, a couple minotaurs, some zebra... etc. All bonded by... the umm, the item the Text provided me with.”
Twilight tilted her head a little, the sphere around her and Silver fading away. "Well… OK. I can't claim I understand all that, but then, why this?" She gestured at the writing on the walls. "It makes sense for the city changelings, but there's only one of you, maybe two?"
“We were able to conceive our foal only by tapping into the wave of power your brother and Cadance used to dispel the changelings, and even that was... an act of desperation. If we could conceive on our own terms... Well... honestly one is kind of terrifying already.” To Silver he added, “he understands song magic. Do you have any idea how terrifying a Bard is in this world?!”
Silver perked her ears forward. "Holy shit, really?" Twilight struck Silver lightly for her curse and Silver shrunk away a little. "Sorry, but really? Can they resist it? I only met one other person that could, except actual humans. Full humans."
“Any member of my kingdom can resist song magic if we try, but Alex can actually wield it. How do you think he walks through town as a male alicorn and goes unnoticed? I think it has something to do with being a half-human, but I sincerely hope that kind of thing isn’t, you know... inevitable. I saw Jake and Rainbow Dash getting a little friendly... can you imagine a bard with her personality? The entire town would erupt into competitions constantly!”
Twilight snorted softly. "I doubt Rainbow will settle with Jake. He's a nice stallion, but she's way out of his league."
Silver waved a hoof. "I can resist it if I pour everything I have into it. I've only pulled it off once, because it was extremely important. Otherwise I just get carried along with it." She smiled. "At least I have a nice singing voice."
Twilight tilted her head. "Have you heard mine?"
Silver nodded quickly. "Angelic."
Twilight flushed a little. "You're fibbing for my sake again… I've never sung outside the pageant before…"
“Will you sing with me now?” the alicorn asked, before being silenced into sullenness by a sharp look.
“I see even the Princess of Magic is caught unawares?” the pegasus asked curiously. “The short of it is that ponies can be dragged into little musical numbers that pull them into the flow of whatever song occurs... generally, mostly, doing things they would have done anyways but... it just flows, unnaturally. It’s often helpful, allowing a dozen ponies to coordinate on a complex project without difficulty, for example, getting work done quite quickly. But normally nopony initiates it intentionally. I think it’s, maybe, related to your natural harmony with one another? I don’t know, just speculating. Even when Alex tries to explain it to me, I still can’t fully internalize it. At best I can deafen myself to it to avoid getting caught up with it, and slip by while the ponies are distracted.”
Silver tapped at her chin. "I should try starting it one day, but not right now." She rubbed behind her head nervously. "Well… did you need anything else?"
“No, not if you are okay staying here until they release you. I will find you again in a week... if you can arrange a meeting with Princess Cadance, I would appreciate it. As... nervous as it makes me. And Twilight, if we have your blessing to use it, we will test this spell of yours, and pass it on to the Canterlot hive if it proves safe and effective.”
Twilight looked a little nervous. "I'd rather Celestia have the final say on that before I unleash a fresh wave of hungry changelings on things. There's only so much 'food' for them and if things get out of balance, that would be a disaster, for them and the rest of us."
“Father, you should tell them your idea!” Alex chimed in excitedly.
The pegasus thought a moment. “Oh, right. I did have a suggestion for that,” to Silver he said, “before you left Earth... did you ever catch a show called ‘Mr. Belvedere’?”
Silver shook her head. "I'm aware of it, but couldn't say much about it. Why?"
“I am thinking that the changelings might do very well as domestic servants. Get volunteer households to accept a single changeling to work for them around the house. Cook, clean, that sort of thing. Everyone needs these tasks done, and households with foals where both parents work need help the most. The natural affections that come from someone serving you in such a direct way should be enough to fill some, if not all of their needs without anyone having to be subjected to feeding pods or anything more intimate. If the idea took off, it could help ponies throughout Equestria, while feeding the changelings safely and effortlessly. It’s... a lot less risky than my other idea, anyways.”
Silver seemed to consider it. "I could see that, to a point… Changeling feeding is safer when done in bouts. We haven't really studied what would happen, or if it would be safe, to feed a changeling constantly like that, even if 'low level' as it were. I'd be curious to find out, but all the ways of testing it would be pretty rough on the pony involved."
“I have... a lot of personal experience and data on changeling feeding... continuous low level is the most sustainable long term, but it doesn’t fit well with their normal lifestyle. Misdirection also lowers the level they can absorb: affection for the disguise, rather than the changeling underneath is less effective, especially if your affection is based on prior knowledge of the one they are imitating. So ideally, they should be working freely and openly in their own form... something that’s actually possible now with your open relations with them. It would also serve as an easy way to monitor how well they are being fed. If you can get ponies to consider a well fed servant a point of pride, it could help ensure both their safety and their... safeness. Nonetheless... if you do go this route, you should roll it out slowly. There’s a lot of unknowns, especially on the pony side.”
Twilight gave a slow nod. "I'll bring it up with the Princess, but for now, I think it's time to depart. Do you need a moment?"
The pegasus returned his bracer to his leg. “Alex, were there any problematic side effects with the ‘Gatecrashers’ on the departure side?”
“Only the expected temporary antimagic field. It should clear up in about a second after departure. You go first, just in case.” Alex replied.
With a nod, South Wind focused and the bracer glowed bright again, letting out a smaller ripple of translucent energy that only enveloped him, not the entire room. He turned to bright yellow light and vanished, leaving nothing in his wake.
Silver wrinkled her nose before raising a hoof in a wave. "Be safe?" He leaned in towards Twilight, whispering gently, "I have no idea where they go."
Alex observed the energy field before looking back to the Princesses. “Thank you. I am sorry to have heard about your loss at the trial. I was hoping to perhaps court your foal some day, when he or she is ready. Ah well, surely the stars will deign to provide another.~” And with that he activated his own bracer and vanished from the room as his father had.
Twilight raised a brow, then shook her head. "I'm not in any hurry to tell them about it." She clopped a hoof against the door lightly. "Hello? We're ready to go."
The door slid open almost instantly, revealing a stoic guard. "The Princess said to escort you to her immediately."
Twilight and Silver walked side-by-side with the guard marching in front of them. Luna suddenly stepped out in front of the guard. "Halt. The Princess Sparkle is required in Ponyville immediately."
Twilight unfurled her wings in alarm. "Is something wrong?"
Luna nodded. "You are required for the winter preparation. It is nothing dire, but as presiding princess, you should make a good impression."
The guard looked a little confused. "Celestia or--"
"Plans change." Luna waved Twilight off. "Take Silver with you, the practice will be good for her."
Twilight changed course for the exit, and soon she and Silver were gone.
Luna nodded to herself and moved off. She met with Shining Armor and Cadance, and they marched as one through the halls. "Fortuitous timing. Twilight emerged on her own. I sent her back to her castle."
Shining nodded. "I'm glad she's feeling better. Let's focus on the matter at hoof."
Cadance inclined her head slightly. "Namely how to approach Auntie about this tactfully without being brushed off."
Luna arched a brow. "Are we certain we didn't want to bring Twilight and Silver with us? They are princesses as well."
Shining shook his head quickly. "Twily's too close, and Silver's too new. It'd be way better for both if we can handle this on our own."
Twilight and Silver landed in a town deep in the throes of preparing for winter. Leaves were being collected and clouds being brought in, heavy and thick. The sight of Twilight brought happy smiles as ponies gathered around, but they looked at Silver with uncertainty.
Mayor Mare pushed to the fore of the gathering. "Good to see you back, Princess Twilight Sparkle. We're already well underway and on schedule! I trust everything went well?"
Twilight wrapped a wing around Silver. "We're back and ready to pitch in a hoof." Though she had failed to notice the nervousness of the ponies, her showing of solidarity with Silver proved a sound move for relaxing many of them. "This will be Silver Star's first Running of the Leaves." She looked aside at Silver. "Up for running? Just don't show up the other ponies too badly."
Silver smiled nervously. "Sure, I'll give that a chance. Where do I go?" Silver was soon led away towards the race track, and preparations for the coming of winter resumed. As Silver slid into position, a wide berth was afforded on both sides. Silver shook her head a little. "I won't break on contact. There's plenty enough room for everyone."
Soft whispering murmured through the crowd.
"Why does she keep saying everyone like that?"
"That's the one that made Twilight go crazy, right?"
"Why does she look so scary for a princess! It's worse than Luna!"
"Why is a princess running in the race? Is she trying to show off?"
Silver sagged a little, annoyed, and on some small level, amused. The whispering was loud enough to hear easily, even though other ponies seemed to miss it all the time. "For the race I'm just a pony like the rest of you. Let's shake those leaves!" A soft murmuring of indistinct noises was the reply.
The gun went off and it become a riot of colors as the ponies surged forward in one great herd. Silver launched herself forward with them, concentrating on keeping her pacing even. A thought came to her as she thundered with the others. If she was an alicorn, surely she had some earth pony mixed in there? She let her magic free, panting all the harder as heat built. With soft mental nudges, she focused it, trying to send it down into her legs and her lungs. Her panting become deeper and deeper as she pulled in huge gulps of air and relief came swiftly. She felt she could keep on running for some time. Running became fun in a way that it never had before.
It was a few minutes before she realized she had left the pack behind and she went dark in the nose and cheeks. She couldn't blow all the other ponies out of the water! That would make them so angry... She ducked to the side into some bushes and waited, allowing the pack to catch up and pass her by before she emerged and let them set the pace.
A grey mare slowed down and turned her head towards her. Derpy. "Hi!"
"Hi Derpy! You're a pegasus, I thought you'd be helping with the clouds." Silver raised a wing to point up at the clouds being moved into position. "What brings you to the ground-pounders?"
Derpy shrugged. "Everypony says that, but I can run as good as anypony else! Just like you. I heard them saying mean things about you. That wasn't very nice."
Silver shook her head and extended a wing, hugging Derpy briefly. "You are so sweet. Thanks! Yeah, anypony can run if they want to, don't let them tell you otherwise."
Derpy nodded her head, panting much more roughly than Silver was with her earth pony magic. "You're good at running..."
Silver slowed a little. "We can slow down if you want? It's not a race, even if they do give medals in the end."
Derpy slowed down with a grateful look on her face, and they trotted instead of galloping. "Thanks. I need to practice more. You're Silver Stars, right? A princess?"
Silver reached up to poke her horn and flared out her wings. "Guilty. And you are Derpy Hooves, a very nice pegasus."
Derpy giggled at the description of herself. "So what's it like, being a princess? Do you have a crown?"
Silver shook her head. "Not yet. It's... Well I got bigger, and these wings. I guess the biggest part is the magic of all the tribes, and dreamwalking."
"You can go into dreams?!" Derpy's crossed eyes went wide. "That's amazing! Can you visit mine? ... Did you already visit mine? You have to tell me if you did!"
Silver couldn't help herself from giggling, warming to Derpy's optimistic enthusiasm. "I haven't, but do you want me to?" Derpy bobbled her head eagerly. "Then I will, tonight, promise. We'll do whatever you always wanted to do, together." Derpy took off on her wings to free up her hooves and clopped them together ecstatically before landing. "Derpy, you've made this entire run worth doing." Derpy flushed warmly at the compliment and didn't reply. They just trotted onwards through the race course.
As they came within sight of the end, Derpy moved closer. "Silver Stars? I don't think you're as scary as the others said. They're just being mean faces, like when they say I'm stupid for looking weird."
Silver tilted her head. "You look adorable, not weird, and you're not stupid. I'll see you around town, OK?"
Derpy smiled brightly, then surged ahead, completing the race ahead of Silver. They weren't the last ponies across the line, but they were far from the first.
"Winter is coming!" came Twilight's shout, amplified into the Royal Canterlot Voice.
The ponies all looked confused at the warning. Silver did a circling around until she could see Cloudsdale sparking and smoking. A great wad of something white propelled out of it and came flying towards Ponyville at an unhealthy speed. Wanting to protect her new friend, Silver threw herself at Derpy and quickly summoned up a shield of silvery light. Snow thundered across the town, the race track, and everything else. The snow hissed loudly on contact with the reactive bubble, and Silver felt her energy being drained quickly, but it was over as quickly as it began, leaving the two of them standing on a patch of dry leaves in the middle of a winter wonderland.
Derpy clopped her hooves in delight. "Thanks, Princess Silver Stars! I'd better go help out." She took off into the sky, joining the other pegasi. Silver took it as her cue to find somewhere she could lend a hoof for the process.
Celestia smiled, seated in the gardens. "My dear Cadance, Shining. A pleasure to see you both!" Around the small table was Cadance, Shining Armor, and Luna. The other three nodded at Celestia. "You all look quite severe. What troubles you?"
Shining gave a nervous smile. "It's... We're very thankful for all the work you put into Equestria."
Cadance nodded in agreement. "You've worked very hard to give us such a peaceful kingdom and time."
Luna joined in. "And done a very admirable job, dear sister."
Celestia waved a hoof in a slow roll, "But?"
Cadance did her own calming technique, moving her hoof with her breath. "We think you've become so trapped in a lifetime of looking at things long-term, that the matters of the immediate have fallen entirely off your perception."
Luna nodded gently. "You can see clearly what your ponies need for the future, so what pains may be brought about in the present are marginalized and rationalized away."
Celestia shook her head a little. "Young Cadance, Shining Armor; Neither of you have lived beyond a single lifetime. Luna, sister, you know what it is like to watch the years go by. If I did not plan for the future, what would I do? The needs of the many, and the future, must always outweigh the few, and the present."
Cadance spread her wings. "There are ways, Auntie. I know you are used to... certain allowances, but all we ask is that you try first. Before you move to bypass or step over a pony, ask them. You have made a grand new age, where ponies think for themselves, and expect some amount of respect."
Shining Armor joined in quickly. "Your ponies will respect you all the more if you make it clear why you are doing what you do. They love you, and Equestria. Most of them will willingly do what it takes to protect them."
Celestia raised a hoof. "I know what this is about. I know I've been a little r--"
"Little?" Luna frowned. "You have run roughshod over her at every chance. There is no reason for it, Tia. She wants to be a good subject."
Celestia clopped the top of the table lightly. "He has arrived as a strange creature in this land and everywhere he has gone, chaos and disharmony have followed in his blundering steps. He spouts harmony and is beyond any reasonable measure of timidity, but he is a beacon for chaos. There was not supposed to be another princess yet! Despite his words, he has ascended to the highest power available, and I shudder in terror at what the next step may be."
Cadance snorted softly. "You made Silver a mare, Auntie. It's rude to call her a him now. While it is true odd things have occurred around her, she has risen against the chaos at every opportunity. She protected the ponies of Canterlot, twice. She defended the Crystal Empire at no small risk to herself and her family." She sighed gently. "The bottom line is that if you asked her to take the fall for Twilight? She'd probably have said yes. Even if you asked her to surrender being a stallion, there's a good chance you could have convinced her without much trouble. She was a model citizen during her stay in the Empire. She looked up to me, and she almost cried with the joy that her ruler didn't abuse her." She looked at Celestia eye-to-eye. "I think better of you, Auntie. Please, this has to stop."
Shining nodded softly. "When it was discovered she may cause harm, she left despite our offer to shelter her. Whatever chaos follows her, it is against her will. We should be helping her, not blaming her."
Luna raised a hoof. "Tia, I think I know the source of this chaos."
Celestia turned to Luna with a brow raised. "You have my attention..."
With the near-disastrous return of winter, Silver wandered away from the racetrack. It was nice to be free of that small room, and she saw no reason to rush indoors just yet. The soft crunch of snow beneath her hooves gave her a feeling of nostalgia. It had been over twenty years since she had last had the pleasure of snow. "You should always get enough snow each year to get tired of it." She giggled a bit at her old saying, and looked forward to getting tired of the snow.
A pair of eyes followed Silver’s movements, wondering just how to approach the mare. From her spot in the forest, she was well hidden, the last thing she wanted to do was raise attention. She watched the grey pegasus take off, leaving Silver all alone. This was her chance, she thought to herself. “Hmm, aren’t you just a pretty little thing now?” Glimmer softly spoke, stepping out into Silver’s view.
Silver drew up short, chest tightening as she realized who was in front of her. "Um…" She wasn't sure how to react. "If you're planning on trying to take me again…" She hunched down a little, as if ready to battle if need be.
“Oh relax, Princess, I’m just here to look today,” Glimmer responded with a smirk, taking another step forward. “I’ve set aside that job for more personal pursuits.”
Silver perked up a little, ears directed at Glimmer as caution turned partially to curiosity. "You gave up the job? So… who was asking anyway?" She spread out her wings a little, ruffling them in a nervous display.
With a small chuckle, Glimmer shook her head. “That’d be unprofessional of me, even if I’m no longer on the job," she began, walking up to Silver, that smirk still on her face. “But, for a price, I might be willing to divulge that information.”
Silver's nose flared softly. "Price? I haven't actually been paid yet…" She became a little shy at Glimmer's approach and tried to counter it with her own movement, circling around Glimmer. "I only just became a princess."
A tail flicked upwards, brushing at Silver’s face. “Oh, it’s not bits I’m after… are you certain you don’t want to give up that nasty cutie mark and come with me?” Glimmer asked in a seductive tone. “I’d love to be corrupted.”
Silver went red quickly, her rump shaking a little with her tail swaying. "I've felt your magic before… I'm sure it's perfectly lovely for somepony, but it… it's just…" She stomped into the snow with a crunch. "It's kind of horrible. I can't think… You know?"
“Oh, I do… just looking at you, my mind begins to draw a blank,” Glimmer continued teasing, winking at her, sitting down and looking at Silver. “But, it’s not bad… should you ever change your mind, just let me know. You don’t need to think for what we’d get up to.”
Silver suddenly recalled something and sat in front of Glimmer. "I have a question and I need a forthright answer. When you first attacked us, who did what in the dark?" She raised a brow high.
“My associates worked on distracting those around you while I zapped your fine flank,” Glimmer replied, however there was no longer any hint of seduction present. “I didn’t stick around beyond that, I had a cutie mark to take care of.”
Silver gave a slow nod… "They hurt one of my herd members. Did they… survive Twilight's outburst? They said they didn't find anything there, but I figure you would know better."
An involuntary shudder ran down Glimmer’s spine. “Fortunately, I had sent them ahead to the camp… once they heard what had happened though, who knows where they are now?” she finished, taking in a deep breath. “That is mostly the reason that I have no desire to chase after your mark anymore. You, however, are far too interesting to just leave be.”
Silver tilted her head a little, looking a bit more relaxed. "Well, alright." She took a slow breath. "Look, why don't we try this from the start? If nowhere else, Equestria is a place for second starts and chances, so…" She thrust a hoof towards Glimmer. "I'm Silver Stars."
“You’re quite the odd one…” Glimmer trailed off before taking Silver’s hoof with her own. “Starlight Glimmer. However, I think your purple princess would be more than happy to lock me up and throw away the key.”
Silver smiled gently. "They forgave Discord. You can't be as bad as he was starting out, right? Nice to meet you, Starlight. That's a lovely name." She canted her head a little. "Sorry about the scare. You should have… seen it from my angle. Twilight gave us both a fright."
“A fright? Somewhat of an understatement,” Glimmer was quick to reply, shivering once more. “I should have hidden her cutie mark far, far away when we first stumbled upon each other had I known what would happen. I was honestly surprised to hear that you had survived…”
"I didn't," replied Silver flatly before she raised a hoof. "But you can't go hunting Twilight for that. She's important, and good, even if she does make mistakes. You want to be forgiven, right? It goes both ways."
Glimmer stood back up, her magic coming to life and teasing the very tip of Silver’s left ear with that smirk back on her face. “Do I? Perhaps I have other reasons for approaching you, all alone, nopony in sight or hearing.”
Silver's ear twitched wildly at the rubbing as a little shiver ran through her body in the subtle pleasure of it. "Are you playing at something?" Click. "Oh wait." She raised to her hooves uncertainly. "I'm… I have a herd."
“And?” Glimmer slyly asked, her magic fading from Silver’s ear, this time moving to the small saddlebags on her back, a silken-wrapped small object coming into view. “A gift for you, Silver.” It came to a stop just in front of her at eye level.
Silver went cross-eyed for a moment peering at the sudden object hovering before her. She flopped back onto her haunches and reached for it curiously, forgetting for just a moment her objection in favor of discovering what was hidden inside. "What is it?" Not that she paused her attempts to open it and find out.
“Just an object that will forever bind your will to mine that if I were caught would no doubt have me banished from Equestria,” Glimmer seriously replied, letting her magic drop it onto Silver’s hoof. “Go on, open it!”
Silvery magic wrapped around the package before Silver thought to concentrate on her old missing hands. She gently began to unwrap the package with the magical digits, eager to discover what was inside. As the purple sphere came into view, she smiled at Glimmer. "You are very kind. See… that was just nice. You could have done all kinds of things with this I bet." She moved to hastily put it back around her own neck.
Glimmer rolled her eyes for a moment. “Not even a remark? I must be losing my touch.” She pouted for a moment before sighing. “Yes, there are all sorts of nefarious things that I could do to make you mine… but then I’d have a rather powerful princess chasing me, and one brush with death was more than enough. But don’t think I’ve completely given up on my pursuit,” Glimmer finished, voice raising at the end as the smallest hint of seduction came back.
Silver flushed a little, but her eyes didn't leave Glimmer as thoughts raced along all too-predictable lines. "Why don't you stay a little while? You sound ready to run off?" She rose up to her hooves and approached Glimmer with a happy smile. "I'd like to get to know you, the real you… The one not running around trying to snatch things." She reached out a hoof, trying to wrap a leg around Glimmer's neck in a hug.
Ducking underneath the hoof, Glimmer came up and nuzzled at Silver’s cheek. “I think that I’d like that, you becoming an alicorn has only drawn out even more of that beauty… to think, you’re not done growing yet, either,” she slyly spoke, shifting gears a moment later. “However, I believe there are three mares of yours, not to mention the princess’ friends, who would just love to get their hooves on me for the wrong reasons.”
Silver's cheek was quite warm, kept softly tinted red by the affection. She frowned at Glimmer's words and shook her head. "I will defend you if I have to. You showed me real trust today." She gently brushed the heart crystal. "You deserve a chance to be good… I know what that's like, being the bad pony, having people look at you that way…"
“Still, I think it best I see to… other matters first, give things time to cool down,” Glimmer responded with a smirk, her magic teasing Silver’s ear for a few, short seconds again. “However, before I leave… perhaps you’d like to know who is after that lovely little flank of yours?”
Silver couldn't suppress the shiver at the ear attention. "Uhn, yes, please?" She blinked softly before leaning forward towards Glimmer, flashing her fanged teeth. "I… You know, most ponies are put off by the whole lunar appearance, especially on a unicorn, or, uh, alicorn now, but unicorn when we first met."
Moving forward, Glimmer only stopped once their lips were nearly touching, every puff of breath of Glimmer’s felt by Silver. “I’m not most ponies, now am I?” she softly and arrogantly started. “The night is just fraught with danger… and there’s nothing sexier than danger. So… for a kiss, I might just tell you who it is.”
Silver tried to be slick and leaned in quick, aiming to press her lips to Glimmer's left cheek in a chaste exchange. "Maybe I'll visit you in your dreams." Her words lacked the usual sarcasm one might have when saying the phrase.
“Oh, now that’s tempting…” she curiously replied as Silver’s soft lips touched her cheek. Taking a step back, Glimmer winked at Silver before darting in and bumping noses for a split second. “Look to the mail, it’ll come eventually… shame I didn't specify where that kiss should be.”
The nose bump only seemed to make Silver happier. She bobbed her head. "I'll keep an eye out for it. Don't be a stranger… If you let me know before you come, I'll settle the others down, and maybe we can talk it out? I meant what I said, about everyone deserving a chance." She didn't mention the kiss, thinking better on discussing that part.
“Oh, I will, trust me,” Glimmer took a few steps back, grinning at Silver now. “If I’m really lucky, I’ll be on your mind for some time now. But, it’s time for me to split, things to do, bits to be made before I come back around, you know how it goes,” she humorously remarked, turning around and starting to canter away, her tail swaying rapidly to and fro.
Silver watched her go a moment before raising a hoof in a wave. "Be well." She turned herself then and spread her wings. She launched to the air and made her way home, wondering how everyone else handled the day, and wondering about Glimmer along the way. Perhaps they could become friends?
Luna pointed at Celestia. "You."
Celestia frowned sharply. "That is not amusing."
Luna nodded with a sure expression. "All of the worst things have come from your action or inaction. You kept Silver always at hoof's length at best. When she needed you, you turned away. When she slipped, you punished and berated her without hesitation. You always kept your eyes set to the far future, where there was no room for the pony right in front of you that needed your warmth today. This isn't about Silver, not specifically."
Cadance nodded softly. "We should put her aside for now. This is a larger problem. Little problems today can become the great trouble to be solved in the future." She gestured northwards towards her own kingdom. "The Crystal Empire is well on the way to reconstruction. In the long-term, we will almost assuredly succeed..."
Celestia nodded at Cadance. "This is good. I have read your reports."
Cadance smiled gently. "But in the short term... My people are badly undersupplied and lacking horsepower. We're doing everything with painful slowness, and that hurts morale, which slows things further. Hurt morale also opens us to shadow attacks." She raised a brow. "Which I think is a large part of why we were besieged when we were. It wasn't a 'beacon of chaos'. We created that trouble for ourselves. You decided how much we would get, and we're doing our best with it... But..."
Shining Armor interjected quickly. "Not that we don't appreciate what you have sent! Every shipment is a lifesaver."
Celestia put a hoof to her head. "I am sending what I can. Where can I divert more without causing shortages in Equestria itself? You know I've done the numbers, both of you. Sending more will tip the economy towards a downfall, with severe long-term effects. As you said yourself, you will pull through this."
Luna rolled a hoof. "There must be a compromise..."
That evening, Silver visited Derpy as promised. Her dreams were as pleasant as the pegasus herself, and Silver departed from them with a smile. She looked around the dreamworld, considering her next course of action. She focused on Night Watch and the escalator under herself carried her to a particular floor, where a gloomy emo shop awaited. The dreamscape was in fine form that evening, and Silver smirked at it as she trotted up and entered the shop, and Night's dreams.
Night sat alone in a dimly lit room. She was writing something, quill held in a wing in a trick Silver had not even come close to mastering. Silver approached cautiously, keeping herself shrouded as she peeked over a shoulder. The words were nonsense, as they tend to be in dreams, but she could feel the meaning in them.
Day 24,
I am still alone. I am told that Silver is well. I am told Fast Change still has feelings. Twilight is oblivious, as per normal. Did I do something to push them all away?
Silver frowned at the words and felt guilt rise. Had she been neglecting Night? She wrapped her hooves around Night from behind, becoming a part of things. Night jumped in her grasp in surprise, but then smiled. "You came..."
"Of course I did." Silver softly nipped at one of Night's tufted ears. "I'm sorry I left you alone for so long."
Night sighed softly. "You can't help it, you're a princess now."
With a little dream shuffle, Silver was suddenly belly-to-belly with Night, laying atop her. "That is hardly an excuse. I don't even have a kingdom of my own yet... Please, come for me when I'm being stupid." She leaned in and rubbed noses with Night gently. "You are my--"
Night put a hoof to Silver's lips. "Don't say that. I want to be something other than a rock for you. Rocks get forgotten... You can always trust a rock to be where you left it."
Silver sat up on Night. "What do you want to be? You're a smart and wonderful pony, you can be whatever you want."
Night pouted a little. "Can I be a magic pony, and tease you with new spells and ideas?"
Silver tilted her head at that. "You're delightful as you are..."
"Delightful..." Night glanced away. "But not interesting. I can see, Silver. I know you. You love me, but I'm not interesting. I'm boring. I'm--"
Silver silenced her with a kiss, snuggling down into her in gentle presses. "You're wonderful." Silver lowered a hoof to rub over Night's swelling belly. "You're also my wife, and the bearer of my foal. How are you feeling?"
Night smiled gently, relaxing under the soft rubs. "Zecora is doing her job well. I'm fine, swelling up by the day."
Silver frowned a little. "That's part of this."
Night nodded. "Well... yes. I'm being slowed down. I'm fat and slow and boring."
Silver nuzzled against Night's cheek, frowning with thought. "Well I can't, and wouldn't, make you an alicorn. I don't think you'd trade wings for a horn?"
Night wriggled her nose. "No. My wings are a part of me."
Silver leaned over Night, nuzzling at one of the fuzzy wings. "An adorably cute part of you." She sat up again, considering. "Maybe it's time we re-explored the magic of lunar pegasi?"
Night tilted her head up at Silver. "What magic?"
Silver flashed her fangs and pointed at them with a hoof. "These, to start."
Night snorted at Silver. "I don't have the emotion fangs."
Silver suddenly bit into Night's neck, making her go rigid, then relaxing. Being a dream, Silver tried to take advantage of it, gently exploring through their connection to find where her own teeth bonded that Night's did not. In her mind she could see Night's body like a circuit board and she looked over it. The connection was there, but it was so thin. Silver gently changed the angle of her bite, speaking despite the full mouth easily. "This may sting or tingle, I'm not sure."
Silver unleashed a strong surge through her teeth, unleashing upon the thin line and feeding it. Night went tense underneath her, but stayed still. Suddenly, Night vanished, and Silver was thrown out into the dream mall. A light headache informed her that she hadn't landed quite right, but worry made such concerns minor at best. She quickly roused herself to waking. She rolled over in bed and found Night looking back at her. "Are you alright?"
Night nodded slowly. "I think so? I just... woke up. Did you do whatever you planned to do?" She reached with her wings and snatched her glasses, putting them on her face. "I don't feel any different."
Silver tilted her head. "Only one way to know. Go on..."
Night slowly rolled over on top of Silver and nuzzled into her neck gently. "Are you sure?"
Silver nodded quickly. "There are few ponies in this world I trust more than you, Night. Go ahead."
Night exposed her fangs. Silver could feel those sharp tips poking her a few times with uncertainty, but she kept still and tried to be patient. There! She flinched at the sudden piercing. "Alright... now... concentrate on an emotion, and let the magic inside of you loose. Like when you're flying really fast."
The emotion started to come through, a shy nervousness that Silver had felt many times before. "Something stronger... happier? It's working Night. It's really working."
The news of victory turned the emotion towards more excited spectrums, then deepened into something else. Night rubbed against Silver with an increasingly obvious want. They spent several hours reminding one another of their love.
The next morning, the breakfast table was quite crowded. Besides Silver, Fast, Night, and Twilight, there was also Rough and Trixie. Not quite crowded enough, the rest of the Mane Six were gathered about the table. Twilight spoke first. "I'm glad everypony could make it. I just wanted to get a few things clear, now that we're back." She extended a wing towards Silver. "I was not 'corrupted' by Silver. She is a fine mare and a good friend, and should be treated as such. I..." She swallowed heavily. "I plan to marry into her herd. Consider this a formal announcement of our engagement."
Fast quickly began clopping his hooves as supportive voices rouse around the table. Applejack nudged Rainbow Dash and waggled her brows suggestively. Rainbow rolled her eyes with a disgusted snort and bits exchanged hooves. Rarity smiled brightly. "Oh my, this is simply amazing, darling." Her eyes turned to Fast Change. "That makes you the stallion of a royal herd. How exciting! With not one, but two princesses! I dare say you've just made all the stallions across Equestria jealous."
Fluttershy demurely looked up at Twilight. "How are you going to explain this to everypony else? They might... think Silver Star's forcing you?"
Twilight scowled at the suggestion. "Well, I have a plan for that." Her horn glowed and a large screen dropped from above, flowcharts and graphs already prepared. "I'll send a letter to Celestia immediately, requesting the right to host Silver's coronation. We'll make it a nice ceremony, and make it clear during it that Silver is a good princess, eager to serve her people. The culmination of that ceremony will be her asking for my hoof in marriage. I will accept, and nopony will question it."
Rarity wobbled a hoof. "I wouldn't say 'nopony' exactly, but it should help!" She clopped her hooves. "I simply must get to work making proper outfits. Leave this to me, Silver Stars."
Pinkie bobbed her head. "I get to plan the party, right?"
Twilight shook her head. "The reception, certainly, but the coronation itself has a very specific set of requirements, so leave that to me."
Trixie puffed out her chest and rose to her full height. "Trixie demands a part in this. Her foal will not be crowned without her involvement."
Twilight flashed a bright smile. "I thought you might say that." She pointed with a floating wand to a part of the flowchart. "You are, if willing, to be part of the entertainment and special effects for the coronation and reception. I'll expect you to really razzle-dazzle the ponies and get them worked up for Silver Stars."
"This Trixie can and will gladly do." Trixie looked quite pleased with her role.
Applejack raised a hoof. "Ah'll be offering up refreshments, right?"
Twilight nodded. "That would be lovely, thank you Applejack. I'll be sure to get you recompensated for the spent apples." Her eyes turned to Night and Fast. "As for you two, you're going to be on display as much as Silver and myself. You'll need to look your best and carry yourself with dignity. We have to sell this herd to the public, so we all have to be on our best behavior during the coronation."
Shining Armor was propped up against Cadance, sleeping quietly. The rest of the princesses looked like they wanted to join him in slumber, but the talks raged ever onwards. Cadance raised a hoof. "Why not, instead of mandating donations, opening it to willing ones. Create positiv--" She paused to yawn widely. "--Positive social pressure and incentives. Ask more from our ponies and demand less."
Luna gave a slow nod. "I could get behind that. The nobles of Canterlot are fiercely competitive. If they get it in their minds that it is prestigious to be the largest donor, we may amass much more, without demanding, in short order." She looked to Celestia. "Tia... You can rouse them, can you not? I have seen you play those rich fops before."
Tia nodded, which almost became a nodding off. She jerked awake with a snort. "Yes! Yes, I believe I can do that... Luna, you can help. A few select dreams in the right ears would help get the ball rolling much more quickly."
Cadance smiled with relief. "This will mean so much to my ponies." She looked to Celestia. "This is what we meant. We love you, Auntie. You've done very well by us, and all Equestria, but compromise, just a little." She paused to yawn widely. "And please let Silver Stars get some peace. Poor thing deserves a few more medals. Just... try accepting her. She's not so bad."
Celestia gave a little nod as the door opened and a royal guard rushed in, offering a paper to her. Celestia's eyes wandered over the paper and she sat up sharply. "I'll rip him to pieces!"
Shining Armor jerked awake at the noise and collapsed to the table with a thump. The rest of the princesses jerked in place. Luna tilted her head. "Has Sombra returned?"
Celestia took a slow breath and set the paper down. "I'm sorry... I'm more tired than I thought."
Cadance grabbed the paper and pulled it over with her magic to look at. "Twilight has requested Silver Stars get her coronation in Ponyville, and that she intends to publicly become engaged to her during it."
Luna tilted her head a little. "Tia... What part of that missive would make you cry out like that?"
Celestia shook her head slowly. "I am fatigued. If we are done here..."
Cadance set the note down. "I don't think we are. Are you unhappy with their union?"
Luna frowned at Celestia. "Tia... You insisted that was just a dream. You assured me it meant nothing." Celestia didn't reply, and Luna pressed. "Tia, sister. You can't be with her. It's not right. You two are not on the same level. It...would be just as poor as when I took Silver Stars."
Celestia clopped a hoof on the tabletop with tremendous force, shattering it into three uneven pieces. "It's not the same! I... She loves me. She adores me. I adore her. We would... treat each other well."
Cadance's eyes widened with shock. "Auntie! Twilight sees you as a mentor, practically a second mother. That would be very wrong. Nopony would accept it, even if she did. Please, don't taint years of wonderful relationship with this."
Celestia sagged in place. "I know... I know... I don't intend to chase her." She gestured at the paper, resting on the broken table. "The thought of that... Silver Stars... having her..."
Luna shook her head a little. "I was not aware your feelings ran this deep..." She tapped her chin and smiled. "Perhaps we could hatch two birds from one egg? Have you not noticed Silver Star gazing at you with fond eyes?"
Cadance snorted. "Their herd is quite large enough without cramming in the Princess of all Equestria into it."
Luna waved Cadance off. "Nothing so extreme... Just listen..."
Silver approached her herd with uncertainty. Night picked on it quickly. "Spit it out, Silver. What's on your mind?"
Silver pawed at the ground. "Do you remember that Starlight pony?"
Twilight's expression darkened. "What about her?"
Silver wobbled a hoof. "Well I ran into h--"
Twilight grunted. "Did she hurt you?" She leaned off to the side to make sure Silver had her cutie mark. "You're safe with us."
Silver shook her head quickly. "No no! She didn't hurt me. She apologized... She isn't chasing me for that bounty anymore. She's trying to turn over a new leaf."
Twilight snorted derisively. "You didn't see her in her element. She's a foul manipulator that takes delight in controlling ponies around her. Don't listen to a word she says!" Twilight clopped a forehoof down. "She won't be happy until you give up your cutie mark willingly."
Silver frowned at the harsh words. "That's being cruel. She didn't try to take mine away. We just talked, and she was very nice."
Night reached over and tapped Silver on the head. "You have that 'save the lonely pony' expression going."
Silver shrank back a little. "She is lonely... We could save her."
Twilight flared out her wings. "Absolutely not! She locked the girls and I in a shack, for days! She's depraved, Silver."
Night softly brushed Twilight's side with a wing. "Calm down, Twilight, you're handling Silver wrong."
Silver blinked softly. "I am not a dog to be handled."
Night advanced on Silver, rubbing noses softly. "You're my adorable little pony, now listen to me."
Silver warmed in the cheeks and went quiet, looking at Night.
Night smiled softly. "Of course she deserves a chance to redeem herself, but it doesn't have to be you that babysits her. Let her show her true colors to more than just you." She raised a hoof and started stroking under Silver's chin in slow motions that made Silver's eyes slowly drift shut. "You are such a soft-hearted little mare. You can't stand the thought of someone suffering, can you?"
"Not if I can do something about it..." Silver opened her eyes again. "Is it wrong to be a friend? She needs a non-judging hoof up."
Night snorted. "I hate to bring this up, but she was the reason you had to suffer so much trying to save our foal. She deserves a swift kick."
Silver shook her head. "She wasn't physically fighting. She was just there for her talent. She can zap the cutie marks."
Twilight raised a hoof. "She knows a few battle spells. I've seen her perform an impressive energy burst and a beam. Silver, we're trying to protect you, not be mean to her."
Silver sagged softly. "I just want to do the right thing."
Night brought her wings down on Silver, cocooning her head in softness. "You are too kind, and I love that in you. Look, if you must see her at all, just bring me along, OK?"
Twilight scowled disapprovingly. "She will make you regret every inch you offer her. She should be thrown in jail, not befriended."
Silver leaned in and kissed Night, feeling old love rekindling to heady fire in her chest. The support Night lent made everything feel better. "I won't, not without you. Thank you." She turned to Twilight and pointed at her. "You're the Princess of Friendship. Don't you owe it to your title if nothing else to at least try?"
Fast, who had been oddly quiet during the exchange, spoke up. "Where is she?"
Silver tilted her head. "I don't know. She trotted off after we talked and didn't leave an address." Silver suddenly perked. "Oh, she's sending a package in the mail. Maybe it will have her address on it?"
Fast snorted softly. "I doubt it... I want to talk to her too."
Silver could see Fast was hiding something. "What do you plan to do with her?"
Fast tilted his head. "Ask her a few questions. If I don't like the answers, sock her in the jaw. She may be trying to turn a new leaf, but she hasn't apologized to us, and she has a lot to answer for."
Twilight looked disturbingly smug at Fast's answer. "Putting all this aside! How are preparations going?"
Silver shuffled. "Nervously? I'm just glad I don't have many lines to say."
Twilight nodded. "I've been through it myself. The new princess mostly smiles and waves. I received Celestia's reply. She agreed to our request, but she's already spreading word about it, so expect Ponyville to swell well beyond its usual population."
Night raised a hoof. "Have you spoken to Mayor Mare?"
"Why?"
Night chuckled softly. "This is going to make her job, and those under her, much harder for a while. Warning her would be good."
Silver perked an ear. "I just had a thought. You may be getting a bit plump for guard work, but have you considered working for the Mayor? You could help out around town hall."
Night flushed dark. "Did you just call me fat?"
Silver moved to nuzzle into Night's side. "I called you debilitatingly sexy. I'd go into details, but there's a princess watching."
Twilight started going scarlet, but defended herself. "Hey! She's my herd-sister too..."
Fast nudged Twilight. "Well then, go ahead, tell her how pretty she is."
Twilight started to freeze up, stammering wildly. "I... well... Your wings... Uh..."
Night giggled softly at Twilight's floundering and approached her. "Tell me about my eyes."
Eyes were a safer place for Twilight, and she nodded. "Your eyes are... lovely. Your glasses really bring them out and..." She flushed dark and looked away.
Night reached for Twilight's snout with a hoof and turned back towards herself. "Speak truthfully."
Twilight nodded stiffly. "I could stare into them."
Night smiled. "Please do so more often." Conversation died for a moment as they stared into one another.
Fast whispered in Silver's ear. "That is too adorable."
Silver vented her building passion by kissing Fast on the lips. Feeling aggressive, Silver tried to shove Fast back, and he allowed her, and soon she was on top of him, sharing a most passionate smooching.
Spike coughed softly as he entered. "Letter from the Princess." He offered the scroll to Twilight. Silver moved to separate from Fast at Spike's entrance, but Fast pulled her right back down and the smooching resumed.
Twilight unfurled the letter and read over it. "Huh, seems Princess Celestia would like to meet with us, Silver, to go over coronation details."
Silver extracted herself from Fast, slipping back onto her own hooves. "Oh, alright..." She frowned a little. "She never apologized for trashing me like that." She then sagged as she realized something out loud. "She's not really apologized for most of the things she's done."
Night nudged Silver with a hoof. "If she's ready to proceed with the crowning, this may be a good time for that to be aired out."
Twilight nodded in agreement. "Maybe that's why she's calling us. It'll be good to put aside old mistakes and step into a new stage with a clean heart. Get ready to go, the meeting's in a few hours. We'll want to leave shortly. Good thing you can fly now." She trotted off to get herself ready.
Silver dashed off herself and got into her dress, an act that took significantly less time than it first did. She looked at herself in the mirror and did a slow turn before deciding she was presentable. The dangling heart crystal drew her attention and she brushed it with a hoof softly. "You'll get your chance..." She fell to musing over their encounter. She warmed as she thought about how... aggressive Starlight had been. It was flattering and a bit frightening. Was she pretty?
The vision that looked back at her was strange for a pony. She was the only lunar princess. The more subtle cues of attractiveness for a pony were still beyond her intuitive grasp. "I didn't know if I was pretty as a human. I guess some things don't change." Either way, the thought that someone thought she was attractive enough to turn away from evil for was exciting. But... She frowned and shoved away the thoughts, moving to return downstairs and face the current issues.
Twilight and Silver met in front of the castle and took off together. As they flew, a silvery bubble sprang up around Silver. Twilight tilted her head a little. "What's with the bubble?"
"Just in case..."
Twilight shook her head. "I suppose I can't blame you." She didn't shield herself.
Soon they arrived in Canterlot, soaring over the ponies going about their daily lives. They landed before the castle and moved past the guards unchallenged. Silver noticed a janitor pony shoving a newspaper along, and saw a picture of herself. She snatched the paper from the grasp of the broom with her magic. "May I?"
The janitor squinted. "Huh? Well can't say there's a law against it." He then mosied along, resuming his cleaning.
Silver flipped open the newspaper as she walked, trusting Twilight to guide her. She soon found the relevant article and scanned over it. It spoke of her joyous reformation and announced the date of her coronation. "Celestia works fast..." She read on as it went into detail about how it wasn't as bad as it first appeared, but she doubted anyone would read that far before forming an opinion. She tossed the newspaper into the next bin she spotted. "Looks like Canterlot knows to expect things."
A guard stopped the progress of the two. "The Princess is awaiting you, this way please." He lead them down a different hallway and pulled open a door before gesturing inside. Within was a fairly plain white room not that different from the one they had spent time in as a jail. Celestia was already inside it, seated before a tiny square table. Once they had stepped in with her, the door closed behind them, becoming basically invisible on the white surface.
Celestia nodded to them both gently. "Good to see you. I'm afraid we've both been drawn along in a little 'scheme' by Luna and Cadance."
Twilight approached with confusion. She settled on one of the cushions. "I don't know either of them to do anything too unreasonable. What's going on?"
Silver sat to the side, between Celestia and Twilight. "I trust Cadance. If she has an idea, it's probably well-intentioned."
Celestia canted her head at Silver. "And mine are not?"
Silver flinched back. "Can you ask that? So soon after throwing me in jail and calling me such awful things?"
Twilight huffed softly. "Well... what is the plan?"
Celestia looked between the two. "I want us to be closer."
Silver straightened a little, looking at Celestia with growing curiosity. "Closer?"
Celestia smiled. "You are close to Cadance, and Luna, and Twilight. I am the only princess you do not regard as a friend."
Twilight squirmed uncomfortably. "I say this with all due respect, but you haven't given Silver a lot of reasons to do that."
Celestia nodded softly. "And here we are. It is time to put this ugly business behind us. To begin, Silver, you are not with foal anymore, at least not in any meaningful sense. Do you wish to be male?"
Silver jerked back. "I'm a princess now, right? Is that even an option?"
Twilight looked to Silver silently a moment before repeating Silver's question. "Is that possible? I mean... Silver's spell bends the rules a bit, but a full-on stallion princess, er, prince?" She shook her head out of the building fog. "Is that possible?"
Celestia was about to answer, mouth already opening when Silver thrust up a hoof. "No. Enough changes. Enough new things. I think I'm unique enough without adding 'first alicorn prince' to the bundle. I didn't ask to be a mare, but I've gotten used to it, and I can get the dangly bits back when the mood strikes." Silver tilted her head at Celestia. "It's a very nice thought, and I do appreciate it."
Celestia nodded softly. "I confess, I am relieved to hear you say that."
Silver shrunk back a little. "Why? Were you still afraid I'd go on a homicidal spree the moment I had some testosterone?"
Celestia held up a hoof. "I am certain you would not do that, but no. I feared you may be amassing power, perhaps not even while aware of it. Tell me, Silver, what do you desire?"
Silver pointed at Twilight. "I want to be a good wife for her. I want to raise my foal properly. I'd like to get back to my talent and dive into magic. I want to be there for my herd. I want to meet ponies and have them smile at me instead of scowling and whispering." Silver turned her hoof at Celestia. "I'd like to escape your hate list."
Celestia's wings folded over the table, the left brushing Silver's cheek, the right on Twilight's. "I would like to be a positive aspect of both your new lives. We are already working to undo the damage done to your name. We'll be ensuring your coronation goes off without a hitch and the ponies of Equestria are properly impressed that you are a good and kind princess. Twilight." Her eyes focused on her former-student. "What do you like about Silver Stars?"
Twilight appeared startled at the question, wings ruffling a bit as she considered it. "She doesn't know the meaning of giving up, as far as I've seen." She raised a hoof. "Allow me to clarify that. She doesn't know how to give up on other ponies. She will keep right on digging, searching for that nugget of goodness in anypony she comes into any serious amount of contact with." She snorted then. "She even wants to try to make friends with a psychotic brainwashing despot. It infuriates me, but it's also... commendable, and I love that in her."
Celestia directed a hoof at herself. "Much like she appears here, willing to give me another chance, even if I may have come off as abrasive in the past."
Twilight nodded quickly. "Precisely. It is a special and rare thing." She looked across at Silver. "Even I could see Silver really wants this meeting to go well. She wants to be your friend, like you are mine."
"Are we just friends?"
Twilight blinked, caught off guard. "Er! Well... No! I mean... We're very close. You are very dear to me, Princess Celestia." She started fidgeting quite nervously. "You were my teacher, and I still consider you my mentor. You've shown me so much, about magic, and later about friendship. You pushed me out into the world I would have hid from on my own. I... I don't know how to say thank you deeply enough."
Silver cleared her throat softly. "Sorry for butting in, but what are you driving at, Celestia?"
Celestia raised a fine brow, then pointed at Silver. "Why does she refer to me as Celestia more often than you?"
Twilight began to go frizzy around the mane. "I... I didn't know you wanted me to... I was trying to be polite, P--Celestia."
Celestia shook her head. "I want to know what draws you together, and better understand your strengths and challenges."
Silver began noticing the pattern, and fidgeted herself a bit before a thought came to her. She looked across at Twilight and focused on her intently, trying to burrow into her with new thoughts. ~Twilight? If you can hear this, please raise your left hoof. It's Silver.~
Twilight looked surprised, then raised her right hoof a moment. Silver frowned a little. "Celestia. Are you being completely honest?" As she watched her, she thought to Twilight. ~Watch Celestia, closely, especially when she looks at you or talks about you.~
Celestia nodded firmly. "Of course. I want Twilight to be well-cared for, and I want our newest princess to adjust to her role smoothly. You've had a very rough time, and it's past due for me to help even out those edges."
Twilight suddenly asked. "Celestia, would you like to be my best mare?"
Celestia recoiled as if struck. "Wouldn't you want to pick one of your friends?" There was a subtle hope in her eyes, but much of it was suppressed. "Rarity would make an elegant choice."
Silver heard some mental noise that sounded a bit like Twilight, but the words were badly mangled. She decided that practice would be needed before she was half as good as Luna was at mental speaking. Twilight continued unabated with a gentle smile. "I'm certain she would be, and she and the others will certainly be hoofmaidens, but you have played such a vital part in my upbringing, and as a friend. I think you should do it."
Celestia's front began to crack as she gave her own fidget. "Twilight... I would be honored, but I must refuse. I offer instead to officiate." She smiled brilliantly. "Who else could oversee a wedding of two princesses?"
Silver raised a hoof. "Don't forget my herd."
Celestia tilted her head. "About that... Accept this as an idea only. There is no compulsion... but I would be much more at ease if you were marrying Twilight directly, instead of bringing her into your herd. How strong is your bond to the others?"
Silver's eyes widened a moment before narrowing. "My foal is in one of them, to start. I just finished comforting her. I can't even fathom the idea of abandoning them after they've been there for me through so much. That was a brutally mean question."
Twilight nodded in agreement. "I don't see how that could end well, Celestia. Night and Fast are both wonderful ponies. Why wouldn't you want them involved?"
Celestia waved a hoof. "Consider it forgotten. It's just been many many years since the last royal herd. Are they aware of what's expected of them?"
Twilight tilted her head. "Besides being good herd-mates to us?"
Celestia nodded and her horn glowed. She drew out a book from under the table and set it on top. "Take this. It goes over all of that, for them. Royal herd-mates have more to do than just being a good husband or wife. There are official functions and expectations." Celestia coughed into a hoof. "The stallion is expected to sire foals in a certain period of time, or the herd is dissolved."
Twilight frowned sharply. "Seriously? I don't remember any such laws."
Celestia shook her head. "Royal herds. Specific rules. Normal marriages have dropped and changed laws over the years, and so have normal herds, but royal herds are largely unchanged since before Luna was banished. There are rules for how often you should share a bed, be seen in public and with whom, and so on."
Twilight thumped the top of the book. "Nopony even remembers this. We should just change it, now. There's no reason for a royal herd to behave differently than any other."
Silver bobbed her head in agreement. "Not that I imagine Fast would mind a mandated amount of breeding." She gestured at Twilight. "I don't think Twilight is ready for motherhood. We're still working on fatherhood."
Celestia drew the book closer to herself. "Then we will do what we can, but laws concerning alicorns are not ratified by alicorns. That would be a gross abuse. This has to go through less royal means."
Silver wilted a bit. "You mean I have to rely on the nobles of Canterlot?"
"I'm afraid this is true." Celestia looked between the two. "My suggestion was not that you had to separate from your partners forever, but at least until the laws are changed, then you could invite them in."
Twilight took a slow breath. "We should talk to them first. Even if it's just on paper, being told Silver is leaving their herd is not something to just do casually. We'll bring it up when we get back." She smiled timidly up at Celestia. "Was there anything else you wanted to discuss?"
"Show me that spell."
Silver tilted her head. "What spell? The damage shield? Fireball? Fire wall?"
Celestia pointed at Silver with a hoof. "Become a stallion."
Silver went frozen. Twilight glanced across at Silver, then at Celestia. "Um... Perhaps... I could demonstrate?"
"That will work just as well." Celestia nodded lightly. "Go ahead."
Twilight's horn glowed with the subtle play of magic. Her deep wells of magic allowed her to cast it with a lack of effort that never failed to impress Silver. Soon she was between sexes, having both properties visibly. "Were you looking for something specific?"
Celestia shook her head slowly. "No, but I have removed all mentions of this spell from the academies. You do understand why, do you not?"
Twilight frowned in thought. "I'm not entirely sure? It's very high level and complicated. A pony could hurt themselves trying it, but that's true for many legal spells and why they have a rating."
Silver shook herself out. "You're afraid mares won't need stallions."
Celestia gave a soft smile. "Luna was not wrong. You can see the patterns. If mares can replace the need for stallions with themselves, then stallions become marginalized. Especially since there is no equivalent spell for a stallion, this spell cannot be left in public eye. I may have spoken... poorly... on their behalf, but I have no desire to see my ponies, male or female, suffer that way. Besides, there are places magic is best not introduced, and the basic, loving act of foal making is one of them I feel."
Silver looked at Twilight, glancing down at her addition before looking to Celestia with a blush. "Twilight gave me a child with it, er, foal, and I don't regret it."
Twilight nodded in agreement to both. "I'm certain if used entirely responsibly, it would be fine, but I can also see how it could easily be abused, and monitoring for it would be basically impossible until after the fact with a foal on the way." She leaned closed to Silver and nuzzled her once. "It's just our little secret now."
Silver warmed before another thought came crashing down on her and she sat bolt upright. "Alicorn breeding."
Celestia reached across and pet Silver across her soft mane. "I knew I had only to wait a small time."
"Twilight, could you give us a moment?" Silver gestured to the door.
Twilight rose to her hooves. "Sure, just call me back if you need me."
She departed shortly, and Celestia looked at Silver curiously. "What did you need to speak privately about?"
Silver wobbled a hoof. "You want her."
Celestia frowned. "She is perfectly happy as she is. You had best treat her perfectly."
Silver shook her head a little. "You want her, badly. I'm in the way."
Celestia set a hoof down on the table. "You're not the only one that can see a pattern, Silver Stars. You're about to try giving her to me. I won't take her. It... humbles me, that you would, but worries me at once." She leaned over the table towards Silver. "She does not see me as somepony she can love, only admire and worship. I will not hurt her in breaking this perception."
Silver snorted softly. "It's still stupid as hell. You're both princesses. The only differences between you are in her head."
Celestia gave a sad little smile. "Her adorable head, dense as it can be at times. What do you suggest, Silver? That I sweep her off her hooves, proclaim my fire for her, and demand her hoof?"
Silver tilted her head one way, then the other. "Yes? She's an adult, a full-grown mare. Heck, she has a foal, odd as it may be currently. Trust her to make a decision on her own instead of making it for her."
Celestia frowned and the hoof on the table began to smoulder as her heat built to the point of burning the wood. "Perhaps you have a point. I have been told I don't allow my ponies to decide things, and she is not my pony, she is my peer. But what of you? Do you not love Twilight?"
Silver sighed softly. "With all my heart, as far as I can tell, but I know she would be so happy if you got through to her. I can't even imagine standing in the way of that. You have an uphill battle, but if you did get through that..." Silver rolled a hoof slowly. "I do think she would be ecstatic beyond reason."
Celestia reached over the table and poked Silver on the snout. "You are too kind, and I mean that literally. If my sister did not still have her eyes on you, I might be tempted."
Silver warmed dangerously. "I... does that mean you don't hate me then?"
Celestia shook her head. "No... I think I never did. You just reminded me of things that angered me, and forced me to see what I did not want to see. Do you wish to be my friend?"
Silver bobbed her head with a bright and fanged smile.
"Good." Celestia looked to the door and raised her voice. "Princess Twilight, do come in."
Twilight stepped back in and closed the white door behind herself. "Everything alright?"
Celestia rose from her cushion and stepped towards Twilight. "Princess Twilight Sparkle, I have an announcement to make."
Twilight recoiled a little in surprise. "What?"
Celestia bowed, the front of her body dipping to the floor. "I would suit you, Princess Twilight Sparkle, that you would find me acceptable."
Twilight's mane went from freshly brushed to frizzy instantly, and she collapsed to her haunches. "W-what? I... What?"
Silver smiled from her seat, even as a new pain lanced through her. "Celestia wants to bid for your hoof, Twilight. She deserves the chance, does she not?"
Twilight grit her teeth a moment before giving a stiff nod. "I... suppose? I... Celestia? You..."
Celestia reached forward and plucked Twilight off the ground, nuzzling her. "Think of me not as your mentor or teacher. Those days are past. As I said when you ascended, you are a princess now, and we are peers."
Twilight began to wriggle uncomfortably, becoming more and more overwhelmed by the moment. "But..." Her words refused to come out of her snout as she flailed mentally.
Silver smiled with a bit of building sadness. "You two will make a lovely couple..."
Twilight suddenly snapped, teleporting back to her hooves. "No! No no no! I accepted Silver Stars and her herd's engagement. This isn't right! I mean... I'm flattered, beyond flattered. I don't even know how I feel right now. Do you... like me that way?"
Celestia smiled gently. "I would be your eternal partner, gladly and forever."
Twilight shoved a hoof in Silver's direction. "Then you'd better court her herd, because I'm not abandoning them. That is not how a friend behaves. You helped me know that."
Celestia sighed gently and moved to reclaim her seat. "Then we proceed as we stated. Go, speak with your herd. You will either have to learn the ways of royal herds and obey the laws, or separate from them for a time. I don't predict the nobility will cede to our demands quickly or easily. They know who is involved in the only royal herd, and Silver has earned little love from them."
Silver nodded stiffly, glancing between Twilight and Celestia before looking back at Twilight. "We've made up. We're friends now."
Twilight smiled gently. "Now that's great news I can stand behind. Good. You're both wonderful ponies." Twilight moved to settle on her own cushion. "I hope we can all be good friends to one another, above and beyond any... romantic feelings."
Celestia looked away. "I'm sorry for troubling you."
Silver frowned at the exchange. "No." She tapped the top of the table with a hoof. "Twilight, she means it, and that's OK. She isn't your teacher anymore. You're a mare, not only an adult, but a princess."
Twilight nodded at Silver slowly. "I... understand that." She smiled at Celestia with worry. "This is just all so sudden. I'm not... angry, Celestia. Please, just give me a little to... process it? I do mean it." She pointed at Silver. "You either join the herd or not at all. I've already agreed and that would be... I'm not even going to consider breaking that. That would..." She hung her head then, unable to continue.
Celestia reached out a wing, brushing Twilight's cheek lightly, "Take your time. I can wait. Time is a resource I have in abundance. You should be truthful in your dealings. If you deny me, I will still be here, and I will still be here for you. If you threw aside Silver's herd, you would not be the wonderful mare I've grown so fond of."
Soon they departed the room, Silver carrying the weighty book of herd laws in her saddlebag. They spread their wings and soon Silver and Twilight were on their way to Ponyville. Luna stepped free of another room closeby. "You said more than I thought you would."
Cadance stepped out of the same room right after her. "I may have helped."
Celestia's eyes widened. "Niece!" She trembled, flames licking over her form a moment before it fizzled off. "She took it better than I thought she would."
Cadance gestured at the shrinking forms of the two alicorns. "She is a grown mare, as you said. Aunt, trust her, and yourself."
Luna snorted softly. "I was flattered when you thought of me, sister. Why did you not take Silver's offer?"
Celestia raised a brow. "Didn't you hear Twilight? She would not have accepted my taking her away from that herd. I am not in any hurry to do that to her."
Luna snorted softly and ruffled her wings. Cadance looked to her with a raised brow. "You are the mare of her dreams."
Luna barked out a laugh at Cadance's words. "I do suppose that is the case. Ugh, when did our life become a poorly-written romantic novel? I'm going to bed. Wake me when it is time to get actual work done."
When Luna had left, Celestia settled her eyes on Cadance. "Well, do you feel that was worth it?"
Cadance pointed back at Celestia. "Do you?"
Celestia rose to her hooves and moved to walk down the hall. "There is much to prepare for. You should return. Your ponies need you."
Silver and Twilight landed lightly on the balcony of the castle and moved inside. Night was there, writing something out. She looked up on their entry. "Back so soon? Did it..." She looked over their expressions with a frown. "What happened?"
Silver pointed at Twilight. "Celestia wants Twilight."
Twilight went red quickly. "You can't just say it like that!"
Night raised a brow. "I... see? So should I expect her to turn us all to ash or quietly move us to some forgotten outpost?"
Twilight turned on Night, wings flared wide. "Don't say that! Celestia isn't like that. She's good and kind..."
Silver shook her head at Night. "I think she'll try approaching us, maybe."
Night sank in place. "Great..."
Silver quickly moved up to Night, nuzzling her cheek. "You sound disappointed, not scared."
Night leaned against Silver. "The writing's on the wall. If she means it, there's no way you'll turn her away. She's already Twilight's idol, and Fast is hardly much of a gatekeeper. It's... Come on, you have to see this."
Silver considered a moment before it came to her and she sagged a little. "And you're going to be overshadowed more."
Night tapped Silver on the nose with her fuzzy wing. "Bad enough with two alicorns and a very talented unicorn. Now you want to throw the ruler of all Equestria in there? Seriously?" She sagged. "The bite thing didn't even last long."
Silver tilted her head. "It wore off?"
Night nodded slowly. "Tested it with Fast. I'm not a pure breed, it's just not in the cards. I'm just a bat pony with good eyes."
Silver winced at 'bat pony'. "Night Watch! Never say that about yourself. You are not just 'an' anything. You got me here. You stood at my side. You helped heal me."
Night brushed gently across Silver's snout with a wing. "And now you are much better. You don't need me. Nopony in this herd does. I'm just a big fat mare. I... I'm glad we've had this time together, but I'm just in the way now."
Silver wrapped a wing around Night, squeezing her. "You are the mother of my foal, and I love you. You don't need special powers to hold onto my heart. Did you see about the town hall job?" She looked up for Twilight, but she was nowhere to be seen.
Night sagged. "Pushing papers around? That's not what I imagined for myself. I want to use these eyes of mine. I want to tackle intruders and criminals. I'm a guardian, Silver. I want to guard. This castle has its own guards, it doesn't need me, and I'm just getting fatter, so that scratches out tackling anything, except maybe you. You're easy to tackle." Silver began to object, but was suddenly thrown to the ground, and Night settled over her, belly-to-belly.
Silver warmed as she felt Night's bulging belly press against her. "You are a wonderful pony." Silver brought in her legs, rubbing across the bulge. "Swelling with our love. I'll do anything for you, just... say it."
Silver did not leave Night's side for the rest of the day, following her around as she went about her business. Night perked an ear at Silver. "You don't have to trail me everywhere. I won't blow away."
Silver moved up on Night. "Not physically. I want to help."
Night wrinkled her nose. "I want to be useful. That's all. No more or less."
Silver gave a soft nod, tapping her chin a moment. "I will be right back." She darted in and kissed Night's cheek. "I'll be thinking of you the whole way." Night made a dismissive motion, but her cheeks warmed.
Silver made her way quickly into town on her large wings. Flying was a thing she was growing to enjoy. Like running, her new nature filled the very act of getting from one point to another a task with great pleasure. She decided she would run back. She ducked to the left, narrowly avoiding a pegasus flying the other way. The pegasus looped around and came back. "Hi!" It was Derpy.
Silver flashed a bright smile. "Hey Derps! I'm headed to the town hall. You?"
Derpy pointed down. "I'm delivering a package to Sugarcube Corner. Take it easy?"
Silver held out a hoof that Derpy met, then they parted ways amiably. She saw the town hall coming up and came in for a semi-smooth landing, forced to run until her momentum ran dry. She sprinted up to the door and opened it with her magic, stepping into the maze of very busy pencil-pushers.
A secretary gave a tired smile at her. "Oh, hello Princess Silver Stars. I don't think I've seen you here before."
Silver perked her ears, pleasantly surprised at the kind greeting. "Hello! I'm here trying to find out what projects are in need of security or management. I have a good pony looking for a task that will help the community."
She tilted her head a little. "You'll want to talk to Pony Resources for that." She pointed down a hall. "Third on the right."
Silver nodded towards the pony. "Thank you. Good day." She trotted on past, leaving the secretary to resume typing. It was still a bit of a mystery to Silver how two-key typewriters worked. She soon arrived at the door that had 'Po y Res ces' written on it, with several of the remaining letters worn over time. Silver raised a brow at it, then wrapped the door in her silver magic and failed to nudge it open before remembering that doorknobs were a thing and refocusing her magic on it, soon opening the door. "Hello?"
A thin stallion behind a desk looked up, a huge set of glasses perched on his snout. "What? Oh, hello there! Uh... Who are you?"
Silver trotted into the crowded office, trying to step on places where papers weren't scattered around, though that was more often a choice of places with less papers, rather than being entirely clear. "I'm Silver Stars. I wanted to get a list of current projects? Preferably those in need of supervision, management, and/or security. Can you help me please?"
He tilted his head. "Oh, well, I guess you're in the right place for that." He adjusted his glasses with his hooves, reminding Silver of Night a moment. "Oh, are you a princess?"
Silver couldn't help but giggle at the slow recognition. "Yes, but forget that."
He began to reach for various stacks of papers, making more of a mess as he pushed them around and knocked much of it to the floor, grumbling to himself. "Equivalent Position is out with a cold. She's a lot better at this... It's in a red folder."
Silver spotted a red folder in the pile that had been knocked over and picked it up with her magic, offering it to the stallion. "Here you are. What's your name?"
"Leave Sharing." He accepted the folder and flipped it open. "Let's see... There's a project to renovate the road leading to Princess Twilight Sparkle's castle. There's a planned road through the Everfree..."
Silver tilted her head. "Why would you want a road through there?"
He shrugged. "Somepony thinks trade will pick up with a safe route to Appleloosa that isn't the railway. We don't have security or management for that. Why do you ask, if you don't mind my asking, your majesty."
Silver waved. "You don't have to 'your majesty' me, it's quite fine. I have a friend looking for work that specializes in security and has a good eye for detail. I think she would manage the project very well."
Leave looked thoughtful a moment. "Well if you say so, but there are forms to fill out. Have her come down and we'll get started on those, and the Mayor has final say on all hires."
Silver flashed a fanged smile. "Fantastic! Thank you." She turned to depart. "Have a good one." Leave waved and Silver slipped out into the hallway, returning to the front desk. "May I speak to the mayor?"
The secretary shook her head. "You need an appointment."
Silver tapped her chin, reversing her previous stance. "Even for a princess?"
The secretary sighed softly and pressed a button on a console. "Mayor Mare? Princess Silver Stars is here to see you."
There was a moment of quiet before a soft crackle played over the speaker. "Send her away! And clean everything she touched. Don't look her in the eyes!"
Silver sagged at the frantic-sounding rebuff. "I'm not... I'm just trying to get a pony a job, not put a spell on the Mayor."
The secretary shrugged softly. "Sorry ma'am." She flashed a brief smile. "If it makes any difference, you seem nice enough."
"Thanks..." Silver turned and strode from the building, grumbling a little to herself. She sat on her haunches in front of the city hall, frowning.
"Why the long face?" Silver looked up to see Rainbow Dash on a cloud, looking down at her.
Silver pointed back at the town hall. "The Mayor's decided I'm an evil demon and won't talk to me."
Rainbow descended in a flash of color, landing in front of Silver. "Who cares about her? You wanted to get her to come to a building opening or something?"
Silver huffed gently. "Not quite. I want to get Night Watch a job, and she has to sign off on it. If she hates me, she probably knows Night's related to me."
Rainbow gave a huh. "Yeah, that sucks... Try talking to Applejack. I think she and Mayor Mare have an understanding. Failing that, there's always Twilight. She's been wearing the crown longer and the Mayor usually listens to her." She spread her wings wide. "So, used to flying yet?"
Silver swiveled one ear back. "There's no way I'll beat you, Rainbow."
She waved a hoof. "Come on! Where's your competitive spirit?" She pointed towards Sweet Apple Acres. "You want to go there anyway, go on. I'll even give you a headstart. 1..."
Silver unfurled her wings and took off into the air. She wasn't especially in the mood for a race, but didn't see the harm in it. She pumped her wings and let the magic in her flow, trying to get more of it into her leathery wings. She could feel the speed picking up, but her flight became increasingly unsteady, as if she were flying through turbulence. All too suddenly, Rainbow flashed past her with a giddy cry of victory. Despite Silver's best effort, she was beaten thoroughly before reaching Applejack, who was by her barn.
Rainbow grinned smugly. "We'll try again later." She was gone into the distance before a reply could be offered.
Applejack shook her head at Silver. "A race huh? That mare... Want a drink?"
Silver bobbed her head. "That would be lovely. I don't think I ever got a chance to say thank you, by the way. You helped get us all together, right?"
Applejack tipped her head. "T'weren't nothing. Twilight'd do the same thing fer me if she saw th' chance." She leaned forward towards Silver. "So, out with it."
Silver perked her ears. "Oh! Well I was hoping you could speak to Mayor Mare about Night Watch getting a job. They're building a road through the Everfree and I think she'd be fantastic at managing and security, and she really wants to be busy."
Applejack nodded softly. "Huh, makes sense... but I meant out with the juicy details, ya know, what ya been doing to our Twilight." She grinned suggestively, waggling her brows. "Y'all getting along?"
Silver brightened. "I didn't think you were the rumor-mongering type, AJ."
Applejack moved in, nose an inch from Silver's. "When it involves Twilight, Ah get a little more interested. She's a friend, a good friend. So, out with it. Ah been hearing half-truths and wild conjectures left and right, so ah want the straight scoop, then ah'll help yer marefriend out."
Silver sank to her haunches. "Well, alright... We're getting along just fine. I like Twilight, she likes me. I... Our foal... It's complicated."
Applejack raised a brow. "Complicated?" she pointed at Silver's lower belly, looking at it. "Y'all looking skinny for a carrying mare. This the bad kind of complicated?"
Silver shook her head. "Well, no, yes? It's... complicated. The foal is a part of me, spread out. She, or he, is very alive, and growing. I think... when she's older, I may be able to separate from her." She frowned a bit then. "Magic complicated."
Applejack rolled her eyes. "Magic complicated. Shoulda said that ta start, but Ah'm glad yer both OK. So... did she ever..." she rolled a hoof. "Do it again? Ya know, give ya a ride?"
Applejack snorted softly. "And yet ya obviously ain't so much. She aught be doing her part."
"AJ..."
"Yeah?"
"I like you, you're cute, honest, dependable, and wonderful."
"Well shucks, thanks."
"But please stop talking about my love life like that." Silver smiled gently. "I shudder in fear of what would have happened if I ran into you before her."
Applejack waved a hoof. "Nothing. Ah'm married to mah work. Yer a good pony. A little quirky for being born a stallion and settling so well into mare life, but it takes all kinds ah reckon." She pointed back towards town. "Let's go help out that marefriend of yours, and while we go, you can answer a few more questions I have for ya."
They headed back for the city, walking side-by-side. Silver perked an ear towards Applejack "Does it bother you? Her being so busy, you know, with us? We're not trying to take her from you."
Applejack huffed. "Ain't nothing. Ah vanish for weeks at a time working a harvest or whatever. Twilight can understand mah life, I can deal with hers just fine. Ah think Fluttershy is taking it harder. Y'all keep giving Pinkie Pie more reasons to throw parties, so she couldn't be happier. Rarity's expertise is in demand, and Rainbow's enjoying making you into a natural-born flier. Nope, think you're doing alright by most of us, but if'n you find some time ta pay Flutter a visit and show her ya care, that might be good."
They chatted idly the rest of the way, trading recent events and gossip. Applejack didn't pry again into bedroom affairs, but did ask about Night. She proved sympathetic to the fattening mare's worries, and they went to straighten it out.
Silver departed the town hall with a slip of paper in her magic grip. She parted ways with Applejack and headed for home with a smile. "Night's going to be so excited." She said it to herself, trotting along. She remembered she planned to run and began to accelerate into a full gallop, allowing her magic to run freely through her. While she ran, she thought on her magic use and wondered a moment. How many unicorns outside those who qualified for the university she attended actually fully appreciate the flow of their power, or earth ponies, or pegasi? Maybe even those other ponies who passed were using some other method and were not conscious of the flow of energy through them.
Silver filed the thought away for later asking as she fueled her lungs and legs, gaining speed bit by bit until everything went racing by in a blur of colors.
"What's the rush?"
Silver looked to the side and saw Discord skating alongside her with no apparent effort. "You really should watch where you're going."
A smart retort came to her just before she ran straight into Twilight's castle. She slid to the ground, dizzy and in pain, and yet... Not as much pain as she figured such an impact should have delivered. Silver shook her head out. "Hi Discord."
Discord smiled with glee at the fallen alicorn. "Oh my, you're still polite after all this time. I must say that is a surprise."
Silver rose to her hooves and shook herself out. "Why wouldn't I be? You're still the crazy rascal you always were."
Discord pointed at Silver. "But you aren't. You've fallen for almost every trope in the book! I mean really, I thought better of you." He shook his head with a soft tsk tsk tsk.
Silver tilted her head a bit. "What do you mean?" She settled on her haunches. "It's nice to see you again. It's been... a long time since we played cards."
Discord smiled gently. "Ah yes. Well, it is good to see you haven't changed too much, but so much of you." He reached out and ran a finger over one of Silver's wings, making her shiver. "I really don't think you're much 'princess' material, your highness."
Silver ruffled out her wings. "I blundered into it. I'm trying to own up to it now."
Discord nodded lightly. "Oh, I've seen. Now you're setting up to have a herd with nearly all the snooty royal ponies, minus pretty-pink and her surfer stallion."
Silver frowned a bit at that. "That is really not how I want it."
Discord was suddenly on her back, laying across her with great ease. "Oh come now. You can lie to yourself, but not me. As if you aren't excited at the idea of having sunbutt and moonbutt officially as smoochy-smoochy lovers?"
Silver craned her neck to keep the chaos spirit in sight. "Not at the cost of those who suffered so much to help me get to this point."
Discord easily snatched the paper that was held in Silver's magic. "Hm, looks like work to me."
"Work she wants to do." Silver gently pulled the note back. "She wants to be useful, and to use her talents. Nothing wrong with that, right?"
Discord shrugged softly. "I suppose not. So how's the whole 'female' thing working out? Missing the old dangly bits?" He popped out of existence and was seated in front of Silver on a comfy-looking chair.
Silver tilted her head. "I can get them back when I want them. I've gotten pretty used to myself, which is nice. It... may come off as odd, but I understand you better. I've been there, stared at for being alarming looking."
Discord scoffed and flicked one of Silver's eartufts. "Bat pony's an interesting look."
Silver rolled her eyes. "Don't call them that, it really irks them."
Discord raised his brows. "Them? Not you? Well... What should I call them then?"
"Lunar ponies. And I'm still a human by birth, it's hard to be as reactive about racial slurs on my new race. So... Do you think I'm making a mistake?"
Discord put a hand to his chest. "You're asking moi for advice? You are a crazy one." He smiled and leaned in. "That's why I like you. If you accept Celestia, it will only be a matter of time before Luna wants in too. She had you first, and she's not going to let her sister end up with you in the end. If you have them both, and Twilight, somepony's going to get the idea that all the princesses should be considered some new kind of herd and then, bang, you get pretty-pink too."
Silver flushed deep at the idea of it. "I never wanted to bother Cadance. She's quite happy with Shining Armor."
Discord shrugged. "Just calling it as I see it. Do you think I'm wrong?"
Silver shook her head. "No, that sounds mostly right. But that wasn't the question. Do you think I'm making a mistake?"
Discord looked at Silver a moment. "That depends what you plan to accomplish, if you have a plan. Plans are overrated I find. If you want to be part of the greatest herd the world's ever seen? You're on the right track. If you ever want to live a quiet life? You should start running now and don't stop until you stop seeing ponies. Frankly, I think you gave up on the quiet option."
Silver gave a stiff nod. "I think so too... but what about my non-alicorn wives? I want them to be happy. I think Fast will be delighted. I can't see him or her being upset with the idea of being not only allowed, but mandated to climb into a bed with Celestia or Luna."
Discord snorted. "Too tawdry for me, thanks. But you're asking about that bat pony, oh sorry, 'lunar pony'." He made quotes in the air as he said it. "I don't know her as well as you do, so you're on your own with that. All I can say is don't try to get the sisters in bed at the same time." He chuckled darkly. "There is no happy end there." He waved dismissively at Silver. "Off with you now. You have a wife to excite with that little scrap of yours."
Silver nodded at Discord and moved to skirt around him. "I'm going to do just that, but don't be a stranger. You obviously know where I live, so come say hi sometime. Thanks for the talk."
Discord watched Silver go before vanishing off to whatever other business he had.
Silver entered the castle past the guards and found Night reading a book. She had a hoof over her belly, rubbing the dome softly while looking uncomfortable. Silver frowned a little and moved up to her. "Night, love. I have something for you."
Night quickly rolled to her hooves, as if embarrassed to be caught. "Oh! I hadn't heard you come in. What is that?" She pointed at the floating paper, spotting it immediately.
Silver brought it into her easy reach. "You, my darling and talented wife, have been offered the position of manager for the construction of a road, and not just any road. This road cuts clean through the Everfree. It will require someone with a keen eye for detail and extensive experience in security to keep the crew safe and on schedule."
Night's eyes scanned back and forth over the paper. "Is this real?" She looked up at Silver's hopeful face. "It is." She flopped onto her haunches. "This is going to take a lot of planning..."
Silver tilted her head. "Is that bad?"
Night shook her head slowly. "No... it's wonderful. Thank you." She rose up and approached Silver, kissing her on both cheeks. "I'm going to put my all into this. They'll have that road built a month ahead of schedule."
Silver smiled with renewed joy. "I bet you will, just... be careful. My wife being in the Everfree is enough to make me nervous. I trust you, however, so just use that keen wit I love so much in you."
Night wrapped Silver in her wings, squeezing her a moment. "I'll be fine, and thank you for the trust." She raised a brow with a sudden thought. "I wonder what poison joke would do to you."
Silver coughed into a laugh. "Oh lord. There's no way that'd turn out well. If you plan to prank me with some, please have the antidote already close at hand, alright?"
"Hoof." Night rolled her eyes. "But I'll bear in mind that you're alright with that as a prank."
Silver leaned in and rubbed noses with Night gently. "I know it feels hard to believe it, but you will always be my most beloved."
Night jerked back, ears going up. "More than Fast, or Twilight?"
Silver wrinkled her nose. "Fast is fun... but you think more like me. Twilight is crazy. I like that crazy... but you're better." She softly rubbed noses again. "You are the first wife, no matter what herd we may end up in. You will always be my first wife. Say the word, and I will run away with you, and leave this all behind."
Night raised a hoof and set it on Silver's nose, pushing her back. "That was extremely romantic, but no. You are not leaving Fast nor Twilight behind. No more running. I heard you make that promise. I'm holding you to it."
Silver smiled around the hoof. "Then I will stand at your side, beloved. I just want you to know how much I adore you."
Night smiled gently. "I'm going to plan for this. You know where to find me if I'm not here..."
Silver nuzzled against her side, moving around the hoof. "I will visit you at least once a day to see how you're doing, but I expect you'll eagerly share the story with us? I want to hear it all."
Night nibbled at one of Silver's ears a quiet moment before she nodded. "Thank you. I already feel better..."
Silver hopped from bubble to bubble. Every bubble had a dream. When she thought a pony, a bubble came within hopping range quickly. It was all very... interesting. Silver thought of Luna and a bubble drew close. Was Luna actually sleeping? Dreaming? Silver hopped into the bubble.
Silver landed in a wide field. She turned around to see two massive armies. On one side, ponies arranged in armor wielded weapons in their mouths or strapped to their sides. On the other, a field of griffons. Above the ponies, Luna pointed forward, resplendent with power. "Charge!"
The armies thundered together in a terrific clash as Luna directed the efforts from above. All too suddenly, Silver felt as if she were watched, and Luna appeared before her. "I did not expect you."
Silver scuttled back a few steps. "Luna! I didn't think you dreamed."
Luna waved a hoof. "Of course I do. All creatures dream, and I am no exception. I just do it less often than most." The battle behind her faded away, and they were instead in the royal gardens. It was night, and the moon hung full and heavy in the sky. "Welcome, fellow princess of the night. What brings you here?"
Silver smiled gently. "What if I just like seeing you? I haven't had the chance since our last dream lesson."
Luna tilted her head. "I can see how thoughts of marrying my sister might distract you."
Silver frowned. "Luna, wow, that was... Well, it was honest, I'll give it that, but let's be big ponies about this?"
Luna turned her head to the side. "We do not see what there is to be big about."
Silver was suddenly larger, equal in size to Luna. She threw a leg over Luna, hugging her. "I will not let you trample me this time. We are equals now."
Her wings flared out wide. "Equals?! You impertinent foal! You have not even a tenth of my experience."
Silver leaned in and kissed Luna's dark-furred cheek. "And I cherish every bit of wisdom you share, but I am your peer."
Luna warmed under the affection and looked away. "You still accept my sister over me. This is a slight I cannot easily forgive."
Silver snorted. "Did you hear how it went down? She propositioned Twilight. I was caught in the middle. I, and Night, would love to... love you again. The mistakes of the past are that, in the past. I'm bigger. I'm not a doormat."
Luna nudged Silver. "You could have fooled us."
Silver huffed. "I'm serious. There is not a single pony in our herd that would turn you away, except maybe Twilight, and that would be out of sheer awkwardness."
Luna raised a brow. "And yet?"
Silver smiled. "And yet, Celestia asked, and you have not." She paused, then frowned. "And yet, you're waiting for me to show some balls."
Luna gestured under Silver. "You don't have those."
"Says who?" Silver said while swaying to and fro.
Luna rolled her eyes. "You are adept enough at dreamsculpting so far. But you are avoiding the question."
Silver leaned in and pressed a nose to Luna's cheek. "I am not the first wife of my herd, nor its stallion. Go to Night Watch, and declare your desire, and be ready to catch her when she faints. If I were still single, I would be putting a ring on your horn right now and proclaiming we would rule the night forever."
Luna went bright red. "Would you really? I feel you are exaggerating that point... But I approve."
Silver raised a hoof. "One thing... Though I don't think you and... Fuck this is going to sound weird no matter how I phrase it. May I have a moment of indulgence?"
Luna waved a hoof. "Speak freely and I will withhold judgment this one time."
Silver nodded. "Good. The way it's shaping up, you and Celestia will be herd-mates."
Luna stiffened. "So you will not turn her away even if I do approach?"
Silver shook her head. "I don't see that happening without... complications? I don't think that's a deal breaker."
"It is not for you to decide that!"
"And yet, I just did." Silver smiled gently. "You two are already quite close. Nopony will ask you to do untoward things to one another. You won't act any differently."
Luna let out a soft sigh. "You realize... I wanted something separate from... her. I do love her, very much, but something. Something all to myself?"
Silver leaned in, rubbing noses. "We have our dreams, where none can bother us. Even if all goes belly up, we are tied more securely than ever before. Celestia is locked in the prison of her mind, while we dance through the dreamscape of all Equestria."
Luna's expression began to brighten. "This is true. Very well, faithful assistant dream warden, I will consider your words carefully. Now begone, I have a dream to complete."
Silver appeared with a pop atop another bubble, banished from the dream. Her landing was smooth and she quickly looked around thoughtfully. She thought of Twilight, and jumped into the bubble that drew close.
Twilight was working on a magic spell of some kind, struggling mightily. There was mocking laughter coming from nowhere, and stern instructors shook their heads disapprovingly at how long Twilight was taking.
Silver looked around before approaching the board, shrouded from sight for the time. Silver quickly spotted a few mistakes in the writing and almost went to fix them, then thought better of it. She leaned into Twilight's ear and softly whispered a hint of where to look.
"Of course!" she cried, then woke up. Silver was ejected back into the soapy void. Silver looked around and decided to try somepony new and concentrated on Lyra. A mint green bubble appeared and soon Silver was inside.
Lyra was sprawled out as hands pet over her back and belly. She moaned softly. "Yes... Just like that..." The hands held nothing back, touching her everywhere. Silver went red swiftly at the sight and began turning to depart when he heard a yelp. She turned back to see Lyra being pinched by those same hands. "I didn't mean to! Ow! Cut it out! I can't leave! I know ow! I know Bon Bon's waiting!"
Silver frowned in thought and approached Lyra. On an urge she spoke softly, keeping herself hidden. "Write her a letter."
"Anything, just stop pinching me!" She woke up, and Silver returned to the void. She felt powerfully productive and smiled with pride. Who next? An old face came to mind, and she thought of the young stallion. A new bubble approached and she entered a new dream.
Silver appeared just in time to watch her old self, Silver Lining, slap Tumble across the snout. "I hate you. Everypony hates you! Go and die already!"
Silver cringed at the image, but watched on as Tumble fell at her old hooves, sobbing before the stallion that was much larger than she ever was as a solar unicorn. "I've turned it around! I have a business! I have employees! I did everything! I fixed it!"
The dream-Silver raised a hoof as if to strike Tumble when the real Silver banished it, and Tumble's head jerked, detecting the real thing. "Huh?"
Silver smiled a little sadly. "Tumble, are you alright?"
Tumble shook his head quickly back and forth. "Nopony loves me! The one pony that saw me as... as a pony... he threw me away, then ran off. Everypony else just... they just use me..."
Silver frowned a little. Should she confess her prior identity? "Rough Tumble. What if I told you he didn't forget you?"
Tumble sat up, ear perking. "Really? There's still a chance?"
Silver winced. "Not... like that. He has a family, but he still cares about you, and wants you to be happy."
Tumble crossed his forelegs petulantly. "You're just saying that... Who are you? You don't look like Luna at all."
Silver approached Tumble slowly. "I am Silver Stars, and I am also a princess of the night. I want to help you."
Tumble cringed back. "Silver? Just..." It began to click as he noticed the same soft brown fur, the same spots... "Silver?"
Silver let out a slow sigh. "Hello Tumble. I did mean it."
Tumble rushed forward, tackling Silver to the ground. "I thought you were gone forever! Why are you a mare, and a princess?" His eyes went wide. "I knew you were special!"
Silver smiled gently. "Yeah, a lot happened... So... Are you upset?"
"At?"
Silver gestured at herself. "Female?"
Tumble tilted his head. "Why would I be?"
Silver frowned in confusion. "I thought you were a colt cuddler?"
Tumble leaned in and pressed nose-to-nose. "I thought I was too, but I'm a Silver cuddler... Nopony treated me like you treated me. Even when you didn't want me around you treated me nicer. I don't want a stallion, I want you."
Silver went rigid, mind whirring. This was going places where only pain could result. "Tumble... I meant what I said. I have a family, and it's already dangerously large, and exceptionally dramatic and political. How can I... impress that I care for you, a lot, but we aren't going to be married?"
Tumble sat on Silver's belly as he sat up. "Am I ugly?"
Silver sighed. "None of that has to do with the family I just told you about. Tumble..." She reached up, brushing a hoof over his pudgy cheeks. "You're wonderful. You have to keep looking, with confidence. The right stallion or mare will find you."
Tumble pointed at Silver. "She already did... Please don't run away again. Please..."
The pathetic look in his eyes crushed Silver's heart and she mentally flailed, trying to think of a way past the problem. "I know you are brave and fierce, but you're not going to beat your way through Celestia and Luna to get at me."
Tumble blinked in confusion. "What? Don't joke with me, Silver. Just tell me where you are, in the real world."
The answer came without thought. "Ponyville. But it won't help!" Tumble awoke, and Silver landed on a bubble with a mild headache from the poor landing. "Fuck!"
Silver rose from her sleep with a start, shaking off the mugginess and the clinging headache. Twilight looked up, apparently awakened by the movement, "Hnnnh?"
Silver smiled at her and sat on her haunches. "Sorry. Is it late, or early?" She had lost most ability to tell on her own on awakening, and the drawn blinds didn't help.
The conversation roused Night, who stretched and rolled over, pulling Twilight into a tight hug. Silver warmed at the sight and a giggle escaped her. "Good... morning?"
Night mumbled something before she sat up. Twilight looked more awake and sat up herself. Last awake but quickest to sit up, Fast Change sprung up and looked around. "Are we having a meeting?"
Silver nodded. "I would like to, if you're all available? I have a problem that could become our problem if not handled correctly."
Twilight's attention focused. "Is it dangerous? Tell us."
Night bobbed her head in agreement. "We're listening. Did you do something foolish?"
Fast slid around until he was behind Silver and pulled her back into his lap, snuggling. "Was it sexy?"
Silver snorted softly, relaxing into Fast's grip. "A little foolish, but I don't think dangerous. When I was dreamwalking, I visited a very old friend of mine, Rough Tumble."
Night perked up with recognition. "The abused colt? How's he doing?"
Silver lifted her shoulders. "From the sounds of it, he's pulled it together, financially. He owns a business in a new field and he's making a name for himself."
Twilight nodded a little. "Alright, that sounds great! So what's the problem?"
Silver wobbled a hoof. "We were herd-mates, very briefly... He's had a crush on me from even before that... He's had other boy... oh." She clopped her hooves. "He is... or was... a colt cuddler, so... He had some other coltfriends over the years, but they were all kind of jerks, drawn to his insecurity and they took advantage of him."
Night snorted. "Sounds a little like someone I know."
Silver leaned out of Fast's grip to kiss Night on the cheek. "I shudder to think where I'd be without you as my guardian angel."
Night raised a hoof. "So that means you'll listen to us about Starlight Glimmer?"
Silver stiffened. "This isn't about her! Can we focus please?" She grumbled a little, which was ignored by and large by the others.
Twilight tilted her head. "I think I'm starting to get the picture."
Night nodded in agreement. "He's looking for you, the one that got away, and didn't abuse him."
Fast shook her head. "If he's a good pony, why would it be bad if he found you?"
Silver went rigid. "I'm... in a four-pony herd that's about to become a six-pony herd. Two of them are alicorns, and the two others? Rulers of the nation..." She sagged her head. "Even if I did fall for him and you all agreed, would he get the time he deserves? I... feel..." She searched her emotions. "I feel... like I'd be abusing him by accepting his advance. He'd sit there with a smile, happy as could be, but he wouldn't be getting the attention he deserves."
Fast squeezed Silver from behind. "The more you talk, the more it sounds like you. You wanted to roll over and be an alicorn's pet before, didn't you? Think about how happy you were."
Silver began to color as she thought back to when she threw herself at Luna's hooves, and the satisfaction of being loved by her. "I..." She closed her eyes, drawing back to the memory. "She felt so large... Even when she barely had time, it made me so happy. Just basking beside her..."
Night nodded quickly. "I know that feeling too well... I miss her."
Silver opened her eyes with a sad frown. "I'm sorry for poking a sore spot. Would I really fill that kind of void? Am I that... large? Should I really... accept that for him?"
Twilight pointed at Silver. "You have asked many times that you be allowed to choose. This time, I think you need to let another pony make their choice. The shoe is on the other hoof. Will you decide for Tumble or let him decide? If this is really what he wants, knowing all the facts... Just be honest. That's the most fair thing you can do. Be honest, with him, and yourself."
Night nodded in agreement with Twilight. "That was perfect, Twilight." She leaned in and kissed the princess on the cheek. "Well said."
Fast seemed to also agree. "The way I see it, this is your chance to prove if you were sincere, or a hypocrite. You're the princess now, and he is the lonely little normal pony. If he loves you half as much as you're implying, will you tell him to shove off because 'it's complicated'? What if Luna had done that to you?"
Silver frowned a little. "She tried, at first. I was very stubborn."
Fast grinned. "I get the feeling your friend will be just as stubborn."
Silver sagged against Fast. "What about the rest of you? It's another stallion in the herd. Most of you have never met the pony. Are you OK with this?"
Twilight shook her head. "I'm not likely to sleep with the pony, but herds don't all... do that..." She swallowed heavily. "If... you somehow got the royal sisters, I would... be quite confident they would never touch one another, but they would be herd-mates all the same." She looked quite flustered on speaking on the subject, red and embarrassed.
Night nodded in agreement. "We can make our own decisions, starting with deciding if he's a good pony. That's up to us. You don't worry about that part. Your part is to decide if you will accept him, then we get to do our part." She flashed her fangs. "If you accept him and we turn him away, well, you did your part, didn't you?"
Silver snorted softly. "I suppose that's true... I told him I was in Ponyville. I get the idea from the way he was talking he'll be here in a few days at most, looking for me. I don't know if he'll know to look here, but most people in town know where to find the lunar princess, so that won't take long."
Fast nuzzled into Silver's neck softly. "Are you going to get prettied up and try to meet him at the station?"
Night tilted her head. "You should. Find out when he's coming, visit him in his dreams again if you have to, and make the first step he takes off the train or his truck or whatever else be the last breath he takes for a while."
Silver squirmed around in Fast's grip. "That seems very mean. What if I don't accept him? Then I'm just teasing the guy."
Twilight slapped Silver over the head with a wing. "Sorry, but you deserve that." She pulled herself up to her full height, clearing her throat. "This is a date. You should look your best, whether or not things work out afterwards is a separate affair." A piece of parchment appeared. "I know what you need! A checklist. I'll have one ready for you shortly." She hopped off the bed and made her way to a nearby desk to start scribbling.
Silver couldn't help but giggle, watching her. "Don't ever change, Twilight."
The room suddenly lowered as Fast picked her up in his magic. "Pretty time!"
Night snorted with a smile. "Put her down. We don't know when Tumble is arriving yet."
Fast looked like he was ready to carry her off anyway. She let her magic flow and pressed her silver glow against Fast's grip, breaking the hold and flopping to the ground almost-gracefully. "I'll get dressed when it's time, promise." She trotted over to the window and pulled the blinds enough to see the sun had risen. "At least I didn't wake everyone up in the middle of the night." Silver allowed the sun in fully.
Night rolled out of bed, stretching her pudgy body. "Time for me to get to work. That road won't build itself."
Fast leaned over the edge. "How's that going? Want some company?"
Night tilted her head. "If you want to move a lot of heavy things around, you're welcome to join the team. You'll probably have more fun here."
Fast hopped down beside Night. "If you're there, I'll have fun. Lead on, my amazing leader."
Night leaned in and kissed Fast's nose. "I don't want to hear a single cry when I work you into the ground."
"Oh you know just how to talk dirty to me." Fast walked off after Night, a grin on his face.
Twilight held up a list triumphantly. "Here you are! Follow this and I'm sure the date will go perfectly."
Silver took hold of the letter in her own magic and brought it over, reading it curiously. "Really? All of this?"
"Every single step." Twilight reached out and put a hoof on Silver's shoulder. "This is very important. It's your chance to really show you're an adult now, a master of your own destiny. I'll want to hear all about it after it's over."
Silver shrunk a little as the weight of Twilight's words sank in. "I'll do my best." She fidgeted a moment. "Tumble deserves a chance, a real one. I'll give him a good date and, I guess, we'll see?" She folded up the checklist and tucked it away. "Thanks, Twilight."
Twilight glanced around at the empty room before suddenly jumping at Silver. They crashed to the ground and Twilight kissed Silver fiercely. Silver was dumbfounded by Twilight's sudden aggression, but was soon squeezing her tightly and enjoying every moment of it.
When she drew back, Twilight nodded. "That's for showing me how wonderful married life can be, even if we aren't official yet. You do what's best. We're here for you."
Silver leaned up to rub noses with Twilight. "Would it be selfish to request some 'Twilight Time' later?"
Twilight tickled at Silver's side with her wings. "After your date, and I'm assuming you mean a bout of copulation, not educational time." She tilted her head. "Or do you? I could do either. Just not at the same time, that would be very counterproductive."
Silver burst into giggles, squirming under Twilight's tickles and her manner of speech. "I'm pretty sure I'd enjoy either if you were involved, but I think... I really want to be your mare again." She flashed her fangs. "One time isn't enough."
Twilight nodded a little stiffly. "Alright, then I'll promise. You do what's right and handle it like a friend and an adult, and we will spend some... quality time together." She leaned in closer, sniffing. "You're not receptive are you?"
Silver flushed dark. "I still don't know how to tell. Am I?"
Twilight poked Silver in the belly. "I don't think so, but you still have half a foal in there. Let's not complicate matters. I think the two foals we have in this herd is plenty." She stepped off of Silver. "Be good. I want to hear all about it afterwards."
Silver lurked by a window, looking out over the road that led up to the castle. She was gussied up, her resized dress draped over her body, mane and tail brushed out to a silvery blanket of soft curls. Her heart crystal shone softly from around her neck and she felt as ready as she would ever be to face what was coming. She took a soft breath and softly hummed to herself as she waited. A soft rumble made her eyes raise towards the town.
A moving van powered along the road, engine making quite the low thrumming as it drove up the hill and came to a smooth halt in front of the castle. Silver couldn't see through the windshield, and guessed the pony inside couldn't see her through the window. She hopped down from her stool and hurried to the front door.
A pony hopped down from the truck just as she emerged into the sun. They gazed at one another quietly a moment. They had both changed. The fitness that Silver had gently nudged Tumble so long ago, and his active life, had been good to him. He was more muscle and less pudgy fat. His dream had clearly been a reflection of his self-image, not the real thing. He was longer of leg and leaner of body. He was a fine stallion. He gazed at Silver with equal awe. The little runty brown unicorn was now a princess with nervously-fluttering wings. The sheen of her silver mane, the glow of her jewelry, even the dangerous glint of her fangs excited him.
"Tumble?"
"Silver?"
They approached one another and did a slow circling around as if chasing one another's tail a moment before Tumble plopped to the ground. "Well, here I am."
"There you are." Silver nodded, then smiled. "You look great! You still working out with Meadow Leaper?"
Tumble gestured vaguely towards Canterlot. "When I'm in town. I workout with myself most of the time... so... princess huh?"
Silver advanced and leaned in, pressing nose-to-nose gently. "Your princess for today."
Tumble went red swiftly. "What?"
Silver gestured towards town. "We're going on a date. We're going to talk about the past, and the present, and maybe the future? I want to hear where you've been, where you are, and where you want to go."
Tumble nodded hesitantly. "Oh, O-OK! Right this way, uh, your majesty?"
Silver waved a hoof. "Just Silver is fine. You knew me before I was even an adult, let alone royalty." She gestured at herself. "I think we've been through a lot. I want to hear all about it."
Tumble nodded more certainly. "Me too." He hopped up into the driver's seat and pushed open the passenger side door. "Come on in."
Silver circled around the truck and hopped aboard. The seats were more like cushioned stools than what she was used to seeing in a human vehicle. She pulled the door shut with magic and settled into place. "If you want to keep things informal, I know a good quiet place."
They were off, rolling along a little bumpily. Pony automobile technology was lagging behind human innovation, to say nothing of roads. The seat was soft at least, and bore them pleasantly enough to the side of a lake. Silver hopped free when it came to a stop and Tumble soon joined her. His eyes wandered over her. "So, how'd it happen?"
Silver gave the condensed version of her life, keeping Tumble's attention throughout easily as she wove tales of danger, magic, and romance. "And here I am, bonded to Night Watch, the lunar pony that helped us during that fight with your parents, Fast Change, and Twilight Sparkle."
Tumble whistled softly. "I can't say I've been as dramatic as all that. After you suggested the trucking business, Meadow Leaper and his friends helped raise the money and I got to work. It was a rough start, but I wouldn't give up. Besides, I'm Rough Tumble, what's a little rough patch, right?" He chuckled and she laughed with him briefly. "I've got about ten trucks now and as many drivers working for me, moving goods around Equestria. We can reach the towns that the rail doesn't go to, and bring heavy things while we're at it. We don't get ambushed by crazy monsters as often as other caravans, and we do it faster."
Silver nodded quickly. "That sounds fantastic! You really carved a niche for yourself, and that's something to be proud of." She rose a hoof and poked him in the chest. "Are you proud?"
"Tumble..." Silver leaned in. "You've done very well for yourself. Let that gloom go. You are a great pony, who has done great things. I'll be proud of you for you if I have to be."
Tumble snorted and quirked a smile. "I don't think it works like that, but thanks. Uh... so... how much of that dream do you remember?"
Silver perked a tufted ear. "All of it. You woke up so fast it threw me out of it."
Tumble shrank a little. "Then... why are you here?"
Silver tilted her head to the side. "I'm not following?"
Tumble pointed at Silver. "I said I wanted you. You should be running for the hills, not sharing war stories."
Silver frowned a little. "That is for me to decide." She put a hoof on her chest, then pointed at Tumble. "As for you, we needed to meet, again, and see what is just fond memory and what endures and what changed. You are not the pudgy almost-stallion I remembered."
Tumble laughed softly. "You're not even a colt at all. You still... look young, kind of? It's hard to tell. Alicorns get bigger and longer."
Silver nodded. "Still young, a little older... I hope a little wiser." She waved a hoof. "I still don't have the unicorn alphabet memorized."
Tumble burst into less-forced laughter. "Oh wow, still struggling with that?"
Silver shook her head. "More like gave up and moved on to other things. So who are all these horrible ponies that are picking on you?"
Tumble squirmed uncomfortably. "Nopony important... I'm just not a good judge of a pony I guess."
Silver snorted softly. "That makes two of us, but I think part of the problem is you're undervaluing yourself." She rose up onto her hind legs, and an increasingly familiar magic flowed through her. She began to sing of Tumble's virtues and positive qualities, while Tumble sung morosely of his shortcomings. She was soon hoof-in-hoof with him, twirling in a slow dance as she sung encouragement. She let the song magic carry her along, seeing no reason to argue with a message she agreed with.
By the time the song ended, they were nose-to-nose, and it ended on a swell of music from nowhere, and Tumble kissed her. The song magic withdrew, leaving them pressed close and kissing gently. A bright flash caught their attention, both turning to see a newspony dashing off with her scoop.
Silver growled angrily and snatched up the reporter with her magic, pulling the squealing mare back over. "Different world, same problem. We're not your meal ticket."
The newspony flailed her hooves in the air. "No offense intended, uh, your majesty. The ponies deserve to know! You're cheating on your herd!"
Silver stomped a hoof on the ground. "It was their idea that I do this!"
Tumble shrank back. "I can go if i--"
"No!" She put the pony down but kept a hold on them. "Enough. I would never do anything to hurt my herd-mates. They are my everything, and they nudged me out here, because it was the right thing to do." She raised a hoof at the newspony. "If you want to report that I had a lovely time with a foalhood friend by the lake, with the blessing of my herd, go ahead. That's not exciting news."
The newsmare sagged a little. "Yes, your majesty..." The magic winked out as Silver let go, and soon the newspony dashed off.
Tumble chuckled softly. "You sure took charge of that."
Silver flushed gently. "Oh, I guess I did."
Tumble approached and nuzzled Silver's cheek gently. "You're kind of hot when you get angry."
Silver warmed all the more. "Stop that. You're exaggerating."
Tumble reached up and poked Silver's horn. "So you're a crazy-good wizard now, right?"
Silver smiled a little and pulled out her spell book, flipping through it. "So long as I have a spell written down. I've only memorized a few spells."
Tumble tilted his head. "Well, show me?" He pointed at Silver's wings. "You're a princess now, you should have all kinds of crazy magic. Hit me."
"Hit you?"
Tumble bobbed his head. "Go on."
Silver perked an ear. "Are... you hoping I'll do to you what Luna did to me?"
Tumble squirmed lightly. "Maybe?"
Silver leaned in closer, nuzzling gently into a cheek. "I don't even know what a lunar earth pony would be, but that's lunar pony. As in Luna. I don't... even know how to do that. You don't need to be a lunar pony to be important, you know."
Tumble pointed at Silver. "You are, and it worked for you. Night Watch is important, right?"
Silver shrugged. "Fast Change and Twilight Sparkle aren't. You just want to escape... you. And that's not something worth running away from. You're a good pony, you, right there, as you are."
Tumble sagged in place. "Sorry, I'm being a doofus... I mean... I'm enjoying this time, but you're going to go back to your amazing herd and I'll be alone again."
Silver tapped her chin thoughtfully. "I don't want to throw magic at you. It never really worked for me, but I was told to let you decide. I'm a princess, with a coronation around the corner. Princess Twilight Sparkle already has that crown. It's a big herd, with responsibilities. Is that something you really want to get into?"
Tumble smiled gently. "Does it put me next to you?"
Silver ruffled her wings lightly before she spread her wings. "Rough Tumble." Tumble jerked upright at the authoritative tone. "I conscript you as my first guard. Do you accept?"
Tumble blinked, then nodded slowly. "I... yes! Yes!" He leaped forward and they went down together in a tangle of limbs. "I will protect you, forever!" He was making her fur wet as he held her like she would fly away at any moment. She gently pulled him closer, murmuring softly into an ear as she considered the future. Perhaps things would grow from there more naturally.
"Now... I don't want you to abandon your business. It's a part of you. Keep those trucks moving. It's good for you, and Equestria." She gently extracted herself and sat up on her haunches. "Protecting me is no idle job. I've been the target of a foalnapping, twice. I've been targeted by evil shadows before. You will earn your keep."
Tumble bobbed his head. "I'll always be at your side."
Silver gently wrapped a leathery wing around Tumble. "And be kind to my herd-mates. Be kind, but be natural. If they do something that bothers you, you will not please me by keeping it bottled up. Even Princess Twilight. We do something that makes you uncomfortable, you say so. You are not our toy or our property. You are a wonderful pony, and deserve to be treated that way."
Tumble looked uncertain at that, which Silver expected. "I mean it. Don't let anypony walk over you. Besides, think of it this way. You're a royal guard. Royal guards cannot let ponies walk all over them. It looks bad, for you, and for me." She spread her wings wide. "You are now, officially, an important pony."
Tumble gave one more little nod, then fidgeted in place. "But... we'll be together? I mean... Will we get to..." He looked increasingly awkward.
Silver leaned in and silenced the stammering with a soft kiss on the lips, and they went quiet for a time before she drew away. "If you rise to your task, the others will not object to you. Be proud of what you have accomplished, and be a good pony."
Tumble drove them both back to the castle, and Silver led him inside. Fast was there and raised a hoof, waving at them. He advanced and looked over Tumble. "So you're him?"
Tumble looked a little nervous. "Yes? I don't know which 'him' you mean?"
Fast leaned in. "The one that wants to get hot and sweaty with my Silver."
Tumble practically fell apart, sinking to the ground fearfully. Silver moved between them. "Fast, really. He isn't the teasing kind."
Fast stuck out his tongue. "Oh foo. I'm only joking, promise. Stand up."
Tumble peeked up before slowly rising. "Oh... uh... hi?"
Fast shoved a hoof forward. "My name's Fast Change, and I live up to my name. I hear you're interested in Silver."
Tumble met the hoof in a soft clop. "We've been friends a long time... Uh... I'm her guard now."
Fast brilliantly smiled. "Is that a fact?" He turned to Silver. "Getting your own guard together now? You'll need to toughen him up. It won't do to have guard ponies that fall apart under pressure."
Tumble took a more sure stance. "I wasn't afraid of you. I was afraid of making a bad impression. If you threatened Silver I'd do anything to stop you."
Fast perked an ear. "That a fact?" He suddenly thwapped Silver over the head with a hoof, making a soft clunk of a noise. Silver squawked in irritation and minor pain.
Tumble advanced with a growl. "You'd better not do that again."
"Or?" Fast bounced left and right, grinning. "Come on, show me what you'll do."
Tumble charged at Fast, having never learned many other fighting moves other than pounding or charging. Fast suddenly became a bear and grabbed Tumble, turning him upside down as he held him aloft. "Aw, you're adorable. But you need some practice." Tumble squirmed frantically as Fast started rubbing his belly, making him laugh and struggle all the harder. "At least you had the balls to try. We can work with that."
Silver gestured to the ground and Fast put him down. "Be nice."
Fast bobbed his head. "I am! I mean it. If you're up for it, Tumble, we'll practice together."
Tumble looked uncertain, but curious. "Seriously?"
Fast nodded. "For serious. If you're going to guard Silver, I want you ready to do just that. She's one of the most important mares in my life, so I'm totally serious about this, except when I'm not." Fast suddenly transitioned into a copy of Silver, leaning close to Tumble and invading his personal space without a delay. "I'm sure we could do other fun things."
Tumble went scarlet and scrambled away, only to bump into the real Silver. He squealed and went dashing off into the kitchen
Fast returned to his red unicorn self and smiled at Silver. "You picked an odd one for guard captain."
Silver huffed softly. "He'll shape up, just don't tease him so much. He's... He's been abused, by the ponies that should have loved him most." She clopped a hoof down. "Help him become all he can be."
Fast's grin only grew wider. "Oh, commanding me? I like it. You're really becoming a princess." He gave a quick salute. "I'll get him into shape, promise, but there's one little issue I want resolved first."
Silver tilted her head. "What's that?"
Fast reached out, putting a hoof under Silver's chin. "If you're not afraid of stallions anymore, there's no reason for me to hold back. I want you the way a stallion should have his mares, not just cuddling."
Silver went red. "Can... I have you as old Fast, with extras?"
Fast shook his head. "Nope. I want you just the way I am."
Silver leaned forward and sniffed at Fast gently. "Well... OK... You're still Fast."
Fast held up a hoof. "I don't want you envisioning my old self the whole time. You should enjoy a stallion for a stallion. You are a mare now, and the parts work. What are you afraid of?"
Silver rocked left and right as she saw Tumble shyly reenter the room. She sighed and sat on her haunches. "Nothing logical. You're right. I do have all the parts, and I love you, so there's no reason we shouldn't be together like that, whether you're a mare, stallion, bear, dragon, or whatever else you have up your metaphorical sleeves."
Fast smiled, then looked to Tumble. "Sorry for yanking your chain there. Meet me at sunrise just outside the castle and we'll get to training. I'll show you the strengths of the earth pony body." She clopped her hooves together. "Some of my best lovers were earth ponies."
Tumble shook his head. "Uh, really? Are... you a colt cuddler?" He sounded quite uncertain, looking between Fast and Silver. "I mean, you have Silver, right? She's a mare."
Fast snorted softly. "I've evolved beyond such labels. I can be a mare or stallion or both or neither on command. You tell me what I am."
Tumble suddenly smiled. "Interesting."
Fast laughed and threw a leg over Tumble's shoulder, hugging him. "Good answer! Be there and I'll teach you things. Welcome to the herd."
Tumble blinked in confusion. "I'm not part of the herd. I'm Princess Silver Star's guard."
Fast snorted. "Any royal guard captain has to be familiar with the royalty they're guarding. If Silver Stars doesn't consider you family, you're not the right pony for the job." He looked to Silver. "So, is he?"
Silver gave a soft smile. "Yes. I hope that the rest of the herd learns of his good nature in time."
Tumble stammered and backed away a little before bowing to Silver. "I'll do my best." And then he dashed off into the castle.
Fast watched him go before looking back at Silver. "He'll be fine. I'll keep him on the path towards it. Now, about us..." His horn glowed and he pulled Silver closer, rubbing muzzles with her. "My darling princess. It is long-past time we became... familiar."
Silver found her wings extending on their own along with the warmth in her cheeks. "I... lead the way, Fast." Fast turned and moved up the stairs and Silver trailed along behind. She allowed her eyes to look over him, easily spotting the part that had made her nervous before. She'd had plenty of experience with it from the other end. She knew what it was like... "Be gentle."
Fast was gentle, and tireless. By the time Fast was ready to break, Silver was left dizzy and overwhelmed, but in mostly good ways. She was on her back, and Fast was belly-to-belly with her, grinding gently but the urgency had left him. He seemed satisfied. "How was it?"
Silver answered with a hug, pulling Fast tight and close. "I feel... great."
Fast smirked a little. "The mares usually say something like that when I'm done with them. No more being scared?"
Silver shook her head. "Not if it's like that."
Fast shrugged. "Won't always be. Tumble'll need some... other... training. But I wager that has to come from you, not me."
Silver perked an ear. "Oh? You can be female whenever you want, why me?"
Fast barked out a laugh. "Because he loves you, silly mare. I haven't found a place in his heart yet. If you let him climb up on you, you're going to have to teach him what you want him to do. He looks eager enough to follow your every word." Fast leaned in, nuzzling a cheek. "Just like I am, except when you're being stupid. So... that reminds me..."
"What?
Fast rubbed softly over Silver's lower belly as he sat up on her legs. "I called dibs. You can't be that far from becoming receptive."
Silver flushed dark. "There are a few problems with that... Namely, I'm still... sorta... pregnant."
Fast poked the empty belly. "I still don't understand that. But go on."
Silver nodded. "Well, assuming I can get that child out, then I'll end up with two foals."
Fast shrugged softly. "Ponies have twins all the time, not much different. If you don't want another foal, that's fine. I'm not here to force you, Silver. I value your trust." He leaned in and nibbled at one of her tufted ears. "But if that's not the problem, I promise to help raise them, so let me make one. You know as well as I that Night will probably never consent to another foal after the first."
Silver nodded slowly. "Well, let's put this off for the moment. If I become receptive, then I'll make the decision. If I don't, there's no decision to be made. If I do decide to have a foal then, it will be you that does it." She sat up on the bed. "So... awkward as this is, how was I?"
Fast wobbled a hoof. "You could use some training of your own." Silver looked quickly dismayed. "Oh don't look like that. You were lovely on the inside, but there are things you can do on the outside to drive a stallion wild. If you're feeling braver now, I can show you some tricks." He slipped off of Silver and slid to the floor. "For now, shower time. Coming?"
Silver hopped down beside him. "That sounds lovely. Do you think Twilight and Night will get along with Tumble?"
Fast led the way to the actual bathing room. "Time will tell. I don't see him picking a fight with either, so it's just a matter of personalities. If he helps Twilight and Spike with the library, they'll warm up quickly enough. Night's a tougher nut to crack. You might want to suggest he volunteer to help with the road project. That'll put them close together, and get him plenty of exercise too."
Silver nodded quickly in agreement. "Great idea! I'll do that over dinner. That will leave me without a guard though?"
Fast shrugged softly. "You were guardless before today, what's the difference?" He stepped into the large shower and with a bit of magic had it flowing. "Come on in, the water's fine, and the company's better."
Fast stepped in and they worked to get clean, even if Fast's distractions set back the effort once or twice.
Silver found herself in a familiar black space. "Text?"
'I am here. As you are. Your path is most unfavorable.'
Silver tilted her head at the words. "How do you figure? Everything's working out pretty well. I couldn't really recall a better time."
'You draw too much to yourself. My purpose is compromised by it.'
Silver wobbled a hoof. "You mean the royal sisters?"
'I will turn their paths away from yours. You should be happy with what you have.'
Silver summoned an image of Luna and gestured at her. "What's wrong with Luna? I was with her before..."
'Choose. Luna, or Twilight?'
Silver frowned and huffed. "What if I take both, and Celestia while we're 'haggling'? You don't control things, you j--"
Silver was thrown bodily onto her bed, her old bed, on Earth. She was still an alicorn however. She bounced up to her hooves and hopped off her bed, looking around her old, cluttered, room. There was a layer of dust on everything, as if the room had been abandoned, though she spotted new clutter piled on top of the old clutter. Figured. Her room had been converted into more storage space. "Text, this isn't funny. Put me back in Equestria right now!" She clopped a hoof on the ground, but nothing happened. The door swung open and her mother stared directly at her a moment.
"When did I get that?" she asked with a frown. She reached forward and plucked Silver from the ground as if she were just made of plush for how easily it were done. "You're the cutest little thing." Silver kept her mouth shut as she was carried into the living room and set down a short distance from a space heater. Her mother sat down at her computer and began working on something that looked like Facebook. Silver stood up and moved for the door, opening it and departing without turning any heads. So long as she didn't speak, she drew no attention, and she was out onto the streets of Oakland. She was a magical pony princess, and she wasn't sure what good that'd do here.
She reached with her magic and pulled out her spell book, thankful for its presence. Flipping through it for anything helpful, she brushed up on the shield spell a moment before stepping down the stairs to the street and looking left and right. Where could she go...? She needed a working computer. She clopped her hooves together and began trotting for the closest library she could remember, making a brisk pace through the city. A few blocks of hiking she thought of her wings and felt silly. No need to dodge cars that ignored her in the air. She spread her wings and took off, sailing over houses and power lines. Not wanting to risk it, she kept to the center of roads where the lines seemed thinner, and stayed above their height. She landed gently before the glass-sided library just in time for a small boy to rush up and grab her. "Oh man! Look at this!"
His friends, making an unruly mob of youths around fifteen years of age, exchanged laughs and pointed at Silver. "Is that from that show? Look how big it is."
The original hefted Silver up by the neck, which didn't hurt nearly as much as it should have. "I'm gonna Ebay it!"
Frick! Silver whispered softly. "I'm cursed."
The youth dropped her like she was made of lava. "Oh shit man!"
One of his friends advanced and grabbed Silver by the wing, hefting her up awkwardly. "What's wrong with you? It's gotta be worth at least a hundred, maybe a few!"
Being held by the wing stung in a new way, and Silver growled a little. She didn't want to go outright offensive on kids. How to get them away...? She lit up her horn and began spraying fireworks up into the air, showering the area with fireworks of Trixie. The loud sounds and bright flashes made them back up for fear of being burned, and that was enough for Silver to dash inside the library, not stopping until she was safely secluded between two isolated aisles. "Saved by books, what would Twilight say?"
"She would say 'Wow, a talking horse in a library'." A woman stood before Silver, looking down at her with a curious expression. "Hello." She looked to be middle-aged, asian, wore glasses on her face and had her black hair up in a bun. Pretty average as things went, except for the fact that she was engaging Silver.
"Are you not... scared?"
She shook her head. "Why would I be scared of a magic pony?"
Silver considered that. "I suppose there aren't any good reasons to be scared of a magic pony if you're polite."
She crouched down to Silver's level. "Why is there a magic pony in the library?"
"I was hoping to send an e-mail?"
She laughed at that, but covered her mouth quickly. "I suppose that's a good reason. Do you have a name?"
Silver pointed a hoof at herself. "Silver Stars. You?"
"Minsŏ." She reached and gently pet Silver over the ears and examined her sensitive horn, making Silver half-close her eyes. "I didn't expect to find a magic pony today."
"Few do." giggled out Silver. "You're very calm about all this."
She moved her attention to where wings met barrel, making Silver wriggle at the sensitivity. "You remind me of a differently colored Twilight Sparkle."
That jerked Silver to new awareness. "You watch the show?"
"I might be a little old for it, but I enjoy it fine enough."
Silver smiled brightly. "What luck! I came from there."
Minsŏ blinked. "From the show?"
"Yes! From Equestria. I really want to get back to it. I'm trying to figure out how." Silver gave her best piteous look. "Can you help?"
Minsŏ nodded lightly. "I can try, but how do I get you home without creating a stir?"
Silver smiled as she looked around. "I'm going to stop talking. If you see a doll of me, pick me up and take me home." Minsŏ looked uncertain, but watched. Silver stopped talking, and the magic returned, shrouded her from human view. Minsŏ looked amazed. She reached out and carefully scooped up Silver from the ground. Soon they were on their way, and Silver was set in the passenger seat of a small two-seater car. Once the car began moving, Silver spoke. "Thanks."
Minsŏ swerved the car slightly in surprise. "Don't do that! Are you house-trained?"
Silver flushed. "Yes! Of course... I'm a person, just with more fur and stuff. And a little magic."
Minsŏ turned off onto a sideroad smoothly. "You'll have to show me that, besides your doll trick, when we get home."
Home turned out to not be too far away in a small one-story abode that she pulled into the driveway of. Silver hopped out when the car drew to a stop. She was quick to stretch out, working her wings and legs. Minsŏ watched on with a bit of wonder. "Can you actually fly?"
Silver nodded as she flapped her wings in a demonstrative way. "I flew to the library before we met. So far as I can tell, everything works, magic included."
Minsŏ directed Silver to her house and they retired inside. It smelled oddly to Silver, but she hadn't really been in many human abodes since departing for Equestria, so she wasn't sure if it was her or not. The place was decorated with mostly pictures of what Silver assumed to be friends and family. Her host asked, "Can you show me some magic?"
"What kind?" Silver pulled out her spell book and flipped it open. "I don't feel confident doing any of the transforming ones on a human."
She rose a brow. "You have transforming magics? Why don't we start a little smaller?"
Silver flipped through her book a moment, with Minsŏ's eyes locked on the floating book, likely seeing the silver glow that held it aloft. "Here's a simple one!" She pointed her horn at a pencil sitting on the counter and soon it became purple, then green, then plaid. "Ta da."
Minsŏ seemed amused, but a little underwhelmed. "Perhaps a little grander than coloring?"
Silver tapped her chin thoughtfully. So many of her spells were enhancements, transformations, or battle spells. She really had to get some more day-to-day sorceries when she got back to Twilight. "I could demonstrate on myself?" After Minsŏ nodded, Silver lit her horn and focused on the spell before her, soon swelling with new power. She moved over to the fridge and easily nudged it to and fro as if it were almost weightless, but the spell soon faded with her inexperience with it. "How's that?"
Minsŏ clapped politely. "That is more impressive. Did you still need a computer?"
Silver bobbed her head quickly. "Please! I don't know if this will work... I never even checked before I left, but I can't think of a lot of alternatives." Silver followed after her host and soon arrived in a small office. She spotted a little Applejack parked on the computer tower and smiled. "I see you have best horse."
Minsŏ smiled gently. "I feel for her. We both work quietly and well at what we do without getting a lot of fame for it, but it's worth doing."
Silver gently nudged Applejack. "She's a good pony, a great pony." Silver hopped up onto the chair, finding it much comfier than the one she left behind in her room. "Any passwords?"
Minsŏ had her logged in shortly, but didn't leave the room.
Silver tilted her head at Minsŏ a moment, but still she didn't budge. "You... want to watch me?"
Minsŏ smiled. "I thought you would never ask. I'd be delighted."
Using her silvery hands, Silver pulled up a web browser and went to gmail. Minsŏ was already logged in, and Silver quickly logged out.
Minsŏ asked as she watched. "What's it like, in pony land?"
"Equestria?" She quickly logged into her usual account, or tried. It claimed a message was being sent to her phone, which was back in Equestria. Crud.
Minsŏ pointed at Silver. "Wait, you know how to use a computer? You've obviously used one before."
Silver tensed, then sagged. "I do, but I'm realizing more and more this idea wasn't well thought through..." She pushed away from the computer and tapped her chin thoughtfully. A few minutes later, Minsŏ returned. Silver hadn't even noticed her leave until she got back. She had a tray of little cookies that suddenly seemed quite appetizing.
"It's still very strange to come back to a doll in my chair every time you go quiet."
"Oh, sorry." Silver hopped from the chair and snatched a cookie in her magic. "Thank you." It was a delicious as it smelled, and the situation seemed just a tiny bit less appalling. "I hope I'm not getting in the way of your work?"
"It's the weekend." Minsŏ pointed to a calender on the desk, announcing that it was Saturday. "Would you mind terribly if I invited a friend over?"
Silver frowned in thought. "Are they... also a fan of the show?" She nodded. "I figured. If they aren't going to panic about it, I guess there's no harm. I think I'm stuck here for now. Sorry."
Minsŏ didn't seem too upset at the idea of playing host to a magic pony princess. With a gentle ear petting, she departed elsewhere. Silver could soon hear a muffled conversation, likely on a phone. Silver sank to the floor and considered her situation. The Text wouldn't have thrown her out of the game entirely forever, right? There had to be a way to get back to Equestria... The ground fell away from her. She was being gently carried along like the doll she must appear to be. She was placed on a soft couch and the television was turned on. For maximum awkwardness, ponies were playing. It was an episode she hadn't seen before. Had season 5 begun?
It wasn't very long before the doorbell rang and snapped Silver out of her episode watching trance. She could hear Minsŏ and some younger voice talking animatedly a moment before smaller feet rushed into the room. "Awesome!" A young boy, perhaps fifteen or sixteen, apparently approved of the large alicorn doll that was draped over the couch. "When'd you get that?"
Minsŏ entered from behind him. "I bought it from a traveling gypsy. They say if you pet her ears just right and say something nice, she might come to life."
"Aunt, I am not that young." He crossed his arms, then approached Silver, who remained still. Despite his unbelieving words, he reached out a hand hesitantly and gave a little scritching at an ear. "I don't recognize her from the show, but it's well-made."
"Thank you." Silver smiled at him. Panic welled up and he lashed out on instinct. She intercepted the fist with an open-palmed silvery hand, catching it. "Careful with that. I'll start to think you don't want to be friends."
His moment of panic ebbed from reactive to a more normal sort of panic. "Jesus! It's talking! What's holding my hand?"
Minsŏ set one of her own hands on his shoulder. "Calm down. She's very friendly."
He withdrew his hand carefully and shared an even gaze with Silver. "Who are you?"
Silver raised a hoof to point at herself. "I am Princess Silver Stars. And you are?"
He imitated the gesture, pointing at himself. "Won. Minsŏ's nephew. You said Princess? Oh yeah, wings, horn, huh, weird. Well, I have to get going."
Minsŏ looked quite surprised. "That's it?"
"That's what? You told me I should finish my homework before anything else." He threw a hand in the air. "Don't blame me for following your advice."
"No no... Of course not. Thank you for visiting." They exchanged a brief hug and he was gone in a hurry.
Silver slowly tilted her head. "Did he just run off for homework rather than talk with a magic talking pony?"
Minsŏ nodded. "He is a good student, but not that good."
Silver looked over Minsŏ quietly a moment. "And yet, you can't seem to get enough."
This brought a blush to the woman's cheeks. "You're a magic pony princess. I think that warrants some attention."
Silver sat up on the couch. "What if it's like the doll magic? He isn't supposed to see me, so he lost interest quickly? Is he a fan of the show?"
Minsŏ looked less certain this time. "I thought he was..."
Silver wobbled a hoof. "Maybe not as much as you." Silver could almost feel the click as inspiration hit. "Minsŏ, if I offered you a way to go to Equestria, what would you say?"
"Where do I sign?"
Silver nodded. "I thought so... Before you agree to that, you should know more about the place, if I even can get you there." She shuffled off to the side of the couch, making room for Minsŏ. "Sit. Listen. Decide. Then we get to figure out how, either way." After Minsŏ settled on the couch, Silver began describing Equestria in all its glory. She spoke of its colorful people, its classism, its monsters and its issues. She held nothing back in her descriptions, trying to give an honest view of the world. "It is not heaven, but it's... nice. I like it there. But this world has its own nice points." She spread a lone wing out. "Do you really want to run away from humanity?"
Minsŏ seemed to give it serious thought. "Would I have to be a pony?"
Silver shook her head. "There's a human named Jake already living in Ponyville. He gets along with just fine. I think he has a crush on Rainbow Dash, but she isn't interested that way in him. They're good friends despite that. I've heard rumors others have shown up, but I haven't met them, besides a girl who did go pony almost immediately." She pointed at herself. "For a while, I was Ambassador of the humans, so this feels like a proper conversation to have."
Minsŏ raised a brow. "Are you a human expert?"
"You could say that." Silver smiled gently. "You won't surprise me with any silly human habits."
The petting resumed. Silver had little objection to Minsŏ's gentle scritching along her jaw and over her snout. "This is nice, but not really an answer. Oh, what do you do for a living?"
Minsŏ sighed softly. "Secretarial work. It's hard work, and keeps things running smoothly, but when you're at your best, you're invisible. I wouldn't miss leaving that behind."
Silver pointed towards the entryway. "What about Won? He can't come visit you in Equestria if you go there."
That seemed to seed more doubt than the other questions. "No... but he's a good boy, and he has a family besides me. I'm just an aunt he visits once in a while. I can leave him and everyone else a note."
Silver perked her ears. "Good idea, actually... So... are you sure?"
Minsŏ rose up to her feet and pulled a pen out of a pocket before starting to scribble on a pad. Silver nodded slowly. "I'll take that as a yes. You... might actually be just what I need." Silver spread her wings. "Hey, Text? I have someone here that wants to talk to you. We both want to. You can hear me, right?"
The darkness returned. Minsŏ and Silver stood side by side. Silver flipped her ears back. "Oops. Did you finish that letter?" Minsŏ nodded, but said nothing, just grabbing Silver's shoulder a little fearfully.
'Where do you want to go?'
Silver huffed at the words. "I already talked to her. She wants to go with me. Put us both in front of Twilight's castle."
'Do not presume to command me. What will you bring with you?'
Minsŏ looked to Silver. "What does it mean?"
Silver gestured at the words. "You can bring any one thing you want. Make it small and harmless."
Minsŏ considered a moment. "May I have my laptop bag?"
'Very well. You will be penalized in starting location for the nature of what you bring and its amount.'
She vanished, leaving Silver behind. Silver unfurled her wings out. "Where do you send her? Jesus, she's a harmless lady. Don't kill her!"
'Her fate is not your concern yet. Have you made your decision? To which alicorn will you bind yourself?' Images appeared of Twilight, Celestia, Luna, and Cadance. 'Embrace your selection.'
Silver clopped a hoof impotently on the pitch night ground. "Why are you being like this? I thought we were becoming friends. Everything's coming together, just let me live."
'You agreed to be under my power when you accepted my help. Your path is mine to watch, mine to sway. Make your choice, or be cast forever onto your blighted homeworld. Perhaps you will find some use to a lonely soul there.'
Silver bared her fangs as she looked over the hazy images. She didn't want to pick at all... "It is my hooves that decide what path I will walk, not you. I'm very happy with the path I found for myself." Silver was suddenly pressed to the ground flat from above, breathing becoming quite a chore against the pressure.
"You are being a poor sport. Roll over and accept what fate has in store for you like the good little pony I know you are."
Silver hissed and scrambled at the ground. "Never! It's my life. I'm... not letting it go! I'm not rolling over! You're just... angry I don't need you anymore. I don't need any rainbows. I don't need any deus ex. Just let me go home to my herd and begone!"
'Perhaps you are correct. I have no further use for you.'
Silver fell through the void, and landed in the plush bedding of her room in Twilight's castle. She was home. She sat up, shivering a little. "I'm home..." She realized she meant it, truly and deeply. She had found her path, and she was walking it, and she had no more business with the Text anymore.
She trotted quickly through the castle, finding her herd-mates and tackling each one-by-one, hugging and reaffirming her love for each. "Everything's going to be just fine."
Twilight looked at Silver oddly at that, shivering. "I said that once. There was a lot more to be done... but I wasn't wrong. Things are working out." She smiled gently. "Now where have you been hiding? We were worried sick."
Twilight nuzzled Silver gently a moment before circling the room almost aimlessly. "So, I heard you got a new guard?"
Silver watched her intently. "I did. Rough Tumble, an old friend of mine, from before I was a lunar pony, before I even had my cutie mark."
Twilight tilted her head, pausing in front of some papers that she straightened obsessively. "Spike's said he's been trying to be helpful around the castle." Her eyes wandered a moment before settling back on Silver. "I heard... you spent time with Fast Change?"
"Twilight."
"Yes?"
"You're stalling..."
Twilight shrank a little. "Maybe... I did it the first time out of scientific curiosity. I..." She shuffled in place a little, then approached Silver, kissing her cheek. "I love you." Silver warmed at the words. "But..." Silver tensed. "It's more of a familial love. I don't... get excited when I see you. Not like that."
Silver considered the words carefully. "You haven't given much chance for those thoughts to come out. We're both busy ponies." She leaned in and rubbed her nose over Twilight's cheek and neck, where she began nibbling gently. "You don't let yourself get excited for many ponies. Go on, do it. For tonight, let me be in charge."
Twilight's wings went stiff and wide as she nodded. Soon she was more than she, and Silver softly held her. True to her word, Silver carefully worked Twilight, teasing and plying her with physical delight. It was quite some time before they even made it to the bed, but by the time they had, Twilight was breathing heavily and was putty beneath Silver's hooves. Fast's advice was paying off, so far as Silver could see, and she eagerly brought Twilight higher and higher.
"Twilight. I'm going to mount you now."
Twilight breathed in deep gulps of air. She said nothing, just bobbing her head before letting it hang, lost in the teasing Silver had subjected her to. Silver climbed up on her and soon the two were one, and both learned a deeper appreciation for one another in their gender roles. Silver was relentless in her work, bringing Twilight to the mountain only to push her off the cliffside repeatedly. As they approached the fourth time, Twilight suddenly rolled over, pinning Silver to the bed and taking charge. Silver squealed and thrashed, but the noises were of delight, not panic.
As Twilight reached the top, instead of falling free, she took flight. Silver felt a burning harsh tingle explode through her and went limp as it become a new, alien pleasure building inside of her form. Twilight was making the oddest noise as she grinded against Silver. Between them, Silver's heart crystal throbbed with Twilight's color, seeming to harmonize with the powerful exchange between them.
Consciousness fled them both, and Twilight fell into Silver's loving embrace.
Twilight awoke first to find herself flopped to the side of Silver. She stretched out before noticing she still had something extra and willed it away. It was a new day. She nudged Silver gently. "Wake up. We have to get washed and get to work. There's plenty to do." She pulled off the sheets in her teeth, whipping them away to reveal a bloated Silver. She crashed to her haunches. "What?"
Silver awoke to feeling cold and reached out blindly for the blanket. When she failed to find it, she cracked her eyes open. "Oh, hello Twilight."
Twilight pointed at Silver. "Y-you're huge!"
Silver followed the hoof to her gravid belly and jumped to her hooves on the bed, a dangerous move when so large. She flopped right back over, almost slipping from the bed. "What happened?"
Twilight shook her head quickly. "I don't know. Are you OK?"
Silver closed her eyes and searched her body for problems. "I don't... feel wrong, just..." She put a hoof to her belly. "Big... Wait. You felt that, last night?"
Twilight turned red quickly. "I felt a lot of things."
Silver wobbled a hoof. "The last thing!"
Twilight defaulted to her comfort zone. "At optimal stimulation, I felt a rhythmic contraction resulting in a release of seminal fluids and a sharp release of magic."
Silver bobbed her head. "That last bit." She licked her lips then nodded once more. "I... have an idea. Sit with me." She rolled up to her haunches, and soon Twilight was seated beside her. Silver wrapped a wing around Twilight and held her close. She focused on Twilight's magic, then her own, trying to get a clear picture of the two, side-by-side, and within her. "This is your chance, come on. We want to see you."
"Who are you talking to?"
Silver softly nudged against Twilight. "Maybe nopony, shh." Silence came back to the room a moment before Silver could find that vague presence within her. She called to it, mentally making funny faces at it and smiling, trying to coax it as one might any child. Silver felt a powerful suction, not unlike when her cutie mark was removed. Twilight stiffened, feeling much the same thing. Magic poured from the two as Silver's rounded belly started to flatten back out. All the magic available swirled together in a bright burst of rainbow light, revealing a tiny foal with little exposed fangs. He had brown fur with lavender mane and tail. He squeaked softly and reached up at Twilight and Silver.
Silver trembled with emotion. "My foal..."
Twilight reached forward, picking up the little colt. "Our... colt? Isn't.. it too early? He looks fine."
Silver smiled broadly. "He's perfect. Hello there little guy." She leaned forward and nuzzled the foal, as bright colors filled her view. In a flash of rainbows the foal was gone. "Wha?"
Twilight tapped her chin softly. "I think it was too early... We should... maybe try that later?"
Silver shrank in place, simultaneously pleased and disappointed. "Yeah... But, it's proof! He really did make it." She squeezed Twilight tightly. "Our foal survived!"
Twilight wrapped her wings around Silver, letting out a slow sigh. "He did, and he was adorable. Now if we can get him for longer than a minute?"
Silver snorted. "That would be good. Is he back inside of me?"
Twilight tilted her head. "I assume so? I don't know how to check that."
Silver rose to her full height, looking confident. "He's fine. Let's get to business."
Twilight followed after Silver as they descended the stairs. "You seem... different. In a good way?"
Silver perked an ear back at Twilight. "I feel like I've gotten a ghost to go away, several. Our foal is safe, the Text isn't bothering me, but there's something we need to take care of."
"What's that?"
"Minso. She's out there, possibly in danger. She deserves to be rescued."
Twilight tilted her head. "That was the human you ran into, yes? You're not... attracted to her, are you?"
"No!" Silver stopped and turned to face Twilight. "She's a fine person and doesn't deserve to be abandoned. I... actually have an idea for her that wouldn't even put her next to either of us, but first we rescue, then we place her. I brought her here, it's my responsibility."
Twilight set a hoof on Silver's shoulder. "Sorry, I didn't mean to sound accusing. Rescuing somepony is always a good cause. Any idea where she might be?"
Silver pointed at Twilight. "You do. You have the human detecting spell. We'll cast it together for maximum range and find her."
Twilight smiled brightly. "Excellent thinking. You go to the map room while I fetch the spell." She turned around and vanished upstairs, leaving Silver to trot to the ground floor and wander into the map room. Tumble was in there, looking at the map with undisguised curiosity.
He looked up when Silver came in and rushed for her. "Good morning! Did you sleep well?"
Silver nodded softly. "Very well. What are you up to?"
He shrugged a little. "Nothing special. Fast Change isn't up yet."
"Going to practice?"
A quick nod was given. "Then I'm going with him out to the road. He said Night Watch'll be there too."
Silver sat lightly. "She should be. How's your business?"
He huffed softly. "The drivers are doing what they always do, but I don't have time to drive my own truck."
Silver leaned closer. "Does that upset you? I know it's your talent."
Tumble glanced around. "Being here is... It's worth it."
Silver nodded. "Then why don't you make the business more of a... what was it... franchise? Or get a manager. Let somepony else sweat over it, collect the profits for now."
Tumble nodded slowly. "Yeah... that might be a good idea. Thanks, and, uh, thanks, for all this. For giving me a real chance."
Silver leaned in and rubbed noses gently. "You gave yourself a chance. Don't let anyone else be the gatekeeper of your destiny."
Twilight returned with a scroll held in her magic. "Ready when you are. We'll have a big breakfast afterwards." She licked over her lips. "I'm sure we'll be famished."
Tumble perked his ears. "I'll cook something up." And off he went, hurrying towards the kitchen.
Twilight chuckled gently. "He's so eager to please you. It's kind of adorable." She unfurled the scroll and floated it in front of Silver where she could read it easily. "Let me know when you're ready."
Silver frowned at the horn symbols, playing them out over her own horn slowly. "Not too complex. The hard part will be doing it together. Team spells are always more tricky."
Twilight nodded. "We'll manage." She moved beside Silver and sat down. She leaned over and tapped their horns together. "I'm going to get us on the same frequency." She began to pulse magic through her horn, which shot right down into Silver in electric tingles. It started slow but increased in tempo until it hit a brisk pace fast enough to cast a spell through. "With me?"
Silver nodded faintly, not breaking the contact. "I have the beat. Let's try it." Their horns shone with the magic of the spell, forming the letters quickly and smoothly between them. Power was drawn greedily from the deep wells of the alicorns, and questing energy fired brilliantly across Equestria, feeling for humans. She could feel Jake, and some other male in Manehattan, and others lurking here and there, but felt no familiarity to them. The fact that she could feel Manehattan was amazing.
"Focus on the human you want to find." Twilight nudged against Silver gently.
Silver pulled the mental image of Minso into her mind and held it firmly. One of the presences became a little distinctive. It was deep in the forests west of Baltimare. "Got her!"
Twilight wrapped a wing around Silver. "Hold on!" With a bright flash of lavender magic, they were sped away. Hopefully Twilight's rash decision to teleport wouldn't put them in immediate peril.
The world rapidly changed as they slipped through the here and there. Silver wobbled with nausea, struggling to get used to the sensation of such transportation. Twilight, on the other hoof, shrilly yelped and hopped back.
Silver focused on the object in front of her and cringed. Poor Minso had been victim of a cockatrice at a guess, seeing as she was a statue. "Crap! Uh... Well, we can undo this, right?"
Twilight looked around nervously. "It could still be around here. Wild cockatrices are no joke." Her horn glowed and she hefted up the statue of the human. "Let's get back."
Silver held up a hoof. "One moment. She brought a computer with her, and I don't see it in her hands."
Twilight looked around fearfully. "Make it fast."
Silver began to poke around the underbrush of the thick forest, looking around for the dropped laptop. She spied the black fabric of its case and rushed to it, putting a hoof on it just as a scaly bird's foot reached it. Silver locked up and looked away as quickly as she could, but she could feel an odd stiffness growing in her. "Twilight!"
Twilight put the statue between herself and the creature. "Close your eyes, Silver. That'll slow it down. Get back over here so we can get away..."
Silver snapped her eyes shut and grabbed for the case with her magic before scurrying back to Twilight, stumbling and falling in the darkness of her closed eyes. Twilight shrieked. "Silver! You're holding the cockatrice!"
With a powerful mental fling, she tossed the dangerous bird-reptile away. She dared open her eyes and grabbed the case this time, quickly rushing to Twilight's side. With a blinding flash of light, they were gone and away.
Silver crashed to the floor when she arrived at the castle, unable to hold herself up. Her lower legs had been turned to stone. She whimpered softly and tried to kick, but it was a largely futile effort. "Is this something Zecora can fix?"
Twilight nodded. "Yes, but I have the recipe myself." She set the statue of Minso down beside Silver. "So you two hang out here while I go prepare it. Don't go anywhere."
Silver scowled at Twilight. "Not much choice on that one, sparklebutt."
Twilight rolled her eyes and trotted off, leaving the room to silence. Silver let her magic flow through her body and felt for where the flesh turned to stone. Curiously, she could feel her magic still sluggishly churning through the calcified flesh. The petrification hadn't removed her lower legs from her entirely. Did that mean? "Minso, if you can hear me, we're going to fix you. Sorry for all of this. Equestria will get better, I promise."
Twilight eventually returned with a small pot filled with a goopy green liquid. She dipped a brush into it and began painting Silver's legs. Once it dried and cracked, it fell away to reveal brown fur and living hooves. Silver struggled upright and smiled. "Worked great. Please do Minso. I think she can hear us in there, and being frozen like that has to be horrible."
Twilight made a face. "I've been there once. It's terrible." She turned to the Minso statue and began painting her patiently, getting every bit of stone covered in the green goop. "Hold on. This will get you all fixed in no time at all."
While she worked, Silver asked curiously. "Why did you teleport so suddenly? I thought we were just finding her at first."
Twilight tilted her head a little. "Well, I can only teleport to exact places, and we had her exact place. It's hard to memorize a new specific place, so I wanted to do it while it was in front of me, rather than having to find her again after we prepared." She ruffled her wings a little. "It worked out... mostly. You feel alright?"
Silver smiled gently. "A little stiff, but that's wearing off already. You did good, Twilight, thank you."
The goop settled, then began to crack and flake off. Minso gave a sharp gasp of new breath and her arms burst free of the green shell. "Thank god!" She brushed herself free of flakes as she looked around curiously. "Twilight Sparkle? Silver Stars?" They both nodded at her, smiling. "I didn't expect the first creature I saw in Equestria to be a cockatrice. Thank you for helping me." She reached out to give pettings, which Silver accepted and Twilight shied away from.
Twilight pointed at Minso. "So you helped Silver in the human world? Minso was it?"
Minso nodded. "The one and only in this world I imagine. A pleasure to meet you. So, you really are Princess Twilight Sparkle?"
Silver extended a wing towards Twilight. "Twilight works."
Twilight nodded in agreement. "Welcome to Equestria. So, Silver, you mentioned you had an idea for her?"
Silver paused a moment before clopping her hooves. "Yes! She's a secretary, and a fine one by her description. She has no ties to local politics. I bet Celestia or Luna would be ecstatic to have her."
Twilight shook her head. "Celestia has a secretary she trusts completely."
Silver raised a hoof. "Then Luna it is."
Minso frowned a little. "Do I get a say in this?"
Silver looked towards Minso and shrank a little. "Sorry. I'm getting ahead of myself. I don't want to push you anywhere you don't want to go."
Minso nodded softly. "I wanted to get away from a dead-end secretary job, not find a new one."
Silver gestured vaguely towards Canterlot. "Working for Luna would hardly be the same, would it? Anyway, just an idea. You do not have to follow any advice from me. I'm just glad you're not a statue."
A gasp came from the door. Tumble stood there, gaping at Minso a moment. Twilight gestured for Tumble to come closer. "She doesn't bite. Rough Tumble, meet Minso. Minso, Rough Tumble. Minso is a guest of mine until she decides where she wants to be. Rough Tumble is Silver Star's guard."
Minso nodded at Tumble. "A pleasure, though where were you when Silver Stars was lost on Earth?"
Tumble looked confused. "Uh..."
Silver waved a hoof dismissively. "He didn't know I went and he couldn't have followed. That was a personal journey. Well, you heard Twilight, you're a guest of the castle for now. Do you need any help?"
Minso looked thoughtful before she spied her laptop bag sitting on the map. She moved over to pluck it up. "Thanks for saving this. So, this is Ponyville, yes?"
Twilight nodded. "We're just outside of it. I'll arrange for a small house for you as soon as I can, but you'll need to earn your own bits."
Minso looked to Silver. "Not even Equestria."
Silver perked an ear. "Everyone has to earn a living, even in fantasy worlds. I've done quite a bit of work to get where I am. There's nothing wrong with a little work, but you'll be appreciated here, promise."
Tumble sat down close to Silver. "Fantasy world?"
Twilight answered, "In their world, ours is a made up world, a story." This didn't seem to really answer much for Tumble. "Why don't you take the day to familiarize yourself with things?" Twilight gestured outside. "Just explore, but stay inside Ponyville. I think you've had enough of forests for one day, right?"
"Right." Minso seemed to accept this plan, and moved to depart, soon off to explore Ponyville.
Twilight turned to Silver. "Well, there, your newest female is safe."
Silver bristled at the tone and wording. "She is not mine! I don't even know her, and I'm not interested in her. I tried to have her sent far away." Her ears fell a little. "Do you really trust me that little?"
Twilight let out a soft sigh. "I suppose I am being unfair. I hope she finds something she likes in Ponyville. My castle isn't supposed to be a hotel for lost humans." She reached out and gently poked Silver in the ribs. "Be they two or four-legged. I think two's my reasonable capacity. This reminds me, I really should get back to that..." she moved to wander off, a project clearly in her head.
Silver looked to Tumble when Twilight departed. "How are you feeling?"
Tumble flashed a smile. "No better or worse than this morning."
Silver tapped her chin. "It occurs to me that, despite everything, we never did..." she rolled a hoof. "That. You know... What you wanted to do the first time and I freaked out."
Tumble shuffled awkwardly. "Oh, oh yeah... I guess not."
Silver nodded slowly. "I'm sorry about that. I wasn't ready for it, and I handled it badly. I feel better about things now. Do you want to try again?"
Tumble went red and started to stammer unintelligibly at first before he shook his head. "No."
"No?" Silver tilted her head. "Really?"
Tumble slowly nodded. "No... I... I was wrong. I thought I was attracted to you, the inside you, and I am! But... not that way. You're not..." He shuffled a little more. "You're not... My type."
Silver was about to give him a speech rather similar to what she gave Twilight, but Tumble proceeded right along. "I'm just not that way. I need a stallion's company. I think I found it... Fast makes me feel... so good. Even when he's throwing me around in practice, my heart flutters with his every touch. He... It's so hard to explain. He's kind, and so warm, and... I think I love him. Do you hate me?"
Silver shook her head quickly. "No! Tumble, no... I don't hate you. I... That's great. If Fast wants you back, you should be happy."
Tumble shrank a little. "But I'm supposed to be your guard, not his."
Silver rolled her eyes. "You don't have to rut me to guard me. We're still friends, right?"
Tumble smiled quickly. "Always!"
"Then there is no problem there." Silver reached forward and gently poked Tumble in the chest. "You like stallions, and that's fine. I could, at best, be half a stallion."
Tumble looked confused a moment. "What?"
Silver decided to leave that box closed. "Nevermind. Tell Fast how you feel. He appreciates being up front about things. If he likes you, he'll tell you, and then, uh, I imagine you'll have a good time."
Tumble flushed darkly at the implications. "I'll, uh, do that. Thank you... for understanding. You are a pretty mare, but I'm just... not as open as you are." He sat back. "He makes me feel so good being a guy too. I... feel at home in my body around him."
Silver leaned forward. "You can tell me anything, Tumble. I can... see this is not easy for you to talk about. I'm not here to judge you. You're my friend, and you've more than earned the right to come out to me."
Tumble smiled at that. "Thank you. He makes me feel more like a stallion. Before... I tried to be a mare, to... I think... attract other stallions. He wants me to be me and I feel so alive around him." He pawed at the ground softly with his hooves. "He's the stallion of your herd, isn't he? Why are you letting me... think about courting him?"
Silver shrugged. "Actually less weird than you courting me. There are rituals for borrowing stallions, and you have my permission so long as he wants to be borrowed by you, which I imagine he won't mind at all. I don't think anypony in our herd will begrudge you, as long as you return him."
Fast's voice called out from in front of the castle, "Is Rough Tumble in there? Time for some practice!"
Tumble looked towards the front, then back at Silver. "Gotta go! Thanks again." And off he went, dashing out to Fast's rough but caring embrace.
The day had come at last. Silver Stars was dressed in a new outfit 'worthy of a princess' and marched along with wings unfurled and held up high. She understood then that it was a display of her mixed-tribe nature. Sleek of body, long of wing and horn, she had to be the best of all ponies. She marched in the almost-religious seeming procession up towards where Twilight, Celestia, and Luna waited for her. Her crown was freshly forged. Celestia and Luna wore their ancient crowns, and Twilight had her Element's tiara to wear. Silver's was wrought of a fine silver that matched her mane, with a large bejeweled crescent moon in the center front. It settled between her ears, threatening to be just a little large, but Silver kept it in place with those long tufted ears.
Twilight stepped forward. "Today we celebrate the induction of a new and special princess." She gestured at Silver, "A new princess of the night, carrying the lunar blood and reminding us that our lunar brothers and sisters are treasured and wonderful ponies, worthy of princesshood, and kin to us all." She held out a hoof, and Silver stepped into the offered embrace. "May day and night be one, and ponies everywhere grow stronger in unity."
Clopping and stomping drowned out all else for a time before the crowd could be controlled. The flash of bulbs from eager reporters filled the room almost as thickly. Twilight began speaking as soon as peace returned. "With this in mind, I propose that the princesses of Equestria learn from Silver's example. We should be united in heart and body, to stand against all that would threaten Equestria." She released Silver and bowed her head towards her instead. "Princess Silver Stars, do you agree to become first of the Royal Circle? Do you swear to know your fellow princesses as dear ones, to hold and to cherish as you would any married pony. Let no secret be held from them, let no problem go unaddressed. Their hearts are your heart, their pain, your pain. Their triumph, your own."
Silver hadn't been warned of this, and went tense. This was a bold and sudden plan... But it could work. She nodded quickly. "I do. I will guard my royal mates and bid they protect me in turn, against threats physical and emotional. We will always be there for one another."
Twilight turned to Celestia and Luna. "Eldest of the princesses, wise and benevolent. You are both examples that we strive to follow." She brightly smiled. "Will you also join the Royal Circle? We would be lost without your guidance, but so do you also deserve its protection and warmth. Let our enemies know that we stand united as one."
Celestia betrayed no surprise, and Luna would not be outdone by her. As a stoic pair they nodded their heads. "We will stand at your side, Princess Twilight Sparkle. From many, one. Let it be known that the royalty of Equestria stand united."
The room exploded into a fresh wave of pandemonium. Some were confused, but most were simply excited. The noise and light of it all become painful, but the princesses waited patiently through it. Poor Twilight's own announcement of joining the circle was drowned out, but there wasn't a pony in the room that doubted she would join the circle of her own creation.
Silver's eyes darted to an off movement in the crowd. Most of the ponies were standing in rigid rows, even as they clopped and stomped, but someone was moving towards them. They were not wearing gold armor or purple. They moved with a predator's gait. A bolt of energy fired towards them and Silver quickly extended a field around them. Twilight, already close enough to touch, quickly harmonized with the shield, tinting the silver field with pink as it swelled larger and stronger. The bolt crashed against the combined field, which rippled but held. Silver lowered her horn, ready to fire a bolt, but the crowd was too thick. She didn't want to strike an innocent pony.
The crowd went into a new kind of wild. The orderly ranks broke apart instantly and ponies scattered in all directions, wild panic taking hold. Night Watch suddenly descended from the ceiling, landing heavily on a cloaked pony and pinning him to the ground. "Stay." She had him tied and bound quite abruptly, looking quite pleased with herself.
Luna drew a soft breath before shouting, "Peace, my ponies. The attacker has been apprehended."
Peace was slow in coming, but eventually the crowd was calmed. Night Watch took her prisoner out of the room, turning him over to the royal guards on duty, but they were confused. "Did you come down on him too hard?"
The attacker's head hung at a limp angle and there was no life left in him. Night frowned. "He was alive when I landed. Have him checked for magic." They saluted and marched off with the body.
Fortunately, nopony else tried to crash the coronation, and it passed peacefully. At the reception, Silver was approached by a great number of upperclass merchants and nobility, seeking a moment of her time. She tried to be polite to them, listening as they talked eagerly about whatever they considered most pressing. Most were things she knew little about. She just accepted the attention and gave the best answers she could think of, and indecisive ones when she knew nothing.
The first guest to surprise her was a professor, one she knew. "Professor Thetics!" She smiled gently. "I hadn't expected you."
Professor Thetics nodded. "Charmed. So... This is where you ended up?"
Silver tilted her head. "I'm surprised you can recognize me."
Thetics pointed at Silver's cutie mark. "You're not that hard to spot. Congratulations are in order."
Silver smiled gently and nodded. "Thank you. How is the school?"
Thetics sighed softly. "It's fine, but... If you have a moment, I was hoping you would have time to discuss something about Equestrian education?"
Silver perked her ears. "You have my attention." She held up a hoof. "I did mean what I said a long time ago. I am sorry I mistreated you that way back then."
Thetics waved it off. "You were a colt, but you are far from alone. You are proof that our system is broken. How many other bright unicorns desperately want to learn and contribute to the fields of magic but are held back by one learning disability or another? You, who has yet to memorize the basic alphabet, have accomplished more than many of our students." He raised a brow. "That isn't just, is it?"
Silver shook her head quickly. "Not at all. It isn't fair. The tests were harsh and the test-givers often cold and distant."
Thetics gave a soft nod and produced a pamphlet. "Here. My proposal. Read it at your leisure."
Silver accepted it and tucked it away into her dress as she looked Thetics over. "Weren't you angry that I was intruding on your school once?"
Thetics huffed. "Are you the only one capable of change? I became a teacher to spread knowledge of magic, and to help others expand it. Help me do that." He turned and trotted off into the crowd.
Tumble approached from where he had been standing close by. "Who was that?"
Silver smiled gently. "An old friend. I think we grew up together."
A sudden tapping on the shoulder made Silver spin around to find no one. It happened again and she just turned her head left and right before looking up. Discord was floating over her head. "Nice crown."
Silver smiled. "Hey there. I didn't think you'd show up."
Discord landed beside Silver. "Welcome to princesshood and all its dreary boring responsibilities. Here, you get one." He snapped his fingers and Silver was wearing a large red cape with white trim and a cane with Silver's face done in a goofy way at the end.
Silver giggled at it and held the cane close. "I will treasure it forever."
Discord chuckled softly. "I just can't seem to get under your skin. So, tired of the line of petitioners yet?"
Silver shrugged. "I'll get boring to them when they get it through their heads I haven't learned how to do half the things they hope I'll do."
"Oh will they?" Discord hiked a thumb at Celestia across the room. "You're tied up with Sunbutt over there, so if anypony whispers in your ear, you might pass it on to her."
Silver sagged a little. "I hadn't thought of that, good point. Oh well." She straightened herself out. "I agreed to this, I'll make it work. Have you tried the little radish crackers? They're delish."
Discord suddenly held a tray full of them and took a nibble of one. "Not bad. Not bad. Sorry I can't stay, but the work of Discord is never done!" And he vanished without fanfare.
Tumble took the scepter carefully and the cape to go with it. "I'll hold onto these for you."
"Thanks." Silver smiled and looked around. "Let's mingle."
And mingle they did. They ran into Fast and Night and roamed together through the party, saying their hellos to each pony in turn, and a few foreign dignitaries as well.
The regally bejeweled diamond dog alpha nodded at Silver. "Bold move."
Silver perked her ears. "Thank you, but what?"
He gestured at each alicorn in the room in turn. "The world already knows the power of one alicorn. To amass them together like that. You are more powerful, perhaps, but a bigger target as well. A bold move."
Silver snorted softly. "I suppose that's true. I'm Princess Silver Stars, you are?"
He offered a large paw. "King Max." Paw and hoof shook. She could feel him squeezing powerfully, but hooves were good at resisting that sort of abuse. "A pleasure. We'll meet again in the battlefield."
Silver tilted her head. "Are we at war?"
"When are we not?" He laughed softly. "Battles do not always end in bloodshed. There will be treaties to argue over, trade routes to negotiate, laws to be hammered out. The only true peace is an unending war of loud people. When it becomes quiet, you know war has reached us. Good luck, new princess."
Silver ran into Luna next, who looked a little distant. "You alright?"
Luna looked down at Silver. "Are you certain you are not an agent of chaos?" She huffed. "I jest in part. I am aware you did not prompt Twilight Sparkle, but her actions..."
Night stepped forward timidly. "I know the circle Twilight made up is for princesses only... but... You are welcome in our number, Luna."
Luna smiled brightly and leaned in, rubbing snouts with Night and she looked more relaxed. "I am so very happy to hear you say that, cherished one. And what of your herd-mates? Are they also so eager to have me?"
Fast gave a quick nod, grinning. Silver reached out a hoof. "You know you're special to me, Luna. You saved me from myself, and helped put me on the right path, even if I had to walk it myself. I will always be happy to see you."
Luna nodded slowly. "I must think over this... Thank you." She walked off into the crowd, expression heavy with thoughts, but a little less burdened than before.
When the reception wound down, Silver collected her herd and moved to withdraw to more private areas. She had done her best to smile through the day, but she was an introvert, and it was time to recharge. Twilight seemed to have little objection to the idea, and followed along with Night and Fast and Tumble. As they walked, Tumble moved up beside Fast and whispered something in an ear, gesturing away with his head.
Fast snickered softly. "Hey, guys. I'm going to do some 'private celebration' with Rough." He nudged Tumble. "And you need to learn to stop whispering. We're all family here." Tumble nodded with a flush, but didn't speak up. Soon they had trotted off together.
Night watched them go before looking to Twilight and Silver. "We really should consider that attack."
Silver brought a hoof to her head. "How did I forget that? Today's been a huge rush of things. Did they find anything?"
Twilight held up a hoof. "I don't really want to talk about that right now. Unless they found something we need to deal with right this instant? I'm going to our room and crashing."
Night nodded towards Twilight. "Crashing it is."
They found their room was already occupied by the solar half of the rulers of Equestria. Celestia smiled gently at them as they entered. "I hope I haven't come at a bad time."
Twilight sagged a little, and Silver spoke up, "Twilight's drained from a hectic day."
Celestia's horn lit and she gently picked up Twilight, bringing her over to the bed. "My darling little pony. You did a very brave thing today. I'm uncertain how well it will work, but I'm very proud of you." She tucked Twilight in carefully. "They will be rushing in a panic to be certain your 'circle' doesn't escape their control, but, for a little while, we have peace. Now, you must explain it to me. I agreed to join it out of faith for you, dear Twilight, but what is it I've joined?"
Twilight snuggled into the covers a moment with closed eyes, looking ready to forget the world before she reluctantly opened an eye and looked towards the rest of us. "We're married, in a sense. It's a separate bond than a herd or simple marriage, as it must be. We don't even live in the same place. But we are familiar with one another, with most of the legal rights and obligations that go with it."
Celestia spread her wings. "Then we are wives? I..." She trailed off uncertainly a moment, glancing to Silver and Night, then back to Twilight. "How far does this go?"
Silver trotted up to the bed and hopped onto it. "Princess Celestia, will you join us?"
Celestia smiled radiantly and nodded her head. "I would like that very much." She slid onto the bed carefully as Night approached on the opposite end. Soon all four were snuggled together. Twilight squeaked as Celestia allowed a hoof to wander. "Are you too tired to enjoy our first evening together?"
Twilight went scarlet and gave a stiff shake of her head. "N-No! Of course not. Please... continue."
Night chuckled softly as she embraced Silver and held her close. "She sounds like she's taking an exam."
Celestia perked an ear and drew Twilight closer. "You've already gotten an A, Twilight Sparkle. Be yourself. That's all I ask."
"Myself is terrified," said Twilight with dubious grammar. "But also excited... Do you really want to be together like this?"
Celestia answered with a soft press of lips together, kissing Twilight in a lingering exchange. "One thing." Celestia drew away from the kiss to speak. "We will be together as mares. I have little interest in your magically-fabricated parts at this time. Perhaps later... When I am certain all preparations are complete, we will see about making history."
Twilight's ears went up and alert. "Make history? What do y--" She was silenced with a new kiss, and they began to snuggle with a new energy. Twilight's embarrassment melted into building passion as Celestia showed her affection in the most direct way she knew.
Night softly nibbled along Silver's ear as she whispered into it. "That is more stimulating than I thought it'd be. Unlike Celestia, I do want your 'fabricated parts'. Up for it?"
Silver rolled over on top of Night, and the evening was spent with the entire herd expressing love or at least affection in their various ways. For the time being, the troubles of the day were distant and forgotten.
The next morning found them all curled in bed. Fast had snuck in sometime after they had fallen asleep. As Twilight and Silver slipped from bed, the others began to awaken as well. Celestia spread her wings wide as she stretched. "As lovely as that was, duty calls. Bound or not, I must return to Canterlot. Twilight, Silver, take care of each other." With a flash of golden light, she was gone.
Fast stuck out his tongue. "As if they'd do anything else. I'm starved, anypony else?"
Twilight raised a hoof. "I agree with that sentiment. While we take care of that, Night, catch us up."
They all moved as a herd towards the kitchen as Night began her explanation. "They determined the attacker was killed remotely. His mouth was full of some kind of poison. He either used it on himself as a suicide, or somepony set it up for him to remove a witness. Can't really say." She adjusted her glasses nervously. "At least I didn't kill him. I didn't train for years in take-downs to accidentally crush a pony's spine or something. Whoever arranged that attack didn't want to be tracked."
Silver snorted softly. "It wasn't much of an attack. I think they were sending a message more than actually trying to kill us."
Twilight nodded. "I find myself agreeing. That magic attack was fierce, but not that powerful. If somepony wanted to attack all the alicorns at once and have a chance of success, they'd surely send more than that. Nice reaction time, by the way. You really have that shield spell down pat."
Silver smiled at the compliment. "I've practiced it a lot. A good shield gives you a moment to think."
Twilight fired a sudden blast at Silver, only for it to be absorbed in an abrupt silver bubble. "Hmm, you weren't kidding. It's a shame we have to worry about that kind of thing at all."
Silver leaned over and nuzzled Twilight. "I would be helpless before your overwhelming magic."
Twilight burst into a nervous laughter. "Only you could make an admission of weakness sound like that."
Fast smiled brightly. "That sounded like someone still has a submissive streak."
Silver shrugged. "Maybe I do. There's a time and place. I'll gladly offer my belly to my herd. The rest of the world can suck it."
Night raised a wing. "My turn for breakfast."
"Too late." Spike poked his head out of the kitchen. "Me and Jake are already whipping up a special celebration breakfast for the coronation. Sit down and it'll be ready soon." He gave a thumbs up and vanished from sight.
Silver nodded towards the door. "That was rather nice of him. I really need to spend a moment with Spike. I've been ignoring him and he deserves better."
Twilight nodded, looking a little guilty. "That goes double for me."
Night tilted her head. "There's a comic convention coming to Manehattan soon. You could take him there?"
Twilight's expression brightened. "That's a perfect idea! He loves his comics so much." She clopped her hooves. "Want to come with?"
They nodded, though Fast shook his head. "Pass. I'll hold down the fort here. I was never that into that kind of thing."
Breakfast was plentiful and delicious. With full bellies, Night and Fast moved off for their duty at the road, with Rough Tumble following behind.
Twilight leaned forward towards Spike with a smile. "Spike. You've been a very good assistant lately."
Spike looked a little guarded, but nodded. "Number one assistant, happy to serve."
Twilight pointed to Manehatten. "How would my favorite assistant like to go to Manehattan Comicpalooza?"
Spike's expression turned to excited joy. "Boy would I?! I heard Jeju Romita was going to be there!"
Twilight smiled warmly. "Then we'll just have to go see him, because we're taking you."
Spike pumped a fist. "Yes!" He hopped to his feet. "I have to get ready!" He went dashing for the stairs.
Twilight reminded him in a shout as he went. "It's not today, Spike!" Spike's enthusiasm was not impeded, and he soon vanished into the depths of the castle.
Silver smiled at the dragon's happiness. "Looks like we found the right gift."
Twilight bobbed her head. "I don't see him quite that happy often. Say, this'll be your first time in Manehattan since we first met, isn't it?"
Silver nodded as she adopted a thoughtful expression, thinking back to her adventures in Manehattan. "Those were amazing times. Hectic, but amazing. I was at BipedCon."
Twilight snorted gently. "Of course you were. A perfect place for a human to go, really. Well this time, maybe less adventure, and we can just have a good time?"
Silver held up her hooves. "I'm not looking for adventure, but I feel I should point out it may come looking for us. We don't know who wanted to send that message, but I received it loudly enough." She reached up then and lightly tapped the silver crown on her head. "That reminds me, should I wear this everywhere?"
Twilight shrugged. "You don't see my crown on. Unless we're doing official business, it's not required."
Silver lifted her crown with magic and set it on the table in front of her. "Have you considered replacing the jewel in your tiara?"
Twilight considered a moment before shaking her head. "It doesn't feel right. That spot was for the Element, not some fake jewel."
Silver tilted her head. "Is this out of... respect? The Element won't mind, and you can always pop out whatever jewel you put in. It just looks empty."
Twilight frowned a little. "Maybe I am being silly about it. I'll consider. No promises. Now, about today."
"Yes, let us speak of today." Silver and Twilight jumped and spun to face Luna who wasn't there a moment before. "There is one member of the herd that has not expressed welcome."
Twilight perked an ear, but realization came to her swiftly enough. "Oh! Uh... I'm not going to stop you from spending time with Silver or Night if that's what you're here for, Luna."
Luna leaned forward at Twilight. "You will tolerate my presence?"
Twilight cringed. "I didn't mean it like that."
Silver moved up to Luna and Twilight, squirming her way between them. "One of our first romantic times together, we were gazing at your stars, Luna."
Luna colored faintly under her dark fur. "You jest!"
Twilight nodded quickly. "It's true. I've always had a telescope handy. Your nights are breathtaking and full of mystery."
Luna's cold expression warmed to a smile. "Those are kind words of my creation, but what of me?"
Twilight squirmed. "I'm not used to holding you in that light. I'm not... against it? But I'm not for it yet either? Can we let it develop over time?"
Luna gave a firm nod. "That is a very reasonable request. Time is something I have. Patience, on the other hoof..." She reached out and snagged Silver, pulling her closer. "I desire your company."
Silver squeaked, but it turned into a laugh. "That's not a romantic way of asking for it."
Luna tilted her head a little. "As the stars twinkle, so does my love burn for thee. Come, my wayward lover, we shall make those motes grow green with jealousy for the heat of our passion."
Silver went red quickly. "Oh..."
Twilight had a very similar reaction, then realization hit her. She vanished only to appear again in an instant, holding a book. "You wrote this!"
Luna looked to the book, penned by one 'Mistress de Lune'. "Ah, yes. That was quite some time ago."
Twilight's wings spread. "Some time ago doesn't begin to describe! This book's been in circulation since before your banishment. I didn't know you wrote romantic prose."
Luna reached a hoof and gently ran it through Twilight's mane. "Long have romantic fools gazed to my sky and sung their words of longing. That I was one myself should be of little surprise."
Silver strolled through Ponyville. It was a lovely experience for a change. The ponies smiled, and she returned their waves. She was still an odd-looking pony, but she was a familiar odd-looking pony. Silver compared it to Zecora's acceptance, and reveled in the simple achievement of having no frowns or scared expressions come from her presence. A thought came to her and she made her way briskly to a candy shop. She nudged the door open with a smile to find the door wouldn't open. A sign hung in the window 'Closed'.
Silver glanced up at the sun. It wasn't lunch time, and wasn't early enough for closing time. She knocked gently on the door, then a little harder after waiting a moment. A face with a brightly-colored mane peeked out, and the door timidly opened. "David... I wasn't expecting you." Bon Bon gave a queer little smile.
Silver ignored the old name and smiled more genuinely at Bon Bon. "Bonnie! I missed you. How are things?"
Bon Bon glanced around a moment, then reached, pulling Silver inside and slamming the door shut. "She's coming back!"
Silver perked an ear. "Who?"
"Lyra! Lyra Heartstrings! She's coming." Bon Bon bounced once with nervous energy. "Tonight! I don't even know what to do! Will she recognize me? What if she's moved on?"
Silver snorted softly. "Silly mare. She's probably asking the same questions of herself right this very instant. Make her favorite treat for her."
Bon Bon bobbed her head. "Of course! Why didn't I think of that." She turned and rushed for the kitchen, starting to gather supplies.
"Because you're overwhelmed with joy and nervousness?" Silver followed behind her. "Is she visiting, or is her sentence up?"
Bon Bon turned to look at Silver, a grin on her face. "She's back! Forever! She's pardoned for her crimes, all paid off. I'll punch that mare right in the snout when I see her." Even while she smiled, tears began to flow, and she turned her attention to the cooking. "I missed her so much."
Silver shook her head. "Don't do that. I've, uh, seen things. She missed you just as much. Please believe that."
Bon Bon perked an ear, but kept her eyes on the sweets she was preparing. "Oh? How can you know that?"
Silver raised a hoof to point at her fangs. "I am Luna's brood. Dream traveling is a thing I can do. I saw her torturing herself in her dreams, lamenting her mistake."
Bon Bon pointed a hoof accusingly. "Will that stop her from doing it again?"
Silver shrugged. "I hope so. She's a very talented mare. She needs you, her wonderfully sane and delightful earth pony mare."
Bon Bon sagged a little. "It's been so sad and quiet without her..." She shoved a sheet into the oven. "I'm too nervous... Will you come with me, to the station?"
Silver easily agreed, and when Bon Bon's treats were wrapped up and bagged, they departed for the train station. Bon Bon walked alongside Silver, looking her over. "So... Princess Silver Stars is it now?"
Silver nodded. "Yeah, still me though. I haven't forgotten who was perfectly wonderful when I was a lost human."
Bon Bon waved a hoof. "Get off it. I was the one keeping you away from taking Lyra somewhere private and doing something she'd regret. She might have been hot to trot, but you weren't saying no."
Silver shrugged. "You did what was best for your friend, and you weren't wrong. We had no business rushing that way. Thank you."
Bon Bon shrank a little. "I'm... not used to ponies accepting my criticism." Her confidence quickly rebounded as she pulled out her bag of treats. "Lyra's going to love these!"
They soon arrived at the station and sat side-by-side, waiting for the next train to come. Their patience was rewarded in just a few minutes as the locomotive came rolling up smoothly and came to a halt. About six ponies stepped off, including a bright magic mint coat. Lyra looked around a moment before her eyes settled on them and she grinned from ear to ear. She bolted towards them and leaped. Bon Bon proved her earth pony strength and caught her, hugging tightly as the bag of treats fell towards the ground. Silver caught it in her magic silently and pulled it aside.
Lyra peppered Bon Bon's face in wild kisses, gushing out her feelings in a stream of words that had no end. It wasn't until Bon Bon gently pushed her to the ground and sat on her that any peace was had. "I missed you too, you big idiot." Bon Bon softly bopped Lyra on the nose. "Welcome home." The need for words had passed, and they gazed at one another in silence for a moment before Lyra's eyes wandered towards Silver. "Who is that and why is she holding one of your candy bags?"
Silver set the bag down gently beside Lyra. "Those are for you, from Bon Bon. Is my voice that different?"
Lyra squinted at Silver. "Let me see your flank."
Silver snickered softly. "That sounded wrong." She turned to present her rump and Lyra's expression lit up.
"David! Princess David? Silver! Right, Princess Silver Lining." Lyra squirmed up to her hooves and snatched for the bag, stuffing her snout into the bag and finding Bon Bon's treats within. "Oh Celestia! You got my favorite! I was afraid you'd forget." She was silenced by chewy taffy in her mouth, working the candy gleefully. "Wuv you."
"I wuv you too." Bon Bon smirked softly. "We should get home. It's time for dinner."
Lyra swallowed her candy with a satisfied sigh. "Yeah, that sounds... really great. I haven't had a decent cooked meal since they made me move to Canterlot." She rubbed noses with Bon Bon. "I'm so happy to be home. I'm sorry I had to go."
They left without another glance her way, though Silver noticed the bag of treats had been abandoned. Silver accepted this as an acceptable reward for walking Bon Bon and snatched it up. Mmmm, it was as delicious as Lyra made it appear.
With two princesses desiring transport to Manehattan, securing seating proved to be a simple affair. Similarly, the convention itself had been quite eager to have them as guests. Twilight was a little uncomfortable with how quickly and easily everything was put into place. "This is a lot different than the last time I visited..."
Silver shook her head. "You hadn't fought Tirek at that point. You hadn't made newslines a few more times with our shenanigans. You can only get in the papers so many times before it starts sticking." She pointed at herself. "I was kind of a freak celebrity from the start, and we're together. Do any of the girls want to come along?"
Twilight perked her ears. "Good question! I'll go ask them." She trotted off towards Ponyville in search of the Mane Six.
While she was away, Zecora approached Silver. "Hello and good day, I'm afraid I have bad things to say. Your wife is swelling full of life, she must be spared from strife. Leave her in the comfort of home, where she need not roam."
Silver tilted her head. "Did you talk to her about this already?" Zecora nodded. "Well, I want what's best for her, and what she wants. Will this stop her from working on the road?"
"I have tried my best to dissuade, but none of my words persuade. She will work until she cannot, which may be moments before the foal is caught." Zecora softly patted Silver's shoulder with a smile, then turned and walked away.
Silver felt confident that Night was in good hooves, but wanted to speak to her anyway. She spread her wings and launched herself towards the Everfree, soaring above it until the fledgling road came into view, cutting a slow line into the dense forest. She landed beside Night, who was shouting orders at the workers. "Night, dear. I'm told you won't be joining us?"
Night's ears fell. "I'm really sorry. Zecora's orders. She wanted me to stop working here too! Can you imagine?"
Silver leaned in and kissed Night's cheek. "You are a true soldier, and I couldn't be prouder of you." Night warmed at the praise and attention. "I'll be thinking of you while I'm away."
Night kissed Silver back and rubbed noses. "Try not to make this trip to Manehattan as traumatic as the first one, even if you are missing your 'rocks'. Maybe you should invite Sweetie Drops along?"
Silver snorted loudly. "No, she's been dragged around enough already. Our... time together is quite finished. It was a bittersweet thing, our last meeting, but she's definitely moved on. Her and Lyra are an adorable couple, and I won't come between them again."
Night canted her head one way, then the other. "Huh, that sounded strange out of your mouth. You're growing up." She hugged Silver firmly. "Now get out of here. I have ponies to yell at." Silver departed to the sound of her getting her workers in line.
Silver's return trip was interrupted by a cyan pony with brightly-colored mane and tail. "Hey Silver!"
"Hi Rainbow." Silver smiled at her, hovering with her in the sky. "How's it going?"
"Fantastic! Twilight just invited me to a huge comic convention. You going?" Rainbow gestured enthusiastically with her hooves as she spoke.
Silver nodded quickly. "Sure am, it'll be nice to have you along."
Rainbow flew in close and poked Silver's ribs. "Have you been practicing? You're still looking a little rough around the edges."
Silver snorted gently. "I've been flying less than a year, unlike you, Rainbow Dash. Have a little mercy."
Rainbow shook her head. "I didn't give up on Twilight, I'm not giving up on you. You've got everything you need to fly fast and straight." She tapped her head. "The only problem's up here! You want to fly, right?"
Silver gave her a flat look. "We're flying right now."
"No, we're hovering. Flying is way more fun." Rainbow flashed a bright smile. "Come on, race you to that cloud?" She pointed. "If you win, I'll give you a treat."
Silver burst into a fit of giggles. "I'm not a dog, Dash."
Rainbow leaned in. "It's a treat I'm sure you'll like."
Silver lifted her shoulders. "Fine. A little workout won't hurt me any. On the count of three. One, two--" Silver took off towards the cloud, shouting, "Three!" as she went. Rainbow's expression went sour a moment before she zipped after her with a whoop. Rather than focusing on winning, Rainbow kept pointing out little mistakes.
"Raise your wings a little. Tuck in your barrel." Her hooves softly poked and prodded at Silver, keeping up easily. "That's more like it. Faster!" The faster Silver went, the more mistakes Rainbow could see, and she pointed them out ruthlessly until Silver landed on the cloud gently. "Ooops, looks like you won, rookie."
Silver stuck out her tongue at Rainbow. "You just wanted to see me fly."
Rainbow shrugged. "Maybe."
Silver pointed at her instructor. "Alright, so what's this treat you have in mind?"
"A kiss."
Silver blanched and backed up a few steps, almost falling from the cloud.
Rainbow laughed at the reaction, flopping onto her side. "Oh man, you should see the look on your face! I'm messing with you. No kisses. You got Twilight to play sucky-face with." She rolled up onto her hooves, standing on the cloud easily. "And Night, Fast, uh, the princesses? Dude, you have a lot of kissing partners now that I think about it. What's up with that?"
Silver tapped her chin lightly. "Well it kind of... just worked out. Night, my first, was a gift to me, from Luna. She put her by me, knowing we'd eventually hit it off, and we did." Silver sighed softly. "I'm so glad she did that. Night understands me, and I think I understand her."
Rainbow waved a hoof. "Yeah yeah, mushy stuff. You two at least look like a pair."
Silver frowned a little. "Because we're both lunar ponies?"
Rainbow shrugged. "Yeah? No offense or anything, but it's kind of a distinct look." She sat on the cloud. "How'd you get Twilight wrapped up in this?"
Silver pointed at Rainbow. "These are very specific questions."
"Most are." Rainbow crossed her forelegs and sat up on her hinds.
Silver snorted softly. "Are you worried for her?"
"She can take care of herself!"
"No offense intended." Silver tapped her chin. "Are you... jealous?"
Rainbow shoved Silver suddenly, knocking her over onto the cloud. "I'll take that as a yes. Sorry. I don't want to keep Twilight away from you, RD."
Rainbow leaned in over Silver, stepping over her and pinning her. "Why should I believe that?"
Silver snorted softly and gently teased Rainbow right at the wing bases where she'd been taught was sensitive, "We're friends, RD. I want you to be happy, and Twilight too. You're friends, and I--"
Rainbow reared up, wings fluttering. "Stop that!" She went red in the cheeks. "That..."
Silver did not stop, softly working Rainbow as she began to wriggle and pant. "I want to remain your friend, Rainbow. How can I prove we're friends?"
Rainbow's wings spread out to stiff fullness as Silver's teasing expanded over her body, working her with all the skill of the pony form that Silver had learned. Rainbow licked over lips, looking indecisive. "Well, uh... You could start by inviting the rest of us on your adventures."
Silver smiled. "Ask Twilight, it was my idea to invite you." She reached up and hooked her forelegs around Rainbow's neck, pulling her down. "I want you to come with us."
Rainbow's blush only grew worse. "Alright, enough! Your point's made. Unless you're trying to expand that herd of yours, stop... doing that." She kicked a leg against the cloud. "By Celestia you're too good at that! Is... Is it true you can become a stallion at will?"
Silver released her magic grip on Rainbow, ceasing her sensual teasings. "Who told you that?"
Rainbow snorted softly. "So you can! Oh wow. I thought that one was fake!" She grinned down at Silver. "Show me?"
Silver went red and tried to squirm out from under Rainbow Dash, but that wasn't happening, the athlete following her easily. "Rainbow, that's... You just made me stop working you up, now you want to see that?"
Rainbow shrugged softly. "If you're too scared to show it to me, I guess I understand."
Silver giggled as she waved a hoof. "That might work on you, RD." A thought suddenly came to her. "Wait... Answer me truthfully, are you and AJ a thing?"
Rainbow's wings, which had gone relaxed, suddenly sprang out. "What?! Who said that? I mean... Gotta go!" She vanished through the cloud they were on, off on a streak of a rainbow.
Silver rolled over onto her belly, watching Rainbow's retreat thoughtfully. "What if Rainbow and AJ were trying to figure out how to come out to Twilight, and I suddenly showed up..." Her expression soured into a frown. "This just got more complicated..." She wasn't sure who to approach with this information. Twilight would only be driven to confusion. Night would tell her to just ignore Rainbow and Applejack and treat them as any other pony, and Fast... Well Fast might suggest bringing the two athletes in despite the size of the herd. Celestia and Luna were worse than useless in this. She doubted she'd get any more than vague platitudes and serene-sounding words from either about it, and possibly a chastisement for causing trouble or even considering anything but outright refusal.
Silver slipped from the cloud and sailed on the air currents in the vague direction of the castle, mind heavy with thoughts and considerations. She didn't want to hurt anyone's feelings more than they had likely already been trampled.
Silver never made it to the castle. She veered off and oriented herself towards the large groves of apple trees. She soon found Big Macintosh laboring busily and came down not far from him. "Hey Big Mac. Is your sister around?"
He pointed towards the barn. "Yup."
"Thanks." Silver trotted off, leaving Big Mac to work. He seemed to appreciate the brief conversation. She arrived in time to see Rainbow Dash standing in the doorway. RD spotted her instantly and said something too quietly to hear before dashing off into the sky.
Silver frowned but proceeded forward anyway. Applejack emerged as she approached, and the two came together. Applejack looked resigned. "Well, howdy."
Silver shrugged a little. "I want to put things right. I know Rainbow's upset, and I have a suspicion you're upset too."
Applejack pointed at Silver. "Ah doubt ya can rightly do that, but ah appreciate the thought."
Silver sat on the grass. "Applejack, you're the one that put us together. If it wasn't for you, I would have just moved on to Canterlot by now. You're a friend, and I obviously hurt you. Please tell me how, and how I can fix it."
Applejack looked skywards a moment before gesturing into the barn. Silver followed her inside and the Applejack was quick to slide the door shut. "How much have ya already done figured out?"
Silver perched on a hay bale. "I'm mostly guessing here, but I'm pretty sure you and Rainbow are a thing, which is alright by me. I'm also guessing you might have had your eyes on Twilight before I rolled into town. You asked to see my, er, parts, and so did Rainbow." She rolled a hoof. "If I had to keep on guessing, I'd say you were curious about it because you want to experience the foal thing on one level or another? The part I haven't figured out is why you didn't ask Twilight."
Applejack snorted softly. "Ah figured you were clever enough to figure that part out. Ya don't just march up to Twilight and ask her that kinda question." She pointed at Silver. "You, on the other hoof, have been around. You've mothered and fathered a foal. You've been married and divorced. Heck, ya been a few different species by now. Ah reckon ya got a lot less ya get worked up about."
Silver tilted her head in thought. "I've been called a slut before, but when you say it, it's almost a compliment."
Applejack raised a brow. "Ahm gonna guess what 'slut' means. Ah don't mean no insult. Yer obviously a good pony, ya just done been around." She clopped two hooves together then rubbed them lightly against one another. "Let's get down ta business, since ya seem so keen on being honest about it." She smiled. "Ah appreciate that, by the way."
Silver returned the smile. "I really want to see this through, as responsible adults and friends."
"Good, good." Applejack settled on her belly. "Now, correct me if ahm wrong. In yer herd, yer the only one really interested in Twilight, right?"
Silver considered that with a frown. "Well... I suppose that's true. Fast and Night like her, but aren't wildly in love."
Applejack raised a hoof. "Good. Second, yer bonded to Twilight with that 'circle of princesses' right?"
Silver nodded.
Applejack pointed at Silver. "Then it's easy. Tell Twilight ya don't intend to bring her into that herd of yers."
Silver's expression went to thoughtful, then realization. "Oh! Then you two can make your own move?"
Applejack nodded slowly. "Ah figured you'd get it. Now, ah don't want to get between two ponies in love, but we ain't really gettin' between, now are we?"
Silver shook her head. "No... That's a very elegant solution, Applejack. I will let her join your herd." She smiled. "If you ever get around to inviting her. Have you even told her you and Rainbow are together?"
Applejack colored quickly. "Not all of us are so eager ta share... Just let her go, then we can decide what we wanna do, alright?"
A crash came from upstairs and Rainbow Dash suddenly came into view, looking down from the loft. "Don't you dare..." she trailed off, looking at Applejack and Silver conversing civilly. "Uh... Is everything OK?"
Applejack waved up at Rainbow. "Better than OK. Come down here." Rainbow quickly joined the other two, looking skeptical. "Silver here done figured most of it out, and she's gonna let Twilight go."
Rainbow brightened quickly. "Really? What's the catch?"
Silver pointed at herself. "I still want to be friends afterwards? You've both been great to me, and you're wonderful ponies. I don't want this coming between us, and I want you both happy."
Rainbow moved up to Silver and prodded her in the ribs. "Don't ever touch me like that again."
Applejack raised a brow. "Touch her like what?"
Silver colored quickly, "I might have tried to distract Rainbow with a little wing massage."
Rainbow's wings went out. "Little? I... I never felt like that before." She scowled. "You raped me."
Applejack rose to her hooves. "Woah now! That there's a mighty powerful word, Dash. Do you mean it?"
Rainbow stiffened. "Uh... no, I guess not. Still, don't do that again. Uncool." She turned away from Silver. "Only a mate should be touching me like that, and only if I give the OK first."
Applejack smiled gently at Rainbow. "I'll ask her how she did it, and we'll go over just the specifics together, later."
Rainbow went dark and looked away. "Oh, uh, yeah... I should get back to work." She vanished in a trail of colors.
Applejack looked back to Silver. "Ya heard her. You touch her like that without her permission and Ah'll..." She sighed softly. "Ah don't want ta hurt you, but ah will ta protect Rainbow."
Silver shook her head. "I won't, I swear." She rose up to her hooves and stretched out. "I'm sorry for being such a pain in the flank. We cool?"
Applejack nodded quickly. "We're cool." She reached out and poked Silver on a wingbase. "Haven't ya been told how sensitive a pegasus' wing joints are?"
Silver squirmed a little at Applejack's firm press. "Yes, I've... felt it before. I'm sorry. It was a stupid thing to do."
Applejack brought her hoof back and gave a thoughtful hmm. "Ah get tha idea ya done been raised by ponies with less sense ah personal space."
Silver perked a tufted ear. "I've been beaten up a fair number of times, almost raped, shapeshifted more times than I have hooves, forcefully ascended, and strongly propositioned a few times. I guess that's not very normal."
"Nope." Applejack snorted softly. "But yer heart's in the right place. Ah'll call ya out if ya go over tha line."
Silver held out a hoof to Applejack. "I'll take a good offer when it's given. I hope you tell Twilight soon, and she understands how wonderful you are."
Applejack met the hoof lightly, turning red. "Ah... Every time ah think ah have the courage, she just looked at me with those big ole' innocent eyes of hers and ah fall apart."
Silver considered the situation a moment. "Well, first thing, I have to talk to her. Second thing, have you tried a letter? She might even appreciate that approach, all things considered."
Applejack frowned with thought. "Mighty interesting thought there. Ah'll discuss it with Rainbow when she comes back from where she's hiding."
Silver moved towards the door, feeling much better then when she entered. "If something else comes up, please just talk to me. I don't offend easily." She rolled her eyes. "I've been told I'm far too quick to forgive. I don't think wanting people to be happy is a flaw."
Applejack shook her head. "Reckon not. Who's anypony getting upset at ya for forgivin'?"
"Starlight Glimmer? Do you know her?"
Applejack's frown was instant. "Ah take back what ah said. Ya can save your forgiveness for a pony that deserves it."
Silver sagged in frustration. "She apologized, and she came right up to me and gave something important back to me. I could have caught her, or zapped her, or anything. She took the first step. Why isn't she worth the same forgiveness anyone else is?"
Applejack flopped onto her haunches. "Ya look serious. Do ya know what she was doin' when we found her?"
Silver shook her head. "No, what? Twilight doesn't like talking about it."
Applejack tapped the ground. "Sit, and ah'll tell ya. Nopony should be told ta be angry at somepony else without knowing why."
Silver settled and Applejack began telling the tale of Our Town, and Starlight's part in it. "Ya see, she's not only a bad pony, but a manipulator, and a corruptor. Everything Celestia said you were, but, ya know, true. What'd she tell ya?"
Silver gave her story of their meeting on that cool evening. Applejack held up a hoof. "Woah, hold on there. The way ya say it, it sounds like she was hot ta trot with ya. The Starlight ah knew was friendly, but not that kinda friendly, ya know?" She pointed the hoof at Silver. "She was playing ya, like a galdurn fiddle. How'd you feel when she was putting the works on ya?"
Silver darkened, but spoke truthfully. "Flattered? Good... I liked being attractive that way, even if it was a little unexpected."
Applejack tipped her hat forward. "She done played ya good. She said what ya wanted ta hear ta warm ya up. Once she had ya rolled over, her sweet nothings would have turned ta a laugh and she'd run off with yer cutie mark. And good luck catching up to her then."
Silver huffed softly. "What if she really is sorry?"
Applejack raised a hoof. "Now, ah won't say it's impossible she mighta changed her mind, but the chances are mighty high against it. Ya just watch yerself around her. Better yet, don't be around her. She has crimes ta pay fer. Take her to tha guards if she's so eager to say sorry."
Silver gave a stiff little nod. "Alright... I appreciate you taking the time to actually tell me about her. All this dancing around the subject was infuriating. Heck, it made me want to know more about her!"
Applejack chuckled softly. "Yer not that different than my little sister sometimes. Figured ah should just tell ya straight and put that outta yer head. Now go on, git. Ah got work to do, real work, not hiding from you work."
Silver pulled the door open and stepped out into the sun. "If you need anything, AJ, call me." She spread her wings wide. "Be well." They shared a final wave and Silver was off, soaring back towards the castle once more.
Several days later, Silver, Twilight, Spike, and Rainbow Dash boarded a train headed for Manehattan. They were given exclusive use of one of the cars and made themselves comfortable on the broad cushioned seats that were more like beds than standard train chairs.
Rainbow smiled at Spike. "So, who're you gonna try and get an autograph from?"
They began chatting animatedly about comic series, and which ones were 'totally cool' or 'lame'. Silver looked to Twilight, speaking gently. "I was hoping to discuss a little something."
Twilight perked an ear. "You've looked like you had something on your mind for a few days now. What's up?"
Silver huffed softly. "Nothing too big a deal, it's just, since you made the princess circle, we shouldn't confuse things more than they already are. I wanted to make sure we're on the same page with the herd?"
Twilight looked confused a moment before she caught up. "Oh! I see, yes. I suppose I don't need to marry into the herd if we're already bound together."
Twilight pinkened a moment and nodded. "Then we're settled." She reached out and poked Silver on the nose. "See, no need to be scared. Just talk to me. I'm a reasonable pony."
Silver nuzzled Twilight softly. "You're too good to me. Looking forward to the convention?"
Twilight smiled and chuckled. "I'm coming for Spike. Comics are not my kind of book."
Spike wandered over to them. "Hey, did you read today's paper?"
Twilight tilted her head. "I didn't get a chance to grab a copy before we left."
Spike produced one and handed it to twilight. "You two are on the cover!"
There it was, big as day. 'Princesses to Attend...' Twilight sighed softly. "I'm not sure which was worse, being unknown, or this. It wouldn't bother me as much if we didn't have enemies of late."
Spike raised a brow. "Enemies? What enemies?"
Silver tilted her head at Spike. "Didn't you see we got attacked at the coronation?"
Spike waved a claw. "I wasn't there. 'Ponies only' or something like that. I'm guessing it wasn't any big deal."
Twilight gave a little nod. "Silver and I handled the situation, with some timely assistance from Night. But they are at large." She frowned a little. "Maybe we should turn back."
Spike's expression fell, and Silver spoke up, "Twilight, we promised Spike. We can handle ourselves, can't we? Besides, we've made promises to the convention itself. If we don't show up, it'll be a huge deal. We'll make a lot of ponies very sad."
Rainbow suddenly landed in the middle of them. "Did I hear right? Somepony's gonna try and make some trouble on my watch? Don't worry, Twilight, I'll keep you safe." Rainbow nodded firmly. "You've got a pegasus for eyes in the sky. Nopony will get close to you."
Silver drew out her spell book. She flipped back and forth a moment before an idea came to her and she began scribing a new spell. It came slowly at first, but she quickly found her old groove and was smiling broadly as she worked. "I forgot how fun it is to make a spell."
Twilight scowled a little. "There you go, just doing that so casually. Show it to me when you're done."
"Aye aye." Silver crossed out the last section of the spell and went back over it, trying to juggle the variables in her head. "Maybe one more theta..." It wasn't until supper time that Silver set the book down, looking satisfied.
Twilight perked an ear at her. "So, what's that supposed to do? That took a while. You normally finish in minutes, not hours."
Silver tilted her head and nodded. "It was very complicated. Not powerful, but delicate." She rose to her hooves and stretched. "And I'm ready for some food."
Twilight pointed at Silver. "We'll get some, but you're not getting away without telling us what you've been working on all day."
Silver gestured out the window. "Remember that foal-cleaning spell we made together?"
Twilight chuckled a little. "It cleaned you, if I remember."
Silver stuck out her tongue. "Beside the point. The spell could track and identify several ponies in a crowd, and that's the part I needed. In this case, it should make any pony using actual spells glow like a christmas tree."
Spike blinked with a huh. "Christmas tree?"
"Oh, uh, Hearth's Warming tree?"
Spike gave a thumbs up. "Gotcha."
Twilight rolled a hoof as her speech started to become frantic. "What if somepony's using a perfectly harmless spell? What if we're attacked physically? What if they're far away?"
Rainbow set a hoof on Twilight's withers. "Easy there, Twi. No need to melt down. We have this under control. Just believe in me, Rainbow Danger Dash!"
It was time for food, worries or not, and they pulled the provided rope to summon service. A smiling pegasus arrived and took their orders. When she left, a letter was left in her trail. Silver plucked it up with her magic. She unfolded it and scanned over it.
Dear Princess Silver Stars,
Sorry it took so long to get this to you. Your little excursion has drawn them out of hiding. They're moving against you, my little bird of the night. This will be your best chance to catch them, or for them to catch you. Look for a big yellow horse of a pony, or a little nerd of a unicorn with off-purple fur. They're desperate enough to attack you in public, so be on watch always.
Hugs and Kisses, Starlight
Twilight tugged at the letter lightly with her magic. "What is that?" Silver let her have it and Twilight was soon frowning. "Why is Starlight Glimmer sending you clandestine letters?"
Silver shrugged. "I told you she promised to send one. She said she'd tell me who to look for, and here it is. She did what she promised she'd do."
Twilight sighed. "I suppose she did at that. I don't trust her." She shook her head. "But you already knew that. I couldn't convince Fluttershy not to trust Discord, I doubt I'll get through to you. I can only hope you do as well as she did."
Rainbow pointed at the letter. "So, big yellow and little purple? I'll have them pinned down in no time at all."
Twilight raised a hoof. "Don't go leaping at every yellow pony you see. Just keep an eye on them. I'm sure there's more than one large yellow pony in a city the size of Manehatten, or small purple unicorns." She raised a brow. "I would have qualified before becoming a princess."
The food arrived on brightly-polished trays. Well-cooked and tasty, conversations died down in favor of filling bellies. Spike was enjoying a plate full of emeralds and sapphires. Silver perked an ear at Spike. "So... What's it like, eating a rock like that?"
Spike shrugged softly. "Ever eat hard candy?" Silver nodded. "Like that. I crunch it up and it's like a little taste explosion. Sometimes I suck on it and let it melt instead. Either way works, but it's different."
"Like hard candy..." Silver nodded slowly with understanding. "An expensive habit. How did you ever enjoy it before Twilight became a princess?"
Spike hiked a thumb in the vague direction of Ponyville. "Well Rarity could find gems, that helped! I'd dig them up and she'd let me eat some of them. We both won! Shame she couldn't come with us to the convention."
Rainbow Dash gave a soft pfft. "She's probably working on a dress or something."
Spike raised a claw. "Actually yes. She's getting ready for the next big fashion show. She'll be in Manehattan in a month or two, funny enough. Maybe I'll go with her then." He got a dreamy look in his eyes, likely plotting out their visit far in advance.
Twilight shook her head, "I'm just glad you came along, Rainbow. I haven't been spending enough time with my old friends."
Rainbow smiled brightly. "Good to be here! Uh, Applejack would have come along, but she has to work. She said to send her best."
Twilight nodded. "I know that feeling. We'll be sure to get her a souvenir. What about Pinkie and Fluttershy?"
Spike snorted. "We want to attend the convention, not crash it. Pinkie thinks every convention is an unending party."
Twilight sighed and sank. "And she'll do whatever it takes to make sure that's true, I get it. And Fluttershy?"
Rainbow chuckled. "You really want to put Fluttershy in a room full of pushing and jostling ponies all talking eagerly about comic book heroes?"
Twilight flopped onto the bed/cushion. "Granted. Well at least my number one assistant is here, and you, Rainbow Dash." Twilight gave a smile and sat up. "We should arrive in the morning, let's get some sleep before then. We want to be fresh for what promises to be a very full weekend."
Rainbow rolled her eyes as she began to draw down the blinds on the windows. "Full of something alright. I'll be ready for it."
The car became still and quiet, and soon enough sleep came to its inhabitants. Manehattan could wait one more evening for them.
They arrived in Manehattan safely and departed to find a taxi waiting for them. The pony gestured towards the back. "Get in." As an afterthought he added. "Your highnesses."
Silver, Twilight, Rainbow, and Spike hopped aboard quickly, and they were ferried through the busy streets of Manehattan to the hotel the convention would be taking place at. It was the same as the last time Silver had been there. Maybe all the conventions happened there? They were let out and the taxi sped away without requesting payment.
Silver took a moment to admire the city as a whole, full of life and energy as it was. When she turned back, she saw the others had started towards the hotel and moved to catch up. A lunar pegasus stallion landed in front of her. "Princess Silver Stars."
Silver perked her ears. "That's me."
He nodded. "It's a pleasure to meet you, ma'am. You're an inspiration to all of us lunar pegasi." He pulled out a small box with a bow on it from a saddlebag and offered it to Silver. "My friends and I chipped in to get this for you."
Silver gently picked it up in her magic. "That's very thoughtful of you." She smiled gently. "May I have your name?"
He colored slightly, "Uh, Dusk Warden, ma'am."
Silver waved a hoof lightly. "Dusk, you can call me Silver. We're all friends, are we not? We lunar pegasi have to stick together."
He smiled nervously and tapped at the sidewalk. "You're still a princess, uh, Silver. We haven't had one of those, unless you count Luna, and she isn't exactly one of us. She made us. It's different. We want to do it right." He gestured at the hovering box. "Go ahead."
Silver brought the box closer to her face to see what she was doing and quickly unwrapped it, then pulled the lid free of the dark purple gift box. The lid didn't get an inch up before Rainbow Dash crashed into it and soared off with the box. She hurled it mightily into the air before it detonated violently, throwing Rainbow back towards the ground. She corrected herself on the way back towards the ground and flew back at Silver and Dusk, who both stood there with shocked expressions. She barreled into Dusk, knocking him to the ground. "What's the big idea?!"
Dusk kicked Rainbow off and sprung to his hooves. "This wasn't my doing! It was a simple box of chocolates from a chocolatier we knew the princess fancied."
Silver shook her head. "I don't think he's lying..."
Rainbow snorted loudly. "If you say so." She leveled a hoof at Dusk. "I got my eye on you, pal."
After she stormed off back towards the building, Dusk shyly approached Silver. "A thousand apologies, ma'am. I really don't know what happened."
Silver frowned. "I hate to admit it, but this is an unfortunate part of my life."
Dusk sagged. "Even as a princess we can't be left alone. Sorry again, Silver. En... Enjoy the convention." He spread his leathery wings and took off into the city, leaving Silver to enter the hotel.
The inside was fairly standard fair for the day before a convention. Eager goers were getting their badges early and chatting with one another about the weekend to come. Twilight was already surrounded by several ponies in staff shirts. One of them broke away to approach Silver on spotting her. "Hello and welcome! We're very excited to have you here. We have a VIP lounge. Here's the key." He passed an ornate golden key to Silver. "It's right here on the first floor. That way." He pointed towards it. "We've scheduled two signing windows for you, which you'll find in the con guide." The con guide was quick in coming, passed to Silver. "Other than that, you're free to enjoy the convention. We'll be sending at least one staffer with you at all times to prevent problems." He cocked his head as if listening to something on the earpiece he wore. "Oh, looks like you get me for now. I'm Steady Hoof, nice to meet you."
"Silver Stars," replied Silver with a light smile. "We should check in and get our rooms in order." Twilight waved at Silver, a few more keys held in her wings. "Or it looks like Twilight took care of that. I assume there's not much to see the day before the festivities?"
Steady Hoof shook his head. "On the contrary! Things are still being set up, but if you want to have a sneak peek at the vendors with their things set up, or meet with the other VIPs? There's plenty to see. So, if you don't mind my asking, are you a big comic fan?"
Silver smiled carefully. "I love comics, as a thing. But I haven't really read any since coming to Equestria I admit. Maybe this convention will change that."
Steady nodded quickly. "If anything could do it, this would be the place. Well, if you need any help, just let me know. I'll be trying to not be in the way." He backed off a few steps and did his best to fade into the background.
Silver took the opportunity to rejoin Twilight. "Everything alright?"
Twilight nodded. "What was that outside? Rainbow looked upset." She passed over a key. "For the hotel room. We're on the third floor."
Silver huffed softly. "Nothing that should be discussed in polite company."
Twilight looked confused, but it came to her. "Oh! Well... I'm glad everything worked out. Spike ran off and is enjoying the sights already. I'm not sure we'll see much of him until he collapses at the end of each day. Did they set you up for signing too?" She unfurled the con guide and flipped through it easily. "Yup, look at that. Royal signatures. First one's tomorrow morning." She snorted softly. "Who goes to a comic convention for royal signatures?"
Silver shrugged softly. "They got us, so they're running with it. Prepare to have a lot of those signatures land on comic book covers."
Twilight smirked. "That goes double for you. You're the highest-ranking lunar pony around, so just about any fan of any comic that has one is going to want your mark on it."
Silver glanced at the smiling con staffers, then back at Twilight. "How about we relax before the con starts properly? We both have a weekend in the limelight ahead of us, and I'm in no hurry for it."
Twilight easily agreed and they headed for the elevators. They chatted quietly as the elevator rose, until a heavy weight fell on either of their backs. Horn nullifying rings were quickly slid into place on either of them as two invisible ponies ceased being so. Twilight thrashed about under her sudden rider, but they easily weathered her bucking and jittering around.
Silver felt magic stuffing up in her horn and channeled it downwards into her legs. She crouched down, then jumped straight up with enough force to make the elevator stop with a loud buzz of an error. She cracked against the top of the elevator, crushing her rider between herself and the ceiling and breaking a few tiles in the effort. Silver landed heavily, and the small purple unicorn on top of her slid to the ground, dizzy. She wheeled on Twilight, ready to rescue her when the pony on top of Twilight proved it wasn't a pony at all.
The large shape grabbed Silver by the neck in its hand and hefted her from the ground, shaking her hard enough to make stars swim in her vision. "Shhhhh," he said, baring carnivorous teeth.
The small purple unicorn recovered his wits with a grunt. "The plan continues." He rushed for the controls and got the elevator moving again. "Keep a hold of them."
Silver scowled at the hulking mass of a diamond dog she was being held by. If she could breathe, there would have been more menace in the action. Twilight was still wriggling, trying to get the dog off of her, but she was having an increasingly hard time standing, let alone give a decent bronco performance. She looked ready to scream when the dog's other hand found her neck. "Shhhhh."
They stepped out on the sixth floor to the sound of breaking glass. Rainbow burst into the hallway from the open air outside and zoomed towards the group. "When I get through with you..." The diamond dog threw Silver aside roughly with one hand, the other forcing Twilight to the ground. It was just in time to meet Rainbow's hooves with hands, the two sliding several feet down the hallway.
Small-purple blasted Rainbow in the back with a quick horn blast, and Rainbow yelped before she went limp. "Take her too. No witnesses."
Silver got a refreshing breath into herself. "Who are you working for? Why are you doing any of this?"
Twilight looked ready to say her own thing when they were both put into the firm grip of that dog. Small-purple led the way to a room not far away from the elevator and unlocked the door quickly. "I'll do the questions around here, and there aren't many to be had."
Silver conserved her strength, building her magic internally for when it could be best used. Her increasing warmth went unnoticed by her captor. She was set on a bed beside Twilight, with Rainbow sprawled on the floor beside them. The door was closed and locked before Purple-Small looked over the two alicorns. "Alright. It's time to make demands."
Twilight perked an ear. "Demands? I thought you wanted to kill us."
"Kill you?" Small-purple frowned. "Who said that? We want to change things. If we were going to kill anypony, it'd be that sun nag and her lunar loony sister."
Silver snorted softly. "If you're aiming for a coup, pissing us off is hardly the best place to start."
Small-purple raised a hoof. "Think of how easily you were just taken, and how easily you ended up with an explosive present."
Silver frowned. "You broke his heart. You're a monster."
"Whose heart?" Small-Purple shrugged, "Whatever, beside the point. Even when the sun nag was attacked in public, nothing came of it. Why? The magic that'd let them find dangerous ponies is all outlawed. 'Too dangerous', she says, as if the rest of the world gives a horse apple about what she thinks is 'too dangerous'."
Twilight moved to stand, only to be pushed back to lay on her belly by the diamond dog. "Mmmf, so, what, you want all restrictions on dangerous magic removed?"
"Not just removed." He pointed at Silver. "Innovated. Magic should be advanced, not quashed."
Silver shook her head. "Excuse my saying so? But that's stupid, and so are you. You made the same mistake the 'sun nag' made and a hundred ponies before her."
"Oh, what's that?"
Silver smiled. "You didn't ask." Power burst free, flowing where she wanted it. Her horn was blocked off, but she had learned several other exit points for magic in her equine form, and she intended to be a victim no longer.
Silver sprang forward at the big yellow diamond dog. A paw reached for her and a quick flick of her wings carried her around him. She swung around him and landed on his back. Her fangs found his neck and she plunged them deep into the dog, channeling her maddening fear of pain, loss, and building frustration. She didn't stay still however, letting the dog stagger as she dodged around him, keeping the dog between her and the unicorn as she lunged for Twilight. A horn blast caught her in the legs and she felt the magic there go numb, feeling fleeing, but not spreading through her body under the inferno of her built up supply.
A hoof-swipe caught Twilight across the horn and she screamed in a mixture of surprise and pain. It had been too hard, and her horn cracked even as the ring was knocked free to sail across the room. Twilight tried to use magic anyway, horn sparking wildly as a flickering pink bubble barely turned aside another horn blast. Wordlessly she tried to get at Silver's horn with her mouth instead, clamping teeth on the ring firmly.
The dog recovered from the bite and grabbed the two alicorns, wrenching them apart and throwing them to opposite ends of the room with dull thuds of meat against walls. Twilight sagged, the pain clearly too much for her between the rough slam and her broken horn. Silver sat up from where she landed, an unhealthy grin on her face. A bright silver bubble sprang up around her. "Come on, show me your best." Her wings spread wide. "You had your chance, but I'll offer anyway. Give up, and you'll face Celestia's justice. Don't, and you deal with mine." Her horn was clear of any rings, resting instead in Twilight's unconscious snout.
The diamond dog was not impressed at Silver's words and raised a fist high. "I haven't met a bubble I couldn't break." He raised his other fist and clasped them together, bringing them down on the bubble. Silver wobbled at the energy that surged through her, but her discomfort was little compared to the aetheric chain reaction that saw the dog's arms exploding from the inside out in a cascade of explosions from the fingers to the shoulders, leaving him screaming in pain so terrible that it became senseless. He collapsed to the ground, bleeding across the hotel floor rapidly.
Little-purple shrank back. "You're supposed to be our savior, not our killer! Only you can do this."
Silver stepped towards the small unicorn, snorting loudly. "You should have asked. Who else are you working with?"
"I'll never tell!" He vanished in a bright flash, but Silver followed the trail and burst out of the hotel room with a blast of her own energy. She stampeded after the fading magic and threw herself against a new door, emerging into a new room where little-purple was talking quickly with two pegasi. They all turned towards her. "I'm sorry?"
The pegasi didn't offer apologies, instead flaring wings and advancing on Silver with deadly frowns. Their hooves were adorned with strange blades that gleamed in the light. Rather than risk the massive energy required for the destructive shield, Silver made a sudden low ring of fire. "Step across it, if you dare."
One did dare, propelling herself across the line with a derisive snort. She didn't even see the fireball slam into her and engulf her in fire. She collapsed at Silver's hooves, shrieking in pain and terror.
Silver spread her wings wide, puffing out her chest. "You came to me seeking a princess of death and change, and you have found her. Throw yourselves to the ground and pray for mercy and you may live to see tomorrow. Challenge me and I will show you the only mercy I have left."
The other pegasus shrank away, no longer so confident. Small-purple threw himself prostrate, sobbing piteously. The pegasus kicked the unicorn with a bladed hoof, stabbing him deeply. "Coward and betrayer!"
"Silver?!" Silver deactivated the ring of fire just in time for Rainbow Dash to come sailing into the room over her and crashing into the other pegasus. "Get your hooves off of her!" The other pegasus proved a more able combatant, sending Rainbow sailing away with a well-timed flipping kick, then soaring out past Silver.
Silver grabbed for the pegasus with her magic, but got feathers instead of the pony, and they got away, crashing out a window and soaring quickly out of easy spell distance.
Rainbow rolled back to her hooves and quickly approached Silver. "You OK?"
Silver gave a shaking nod, the adrenaline wearing off as signs of combat faded with it. "Are any of them still alive?"
"Alive?" Rainbow only just noticed the charred pegasus and cringed. "Ugh..." She nudged the burnt pegasus over and examined carefully. "Still breathing." She moved over to small-purple who hadn't moved. "Uh... I think this one's gone."
Silver frowned and approached, placing a hoof on the small unicorn and trying to feel the magic in the dead or dying pony. It was there, if faintly. "He gave up. He deserves anything I can give." Silver pulled the limp form up and sank her teeth in, sending her magic through it. Like a shot to the heart, the small unicorn jerked awake with a squeal. Silver threw him to the ground afterwards. "Don't leave Rainbow's sight, unless you want me to get... creative. That is what you wanted, isn't it?" She snorted and stalked out back to the first room. Twilight was barely awake, her eyes looked unfocus and she wobbled where she sat.
Silver gently nuzzled her as she looked at the corpse of the dog. There wasn't much to be done for him, armless and having bled out during the battle. Two captured, one dead. Not bad for her record. "Twilight, how many hooves am I holding up?"
"Three?"
Silver sighed, putting the hoof back down. "Everything's going to be OK, Twi. I'm taking you to the hospital." Silver slipped under Twilight and hefted her up. "Does it hurt anywhere?"
"My horn's on fire..." Twilight sank against Silver, letting her carry as she wished. "Other than that, not too much? Are we safe?"
Silver trotted out to the second room. "As safe as we can be. Rainbow, take these two to jail and be sure they know the unicorn's good at magic. Meet us at the hospital, OK?"
Rainbow saluted sharply and got to work, leaving Silver to focus on transporting Twilight. As they rode the elevator down, Silver frowned at a thought. She didn't want to throw the convention into a wild panic if she walked out with an injured Twilight. She pulled her book free and flipped through it quickly until she found a fitting spell.
When the elevator doors opened, darkness spilled into the room and billowed past the confused ponies. Soon enough, it passed, and Silver escaped outside without being seen directly. They made quick progress to the hospital, where the staff plucked Twilight off of Silver's back and hurried her away. Silver sank bonelessly. "Will she be OK?"
The nurse tilted her head. "If she wasn't an alicorn, I'd be very worried. Horn injuries are a very serious matter. You got her here before complications could start, so she should be fine with some immediate care, then she'll have to wear a horn brace for a few weeks."
Silver gave a weak nod before flopping out, energy spent, both emotionally and magically. Sleep came for her.
She was awoken to Rainbow Dash nudging her and standing over her. "Hey? You alright?"
"No." Silver sat up, feeling sore, but not quite as bone tired. "Did you visit Twilight?"
Rainbow nodded quickly. "She's surprised, but alright. They got her in a funny thing around her horn. It looks stupid, but she's fine. Uh... thanks for saving her... and me."
Silver waved off the compliment. "Thanks, but I... It was me. I broke Twilight's horn. I was amped up on magic and adrenaline and instead of knocking the horn blocker, I nearly took her horn off with it. I caused the most harm to us." She sagged a little. "I have to learn control."
Rainbow punched Silver in the shoulder. "Buck that! You did great, I mean, it's not cool that Twilight was hurt, but that was an accident, right? Go in there and apologize, but you saved us from a lot worse than a single broken bone." She frowned. "Silver, think about it."
Was this the same Rainbow Dash? Silver tilted her head at Dash. "Think about what?"
Rainbow pointed at herself. "They were ready to kill. They had no use for me." She put her hooves on Silver's shoulders. "I was as good as dead, like, for real dead! You're a hero, Silver. My hero." She smiled then, a bright and soothing gesture that made Silver's pain ebb away. "Go in there and say hello to Twilight. I'm sure she wants to talk to you."
Silver took a step towards Twilight's room, then stopped. "I misjudged you, Rainbow. You're... You have a lot of depth of thought I stupidly discounted you as not having."
Rainbow waved it off. "Yeah yeah, stupid brainless jock, right? Pfft. It doesn't take a genius to know when your flank's in the fire. Now go."
Silver nodded at Rainbow and trotted away. She knocked on Twilight's door before slipping inside to find Twilight propped up on a bed. Twilight smiled at Silver on seeing her. "You're alright! Thank goodness."
Silver approached a little hesitantly. "I gave them a lesson they won't soon forget... Uh... sorry about the horn."
Twilight reached up to touch the braced horn. "It'll heal. You really should practice with Night and Fast. You've... grown a lot stronger, and faster." She wobbled a hoof in the air. "How? I've been an alicorn longer. I've been a unicorn longer. By all rights I should have better control of magic, but I could feel your magic when we were on that bed. You were radiating heat. When you let it go, it was amazing. You were practically a streak. Not as fast as Rainbow, but you were doing... something."
Silver tilted her head, looking a little confused. "Have you done magic-channeling exercises?"
Twilight rolled her eyes. "Of course I have! I have great magic reserves and channeling ability. How do you think I do such large spells?"
Silver nodded quickly and pointed at Twilight. "But have you tried channeling to anywhere besides your horn?"
Twilight looked baffled. "The horn is the channel. How do you... channel somewhere else? I didn't see you touch the horn to anywhere else, or play a spell."
Silver frowned and tapped the ground before trying a different tact. "Imagine if all the magic inside of you is like a current, flowing a bit aimlessly normally. When I want to gather it up, I make it a raging circular river through my body, letting it gather speed faster and faster and faster, without letting a single drop get anywhere specific."
Twilight nodded slowly. "Alright. That's an interesting mental image, but I can see that. Then what?"
Silver smiled. "Send it where you want. Let the river flow to your hooves, or your wings. Let it rush out to your muscles. Heart, lungs, anywhere you need power. If you're doing a spell, well, you already know how to do that."
Twilight nodded a little uncertainly. "Huh... But the horn is supposed to control the flow of magic, and it is drawn from the body as a whole by effort." She frowned. "I'll try that when we get home. That's a very different way of seeing the whole thing."
Silver waved a hoof. "How does an earth pony do it?"
"Huh?"
Silver smiled. "An earth pony. All ponies have magic. How do they channel, without a horn?"
Twilight frowned with thought. "That... is an excellent question." She clopped her hooves together. "While I think about that, you should get back to the hotel. Tell them I should be able to show up tomorrow, but that a, uh, accident will require they go easy on me. Be sure Spike's alright and see that he gets a good dinner, alright?"
Silver nodded quickly. "Alright. Want me to send Rainbow in?"
Twilight looked thoughtful. "No, take her with you, but do tell the front desk to send some guards up. We can't keep on pretending we can handle everything that comes our way. You surprised them today, but next time..."
Silver darted up to Twilight and kissed her cheek before fleeing. She returned to the hotel with Rainbow, and they found Spike. Dinner was had, and eventually sleep came behind it. The comic con was only just starting.
Silver was roused from slumber with the sensation of the bed jostling. A quick mental inventory revealed that no ponies that had bed-sharing privileges were present, and she sat up quickly to spot Rainbow Dash sitting down beside her. "Hey."
Silver raised a hoof. "Good morning, Rainbow." She glanced around, not spying Spike. "Where's Spike?"
Rainbow made a dismissive gesture. "He bolted the moment he woke up. Forget him a moment. I need to talk to you."
Silver sat upright. "Did something happen?"
"No, I mean, yes?" Rainbow frowned. "I'm not good at this kind of thing, but I know your background. Let's, uh, be honest."
Silver smiled gently. "Did Applejack talk to you?"
"Maybe." Rainbow glanced away, then back at Silver, poking her in the chest. "Twilight likes you, like, a lot. She's happy around you. She's happy around your herd. I... thought you were kind of a loser, but you've been busy proving me wrong." She frowned, thumping the bed with light hoof-taps. "Do you understand?"
Silver tilted her head a little. "I think I do, a little? What are you working towards?"
Rainbow drew in a deep breath. "I'm thinking me and AJ are being... a little pushy. I'm starting to think you folded too fast." She pointed at Silver. "You like Twilight, right?" Silver nodded quickly. "Like like?" Silver nodded again. "So why'd you let her go? Are you afraid to fight us?"
Silver frowned. "I don't mind fighting ponies that deserve it if I have to. You're a good pony, Rainbow, and Applejack too. Why would I want to fight with either of you?"
Rainbow lashed out, but stayed her hoof, not quite contacting with Silver. "That's nonsense. Applejack and I fight all the time. That's half of what our 'thing' is based on. If we're not fighting, something's busted."
Silver clucked her tongue. "Peace is a very noisy room."
Rainbow shrugged without full comprehension. "Sure, that. So pretend I'm some stranger that wants to take Twilight away from you. What do you say?"
Silver considered this a moment before shaking her head. "Well, alright. I guess I would say no."
Rainbow rolled a hoof. "But for us you said yes. Applejack said you said yes with barely a pause."
Silver lifted her shoulders. "I think you're both great ponies?"
Rainbow snorted loudly. "You're getting better than before, but you're still kind of a loser. I can't believe I was raped by a loser."
Silver flushed dark. "Do you have to use that word?"
Rainbow smirked. "When you react like that, yes. You could be super awesome. You have to start acting like it, and not just when your life's on the line." She waved a hoof. "I don't take charity. You take Twilight back and you apologize to her for even thinking of letting her go. You probably hurt her feelings the way you did that anyway. You'll have plenty of time to think up a smooth pick-up line while you're at the signing event, so let's get some grub and get you down there, alright?"
Silver gave an uncertain nod before she hopped free of the bed and stretching out, wings unfurling. The soft aches of the day before were little but unpleasant memories, and she felt largely ready to face the day. Food was summoned up by helpful bellhops, and they were soon devouring breakfast. "Did you get any word from Twilight?"
Rainbow nodded. "She's on the way. There are guards outside. One of them's not dressed right though?"
Silver perked her ears, then went out to check on it. One of them was the usual golden guard, the other was a sky blue pegasus mare that reminded her somewhat of Rainbow Dash, though there were many differences she was learning to pick up to tell one pony apart from another, even with similar fur. She also had white mane and tail. Hmm, maybe more like Trixie than Rainbow Dash. She smiled at Silver. "Good morning, sir."
Silver tilted her head. "Ma'am?"
She shook her head. "Don't need honorifics for me." Her eyes never met Silver's directly, darting around anywhere else.
Silver tapped her chin lightly. "Who sent you?"
"Mutual friend." She smiled a little nervously. "The one you carry the way to speak with at any time? You should call him eventually. Uh, all's clear out here."
Silver nodded a little. "Alright. I'll be going downstairs soon." She went back inside, met with Rainbow, and they both went down to the main convention area. They were soon run into by a con staffer, and the guard from their room trailed them as well. The signing wasn't for another hour and a half, plenty of time to wander and enjoy things for a bit, so Silver directed them towards the vendor hall to see what was being offered.
A fantastic maze of comics, figures, dolls, and more awaited Silver, and she let her eyes and hooves wander freely. The vendors seemed interested in her business, and answered questions easily about things.
Rainbow slid up beside her. "So, you get some money yet?"
Silver nodded. "Celestia sent a nice bag of bits after the coronation, and I should get more every moon. I don't have a lot of things to spend it on, so maybe now is a good time for souvenir shopping."
Rainbow grabbed a Daring Do plush and held it up towards Silver. "What about this?"
Silver raised a brow, wondering if she was being had before she clopped her hooves. "Oh! Twilight would love that!"
Rainbow grinned. "I knew you'd figure it out." She shoved the doll into Silver's hooves. "Somepony has an apology to make, after all."
Silver dropped a few bits down for the doll on the pleased vendor's table. "So what comic type thing does she like, besides Daring Do?"
Rainbow elbowed Silver lightly. "Just leave it to the Dash. I know Twilight better than she knows herself." She led the way through the hall, pointing out things and explaining why Twilight might be interested, from things about a little wizard apprentice unicorn to a bumbling earth pony hero that had caught her eye once. By the time they got through the hall, Silver had a full bag of trinkets, comics, books, and dolls. She bumped lightly into a pony.
The pony she ran into smiled. "Well excuse me."
Silver tilted her head. "Starlight?"
Rainbow scowled. "Starlight!"
Starlight held up a hoof. "I come in peace, Rainbow Dash. Did you run into them already, Silver?"
Silver nodded quickly. "I did. They're taken care of for the most part."
Starlight smiled. "Good. They were quite a pain in my flank, and dangerous to ponies everywhere. Equestria is happier with them gone."
Rainbow snorted softly. "I knew there was a selfish reason behind it."
Starlight waved a hoof at Rainbow. "Just because I stood to benefit doesn't make it any less of a good thing to do. Silver is safe, and they're gone. Everypony wins in this." She leaned towards Silver. "How busy do they have you?"
Silver shrank back, putting some space between them. "Starlight, I mean this in the nicest way, but my lovelife is already an incredibly complicated puzzle that I'm trying to piece out. Can you not be another part of that?"
She frowned a little. "If you insist. I was just being friendly. You like friendly ponies, do you not?"
Silver did like friendly ponies, but not that way. She shook her head a little. "You asked for a chance, and you get that. I want to believe you've turned over a new leaf, and I want to be there for you, for that, but not romantically. I have no room for that. I'm not calling you ugly, because you're not."
Starlight smiled brightly. "Then you're saying I'm attractive. Alright, enough of that. Did you get all of them?"
Rainbow rolled her eyes. "Small and purple and the big yellow one, who was a diamond dog by the way."
Starlight put a hoof over her mouth. "Was he? I had him figured for an earth pony. I never met him in person."
Silver gestured vaguely. "They had two pegasi with them. We incapacitated one, the other escaped. The diamond dog is dead. Small and purple is captured."
Starlight frowned. "Escaped? I should go... If I find out more, I'll drop you a letter." She stepped quickly into the crowd of multi-colored ponies, lost to sight almost immediately.
Rainbow huffed and stomped a hoof. "Why do you even talk to her?"
Silver shrugged. "People used to hate me just as much. She didn't do anything wrong other than be flirty. She's been a good pony."
Rainbow pointed at Silver. "Since you became a princess, duh. She wants something. It's so obvious."
Silver shook her head before moving to depart the hall, the staff and guard following along after her and Rainbow. They headed to the signing room and found a few comic book artists were working the line happily. Silver hooked up with the staff and Twilight. Silver moved up to her quickly. "Feeling better?"
Twilight nodded. "Much. I have to wear this brace for a while, but the headache's mostly gone. Let's find our seats."
There wasn't much to finding it, as the con staffers were swift in getting them to the right place and situated for the next crowd. While they still had time, Silver floated over the Daring Do doll and set it on Twilight's desk, facing Twilight. "Look who came to see you."
Twilight snorted out a laugh and reached to poke Daring Do lightly. "She's very cute. Arctic Adventure, revision 2. What's the occasion?"
Silver went quiet a moment, glancing towards Rainbow Dash, who was bobbing her head furiously. "Uh, well. I did something stupid."
"Do you mean the horn thing?" Twilight frowned. "You did the best you could in a sudden fight. You did great! I don't want apologies for that."
Silver shook her head quickly. "No, I meant about the herd thing. I shouldn't have said any of that. Fast and Night weren't there, and you already agreed to go ahead with it. Just springing that question on you on the train was wrong."
Twilight tilted her head a little. "Are you... saying that out of guilt, or?"
Silver took a slow breath. "I love you, Twilight Sparkle."
Silver focused on the task at hoof. Ponies began approaching her, one after the other. An orderly line gave them each a turn. She smiled, she waved, she used a convention-provided quill to grace comic covers or autograph books with her signature. Amusingly this was really the first time she got much practice writing her name, but it was trial by fire, and she soon had it in a smooth repetition.
Half an hour later, a lunar mare approached, her wings ruffling nervously. "H-Hello, your majesty."
Silver smiled gently. "Hello. You haven't brought something to sign?"
She shrank a little. "I... Could you sign my wing?" She spread out a wing
Silver tilted her head. "My quill isn't going to leave much a mark. One moment..." Sure it was a bit odd, but Silver saw no harm in it. She drew out her spell book and quickly found one of the basic spells that'd do the job and soon her name graced the leathery wing in silvery writing. "There you are. Why did you want that?"
She smiled brightly. "I want to be everything I can be... I'm joining the guard next week, and I'll work hard. Do you think I might become a princess, if I work hard enough?"
Silver felt conflicting emotions. "You... are lovely just as you are. You are a sleek predator in a world of prey." She leaned forward, flashing her fangs. "Never stop being proud of yourself, and hold yourself with the pride that merits. Just remember to act worthy of it. All that see you should know that lunar ponies are worth being impressed by."
The lunar pegasus gave a firm nod. "Y-yes, of course! Thank you, Princess Silver Stars." She paused a moment, shuffling in place. "Do you... think I could be your guard? You don't have royal guards yet, do you?"
Silver shook her head. "I do have one, but I haven't opened that position yet. I... Actually, my captain would be the one to hire more. You get in there and start showing off your stuff. Be all you can be, as you said."
She smiled, face full of hope. "I will! Thank you!" She dashed off in a clatter of hooves.
Twilight leaned over after her next guest. "You're going to run into her again. I give her a week before Rough Tumble is approached."
Silver nodded in agreement, but there was already a new pony in front of her. This one wore thick glasses and looked scholarly. He adjusted them at Silver and presented a book. "I should like the signature of the first known murderer to wear a crown of a princess."
Silver's tufted ears went up in surprise. "Excuse me?"
The stallion tilted his head faintly. "I thought I said that quite clearly."
Convention staff moved quickly to nudge the stallion away, one of them grabbing the book along the way, and he was gone. Silver frowned in distaste and tried to put the event out of mind for the next person, smile returning forcefully. "Hello!"
A few of the ponies wanted to know her favorite comic. Fortunately she had spotted a few that looked fun that she could rattle titles off of to keep them satisfied. There was a skewing of tribes. It was subtle, lunar ponies being more rare than solar ones, but it was clear that Twilight didn't get any lunar ponies. All the lunar guests wanted to see their lunar princess, which made sense enough to Silver. She considered what she could do for what were her people between guests before a magic green pony stepped up.
Silver blinked at Lyra, with Bon Bon just behind her. "Hi guys! I didn't expect either of you here."
Lyra put down an autograph book and flipped it open. "This convention is my 'out of jail' celebration. There are tons of great human and biped comics. I could suggest a few if you want?"
Silver quickly signed the book, and looked to Bon Bon. "How are things holding up?"
Bon Bon smiled, looking a little surprised at being addressed. "Oh! Everything's much better now." She hugged Lyra close. "I have my little harp back."
Lyra giggled. "Aw! You know you make me blush any time you call me that."
Silver tapped her chin and reached into her bag of goodies, pulling out a little minotaur doll she had picked out before. "For my favorite biped lover. Enjoy the con."
Lyra snatched it up with a grin, and they were soon off, chatting animatedly.
"'Ey." The next pony in line had approached, but Silver saw no one. She leaned forward and looked down, then smiled.
"Babs Seed?"
Babs tilted her head. "You knaw me?" She had a cutie mark, which threw Silver for a loop. A pair of scissors? "That's cool. Did ya talk ta mah sister or somethin'? Get outta here, course ya did!" She put a comic down on the counter. "Right here." Silver quickly signed it. "Thanks. Keep it cool, aight?" She turned and trotted off into the crowd.
Their time of signings was drawing close to an end, and both Silver and Twilight were glad for it. Neither were specially extroverted, and forcing the smiles and kind words over the two hour window was draining both. When the last smiling face had departed and the doors closed, they sagged onto their desks.
Rainbow slipped in with Spike at her side. "Heh, you two look like you had tons of fun."
Twilight waved a hoof weakly. "I couldn't contain the fun."
Silver smiled a little. "I enjoyed meeting other lunar ponies. I'm not used to being looked at with... like I was a hero."
Rainbow smirked at that. "You get used to it with time."
Spike waved a claw. "Never! I still get shivers when I visit the Crystal Empire. I'm with you, Silver. So how'd it go?"
Twilight sat up properly. "Overall, it went fine. Only a few trouble ponies, but most were happy to see us and they were very well behaved."
Spike waved out towards the hall. "Well enough of that, how 'bout we grab something to eat and I'll tell you about the awesome panels I saw today!?"
Silver smiled and nodded towards Spike. "I'd love to hear about it." She slipped out of her chair and stretched. "So, where to?"
The rest of the day was their's to enjoy, so after eating, they wandered the convention, though never without a guard nearby. Twilight found Silver roaming the halls and approached her. "Rainbow said you ran into Starlight again?"
Silver nodded. "She is the one that warned us, remember?"
Twilight frowned a little. "I am aware of that... but I don't think she's a very trustworthy pony. If she grabs your cutie mark, your magic will be gone with it, and your physical abilities are a part of that magic. They could just pick you up and walk off with you." Silver's expression was soured and Twilight sat up, clopping her hooves together. "I'm saying this because I care, Silver. I don't want you being hurt."
Silver moved in and rubbed noses with Twilight gently. "Thank you. I haven't given up on her though. She hasn't given me a reason to."
Twilight smiled ruefully. "That is a very princessly thing to say. Just be careful."
The day passed happily enough until Silver was pushed up against the wall by the pegasus that was her guard. "Stay down," she whispered softly, covering Silver with a wing and blocking the view. After a moment, Silver was let up with a grumble. "Sorry, that pony over there has been watching you the last half an hour. I thought they were up to something."
Silver snorted. "We could ask? Chances are good they're just a random person." She trotted towards the trouble pony, only to be cut off by her guard again, who was then frowning severely.
"It is my job to keep you safe. That means if I say somepony looks like trouble, you avoid them, not go up to shake hooves." She nudged Silver around. "Besides, the game of Ogres and Oubliettes is about to start and you didn't want to miss that." She didn't, and she turned towards the event, putting the odd pony out of her mind.
As it turned out, most princesses did not play roleplaying games, and Silver gained a small crowd when she not only began to play competently, but confessed she had run her fair share of games. Loud marriage proposals were shouted amongst the laughter, and the games continued despite the disturbance. A player seated beside her leaned closer, adjusting his bowtie. "Uh, so... do you have a special somepony?"
Silver cocked a brow. "Hoping to get lucky?" He turned a dark shade and looked away, shamed into silence, but Silver continued, "I do. A herd. They are the most wonderful people I know."
The answer prompted more questions, but the game ended without Silver getting agitated. They invited her to come play again, and she gave a noncommittal reply, setting off to find Twilight and the others.
Sky Ranger, as the pegasus was called, pointed off into the building. "Twilight is currently watching a panel on writing your own comic. Rainbow Dash is with Spike, status unknown, but healthy."
Silver tilted her head a bit. "That's a curious trick." Sky just nodded, and Silver started off before she ran right into a human.
The human was a male, and held up a hand apologetically. "Sorry about that." The lanky caucasian was forced to back up as Sky moved between him and Silver. "Hey, easy. I'm not here to start trouble."
Silver waved Sky aside. "Relax. I don't think he meant anything by it. Hello. I didn't expect to run into another human, but here you are."
The human looked confused. "Another? You saw another? Where?"
Silver perked her tufted ears. "Oh! Sorry... I kinda maybe used to be one, poor phrasing on my part."
He nodded a little, looking confused. "Well, I'm Ted. Nice to meet you... Silver Stars was it? I saw you in the morning paper. You were a human? How'd that go down."
Silver rolled her eyes. "Got a month to tell the story? Welcome to Equestria! Have you been here long?"
A large earth pony came up behind Ted and reared up to throw a leg over his shoulder. "Come on, bud. We're gonna miss it."
Ted waved a hand as he was hauled off. "See you later!"
Sky perked an ear at Silver. "You don't mind if I report that human do you?"
Silver shook her head. "I suppose not. Not for anything bad, right?"
"Done! And no." She waved with a wing. "Twilight is just getting out, this way."
They went off together, though Silver wondered about Ted a moment, hoping he was doing alright in the strange world of brightly-colored ponies. Twilight's appearance drove the thought clear, and they met with smiles. The first day had been survived, and only two more to go.
Silver rested her head on the pillow, with a sleepy Twilight snuggled up close. Rainbow and Spike had their own beds, and were sawing logs loudly. Silver inhaled Twilight's soft scent and nestled in close, drawing a sleepy but happy murmur from her fellow alicorn before sleep brought an end to their fatigued snuggling.
Silver landed lightly on a lily in a grand pond full of other lily pads. Luna stood watching, waiting. She was not looking at Silver at first, but quickly turned when she appeared. She smiled, waving at Silver before sitting. "I had hoped you would appear. I visit for two reasons. One, I hear you and Twilight were assaulted, and wished to be certain you and she were both well?"
Silver hopped across the lily pads, soon arriving in front of Luna and sitting before the larger alicorn. "We are fine. I captured two of our attackers, slew another, and one escaped."
Luna frowned delicately. "Always one to escape. It seems almost as if destiny decided it so." She reached with a wing, brushing against Silver's side. "Do you remember, long ago, I said I favored that warrior's spirit within you, however deeply buried? That has not changed. Tell me of your victory."
Silver flushed softly, and soon found she was a he entirely, shaped as a stallion by Luna's whimsies in the dream world. "Luna, really?"
Luna smiled, "Are we not bound? I will stop if you desire it."
Silver looked himself over, standing up to do a full inspection. "I can deal with this, for a dream."
Luna poked Silver on the nose. "Was this not your dream not long ago? Have you entirely abandoned the thought of being male once more?"
Silver spread his wings wide. "But I am an alicorn, a princess."
Luna shrugged. "You have done nothing but defy expectations. Why do you so quickly dismiss the idea that you could be the first?" She leaned in. "Would you not fancy the title of Prince of the Night? We would rule side-by-side, not as student and teacher, or queen and vassal, but as king and queen... Now, tell me. Tell me of your battle, and how you proved your worth on those who thought too little of you."
Silver drew a soft breath before he began to describe the confrontation. Luna stopped him as he got to smashing small-purple against the roof of the elevator. "How did you accomplish this? Your legs are not especially powerful, as well-proportioned as they may be."
Silver tilted his head. "You too?"
"What do you mean?"
Silver began to explain how he saw magic, as a stream through the body that could be diverted, gathered, and controlled. Luna shook her head with disbelief. "When I wish to be stronger, I must push harder. None of this 'stream' business. It sounds slow and cumbersome."
Silver nodded. "It is, but it is also powerful, and it is my way. They gave me time to work it up, and I crushed him against the ceiling with it." He continued the story, but Luna interrupted again as he stunned the diamond dog with a bite.
Luna lifted a hoof. "Were you trying to kill him, as you did the pegasus mare?"
Silver shook his head. "I just wanted him out of the way a moment, and it worked. So I jumped for Twilight and knocked the ring free, and broke her horn while I was at it."
Luna winced with sympathy. "I have had my horn broken before. It is a unique agony that I wish upon nopony."
Silver continued the tale, leading up to the diamond dog's assisted suicide against her retributive barrier, and her hasty pursuit of the small unicorn. Luna seemed pleased at the description of the pegasus daring to cross the ring of fire, and the quick punishment levied for the act. When the story was over, Luna set her hooves on Silver's shoulders. "Your story inflamed me with memories of old times, when a pony's worth was measured in valor and skill, not like today. I was a fool to not face my sister and battle her to the death to keep you."
Silver cringed back. "I don't want either of you hurt."
Luna snorted. "Instead you ran away from me, fled beyond my reach and left me with a freshly-shattered heart. I should have fought her. But that is in the past." She leaned in, pulling Silver closer. "Can you love me now?"
Silver answered with a kiss, and found himself growing against her, expanding in stature to fit her needs. This was her realm, and she shaped him effortlessly, fashioning for herself an alicorn worthy of being her partner. "Luna." Luna tilted her head a little. "You know this is a fantasy. When we wake up, I will be smaller, and female."
Luna prodded Silver in the chest. "Then use that clever mind of yours. Figure out the loophole I haven't, and become my prince. Twilight will thank you as well. She does not say it, but I have seen her dreams." Silver moved to object to hearing it, but Luna would not listen, silencing him with a hoof to his snout. "We are mates, you deserve to know. She burns with the desire of a mare, and you have been sorely lacking in this regard. She has fantasized about you climbing on her instead of making her do it. She wishes to be a mare, not a stallion."
Silver shrank with guilt. "Have I been forcing her?"
"Nay." Luna snorted. "You have requested, and she has accepted. This is her responsibility. I tell you simply what she lacks the bravery to do. She is quite pleased as a mare, as I am." She tilted her head a little. "Not that the thought has not occurred to me, to take you as a stallion and make you submit to me entirely. There is some romance to be had in the thought, but I would not be true to myself." She waved a hoof. "Come now, surely you have some burning flame left in you."
Silver sat up straight with a huff. "What about Cele--"
"Do not speak of her." Luna frowned. "Not here, not now. Here we are alone, together. I will speak of us. You are a princess, act like it. What do you think?"
Silver frowned with thought. "I met many lunar ponies today. They were quite happy to meet their lunar princess. I think it would hurt many of them if I threw it aside and demanded they know me as their lunar prince instead."
Luna grit her teeth. "To think of your subjects is indeed a noble sentiment. I cannot find fault in the basic thinking, but I do believe they would adjust. Moreover, you would become inspiration double more to all males of Equestria. No longer would they be told to be quiet and accept their fate to never even dream of rulership. Even if you never use the way you find, find it, for somepony else."
Silver circled around Luna, tail swaying. "Why are you so certain I can do it?"
"Why are you so certain you can't?" Luna let him circle, eyes looking forward. "You have been nothing but constant in your ability to surprise, to innovate, and do what others say you can't do. This would be something... Your spells so far are novel, but small. This would be history in the making."
Silver hopped up on Luna from behind, and talking stopped as they coupled. Silver enjoyed the act, and thought back to his times with Celine, though it felt like ages ago. After both were sated and warmly snuggled in one another's grasp, he bit gently at her neck with his fangs. "Does it bother you that the lunar ponies seem to regard me as 'their' princess?"
Luna shook her head slowly. "Nay. You are their princess. I am their queen. Though we don't use the term aloud, I can see it in their eyes. I must depart, my prince of the night. Think on what I have said, and watch over yourself. I would not wish to hear you were injured by your lessers."
Luna was gone, and Silver surrendered to his own dreams, feeling in dire need of true sleep, but instead of finding his own dream, he found Twilight's, and fell into it to find Twilight snout-deep in a book, studying frantically. "There must be a way..."
There was a chalk board by her, covered in wild scrawled notes. Through the magic of dreams, Silver knew it was a half-formed spell meant to somehow take the essence of what made a princess and make it a prince. Was Luna telling the truth? Was this something Twilight wanted so badly? Silver approached the board and looked it over up and down before he felt his talent taking hold. A few mistakes seemed clear, and he reached out, smudging out a few things, adding a few other things. The spell 'felt' right, and Silver nodded with satisfaction before yawning widely with fatigue.
Twilight turned to the sound, but didn't see Silver. She did see the formula and squinted at it. "But... of course... Why didn't I see it before!" She awoke suddenly, and Silver was hurled onto a lily pad roughly, whimpering in pain. He slowly crawled to his hooves and dragged himself to his own dreams, managing to collapse and get the rest he desperately desired.
Silver awoke to Twilight shaking her vigorously. "Silver! Wake up! You have to see this."
Silver sat up with a sharp headache and blurry vision as a book was shoved into her view. "I had a flash of inspiration while I was asleep and, look!"
Silver shook her head a little. "I'm too tired to look. All I see are a lot of arcane symbols. Give me the short version, Twilight, please."
Twilight pouted a little, though it turned into an irritated frown. "Ugh, fine. If this works, I could maybe turn you into a stallion. I could undo what was done to you, without taking away your princesshood."
Silver tried to shake out the mugginess as she thought back. "I... oh... Are you sure it'll work?"
Twilight shrugged. "How can I know until I try? You're the only alicorn I can think of to try this on. I don't want to be a stallion, and I don't think Luna, Celestia, or Cadance is in a rush."
Silver flopped against Twilight. "Alright, well... let's think on it. We shouldn't be trying this here and now anyway. We're at a convention, not safely at home." She drew up the covers and hid under them. "Don't wake me up until it's time to go sign things."
Rainbow perked an ear. "Would that work on anypony? Is it reversible?"
Twilight snorted. "No, it's intimately bound to the way magic works in alicorns... why?"
"No reason." Rainbow looked away. "Just curious."
Twilight tilted her head at Rainbow. "There are easier ways for a mare that's not a princess."
"You don't say? Fascinating..." Rainbow affected boredom, trying to sound uninterested, but failing to throw Twilight off.
"Isn't it? Silver showed it to me, and she learned it by watching Fast Change, along with a few educated guesses and intuitive leaps."
Rainbow rolled onto her side. "Well, how would a not-unicorn do that, you know, out of curiosity..."
Twilight frowned thoughtfully. "I suppose the easiest way would be an imbued heart crystal. If the spell was put on one, then whatever mare wore it, bang."
Rainbow tapped her hooves together. "Oh, huh, that sounds kinda complicated."
Twilight shook her head. "Not at all. I could do that."
Rainbow waved a hoof at Twilight. "Nuh uh. I bet you couldn't do that, especially without your castle full of stuff."
Twilight ruffled her feathers. "I could too! Get me a heart crystal and I'll prove it to you." She puffed her chest out. "As if I need a full laboratory for a basic enchantment."
Rainbow rolled over onto her hooves and trotted towards the door. "OK, well, if you want to make yourself look silly..." She slipped out and a grin split her face. Maybe Applejack would forgive her letting Twilight go after all...
Twilight took the crystal that Rainbow had fetched for her and, in a fit of pique, hurriedly enchanted it with the spell, doing it with a flourish that Rainbow couldn't see. "There, better than anypony else could do."
Rainbow took the crystal and peered at it as if she could see the spell contained within. "Huh, nice job. I remember when you were shy about showing off your skill."
Twilight seemed to just realize how boastful she was and went dark. "Oh! I'm sorry! I didn't mean to be a show-off..."
Rainbow threw a leg over Twilight's neck, hugging her. "Don't sweat it. You're cool in my book, egghead." She stuck out her tongue and flew off, crystal secured and a grin on her face.
Twilight relaxed until it was about twenty minutes before they had to show up for the day's signings. She gently shook Silver awake. "Feeling better?"
Silver sat up and gave Twilight a gentle kiss. "Much. Is it time?"
"About twenty minutes. Need any help getting ready?"
Silver hopped from the bed and stretched out languidly. "Only to answer a few questions. Come with me?" They went together into the bathroom and Silver hopped into the tub, starting the water and getting to washing herself. Having another pony in the room while bathing wasn't nearly as interesting as it would be as a human. Nothing new was revealed with water involved, and she got to scrubbing her fur diligently. "Do you really want this?"
"Want what?" Twilight tilted her head. "You to get washed? Yes."
Silver snorted as she raised her wings, washing over them carefully. Wings requires special care and attention. "I meant the male thing."
Twilight pointed a hoof at Silver. "No way buster. This is your decision. I won't have you going with it, or not going with it, because of what I say. I mean, it's flattering and all that you probably would go with what I say, but that's exactly why I'm not saying."
Silver frowned at the lack of answer, but smiled a little. "That's a very honest answer, and a good one." She shook herself free of soap and water, rinsing off once more before she emerged and grabbed a towel in her silver magic, drying off. "I suppose it is my choice. I'm not even used to that anymore, the idea that I can do either and everyone's alright with it."
Twilight nipped Silver's cheek. "Well that's the way it is, so get over that and decide. Either way, you're my herd-mate, and co-princess, and I'm going to hug you a lot whether you're a mare or a stallion."
Silver laughed softly. "Did you eat something, Twilight? You're especially bold today, and I'm liking it." Silver pushed Twilight back a little, looking amorous, but Twilight quickly denied her, pushing Silver back.
"Not now, we have places to be, remember? Those hugs can start after we're home."
Silver pouted, but retrieved her saddlebags and crown. "All set."
They walked out together and met up with their guards before proceeding down to the autograph room and situating themselves. The doors were thrown wide and the line began to move. Like a well-oiled machine, they smiled, waved, and signed. The human from the day before, Ted, was in line and approached Silver. "Hey, uh, so you were human before?"
Silver nodded. "Was. Feels like ages ago. Are you doing alright?"
Ted waved a hand. "I have a job and a few friends, could be worse. Most ponies seem to be pretty nice."
"They are," agreed Silver with a smile. "Did you want an autograph?"
Ted shook his head. "Nah, just wanted to talk to a fellow human, even if former. Say, I'm looking for a guy, kinda heavy, this tall." He held up his hand, but one of the con staffers approached, nudging him along. "Ooops, uh, maybe next time?" And he was gone, making room for the next person in line. Silver made a quiet note to try and find the poor guy after signing was over.
As another lunar pegasus came up, Silver greeted them warmly and signed their book before asking, "Say, if I were to keep right on doing the impossible and tried to be the first alicorn prince, how would you feel?"
The pegasus looked like she was caught in headlights, caught entirely by surprise by the question. "I, uh..."
Twilight reached out with a swift wing, swatting Silver on the side of the head. "You don't have to answer that."
The pegasus shook her head. "No, I mean... It was just surprising is all. Is that even possible? Well, uh, you've done a lot of new things, right?" She smiled with uncertainty. "What's one more? You'd still be one of us, right?" She spread her leathery wings wide. "You should do what you want to do, and what you think is best. We're behind you."
Though the exacts of what Silver had asked were not heard, the lunar pegasus' firm statement of loyalty got a few murmurs of agreement from the others in line, and she soon left with a proud expression. Twilight snorted softly. "Stop trying to avoid making a decision. Even your people want you to just make up your mind."
No other surprises came up, and their duty to the convention was complete. Twilight trotted off to find Spike and hang out with him. Silver went out for some fresh air, Sky Ranger walking alongside protectively. Sky tilted her head a little. "Tough decision?"
"You could say that." Silver shook herself out. "I was just getting used to things. I don't want another change, even if it's back to where I was. On the other hoof, it is back to where I was, where I was supposed to be. I'm not sure which way is running away from a problem." Silver hopped up onto a wide fence and walked along it. "Everyone says I'm pretty as a female, will that translate to being handsome as a stallion?" She frowned. "And will my foal be safe?"
"Foal?" Sky raised a brow and looked Silver over. "Are you pregnant?"
"Sort of?" Silver sank down onto the fence, perching on it. "She's all around inside of me, still growing. It takes an incredible amount of energy to give her a body, and she's not old enough to hold onto it yet."
Sky waved a hoof. "Well, you might want to check that out first, then consider in or out after that?"
Silver nodded and rose to her hooves. "Sound advice. If it's going to hurt the foal, forget it. There's nothing to consider." She hopped down to the ground and returned to the hotel. She found Ted in the videogame room, playing on the latest in pony gaming technology, which wasn't all that amazing. "Hey."
Ted glanced at her and lost the game. He left it be and turned to Silver. "Hey. I didn't think I'd see you again so fast."
Silver waved a hoof. "Fate was conspiring to keep us apart, but you obviously had a question. What was it?"
Ted held up his hand again. "This high, goes by Jake?"
Silver bobbed her head. "Jake! He's not so heavy these days, well, at least not with fat. Keeping busy has been good to him, and even Sugarcube Corner hasn't been able to combat the calories he burns working with Rainbow Dash and Applejack."
Ted look elated. "He's in Ponyville? Shit man, I should have guessed that."
Silver waved a hoof. "Don't feel bad. I avoided Ponyville for quite a while after coming here."
Ted crouched down so they were face to face and did what humans seemed to like to do to ponies, pet them. Silver rolled her eyes but tolerated the contact. "You'll annoy more ponies than not reaching for them. Was I the only one that asked first?" Silver put a hoof on Ted's nose. "See, not as fun, right?"
Ted burst into a short laugh before rising back up to his full height. "Point taken, besides, your bodyguard's glaring daggers at me. So, since you're here, what's the deal with humans around here? I mean, you know, legally and stuff?"
Silver gestured in the vague direction of Canterlot. "If you want to be proper, you go to the capitol and say hello to Sunbutt, don't call her that, and introduce yourself. At the least, you fill out an immigration form like anypony, minotaur, or anything else that wanted to move in."
Ted pointed at Silver. "You're a princess, right?"
"Yes?"
"So I could just introduce myself to you?"
Silver tilted her head. "Huh, you have a point. Consider yourself introduced. I'll write a letter to the others about you. Are you playing nice with the ponies?"
Ted pointed across the room where the stallion from the day before was playing a game with intense concentration. "That's my best bud, Screaming Rocket. The ponies I've ran into have either been uninterested, or friendly. Got a job, an apartment that I'm sharing, and a few bits in my pocket. I've been in worse spots."
"Miss the Internet?"
"God yes." Ted frowned a little. "It's amazing how much more human you seem after mentioning that. Ponies around here think I'm talking crazy powerful magic when I get to describing the old WWW to them."
Silver sat up on her hind-legs. "Looking it or not, I was human. I remember Youtube and Gmail, and I know what a meme is. Can haz cheeseburger?"
Ted chuckled softly at Silver's antics. "It's like a taste of home. Thanks for finding me, and, uh, enjoy the whole royalty thing."
Silver wobbled a wing. "It has its ups and down. If you need help, send me a letter. I live in Ponyville, with Twilight. Oh! Did you run into Text?"
"Text?"
"Some kinda interdimensional thing that only talks in words. It has no body?"
"I got a funny email before I was sent here. Is that what you mean?"
Silver raised a brow. "Huh, email. That's new. Probably the same guy. He may jerk with you later. If you end up back on Earth, don't panic, he's just teasing you. Enjoy the time back while you have it, you'll come back here afterwards." Silver tapped a chin. "He'll offer 'paths' to open, but he'll open them whether you agree or not, so watch out for that. If you don't want something, you'll have to actively avoid it." Her expression went flat. "Would you believe I said I didn't want to be a princess? I was a guy once, you know."
Ted gave a soft 'huh'. "I'll keep that in mind, if I see it again? I don't know how I'd get email without a computer though. He is a bit of a jerk though. I asked for money and he sent me with worthless American dollars."
They shared a chuckle over shared misery with Text, then they parted ways amiably, but not before Silver slipped a few bits into Ted's hand.
The convention went by without any additional sudden attacks or bouts of drama. The final day was a pleasant experience of relaxation and socialization. Silver met new ponies as she wandered the convention, and most of them had nice things to say. When everything was wrapped up, everyone gathered their things, new and old, and headed for the station to get a ride home, but Twilight had other ideas. "Silver, will you lend me some of your magic?"
Silver perked her ears. "Of course, what do you have in mind?"
Twilight grinned. "I think I can manage a group transport with the two of us combined. Everyone gather around." Everyone? Silver found the word odd coming of Twilight's mouth, but recalled it wasn't her first time using it. Everyone gathered close to Twilight and Silver. With touching horns, Twilight tapped into Silver's pool of magic and added it to her own as she wove the powerful magic. They vanished in a bright flash of silvery pink light, and suddenly appeared in front of the castle, a little crispy around the edges but otherwise unharmed.
Spike shook the thaumic soot off of himself and checked his goodies. Once he was sure everything had made it fine, he dashed off with a giggle to stash his prizes away. Silver looked around just in time to be flattened under a very round Night Watch. "You're back."
Silver rolled over under Night and nuzzled her fullness. "Hello, mother of my foal, guardian of the nest, and holder of my heart."
Night went red and her wings fluttered. "Was she practicing her lines while she was away?"
Twilight snorted softly. "I think she just missed you. Which reminds me, news!" She waved and Night stepped off Silver to follow after Twilight a small distance away and they began to whisper to one another.
Night's eyes widened. "No!"
"Yes." Twilight nodded firmly. "If she decides to."
Night looked back at Silver, then Twilight. "What's she waiting for?"
Silver blinked. "You're in support, I gather?"
Night moved up to Silver and nudged her. "Fast made me appreciate the mare physique, but I'm still mostly a straight mare. I like stallions, and I liked you as one. You were my stallion. This is your foal, which you made, as a stallion."
Twilight thrust a hoof between them. "But! This is Silver's choice."
Night stopped, then nodded. "Yes, yes it is. I will love you either way. Make a decision you won't regret."
Silver took a soft breath. "Twilight."
"Yes?"
Silver pointed at Twilight. "Are you willing to take the foal?"
Twilight blinked in befuddlement. "What?"
Silver spread her wings. "The foal, our foal. I'm not sure a stallion could support her, even as a... magical construct or whatever he is right now. You are female, fertile, and we are mates. Can I put a foal in you?"
Twilight snorted into a laughter. "That sounded so wrong... I... well... it is my foal too."
"He."
"He is my foal." Twilight nodded slowly. "I would be a real jerk to say no to my own foal, but how do you plan to get him to me?"
Silver tapped her chin softly. "The old fashioned way?"
Twilight flushed. "Silver, we're trying to move an existing foal, not make a new one."
"So?" Silver rose to her hooves. "Do your magic, make me a stallion. I'll focus the child where it counts, then we'll, you know, couple, and I'll fill you with the foal, and you can carry him to a much more natural term. No more immaterial foals."
Twilight poked her own belly. "I'll skip right to being..."
Night got a smug look. "Welcome to the club. I'll show you a few tricks."
"Will you do it?" Silver looked at Twilight intensely.
Twilight sagged a little. "If it means restoring you and our foal's safety, yes. You can put a foal in me, as you said."
Pinkie exploded out of a nearby bush. "Foal party!"
Night shook her head at Pinkie. "You already threw this one a party?"
"I did?"
Silver smiled gently. "We're moving a foal, not making a new one."
"Okie Dokie Lokie." Pinkie saluted and dived back into the bush, vanishing.
Twilight shook her head a little. "I wonder if I'm ever really alone with her as a friend."
Silver leaned in and kissed Twilight's cheek. "Enough about her. How do we do this?"
Twilight looked Silver over. "Are you certain? I'm pretty sure this is a one-way road. The energy required to go male to female on an alicorn would be more than all the alicorns currently in existence."
Silver considered a moment, rubbing over her belly. "I'll only regret not giving birth, but that was already taken away from me when I ascended and the child lost its body. Other than that, I'm ready to return to masculinity, I think. I don't begrudge my time as a mare. It was... I want to say educational but that's so dry. It touched me, changed me. I think I'm better for the experience."
Twilight waved inside. "Then let's get to work. I expect Cadance will arrive in a few hours."
Silver and Night followed Twilight. Fast was inside, chatting with Spike. He looked up towards the others when they arrived. "Hey! Looking good, Twilight, Silver. How was the trip?"
Silver gave a quick rundown of the event, excitement included. Fast bobbed his head. "You showed those jerks what's what. I'm very proud of you." Fast smooched Silver, pressing her to the ground and hugging her. Silver surrendered to the affection, enjoying the sincere adoration that Fast provided until he drew back.
Silver sat up, wings fluttering. "More big news. I'm ready to become a stallion again."
Fast tilted his head. "You can do that?" Fast suddenly became female. "Awesome!"
Silver blinked softly. "Was... everyone around me waiting patiently for this?"
"Maybe."
"Yes."
"A little."
Spike waved a claw at the mess. "I don't get it. If you need me, I'll be in my room." And off he went with his bag of swag.
Silver looked around. "Well... since everyone's alright, there really isn't a reason to delay."
And a reason to delay appeared as Tumble wandered through the front door. "Anyone see... oh." He was looking at Fast. "I forgot you could do that."
Fast shook herself out. "I was originally a mare, actually, but I can do either, both, or neither. Does it bother you?"
Tumble squirmed a little. "A little?"
Fast snorted softly then pointed at Silver. "She's going back to a stallion, so I can be a mare again. I want to be plowed by that pony prod specifically."
Tumble went dark red, but looked at Silver as if trying to imagine her as a stallion instead of a fertile-looking mare. It wasn't easy for him. "But..."
Silver swallowed heavily, the last wall she had left in her sexual maze being threatened. She wanted to run away and hide, or to lash out and protect this last scrap from harm. As absurd as it might have been, she still felt laying with Tumble as a stallion was gay, and gay was bad. Ignore the fact that she'd been ridden as a mare, and rubbed mare parts together, or touched a stallion as a mare; those were as a mare. A mare can do those things. A stallion... Silver shrank back a little, visibly struggling with the notion. Fast bumped up against Silver's side, whispering in an ear. "None of us will think less of you. Do you love him?"
Did she love him? She looked at Tumble, who looked back at her with that confused expression. She... didn't... really love him. She thought he deserved to be loved. That was different. Could she love him? She frowned with thought and sagged to the ground with a flop. "I want Tumble as a friend, and as a guard. If we develop feelings, that will come later. I can't, and won't, promise love when I don't feel that right now."
Tumble gave a stiff little nod, then turned for the door. "I think I should get moving on."
Fast frowned. "What, like that?"
Tumble growled softly. "Yes, like that. It's... time I found my own stallion." He marched up to Fast and kissed either of her cheeks. "Thank you. You helped me a lot."
Fast smiled brightly. "You deserve it. You're adorable, nice, and not built bad either. Go get your stallion."
Tumble bobbed his head. "Exactly. I spent all this time waiting to be rescued... No more. I'm going to do it myself." He spun in place and marched out the door without looking back.
Silver wasn't sure how to feel. She rose up to her hooves and looked to the others. "Did I just fuck that up?"
Twilight frowned. "Language."
Fast shook her head. "He is growing, just like you. He'll find someone who has room for him and him alone, and he'll be happier for it. He needs a nice firm monogamous bond with another stud, not this mad house."
Night rolled her eyes. "Our mad house."
The guards out front shouted out. "Announcing the arrival of Princess Cadance, Celestia, and Luna."
Twilight blinked. "I only invited Cadance."
Invited or not, all three walked in with soft smiles. Cadance and Twilight met and did their little dance as Silver looked to the royal sisters. "Celestia, Luna, hello." Luna was beaming with obvious excitement. Celestia looked more reserved. Silver perked an ear at Celestia. "This is not an act of defiance, Celestia. I have learned a lot from my time as a mare."
Celestia leaned forward, ears alert. "Oh? So it was a good thing?"
Silver snorted. "The act was good, the means was not. You should have asked. I would have said yes. You look at me and see a horrible and potentially dangerous alien, but I look at you and see a mother that has lost her soft touch. I want to be a part of your kingdom, not harm it, or any single pony in it. I want to love you, and be loved."
Cadance turned towards them. "I do hope we are here to do some magic, not bicker."
Celestia nodded. "I will hold my peace, and lend my magic. You must understand, if the circle of princesses is akin to a herd, you are now volunteering to be its stallion. You will be quite prized, but also quite controlled and protected. You will be expected to give us foals as we demand it, as will be your duty."
Luna snorted softly. "I have seen his dreams. The idea of being requested to stand and deliver is no nightmare of his."
Silver glanced around and back at Celestia. "You... don't want Twilight now?"
Celestia colored softly. "I... we'll decide that when the time comes."
Cadance leaned in, whispering to Silver. "The prospect of a true alicorn stud is a dizzying one for her. Don't tease her about it." She coughed into a hoof. "Which reminds me. How dare you make this circle and not invite me!"
Twilight's expression fell. "I didn't... I thought... You're already married!"
Cadance pointed at Silver. "So is she. And?"
Celestia nodded at Cadance. "Will you join us, niece, as a unified front against all Equestria's enemies?"
Cadance brilliantly smiled. "It would be a pleasure. Now, how is this spell performed?"
Twilight got to work quickly, assembling the princesses in a circle with Silver in the middle. She gently nudged Fast and Night out of the circle, but they didn't go far.
Silver squirmed in a mixture of excitement and nervousness, trying to breathe calmly and let the magic happen. Twilight began playing magic and the others played with it, falling into sync together. She smiled. "Here we go. By my calculations, we should have more than enough magic. I planned on only two princesses."
With four present, the magic gathered swift and hot, becoming a boiling ball of plasma just over Silver's head that flashed with wild swirling colors of all the princesses. Dark blue, pink, gold and purple all gathered and fought as it grew larger and larger. "Silver, this is probably going to be very intense. Try to stay still. You should be perfectly safe."
Silver wondered at the word 'should' just a moment before the ball came down on her, and everything was lost. She felt like she was on fire at first, but the heat quickly absorbed into her body as raw power went to work inside of her. She lost something important within her, and sealed up, ceasing to be a her. The energy moved, descending as Silver transitioned past neuterdom to masculinity. With a deeper grunt, he bucked his hips in time for new parts to grow out, familiar parts. He expanded in size and power, almost as tall as Celestia, but not quite. He still had growing left to do. He felt... full, uncomfortably full, and a sensation he hadn't felt in some time. He wanted to do something with his parts. With a jump, he remembered what he had to do and suddenly moved for Twilight, who yelped and backed away from the large alicorn. "Twilight, you promised."
Twilight remembered as well, and flushed. "But..." Perhaps she didn't expect him to become as large as he had, but she had promised. That didn't mean... "Let's go upstairs." She fled up the stairs, with Silver following closely behind. She smelled... lovely, divine. He never wanted her more than that moment, and the time it took to get up the stairs were a sweet agony. The other princesses, along with Night and Fast, followed at a more sedate pace, and didn't try to gain entry when Twilight slammed the bedroom door shut.
Silver practically threw Twilight onto the bed, drawing a squeak from her. He wanted her, yesterday. He mounted her and held her tightly, and they rutted. It wasn't love making, not this time, but rather a deep animal rutting that persisted for quite some time. Not that he held back. They went from one crest to the next without pause, filling Twilight with the magic of the foal Silver wanted protected, and then so much more. Silver gave back all the magic he had in excess, the remnants of the massive spell, and Twilight became swollen with it. Unlike before, the swell was truly alive, housing the foal within her. It took the greater portion of an hour to fill Twilight, and they sagged to the sheets in exhausted euphoria.
As if they knew the deed was done, the door opened and many female faces peered in at the scene. Fast whistled sharply. "Damn girl. Did you leave any for us?"
Cadance snorted softly and turned for the exit. "I am no longer needed here." And she fled with a smile, apparently pleased with herself.
Silver extracted himself from Twilight and sat on the bed, facing the others. Their eyes were drawn to what he had pulled free of Twilight, not his face. He wasn't sure if he should be flattered, aroused, or annoyed.
Celestia broke the silence. "We will have to announce this, of course."
Luna nodded in agreement. "Of course. The kingdom will rejoice to know they have a prince, a true prince." She looked at Silver for the first time, in the eyes. "Are you pleased?"
Silver considered it. He felt... virile, and good. The thought that his foals were incubating in two of the mares in the room only made him more excited on some visceral level he was still struggling to understand. "I feel... excited."
"I can see that." Luna's eyes lowered a moment.
Night adjusted her glasses a moment, shuffling awkwardly. "Well... I suppose you have princesses to bed now."
Silver heard some bitterness in the tone and slipped from bed, approaching Night swiftly. She looked smaller, fragile... He reached for her and picked her up, biting at her neck with sharp fangs. "Dear first wife. I have not forgotten you. Bearer of my first foal, most cherished in all the land. The others will all glow green with envy knowing you are closest to my heart."
Night flushed and squirmed, pressing into the embrace. Silver could see that his words did make the others squirm, though he hoped there were no truly hard feelings there. He squeezed Night gently and ran his hooves slowly across her swollen belly, feeling light and giddy at the thought of his foal being within her. He suddenly jumped at a touch at his new organ. Fast had slipped in under him and was showing her strong approval. Silver wanted to object, but was carried away in waves of pleasure and soon sat back to let Fast work him over. Being the stallion of this large herd may yet have some advantages he had forgotten...
Silver was feeling great. Even discounting the vitality that seemed to be surging through him, for once the attention of everyone, even Celestia's, felt positive, even strongly desirous. He was wanted, and that was difficult to describe as anything but a good thing. Being larger and stronger also felt nice. He wondered if he would grow larger than Celestia, given some time to reach full size. No matter. He trotted up to the gathering of ponies at the door and they parted for him.
Celestia eyed Silver appraisingly. "We have seen that you can transfer your foal, but that is not yet proof that you can quicken an alicorn mare without that 'head start' if you will. I will volunteer for the task."
Luna frowned sharply, but it turned quickly into a smug little smile. "Before you present yourself, sister, you should know that this one has claimed another."
Celestia looked confused. "Claimed another? Silver Stars has another foal on the way?"
"Nay." Luna shook her head. "I mean that his mettle as a warrior has been tested in Manehattan."
Silver winced. "Luna, why would you bring that up?"
Luna snorted softly. "It is your nature, my warrior. If my dear sister does not approve, she should not be under you."
Celestia's mood was successfully fouled. "What happened?"
Silver described the fight from start to end. Celestia cringed at each moment of violence, but perked up on saving the life of the unicorn. "You are a very curious creature, Silver Stars. You snuff life without remorse, and give it with the other hoof."
Silver flipped his ears back. "Don't presume. It's never without remorse. I don't think that diamond dog 'deserved' to die, but I had to defend myself, and Twilight, and Rainbow Dash."
Night adjusted her glasses nervously. "You did very well, keeping them all safe."
Fast bobbed her head in agreement. "Yeah, buck that guy. He got what he had coming."
Luna reached past Silver with her magic and closed the door, leaving Twilight to sleep and recover from her session with Silver. "I agree. He was an enemy of the state, and it was his own action that ended him. That spell is most poetic in its ability to allow your enemies to destroy themselves. None that come in peace need fear it."
Celestia seemed to be undecided, warring between hurt sensibilities and a long-burning desire. "I will... defer to my sister in this." She rose to her hooves and vanished in golden light.
Luna watched her go before looking back to Silver. "And, with that, we have victory. Are you pleased, Silver? Do you feel good?"
Silver nodded slowly. "I really do." He took a moment to nuzzle each of the three mares before him. "I'm quickly getting used to being male again."
Fast snickered softly. "A lot of male."
Luna raised a hoof before her snout. "Mmm, yes. It is not the proper time for me, as much as I may enjoy the act regardless. I will instead leave you to enjoy your victory, and to the tender care of your wives."
Fast perked an ear at Luna. "That's surprisingly generous of you. I thought for sure you'd turn around and tempt Silver until he hopped up."
Luna waved a hoof dismissively. "I am not that impatient. Time I have. I desire Silver's trust, which I lost once. He will come to me when he is ready, and not a moment before. I simply did not wish Celestia to overstep herself." She frowned a little. "I have seen that expression before. You would not have escaped without her satisfaction, and you deserve better than that."
Silver felt a rekindled warmth for Luna and advanced to kiss her. They locked snouts quietly a moment before he drew back. "Tell me when the time is right." She nodded and vanished in a dark purple glow.
"Now, about my faithful wives..."
The next morning found them all waking up on a crowded bed. Twilight had roused first, and her movements got the rest of them up. She was plump, rounded with a foal somewhere in the second trimester at a wild guess. She was not used to the shape and awkwardly waddled along towards the shower. Silver watched her go before leaning over to nuzzle Night Watch. "You should show Twilight how to carry herself. She could use your help."
Night nodded quickly and slipped from the bed, moving swiftly to catch up with Twilight. This left Silver alone with Fast, who kissed him good morning. "Don't ever go mare again."
"I don't think that's even an option," replied Silver as he took his turn dismounting the bed and starting to stretch legs and wings. "And I'm pretty done with gross physical adjustments. I'm happy as I am. I will serve as the herd's stallion gladly."
After breakfast was shared, Silver went out into town, trotting along and getting used to his new stature. Everything felt great. The ponies were watching him curiously, but not fearfully. On a sudden thought, he turned and headed for Carousel Boutique, knocking once before entering. It was odd that he was almost large enough to want to duck as he did so.
Rarity emerged from the back and stopped in her tracks. "Oh my."
Silver smiled at her. "Good day, Lady Rarity. You are looking especially enchanting today. Might I trouble you for your services?"
Rarity approached quickly, her cheeks colored, and her eyes alit with curiosity. "What happened to you? This is Silver Stars, is it not? I recognize that pendant." She reached up, pawing at the heart crystal. "I must say, you are looking delightful!"
Silver sat up straight and allowed Rarity to inspect him. "I have come into my own, I think. I need clothes fit for a prince, as I'm afraid my old dress would send the wrong message, and not fit beside."
Rarity waved a hoof. "Of course, of course. Let me measure you." She pulled out her supplies and got right to work. "It's amazing to think you're still growing. Are you aiming to dethrone Celestia for largest pony? My, wouldn't that cause a stir. You certainly have become a handsome stallion, if a little imposing with those fangs of yours." She seemed genuinely appreciative without the sexual undertones, which was refreshing for a change of pace. Silver soon departed with the promise of clothes being ready by week's end.
Silver remembered one member of the Mane Six she... he, yes, he. He would have to get used to that again. He turned and spread his wings, launching into the air and coming down at the small cottage at the edge of town. He knocked on the door lightly. The door opened a little, but Silver saw nothing until he looked down to see Angel staring at him balefully. The door shut. Maybe it was a bad time?
Silver abandoned that idea and took to the sky to find Applejack instead. She was in town, manning an apple stand. An apple sounded good to Silver and he walked up to her with a smile.
Applejack looked up at him with surprise. "Well wouldja look at that. What happened to ya?"
Silver floated over a bit to her, and received an apple in exchange. After he took a big bite out of it, he explained what happened.
Applejack snorted softly. "Ya don't make a bad cut of a stallion. Though ya weren't hard on the eyes as a mare neither. Yer bigger than I'd figured. If yer looking for a workout, we could always use a big stallion 'round the farm. 'Magine Big Mac'd like the company too. Mighty lonely being the only big pony around."
"What about Bulk Biceps?"
"Got me there." Applejack smiled. "That makes two. So, what do you think? Like it?"
Silver nodded before taking another large bite of the apple. "I do, and my herd likes it. Everyone wins."
Applejack wobbled a hoof. "Which herd? Ya done gone and joined two ain'tcha? How's that work anyway?"
Silver considered. "Actually, a lot less oddly now that I'm back to being a guy. Stallions are lent between herds, aren't they?"
Applejack nodded. "I suppose yer right on that count." She held up a hoof. "I won't be needing yer services, if that's what ya were hoping fer."
Silver tilted his head. "I wasn't, uh... Actually, why?"
Applejack raised a brow. "The way she said it, you were practically involved."
"Who?"
Applejack pulled a heart crystal out of her saddlebag. "Rainbow came back with this and insisted ah put it on."
Silver tilted his head the other way at it. He could see magic in it, but wasn't sure what kind. "Why?"
Applejack looked around carefully to make sure they weren't being watched and quickly tossed on the pendant. Twilight's powerful magic took hold of her, and soon Applejack was sufficiently equipped to play the part of a stallion. "Ya weren't involved in this?"
Silver shook his head quickly, a blush rising in his cheeks. "Uh, actually... you really shouldn't tell anyone about that."
Applejack pulled off the pendant, returning to her usual state. "Whyso? Not that ah'm in any hurry to advertise it."
Silver pointed at it with a hoof. "That is illegal. I should, technically, confiscate it I suppose, but we're friends, and if you want to have a foal with Rainbow Dash, I think you should be able to."
Applejack frowned sharply. "What? When ah next see that pegasus..."
Silver held up a hoof quickly. "Calm down. She didn't know it. It's not even announced." Silver leaned in. "It's kind of... romantic in a way, to think Rainbow Dash would get you something like that."
Applejack colored and bobbed her head. "Well, yeah... Ah... Ah didn't even know what to say. She basically just said she wants mah foal, just like that." She smirked then. "Ah course, at first she wanted ta give me her foal, but we settled that right fast."
Silver looked curious. "How?"
Applejack smiled ever so smugly. "Well, ya see, first there was the hoof wrasslin', then a race, and finally we just plain wrassled until I pinned her to the ground." She glanced away, then back at Silver. "She mighta confessed she enjoyed the position, least so far's I'm involved."
Silver went bright red, but laughed at the mental image. His friends were adorable, and he felt happy for them. "Then enjoy it, just keep it to yourself and never let it leave your sight."
Silver departed from Applejack's stand and veered for the castle at a good clip, working out his longer legs as he wondered why on Equestria Twilight would construct such an item. Was she told it was outlawed?
Silver skidded to a halt as a pony got in the way. With a bright flash, his picture was taken by the newspony. "How does it feel to be Equestria's first alicorn prince?"
Silver shook the spots out of his eyes and looked at the little stallion before him. "It feels fantastic, but my dedication hasn't changed. I will do what's best for Equestria, and also see the minorities I represent get their voices heard."
The newspony tilted his head. "Which one? Stallions or lunar ponies?"
Silver just realized that was true and frowned a little. "Both I hope? They both deserve fair representation."
"Do you think Celestia's been unkind to the lunar or stallion population?"
Silver squirmed a little, these questions could go bad places quickly. "Celestia is a kind ruler. I only want to improve things. Excuse me, I have to get going." He smiled, and then he scooted around the reporter, continuing his run to the castle.
Silver was in the library, letting his imagination run wild between spells, trying to find inspiration for something worth the ink it was written in. He perked an ear at a familiar voice. Luna was speaking to what sounded like Applejack. Silver rose and approached to hear more.
"It is good that you are confessing your guilt."
"Ah didn't use it, Ah swear. Ah brought it here for Twilight to examine and get rid of."
Silver peeked through the doorway, seeing the two of them talking. Luna nodded softly. "Of course, a wise decision. I'm certain they will be lenient in your punishment."
Applejack was clearly distraught. "What?! No! Why should ah be punished at all? Ah just found out it was bad and here ah am."
Luna leaned in. "For what reason did you have such a trinket?"
Applejack frowned, tail twitching. "Rainbow Dash got it. It weren't my idea at all."
Luna pointed past Applejack, to the lurking Silver. "Here is a better answer. He could sire any foals you two desire, could he not?"
Applejack looked up at Silver, then back at Luna. "Ah suppose? Ah weren't in no rush in the first place."
Silver approached, but heard Luna's voice in his mind, ~Be still. I wish to secure this mare for you.~
Silver frowned and thought back, ~Secure? I have plenty of mares as it is.~
~But few that will come into reception so soon. Do you not find favor in Applejack?~
He did. Applejack was a wonderful mare, both physically and mentally, but not like that... ~She is too good to force like this. You're manipulating her. Just ask, and accept her answer.~
Luna frowned, but nodded. "Applejack."
Applejack perked her ears at the change in tone. "Yeah?"
Luna pointed at Silver. "Silver would like to be your stud, is this acceptable?"
Applejack turned red in her cheeks as the question was asked in the most blunt way possible. She looked at Silver, then shook her head quickly. "Ah'd need ta talk to RD first, if nothin' else. Ah mean... no offense or nuthin'."
Silver closed the distance with a shake of his head. "I didn't mean for it to come out that way at all. You won't insult me taking or not taking it. It would be an honor to perform for you, considering how good of a friend you've been to me even before we met, but you won't hurt my feelings if you don't want to, or have somepony else in mind."
His words put Applejack at ease and she let out a breath. "Well alrighty then. The way Luna was sayin' it... Uh... so am ah still in trouble?"
Luna shook her head. "Of course not, dear Applejack. You have lived up to your honest reputation admirably."
Applejack smiled, relaxing. "Ah try mah best. Ah'm gonna take this ta Twilight now." And she trotted deeper into the castle.
Luna poked Silver in the shoulder lightly. "Now she will say no. You should have let me handle it."
Silver snorted softly. "I'd rather an honest no than a coerced yes. I'm not looking for mares to bed with randomly anyway. What brought this on?"
Luna tilted her head. "You are still the start of the lunar unicorns. You can't do that unless you breed, yes? I am aware you have no desire to break your current bonds, so lending you as a breeding stallion seems the best solution, doesn't it?"
Silver nodded a little. "That part makes sense, but the idea of tricking a mare into it?" He licked his lips. "The idea of just breeding to make a foal and never seeing it again?"
Luna shrugged. "Turns you on. You are pleased at the idea of having many foals."
Silver frowned. "There's a difference between fantasy and reality."
Luna wobbled a hoof. "So if I brought a female that wants, without trickery, to be filled with your foal and then depart, never to bother your herd again, you would deny her?"
Silver grit his teeth. It was a dirty offer, that pressed against base desires. "I don't want to hurt my herd-mates, or my circle-mates, for that matter."
Luna leaned forward. "A stallion being lent to stud does neither, assuming everyone involved is honest. It is your decision."
Silver tapped his chin. Luna didn't look like she wanted any answer but yes, and 'yes' only bothered him on a faulty moralistic level. If he wasn't cheating, didn't he want to do this? He kind of did, and he kind of didn't. "It would be completely a one-night stand? I'm not making a bunch of pretenders to the throne or legal issues later? They won't stalk me or my family trying to get me to be a father for them?"
Luna lifted a hoof over her chest. "I will bring them to a neutral place, in the dark if I must, and they need never see you, though you will see them with your enhanced vision. The contract will be quite clear. I will see to every angle. All you must do is what you promised to do. Be my alpha lunar unicorn."
Silver wasn't willing to concede yet. "Let me talk to the others."
"If you must." She smiled a little. "I will not press further if you decide against it, on my honor."
Some of the tension faded with her promise. She did seem to be learning. Silver turned and trotted away, looking for his mates. Night wasn't in the castle, so he took flight, sailing to the road-in-progress. They had cut about halfway into the menacing forest and were clearly making good progress. He landed beside her and spotted Tumble working on the road as well. Surprised at the sight, he moved for him first. "What are you doing here?"
Tumble's ears perked up and he turned to face the very male and large Silver. "W-what? Is... that you?"
Silver tilted his head one way, then the other. "Silver Stars, in the flesh. I thought you had gone?"
Tumble stepped towards Silver, sniffing at him. "You're so big! You're bigger than me!"
Silver sat down and reached out a hoof, petting across Tumble's mane. "Am I scaring you?"
Tumble shook his head quickly. "N-No! You're... you're..."
Night came up behind Silver. "He's trying to say you're smoking hot."
"Uh, yeah, that." He sank to the ground, too flustered to say much more. He peeked up at Silver. "Do you want me to go?"
Silver shook his head. "I never asked you to go. I thought you wanted to? I invited you to stay on, as my guard, and friend."
Tumble sat up. "But you said you couldn't love me?"
Silver held up a hoof. "I said I didn't. That can change. I was trying to make it clear you shouldn't stay just for that. You are a dear friend. Stay?"
Tumble jumped at Silver, making him rock back before Silver held Tumble gently, rocking him. The powerful stallion wept quietly and Silver slowly swayed left and right with him, just holding him for a few quiet moments before setting him down. "So, guard captain?"
Tumble smiled. "Yeah." He sniffled and wiped his nose. "Uh... Night wasn't wrong."
Silver flushed a little, unsure how to handle that. Without the heady pheromone rush, he didn't feel any instinctive urging towards Tumble, or any other stallion. He was nice though, and Silver liked nice things, so he liked Tumble, and that was enough to want him around for now. Silver leaned in and pressed nose-to-nose. "Keep up the good work with Night Watch for now. We'll talk more later, alright?"
Night poked Silver. "What did you want? You landed next to me before you wandered off."
Silver turned towards Night. "Luna's giving me odd positions and I want to be sure I get some words of wisdom, and avoid hurting those I love dearly, such as yourself."
Night looked thoughtful a moment. "Is she trying to stud you out?"
"Got it in one." Silver bobbed his head. "Are you alright with that? Should I?"
Night frowned a little. "I think you need to make more of your own decisions, but this one, I understand. Thank you for not sneaking off under my nose." She rose up and nuzzled Silver's belly. "Since you've told me, I'm OK, provided I never see the mares involved. I try not to be a jealous pony, but that only goes so far." She raised a hoof. "Once a month, at most. If you don't set a limit, she'll drag a mare by practically every day at my estimate."
Silver nodded a little, but Tumble was listening in, looking all the more flustered. "You're being put to stud?"
Silver perked an ear at Tumble. "I'm apparently very in demand."
Tumble squirmed in place. "That's like something out of magazines I used to read. That has to... be good for the old ego, being such a stallion that ponies want to rent you."
Silver considered. Tumble wasn't exactly wrong in that. It was nice to be so desired. "I should talk to Twilight too, and Fast. Is Fast around?"
Night pointed down the road, and Silver took off at an energetic trot, finding her helping get a pole into position. Silver waited for her to finish before approaching her with blunt words. "Luna wants to rent me out as a stud. Does that bother you?"
Fast tilted her head. "As long as you get back in one piece, and I want to see the mares first to make sure they're alright."
Silver's ears twitched at how opposite the reply was. "If that's what you want."
Fast leaned in with a grin. "If you let me take your place once in a while, we'll call it even."
Silver flushed dark, surprised at Fast's offer. Fast laughed at Silver's reaction. "I was joking, mostly... I might join you if the mare doesn't mind, but I won't fool somepony like that. That'd be mean. Off with you."
Silver was dismissed, and took to the air, returning to the castle. He found Twilight scowling at a letter. "Twilight, have a moment for a question?"
Twilight held up a hoof. "Your attackers have come out of hiding."
Silver's thought train derailed. "What?"
Twilight lifted the paper in her magic and held it in front of Silver. "They want to talk to you."
Your Majesty Silver Stars,
We have realized the error of our ways and wish to open formal lines of communication. Show that you are a pony of your word and meet us at the place of your choosing. We will come unarmed and send earth ponies, so there will be no fear of magic. Treat us fairly and we will return the favor.
The Future Awaits, The Lightning Wheel
Silver tilted his head. "Huh? Well if it's anywhere I want, we can pick a safe place, and see what they want to talk about?"
Twilight pointed towards Canterlot. "Right beside Celestia. I know you have feelings about her, but she wouldn't allow harm to come to you, and her guards would have the place surrounded."
Silver flashed a bright smile. "That seems like a good idea to me. I'll do that." Silver took the letter in his own silvery magic and scrawled out a quick reply. "Off-topic, but could I ask you a question?"
It had been decided that Silver's big announcement to the world would take place at the Grand Galloping Gala. It was due in just a few days, so it was well-timed. Rarity had Silver's outfit prepared. "The cool blues and purples fit the traditional lunar pony motif, don't you think?"
Silver turned before a mirror, looking himself over. "I look fantastic! This is definitely you at your top form, Rarity. How much do I owe?"
Bits were exchanged and Silver trotted out of the boutique, naked once again. He had his clothes packed up in his saddlebag for use at the gala. He returned to the castle to find a frantic-looking Twilight. "What's wrong?"
Twilight held up another letter. This was becoming a habit. "Celestia wants me to help plan this year's gala. I have to go, now!"
Silver rested a hoof on Twilight's shoulder. "Calm breaths. Let's go together, and be sure you have your dress."
Twilight smiled, relaxing a little. "Great idea... actually, why don't we see if we can't get those 'guests' of yours to come while we're in Canterlot." She hurried off, returning with her own bundle. "Ready?"
Silver nodded at Twilight. "Sure am. Night said she doesn't care for these kinds of parties, and Fast is pretty resolute on helping her finish the road, so we're free to go."
Twilight tilted her head. "I wondered a little about them, good to hear they'll be OK, but we really do have to go." She hook a wing over Silver, and they both vanished.
The next few days were a bit of a blur as Twilight manically rushed around getting everything just perfect for the gala and Silver struggled to find where he could be most helpful. The palace servants kept eyeing him. Not with mistrust, no. They approved of what they saw, and he wobbled between pride and embarrassment at the attention.
"You did it." Discord appeared in front of Silver suddenly. "Bravo! You won the game!"
Silver tilted his head at Discord with confusion. "What?"
"It's not obvious?" He leaned in towards Silver. "You're living the dream." Silver was still looking at him in befuddlement. "I don't have time to spell it out today, Silver. I have to visit a dear friend of mine. Ta ta!" He vanished in a flash.
Silver shook his head and proceeded about business. The reply to the letter came. The 'Lightning Wheel' would arrive the day after the gala. Perfect. Silver tucked the note away and trotted down the hallway of the castle only to be blocked by Celestia. "Oh, good day, Silver Stars. I trust you've been made to feel welcome in my castle?"
Silver perked his ears at Celestia. "Yes, very much. Not an unkind word heard anywhere."
Celestia nodded. "Good good. I'm going to try to make this gala a little... more interesting than the last, without Twilight's direct sabotage... Are you in?"
Silver shook his head quickly, his crown threatening to fall over into his vision. "I have no objection to that, but I really don't think my position is secure enough to be involved."
Celestia nodded lightly. "I thought you might say that. Don't worry, I have it well in hoof." She smiled a troublemaking smile. Silver decided he kind of liked that smile. She looked mischievous and playful, not overbearing and controlling. He could like Trollestia.
Silver smiled gently in return. "I hope it goes well. If I can help, er, indirectly, you'll let me know?"
Celestia nodded as she moved past. "Oh, I will." She seemed so... energetic. Silver wondered what had cheered her up, then decided not to look this gift horse in the mouth, as it were.
Preparations were complete, and the evening of the gala arrived. Silver was asked to stand beside Twilight and Celestia at the top of the stairs as ponies came into the hall. There was no hiding the presence of an alicorn prince beside the princesses, and many looked at the three of them with wonder before they moved on. There was no line for an audience that year, Silver noticed.
Twilight was speaking softly with Celestia, and Silver didn't try to butt in on it, instead watching the doors and the ponies that came in. Fluttershy arrived with a strange pony beside her that looked like a hippy at first glance, and second glance, and the third. It was like someone distilled the very idea of hippy down into a pony shape. It amused him greatly. That hippy looked up at him and the princesses. "Far out... His aura is totally bright." And then she moved on with Fluttershy. Flutter seemed to avoid looking at Silver, not meeting his gaze or even much looking towards the stairs.
Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash arrived together, with the CMC beside them. Oh they were so adorable! Silver raised a hoof to wave and got little waves back, and a few from the adults. Rainbow took flight, zipping up to him. "We need to talk after the party." Her whisper delivered, she rejoined the others and they dispersed into the crowd.
Then came Discord, and his oozy companion. What the heck was that? Silver had no idea, but Discord was clearly irritated about something, and he watched as the chaos god pestered Fluttershy and his oozy friend pestered everyone else. Twilight tried to handle things directly with Discord, but it had as much effect as Silver expected, which was very little. When the ooze began snatching shiny things off the guests, Silver reached with a silvery hand, trying to ward it away, but it resisted the magic effortlessly as if it were barely there.
Fortunately, Discord locked it outside, and Silver relaxed, at least until Discord disregarded all causality and ripped a hole in time and space, threatening to throw the hippy pony into another dimension entirely. This caught Silver's attention on multiple levels. Could Discord go to Earth? Did he already? That would explain so much! By the time Silver finished mulling on that idea, the situation escalated as the ooze burst through the front doors and began to submerge everything in goopiness. Silver spread his wings, aiming to get away before it was... too late. His hooves sank into the quagmire and there was no escape from the warm snotty creature. "Twilight?"
Twilight growled and zapped into the ooze, but whatever little holes she made quickly mended themselves. "It isn't working!"
A new sound drew their attention. The hippy pony was making horse noises in between meditative droning. It was the oddest combination Silver had heard, and he giggled a little. Pinkie appeared beside him as she is prone to doing. "Isn't it amazing?" What was more amazing was that the ooze seemed to be responding, and soon they were free of its bulk. Discord wrenched a small mountain of jewels free of it and sent them to... wherever Discord liked sending things, and the party was free to resume.
Twilight apologized for her apparent failure to keep things under control, but Celestia wouldn't have any of it. "The night's still young and this party's just getting started!"
What changeling took over Celestia, and what changeling queen should he be thanking, or so thought Silver until Celestia snagged him and hauled him bodily towards the dance floor. Silver squeaked in alarm, trying to dig in his hooves, but Celestia was more wily and stronger and easily got him over there. She leaned in, whispering in a tufted ear as she got him into a better stance for dancing. "Don't look so alarmed. You're dancing with their princess. Try to look natural."
Silver realized quickly she had a point. He was being watched. He composed himself and tried to follow Celestia's lead, moving around with her and at least being a sincere partner, even if dancing was new to him, on two or four legs. As the song changed, Rainbow came up. "May I have the stallion for the next dance?" Celestia waved a hoof at Silver and backed away, and Rainbow came in to pick up the next song.
She whispered harshly as she moved. "Applejack told me what happened. Not cool, man. I thought we were buds. What's the big idea trying to make moves on AJ?"
She sent him for a cruel spin, leaving him dizzy a moment before he could get back to her and reply, "It was Luna. She was trying to pressure Applejack into it and I told her not to force my friends into things, so she just came out and asked if I could stud for you two. It wasn't my idea, honest." Rainbow bit his ear in reply, which made other ponies titter, thinking it was a fond exchange, but Silver knew better from the sharp pain coming from the abused extremity. "I swear! You two are friends. I wouldn't do that to a friend. I swear..."
Rainbow released him and leaned in, resting her head on his shoulders and actually dancing for a time. "Why'd you tell Applejack it was illegal? We almost had a good thing going..."
Silver couldn't avoid responsibility for that one and lowered his ears. "It was the truth?" It felt lame saying it. "I'm... I've been on the wrong side of things too many times. I didn't tell Applejack to get rid of it. I didn't want to do that to you, Rainbow. You're a lovely pony."
Rainbow drew back with a frown. "If I'm so 'lovely', why are you ruining all my plans? I wanted us to have a kid, us. Is that so much to ask? Applejack doesn't think it's a big deal. She's ready to adopt or get a stud." Her frown turned into a scowl. "She was even thinking of you."
Silver pressed in close, trying to hide Rainbow's sour face from the room and keep the dancing going. "That's very flattering of her, but it's not about her right now. It's about you. What can I do for you, Dash?"
Rainbow's expression softened a little. "What I really want is Applejack's foal, but she doesn't give a hoot, and even if I did get the crystal back on her, she wouldn't use it. She's a stickler for rules and she thinks it's 'perfectly natural' for us to just adopt or stud, not your spell. It was your spell right?"
Silver nodded. "Well... She's not entirely wrong. This is not natural, but neither is shoving clouds around or half the things ponies do."
"Exactly!" Rainbow snorted. "You get it... So how can you help?"
Silver was glad Rainbow appeared to have forgiven him, but wasn't sure how to get her wish fulfilled. "I can't force Applejack, and even if I could, it'd be wrong to do. You two have to work this out between yourselves. If there's something I can do, I will."
Rainbow snorted and looked annoyed a moment before nodding. "Fine." She reached and poked at one of his leathery wings. "Besides, if you studded, would we end up with a lunar foal?"
Silver looked over his shoulder at the wing. "Oh, distinctly possible. Is that bad?"
Rainbow tapped a chin thoughtfully. "If it were an earth pony or a unicorn, I'd get over it, but if I have a little pegasus foal, I want to do all the pegasus things with her."
"And you can't with a lunar pegasus?"
Rainbow stomped a hoof. "Not the same! I'll... think about it." She fled at the end of the song, and Silver retreated from the dance floor, or tried. His escape was caught off by a noblemare he didn't recognize, but she would not be denied. His evening would not see much time off that dance floor.
The next day, the party's evidence was cleared away by industrious castle workers. Twilight was relaxed, her duty complete, but she remained at the castle, with Silver, planning their meeting with the Lightning Wheel. On getting word of it, Celestia insisted she be involved, and got the guard prepared for the meeting. By the time the sun was rising towards noon, Silver was seated on a cushion in the garden just as the royal sisters once had been to greet him. Two robed ponies came in, allowed past by the guards. They sat down across from him, only their snouts easily visible. Both were a brown shade.
"We have erred," said one.
"Miscalculated," the other offered.
They bowed together. "Forgive us our mistakes. May we start anew?"
Silver perked an ear at the two, looking them over curiously. Their voices sounded male. Why were the bad guys males so often in a world with a female majority? It irked him a little. "Tell me what you want to do, and promise me no more ponies will be hurt by it. We've caused too much damage already." He sat up. "Diamond dogs, zebras, or any other sentient creature for that matter. Enough death."
One of them nodded his cowled head and drew it back, revealing soft tawny fur. "There cannot be progress without some discomfort. You know this intimately."
Silver snorted softly. "Any discomfort I choose to heap on myself is my decision. That doesn't give me a right to heap it on others for my gain. This is not a flexible point."
The other revealed himself with a brighter magenta coat. "Very well. You have great empathy for your fellow pony, as we would expect from any prince worthy of the title. Even if you didn't begin your life as one. Tell us, human, why do you presume to know what's best for our people?"
Silver flipped an ear back, a little surprised at their knowledge. "I don't presume that. I do what I can, as a person, to be good, to myself and those around me." He reached out a hoof. "I truly am sorry I hurt what were likely your friends. I didn't enjoy it. I want this madness to end."
Tawny shook his head. "Your concern is touching, but not relevant at the moment. You are about to shepherd in a great upheaval. It will cause strife and conflict."
Silver brought the ear forward. "What strife is this?"
"How to put this delicately..." Magenta pointed down between Silver's hind legs. "You will change the balance of power. When you service the princesses, alicorns will become a tribe all of their own, instead of just a pinnacle for the rare pony to reach. How can this not upset the balance of things? These new alicorns will demand new rights, but how can we react? What system can contain a growing population of unaging gods among them?"
Celestia stepped out from behind a hedge, approaching the table with a delicate frown. "It is none of your business what Silver does in private."
Tawny looked towards Celestia. "Good day, princess of the land. Will you join us?"
"I will." She settled beside Silver, almost possessively so from her stance.
Magenta smiled gently. "Already she is ready to have you as a husband, and with it, foals, and with them, chaos."
Celestia snorted softly. "I'm in a good mood from last night, let's not ruin it too quickly. Did you come here to discuss me?"
Tawny shook his head. "No. The Lightning Wheel wishes to advance technology and magical study, for the betterment of all tribes and peoples. Ponies, dogs, zebra, griffons, minotaurs, and anyone else that is willing to work alongside us. Technology is a boon that any tribe can benefit from without favoritism. Magic can be encoded for the use by non-unicorns, but isn't done so nearly often enough. Equality, that is the goal. Equal, but improved."
Silver went stiff with realization. Starlight Glimmer's involvement suddenly made a lot more sense. "How do I fit into that?"
Magenta pointed at Silver. "You come from a world of great technology. You know that we speak the truth. You are also a unicorn of unique talents. We would entreaty both aspects of your being, to help usher in a grand new age for all ponies, neigh, all sentient life."
Silver rolled a hoof. "You might have had my rapt attention had you just come out and asked long ago. Why all the skullduggery?"
Tawny's ears fell. "Those were the regrettable decisions of our past leader. His failures have mounted too high and we deposed him. We are now the leaders of the Lightning Wheel, and our first action was to approach you directly, in good faith."
Celestia raised a brow, looking the two over. "Will you turn over your old leader, for trial?"
Magenta canted his head to the side. "That would be a most elegant solution. We need not worry ourselves with his punishment, if you wish the task."
Tawny held up a hoof. "As a display of good intent, we will furnish him and a list of all his dealings, for good and ill. Do as you wish with them."
Silver bobbed his head. He liked most of where this was going. "One thing. I don't miss the despoiling of the land that technology can bring. Easy resources and pursuit of the biggest profits led humanity to take some disastrous shortcuts at the cost of our world. I would feel pretty crappy if I helped usher in an age of smog and poisons to this rather pastoral world. Also, if you're looking for detailed schematics, my memory isn't that good, and I was never an engineer to start with. All I could provide is ideas and basic principles."
Celestia blanched at the idea Silver painted. "Most certainly not! Equestria is no place for that. The land should be kept pure and healthy, for the sake of our foals and our foal's foals."
Magenta pointed at Celestia. "And that is why we need the cooperation of unicorns. We have reviewed the possibilities. Coal is dirty in every word. We would rather enslave the power of the horn, than the dirty smoke of the earth." He seemed to realize what he said. "That was poorly said. Any unicorn in our employ would be just that, employed, and paid well for their services, just as an earth pony would be paid for their great strength, and pegasi for their weather control. We have several diamond dog packs in our roster, collecting crystals of the purity needed to start the project."
Tawny nodded quickly. "We can prove the concept in just a few months. Imagine, a world where a communication crystal was only ten bits, instead of a thousand? With the proper mass production, it's possible, without damaging anything. Right now, you have to buy a crystal separately, then commission a unicorn for the singular task. Both steps are slow and expensive, but if a unicorn is doing nothing but enchanting crystals and being paid by the hour, they would become faster, and it would be cheaper. Instead of a distraction, it is their way of life. Do you see?"
Celestia gave a light nod. "I see no harm in that. Communication is something of a sore spot for Equestria when dealing with those without magic."
Magenta smiled at Celestia. "We thought you might agree." His eyes turned to Silver. "Do we have your support?"
Silver tilted his head a bit. "I haven't heard anything I'm against so far, but I'm still not sure how I can actually help?"
Tawny lifted a hoof. "For today, we seek peace between us. There is too much bad blood to request your aid just yet. Let us simply come out of the shadows, so you can see our good work without deception or coercion."
Celestia's expression brightened, becoming almost radiant. She enjoyed a good peace-bringing in any situation. "If this is a true change for your people, then I look forward to seeing what they can do. Keep us both informed."
Soon they were gone, leaving Silver beside Celestia. She leaned over and kissed him on the snout, making him go red. "You handled that quite well."
Silver nodded hesitantly. "Thank you for the assistance. I... think I won a battle there?"
Celestia nodded. "Your... violent means... eventually broke their will to fight you. I wish there had been another way, but the past is the past." She slid over Silver, nudging him backwards and mounting him belly-to-belly. "Let's not think about that anymore."
Silver squirmed a little, warming up at the rather forward position he was in. "Uh, Celestia? Are you?"
Celestia perked an ear. "Am I? I am many things."
Silver stuck out his tongue. "Not what I meant and you know it."
She leaned in and kissed him on the snout again. "Visit me after day court." She slid off of him and cantered away. She was still in a good mood, and he decided he really liked it.
He got to his hooves and trotted into the castle, to be intercepted by a lunar guard. "The All-Mother wishes for you to follow me." And follow he did, trailing along behind until they arrived at a small padded room. "Wait here."
The door closed behind Silver, plunging him into dark. His eyes adjusted and soon he could see what little there was to see in the room, and he waited patiently. The door opened just wide enough to admit a mare, a familiar mare.
Silver went hot as he realized what was going on. "She sent you?"
Starlight jumped. "Oh! Silver?" She stumbled towards him in the dark. "Is that you?"
Silver leaned in and let her snout bump into his. "Why did Luna send you to be bred?"
Starlight's ears pinned back. "She said she saw some dreams of mine..."
Silver sat down. "Oh... Is this what you want? I'm not here to force myself on anyone."
Starlight sat down as well, facing Silver but not looking directly at him, which he forgave, assuming she couldn't see a thing. "Will you love me?"
Silver frowned a bit. "You're a lovely mare, physically. You've done some awful things, but if those are behind you, I can forgive those. The most pressing thing is the basic fact that I'm taken, like super taken. I have two herds, basically, and neither of them are recruiting."
Starlight looked displeased at the news, but rose up and approached Silver. She reached with a hoof until she found him, then she nuzzled him a little. "Do we have to be in the dark?"
"You already know who I am, and I know you, so not really." His horn began to glow and they could both see more easily. "If you want to go, that's fine. As dehumanizing as it is, all I can offer you is a stud."
She tilted her head a bit. "I don't know that word." She rubbed alongside him. "Luna wasn't wrong. I have dreamed of you. I would like to be closer to you, but you had to be so... surrounded. When she offered that I could be the mother of your foal, it intrigued me. The bits weren't a bad touch either. I could start a new life with that."
Silver tapped Starlight on the nose. "The Lightning Wheel has new management."
"Do they now?" She smirked darkly. "I knew that oaf would get himself booted out eventually. That's a load off my shoulders."
"Are you going to work with them again?"
Starlight looked pensive a moment. "Perhaps, if I like what I see." Her eyes fixed on Silver. "Well, this I like. You've... become quite a thing haven't you?" Her horn glowed and Silver felt his cutie mark being pulled away, floating above her head. "Mine."
Silver snorted with annoyance, his thoughts growing muggy and clouded. "Why did you do that? You can't get out of the castle with that."
Starlight put a hoof on Silver's chest. "I'm not running anywhere. You're in my control, little colt. You just lay back and let momma Starlight take care of you."
Silver felt he should notice something, but his flanks buzzed with the power of the neutralizing cutie mark, smudging out the thought.
Starlight did his thinking for him. "Don't you worry that pretty head of yours. I'm just playing with you. For now, you're mine." She guided him to the ground, then rolled him over and soon she was on top of him. They joined together and put a foal into her belly. At the moment of conception, Silver felt his power rise to a boiling pitch. He knew he was fueling the process and he surged wantonly, leaving himself dizzy and weak, but certain the deed had been done.
Starlight slid off of Silver, swollen with magic, though the magic was absorbing into her at a rapid pace, fueling her for her future life as a mother. "What a good colt you are. Maybe Mother Starlight will have to visit you again, if you're good." Starlight returned the mark reluctantly, though Silver didn't notice the reluctance until his intuition returned with it.
"Why do you look so glum?"
Starlight gave a little smile. "Is it wrong that I'm jealous?"
Silver sat up onto his haunches, slowly recovering from the intense magic use. "Of?"
Starlight frowned a little. "Isn't it obvious?"
It was. Silver realized. Starlight would marry him and never look back, if he was reading her right, but he was already married, twice. It wouldn't work. He leaned in and kissed her on the nose. "You'll find your own special somepony. Just lay off the cutie mark stealing. Ponies need those."
Starlight huffed angrily. "They don't need them. We'd all be better off without them dictating what we do or don't do." She turned away from Silver and let out a soft sigh. "Will you be upset if I bring the foal around later?"
Silver shivered softly. "I can't imagine being upset at seeing my own child, but I can see my wives getting edgy about it. I promised one of them they wouldn't have to see any of my, er, extracurricular activities, so... a letter? I can meet you."
Starlight nodded before trotting out of the room, light spilling in a moment before the darkness returned, only cast aside by his glowing horn. He wanted to save Starlight, from the world, and herself, but he had no idea where to start that wouldn't cause hurt to his loved ones. He sat there in the gloom, recentering himself and relaxing before a knocking came from the door. The guard that led him there poked his head in. "Princess Celestia awaits your company."
Silver hopped up to his hooves and prayed he didn't smell too much like Starlight as he trotted out to deal with destiny.
Silver strode past two golden-armored guards into a new room. It was bright and cheerful, but what caught his attention was Celestia spread over a bed, looking at him expectantly. He inwardly flip-flopped, wondering if this was a bad sign, a good sign, or a great sign. "Good day."
Celestia nodded at him, watching him evenly. "I'm sure you know why you're here?"
Silver's betraying body showed its approval with the thought and he looked around, taking in the art that graced the walls of what appeared to be Celestia's private quarters.
Celestia smiled mischievously. "I think we have a misunderstanding. A large one." She raised a hoof and pointed to his discomfort. "You are not here for that."
Silver felt dissapointment and relief in equal measure. "Oh, sorry." His face turned red, but he approached then, feeling a little less awkward. "I didn't mean to, uh, assume."
Celestia sat up onto her haunches. "You know the truth of my feelings towards you, Silver. I do think I have been harsh on you, and that you are a good pony, but love, that's a powerful word. One I cannot use to describe you." She patted her bed, and Silver soon joined her, sitting across from her. "To be perfectly honest, I'm not that eager to bear foals."
This was news to Silver. "I thought you wanted one, from Twilight at first?"
Celestia leaned towards Silver. "I say many things. It made her think long and hard about things she wasn't comfortable about approaching, and she's grown from the experience. Do you think I'm a terrible pony for it?"
Silver considered it, fidgeting in place. "No, not specifically. I'm more confused. What do you want with me then? We're together, now. I'm technically your stallion, to serve your needs as they are, but I don't know what those needs might be?"
Celestia leaned in further, and their noses bumped. "You may serve that role in time. I'm certain my sister is more eager than I in this. I am betting on it, in fact. We can't both be hindered at once. Our enemies may take it as a sign of weakness. Now... Do you remember a little trip? You were to escort my sister to a foreign land, then... things happened, as they tend to do."
Silver thought back and nodded. "Did she go alone?"
"No, the trip was canceled, or postponed may be a better word." She rose up and stepped off the bed. "I will go instead, and I would like you at my side. We will go as prince and princess, and it should shake loose some results from them."
Silver turned towards her, but remained seated on the bed. "Won't they be watching us? They'll get suspicious if we don't act like a proper couple."
Celestia leaned in and kissed his cheek, bringing new warmth to it. "And you don't think I can play the part? The fates were kind, and you are a handsome stallion, at least. I won't be that upset to stand beside you."
Silver nodded, then pointed at the bed he was perched on. "And sleep with? Even if we don't do anything, they'll find it a bit odd if a royal couple takes separate rooms, right?"
Celestia shook her head. "I have nothing to fear from you. I'm certain you will not lay a hoof on me that isn't asked for. Do you give me the same trust?"
Silver smiled even as he said. "No."
Celestia flashed a wicked grin. "Smart boy. Let's establish a safeword. Nova. If either of us says it, we stop. Whatever we were doing, it stops. No questions."
Silver reached out and put a hoof on Celestia's sunny cutie mark. She said nothing. "I'm still not sure how much you believe me, but I do hope we can be friends."
Celestia gently brushed off the hoof. "If I did not truly believe that, we would not be having this conversation. Relax. Let's put our rough history behind us." She sat down, about eye-to-eye with Silver with the bed adding to his height. "Or do I have to start treating you like Twilight to get you out of your shell?"
Silver quickly waved a hoof. "No friendship letters, please. You don't get to act that way after you put me in that shell." He sniffed softly and tilted his head. "Are you getting close to your season, or am I just stuck on the wrong track?"
Celestia raised a brow. "You're not certain?"
Silver shook his head. "I, well. This isn't the body I was born into. It's a good one, and I like it, but I drive it more by thought and less by instinct. You smell... very good, but I don't remember you ever not, so I'm not sure. I'm not trying to insult."
Celestia put her hoof over Silver's snout. "While I appreciate your candor with me, you're going to have to keep those limitations to yourself in Anugypt."
Silver ducked under the hoof. "Important questions. When do you plan to go? How long? And who can I bring with me?"
Celestia answered without hesitation, "One month, three months, no one."
"No one!?" Silver squeaked. "I have a family, Celestia. That's not going to work."
"It will and it must." Celestia rested a hoof on Silver's left shoulder. "I'm counting on you. Do this well and you will be performing a great service to Equestria, and me."
Silver grit his teeth a moment before he shook his head. "I need to talk to my herd before I can even answer that. I won't make this decision without them. Why can't they come?"
Celestia sighed softly. "The situation has deteriorated. We can protect each other while I try to calm it down, but any non-royalty is going to be too tempting a target to get us to give in. Before you ask, there's no way I'm taking Twilight with us. She is not yet ready for this sort of assignment."
"But I am?" Silver huffed and sagged. A horny Celestia would have been a lot easier than this bombshell. "I'll talk it over with them. That's all I promise." Celestia didn't stop him from departing, so he did, and returned to Ponyville on his own wings. The town looked much more peaceful than the tumult in his head, and Silver watched over the ponies going about their quiet little businesses with a smile before he sailed over it and came in for a landing at Twilight's castle.
He had scarcely landed when he was tackled by his swollen herd-mate. It took a split second before he realized it was Night Watch, and he gently squeezed her in return. "Good afternoon. How goes the road?"
Night wrinkled her nose. "Almost done, and before I got too far in, like I said I would." She looked smugly satisfied about it. Then leaned in, sniffing softly. "Who got you?"
Silver flushed darkly. Stupid pony noses. "Right after I met with the Lightning Wheel, Luna had me diverted to the first mare."
Night frowned. "You promised..."
Silver sagged in defeat and Night easily kicked him over before sliding up onto his side. "You are just... the worst sometimes. Who was it?"
Silver flipped his ears back. "Is that something I should even say?"
Night waved a hoof. "You can tell me or I'll find out my own way."
Silver flopped in defeat. "Starli--"
Night drove a hoof into Silver's ribs with an angry grunt. "Glimmer?! Of all the ponies, that's the first? I'm guessing you didn't throw her out and call her a psycho?"
Silver squirmed under the pressing hoof, pain growing under Night's fury. He could have fought her off easily, but he felt in the wrong, having failed to ask her first. "No, no I didn't... She was honest and sincere, as far as I could see. We... did it, and she left."
Night huffed out a long sigh. "Mark my word, you'll eventually regret that." She slid off Silver. "It's my fault. That wasn't a reasonable request with how Luna operates." She leveled a hoof at Silver's snout. "That doesn't excuse your broken promise." Night trotted into the castle past the stoic guards. "Your punishment awaits."
Silver rolled up onto his hooves and followed after Night. He heard one of the guards snicker, whispering to his fellow about how funny it was to see even an alicorn prince was helpless before a mare's fury.
As it turned out, the punishment wasn't nearly as bad as Silver feared. Night demanded pampering of all sorts, and Silver gave her belly rubs, hoof rubs, a clumsy hooficure and a bath. He was her personal spa, and they both enjoyed the time with one another and nothing else pending but her care. It ended in a personal meal he prepared for her, feeding her bite by bite with a fork as he complimented her every feature, a task he could do honestly enough. He was quite happy he had Night Watch.
Later that evening, when everyone had gathered for group meal time, he shared what Celestia had said.
Twilight immediately puffed up. "What does she mean I'm not ready?! I know more about politics than you do, Silver." She scowled and grumbled.
Fast grit her teeth. "Uncool... I just got you back, and now you're going to leave for months?" She rose up and circled the table towards Silver. "Dibs." She seemed perfectly ready to drag Silver off for last-minute loving, but Night held out a hoof, blocking her.
Night shook her head. "Hold up there. He hasn't even agreed to go yet."
Fast shrugged. "You're better at patterns than I am. What are the odds Silver will say no?"
Night's ears fell. "Twenty percent."
Twilight huffed. "I'm not suggesting Silver say no. This is obviously important. I just wish Celestia trusted me enough to bring me too. It's not like I don't want to help Equestria, or see Anugypt."
Tumble pointed at himself. "But what about me? I'm supposed to be your guard."
Silver tapped his chin. "Good point... I'll ask about that. Maybe we can get you in."
Tumble beamed victoriously even as Night frowned. "Ugh, lucky bastard."
Fast leaned over and nuzzled Night. "You, my rotund mistress, need to focus on your next job after the road, and that's making this herd's first healthy foal."
Night only got more agitated. "Silver's going to miss the birth of his first foal! This is beyond cruel..."
Twilight counted in the air a moment. "There's still a good chance he'll be back before then, depending on a number of factors." She slid her own swollen form to the ground. "I need to write a letter. Celestia is vastly underestimating me."
Silver tilted his head at Twilight. "You're pregnant, and your friends here need you. You're practically Celestia's right-hoof enforcer. She trusts you to handle things while she is away. Who else would do that?"
Twilight hesitated, and grunted. "I hate that you have a point there."
The mood grew pensive as everyone had something to consider. Silver rose to his hooves and trotted for the exit. "I need to speak to Fluttershy."
"Fluttershy?" Night raised a brow. "No."
"Not for that! I think there's a misunderstanding between us and I want to clear it up." Silver slipped out and away, heading for the cottage at the edge of the forest.
Silver softly rapped on Fluttershy's door and waited a moment before the door opened, revealing the yellow-furred face of Fluttershy. She looked ready to retreat back into the house, but Silver stuck his hoof forward into the door, blocking it. "Please. Talk to me?"
Fluttershy glanced around a moment then back at Silver. "O-OK... If you want..." She backed away from the door, allowing him to enter. He lightly kicked the door shut behind himself.
"I'm sorry."
Fluttershy looked confused at the words. "What are you sorry about?"
Silver tilted his head. "I think I took Twilight away from you, filled up her time. That's why you're upset, right?"
Fluttershy smiled bashfully, hiding behind her mane. "N-no... Having a new friend doesn't mean you lose your old ones. I just told Discord that."
Silver gave a hesitant nod. "Alright, then... why are you upset? I feel awful thinking I hurt a nice and innocent pony like yourself, Fluttershy."
Fluttershy shuffled in place, struggling with the words before she sighed. "You remind me... of me."
Silver perked his ears. "Is that bad?"
Fluttershy nodded quickly. "Yes! I mean... oh, I don't mean you're bad." She shrank a bit, then stood up, marshalling her willpower. "You're a shy pony, but you've gotten so far despite it. I'm... I'm jealous. Look at you." She pointed at Silver. "You're a prince now. You have a lovely herd. You talk to Celestia without having a panic attack."
Silver flopped onto his haunches. "For real?" She nodded. He reached out a hoof towards her. She shrank back a little, but didn't retreat. He softly brushed her hair out of her face. "That's actually very sweet, Fluttershy. Social situations still make me uncomfortable, but I think I'm more like Twilight. They just tire me out, and I feel awkward, but they don't scare me."
Fluttershy nodded quickly. "Twilight too! She's so... so amazing at talking to ponies. Here I am, living with my animals, alone... just the way I planned it to be."
Silver tilted his head a bit. "You have Discord, yeah?"
Flutter shook her head. "He's lovely, but he's a friend, not... company. I would like a special somepony eventually. Everypony else is getting one. Rainbow Dash and Applejack are a lovely couple, and you have Twilight." She sank to her belly in defeat. "I'm not good enough to find somepony to be with."
Silver's heart ached at her misery, but he couldn't think of any good solution. At least, no easy ones. "Well, if you see something wrong, you have to stand up, and fix it. Ask Pinkie what parties are going on around town, and go to them, even if you just hang out in the corner, you're more likely to run into that special somepony."
Fluttershy peeked up from where she cowered. "That's very nice of you to say... I'm sorry for hiding from you." She slowly rose back up. "I didn't mean to give the impression I was angry at you. I don't get angry that often..."
Silver chuckled softly. "I know that feeling. My herd-mates are chewing on my ear constantly for not hating Starlight Glimmer."
Flutter looked curious. "Hate her?"
Silver wobbled a hoof. "She apologized to me, then helped me. She's been nothing but good and kind, so I forgave her the pain she caused me. Was she wrong? Yes, but she isn't wrong right now, so why should I be angry at her still?"
Fluttershy smiled cautiously. "I understand that. I don't like being angry. Did she really apologize?" Silver bobbed his head. "Oh good. I'm glad to hear she's doing better. I... I thought her town was kind of nice. If only she were nicer about it. Forcing ponies to give up their cutie marks is wrong."
Silver nodded in agreement. "She's stopped trying to steal mine. I... don't think she's entirely given up on the idea that ponies might be happier without them, but she's been nothing but good around me, and she deserves a chance."
Fluttershy nodded firmly at that. "Yes! She does. I gave Discord a chance, and now we're best of friends." She reached out a hoof, shaking in the air before it rested on Silver's foreleg. "I hope you can show her the same kindness, even if everypony else tells you not to."
Silver felt... good. Fluttershy agreed with him, and she wasn't angry at him. The trip was a complete success. "I hope we'll see more of each other. Please don't be so jealous we can't hang out." He spread a wing. "You're a great pony, and don't forget it."
Fluttershy smiled, a pure and content expression. "I was being silly. I'll stop by tomorrow to visit."
Silver bobbed his head. "Twilight will be happy to see you. If you come during the day, Night, Fast, and Tumble will probably be out working, so that's less people, if you're feeling overwhelmed."
Soon Silver was outside. He shared a wave with Fluttershy, and retreated into the darkness, returning home with a satisfied trot. As he approached the town, then moved through it, a thought came to him. He detoured to Lyra and Bon Bon's abode and softly knocked. Lyra answered the door and her expression brightened on seeing him.
"I must have been a good girl." She snorted out a laughter. "What brings you by, Silver?"
Silver tilted his head. "I was curious... No judging here, but did Celestia take the spell from you or something?"
"The spell?" She looked confused before realization flashed. "Oh, the spell! She made me give up all the written copies I had, but she didn't get this one." She tapped her head. "I'm being good though. I didn't write it down. I don't want to be away from Bon Bon again! I learned my lesson, honest."
Silver held up a hoof. "Easy there, Lyra. I said no judgment. We're friends, and I was just curious. I'm not big on reporting people for crimes without a victim. Just don't share it." A fresh thought came up and it made it to his mouth without filtering. "Did you use it?"
Lyra burst into a titter. "Maybe once or twice... That's none of your business! You had your chance!"
Silver reached for Lyra, who didn't flinch away. He softly rubbed across the top of her head. "I'm glad I ran into you, Lyra. I hope you and Sweetie Drops are happy."
They exchanged farewells and Silver moved on, wondering when Bon Bon would begin to show, and how Lyra planned to explain it. Would they claim a stud? He supposed there was little way to confirm or deny it, current Equestria technology being what it was. He put the thought out of his mind and trotted into Twilight's castle. It was late, and he was tired. He retired to bed to find Fast already occupying it. His entry woke her up, and he wasn't allowed to get any sleep at all for a time, but he had few complaints about Fast's methods.
In the dream realm, he looked around for Luna, but didn't see her. "Must already be patrolling..." He thought of a pony he wanted to know more about, and concentrated on Starlight Glimmer. A door slid into view, and he opened it with silver magic, revealing Starlight being ridden by himself, reliving the moment in that small breeding room. Silver didn't pay much mind to the act, instead focusing on the fact that Starlight was crying while it happened, tears streaming down her snout in great torrents only possible in dreams.
He slipped smoothly into his dreamself version, becoming Starlight's lover. He leaned in and softly nipped an ear. "What's wrong?"
Starlight thrashed around under him, almost throwing him free. "What's wrong? Everything! You don't love me. You pity me with those big... sad... soulful eyes of yours... You think I'm pathetic, and you're so... so..." She stomped on the ground, making riding her quite a challenge. Silver wasn't there for satisfaction, so he slowed down and stopped in favor of listening. "You're so happy with that cutie mark! And why shouldn't you be? It makes you better than everyone else. You can do things others can't, and you're so happy about it."
Silver ran a hoof back, softly caressing Starlight over her cutie mark. "Your cutie mark is very special. You can do something not a single other pony in the whole world can do."
Starlight shuddered and recoiled, pulling away from the touching hoof. "It's not fair!" She sank down to the ground, the lovemaking entirely aborted. "You hate me so much..."
Silver softly rolled her over onto her back, then sank belly-to-belly with her, allowing them to gaze into one another's eyes. "Why do you love me?"
Starlight looked baffled at the question, her hooves kicking a little into the air. "I... I didn't at first. I hated you, you and your stupidly-special cutie mark." She scowled at him. "But you refuse to be angry. Even when I tried to take your dignity, you smiled at me with that sad little smile. You pitied me. You wanted to hug me, not strike me. You felt bad for me, instead of yourself. Everyone else... They..." she sniffed loudly. "Do you hate me? Did I run out of chances?"
Silver leaned close, and their lips met. He answered her with a silent exchange, kissing her with a shared adoration for several quiet moments. When he parted, he flicked his tongue over her nose. "I do not hate you. I like you, in fact."
Starlight ran her hooves down to her belly, which was suddenly quite swollen in a fit of dream logic. "You can leave those other horrible mates behind. We'll run away together, raise our foals together..."
Silver shook his head. "I won't do that, Starlight. I like you very much, but we're not married." He sat up on his haunches. "You can't have me like that. Will you try to manipulate me through our child?"
Starlight looked like she had been struck, and started to sniffle and cry anew. "I would do something awful like that... wouldn't I..." She curled around her gravid belly. "I'm tired of... Silver, sav--" She woke up suddenly, throwing Silver out onto the dreamscape. He managed to keep his hooves under himself and come for a smooth landing with an abrupt flapping of his wings. Ugh...
"So close..." What was she going to say? He felt like he was really getting somewhere...
Silver decided to give Luna's job a try, patrolling the dreams of strangers. Most ponies dreamed of very harmless things, thankfully, and he tried to leave them a little better than he found them. He briefly considered seeking Celestia's dreams, but remembered Luna's warning. Those dreams were well protected, and Celestia would have more control within her mind than Silver would. He would be a helpless intruder in her fantasy, and he wasn't sure he wanted to deal with that.
Silver woke up to the excited smile of Twilight. He scrambled up to his hooves as she hopped off the bed. "About time you got up. I need to yell at you, and we have a project to complete."
Silver rubbed at an eye with a fetlock. "Good morning, Twilight. Why am I being yelled at? What project?"
Twilight snorted softly. "You should know that. Starlight? Really? I thought you were past hurting yourself, and there you go, setting yourself up to be heartbroken again." She rolled a hoof. "But I don't care about that right now. This way." She led the way out of the room with a bouncy energy.
They came into a room with a desk, a familiar desk. "Huh, so you did get it..."
Twilight nodded. "Yes, and I'm ready to open the portal! If it works, we'll have access to your home world. Won't that be exciting? I can't wait to examine the differences." She started rambling about technical details Silver knew little of, moving from place to place, checking wires and connections.
"Am I on time?" Cadance wandered into the room with a curious expression, watching Twilight. With a bright flash, the room was filled with all the alicorns of the kingdom.
Luna looked around a little. "What is the nature of this 'experiment' of yours, Princess Twilight Sparkle?"
Twilight got all the more excited with the arrival of the rest of the circle of princesses. She trotted up and exchanged the ladybug dance with Cadance before explaining. "Silver's world is significantly 'farther' away than the worlds the mirror portal can reach. In order to reach it, we'll need a lot more energy, hence why I've gathered you all here today." She pointed to a metal panel. "If you would stand there, Silver?"
Silver moved over and sat on the panel. "You're using the desk for the resonance, right?"
Twilight bobbed her head. "That is exactly right, but you have a more intimate bond. I want to use your mind, so close your eyes and think of things that exist in your world, but not ours."
Luna looked approving of the technique, nodding her head lightly. "If this world is full of thinking beings, this may help."
Celestia pointed at the odd machine attached to the desk. "If this requires so much energy, how do you plan to use it more than once?"
Twilight clopped her forehooves together. "It will only be this hard the first time. Once we have the way open, it should be easier. There's only one way to be certain." She pointed to colored plates. Pink, White, Dark-blue, Purple. "Everyone have a seat." With a flick of magic, she powered the machine on, and it began to light up with a series of bulbs flashing on then going out one by one except the first one. "When we've filled up that meter there, we're done!" She pointed up to a metal sphere hanging by a wire. "Focus there."
Silver closed his eyes and thought of spacecraft and computers, of first person shooters and highways full of cars driven by a curious race of advanced primates. He couldn't help that many of these thoughts were echoed by a contrast with Equestria and its ponies, but he did his best.
Twilight and the other princesses focused their magic into the ball, filling it with magic quickly to create a strobing mass of power that was reminiscent of the blast they used to give Silver back his masculinity. Twilight kept half an eye on the machine that greedily sucked away bits of the magic, tunneling through the infinite void between worlds, searching for Silver's home. The meter was slowly filling. Two bulbs... three... four... Another bulb turned green. Contact! Twilight giggled with giddy excitement, refocusing her efforts to get magic into the machine. Five... The green bulb went dead. Curious... "That shouldn't happen." It suddenly lit back up, much to her relief, then the meter reached six.
Twilight was about to announce their progress when a bolt went flying. The machine began to quiver and shake, and the meter's bulbs popped violently, scattering glass one by one from ten down to one. Cadance shrilly screamed, joined only an instant later by Celestia, both in obvious pain. Twilight panicked, cutting off her own supply of magic, but unsure how to stop what had started. A sudden thud drew her attention to one of the guards posted outside falling over into the doorway, joined by the other guard a moment later.
She could feel her magic being pulled away without her volition, being sucked away into the machine. Suddenly, it stopped. Silver was holding the electrical plug of the machine in his magic. The answer seemed so obvious in retrospect. Celestia and Cadance sagged to the ground, unconscious.
Luna moved swiftly, checking on them. "They are well, just tired to the point of sleep." She lifted her sister and niece. "I will bring them elsewhere to recover." With a dark flash, Luna was gone, leaving Twilight and Silver alone.
Twilight sagged. "That wasn't supposed to happen at all..."
Silver rose to wobbling legs and approached Twilight quickly. He threw a leg over her and hugged her. "You did your best. We can try again later."
Twilight gave a quirk of a smile. "I don't think we will. I can't risk hurting the others like that. That was very irresponsible of me. Come on, let's make sure the guards are OK."
Those rendered unconscious by the drain remained knocked out for the rest of the day and through the night, but woke up the next day stiff, but healthy. The magic that was pulled from them had regenerated in their still-living bodies and the warm background hum of Equestria's arcane field.
That night, Silver met Luna in the dreamworld that took the form of a great library, with everyone's dream being a different book. She frowned at Silver. "I see books I have not seen before, and they are written in strange words, as if the dreamer were damaged in the mind, or are too far away for me to perceive correctly." She grabbed a book in her magic and brought it to Silver. "Can you make sense of it?"
Silver could not, and shook his head. It was wild scribblings without meaning. "What does it mean?"
Luna let out a slow breath. "I am uncertain, but I will find out. For now, we patrol as normal." She tilted her head at Silver. "On another topic. When did you plan to inform me that you were to leave with Sister?"
Silver cringed a little. "I thought she would have told you, which is a stupid assumption on reflection."
"Nay, she did tell me." Luna smiled a little. "But I would rather have heard it from you. We were to go together, you and I and Night Watch as well, if I remember correctly. Now Celestia spirits you away alone. Hmm... I will be with you in dreams, of course."
"Of course." Silver smiled. "That's something I'm very glad for."
Luna held up a hoof. "Beware. The dreams of those in Anugypt will be much larger and closer than those of what will be distant Equestria. It will take effort for even us to find one another. I doubt you will be able to visit the dreams of your herd."
Silver snorted with annoyance, then rose up and approached Luna. "Then we should enjoy the time we have before I go."
Luna did not argue the idea, but Silver had questions for her while they were expressing their renewed affection. "Why Starlight?"
Luna perked an ear back at Silver. "Hmm?"
"Starlight Glimmer." Silver pulled Luna closer. "She's a very curious choice for your first."
"Is she?" Luna sounded a little confused. "She is a unicorn of some talent, suitable for creating a strong lunar unicorn, and she practically jumped for the chance of having your foal. Why would I not accept her?"
Silver frowned a little. Did Luna not know? Should he even say?
Luna kept speaking. "Was she a poor partner?"
Silver flushed lightly and chuckled. "No, she was fine. Not as good as you, of course."
"Of course." She seemed pleased by the compliment despite her casual words. "I must go. With sister asleep, my duties are doubled."
She vanished, leaving a slightly pent-up Silver. They hadn't finished, though he wondered how that even worked in a dream.
The next day, when ponies began to rise from their drain-induced comas, the castle was busy with tending to the temporarily infirm. No permanent harm seemed to have befallen anypony, and the event was quickly fading from their minds.
Tumble wandered up to Silver, yawning along the way. "Hey, Silver Stars? Did you ask about me yet?"
Silver perked his ears and shook his head. "Celestia fell asleep with the rest of the guards, you included?" Tumble nodded. "So no chance to ask. Think she's up now?"
Tumble shrugged. "Maybe? All the guards recovered. It can't hurt to check." Agreeing with that, Silver spread his wings and was soon off towards Canterlot. Flying was becoming second nature, and he enjoyed the feel of wind rushing along his brown fur.
He landed lightly in front of the castle and trotted up to the guards. "Is Princess Celestia recovered from yesterday?"
The guards frowned as one held up a hoof to his lips. "Not so loud. She is still recovering, but is awake, yes. We don't want to incite any panic in the population."
Silver was admitted in and was soon in Celestia's quarters. She was on her bed, but laying on her back with a blanket pulled up. A tray of cookies and tea sat beside her, both looking as if she had enjoyed them. "Hello, Silver. How are you?"
"I meant to ask the same." He smiled at her. "But I did have a specific question after that."
"Oh, I'm fine, just tired." She sat up a bit and her magic wrapped around a cookie, bringing it to her snout to swallow easily. "What's your question?"
"I have a guard captain, Rough Tumble." Silver gestured in Ponyville's approximate direction. "Can he come?"
Celestia frowned. "What are his qualifications?"
Silver froze. What were his qualifications? "Uh..."
"Answer enough. No. Bad enough you are woefully incompetent at physical combat. We don't need a liability with us. You, at least, know several distressingly effective defensive spells. Luna also informs me that you are not entirely lacking physically, though your training in that regard is... lacking?" She smiled then. "I must sound awful. I don't mean to insult you or your friend. I'm sure he means well. This is for his safety, and ours." She held out a hoof to Silver and he approached her. She pulled him close and hugged warmly. "I want us to get through this quickly and easily, then get us back home, alright? No jokes, no tests. Let's do this quickly and get back, alright?"
Silver was a bit stunned at her candor, but gave a nod. "Alright... He'll be a little sad, but I understand."
Silver parted with Celestia after a few quiet moments spent together. He moved to depart and ran into a unicorn mare. She looked familiar...
The mare bowed her head and moved to scoot around, when Silver extended a wing to block her. "Carrot Plate?"
She tilted her head at him. "That's my name, your highness. Did you need something?"
Silver wasn't sure how to react. His former assaulter appeared to not recognize him at the moment. "Uh, do you remember a small brown unicorn you ran into in a warehouse one time?"
Carrot Plate scowled a bit. "What ab..." She trailed off as she looked Silver over again and flopped onto her haunches. "It can't be... He wasn't lunar, or so big, or..." She tilted her head. "Big."
Silver smiled gently. "It is me. How are you?"
Carrot Plate grit her teeth a moment. "How am I? I... After all that you just ask how I am? Shouldn't you be calling the guards and having me thrown away forever, or sent to some awful place?"
Silver leaned in, taller than the mare that had once loomed over him. "Is that what you want? I prefer to forgive. So, again, how are you?"
Carrot glanced around a moment before looking up at the alicorn prince. "I'm fine. Celestia still has me working at the orphanage." She frowned at him. "I hate it. You must be ever so pleased with yourself."
Silver reached out a hoof and Carrot flinched back. He set it back on the ground. "Tell me honestly. I won't hold anything you say against you. What do you think, of that time you had me in that warehouse?"
Carrot's eyes narrowed. "I think you were soft, and you still are."
"And you?" Silver pointed at Carrot.
Carrot shuffled in place, "Not my brightest idea... I... I was a bit harsh on Rough Tumble. I've met a lot more colts and fillies from broken families like his. I should have been there, for him, when he needed me instead of going after a new toy."
Silver heard no regret towards her actions towards him, but he found it good enough. "Funny thing about that."
Carrot tilted her head. "What?"
"He's a colt cuddler."
Carrot blinked with confusion. "What? We did it plenty of times. Are you trying to make me feel guilty, or what?"
Silver tapped at his chin thoughtfully. "I think, maybe, he wasn't being truthful with himself. I'm not trying to make you feel bad. Tell me, if you weren't working at the orphanage, what would you be doing?"
Carrot flashed a smile. "I want to open a store for refined eyewear."
Carrot Plate. Silver got it and chuckled softly. "That would be lovely. Would you harass anypony else ever again?"
Carrot's smile withered on the vine. "I'm not a little kid anymore."
How much time had passed? Equestria was a terrible place to keep track of it. "I will speak to Celestia. We all deserve forgiveness when we are ready to become better ponies."
Silver delayed his departure to seek out Celestia again. He shared a description of their encounter, and his wish that she be free to pursue her dreams.
Celestia nodded. "If you believe she is reformed, there is no further need to have her work where she does not wish to. She's been properly compensated for her work, so if she's saved, she should be able to see her dream through."
Silver tilted his head. "She has her parents too. Do you know if they've calmed down?"
Celestia shook her head. "They are quite irritated at you, but, perhaps, this will help ease their discontent. Thank you, for being kind."
Silver smiled and they shared a brief nuzzle before he slipped from the room and escaped the castle. He took to the air and returned to Ponyville's airspace. Darting out from behind a cloud, a familiar sky-blue pegasus rushed out to meet him. "Hey RD. What's up?"
Rainbow looked nervous, rubbing one foreleg with the other. "Well, uh, hey Silver. So, uh... Applejack wants to talk to you." She sped off towards the farm. After a moment, Silver followed curiously.
They soon arrived to find Applejack and Big Mac working busily side-by-side, in a field. Rainbow landed beside Applejack first and spoke quietly to her as Silver landed nearby.
Big Mac strode up to Silver, competing for size. He looked over Silver with a quiet intensity. He reached out and nudged Silver lightly. "Nope."
Applejack raised an ear as she trotted over. "Whattaya mean nope? It's my decision!"
Big Mac shook his head. "Ain't no way a pony that hasn't worked a few days on tha farm's being allowed ta do that."
Silver only grew more confused, though he had a few ideas what was going on. "Applejack, did you call me here to stud?"
Applejack went red quickly. "Maybe... Yes."
Rainbow Dash approached with a grin. "I think Big Mac has a point. In fact, I have an idea."
Applejack tilted her head at Rainbow. "And what, pray tell, is that idea?"
"A competition." She grinned widely. "I bet I can do more work faster than Silver. If he wins, he can stud. If he loses, we don't need him anyway."
Applejack lowered her stetson in front of her eyes. "RD... We talked... Ugh, fine." She looked up at Silver. "Whattaya say?"
Silver looked between the grinning Rainbow Dash, the mildly-resigned Applejack, and the quietly-disapproving Big Mac. "Well, alright... but I have a few conditions of my own. My wife, Fast Change, wants to meet any mare I stud for, and, uh... maybe join, if you like."
Applejack's orange fur turned deeper red as she swallowed. "Oh, uh..." Big Mac didn't look any better.
Rainbow snickered at the proposal. "You know how to party, Silver Stars, but you have to beat me first." She held out a hoof, and Silver met it with a soft clop sound. "Tomorrow. Bring your wife so she can see you lose against the best." She took off into the air, zipping away with her rainbow contrail.
Silver turned his eyes back to Applejack. "I thought Rainbow was going to be the mare in this?"
Applejack huffed. "She won't play bottom for any pony that ain't me, and ah ain't got those parts, so here we are. Now ah gotta remind ya, seeing as ya get attached real easy ta ponies. This foal will be ours, Rainbow's and mine. Ya won't be its parent. We won't even be tellin' it who studded for it. Ya understand that?"
The idea of not even being a remote father figure didn't sit quite right with him and he ruffled his wings. "That's rather absolute. Can't I be an uncle? I've been one of those before."
Applejack smiled gently. "Ya ain't no brother of mine. Anypony with eyes could tell that." She tilted her head. "But there ain't no harm in not being a stranger, just remember that you ain't the parent. We decide what happens to our foal, not you."
Silver nodded quickly though Big Mac cut in. "If ya win."
Applejack rolled her eyes. "Right, if ya win. Ah'll expect the both of ya here at sunup, so go get some rest." Applejack rose up and got back to work.
Big Mac waited until she was a small distance away before nodding towards Silver. "If ya hurt mah sister, yer crown won't save you."
Silver's ears flipped back. "Applejack is a dear friend of mine. She's stood up for me many times, and I will treat her like the wonderful pony she is."
Big Mac smiled gently, seemingly pleased with the words. Silently he rose up and walked away. Alone, Silver took flight and returned to the castle, or so he originally thought. Halfway there, he changed course and instead winged over the Everfree, coming down on the road that penetrated most of the way through it. He found Tumble quickly enough and trotted up to him.
Tumble shouldered off a heavy looking load and smiled at Silver. "Hey!" He rushed up and nuzzled Silver before he could react. Silver decided to accept it, rather than make a stink of it partway in. "What are you doing here?"
Silver shook his head. "I got back from the castle. Celestia was firmly against you coming." Tumble looked dejected quickly. "I'm sorry. She thinks you need more training before you can pull it off."
Tumble huffed. "Then give it to me."
Silver frowned thoughtfully. "Well you've been training with Fast, right?"
Tumble nodded quickly.
"Alright, let me talk to her and see what she thinks the next step should be." He quickly trotted away, finding Fast beside Night. Night was going over some plans with her, and they were talking animatedly. Silver sat close by and waited his turn, which came a few minutes later when they noticed his arrival.
Night trotted up and nuzzled his cheek. "Hello there! What brings you this way?" She paused a moment. "You're here for Fast Change."
"Right in one." Silver kissed Night gently, then looked to Fast. "Who should I send Tumble to next for training as a guard captain?"
Fast frowned a moment. "Well not me. I know how to fight dirty, but everything else is past me. You should try Canterlot. I bet Celestia knows a lot of good guard ponies, considering she hires most of them."
Silver nodded before rolling a hoof. "Another thing. Applejack wants to have me stud for her and Rainbow Dash."
Night tensed. "They're awfully close, to us I mean. That is almost certain to cause emotional complications for you later."
Fast waved a hoof. "Big-hearted Silver here? I bet he already loves both of them in his own way."
Silver couldn't argue that fact, so he didn't. "I have to do a farming competition with Rainbow before I'm allowed to proceed. Tomorrow, dawn. You wanted to be there, right?"
Fast bobbed her head. "Couldn't pay me enough to keep me away." She gave Silver a swift punch in the ribs. "And that's for knocking up Starlight without me being there! Sheesh. Was it hot? Is she a screamer? She looks like a screamer..."
Silver shook his head quickly. "I don't want to talk about somepony like that. That's... wrong."
Fast waved a hoof. "Fine fine, that's why I wanted to be there. You're an awful gossip. I'll be there tomorrow though!"
Night frowned. "Am I not invited?"
Silver tilted his head. "I thought... you didn't even really want to know what was going on? Night, you have sent me very conflicting signals in this."
Night squirmed. "I'm feeling very conflicted myself. I want to be there."
Silver nodded. "Then be there." He leaned in and kissed Night on the nose. "I will never send you away."
Night smiled, looking relieved. She pulled Silver into a hug, her round belly pressed against him. "I'll be there. Get some sleep. I won't have my stallion being beat by some jock."
Silver was up early the next morning, and ended up with a full contingent of wives along for the walk out to Applejack's place. Even Twilight joined along once she saw the rest were going. Twilight had a little frown. "Are you really going to do... that with Applejack? I mean, I guess it's her decision, but she's my friend. It feels weird."
Fast softly huffed as she trotted along with a smile. "She picked him, not the other way around. Let's be supportive of our stallion."
Night waved a wing lightly. "He has to win this 'contest' first, or there won't be anything to worry about."
They soon arrived among the apple trees that marked the Apple domain. It was still gloomy in the pre-dawn hours and a chill was in the air. Despite this, Rainbow already stood beside Applejack and Big Mac in front of their barn.
Rainbow waved at them with a cocky grin. "Already coming in second place, huh?"
Applejack rolled her eyes. "He's here before sunup, he's on time. Now, ah don't want either of ya wreckin' the farm tryin' ta beat the other, so ah'll be taking points off fer every bit of damage y'all cause. Got it?"
Silver nodded as Rainbow shrugged.
"Alright. Next thing, no fancy unicorn magic. That ain't the Apple way."
Silver pointed a hoof at Rainbow. "What about fancy pegasus magic?"
Applejack tapped her chin lightly. "Fair's fair. Y'all gotta do it the earth pony way."
Rainbow visibly bristled at the restriction, but stood in firm defiance, ready to compete.
"Now the rule's simple." Applejack pointed up to some barren fields up on a hill. "We're gonna get some extra crops going. Apples are our primary harvest, as y'all know, but it ain't the only. Rainbow Dash, ya get pumpkins, and Silver, yer doing strawberries. Plow, sow, water. The one that plants the most, wins. Every foot of ready soil is a point."
Big Mac suddenly spoke up. "A foot of grown plants is another point."
Applejack tilted her head. "They ain't earth ponies, they can't do that, but sure."
Silver felt confidence well in him. Unicorn and pegasus magic were ruled out, but he could funnel his power where he wanted. Green hooves should be doable.
"Just remember that damage to tha farm or tha land is points deducted." Applejack looked towards the horizon quietly a moment. The sun peeked over the edge and she clopped a hoof down. "Go!"
Big Mac tossed Rainbow her bag of seeds first, then Silver. Silver tucked the bag into his saddle pouch and looked up to see Rainbow racing ahead. Let her flail wildly, or so he thought. He nodded in thanks to Big Mac and began trotting up towards his field, working up the magic and filling his legs with them. His trot gained in speed until he was moving at a galloping rate despite still trotting.
A plow had been set up at either field, and he moved to step into the harness and get moving with it. Ugh, it was heavier than it looked, and it looked pretty heavy. Silver's body grew warm as he turned more magic inwards, forcing the plow forward through personal fortification, rather than any unicorn chicanery directed at the plow. He arrived at the end of his field and looped around to do another line. He heard a rough cry and saw Fast Change perched on the fence of the field, hooves waving in the air as she cheered him on.
Silver decided three rows was a fine starting point. A glance at the sky put the time at around ten. Had it already been so long? Time flies when you're working hard, he decided, and he pulled out the bag of strawberry seeds, planting some every foot along each row, tapping them into the ground gently and moving along. He hadn't tried expressing earth pony magic this way, and tried focusing on the very bottom of his hooves. They began to feel itchy and sweaty, which may have been a good or bad sign, he wasn't sure.
He gently brushed an energized hoof over the seed as he watered each one, and the energy jumped out of him and into the ground. He felt suddenly drained, slumping to the ground as the energy he had so carefully managed surged in one long flow from where his hooves touched the earth.
Applejack approached quickly. "Ya alright there, sugarcube? Yer looking mighty bushed all of a sudden."
Silver shook his head. "I'm fine." He wasn't sure if he was fine, but he wasn't giving up. He pushed back to his hooves and peeked at Rainbow's field to see her working the plow still, though she had done more rows. Was that seven? His eyes were drawn to the ground by a soft shaking that grew into an audible rumbling.
Applejack stepped backwards off the field. "What tha?"
Sprouts began to surge up from the ground, quickly becoming vines. They grabbed the still-lethargic Silver and held him firmly as they grew and grew wildly across the field. Green strawberries swelled into existence, starting to darken into a delicious red before startled pony eyes. The unrestricted growth caused the strawberries to reach and grow, spreading beyond the three modest rows he started with. The fence groaned as the vines overtook it entirely and spread past it.
Fast Change wisely backed away from the wild vegetation, gawking at it as it spread and spread. For better or for worse, all of Silver's built up magic was expended. He hung there limply in the vine's grips, too tired to do much else.
Big Mac wandered up, shaking his head. "Knew it."
Applejack perked an ear at him. "Knew what? He done covered tha whole field in berries!"
Big Mac waved at the grand mass of strawberries. "He's an alicorn, Applejack. He ain't a normal pony. Think."
Rainbow aborted her field to see what was going on. With a tilted head, she asked, "What's going on over here? Did he use magic?"
Applejack heaved a sigh. "Sure did, earth pony magic. Let's get 'im down."
Silver was soon liberated from the jail of his own creation and allowed to rest on the ground, flopped onto his side. Rainbow looked perplexed. "So... did he win? Or do I win because I'm the only one left standing?"
Applejack shook her head. "Technically he wins." She punched Big Mac in the chest, though it barely moved him. "Why do ya gotta make this more complicated?!" She stormed off with an angry huff.
Silver sat up with Fast and Night's help. Twilight sat nearby, watching the whole scene unfold curiously. She spread her wings and took off after Applejack a moment later.
Rainbow looked baffled. "What's the confusion? He won, so he gets to stud. That was the deal." She looked off after Applejack, then towards Big Mac. "What'd you tell her?" Big Mac was silent. Rainbow stormed up to Silver. "You wanted it, you got it! You beat me, fair and square."
Silver was soon standing under his own power, energy returning to him. "I don't think Applejack's in the mood for that right now."
Rainbow prodded Silver with a hoof. "News alert, she isn't the only mare here."
Silver tilted his head with confusion. "What? You didn't want to be the mother before. Which is it?"
Night fidgeted with her glasses. "I think she is offering--"
"I'm not offering anything." Rainbow turned away. "A race. If you can catch up, you can have me." She spread her wings and took off into the sky with a thunderous gust of wind.
Fast suddenly grinned. "Well, go catch her."
Night shook her head. "Are you sure that's a good idea? She is clearly in a fragile state. She's confused, not aroused."
Silver frowned, unsure what to do. "I'll catch up to her, if I can, but I won't breed her, just try to get a straight answer." He took off and ascended into the sky after Rainbow.
Night shook her head. "That may be the worst idea."
Fast tilted her head. "Why?"
Night sighed. "It's not obvious? If he catches her, then turns her down, it will be a sore blow to her ego, and that's something Rainbow values highly. To be bested, only to be told she wasn't even worth catching is the worst combination."
Fast winced with understanding. "Well unless you think you can catch up with them?"
Night huffed. "With this belly? No."
"Then we wait." Fast snuggled in beside Night. "Wait and hope."
Silver lagged far behind Rainbow at first, but he could feel his power returning, and began fueling it directly into his wings. His speed began to pick up, rapidly increasing to match her, then going a little faster. His body shuddered with a turbulence-like force as he pushed past what he was skilled enough to handle, but he was getting closer.
Rainbow noticed his approach and redoubled her efforts, pulling ahead from him. "You're not worthy!"
Silver was not ready to accept that as an answer and every bit of energy he could produce went to the effort of catching her. He felt like he was being battered from all sides in the effort, going far too quickly with raw power. Just as Rainbow was almost in hooves' reach, Rainbow pushed past the one barrier she knew. Rainbows filled Silver's eyes as she penetrated whatever limit caused it, but the rainbows reacted oddly with the shell of tortured energy around Silver. Instead of clean circles, it became a chaotic swirl of colors, and both ponies were sent careening out of control.
They made a pair of ditches in the ground, crashing and throwing dirt everywhere as they slid to a stop.
Rainbow popped free of her dirt pile with a laugh. "Oh wow! That was amazing! What'd you do?" She pranced over to Silver's pile and poked at the dirt, but there was no response. "Hey, Hey Silver. Get up." Fearing he might be hurt, she dug into the pile to find an unconscious Silver, though pulling him free of the hole woke him up.
"Huh?!" Silver pulled himself the rest of the way free and shook his bruised body free of dirt. "What happened?"
Rainbow puffed out her chest. "My awesomeness interacted with your coolness and sent us both out of the sky."
Silver reached over and pulled Rainbow close. "Caught you."
Rainbow tensed, looking ready to argue the point a moment before she nestled against Silver, closing her eyes. "Guess you did."
Silver pushed Rainbow to the ground and nuzzled into her neck. "Now to take my prize."
Rainbow tensed, but didn't fight. Silver did not go to mount her, however, instead just cuddling with her. "I want you to be my friend as my prize."
Rainbow snorted. "You already had that, doofus." She kicked up at him weakly. "You won, do it."
Silver tilted his head. "Is that what you want? For real? If you spread your legs and invite me because you want it, not because of some contest, I will gladly be your stud, as a friend, and because I respect you. You are a better flyer than me, Rainbow, by far."
Rainbow frowned a little. "You are a total egghead. I can see why you get along with Twilight..." She ran a hoof over his barrel. "You... So was Big Mac right?"
"About?"
Rainbow shrugged. "Am I going to have a lunar foal?"
Silver nodded truthfully. "Probably a lunar unicorn, if you let me do it."
Rainbow snorted softly, her wings pumping twice against the ground. "There aren't many of those, like, none, I guess, since you're not really one anymore?"
Silver leaned in, rubbing her nose-to-nose. "Do it because you want it, or not. Your body is your own. I am not here to steal that agency from you. You're too awesome for that."
Claims of awesomeness never went badly with Rainbow, and she smiled a bit. "Do you think I'm pretty?"
Silver recoiled with surprise at the question. He tried to use his hard-earned view of how ponies see one another. "You have the sleek power of an athletic charm. You're strong sexy, not soft sexy."
Rainbow looked perplexed. "There are different kinds?"
Silver rolled a hoof. "Sure there are. I'm sure there are some stallions you think are cute because they're strong, and some that are funny, and some that are fast, right?"
This made sense to Rainbow, "Sure. You were geeky sexy before, but now..." She trailed a hoof over Silver' chest. "You kinda got big sexy, and you can plow like an earth pony, and fly almost as good as me." She crossed her forelegs. "Alicorns are cheating."
Silver kissed her cheek softly. "You're a game worth cheating at."
Rainbow went red. "Oh gosh, that was sooo corny. Look... let's talk with Applejack." She slipped out from under Silver and got to her hooves. "Like adults, right? The way I see it, you're alright. I have no problem with you being stud to either of us, but we should see what she says."
"Agreed." Silver felt relief flow through him. "It will be your foal, after all. I want you both to be happy."
They took flight and returned to the farm at a more sedate pace. Rainbow bumped into him mid-flight. "Hey, thanks for not being a jerk."
"Any time, Dash." Silver smiled gently. "We've been friends a while now. I'd rather be that, than 'your stud.'"
Rainbow seemed to grow thoughtful at that. "Huh... Sorry about that, I mean... I'd be pretty cheesed if Rarity suddenly needed me to be a surrogate mom or something and started treating me like a foal-maker instead of her friend. That would be super weird."
They came in for a landing beside Night and Fast. Fast grinned and looked Rainbow over a moment before looking Silver over. She saw no signs that they had engaged in wild foal-making activities. "So, did he lose?"
Rainbow waved a hoof. "We'll call it a draw. Do you know where Applejack is?"
Night pointed with a wing at the Apple house. "Inside, with Twilight and her brother and grandmother. Twilight said they'd be out when they were ready."
They all settled down. Night looked to Rainbow with her large eyes, magnified by her glasses. "You look more relaxed now."
Rainbow shuffled. "We talked. I just need to, you know, touch bases with AJ about things."
Fast rolled a hoof. "I admit I thought there would be more, you know, studding, and less drama."
Silver snorted. "We don't always get what we want. They're our friends, they'll get the time they need to do this right."
Night extended a wing and wrapped it over Silver. "That's a mature thing to say... Just be safe, when you're away."
Rainbow perked an ear. "Away? Where're you going, champ?"
Silver wasn't sure what direction Anugypt was, so he just shrugged. "Anugypt, with Celestia. We're supposed to be calming down some kind of diplomatic situation that's gotten out of hand."
Rainbow nodded a little. "Huh, sounds boring and exciting at the same time. Good luck with that."
Fast added, "That's not for a few weeks anyway." She rose up and stretched wings she didn't have a moment ago. "Want a race?"
She and Rainbow took to the skies. Fast was clearly outmatched by the veteran flyer, but Fast was also having a good time of it, from the laughs that reached Night and Silver down on the ground.
Night nudged against Silver. "Did you catch up with her? She's acting as if you had."
Silver nodded. "Only because she let me. We both fell out of the sky and she dug me out of the hole I made. I grabbed her after that."
Night tilted her head. "So how did you get back here without rutting her, or her storming off in a huge fit?"
Silver tapped at his chin. "I asked her what she actually wanted, contest aside, and that I wanted to be her friend first, whether or not I served as her stud. This whole thing's gotten a bit more complicated than I want it to be."
Night raised a brow. "Are you backing out?"
"No." Silver shook his head. "I'm not running. I will be there for them, whichever way they decide on ultimately, but I do want to be a friend afterwards, not just a stud. I liked them back when we couldn't have foals together, and they were kind to me when I was a lost unicorn. Heck, without them, we wouldn't be with Twilight at all. I owe them a fair bit. This thing, today? It's nothing compared to that."
Night squeezed Silver close and wrapped her legs around him, nestling close. She seemed quietly pleased with the situation, or at least pleased with her company.
Big Mac emerged from the house and approached the two of them. "Rainbow Dash?"
Silver pointed up to where Fast and Rainbow circled around the property. As if noticing her name being mentioned, Rainbow quickly dived down, and soon they both landed beside Big Mac. "Yo, what's up?"
Big Mac gestured to the house, then turned and walked back to it. Rainbow nodded. "I'll be back." And off she went to join him.
Fast crashed beside her wives. "Everyone's invited but us. I see how it is." Her wings pulled back into her, reabsorbed. "I want to learn how you do the things you do." She pointed at Silver. "You're obviously doing something a bit odd, but it's also working. Spill it."
Silver gave the same basic explanation he had given before, about the way he gathered energy and sent it to where he knew there were 'exit points' in the pony body. "All tribes have magic, just as much of it, so far I can tell. The difference is where it can come out. As a unicorn, the horn's the spot, and they've gotten rather clever about it. Pegasi channel power to their wings, bones and lungs. Earth ponies share the lungs and bones, but also have points in their legs and hooves. Legs gives them power, hooves make plants grow, lungs gives endurance, bones for toughness, wings for speed... Get it?"
Fast shook her head. "Nope, but I like it..." She tapped her chin. "I'm going to see what I can do with that. If my shapeshifting makes those, uh, exit points, as you call them, I could be doing a lot more than I'm doing right now. You're going to have to show me how to 'direct' magic though. The only place I normally direct magic is my horn, or I guess when I change, I think about what I want to be."
Silver was quite content to try to do that. Since Night was there, he invited her to learn along with them, and was soon seated before the two mares with their eyes closed. "Imagine the magic in you like a flowing river, going round and round. You want it to flow faster, deeper, but don't let it spill. That energy is precious. You'll feel warmer if you're doing it right."
Fast perked an ear. "I've done magic channeling like that before, but I usually gather at the base of the horn."
"Then you have the basic idea, but use your torso. It's larger."
Night was a clever pony, and she worked diligently and quietly, warming her body with the circling energy. Silver reached out to feel each of them, nodding. "Good. You're definitely warmer. With practice, you can get really hot. I'm going to suggest you keep it easy with that, Night. I don't think your foal can be harmed, but why risk it? Keep it to the level you're at now until afterwards. OK, you have this stream, now just let it flow to one of your exit points, divert it like a sudden dam, with the only way out being where you want it to be.
Fast sprouted wings quickly, then took off into the sky. She jittered forward noticeably as she let the held energy flow wildly into her wings, and it threw off her flying badly. She came in for an awkward landing, but was laughing the entire time. "Woo! Did you see that?"
Night suddenly tackled Silver, and her teeth sank into him. He was flooded with a confusing mess of emotions. Love, jealousy, worry, pride. Everything Night felt broadcast in a brief moment of painful intensity. Silver shivered under her, legs kicking out weakly. "I... That was very impressive, Night."
Night drew back, licking her teeth clean. "That's what was missing... I let it go into my teeth and it just felt right." She frowned. "How many other lunar pegasi are there that could use this gift but just don't know how?" She slipped off of Silver, who rolled upright.
"I'm not sure we should share that... It can kill, remember?"
Night nodded lightly. "Some things are better off as secrets." She smiled. "But thank you."
Night Watch took to the sky and flew in a few lazy circles and came back with a delicate frown. "It's not working."
Fast tilted her head. "Maybe...?" She looked confused.
Silver tapped his chin, "You've been flying since you were a little filly, right?"
Night nodded. "Sure have."
Silver rolled a hoof. "Maybe you're already putting all your magic in it, without thinking about it? Trying to do it my way will probably slow you down instead of speeding you up."
Night considered a moment. "That sounds logical."
Fast flashed a bright smile. "But it's good news for me."
Night frowned as a new thought came. "So... was the tooth thing because of what we did with Luna, or just a lack of practice?"
Silver shrugged. "We really can't know. Are lunar ponies taught how to bite things like that as foals?"
Night shook her head. "Not a normal thing. By the time that really comes up, you're in more specialized training as a guard..." She tapped her chin. "Worth investigating later."
The door to the house suddenly opened and Rainbow burst out, quickly lost to sight in the direction of Ponyville. Twilight waved at them, gesturing them closer from the doorway.
When they had all gathered in the Apple kitchen, with all the Apples but Apple Bloom in attendance, Twilight began to speak, "Alright, we think we have everything worked out. Rainbow got called off on map business, but she agrees with us."
Silver nodded. "Alright, what did you decide?"
Applejack moved up and nudged Silver. "That ya both were right rude competing over me like ah was a prize, but ya had yer heart in the right place."
Silver tinted faintly. "You said... you wanted it. I wouldn't do it if there was any doubt."
Applejack nodded. "That's why we're talkin'. The way ah see it, ya can't give me a normal foal, so I'm going to pass. Not because ah don't like ya or nuthin'. Yer a fine stallion, but ah want a normal foal, nothin' special." She leaned in. "Ya might have better luck with Dash. Ah think ya got her attention with yer fancy flying."
Silver only darkened further. "I'm not trying to sleep around!"
Fast waggled her brows. "As if you'd say no to that well-toned flank."
"Not helping!" Silver turned away. "I'm glad you've decided at least. I meant what I said. I'd rather be a friend than a stud if I have to pick between the two."
Applejack came up on Silver and hugged him from behind, squeezing. "And yer a mighty fine one. Now git, we got apples ta farm, and a sudden bumper crop of strawberries to see to thanks to some generous alicorn."
Silver rose with his wives to depart, to find Big Mac in the way. Mac held out a hoof towards Silver. "Sorry fer tha trouble, but ah gotta look out for mah sister."
Silver met the hoof with one of his own. "I remember thinking of you."
Big Mac's expression became that of shock and disbelief. Silver seemed to realize what he said and went as red as he could get. "Uh, I mean, back when I was a mare." That didn't sound better at all. "Ugh! Sorry!" He fled out the door. Night took off after him with concern, but Fast lingered behind.
She grinned at Big Mac. "You have no idea how confused Silver was as a mare."
"Nope."
She shook her head a little. "Probably for the best." She trotted past the still-dumbfounded stallion and took off on wings she didn't have before, eager to practice her internal channeling.
When they returned home, Silver sank heavily on his haunches in the living room and flopped over tiredly. Night came over and put a hoof on him, rubbing lightly across his ribs. "You were a great friend."
Silver snorted, legs kicking a little. "I'm glad they worked it out, but that was a lot of work to ultimately do nothing at all."
Night tilted her head. "Were you looking forward to doing something?"
Silver softly pawed at Night with a hoof. "Not a fair question. I want to be faithful but I'm not blind and I'm not a neuter."
Night leaned in. "Maybe I just like you when you're looking uncomfortable. Good thing you do it so often. Now remind me who your favorite is."
Silver grabbed Night and pulled her to the ground to lay beside him. "Caught her." He nuzzled into her cheek and neck, almost purring as he squeezed her. "I'm sorry for being a handful."
Night nestled in against Silver warmly and rolled, putting her bulk on top of him. "I'll make you pay it back with foalsitting duty."
Twilight walked up next to the two. "You handled yourself just fine, Silver Stars, but I do have some questions for you. That stunt with the strawberries. Even earth ponies don't normally have that strong of an effect. It's usually a slow and gradual process over the course of a growing season, not... that."
"That wasn't technically a question." Silver sat up, taking Night with him and still snuggling with her. "It was the first time I tried putting my magic in my hooves, and I controlled it very badly. That field got a full blast of alicorn magic."
Twilight tilted her head. "You're lucky you didn't hurt yourself then."
Silver snorted softly. "I'm pretty sure I did, but snuggles are proving to be a good medicine."
Twilight pinkened lightly, looking like she considered joining, but didn't move. "You'll show me your technique later?" Silver nodded and she seemed satisfied. "It seems Rainbow and Pinkie were called off by the map. I admit I thought it would always call me along, but no, just them."
Night turned around in Silver's grasp and adjusted her glasses. "You'll get your turn. For now, we have faith in them to get the job done, just like we'll have to trust in Silver to come back to us when he goes off with Celestia."
Twilight grit her teeth a moment before sighing. "You're right, of course. Maybe I'm just stuck on that and projecting. But going to the griffon lands? I'm simultaneously jealous and terrified. I hope everything works out..."
Silver waved a hoof. "I have a hard time imagining Pinkie not pulling through, and Rainbow's a mature mare, even if she has her moments. They'll figure it through. What are the griffon lands like anyway?"
Twilight shrugged. "Never been there." She rose to her hooves and started trotting off. "Call me if you need me." And she was gone, off to her own business.
Night sagged against Silver. "I don't suppose you could find another project for me before you go? The road's almost done."
Silver squeezed Night gently. "You did that as fast as you promised. I could, but aren't you..." He trailed off at seeing her tense up, ready to defend her right to be helpful through her pregnancy. "I'll find something. What would you say to a more educational role? Ponyville only has one teacher, and that's for foals. I think a town guard would be good for morale, and security, for both the town and the castle." He rubbed a hoof over the swell of her belly. "I'll look into that, but I think Twilight needs her turn to be reminded she's still amazing even if she is swollen."
Night suddenly frowned. "I feel stupid. Of course she's upset. She probably thinks she was skipped over due to her pregnancy. Go." She nudged Silver away and stood. "I'll be fine. Thank you."
Silver did depart, but not before he got a soft smooch from Night. He trotted off with a smile, feeling good about his place in his herd. He found Twilight angrily studying. These two words did not always fit well together, but she was managing it. He came up on her and put a hoof on her shoulder. She jumped in place with a squawk before spinning on him. Before she could yell at him, he kissed her on the nose. "I was looking for a fair and enchanting mare, and here she is."
Twilight's angry words died a sputtering death before she grunted inarticulately. She gathered herself before trying again. "Hello, Silver. I was reading up on..." Silver reached past her and casually shut the book. She frowned. "I was reading that..." Silver ignored her, closing each book he could find and even starting to put them away. "Hey! Listen to me!"
Silver let her lunge at him, only to wrap his legs around her neck and hug her tightly. "You have my complete attention, but I want yours in return. The rest of today is about us, and you're not getting rid of me."
Twilight's face went through a slow cycle of emotions, from anger to irritation to resignation to something else he wasn't entirely sure of. She put a hoof on his chest. "I'm already bloated like a balloon with our foal, you don't need to shadow me."
Silver pinned his ears back. "You know, ponies show love for each other for things besides putting foals in each other. I know you're down right now, Twilight, but I want to be there for you, and with you. Don't shove me away."
Twilight grit her teeth a moment before she let out a slow breath. "Right, yes... I'm still a little new to this... So what do you want to do?"
Silver nuzzled under one of Twilight's wings. "Anything you want to do, except work. If you want to read a fun book together, or go flying, or watch something, or eat, or we can go upstairs and I can try to put more foals in you, futile or not, the attempting can be its own reward."
Twilight burst into a soft laughter at that. "I'm not really in the mood for that, but thank you." Her horn glowed as she grabbed a book and pulled it through the air to hover in front of Silver. "I want you to read this. Fast told me how you do things, and it's fairly similar to an Eastern practice. The ponies who invented it were ponies for longer than you, maybe it'll help."
Silver accepted the book, but set it aside. "Thank you. I will read that, but you're stuck with me for today. I already said that, and I mean it."
Twilight grunted with some annoyance, then turned away, spreading her wings. "Get preening."
Silver hadn't had too much experience with preening, thankful that his own wings didn't need that particular care. Experienced or not, he leaned in and took the first large feather into his mouth, running through from base to tip carefully. He could taste Twilight on each feather he worked on. It was like giving a tongue bath. Her soft squirms and little noises didn't help. By the time he finished the first wing, Twilight was more than warmed up. Silver didn't get a chance to get to the other wing before he was showing his love in a more rhythmic fashion. He did eventually finish the job, when the two had sprawled over each other, worn but happy.
Silver was perched on the balcony, looking down over Ponyville and enjoying the breeze idly. His thoughts went back to when he was a human, and on Earth. He would probably be parked in front of a computer instead of enjoying the moment and letting his thoughts wander freely. He missed the creative aspect of it sometimes. Writing was its own reward in a sense, but he wouldn't trade that for the companionship and adventures, as difficult as they sometimes were, that he had found.
He stretched out his wings wide, working out a kink and enjoying the breeze across the soft fur that covered them before he was bowled backwards onto the balcony with a cyan pony on top of him. Rainbow Dash tilted her head down at him. "'Sup?"
Silver reached up and cupped Rainbow's face in his hooves. "You make me want to hurt you and hug you at the same time."
Dash waved a hoof dismissively. "Yeah yeah, I get that a lot. So what happened? Applejack's all edgy like she's trying to hide something, badly. That girl can't lie for anything, and she starts clamming up the moment she thinks she has to."
Silver squirmed up to his hooves out from under Dash. "She turned me down, then said you might be interested."
Rainbow frowned sharply. "That doesn't make any sense. Does that make sense to you?"
Silver shrugged softly. "She made noise about the foal being too weird."
Rainbow grunted. "Big Mac said that like a week ago! It was her idea to ask you!" Rainbow squirmed with obvious frustration. "Question one, do you still want to do this?"
Silver nodded a little. "If you want me, then yes."
Rainbow flashed a smile. "OK, then we can do whatever we want." She got up and reached for the sky, stretching herself out. "So, not going to ask?"
Silver rolled a hoof at Rainbow. "How did your trip to the griffon lands go?"
Rainbow grinned. "Glad you asked. It went great! I met an old friend and we patched things up."
"Gilda?"
Rainbow tilted her head. "Yeah? How'd you hear about her? Anyway! We're totally buds again."
Silver smiled, thinking of the episode she arrived in. "Glad to hear she's come around. Rainbow, what do you see when you look at me?"
"A lunar prince?" She sounded as if she wasn't sure of the question.
Silver nodded. "Well, yes, but I mean more personally."
Dash gave an 'ah'. "OK, sure. I see a friend, and a cool enough stallion. I see somepony that's fought things, and been beaten down, but doesn't stay on the ground. That part's also cool." She frowned thoughtfully, looking at Silver's expectant face. "I see somepony that wants to ask me something but is being a stupid jerk about it. Come on, what is it?"
Silver spread his wings. "Promise not to get angry?"
"Nope." Rainbow grinned. "You say something, you face the consequences. Out with it."
Silver shrugged a little. "Before it was brought up, I didn't think much about you and Applejack, but now that it's become a 'thing', seeing either of you makes me think of what stallions and mares do."
Rainbow blinked softly. "Are you saying..." She rolled a hoof, expecting Silver to continue.
Silver snorted softly. "I'm saying I see you more as a mare now, in the good ways. Most ponies I keep in a safely neutral area of my brain where I just don't think about that kind of thing, except for a few, like my wives, and now you and Applejack."
Rainbow snorted. "And Starlight."
Silver recoiled. "Is everyone talking about her?"
Rainbow advanced on Silver. "What, like how you have a huge crush on her? Yeah, word gets around."
Silver grit his teeth. "That's a lie..."
"Is that why you did the nasty with her while she was ready?" Rainbow poked Silver in the chest. "Or was that a royal command?"
Silver tilted his head. "Funny enough, it was. Luna sent her."
Rainbow snorted. "No way! How do you get a job like that?"
Silver chuckled a little. "I think the first step is to be a stallion."
Rainbow shrugged her shoulders. "Go fig. Not my style anyway. Still, gross. She's a total nutcase."
Silver sagged against the rail of the balcony. "I wish every-pony would stop saying that. She's not that awful, and it just makes me feel bad for her."
Rainbow's wings spread wide. "She made me slower than Tank!"
Silver pointed at Rainbow. "Because you never caused anyone trouble ever?"
Rainbow squirmed. "I didn't brainwash a whole town."
Silver sat up. "She said sorry, and she means it, so far I can tell."
Rainbow frowned. "Discord said sorry, and he still causes all kinds of trouble. That only goes so far."
Silver put his hooves on Rainbow's shoulders. "She never even got that first chance. Can she get that?"
Rainbow hiked a brow slowly. "Fine... I guess I can do that." She brushed Silver's hooves away. "Was she that good?"
Silver warmed. "I forgave her long before it came to that. She apologized long before it came to that."
Rainbow made a placating motion. "Easy there, champ. You sound like Fluttershy any time I mess with her about Discord. You should see her face."
Silver settled down and pointed over Ponyville. "Does it ever bother you, knowing you're basically the big thing standing between all those people and ruin?"
Rainbow tilted her head down at the town, then shrugged. "Curse of being awesome. I can handle it. You?"
Silver lapsed into thought, until Rainbow poked him. When he didn't respond fast enough, she shoved him over onto his back and got on top of him. "Is this the only way to get your attention?"
Silver considered his attention thoroughly grabbed. Rainbow felt... good on top of him, and naughtier parts of his mind considered all the fun he could have with her just like that. The more conservative part warred viciously and his hooves did not move around her as he initially craved.
Rainbow tilted her head down at him. "Part of you really likes this, but you're not doing a damn thing." He opened his snout to reply and Rainbow put a hoof over it. "How does a pony like Starlight get you going but here I am, awesome defined, have to tackle you to the ground, and you're still not interested?" She suddenly clopped her hooves together. "Ah ha! It's a prince thing. So what's the secret?"
Silver could be dense at times, but it was increasingly obvious that Rainbow wanted him, and he didn't feel obliged to resist her, but playing... "There's a little trick to it."
"Yeah?"
He took one of her hooves and guided it where polite ponies do not wander. "You have to show your appreciation for a prince, then he'll get interested."
Rainbow burst into gales of laughter, falling off of Silver. "Oh wow! Was that your best?"
Silver rolled up to his hooves. "What?"
Rainbow hopped upright. "I wasn't born yesterday, but I'm glad to see you're getting in the right mood."
Silver sniffed at Rainbow curiously. "Are you even? I mean is it the right time?"
"Nope."
Silver's wings sagged a bit. "Then why are you seducing me?"
Rainbow poked Silver in the chest with a hoof. "You're available, you're not a total dweeb, and I felt like it. Besides, I've wanted to try a lunar for a while."
Silver wasn't sure how to react to this. "I'm not exactly available. You got permission to stud, that's not 'sleep with whenever you get the urge.'"
Rainbow rolled her eyes. "You act like you're the only one that can talk to your girls. That Fast was agreeable enough. So long as I back off when it sticks, we're cool."
Silver's intuition suddenly made a jump. "You're never going to be available when you're receptive."
Rainbow tilted her head. "What? Of course I am! I mean, I am kinda busy being the weather captain and general awesome pony, but I'll make the time, don't you worry your pretty little head about it." She patted his head with one of her wings as she spoke, grinning quite triumphantly.
Silver raised a fetlock over his eyes, quietly counting to ten to himself before he moved the leg out of the way to see the grinning Rainbow still sitting there. "Well? You need a handwritten invitation?"
Silver sighed. "Let me talk to my wives first. This feels wrong, and it's easier to get with you another night than it would be to fix the broken trust I'd make if I buck this all up." Silver rose and started walking inside when he was tackled to the ground again. Rainbow's teeth closed on a wing base and his world became that of bliss as she worked the sensitive node with the skill only a pegasus could easily come by. She rode him to the ground, her hooves feeling up and down his ribs, stoking the engine of his repressed desires.
Silver wriggled around under Dash, snorting desperately for air as her skilled touches had him ready to go in record time. He tried to shout at her, but got her lips instead. She kissed fiercely and long, pushing him back and moving as if to take him right there on the balcony without further ado.
He got his hooves between them and pushed her up and away. She may have been athletic, but he had raw size on his side. She turned her speed against him, darting around his legs and coming in tight. She ground her sleek form against him. "You're making me work for this, Silver." Her words were annoyed, but she sounded only further encouraged. This was another contest for her, and one she didn't seem to be ready to accept failure in.
Silver wondered if this was what stallions faced more often when herds were the common family unit. Perhaps Celestia was wise to gently encourage more monogamous pairings. Even as he tried to pry her off, he held back, really not wanting to hurt Rainbow. She wasn't his favorite pony of the Mane Six, but she was cool, and hurting her just... ugh, he didn't want to do that. But did he want to let her have her way?
When she next parted lips, he spoke, "Rainbow, if we're really friends, stop right now."
Rainbow stopped like a button had been pressed. "You're not having fun?"
Silver let out a soft sigh of relief. "No, really... no... this is not right. It's not that you aren't an awesome mare, because you are."
"Damn straight."
"But I can't betray the others like this." Silver smiled a little. "I'm not sure what kind of consolation it is, but I really want to be responsible right now."
Rainbow rolled her eyes. "Nice try. Still, can't fault a guy for sticking by his friends, wives included." She leaned forward. "No hard feelings?"
Silver nodded a little. "We're cool."
"Great." Rainbow snorted. "I could have sworn you were into that..."
Silver went red quickly. "I actually kind of am. Once we have permission, you can 'force' me all you want, but no means no."
Rainbow wobbled a hoof. "How can I have fun forcing you if no means no?"
Silver remembered Celestia's words and poked Rainbow in the chest. "Thunderclap."
"What?"
"Safeword. If either of us says Thunderclap, we stop, no matter what. We stop."
Rainbow nodded a little bit. "Alright. I can work with that, but if you don't say that, I'm assuming all your no no nos are yes yes yeses." She spread her wings and took off into the evening, leaving a slightly baffled and more than slightly stimulated Silver behind.
He still didn't understand why Applejack reacted the way she did. He rose to his hooves and shook himself out before going off to find his wives. He forgave Rainbow, but there were still questions to ask.
Silver found Twilight first and approached her. "Hey. Something odd just happened."
Twilight tilted her head a little. "Oh, what's that?"
Silver gestured upwards. "I was just forcefully propositioned by Rainbow. I know she's agg--"
"What?"
Silver leaned in closer. "I said I know she's aggressive but that was a bit much."
Twilight shook her head. "Griffonstone is several days of train and hiking away. Rainbow is long gone."
Silver blinked. "Then... who was I just talking to?"
Twilight scowled. "I don't know, but they made a critical mistake." She rose up to her hooves. "Next time she comes by, I'll be ready for her. Pretend you know nothing until then, alright? You... didn't do anything with not-Rainbow Dash, did you?"
Silver quickly put up his hooves. "Just talked, though now I'm lost on how much of it was true or not, and I'm feeling more guilty by the second."
Twilight moved up to Silver and nuzzled him gently. "Already tiring of the studding business?"
Silver grunted. "I think I'll stick with whoever Luna picks. I don't want to think about them anymore. My time should be with my wives, who have helped me so much." He grabbed Twilight and squeezed her. "Sorry for being an awful stallion."
Twilight rested with him a moment before slipping away, promising she would be ready for the next time.
Silver felt the need to find Night Watch and left the castle, flying off to the road where he spotted the industrious lunar pegasus shouting commands at stallions twice her size and cowing them into submission. He landed beside her and wrapped a wing around her, pulling her tight.
She squeaked and laughed. "As much as I appreciate this, there's a good forty percent chance you're doing it for a reason other than just loving me."
Silver tilted his head. "I realized how much of a jerk I've been. I'm yours for the rest of the day. Command me, my most faithful of wives."
Night considered a moment before she pointed to a stack of wood. "I need that moved up to the end of the road, then we'll put that spell hacking skill of yours to work." Silver smiled and started moving, but not fast enough for her liking. "Today, Silver!" He scampered off, and the day was spent quite busily.
Silver carried Night home at the end of the day, taking a simple joy in playing mount for his gravid wife. "We did well."
Night nodded. "That paving spell worked better than I hoped for, thank you for it."
Silver wrapped his magic around Night, squeezing her fondly. "Only under your skilled supervision. Do you want me tomorrow?"
"I want you every day." She bonked him on the head lightly with a hoof. "But you have other business. I've decided I do want to take you up on your offer. See about getting me my students, and I'll take out my frustration on them while you're gone."
Silver nodded as he trotted into the castle, joining the others for dinner.
That evening his thoughts were untroubled by any mare except those he lived with, and he did his best to make sure he was in their minds as well. When everyone was calm and dozing off, Silver leaned in towards Fast. "Did you give Rainbow permission to stud as long as she needed?"
Fast perked an ear. "Yeah, until she got her foal. Why? Don't like her?"
"Not as much as I like you." He kissed Fast behind an ear, then gave Twilight and Night their own smooches, and soon sleep came for them.
The next day Silver made his way to Canterlot, entering Day Court for the first time in quite a while, but he felt more confident than last he had entered the room. He kept his head up high and pointedly ignored the ponies around him, knowing it would only make him look imposing and in control.
Celestia nodded towards him. "The court recognizes Prince Silver Stars." Ah, his turn. He rose to his hooves and trotted to the front of the court.
"It is a pleasure to see you, and to address the ponies of the city. I have a simple proposal." He raised a hoof. "One of the guards has been exposed to a variety of tense situations and unusual circumstances, and wishes to share her hard-earned knowledge with the next generation. I wish permission to form a school for the guards away from Canterlot, where this specialist lives."
Celestia tapped her chin, looking far more thoughtful than she had to be. "I can't allow all of the guards to train far away from the capitol. Will a class of ten suffice to start?"
Silver returned the favor by looking quite thoughtful and dissatisfied. "If that's the best that can be done, I suppose I can settle with it. You will not regret it." He rose and trotted out of the room, his business concluded, only to run into Fleur Dis Lee. Silver smiled. "Long time no see."
"Oui, this is true." She tilted her head one way, then the other. "I confess, it is difficult to imagine you are that gangly little colt that was once in my living room." Her magic wrapped around him, inspecting him brazenly. "You've grown quite a bit, and even moving in the court so confidently now."
Silver gave a soft pulse of magic, disrupting Fleur's grip easily. "Are you and Fancy doing well?"
She nodded her head, making no outward reaction to the mild rebuff. "We are both well. I never got a chance to apologize for the terrible events that drove us apart." She smiled gently. "Don't be a stranger." She turned and trotted down the hall.
Silver decided to pointedly ignore any part of that interaction save the words and returned to Twilight's castle to find Rainbow Dash waiting for him. She smiled and bobbed her head. "So, check with Fast yet? I told ya I was telling the truth."
Silver nodded. "Sorry for doubting you, RD. It still feels pretty skeezy that you're hitting me up for this when you're not legitimately trying for a foal."
Rainbow waved a hoof. "Yeah yeah. I just want a little fun. We've been friends how long now and we haven't tried anything?"
Silver rose both of his brows. "That's an odd way to say that. Have you been with the other girls?"
Rainbow leaned in with a naughty gleam. "Wouldn't you like to know... Let's just say Fluttershy and I have been good friends for a long time."
Silver poked Rainbow in the chest. "And Applejack's alright with all this?"
Rainbow shrugged. "What she doesn't know won't hurt her little heart. You can keep your snout shut, right? Neither of us wants to see AJ hurt."
Silver huffed softly. "If you promise to stop sleeping around on her, the secret will go to my grave with me."
Rainbow bristled. "Well fine! You're obviously not in the mood." She turned away and took flight, only to be trapped in a bubble of pink-purple light. Twilight pushed open the door leading inside and strode out with a confident look.
"Going somewhere?"
Rainbow twisted around in her small bubble prison. "Hey! Not funny! Let me out!"
With a flash of Twilight's horn, a brilliant zap of green energy ran through the bubble, and Rainbow ceased to be Rainbow. A changeling was revealed in her place, form riddled with the holes of a feral variety. The changeling stopped struggling and started whimpering loudly, covering its face in its forehooves.
Twilight waved at the bubble. "There's your Rainbow Dash. Ugh, I wonder how long she's been feeding off of Rainbow's friends."
The changeling put its forehooves together. "Please don't kill me. I didn't hurt anypony."
Silver huffed softly. "You were stealing our friend's identity and running her around town. If Applejack had noticed, you could have easily ruined both of their lives."
Twilight pulled the bubble down to the balcony, resting it between herself and Silver. "What hive do you belong to?"
The changeling shook her head quickly. "No hive. I'm not a drone. Not a queen either. Inbetween." She wobbled a hoof. "I just want to live."
Silver tapped the bubble lightly and it popped. "I am not your food source, but I am not entirely unsympathetic to changelings. If you are willing to give up emotional predation, I'll take you back to Canterlot, where you can find friends, and food, legally."
Twilight made a bit of a face. "She was ready to drain you to a husk, Silver. She deserves some punishment?"
Silver rolled a hoof. "Let her face the judgment of her peers. The changelings in the city don't want a bad reputation. They'll punish her, and then she can live a legit life."
Twilight yielded to the idea. "Alright, just be careful with her."
Silver snagged the quietly slinking away changeling before she could get far with a silvery grip, then took off with her. As he flew, she spoke, "We don't have to do this, you know. I'm just trying to have some fun, and give others fun. There's a pony you'd like to be with, right?"
"I'm already with them," countered Silver. "No, thanks. Don't worry so much. The changelings in the city have a good thing going."
"Are they slaves of your sun queen?"
"Have you really not heard?" Silver landed on a cloud over the city and pointed down. "That's their hive. They have their own leaders and queen, and their own laws, provided they obey the laws of Equestria in addition. They are a free people. I'm not sending you to some terrible place."
The changeling leaned forward as far as Silver's magic would allow, peering at the hive from afar. "Will I have to bow to this queen?"
"I bow to our princess, but that's not a day-to-day thing. Be yourself, and be honest." He took off, plummeting towards the hive. He arrived to a scattering crowd of ponies. They all had a changeling for a cutie mark, he noticed, and tilted his head. "New fashion trend?"
One of them, a pegasus mare, stepped forward. "Is that really you, Silver Lining? Or should we say Prince Silver Stars?" She smiled. "We weren't expecting you. Who's your guest?" She pointed at the changeling in a bubble.
Silver brought his captive around and set her free in the midst of the curious changelings. "A friend, perhaps. She was hunting in Ponyville, and didn't know of your community. Make sure she knows she did wrong, and welcome her. She needs friends and family."
The changeling scowled. "They're all ponies! They know nothing of me." An earth pony in front of her dropped his disguise, becoming a changeling, whole of body. Soon they were all dropping their guises, surrounding the new changeling with friendly insectoid faces.
The crowd greeted with shoulder slaps and hoof bumps, chatting excitedly. The new one looked wary, but increasingly happy to be there. Silver decided she was in good hooves, and took to the air for home.
With permission secured, Silver worked with Night and Fast to construct what would become the new academy. Tumble was often close by, watching over them, and sometimes lending a hoof. Silver threw a leg over his withers one day. "Looking forward to getting some real training?"
Tumble went rigid. "What? I mean... Me?"
Night tilted her head from up on an unfinished wall. "Of course you. You're a guard, and you're the closest. Why wouldn't I train you?"
Silver squeezed Tumble before letting him go. "Maybe next time, you'll be at my side. This time, you'll prepare yourself."
Tumble nodded quickly, and his work become quite focused.
Rainbow returned from her trip to the griffon lands, none the wiser for her doppelganger's appearance. She told Silver about Griffonstone, boasting of her adventure and how she defeated a wild horde of terrible monsters, only to be foiled at the last moment from getting the treasure. She seemed awfully chipper for failure, but Silver enjoyed listening to her spin her tale eagerly. When she was done, she moved to depart, but Silver put a hoof in the way. "What about what we left unsettled?"
Rainbow shrugged. "I'll let you know if I feel like it. For now, I think Applejack just needs to adopt and stop screwing with the both of us, since she went and got rid of the way we could do it right." She leaned in suddenly, pressing nose-to-nose. "You'll just have to wish you had me." And she was off, leaving him behind. Silver wondered for a moment if he didn't like the changeling's attitude better, but shook his head. The real Rainbow Dash was fine just the way she was.
Silver visited the warlocks in Canterlot, and they were quite excited to see what he'd grown into, but that only drove them to work him harder. He didn't escape for a week, being forced to reach higher and channel harder. They were enthusiastic about his findings concerning internal channeling, but it wasn't anything new to them, just not something the average pony had any need to bother with.
The last week before he was to go, he spent it back in Ponyville, gathering his wives close and lavishing them with praise and affection. He cooked every day that week, and did his best to leave them as happy as he could, but that didn't stop anypony from looking sad when the final day arrived. He kissed each on the cheek. Tumble was close by and looking like he was trying not to look. Silver gave him a quick peck too, then turned and trotted out the door, taking flight to Canterlot.
Celestia met him in the garden. She was dressed to impress, in fine glowing silks that seemed to flow in the same non-breeze that carried her mane and tail. "Are you ready?"
Silver gave a short stiff nod. "Let's go there, get this done, and get back, in your words."
Celestia gave a shadow of a smile that hinted she didn't think it would be that easy. With a golden flash, they were transported to the rail station. "We'll be catching a boat out of Manehattan. Rest up."
Silver awoke with a start, sitting up in a comfortable bed. There was a smell of salt in the air, and the distant call of gulls. He rolled to his hooves to find his legs weak, and he collapsed where he had tried, only to fight his way back up again, heart thumping weakly. He felt small and weak. Looking himself over, he could see he was his old self. He was a stallion. He had no jewels or armor, save Twilight's precious gem, which he pulled close and took his quick breaths, trying to calm himself.
When he could, he made his way to a closed window and threw it open with his silvery magic, revealing a beach in the distance, and many buildings in the way. He was some stories up, looking over it all. He had never gotten on that boat, just knocked out on the train and stored here... His entire... This entire chapter of his life was one big...
Silver pressed his head against the glass, angling to avoid ramming his horn against it as he panted slowly.
He needed to go home, to Ponyville, and see his wives. They would know what to make of his life, and to help him piece it all together.
"Silver!"
He turned to see Luna stepping through an open door. "We have been eager to see you returned. We did not expect you to appear so suddenly." She grabbed him up in a hug, unaware of his turmoil. "It's so good to have you back. How was your journey? It must have been very good or very bad for it to conclude so swiftly. Silver? Why are you crying?" Her questions slowed as she realized she was holding an injured pony. She held him gently, and he nestled into her, nuzzling into her dark pelt and caught without words for the moment.
He looked up to her. Luna's face was etched with her concern for him, and he felt his heart swell and ache in his chest. To know she was there. "Thank you. I'm alright."
"That is a lie."
Silver raised a leg to wipe his puffy eyes. "No, really, I'm alright."
"Silver, stop this." She nuzzled that leg away. "We were lovers once. If that meant a thing at all, if you have the tiniest shred of emotion left, then tell me clearly, and trust me to help."
Silver grit his teeth a moment. "If I told you, you would never forgive a pony. I don't want that." He sank in place. "Please don't make this one or the other. I want what we have, and I want to go home." He rose to his hooves, but his legs betrayed him, wobbling dangerously.
"What have you been doing?" She frowned as her magic wrapped around Silver, supporting him in standing. "Who did this? Just a name. You need say nothing more." She struck a hoof on the floor with a hollow thud. "I know you are a forgiving pony, and a kind pony, but this... Tell me. Tell me what hurt you."
Silver glanced at her, then away. "I need to learn what's true or false anymore. Luna, did you ever encounter a monster, in the ocean, one so terrible you left it be?"
Luna perked up. "Yes, we did. Did you meddle with it? Is this why you're so ravaged? Silver, you should know better, but I am proud of your bravery."
Silver smiled, a thin gesture. "I did, but that was just a dream. Luna, I need to be home right now, with my wives."
Luna extended her wings, hugging Silver gently. "I am here."
"You are." He nuzzled into one of her soft wings. "You are and I'm so relieved to have you here. Please, can I go home?"
She licked over her lips. "This is within my power. In your current state, you should close your eyes, and try to relax."
When Silver obeyed, they vanished in a dark flash of night magic, to appear in Twilight's castle with the surprised yelp of its owner as she hopped back. "Luna! Silver!"
Her call brought Spike, Night, Fast, and Jake hurrying in. Fast jumped on Silver, who collapsed beneath her spirited charge, sprawled out on the ground. Silver wrapped his legs around her despite the new aches of being thrown to the ground. "I'm so glad to see you... Promise me you'll never run away."
Fast tilted her head. "Huh? You're the one back from a trip. How'd that go?"
Night squinted behind her thick glasses. "Silver, begin speaking. There's a forty percent chance you're hiding a trauma, twenty you're being forced into silence, twenty you're just tired, but I don't believe that. Talk."
Luna nodded at Night. "My precious Night Watch, your eyes are as sharp as ever. Silver refuses to speak of what has hurt him so."
Twilight approached Night and Luna. "Why not?"
Luna frowned. "He said it would cause me to hate a pony forever once I knew."
Silver waved a hoof from beneath Fast. "Let it go. I'm happy to be back. To be back with all of you, together... Without any of it."
"Any of what?" Fast tilted her head down at Silver, but Silver didn't reply.
Luna sighed with frustration. "Please, maybe it's just me, so I will leave him in your care. Speak to him, and draw him from that shell. Be the wives he desperately needs, his friends." She rose to her hooves. "If he calls for me, I will return immediately. Until then..."
Night set a hoof on Luna's side as the princess turned to leave. "I'll dream of you, tonight, and tell you what we've found."
Luna smiled. "Thank you." Then she was gone, taking off on grand wings and vanishing in a sparkle of darkness once she was a small distance away.
Twilight trotted over to Silver, tapping her chin as she looked at him snuggling with Fast. "You seem to be enjoying yourself."
"You're all safe and here," he said as if that wasn't a given. "Of course I'm happy. This is going to sound strange, but what happened recently?"
Twilight considered a moment. "I just finished a big convention up in Canterlot a few days ago. It was a bit of a fiasco, but everypony had a good time in the end. Spike was there."
Spike rubbed an arm sheepishly. "Yeah, I messed that up a little."
Jake slapped Spike on the back. "Hey, don't sweat it little buddy. We all make mistakes."
Silver frowned a little. "How long has it been since Rainbow went to... She went away, right?" He couldn't remember where she had gone. That was a long time ago, for him.
"Two weeks." Twilight tilted her head. "About how long you were gone. Are you sure you're alright, Silver?"
Night snorted. "Of course he isn't. Silver, come on. We're here to help."
Fast slipped off of Silver and kissed him on the nose. "No matter how awful you think it is, you can trust us." She grinned. "Hope you don't mind me saying this, but you look like you could stand to have a few good meals."
"Yeah..." Silver sat up onto his haunches. "Yeah, probably a good idea." He didn't feel that hungry, but he was weak and small. Eating seemed like a good idea, hunger or not. "I'll do that, but I don't want to talk about it. Please, let me have this. Don't keep asking. Respect what I say."
Night grunted softly. "Silver... It's because we do respect you, and love you that we want to know..."
Twilight held up a hoof. "We'll put this off. For now, Fast, take him upstairs and get him to bed. Night, snuggles, stat. Jake and Spike, soup please." The castle was soon scattering, running off to do as Twilight had ordered. Left alone, Twilight frowned and got a slip of paper, perhaps a letter was due. Maybe Celestia knew? She had been with him on the trip, after all. Who else could know?
Silver penned softly in his journal. "I thought I lost you." He ran a hoof gently along the paper, letting out a slow sigh. "I thought I lost me..."
"Hmm?" Fast trotted over and sat down. "Oh hey! Since you're back, you'll be there in time for Night and Twilight exploding. Aren't you excited?"
Silver perked an ear at Fast, then nodded. "I want to be there, for both of them. you'll tell me when that is, right?"
"Duh."
He leaned in, touching his nose to hers before he resumed writing, scribbling in the book quietly.
Fast watched him for a time before she leaned in, looking at what he was scrawling. "We know Celestia's alright, why are you writing that?"
Silver jerked up. "Huh? Oh... Just letting my thoughts wander. A lot is very confusing right now, but I'm okay, promise."
Fast pouted a little. "Don't lie. I may not be the sharpest pony in this castle, but don't lie, please." She nipped at one of his long ears. "If you're feeling bad, just say that. It's alright."
Silver clenched his teeth a moment. "How... How is Tumble doing?"
"He's fine, why?"
"Send him in."
Fast rose up to her hooves. "You could just go up to him, you know."
"Please."
Fast nodded and turned away. "I'll find him. Just... There are so many ponies that love you, Silver. Stop moping." She closed the door behind herself, and silence returned.
She truly loves her ponies as her children. Or so he scrawled, then slowly sank to the desk. "Damn it all..." Being mopey wasn't helping. Being mopey was not helping. He forced himself to his hooves and stomped on the floor with building frustration. "Stop it!" He kicked the desk, which had no reply for him.
It was like waking from a nightmare, but normal nightmares had no power over him. He usually found them fascinating, not... that...
Maybe busying himself in other's nightmares? "I should do that." It couldn't be worse than suffering through his own. Every night... Every single one, without fail, and without pause. He awoke not only unsettled, but embarrassed. He was too old to be scared by dreams. He was too old to be scared by the phantoms in his head. He thought he was bigger than that.
"Silver?" Tumble slipped into the room, looking nervous.
Silver smiled at him, remember a time when the stallion's presence frightened him. Oh, that his worst fear be being hopped on by an amorous pony. "Tumble, we haven't touched bases. How has your training been going?"
"It's... good. Are you alright?"
"Why wouldn't I be?"
Tumble glanced away. "The others, they're worried for you."
"And you?"
Tumble pawed at the ground. "Ready to serve..."
"Not really an answer, is it?"
Tumble turned away, turning red, just to feel Silver's lips on his cheek. "Tumble..."
Tumble's blush magnified as he wheeled to face Silver. "W-what?"
Silver smiled gently. "I had a terrible dream, where you weren't there. But there was a bright side, at least."
"Oh?"
Silver nodded. "You were running your business, and you fought off your parents on your own. You weren't in my life... but you had made it on your own. I was so sad, but so proud..." He looked back up at Tumble. "You have so much strength in you, and I don't want you to hold it back, worrying for me."
Tumble was silent for a time, shuffling in place before he advanced. He sat on his haunches before Silver and reached one leg out, trembling, and drew Silver closer without resistance. They hugged tenderly, and words weren't required. It was broken with a question. "What happened?"
It was the one question Silver didn't want to answer, not directly. "I saw many things. I'm sorry for being a huge downer." He smiled, forcing the expression. "Don't let me be. Drag me around if you have to. Tell the others to... I'll shake this off, I promise."
And he did. And so they did. Despite his idea, ambitious as it might have been, Silver did not recover any faster outside. Being taken to dinner or hauled to friendly gatherings did little but have him sitting mostly quietly, watching, and passively enduring. He wouldn't speak out of turn or bring up new ideas, even when he had one. Even when he tried so hard, but he couldn't quite get to it. He'd only peek from his shell in the safety of his room, in the company of those he loved alone. Even two at once would overwhelm him and he'd withdraw, against himself. If they tried to push, he would apologize to them while berating himself. They didn't like where he was going, and neither did he.
Twilight and Night were round, and needed help. Doting after them brought small moments of reprieve from his malaise, and Silver become a doting stallion when they called. This was one thing that was assuredly better than his dream, or nightmare, had been. To be there for them, to be the father of those children. Would they be the same children? Would it happen in the same order?
He was especially mindful around Night Watch, expecting her to deliver first. Every time she winced. Every time she grunted. Each little noise brought his focus on her. He rubbed her sore barrel, nuzzled into her warm belly, and brought her what she asked for when he could, which wasn't always.
Despite it being a point of joy, sometimes he just couldn't rise no matter how hard he tried. Something inside of him was busted. Some days he just wrote and wrote and wrote. He asked for a new journal to receive all these scribbles, and got to filling it, writing so much, and yet so little. Looking at magic made him angry. It was magic that let him be... so violated in such a new way.
"There has to be a reason." He clopped a hoof down on the desk. "Why doesn't she come and say why?" He wiped away tears that stained the pages and turned away from the book, gazing out at the sky instead. "She has... a kingdom to run. Relax... She'll come when she can... I can't hurry her. I'm not a whiner." He grunted with growing anger, much of it turned inwards, and returned to writing.
He heard the sound of teleportation, and turned, hoping... It was Twilight. She put a hoof on his snout before he could talk. "You're coming with me." He nodded lightly, and they both vanished.
They appeared at the crystal map. He was seated right in the middle of Equestria. The girls were gathered, looking up at him. His wives were also there, Twilight on her throne of course. Pinkie tilted her head left and right. "What's wrong with him?"
Rarity rolled a hoof, "I do believe that's what we're here to find out."
Silver frowned a little. "There's nothing wrong with me."
Applejack leaned forward on her throne. "Physically."
Fluttershy glanced away. "We shouldn't hold him here if he doesn't want to be..."
Fast slammed the ground with a loud clop. "No! Enough. This isn't you, Silver. You can't be happy with this. Tell us you're happy with this, go on."
Silver trembled as he tried to force the words out, but he wasn't happy with things. He was so unhappy... He sank to the table, tears streaming.
Night reared up with some effort in her gravid state, forehooves on the side of the table. "Silver, everyone here cares about you. You know that, right?"
"I'm sorry I'm letting you all down." He put a leg over his eyes. "I'm trying to get around it, to get past it, but it's not working. I'm so damn sorry."
Pinkie hopped up beside Silver and nuzzled him. There was something about her, some... Silver suddenly recoiled, flopping right off the table to the crystal floor in a heap. "What? I was just trying to cheer him up."
Silver gathered himself up and sat up. "It's not your fault, Pinkie. I had a nightmare about it."
"What kinda nightmare?" Pinkie leaned forward towards him.
"You..." He ran his forehooves over one another slowly, trying to figure out how to phrase it. "You were affected by a disease, and then it got me, and... we may have made a foal together."
Rarity rolled her eyes. "That sounds like the wild daydreams of the stallion named 'stud of the land' and not without reason." She leaned forward. "If Pinkie wanted you, she would just have to request formally, wouldn't she?"
Pinkie scowled at Rarity. "Don't be like that, look, he's really upset." She stood up and smiled brightly. "We're not that kind of friend, but I want us to be good friends, the normal kind. I don't need any foals right now. I can help my friends with theirs! I can help this stallion friend of mine with his problems." She reached out a leg. "Come on."
Rainbow fluttered her wings. "What happened to your 'I can beat anything I want to' attitude, huh? You're going to let a nightmare win?" She raised a brow. "I thought you were a nightmare pony, you know, like Luna? How can you be bothered by a nightmare anyway?"
Twilight held up a hoof. "Now that's not fair. Even Princess Luna, with all her years of experience, has had nightmares she couldn't control." She put a hoof over her snout. "Forget you heard that. But it's true..."
Rainbow waved it off. "Fine fine, I won't make fun of her for it."
Applejack took off her hat and held it to her chest. "Look, Silver, Do ya understand we're all here for ya?"
Silver slowly put his forehooves up on the table, then hopped up onto it. "I do. I'm so... Look, You're all great, and thank you. Thank every last one of you for being here. I'm the one not getting over this. I'm sorry." He locked eyes with Twilight. "Maybe I should talk to Luna. She has more experience than me."
As if speaking her name was a summons, there was a knocking at the front door, and Luna entered moments later, hurrying her way to the map room with her eyes on Silver. "Ah there you are." Her wings fluttering she smiled. "I was hoping you would call us soon."
Silver smiled. "Have I kept you waiting? Sorry Luna, I kept hoping I could fight this myself."
Luna spread her wings wide. "You were brave to enter this battle, but there is no shame in calling for an ally when that fails. You are surrounded by many that care for you so. I would say you are blessed." She set a hoof on her chest. "I hope I can count among them, even if I have made some mistakes before. My prince, let's talk. But first..." She turned to Twilight, Night and Fast. "Show me what he's been writing. I would see them personally." Silver tried to dissuade her, but she would not be convinced, and was soon led away by Night Watch to go see the journal.
Twilight let out a little sigh. "I'm sorry... We've all seen it. We're worried about you."
"You told her though?"
"We did." Twilight nodded slowly. "In fact, I have a letter Luna can bring back with her, to Celestia."
Silver hung his head a moment before straightening himself. ~Yes, go ahead.~ "Be right back." And he was gone.
He appeared in a small library. Of course, any room in Twilight's castle that wasn't being used for something else specifically was a library. Luna was there, seated and nodding at him. "Welcome, Silver, please, sit with me." She gestured with a wing to a pillow in front of herself.
Hesitantly, he advanced on the pillow and sat on it. "It's been so long."
"About two weeks." She cocked her head lightly. "Your tone implies it felt much longer. Will you speak to me about it?"
Silver frowned. "I don't... I don't know what's true anymore. Even what I think I know, it could be a lie. Even what fills me with anger, or sadness." He glanced away. "I don't want to talk about it... Even what I think I know could set off a war, and I don't even know if it'd be true."
Luna curled a wing, brushing it along the bottom of Silver's snout. "Tell me what you can. Name no names if you must. I would see you mended and returned to us."
Silver fidgeted softly in place a moment. "If I told you..."
Luna sighed. "I would hate a pony forever. Twilight mentioned this. We care not. Tell us and let us be the judge, without names, if you must."
Silver took a slow breath. "I have a few questions. How can I dream without you seeing it?"
Luna blinked and looked thoughtful. "I would think this not to be possible. If you were in the dream world, I would notice it. Even if your dream gateway was entirely barred, it would still be there, simply unable to be opened. Why?"
Silver pointed at himself. "That is not true."
Luna frowned. "Is that so? Tell me more. How is that not so."
Silver shuffled the knowledge of the 'dream' and what he both hoped and dreaded was a more true reality he sat in. "Can I ask you to keep a secret, to only speak of it after the fact, if at all?"
Luna's ears pricked up. "You have my word, assuming it does not cause or prevent harm to another."
Silver lifted a hoof. "No, no... Night will give birth first, a daughter, Clear Twilight, dark blue with some silver streaks. The other, colt, Morning Glory, brown fur, lavender mane and tail. Both will be the tribe you had hoped..."
Luna frowned a little. "How can you be so certain of this, especially their names? It is the mother that gives the name, traditionally, do you plan to override them?"
"No." Silver clopped softly. "On whatever value my word has, I will not whisper a thing of what I just told you. Let them choose on their own, and let this be proven true or false..."
Luna gave a slowly expanding smile. "Two lunar unicorns... Born of such talented ponies, mother and father both. It hasn't happened yet, but to hear you say it, it feels as if it already has. Both!" She shook her forehooves in a tremble. "Are you certain, both?" When Silver nodded, she squealed. "We apologize. The excitement is overwhelming us. My amazing stud, you would strike two on your first two attempts." She advanced on Silver and was suddenly over him, kissing into his neck and along his snout.
He remembered she'd never had the sting of Celestia's betrayal, but was that even true? "Luna?"
She paused in her affection and drew back. "Yes?"
"Check on all the mares you had me sire with. Make sure they're well. Assume something's wrong with all of them and do whatever you can to make it not wrong."
Luna scowled at the idea. "What? What could be wrong with them?"
"I pray nothing..." He let out a slow sigh. "Would you... Would you be hurt if I didn't feel up for studding?"
"Right now?" Luna snorted. "You are hurt, injured. I would not imagine to press you to such duties. Please, relax and recover for as long as you need. Precious prince of mine." She kissed him on the nose. "Even if you never say yes again, We would bid you to recover and be well again." She glanced away then met his eyes. "We love you."
He smiled slowly, but the ghosts of the past that may or may not have happened stole that smile away. "I..." He wanted to speak of how he had tried to make a foal with Celestia, several times. How he had come to new thoughts with Luna. How... How much of it was true at all?
Luna hugged him tightly. "Enough. We have pressed you enough for one day. We will return when we are ready to speak further. For now, be well." She stepped free of him, ruffling her wings. "I have a pony I must speak with." As Silver rolled up to sitting, she took flight, and was soon gone on large wings.
Silver emerged from the library, feeling just a little better. Telling her that, and having that root, to know if some was truth or lie, that helped... "Twilight?"
With a flash, she appeared, gravid and still swelling. "Yes?"
Silver smiled. "Is that safe, with the foal?"
"Of course it is. You think I didn't do exhaustive research before hoof?" She leaned in and put her nose to Silver's.
Silver smiled briefly. "Knowing you, you either did an entire paper on it, or you didn't think about it until I just brought it up."
Twilight shoved him lightly. "Hmmph. Anyway, what's up?"
Silver ruffled his wings as he looked her over. She was a special kind of mesmerizing while working to bring a foal into the world. That's when he noticed it, and he felt the blood drain from his snout. "T-twilight, what's that?" He pointed to a jewel hanging from her horn, almost lost in her mane.
"Hmm?" She went cross-eyed looking for it, then her magic grabbed it and pulled it out. "Oh, I guess I won't need this." She tossed it aside. "It was supposed to be a little surprise, for you actually." She laughed nervously. "It was a stupid idea anyway. You probably would have hated it..."
"No!" Silver put his hooves on her shoulders. "No! It was a lovely gift. Thank you, Twilight. Thank you for thinking of me this way." How did Celestia know Twilight would think of that? She shouldn't have known... "Thank you..."
Twilight went red in her cheeks and across the bridge of her nose. "Y-you're welcome, Silver, but I didn't even give it to you. Do you even know what you're thanking me for?"
Silver licked over his fangs. "Tell me if I'm off track, but that's a memory crystal."
"Yes."
"You were going to wear it through your pregnancy."
"Right?"
"And through the birth, then give it to me, to experience the whole thing."
Her blush returned with a vengeance. "You hate it. You can be honest with me."
"No!" Silver nuzzled under her snout and gently nibbled. "No... It was perfect..." That was a thing he'd miss, but would he? He could still remember it. He could remember being Twilight, waddling around, giving birth... It was so powerful. He could feel new tears sprouting from the old memory. "Please, go ahead. Even if I'll be there with you, go ahead. This is the gift you planned, and it's a great one."
Twilight slowly set the crystal back on her head. "Are you sure? Thinking on it, I feel kinda stupid coming up with it. You weren't exactly asked before the last time you became a mare, and here I am, about to throw that on you."
Silver sat up. "The first act was done out of fear and blind loyalty. This one? Love. Sometimes that can make a large difference." He put a hoof on his chest. "I love you too, Twilight. I will be there for you, as a stallion, and later, as you." He smiled. "Where can I get a memory crystal? We can swap afterwards, have both sides of the event for both of us to enjoy later."
"Oh! That's a great idea." She flashed a smile. "I'll get one for Night Watch too." She rose up on her burdened legs, her belly pleasantly widened. "I'll do it right now, alright?"
Silver nuzzled her cheeks gently. "Thank you. I can't even express how much I'm looking forward to being here, instead of god knows where."
"Me too." She nipped at one of his ears, then vanished away.
Silver felt a little more energetic, and trotted up towards the observatory, to find Night Watch up there, writing in a book. "Night?"
Night slammed the book shut with her wings and spun to face Silver. "Silver! What's up?"
Silver raised a brow. "We share a talent, remember? What were you writing that made you jump like that?"
"Nothing."
Silver just stared at her. She grabbed the book she was writing in and stuffed it in a saddlebag. "A mare is allowed to have some privacy. Anyway, you look better?" She tilted her head. "A little. What happened?"
Silver approached her with a little smile. "Maybe just remembering how lucky I am to have such a ravishing wife?"
Night rolled her eyes. "Twenty percent." Despite that, she approached and they kissed gently. "It's good to see you on the mend. If you need anything, you'll shout, right?"
"Except what you're writing?"
"Except that."
Silver nuzzled along her side, reaching her gravid side. She was much more rounded than Twilight. She was clearly going to pop first. "What can I do for you, impending mother?"
Night sat on her haunches and rested a hoof on that belly of hers. "Keep getting better. I want you to be all there when the time comes, to share it with me. You don't even know how sad I was to know you wouldn't be there, but now here you are. Let's enjoy that, together."
Silver kissed that hoof resting on his future foal. He wanted to whisper to her, but censored her name. "Little foal, I can't wait to see you. Your mother's working so hard to make you right now."
Night huffed. "It's not easy. I don't think I'll want to do it again." She leaned back slowly. "I don't regret this time though. I don't... regret what we've done. Both of us, together."
Silver nodded quickly as he nestled in with her. "Never." He didn't remember ever seeing Night scribbling much in a journal, certainly never secretly... "Are you worried?"
"For you?" Night tilted her head. "I'd be lying if I said no." She sat up. "But take your time. You'll bounce back. I know it."
Silver settled that night between the warm forms of Twilight, Fast, and Night surrounding him. He was cradled between them, and he thought as he settled to sleep.
This was not a bad world.
Why would Celestia do something like this?
He decided to review what he could iron down as facts.
Fact, he never made it to the ship he and Celestia were supposed to be on.
Fact, Celestia was not there when he woke up.
Fact, Celestia has not tried to contact him.
The last bothered him perhaps most of all. If this was the act of another, surely Celestia would want to reach out to him, make sure he was fine and find out what happened instead of their planned journey. But if she did it on purpose, why wouldn't she come just as swiftly, spinning tales to throw him off balance and comfort him with lies until he let the whole thing drop?
It didn't quite add up. Well, who was he? He was a damn prince! He sat up a little with a frown. "If answers won't come to me, I'll find them myself." His little murmur got sleepy complaints from his slumbering wives, and he settled back down. Having decided on it, he felt better, and sleep came for him.
He awoke in an equally familiar, but different, bedroom. Luna reclined on a rather comfortable looking bed, but hadn't she had pillows?
"You look perplexed, my prince. Celestia insisted on it. 'Sleeping cushions are too old fashioned', or so she claimed." She snorted softly. "I'm still getting used to it." She rolled up to her haunches, but didn't leave the bed. "Join me."
Silver smiled. "I'm being invited to bed by a very captivating mare."
Luna leaned forward. "We are glad you understand the gravity of the matter." She tapped the mattress. "Come."
Hopping up, Silver was soon seated just in front of her, and they shared soft nuzzles. Silver was still young, as a pony. Even his gained alicorn stature put him a bit below Luna, but that should change with time. "Luna, I'm not upset to see you, but why?"
Luna tilted her head. "I was thinking strongly of you. I..." She glanced away and back. "I will confess. I took charge for you, which is something that has hurt us both in the past, but I cannot ignore your pain."
Silver inclined his ears forward. "I don't want you picking fights with anyone. Luna, I'm going to fight my own battles, starting tomorrow. Expect to see me in Canterlot in person."
Her face brightened. "Truly? Well, you know you can call on me. Fighting on your own hooves does not preclude having allies at your side." She pulled Silver closer with her magic and kissed the top of his nose. "Will you sleep with me?"
Silver let out a soft fit of laughter as he snuggled in with her, pulling up the blanket over them both and getting comfortable. "Is it strange that I can feel you meaning it literally?" He held her gently. "We can consider other things when I'm there in person."
Sun streaming through the window, Silver awakened to find a new day and squinted his slit eyes a moment before he hopped to the floor and began stretching out.
"How are you today?" Night was seated nearby, watching him.
"Better." But he always said that. "Today, I fight." He trotted into the shower without pause and began washing himself off. "I'm going to find out what's real, and what's fake, and start living. No matter what, I want to start living."
Night didn't move, looking to where he rested in the shower. "Tell me what you dreamed of."
"I don't think it was a dream."
"Don't play semantics. Whatever you saw. Whatever you experienced, share some."
Silver emerged from the shower, toweling himself off as he went. "You had magic armor that enhanced all kinds of pony magic, even subtle kinds like durability and strength. You could fly faster, farther, kick as strong as Applejack on her best day. Hay... You might have had other talents, but we never got to finish exploring them." He looked up at her. "You were so happy..."
"Why?" She tilted her head. "Why did that make me so happy?"
"Your talent doesn't work internally?" Silver approached her and kissed her on the bridge of her nose. "I didn't forget your words. You are an amazing pony, but you still feel you lack your own magic."
Night frowned slightly. "I suppose... that's true... Borrowing Fast's was quite the experience. So I had a magic of my own?"
"You did." He nipped at her shoulder, then began to pull his clothes over, getting dressed quickly with his magic. "You were a goddess, easily a physical match for the family, but you had to pay a terrible price to get it."
"Terrible?" She frowned all the more, leaning forward. "Is this one of those cautionary tales?"
"If you take it as one." He shook out a bit, getting his saddlebag in place. "I died wearing most of the armor, then you took it and found the rest. You literally upended the universe to get me back, ordering around Twilight to do it. You were the alpha female of the herd to be certain." He looked up at Night. "If a great silver thing comes from the sky, tread cautiously."
Night stood there, gazing without comprehension a few moments before her eyes narrowed. "That's impossible. If you were dead, the vision would end, wouldn't it?"
"You'd think." He waved a hoof. "I'm growing more certain that it wasn't a dream, but what was it, and who threw me in it, that's what I want to know. Night, I'll be back later. Mind the castle for me?"
Night whistled high and dropped to two low notes. The door burst open moments later with Fast Change charging in. "What, what?"
Night pointed at Silver. "Do not let him leave your sight. I'd follow him myself but I'm fat and slow right now."
Fast saluted sharply. "Aye aye, my adorable captain." She turned to Silver. "You heard her. You're not getting away from me. So where are we going?"
Silver spread his wings wide, which was enough prompt for Fast to sprout two feathery wings of her own and stretch them out. He approached her and rubbed chin to chin. "Canterlot. Night, we'll be back, promise. No more running away from this." He went to the window with Fast following after him.
Night trotted behind them. "I didn't think you were running away in the first place. Something has really rattled you. I hope you find the answers." She smiled a little. "Your home will be waiting for you, successful or not."
Silver looked over his shoulder. "I believe it, and you. Tell Twilight and the others I'll be thinking about them." He put a hoof to his chin. "Oh, and tell Tumble to decide when he wants that date he's deserved for so long."
Fast burst into sudden manic giggles. "Oh you amazing bastard! You're going to drop that bomb on him while you're not here? Glorious."
Together, Fast and Silver took to the sky, leaving Night to roll her eyes and go seeking the others. "I wouldn't mind that, if it didn't come with the dying part." She glanced back at where her two lovers had vanished. "Not worth that price."
Twilight was pleased when she heard Silver had taken flight. "Fast'll keep him from anything too stupid."
Night raised a brow.
"What? She's a little... eager, but she isn't stupid. They shouldn't get into too much trouble. Besides, Silver needs to get out and do things." She turned away from Night. "I'm only sad we're a bit large to be chasing after him. I still can't believe it... Why would Celestia be involved in something like this."
"She isn't." Night frowned at Twilight. "Sixty percent."
Twilight raised a hoof, but it came back to the ground without a word. "Then what? You obviously see something, Night. Why didn't you share it with Silver?"
Night sank to her haunches. "He needs to talk to her, in either event. They need to face the past, together. I don't see what is, just what isn't, which isn't as helpful as I make it out to be right now. I wish I could get a grasp on the situation sure enough to see what is right now. Speaking of which, what was that about Pinkie Pie, at the intervention?"
Twilight raised a brow. then gave a soft 'oh'. "Well, there was that experiment, to reach Silver's home. It kind of backfired... Pinkie got mixed up in it, but we got her back. She was..." Twilight rolled a hoof. "Infected, I suppose is a word, but the sickness turned humans into ponies. It's completely harmless here, in the land of ponies."
Night raised a brow high. "And yet it terrified Silver just to think of."
"Well he was a human?" She shrugged softly. "He's in a very delicate state. I'm hoping this trip shakes some of that out of him and we can get some clear answers."
Night nudged Twilight. "I hope so too, but clean up Pinkie. I don't care how theoretically harmless it is. Besides, you have a human living right here in the castle, or did you forget? He's made it this long as a human, would be a shame to break that out of carelessness."
Twilight put a hoof over her snout. "Oh! You're right. I'll take care of that right now, promise." She made the Pinkie Promise, ending with a poke to her right eye. "See you later, alright?" She rose and trotted off, presumably in search of Pinkie.
Night let her go and continued her search. Tumble wasn't hard to find. He was outside, practicing his stances with a spear. Night picked up another and moved to join him, but he recoiled away. "Night! No! You're too pregnant to spar."
Night spat out the spear and frowned at him. "Story of my life right now. Tumble, how are you?"
With her no longer trying to enter a spar, he relaxed. "Well and fit. Is Silver feeling any better?"
"He is." She nodded. "Well enough that he wanted you to think about something."
"Oh, like what?" Tumble cocked his head, peering at Night curiously.
"When your date's going to be."
"What date?" His curiosity turned to a mild frown. "With who?"
"With him, I should think." Night rolled a hoof. "His idea, not mine, but I approve. He wants to go on a real date, with you."
Tumble's spear fell from his numb jaws before he brought trembling hooves together in excited clops. "Seriously?! How?! Oh Celestia! Yes, yes yes! A thousand times yes!"
As Silver and Fast approached Canterlot, Silver drew his book of spells and unfurled it, browsing quickly over his spells. "Ah, my originals..." Dream or not, the letters all seemed familiar and comfortable. He still had the knowledge of the unicorn alphabet fresh in his mind, and he quickly flipped through his original collection of spells, soaking up the arcane writing.
"You memorizing something?"
"More like remembering what I remember, and not. Some of these I forgot, but I have the alphabet down."
Fast flew in closer. "What? That's great! You didn't have that down, hrm, ever?" She tilted her head at me. "What was I doing in this place you were in?"
Silver frowned a little. "Nothing I want to get too into, but I will say this. No matter how grim it gets, how dark and lonely you feel." He bumped into her. "We will stand by each other, until the end of days."
Fast recoiled a little. "That's more than a little grim." She tilted her head. "Was it that bad?"
Silver snorted, but didn't press it. He hoped quietly she would never have to rethink his words.
They arrived at the castle and touched down side-by-side. The guards there saluted. "Hello, Prince Silver Stars."
He nodded back at them. "Good day." He moved to walk past them, and wasn't challenged. He took note of that quietly. If Celestia didn't want to see him, surely they would have put up some token struggle to his presence.
"Hello." Night Wing stepped out from around a corner, dangerously close to the two. She had a smile that seemed devoid of warmth. "Greetings, 'Stud of the Land'. What brings you here? This is the seat of judgement and rationale. Your services are not needed here."
Silver took a half-step back, to bump into someone else. A glance revealed another of the warlocks. Shoot, what was their name? Silver couldn't remember. They had a twin... "Nice to see you both, but why the chilly reception?"
Fast had already swollen, becoming a manticore with bristled fur. "I don't like this at all. Back off and give us some space."
The unnamed one smiled. "We're here to escort you out. If you want to see Luna, we'll send her to you."
Silver vanished, appearing behind the pony trying to hedge him in. "I don't want to fight either of you." He reared up onto hindlegs. "But I will. I will not be turned away. I'd rather we remain friends."
Night shook her head. "Try it, if you insist, or you can leave peacefully. Go on, Destroyer, prove it."
The hated word turned against him made him shrink back, falling to all fours. "Like it or not, I am royalty. I'm allowed to be here, and I'm not hurting anyone doing it."
Fast fluffed out her huge wings. "Yeah! Let us go past already." She flashed a bright smile, toothy and sharp. "You're making me nervous."
The other raised a brow. "It would be a shame to visit pain on your wife, Prince Silver, but she is not royalty. I will if she forces my hoof."
Silver held up a hoof quickly. "No, enough. We're leaving. He wrapped his magic around Fast and whisked them past, or so was the idea. He slipped between here and there, but before he got ten feet away with her, he was slammed into the physical world. His head felt like it was exploding, and he collapsed to the ground with a soft grunt of pain.
Fast grabbed him up and tossed him on her back and sprinted with him through the halls. The more conventional guards backed away in shock at the sight of a stampeding manticore with an alicorn on its back, unsure what to do until Night Wing and her friend arrived after them. "Capture them! The beast has Prince Silver Stars."
Silver pulled himself up a little as Fast stormed through the increasingly agitated castle. His pounding headache was sharp but dying with every moment, ebbing away. "Fast, duck somewhere, anywhere. You have to stop being a manticore."
"Got it." She dove into a room and became her usual unicorn self, sending Silver sliding to bump up against a table.
Seated at the same table, Celestia raised a brow. "Good afternoon." She sipped gently from a cup of tea held in her magic. "What's all the commotion about? Did you do something, Prince Silver Stars?"
The door opened moments later even as Silver sat up. A dozen guards and Night Wing entered swiftly, but bowed as they became aware of Celestia.
Celestia waved at them lightly. "Return to your post, everything is just fine." Like that, they were dismissed, and left. She turned her eyes to her two remaining guests. "Well?"
Silver sat up as Fast settled beside him. "Celestia." He didn't feel that was assured. "A pleasure to see you."
"And you as well." She nodded lightly, then inclined her head towards the snacks before her. "Have some."
"Don't mind if I do." Fast snatched a cookie in her magic and gnawed on it.
Silver was far more hesitant. "How did the trip go?"
"As well as can be expected." Celestia shrugged softly. "What brings you to Canterlot?"
Silver frowned softly, growing warm as he began letting his magic run in wide circles through his body, preparing, but not entirely sure what for. "Oh, after our trip, I thought I'd volunteer for another."
"How delightful." She smiled as she sipped from her cup. "I'm sure we can make a real difference for the world. I'll inform you the moment one comes up."
Silver tilted his head. "Oh, do tell me how I did last time. I'd like to improve my diplomacy."
She waved it off. "You were fine. A little inexperienced, showing your hoof off too easily, but very fine."
Fast looked between the two of them as if uncertain what was going on. "I tho--" Silver stomped on one of her hooves and she quieted with a little frown.
The more he spoke with her... "I lost track of time, having so much fun with you, Celestia. How long were we away?"
Celestia raised a brow. "Hmm? Well, it has to have been at least a year."
Even Fast could see a falseness in that statement. Silver nodded though. "Oh yes, at least. Well, it's been great touching bases with you. We really should see each other more often." He smiled at her. "I love Celestia."
"I love you too." She tilted her head. "You don't need to speak about me in the third person. What a curious habit."
Silver rose and turned to the door, walking with Fast to the hallway and closing the door behind.
"You can leave now." Night Wing was glaring at them both.
Silver turned on her. "Why? Where's the real Celestia?"
"I confess." She rolled a hoof. "I thought you'd do something stupid and attack her. You impressed me a little, still, leave now." She clopped the floor. "The nightmare you experienced will just be the start of true horror if you force our hooves."
Fast slid in front of Silver, becoming a female version of her, just as he once was when he was a princess. "Enough toying around. Talk straight."
"Not really my business." She raised a brow at the grown Fast. "If he learned anything, he'll go home, enjoy his family, and stay out of royal affairs."
Silver clopped a hoof. "Not so easily. It's not just about what's best for me. Where is Celestia?" He leaned forward. "I will not rest until I know she's safe."
Night tapped at her chin. "Very curious. I thought you'd be more angry at her."
"Angry?!" Silver spread his wings. "She's kidnapped, or foalnapped, whatever you want to call it. She was taken when I was. She hasn't been returned. Are you trying to break her like you did for me?" He took a slow step forward. "I won't allow it. I will rescue her."
"Good luck with that." She stepped back into the darkness of the hallway she was in front of, and casually vanished away even as Silver rushed for her and shone light along the empty corridor.
"Damn it all to hell."
"What is hell?" Fast ruffled up her wings. "Not that important, I guess, but what's going on? That wasn't Celestia then?"
"I'd bet a lot of money on it not being." He turned to her. "Come on, let's go. Here we're too close to them."
They walked side-by-side to the exit, catching the eye of many courtiers and guards. To see Silver Stars as a princess, many have, and to see them as a prince? Surely, but both at once, walking in step?
Carrot Plate gasped in surprise, dropping a platter she was holding. Silver caught it with a silvery hand and set it gently on a table. "Hello, Carrot. Are things well?"
"Y-yes... And yourself, sir?"
Silver looked her over for signs of the trauma she faced in the nightmare, but none were present. "Glad to see you in such good health. Please, don't let us hold you up." They moved past her, and were soon outside.
An idea suddenly came to Silver. "There's somewhere we can go, somewhere you are even more highly regarded than I ever could be."
"Oh, where's that?" asked Fast in Silver's female voice, confusing him a moment.
"Your hive, where you were queen. I have a feeling they may be involved, or know who is."
Fast frowned. "You're not going to start throwing accusations at them, are you?"
Silver waved a hoof. "They're bugs, and that's a little creepy, but I have nothing against bugs. I can't know how much of what I saw is true or not, but part of it said you were part changeling."
"What? Awesome!" She flapped her wings a little. "And you don't even care? Double awesome." She leaned in and nibbled at Silver's cheek and Silver smiled.
"You're my favorite one." Silver hugged her, a leg thrown over her withers and pulling her close. "Now let's visit your cousins, however distant, and see what they've been up to. I think Celestia may be in trouble."
"As much as I'm really looking forward to kicking some flank and being the one in charge..." Fast tapped at the ground. "We really should get the others, and bring them in on this."
"Pregnant and fat?" Silver perked his ears. "I love them both, but I won't put them at risk right now."
"Well, fine, what about Spike, Tumble, and Jake? Three strapping stallions that'd do anything to help us if we just asked."
Silver felt the urge to deny it boiling, but fought it down. "Right... Maybe we should. None of us are enough on our own, but we're not on our own." He smiled at Fast. "We have the magic of friendship."
"Let's magic the everliving stuffing out of this!"
With Fast at his side, Silver flew swiftly towards Ponyville. Glancing aside at his feminine side, Silver snorted and smiled. "It feels like the universe really wants me to get some of 'me'."
Fast raised a brow and grinned at him. "Oh, am I pressing all the right buttons?" She flew in close. "I'll wear this one when we have some time then, and we'll see what kinds of music we can get out of two silver instruments."
Silver nipped her before putting a few inches between them. "This is the least creepy time I've had the offer, for what that's worth."
They landed before Twilight's castle and a thought occurred to Silver. "Maybe we shouldn't take them."
"Oh? Why not?"
Silver scowled. "They could try to make a move and hurt or take either of them if we leave the home base entirely undefended. Let's talk to them and have them guard the home front for us."
Fast nodded quickly. "Alright. I trust you and Night to do the heavy mental lifting, so let's do that then."
They trotted inside and found Spike first, organizing some books. Silver approached with a smile. "Hey, big guy. We have a true chore for a true dragon."
He quirked a brow. "Huh? What? You need something cleaned?"
Fast shook her head. "He was being serious. Only real adults need apply."
"Oh?" Spike perked up and hopped off the stool he was on. "What is it?"
Silver gestured. "I have reason to suspect an attack may come. I hope and pray I'm wrong, but if it does, I'll rest easier knowing you're here and ready to mount a proper defense. Twilight's going to be too round, along with Night, to do much."
The information sunk into Spike, his eyes widening. "You can count on me! I'll keep them both safe."
Fast clapped him on the shoulder. "We knew we could count on you. You won't be alone. You see Jake or Tumble?"
Spike waved it off. "Jake's off chasing after Rainbow I bet. Poor guy doesn't even know he doesn't stand a chance."
Fast and Silver shared a glance before Silver forced a smile. "How about Tumble?"
Spike hiked a thumb upwards. "Out on the balcony last I saw. He didn't leave, so he has to be in the castle."
Fast bobbed her head. "Great, we'll go talk to him then."
"One thing." Spike waved a finger back and forth between them. "Is there a reason there's two of you?"
Silver shook his head. "You know Fast."
"Yeah, figured..." Spike let them go, and they found Tumble out on the balcony as promised, but Jake was there as well.
Silver waved a wing as he entered. "Hey, both of you at once, what a deal."
Fast bobbed her head. "We need you two to play guard duty on the house, extra alert."
Jake looked confused. "Huh?"
Tumble was faster to come around. "Of course! I was mid-patrol when I came across Jake."
Jake rolled a hand. "What's up? You know I'm not an official guard or anything."
Silver nodded at Jake. "But you are a friend of the family. Someone may show up to cause trouble, or not. Be aware and ready to act. Even giving Tumble and Spike a warning may make all the difference, alright?"
"Yeah yeah, sure." He waved it off. "Why not call Twilight's friends? They're used to trouble and pretty good at it."
Silver glanced out over Ponyville, home of most of Twilight's friends. "They have their own lives, and we don't know for sure anything'll happen at all. Let them do what they have to do."
Fast rolled a hoof. "If this carries on, they'll be here soon. Doesn't Twilight have that yak delegation coming in from YakYakistan?"
Jake clapped his hands together. "That's right. Okay, we'll keep an eye on things. You go off and do whatever you're doing. I'm assuming it's important and not TV-Y."
"What?" Tumble looked confused.
Silver nodded. "Exactly. We'll try to get back as quickly as we can. Thank you, both of you."
With the home secured, the two alicorns that appeared as siblings took flight from there, headed back towards Canterlot. "I have an idea of one who could join us, but I can't be sure they're on our side, against us, or just completely unaware of what's going on."
"Who?" Fast looked aside at Silver. "I'm no Night, but I can give you my take."
"Sure. Luna."
Fast tilted her head. "Safe."
"So sure?"
Fast bobbed her head. "Luna's been getting more and more irate about the whole situation. She's so... She loves you, Silver. She's ready to murder a pony if it'll fix things. There's no way she's on the bad guy side."
Silver considered a moment before giving a shaking nod. "I believe you. Second half of the question, how do we get to her without running the gauntlet?"
Fast tapped him on the shoulder. "Hello, dream prince? Take a little snooze and ask her to meet up somewhere."
Silver slapped his face with a hoof. "Duh, of course." He veered down into the trees with Fast right behind. Settling down, sleep came to him easily, and he was thrust into the world of dreams.
Luna was there, smiling at him when he arrived. "This is not your usual time. Are you feeling better?"
Silver smiled gently. "Luna, it's good to see you. I came here for you actually."
She perked an ear. "Did you now? Tell us more." She took hold of his shoulders and pulled them both into her dreamscape, where they sat on a large cloud, facing one another. "You have found me."
"I have." Silver leaned in and nuzzled gently. "Let's keep this brief. Your sister, something's wrong with her."
Luna scowled. "Kind words from a kind soul. How could..." She cut herself off, looking Silver over. "Are you ready to confess?"
Silver perked an ear. "I don't think she did it, or at least, not our Celestia. I aim to find out. I'm not wallowing in this one moment longer."
"Not her?" She sat up. "She speaks defensively. What do you mean?"
"Let's find out, together." Silver rose to his hooves, wings fluttering. "Fast is with me, watching over me as we do this. Can you see where I am?"
"I can. Stay there, I'll be there in a moment."
The dream ended. Rather than stick the landing, Silver faded from the dreamworld entirely and woke up to Fast stroking along his mane. "Hey."
Fast smiled. "Hay is for horses."
"Good thing we are those." Silver sat up. "Or was that racist?"
Fast wobbled a hoof. "Little A little B. I've studied animal origins before, so it doesn't ruffle me, even if it is kind of controversial. Was she there? What'd she say?"
"She said she would be there shortly." Luna landed beside them, wings tucking in at her sides. "Now, shall we shed light on this mystery? What do you mean to do to cast this aside and finally restore harmony where I have felt only discord?"
"What'd I do?" Discord popped out from behind a tree.
Silver laughed softly at Discord. "Oh there you are! Good to see you."
Discord returned the grin. "I can always count on at least one pony to be happy to see me. What sort of mischief are you up to that gets Miss Moon Butt here to say my name?"
Fast waved. "Oh, you know, maybe changeling clones, maybe wild fever dreams. We won't find out until we finish looking."
Silver rolled a hoof at Fast. "Don't forget the conspiracy theories."
"Ooo, this rabbit hole really does go deep, doesn't it?" Discord leaned forward, fluttering his lashes.
Luna snorted at the display. "And we mean to find its bottom and root out those who would act against us. Enough, are you with us, or against us?"
Discord waved it off. "Nah. Just checking in with my buddy here." He held a paw up. Silver offered a hoof and received the first high-five he had gotten in a while. "Good luck with that, sounds like a load of fun. Tell me about it later. Ciao!" And he was gone in a pop.
Luna turned her gaze to Silver and Fast. "Very well, now that that's out of the way, where do we proceed?"
Fast nodded up towards the mountain they were beside. "The hive I helped establish. Where else are we going to get primo changeling rumors?"
Luna frowned. "I may not be as welcome there." She glowed, becoming smaller and her wings vanishing away, leaving her a light purple unicorn. "There. I should raise fewer brows this way. Let's go."
Silver looked back at himself. "Can I do that?"
"We see no reason why not."
Silver copied the spell he saw in Luna's horn as best he could, but that failed. Fortunately, Luna was right there, and she showed him the letters more slowly until he could copy it properly, turning into Silver Lining, the brown furred unicorn with silver mane he was before he accepted Luna's offer. "I feel so small."
Luna grinned. "As do I. Hopefully few will recognize us. You were not nearly so famous before you became as you are today."
Fast turned and lowered herself. "Hop up. You two crazy unicorns went and forgot it takes wings to fly properly." They scaled up on her and she took off as she became her usual red color, though large enough to support the both. "We'll be there in a flash, then I'll hide myself and get in character, hmm? We have a hive to explore."
On arrival to the city, Fast landed near the edge and slipped out of sight. She returned to them, her dull off-red color, her natural color, as Silver remembered. She was a unicorn with no extra parts or frills, like the other two of them. The trio of unicorns trotted along in a loose bundle through the streets, blending in quite well in the unicorn-dominated city of Canterlot.
Silver let his vision sweep idly over the other ponies milling about. He spotted a pony that was familiar, with blue coat and an hourglass on her flank. What was her name? Colgate? There wasn't time to consider on it heavily as they walked past where the pony was standing and on to others.
Fast leaned in towards the other two. "The hive's not in the best part of town. We only had so much money to work with, and the richer ponies were feeling generous enough to let us be here at all, but not right on top of them, so we got what we got and made it work."
Luna nodded. "We see. You got them in quite the giving mood. Having a changeling hive at all in Canterlot was quite the achievement."
Silver looked around as the buildings became less immaculate as they went. It was like the opposite, when he was a she, walking out of the slums. He licked over his lips. Was it a dream, a vision? What could it fall under. "I think I've been on this street before."
There they were. Or at least, there he was. Tumble's father was reclined on a swinging couch on his porch, watching the world go by. As Silver spotted him, he was spotted, and their eyes met with mutual disbelief. In the vision, they were gone, but clearly at least one of his parents were still around in this reality.
"It's you!" He hopped down from his couch. "The pony that couldn't leave well enough alone!"
"Who are you talking about?" asked a voice from inside the ramshackle house. The door creaked open, allowing Tumble's mother free. "Oh, isn't that him?" She glared at Silver. "The one that took our son away and taught him to raise tail for other stallions."
Fast snorted at them. "Trot off. We're busy."
Silver raised a hoof. "No, I..."
"You'll make some damn time for me." The stallion approached with a limp in his front right leg. "Where do you get off, taking away our only son like that? Corrupting his soft little head?"
Silver rose as tall as his teenaged unicorn body allowed. "Your son is a captain of the royal guard, serving faithfully as a respected and valued member of the community."
Tumble's father slammed a hoof down into the dirt, making a divot in the shape of his hoof. "Don't feed me a bunch of cow dung and call it chocolate. What corner did you abandon him on?" He raised a hoof as if to strike, but Luna was there, placing a hoof against the arm and immobilizing it as she shook her head. "Who are you? Let go of me!"
Luna did release him, stepping half a step back. "Silver wishes to speak to you, do so, but attempt to lay a hoof on him again and I will not hold myself back."
"That goes double for me!" Fast was bristled up and ready to scrap.
Silver nodded at them. "I'm sorry, they're defensive, but I do want to talk to you." He sat on his haunches lightly. "Tumble is one of my best friends. I know, without a doubt, he is a wonderful pony." Silver reached out a hoof. "Why are you so convinced he isn't?"
His wife came up beside him. "What kind of 'wonderful pony' makes friends with the same ponies that attack his parents? What kind of 'wonderful pony' abandons his parents to run off and wave his rump at any stallion that so much as look at him? It's shameful is what it is, and you should be ashamed just talking about him!"
Tumble's father pointed a hoof at Silver but didn't try to wield it. "Exactly right. Boy ran off the moment he could and didn't look back."
Silver nodded. "That's true. He did. There was a reason for that. He loved you very much, but you didn't show it back."
"Show it?" they both echoed.
The father frowned. "I put a roof over his head and paid the rent to let him go to a nice school right here in Canterlot. What's a stallion gotta do to 'show' his love for an ungrateful little moron?"
Mother Tumble nodded firmly. "I made him three meals a day and helped him with his homework."
Fast rolled her eyes. "You drove his car off the edge of the city."
They shared a glare at Fast before Father Tumble coughed softly. "It's a terrible thing, those cars. They have no place in polite society!"
"And I bet you told him that." Silver sighed softly. "You told him that even when his mark was brightly emblazed, speaking of his purpose and attraction to those same cars. He needed your support, but you told him his very purpose was evil and terrible."
Father Tumble shrank back a little, not as quick to retort. Mother Tumble scowled. "So?"
"So... Your son is still your son. If you were willing to put aside the things you personally don't agree with, and just go to him, he would be so happy."
Father Tumble looked at Silver, pawing at the ground. "But... he hates us..."
Silver smiled gently. "No. He wants to love you, both of you. Please, give him a reason to again."
Mother Tumble stomped the ground, making a print beside Father Tumble's mark. "How do you expect us to do that? You said Ponyville? Like we're gonna afford a ride to Ponyville!"
Luna glanced at Silver, then her horn glowed, drawing out a small bag from somewhere and a few coins from there. "Here. Go and visit your son, if you can do it with an open mind. He is a proud member of the national army, and serves its only alicorn prince with distinction. Seek Twilight Sparkle's castle, it's difficult to miss."
Father Tumble snatched the coins out of the air, breathing heavily and looking uncertain a moment before he fled into the house without a single other word. Mother Tumble snorted loudly. "After all this time... He probably doesn't even remember us." She glared at Silver. "Why aren't you angry with us?"
Fast rolled her eyes. "Oh Celestia. Silver doesn't do that. Go on, hug him."
"What?"
Silver recoiled a little, but Mother Tumble went ahead and dared it. Soon he was being embraced by the older female in a crushingly powerful hug that only earth ponies could deliver properly. She let him flop to the ground before she trotted back inside.
Luna offered a hoof to help Silver to his own hooves. "That was good of you."
Silver shook out the new kinks with a chorus of popping joints. "It felt like the right thing to do. I hope the meeting goes well."
Fast pointed at the house. "This was before my time, right?"
Silver nodded at Fast. "It was when I met Night, and when little Luna was still with me." He looked to Luna. "I still miss her, at times, but then I remember you're here."
Luna smiled gently. "I am not her, nor was she me, but I do carry a part of her with me." She set a hoof at her chest. "We both love you. Come, let us see this matter dealt with."
As one, they all turned back down the road and continued on.
Fast slid over beside Luna, trotting with her as she grinned. "So hey, after this is settled, do I get my time?"
Luna raised a brow. "Speak clearly."
Silver got the grasp quickly. "She wants to know if she can have an intimate time with you."
Luna ruffled her wings. "We have no ties, save your herd. I confess, I have been trying to ward you away subtly."
Fast frowned a little, and it grew by the moment. "Why? I'm not a bad pony."
Luna rolled a hoof lightly as she walked. "'Not bad' is insufficient as reasons to invite one so close. I am already subjected to new pains with Night and Silver. It makes me wary of letting any others so close."
As they crested a small hill in the city, the hive came into view. Unlike what some may expect from an insect's hive, this one was made out of the remnants of what was once a great warehouse or factory of sorts. It had a few smoke stacks, but little else to hint what its former purpose might have been besides its size and bricked nature. As they came closer, they saw pictures emblazoned on its side, showing ponies in 'interesting' poses, gazing wantonly at the viewer.
A sign read beside the main entrance, "If you desire the company of any pony in the world, real or imaginary, we can fulfill your desire without harm or inconvenience for any party involved. Our services may only be used once per week, by order of the Queen. Come and experience true welcoming." In smaller writing, "Non-ponies available for a modest additional fee." Smaller than even that, "Royal personages extra."
Fast burst into laughter. "That wasn't there when I was the queen. I wonder if they have many requests for you, Silver, and oh Celestia, I bet they get Luna all the time."
Luna turned bright red through her light blue fur. "They wouldn't dare!"
Flushing gently himself, Silver shook his head. "I imagine they do dare. Let's not hold it against anyone. It's harmless to us."
Fast let out a breath and suddenly took the form of an average changeling, her eyes bright and blue. "Come on. Let me show you the facilities." She leaned forward. "Maybe I can convince you to try the royal 'package', hmm."
Luna turned up her nose. "I should think not."
Silver nudged against Luna before advancing on Fast. "Lead on, friendly changeling. Show us what you have."
Fast pushed a holed hoof against the door and it swung open without resistance. "Still keyed to changelings. Good thing I qualify." With a soft whistle, she trotted in, bug wings fluttering behind her.
Almost as soon as she cleared the door, a larger changeling came out, fangs exposed in a snarl as he looked over Fast. "What are--" He trailed off on seeing Fast and Luna. "Oh, customers!" His frown turned instantly to a smile. "Welcome. How can we please you today? You'll leave feeling loved, or your bits back."
Silver advanced with a smile. "Good day. We ran into your, what was it, a drone? Outside and she began telling us how nice it is in here and we wanted to see. I mean, I heard of this place, but I never came in before."
Luna nodded quickly. "Oh, yes. Tell us about this place."
The larger changeling waved down the hallway. "We can make any dream you desire come true." He fixed eyes on Luna. "You have a resemblance to Luna. Have you ever wondered what it'd be like to rest in her embrace, or perhaps... more?" He raised a brow at her before wagging it suggestively.
Silver crossed before Luna's grimace could be seen. "How do you do that?"
"Oh that's simple." He pointed at Fast. "You, stop standing there and show them what you can do. Let's start with some big movers and shakers, hmm, how about Fancy Pants?"
Fast became him instantly with a flash of green changeling magic and adjusted his monocle at the pair. "Hmm, what an interesting pair of ponies."
The larger nodded. "We can even do royalty. Princess Cadance."
Fast swelled into the larger form of Cadance, wings unfurled and wide. "I'd be delighted to show you both the true meaning of love..."
That was enough to make the larger changeling laugh with obvious amusement. "Oh yes. See? Anypony you want, even non-ponies are possible." He waved a hoof between them. "In fact, we can do you with a little practice. Want to see how others see you? Want to tag team your lovely partner with yourself? We can make this happen."
Luna stepped around Silver, frowning slightly. "What of ponies that need help, who seek love when they need care more?"
The changeling glanced around. "Then we give them what they came for, and more." He sat on his haunches. "You think we're monsters?" He put a hoof on his chest. "If a pony needs help, I will make sure they get it, without knowing they're getting it. Nothing makes a pony run in terror than thinking they're about to be 'helped', but if they can live out their fantasy and we can gently pry the details from them, and give them the advice they need to hear... Whats the harm in that?"
Fast bobbed her pink-furred head. "We make sure everypony leaves better than when they came in."
"Exactly! Hmm, maybe I was wrong about you, drone. Go see--"
Silver raised a hoof. "I'd like to hold onto her, if I may? She interests me." He smiled. "I know any changeling could do the job, but I like her attitude."
The changeling paused before nodding. "I can't fault your tastes, sir. I'm Pupae, but my chosen pony name is New Event. If you need anything at all, you can call me at any time." His eyes turned to Luna. "Thank you for being open minded." With spread wings, he took off down the hallway and was soon lost to sight.
Fast tapped her chin. "New Event... I don't remember that name. Pupae's too damn popular to work off of."
Luna chuffed softly. "Well, so far it seems a fair place, if a little unsettling. If we were your 'clients', where would we go?"
Fast grinned at Silver. "So you really do like Cadance."
Silver went red. "She's done a lot for me and never shoved me up against the wall. She's the only royal I can say that of, and that means a lot."
Luna glanced between the two before it clicked. "You love her? More than I?"
Fast tilted her head at Luna. "Don't be unfair, besides, I'm not pretending to be you at the moment."
"Wait." Silver rose to his hooves. "Can you feel love?"
Fast wobbled a hoof as she became a changeling. "Turning into a changeling turns on that sense for about a day or so, it seems. I get the idea it's built in, but I forget it quickly. If I practiced it more, it might stay on, but I don't plan to live that way."
Luna nodded. "Just as well. You are more likable as a unicorn."
Fast flashed a bright smile. "Aw, that's sweet, now let's go." She turned away, wings fluttering a bit as she led the way down the hall, emerging into a vast room with many pods. "Ah yes, the pods. We get the most food out of a pony there, but it drains harder, so we were phasing out its use for the most part."
Despite her words, many ponies could be seen floating tranquilly in the pods. Silver frowned at them. "The management clearly has new ideas."
Fast joined the frown before banishing it. "We'll just have to ask. I don't like the idea of ponies being in those unless it's a special occasion."
Three changelings landed among them, one glaring at Fast. "What are you talking about?"
The next hissed. "Stop that right now."
The third bobbed his head. "You're not to talk about that. What's wrong with you?"
Fast glanced among them and back to Silver and Luna, raising a brow before she became larger, but unmistakably still changeling. She was her queen self. "Is that how you address your former queen?"
The three drones took a step back, quivering with obvious fear. "We didn't mean any disrespect."
"Don't kill us!"
The third took off in a sudden burst of buzzing insect wings.
Silver tilted his head. "When did she gain a reputation for hurting any changelings?"
Luna fixed her gaze on the second one. "Tell us what frightens you so."
"W-what? That's Fast Change, the only c-changeling queen mad and ruthless enough to defeat C-chrysalis." He quivered in abject fear. "Oh please don't hurt me!"
More changelings began to land around them as Fast scowled. "I'm not here to hurt any changelings. I came to see how my old hive was doing. Did you forget me that fast?"
"The problem is that they didn't forget you." A changeling queen surrounded by many others landed across from Fast. "Foul false queen, what brings you back to our doorstep?" It was Stand In, who stood with all the poise of a queen. "We don't need you anymore, Fast Change."
Silver opened his mouth to speak, just for her to thrust up a hoof. "Save your breath, Prince Silver Stars. As if such a charade would fool a proper queen." Her eyes turned to Luna. "And the Princess of the Night. What a strange day today is. What brings three such illustrious guests to our hive?"
Luna seemed ready to say something, but changed her mind. ~Let us remain on task. The workings of their hive are not our objective.~ "I'm afraid we haven't met. What is your name?"
"Stand In." She clopped the ground thrice. "Are you here to enjoy yourself, hmm, or looking for trouble?"
Silver shook his head. "Hopefully neither. I've come for advice that only a true changeling could give."
That caught Stand In's attention, her ears pricking. "What would that be, specifically?"
Luna raised a hoof, shoe first. "We need sharp eyes. The sharpest. We have reason to suspect something is amiss, but I do not believe it is you, despite your questionable behavior."
Fast snorted. "Bunch of ingrates, but I doubt you're making a play on the crown."
Stand In licked over her snout as she considered their words. "And just what infiltration do you fear?"
Silver pointed up to where the castle would be beyond the walls. "We need a full sweep of the castle, with every imposter found, their motive found, and their true nature revealed."
Stand glanced around at her subjects, who all looked to her, filling with nervous energy. "You understand, you are asking us to put ourselves in direct harm's way, in such a way that could get us all removed if it went public." She smiled slowly. "Such a momentous task you ask.. What do we get in return?"
Luna stood tall as she retook her true form, large and dark. "For one, you will have the public acknowledgement of brave action in the service of the crown."
Stand In huffed softly. "That sounds nice, but what if it doesn't turn out that way?" She flashed a smile. "What if you're wrong, and our sniffing turns up nothing. How are you going to spin that?"
Silver took a step forward. "That's simple. We won't be telling them exactly what you did in the first place, just emphasizing how brave it was to do, and how thankful we are for it."
Stand glanced between them. "If it were less than two damn royals saying it, I'd tell you to make up something more plausible. Fine, that's a start, but forgive me for wanting something more... concrete."
Luna glanced aside at Fast, who was a unicorn again, and Silver. "Very well, allow us to ask, what is it you seek in repayment?"
Stand In smiled sweetly. "Oh, I was hoping you'd ask that..." She pointed at Silver. "I want his love for a week, to start."
Fast gasped with alarm. "You'll hurt him, you jerk."
Stand waved it off. "If you don't want my help."
Silver snorted softly. "You'll have your week." Stand smiled. "But not at once."
Stand's smile inverted instantly. "Very well... One day a week for seven weeks, in the pods."
Fast clearly didn't like the idea, but didn't speak up again.
Stand raised a hoof. "This assumes nothing happens. Every injured changeling is another day. A dead changeling... How do I even price that?" She fixed her gaze on Fast. "Some of us understand the meaning of hive loyalty."
"Hey!" Fast snorted loudly. "I set this place up, and I didn't make any illusions that I'd be going after everyone was ready to handle it without me. I'm a pony, alright." She leaned against Silver. "I'm not going to feel bad for making that choice."
Luna clopped a hoof on the ground. "Unacceptable. You'll get your week and no more. We will see to the care of any injured. To those lost, they will be treated as any soldier lost in battle. Their next of kin will be entitled to life-time support for a modest living, and their names inscribed for memorial. We do not forget those who fall in the name of a better Equestria."
Stand raised a brow. "And if their 'next of kin' is the hive as a whole?"
Luna lifted her shoulders. "A stallion or mare would generally select their mate or child for such a thing. The entire hive is too much for any one pony. We could pay the monthly stipend to be used for the changelings here. I trust you would furnish someone skilled in accounting to make sure it was done correctly?"
This seemed to please Stand and she sat up straight. "We can work with this, presuming it's required... Ideally, all of my children, and friends, will be safe, but I can't just assume that."
Silver nodded softly. "Of course not. I wish we didn't have to ask this of you at all, but here we are."
Fast waved a hoof about the hive. "Not to change the subject, but, you know, really, what is going on around here?"
Stand looked to Luna, who let out a little sigh. "That is not a question we get to ask today. Very well, know this, none are above suspicion. All should be examined."
"Even you?" Stand smiled at Luna. "And him." She turned to Silver.
Silver snorted softly. "I don't live here in Canterlot, and don't plan to."
Luna clucked her tongue against her teeth. "None."
Fast tilted her head at Luna. "Woah, a bit thorough, don't you think?"
Luna scowled. "If my mind has been subverted, I would know of it, and defeat it. If the same can be said for those around me, I would free them as well. I do not believe I, nor Silver, have been entirely replaced, but I see no harm in being watched for strange behaviors." She looked to Stand. "You will report daily."
Stand scowled. "How? That will increase the risk for all involved."
Luna waved it off. "Either I or Silver will come for you in your dreams and have our answers. Daily. Be ready for that and have news for us."
~Can we do that?~ Silver glanced towards Luna. ~She isn't a pony.~
~She dreams, and is close enough.~ Luna nodded at Stand and turned away. "I look forward to this being behind us. Perhaps you will stand closer to our light, be it the silvery glow of the moon, or the brilliance of the sun."
Stand nodded lightly. "Right. Then we have work to do." She inclined her head towards the exit. "You know the way, I trust."
They had been dismissed, and knew it. They turned away from her and began trotting away to be stopped a dozen steps away by a changeling landing in front of them. "Did you tell the truth?"
Fast perked an ear. "About what? I didn't lie about anything."
The changeling slowly nodded. "Were..." The changeling became suddenly nervous. "I should go. Good luck!" And he took off in a frantic buzzing.
Silver licked over his lips but kept to himself until they were outside and no changelings were in sight. "Fast?"
"Hmm?"
"I didn't see any of the intelligent leaders there from when you were in charge, besides Stand In."
Fast paused, rewinding back through the conversation mentally. "Huh... no... You'd think they'd want to come out for that kind of conversation..."
Luna scowled. "Your friends may be dead."
Fast almost fell over, recoiling from Luna and her words. "What? No way! They were great ponies!"
Silver held up a hoof. "Don't be so hasty. These aren't my nightmare visions."
"Nightmare?" She tilted her head at Silver. "You think death can only occur in nightmares? You are gravely mistaken."
Fast moved closer to Silver. "Still, he's right. We don't know yet, so let's hope they're fine, if maybe tied up in a basement somewhere. We'll find them and set them free."
Luna had the tact to not push further on the topic. "We won't find more just standing here, what should our next course of action be?"
Silver considered a moment. "It may be a bit anti-climactic, but returning to where we should be seems the most wise."
"Aye, let's not give those who have turned against us any more clues that we suspect their ruse, or what we may be doing." She glanced around, then became her smaller self with a sparkle of lunar magic. "Go back to Ponyville. Tonight, I'll show you how to check in on the changelings. Travel safely, Silver, Fast."
Fast nodded at the smaller Luna before she became a cross-eyed grey pegasus with a grin.
Silver burst into laughter as he became his smaller unicorn self. "Derpy, really?"
"What?" Fast peered at Silver in two directions. "Are you making fun of Muffins? She's a nice mare." She paused only a moment. "I mean I'm a nice mare! Stop making fun of me!"
Silver hugged the wall-eyed mare gently. "Aw, don't be like that. Your eyes are adorable, though they can't compare to the lovely gazes of my wives."
Muffins gave a bright smile before spreading her wings wide. "Let's go. Next stop, Ponyville!" She spoke with the bubbliness Silver would have expected from the mare, even if he knew it was Fast beneath the grey fur. Silver scrambled up onto her and held her gently, and soon they were airborne, leaving the city and its troubles behind for the moment.
Once they were comfortably away from the city, Fast looked back at her passenger. "Are we telling anypony else about this, or keeping it to ourselves?"
Silver frowned with thought, licking the back of his teeth. He wasn't used to having flat teeth again, with no fangs to follow. "We don't know who's listening on the 'wrong' side. I think keeping it quiet may be the best course until more's known."
Fast flashed a bright smile, her eyes somehow crossing all the more. "So I'm part of something big and important and secret for once? Finally! I won't let you down!"
Filled with a renewed energy, Fast, masked as Derpy/Muffins flew quickly over Ponyville, just to crash into the real one and almost drop Silver in the process. The real Muffins grabbed Silver before he could fall. "Hey, you gotta be careful when you have a passenger like... that?" She noticed how familiar the other pegasus was and went slack jawed.
Fast leaned in. "What's wrong? Did the crash knock something loose? I'm so sorry about that! I didn't mean to bump into you."
"Huh? Oh, yeah, maybe that's it." She descended, setting Silver down carefully. "Kinda crazy... Maybe I should go sit down." She trotted off rather than flying, looking terribly confused.
Silver watched her go before looking up at Fast. "That could have gone worse."
Fast giggled a little. "She'll forget about it in a moment, I bet, once she gets home. We can go back to normal now, we're in the home stretch."
Agreeing, they both returned to their normal selves in time for Fast to press in for a kiss. "I won't let you down, promise."
Silver hugged her firmly, holding her close. "I know you won't. Let's keep our heads on straight and work through this, with as little drama or explosions as possible."
Fast stuck out her tongue. "That sounds boring, but you're in charge of this one." She looked around a moment. "Why don't we grab a snack to eat before we go home? All that flying and shapeshifting takes it out of a girl."
"No harm in that." Silver brushed against her before leading the way towards Hayburgers. "You know, I'm suddenly curious how healthy this place is compared to human equivalents."
"Why don't you inspect it?"
"Hm?"
"You're royalty, if you say you want to inspect the kitchen, they probably wouldn't stop you." Fast pointed at the Hayburger. "Go ahead, take a look, ask questions. Enjoy the privileges of that crown."
The temptation became too much, and Silver nodded firmly. "I'll do just that. Come, let's tour the local eating establishment and see how they make hayfries so tasty." He chuckled softly as he trotted up to the fast food store and opened the door with his magic, heading inside to quench his curiosity, and appetite.
Fast followed after him with a giggle. "Side benefit, they'll probably give you a freebie after the tour's done to make sure you say nice things about the place."
Returning home with a gift basket of treats to share with Twilight, Silver smiled over at Fast. "That worked out very well."
Fast rolled her eyes. "Of course it did. You don't enjoy being a darn prince way often enough."
Silver waved it off. "I'm not here to take advantage of ponies. That was fun, but I won't make a habit of it."
Fast moved in closer. "Guess that means you're the right pony for the crown. I'd be taking advantage of that every day."
Silver smooched her cheek. "And yet you're the one with a prince at your beck and call."
Fast laughed softly as she returned the kiss along with a few pecks of interest. "I'm not complaining. You keep wearing that crown, as long as I get to wear you."
A pony that got the innuendo suddenly scooted off to the side, finding something they really needed to do and avoiding eye contact.
Silver spotted Mayor Mare talking with what looked like an aide and veered off towards her, to Fast's confusion. "Mayor Mare?"
The mayor looked up at Silver. "Ah, Prince Silver Stars." She dipped her head. "A pleasure to see you. What brings you this way? Enjoying your time in Ponyville, I trust?"
"I am." Silver smiled gently. "I wanted to check, have there been talks of increased lunar population?"
The mayor's expression shifted slightly to surprise, but it faded. "Oh, of course you'd know about it. It's barely on the books yet, but yes. I do think your presence is drawing others to consider Ponyville. With Twilight's presence as well, we'll be a rapidly growing town in no time at all."
Silver nodded at her. "And a fine town it is." His tail flicked as he leaned in. "I look forward to seeing more young foals learning under Cheerilee. A remarkable teacher, wouldn't you say?"
His words seemed to catch her off guard again, but she nodded. "Oh, yes! A fine teacher indeed." She glanced off. "Wouldn't a more specialized teacher for a lunar pony's 'special' needs be more appropriate?"
Silver rolled a hoof. "Nothing they can't and won't learn from their parents. It's more important, and uplifting, to see all the foals of the town being raised together. We are all ponies, aren't we? We should learn how to be good Equestrians, together."
Her aide wrinkled her snout. "I don't want any foal of mine around bat ponies!"
Fast gasped and put a hoof over her mouth. For better or worse, Silver hadn't gained the innate slap that such a racial slur would be worth, but he knew it, intelligently, and frowned at the aide. "Then it's very good that there are no 'bat' ponies to be found in this town."
Mayor Mare thrust a hoof towards the town hall. "Would you kindly fetch me the ledgers for tomorrow's meeting?" She smiled sweetly and kept right on smiling until the aide was gone, then she crumpled before Silver. "Please forgive her! She's not very cosmopolitan. I'll talk with her. That sort of language is not considered acceptable."
Silver sighed out. "From one minority to another."
"What?"
"Oh, nothing." Silver waved it away lightly. "Please, so long as the lunar ponies, of any tribe, are not prejudiced against. Foals deserve to be treated equally. They want acceptance and love, and will respond in kind." He put a hoof on his chest. "We're all ponies."
Mayor Mare drew herself upright and nodded quickly. "Oh, of course. You have my word!" She cleared her throat softly. "Now, is there anything else I can help you with, your majesty?"
Silver reached for her and she flinched until he gently pat her on the shoulder. "I know we look frightening. You don't have to pretend you aren't unsettled, but know that we are ponies, and we want to be that and more. Equestrians, Ponyville citizens, friends, lovers, allies, and all that comes with it." He smiled, exposing his sharp fangs to the faintly quivering mare. "If you need something, Mayor Mare, you need but ask. I may look it, but I am a pony, not a monster."
"He's good at the loving part." Fast waggled her brows at the mayor.
Miss Mare coughed softly. "Yes, well... yes..." She nodded at Silver. "Thank you for being earnest... I'm glad Ponyville has been good to you." She slipped to her hooves. "I should be going. A mayor's work is never done."
Silver let her go and turned back to Twilight's castle. As he went Fast bumped into his side. "What brought that on?"
He nipped gently at her closer ear. "Last time, I tried so hard to not change time, and it ran me right over in the end."
Fast raised a brow curiously. "I don't think our little herd was official yet. Fill me in?"
Silver huffed. "Remember when Celene left?"
Fast frowned sharply. "You knew that would happen? That's harsh! Wait, that's better than not knowing, right?"
Silver shook his head and paused a moment. "I knew some of the larger pieces, but not enough of what was beside me, and I didn't put it together until she was already gone. Even if I had known, I'm not sure if I could have done a damn thing about it. It's alright." He turned to Fast. "Celene is gone, but her love is held by Luna. The way her eyes shine when we see each other the first time of a day, or night... That mistake is over and done, but it wasn't for nothing."
Fast sat and pouted at Silver. "How do I get some of that?"
Silver tilted his head. "That's ultimately up to Luna, and asking her to give it would be... kinda creepy and wrong. Just be a friend, and available, and it may happen, or not." He leaned in and gently nibbled along Fast's neck towards her shoulder. "You have me, and Night, and Twilight."
Fast hugged Silver, pulling him closer. "Not that I mind that, but why do you get the extra princess?" She stuck out her tongue and separated. "Sorry, just feeling jealous. Hay, legally, you got three extra princesses, just two of them aren't rushing to ride the Silver Train anytime soon it seems."
Silver nuzzled under her chin quickly. "Their loss. You are my wife, and I never forget it, and I hope you don't either. Let's get home, alright?"
They went home without any extra stops, and were met by a smiling Night Watch. "Everything go alright?"
Silver nodded. "Celestia was quite chipper."
Night raised a brow. "So you..."
"Left quietly."
Night frowned at Silver. "Are you being overly forgiving again? And why did it take that long if that's all you did?"
Fast put a hoof on Night's chest. "I dragged Silver around town, sorry."
Night peered at Fast, then back at Silver. "You know I can see through that. If you don't want to tell me, fine, but I'm here if you need me, either of you." She turned away. "Just because I'm fat and slow doesn't mean I'm not ready."
Silver hurried up behind Night and embraced her, looking a bit tawdry to outsiders, but Night knew it for what it was and leaned back into Silver's affections. "Night, please, we'll share as soon as we can."
Night let out a little sigh. "I'll be waiting."
"Waiting magnificently." Silver kissed Night's cheek. "My lovely first wife, who shines all the harder for her current state."
The matter was allowed to drop gently, with kisses and nuzzles exchanged. Proper dinner was usurped by Silver's gift basket of fast food treats, which beckoned the heavy mares with an unusually powerful attraction. As Night and Twilight claimed dominion over the basket, Fast, Silver, Jake and Spike had a more standard meal.
Jake pointed at the mares with a fork between bites. "If Rarity ever says yes, don't be in a rush."
Spike had the decency to blush even as he dismissed the idea. "Nah, besides, I like gems, and she won't be rushing to eat those." He looked pensive a moment. "How does that work anywho?"
Fast burst into a fit of laughter, clopping the top of the table. "You are way too young to be worrying about that yet."
Even as Spike crossed his arms, Silver leaned in. "I'm sure Spike could handle it, but chooses not to, being an honorable and gentle dragon."
"Y-yeah!" Spike nodded quickly, sticking by Silver's words. "When she's ready, then we'll worry about it."
Dinner passed with idle conversation and on generally positive notes. Eventually, Silver settled down to rest after a moment gazing at the moon that held the promise of the princess he was going to visit.
In the dream world, he landed with a soft flutter in a flower. He felt no larger than a bee, and every dream was another open set of petals, waiting for him to inspect. "I haven't been to this version before."
Luna landed before him with a gentle smile. "It does not come often, but we find favor in it. I trust your journey home went well?"
You blame me.
Both turned their head to regard the floating text in the air.
It wasn't my fault, this time.
Silver sat slowly. "You haven't outright lied to me yet, so... tell me? What's going on."
Luna nodded firmly. "Yes, kindly inform us... Text was it?"
That is the name he chose for me.
The words slowly faded before new ones replaced them.
I can answer, but not tell.
Silver tilted his head at the words. "Alright." He glanced at Luna, then back at the Text. "First, thank you for coming to us. You didn't have to and I appreciate that."
You are welcome.
Luna gave a little smile. "First question then. You said you are not at fault, who is?"
I was asked to act, as were others.
Silver perked his ears. "Can you tell us who asked?"
No.
Luna sighed softly. "Where is Celestia?"
She dreams without dreaming. She fell victim to her own machinations.
She is sorry.
Silver sat up tall. "Can you show us where?"
No.
Luna grit her teeth a moment. "It is an imposter then... Sir Text, can you help us free my sister?"
No. I have given much.
Silver nodded. "You have." He reached out a hoof. "I hope this will not be the last conversation we have. I don't get to talk to you often without being the butt end of your own tricks. I wouldn't mind just talking."
Would you not? Your forgiveness passes beyond kindness into a mental condition. You should do something about it.
"A hug is a fine start."
There was a moment of silence, at least as silent as a being of words could be, then Silver felt an embrace around his entire form, squeezing gently.
Stupid pony. You are fortunate I have come to favor you in some small ways.
Luna gave a little smile. "We know how you feel. Thank you, Sir Text. May we meet again in such a non-confrontational way." She turned to Silver. "Come, we should see what our insect friends have found. I doubt it ends with my dear sister."
As one they held the vision of Stand In close, and a flower began to glow bright colors for them to fly towards.
As they came in on Stand's flower, Silver couldn't shake the impression of being a bee, coming to inspect a flower and collect nectar. His giggle died as they pressed into the center and fell into her dream, but it was no standard one.
Stand In was roughly tied and thrown to the side, and Fast Change loomed over her. "You thought you could have the hive from me? I only left because it was boring. Now I'm back, and I'm taking them from you, all of them." Fast leaned in with a wide grin. "I'm a better changeling anyway. Why, if you ask really nice, I'll even let you be one of my mares."
Luna brought a hoof down with a wave of nightmare banishing energy, but little changed. Silver scowled and advanced on Fast. "Fast, stop this. You gave this up, and for good reason."
Fast looked up at Silver. "Ah, my main stallion." She sauntered towards him, hips swaying. "You keeping the engine revved? I'm feeling up for a nice ride or two."
Silver felt something was off, to say nothing of Luna's failure to banish it. This wasn't a dream, not exactly... "Fast, you're a good pony, and one of my beloved wives. Will you come home with me?"
Fast stopped and frowned. "Come... home?" She glanced to the side and back at Silver. "We have a home? Stop messing with me, Silver! That wasn't very fun at all."
While Silver engaged with Fast, Luna slipped in beside Stand In and had her free of her bonds with a few quick snaps of her teeth. "How did you come to be here?"
Stand In shook, shaking. "I don't know exactly. I thought I was going to bed, and I've been... This is all a dream, right? Please tell me it is."
Fast stepped towards Silver. "How did you get back anyway? Not that I'm sorry to see you." She poked Silver in the chest. "You aren't a changeling trying to butter me up, are you?"
Silver shook his head quickly. "No, of course not. Who else would remember the time you played a barbarian druid in our game of humanway that one time?"
Fast smiled gently. "Yeah... I remember that... Is it really you?" She grabbed Silver suddenly, burying her face in his neck. "I missed you so much!"
Luna took ahold of Stand. "I will try to take us out." And suddenly it was gone, that version of Fast banished, and all three standing on the flower that was Stand's nightmare realm. "We have succeeded."
Silver shuddered powerfully. "That was another possibility. I was gone, maybe dead? Definitely gone and it drove Fast down a dark path."
Stand tilted her head at Silver. "All that for you? No thank you! I don't want another moment to do with that place, and I didn't ask to go there." She looked around. "Where are we?"
Luna waved over the field of flowers. "This is the dream world, though where you were was no ordinary dream. Silver's theory is as good as any I have. Somepony is taking sleepers and pulling them from their dreams, to other 'would bes'."
Silver nodded slowly. "Why were we able to find her, if you couldn't find me?"
Luna tapped at her chin. "It could have been a matter of time. If we had not been seeking her out directly, she might have fallen deeper into that false world, as you had, Silver."
Silver scowled. "Is Celestia in one of these? We have to save her, even if she's involved!"
Stand In waved a little. "Hello, about me?"
"Ah, yes." Luna smiled at her. "Tell us what you have found today."
She snorted with a sour expression. "Besides that nightmare place? Did you do that to cow me? It won't work!"
Silver shook his head. "We had no idea that was going on. I'm glad we showed up at the right time to set you free."
"Right." Stand let out a slow breath. "I'll accept that. You don't strike me as the sort..." She looked to Luna. "It'd be easier to say who's not replaced than going into detail on who looks pure."
Luna's wings unfurled. "That many? What is your proof?"
She raised a brow. "Now you want proof?" She turned her head to Silver. "Why don't you give some. Was that the face of those who once fought at your side?"
Silver nodded slowly. "The ponies we ran into while trying to reach Celestia were behaving oddly. Was it odd enough to be certain they were replaced, rather than just behaving oddly?"
Luna grunted with an obvious agitation. "Unacceptable, and here I have been, blind to it all." She turned on Stand In. "What of me? I am clean, yes?"
She chuckled softly. "Wouldn't that be ironic? So far, every pony we've peeked in on has known all the others. Since you don't know them, that makes it very unlikely." She looked to Silver. "That goes for you too. Not a promise, but fairly strong initial evidence, unless, of course, you're lying. We'll figure it out, eventually. Now, I don't want to be falling into any nightmares like that again..."
Silver raised a hoof. "One or the both of us will be visiting every day. You'll be kept safe, promise."
"Good." She stretched out slowly. "Can I go to bed now?"
Luna waved at her, and she vanished. "This is most concerning."
Silver nodded slowly. "It is, but I'm glad you're fine, as I thought you were." He moved to press nose-to-nose with her, and silence came over them as they nuzzled a moment. "I'm starting to get ideas what might have happened. We need to rescue Celestia."
"Why so eager to rescue my sister, if she did begin this?"
Silver rolled a hoof, "Because I'd hope she'd do the same. Because she's a good pony. Because the ponies of the nation need her. Because I still want to like her, even if she's scared of me. Because..." He set a hoof down. "When I last saw her, for real I think, she was terribly sad. She's sorry, really sorry, for what she did. If I can support Starlight Glimmer getting another chance, how can I not for Celestia?"
Luna perked an ear. "Did you learn anything in that journey of yours? You seem... grown. I am proud to be your mare." She rose. "The nation does indeed wait for the real Celestia, my sister. Let's rescue her, even if she does continue to fear you, perhaps I as well." She extended a hoof towards Silver. "I have an idea. It has its risks, but with you at my side, I feel we can do this, together. We will bring my sister back."
Silver accepted her hoof, entwining his leg with hers and drawing her forward into a kiss that quickly deepened on both sides with shared passion. "If we weren't quite busy, I'd prove my love."
Luna laughed softly. "You mean physically? You knave. Keep that away for now. We will have time for such games, together, once all is put to rest and restored to what it should be." She tilted her head. "I wish to hear of this world you suffered through, even if it is gone now. We may both learn from it, and it should not simply be forgotten. For now, do you agree?"
"As if it needed to be asked." Silver sat up straight on his haunches. "I'm ready to do what needs to be done. If you have an idea to reach Celestia, let's enter her nightmare, whatever it is, and free her from it."
Luna nodded. "It did need asking." She rose and Silver rose with her, both turning out over the field of flowers. "It is time we began acting as equals, and equals do not assume their partner's desires, save for surprise gifts, and this is certainly no gift."
Silver moved to stand beside her instead of in front of her. "Right you are, but wrong. This is a gift, from us, to Equestria. Let's return their princess."
"Let's" She spread her wings, and Silver followed, both taking off into the darkness that hovered over the flowers. "This way."
Luna led the way to a flower that rose above the others, shining gently down on them. "This is sister's dream, or should be. I have a feeling it is, and isn't." She turned to Silver. "There is a complication."
"What?" It came to Silver quickly. "Right, do you think her copy has as much control?"
"We have no reason to assume she does, or does not. Tia had full control over her mind, to the point that even my power paled in comparison, but only within her dream scape. We may be walking into a very dangerous situation."
Silver took a step back before advancing. "But we must. Living with this isn't much good, to be blunt."
"Agreed." She turned to the petal. "Let us go together, and face what we will face."
She put a hoof forward, and Silver matched it. Together they were engulfed, and the dreamworld was forgotten.
Celestia sat on her haunches on the floor of a bare room. A sliver of light came in through the lone window, shining on her almost mockingly. She looked up out at it, to the greater world outside. She was motionless, and the sun was slow. Both were silent.
The door to her small chamber swung outwards, allowing another Celestia to enter. "Your people are kind and loving."
The first Celestia frowned. "They are good and wholesome."
"Unlike you." The second Celestia gave a dismissive flick of a wing. "I will leave you here, soon, I think. There are only a few left that would ever know what happened, or even question it." She leaned in on the first. "You'll die here in this already dead world, and not a soul will mourn your passing."
"You weren't supposed to do this..."
The second Celestia struck the first across the snout savagely, forcing a line of red to run down from her nose. "Be silenced! This world wasn't supposed to be this way. Its people... What did they do to deserve it? Nothing! Just a roll of the cosmic dice. My world, dying, yours thriving. I can do... What you would do, were our situations reversed."
Luna hovered, floating beside Silver, neither able to materialize properly. "We don't understand."
Silver gave it a try with a grunt, but his attention kept sliding to the two Celestias. "What if... We're already dead here?"
Luna froze. "That would make sense. We can't truly be here then. What a nightmarish world, where Celestia scrabbles for any chance to save anypony at all..."
"This is a waste of time." The second Celestia turned away. "I won't bother coming back. Do you have any final words?"
"Don't do this... You know it isn't right."
"No... None of this is." She stepped out and closed the door behind her. "I hope you find peace."
Silver clopped his hooves together, a sound he and Luna could hear, but neither Celestia showed signs of. "It's like the mirror portals, minus the mirror. We have to be something that exists here, and we don't have the mirror to cheat the process."
Luna smiled brightly. "Excellent idea, so what exists here?"
Silver pointed at Celestia. "Well, there's already two of her?"
Without another word, Luna ceased to be, and a third Celestia stepped into the world. "Stop this moment!"
Celestia 2 whirled on Luna. "What? How?!"
Luna, wearing the flesh of Celestia, scowled at the imposter. "Whatever your reasons, they are ultimately meaningless. Let my sister go."
"Luna?" Celestia 2 trembled. "Oh it is you... I missed you so much. You cannot believe how thrilled I was to see you there, in the other Equestria..."
With a sudden flash, another Celestia appeared, Silver within. "Let Celestia go!"
Celestia 2 raised a brow, glancing between the other two. "Alright, who's this one?"
Luna stomped the dusty ground. "It matters not, release her immediately."
"And quietly die? I should think not." Her horn began to glow brilliantly with the fury of the sun. "You don't even begin to understand how powerful the angry sun is in this world, and you are a creature of the moon, dear sister. Don't make me hurt you."
"Luna? Is that you?" The true Celestia had her face up to the bars of the door, looking out over the scene. "Please, all of you, stop fighting."
Silver circled around, putting the false Celestia between him... her?self and Luna. "I don't think there's a peaceful way out of this. Would you live in a world with two Celestias?"
"That's not how it works." She sneered, then her horn flared and fire rushed out, burning at Luna and Silver, but they were Celestia. The sun's fire did not burn as easily, though it started both back. "There can be only one of a person, or both universes crumble in time." With a powerful beat of her wings, the false Celestia rose into the sky rapidly.
Luna and Silver took off quickly after her even as flames licked over their fur, slowly going out, but not without some residual pain. Luna looked to Silver. "We don't have much time to figure out her magic, or to play around. We must end this."
Silver didn't move to attack, instead swerving in front of Luna. "Wait. We need to talk."
The false Celestia raised a brow. "About?"
Silver hovered in large wings. Being Celestia was an interesting sensation. He was so large, and powerful, and female. "What happened to your world?"
"Isn't it obvious?" She waved a hoof about. "Look."
So Silver did, beholding the blasted ruins of what may have once been Equestria. It made a nuclear wasteland look hospitable, with just how little life there was, even vegetation. "Yes, I see this, but how? You know how, right?"
Second Celestia lowered her head. "The sun... It turned against us, destroyed most of the world, and left what it didn't destroy unfit for any pony or much anything else... We were waiting to die, until another Celestia came, and gave us hope... Hope to escape to her world."
Luna growled behind Silver. "What are you trying to do? We must destroy her!"
Silver lifted up a hoof slowly. "You are Celestia."
"Yes I am. So are you?"
"Not exactly, but that doesn't matter. You are this world's hope, not running away from it. You must tame your sun, and bring balance back. This world is hurt, but not dead. You can turn it around." Silver made as if to clop the ground, which didn't work as well while hovering. "We'll help, we're here! But running is never the answer."
Luna suddenly dove down toward the small prison, drawing the second Celestia's attention. With a flash she appeared before Luna, blocking her. "Stop that!"
Silver span to face them both. "No, let her go, for your sake. For this entire world."
"What?"
Silver put a hoof to her chest. "I'm willing to help, but I'm not Celestia. She's in there. She knows how to be Celestia because she is Celestia. Let her help you."
Luna glanced up at Silver in the form of her sister, then at her false sister. "Well, what say you?"
The false Celestia trembled with uncertainty before turning to the true one. "Can you even do this?"
She knocked on the door from the inside. "I don't know, but I'm willing to try. If I fail... then you can leave me here, of my own volition."
Luna paled, wings fluttering and almost falling from the sky. "What? No! Sister, don't speak such vows so easily."
"You heard her." She landed lightly before the prison. "I know myself well enough to know she speaks truly." With a flash of magic, the door swung outwards. "Come out, and let's see if your other friend is spouting the truth or more desperate lies."
Celestia stepped out, and the two spoke softly for a moment before they turned to the sun together. "I will handle the west."
"And I the east."
Silver awoke with a start in his bed. What had happened?! He tried to will himself back to sleep, but even his domain over slumber didn't allow his adrenaline thumping heart to calm down enough for that. Jittering with excitement, he slowly descended the stairs towards the kitchen to fetch a glass of water, hoping he hadn't failed somehow and doomed everything. "What woke me up..."
Silver felt the need to take care of a usual pressure and detoured to the bathroom, but as he did so, trying to calm himself and making a tinkling noise in the bowl, his eyes snapped up to the mirror hanging there. Looking back at him was Princess Silver Stars. The anatomy he clearly felt while doing his business was proof enough that he was quite male.
Trembling, he reached a hoof out to the mirror, and the princess' hoof reached back, touched gently with only the glass separating them.
The princess let out a slow sigh, one that the prince did not. "I am you."
"Who are you?" Prince tilted his head.
"You know the answer to that." She nodded slowly. "Neither of us asked to be here, and yet..."
"I am you? I didn't die, did I?" Prince Silver Stars drew his hoof back, looking over the princess. "Why do I keep encountering my other self?"
"I am the one whose world you were thrown into... I know you didn't ask to come here, but the longer you stayed, the more unstable my entire thread of reality became, becoming more and more frayed with every passing day." She put another hoof on the mirror. "I know that wasn't your choice. I am you, after all. We both lived that... You... You were there, holding my foals, kissing my wives... You hurt with me when my world upended itself. It's broken and dying..."
Silver paled across the snout. "Is there something I can do to help? You know I will, if I can."
"I do know that," said the princess with the ghost of a smile. "But there's so little that can be done... The damage is so great, and spread so far. Ponies are falling right out of reality itself. I'm watching the end of times, and I thought, if I could, I'd want to say goodbye to you."
Silver's eyes widened. "No! No... Please. Who's left? Is it just you?" The idea that his beloved family could already be victim was tugging painfully, even if they were a copy. They didn't deserve that end, nopony did.
She glanced back into the darkness, then returned her gaze to the prince. She lifted her pendant, shining with Twilight's magic. "This is all I have left..."
Silver felt a stab through his heart, even imagining so little remaining of his family. "This isn't right... Please. If I can save you, will you let me save you? We made a promise, both of us. We'd never die until we had no choice, and you still have a choice."
She leaned forward. "But I'm already dead. Everything I fought for... All the things I died once for, gone... What would I live for? Myself? Go back to being alone and miserable? You know that's probably brought it all crashing down. So much strain on the weave of this world, it all came unraveling around me, the sore spot, the thing that didn't belong. My thread's the only one left. The irony, eh?"
Silver put a hoof on the mirror. "You'll start over, in a friendly world, where the sun shines. We found out why this happened in the first place, and we'll fix it."
"There can't be two Silver Stars."
Prince Silver Stars clopped his hooves together slowly, thinking and frowning. "Then don't be Silver Stars. Start from the beginning, but you won't be alone." He reached out again. "I'll be your father, your mother. I am you. I won't let you just die. You deserve a life. I'll do whatever it takes to get you that chance."
She pressed her snout against her side of the glass, horn tinking against it. "Would you really? Of course you would. I know you. I am you. Would you accept me, as your child? How freakin' weird would that be, being my own child..." She smiled suddenly. "Fudge it all. I did promise, didn't I? Do you mind if I stay this way? I feel more at home as a mare."
Prince Silver Stars met her hoof and pressed his snout to hers, still separated by that glass. "I would take you in as a colt, filly, or both if that tickled your fancy."
She stuck out her tongue, licking the glass. "That's what magic is for, which I will relearn. I know just where I can go."
"Where?"
"Clear Twilight, your filly with Night Watch. This is earlier, is it not?"
"It is."
"I'll be a lunar unicorn again." Her tail swayed gently. "Yours, both of yours. I won't take her over, mind. No. I'm ending this."
"What?! You just said--"
"I will be reborn through her. This life will end, but me, my spirit, my very essence... You'll see yourself in her, and there'll be more there than your genetics."
"Don't you want to be you?"
"There's already a me, right here, and he looks quite happy." She smiled gently. "Mmmf, I have to do this now, or never. Take care of me, alright? Hold me tight and remind me I'm loved, even if it's me saying it."
Before Silver could raise further concerns, the image faded, and the mirror cracked as a wail pierced the night. Night Watch's water had broken, and she was calling him. He tunneled through space itself, appearing beside her with a flash and assisted her as he hadn't had the chance to do in the other world. He held her hoof, mopped her brow, and never left her side.
His soft words assured her she was loved and safe, and all was well. Others arrived soon. Zecora assisted and Twilight and Fast watched, but only Silver remained glued to her side, always speaking in soft droning words of love and adoration. Every time she cried, he squeezed her gently. When she bit at him, he accepted it, and kept her embraced. Together, they brought life into the world. Clear Twilight was born. It was with a bittersweet turn that he heard Night Watch granting that name to her as if destiny itself had chosen it. Perhaps it had.
He locked eyes with the little filly, and he could feel it. The filly was filled with a spirit that would be there, like a past life or a guardian ancestor. Princess Silver Stars lived in behind Clear Twilight, but not through her directly. The little coo the filly made convinced him that both of them were happy with the arrangement, even if Silver was still unsure.
One thing he did know for certain. He loved them all. He hugged Clear and Night, then Twilight and Fast, and even Zecora. "Thank you for your help."
"For a stallion you were well behaved, to your instincts you are not enslaved. You should be proud of what you've done, the life of your filly has just begun." They shared a brief embrace, and she departed back to her borrowed room, allowing them to rest and bond. The entire family slept together with its newest member, only one of them aware of its origins.
It wasn't until morning that Silver realized he had been in the middle of something and sat up in a panic. He dashed from the room with a clatter of hooves and spread his wings. "I'll be right back!" Before anypony could ask what he would be back from, he launched from the balcony and soared for Canterlot, praying that everything hadn't exploded while he was dealing with other things. "Why does everything have to happen at the same time?"
To his surprise, when he landed at the castle, the guards didn't just let him walk by, but bowed before him, low and humbled. "What?"
"You're expected, Prince Silver Stars. Please, proceed to the throne room."
Silver nodded to each of them and trotted past into the palace. Every guard and servant he passed stopped to bow to him just as they might if Celestia were walking past, making him more confused. He reached the throne room and reached for the door, only to have it opened hastily for him by the guards standing nearby.
"Announcing Prince Silver Stars, Hero of the Land!" came the shrill cry of a pony, announcing his presence.
Seated on the thrones were a smiling Celestia and Luna, side-by-side, and sharing a hoof.
Silver smiled back at them shaking a little. "Is it over?"
Luna shook her head. "It's barely begun."
Celestia gestured to the space before her with her free forehoof. "Stand before us, Prince."
Silver strode down the carpet, ponies watching his every motion, but it wasn't with scorn or hatred or fear. He felt genuine admiration and warmth. He reached the spot Celestia had indicated and began to bow, but she cut it off with a sweep of her hoof.
Celestia rose from her throne and stepped down to be before Silver, then sank before him. "Thank you, my savior. Savior of Equestria, and the world entire. Thank you, one whom I have wronged in ways no pony should ever accept, but that you did, being who you are. Thank you, Prince Silver Stars, and may everypony be aware of that a true hero stands before me."
Luna slid off of her own throne and copied Celestia's bow immaculately. "A thank you from me as well, for rescuing my sister, and returning harmony to our land. Even when I was blind, you kept looking. I cannot be prouder to name you rightful bearer of the title of Prince of the Night." She extended a wing. "Long may we rule it, together."
Silver smiled, no, smiling was too weak. The expression he had refused to go away. It was a grin that wouldn't go away. He reached out with his leathery wing and met her feathery one, brushing against hers and nodding. "Long may we rule it, together." His gaze turned to Celestia. "You have wronged me terribly, and we need to talk, to both understand why and how, but know that I forgive." He put a hoof at his chest. "On one condition."
The court became hushed and tense, all allies turning to Celestia as she rose up. "And that is?"
Silver smiled. "I would see my foals trained by the best. When they are done learning the essentials in Ponyville, they will both learn at either of your hooves in turn, to learn the glory of sun and moon, and to fully appreciate the magic that helped form them."
Celestia drew back slightly. "You would have me mentor your foals... after that?"
"Do you refuse?"
"No... I mean, I accept your condition." She clopped the ground with a loud sound of metal on stone. "May they grow strong and well in our shared tutelage."
Luna drew her wing back as the crowd erupted into a wild cheer. "My ponies of Canterlot, let us celebrate this time of renewed peace!" The cheering redoubled and Luna led them in a procession, leading the court empty save a few guards, Celestia, and Silver.
Silver nodded at her. "We do need to speak, but I think we'll both listen to one another, perhaps for the first time."
"For the first time," agreed Celestia. "I have learned much of you from this, if there is to be a good side of it... You are unfathomably alien, but undeniably good of heart, even at your most wicked." She flashed a gentle smile. "And you do have a very wicked streak that rivals my own. Yes, we have much to discuss." She rose to her hooves. "Come. Today, we celebrate. Tonight, perhaps, we can speak."
Silver watched Celestia stroll from the court with a smile. He was happy. Everyone was happy...
Something was wrong. He turned sharply to darkness, and hovering before him were words.
Your rainbow has come at last. Why aren't you happy?
Silver pawed at the ground. "After all this, I've gotten a bit untrusting, which itself bothers me a little. How can I know this is true? I've already watched two of my realities collapse violently into themselves, each with their own sorrows and problems, but great things too."
You should quit while you're ahead. Accept the happy ending, and be the heroic prince of Equestria.
"Or?"
There was a moment of silence. No words appeared, and there was nothing but darkness for several long and awkward ticks between then.
If you must, you could turn back to the first mistake. You will find your truth, but give up so much. It would not be your rainbow. On the other hand, I could make a promise then.
Silver raised a brow, even as he filled with dread and curiosity. "And what would that promise be?"
You will never be fooled in this way again. Even more astute than Luna, you will know the true nature of the reality you are aware of. Dream, lost reality, vision, or anything else.
"What will I lose?"
Who could say? I imagine you don't know where the story took this turn. I do, of course. No, I won't be telling. Don't do this. It may break you.
"You've said that before." He scowled at the words. "I'm tired of being treated both as a hostile alien and a delicate doll, one moment from breaking. I can handle it!"
Can you? Are you willing to say goodbye to some of the relations you've built? You were quite saddened last time this happened, and that wasn't long ago.
Silver licked over his lips. "Would I lose my wives?"
