Prologue

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Captain Rainbow Dash of the Shadowbolts stood at attention outside of the grand throne room. She sighed softly, keeping her face expressionless in front of the knights standing guard. She looked them up and down to look at the bright yellow and white tunics of Princess Celestia’s Solar Knights. One of them glared at her as Rainbow continued her expressionless gaze.

She heard a cough and looked down to find her four year old daughter wiping at her nose. Rainbow looked ahead thinking about the last two days. She had an argument with her daughter's second mother, which had ended with a bunch of screaming and yelling, forcing Rainbow to leave so as to avoid hurting her. If she were a normal person she would be feeling regret, guilt, or sadness for all she had said and done. Rainbow Dash and others like her, however, were forced to do away with their base emotion.

The Lunar Guard are a group of fighters under the banner of Princess Luna, they are ruthlessly trained and taught to never show emotion. They were trained to protect Princess Luna's honor and never back down or show mercy in any situation. If a guard were seen as being merciful, said guard would be severely punished and sent to a secret camp for re-education. Upon return, the guard would be merciless once again.

The door opened and a dragon spawn walked into the room. Rainbow looked him over and soon recognized him as Spike, Princess Twilight Sparkle's "assistant". Rainbow ground her teeth seeing the non-Equestrian creature standing in the great halls of her princess commander.

The green headed dragon spawn bowed his head to the Shadowbolt and waved to the door. "The princesses will see you now, Captain Dash." Rainbow nodded once then looked down at her daughter once again, to see her pink and rainbow head looking down at her shoes which had worn out from their long travels.

"Come along." Dash ordered as she walked to the doors. Spike blinked watching Rainbow walk past him without helping the small child along. No holding her hand or any further encouragement whatsoever. He turned to the little girl and saw that her eyes were red, evidence she had been crying recently. He stopped the girl, who had been dutifully walking after her mother, and knelt down before her.

"Hey there little one." He said, speaking gently. The girl looked up at him to see his grin and his reptilian eyes. Most children were easily scared by the dragon spawn's eyes and would run upon seeing them, but this child just seemed curious. She sniffed and smiled weakly.

"You have green eyes." She said meekly, giving a small smile. Spike smiled warmly back.

"That's right! Don't they look cool?" He asked wiggling his eyebrows making the girl giggle. "My name is Spike, what is your name little lady?" He asked reaching into his pocket to pull out a handkerchief and hand it to her.

The girl sniffled smiling, and took the handkerchief to wipe her eyes. "Windy Belle." She answered after a moment.

"Nice to meet you, Windy Belle." The dragon spawn said softly, giving the girl a smile.

"Windy Belle!" The girl jumped in surprise, and both turned to face Rainbow. She stood before the doors, an inpatient look on her face. "Come." She ordered, gesturing for her daughter to stand by her. Windy held up the hankie to return it to Spike but the man shook his head.

"You hold on to that for me a bit longer, ok?" Spike said, with a wink. He stood up and walked ahead past Rainbow. As he passed her he blinked hearing a slight angry growl from the guard that made the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. In retaliation he turned and stuck his tongue out at the guard, before quickly entering the room. Windy Belle giggled slightly at this, but stopped abruptly after her mother gave her a fierce glare. She then quickly walked over to Rainbow as the two followed the man into the throne room. Windy ran over to Rainbow and took her hand, hiding behind her, as Rainbow marched forward.

To the little girl the throne room could have been as big as the sun itself, as it was certainly the largest place she had ever seen in her life. The ceiling was high up with colorful banners hanging with magical symbols and insignias. To their left was a large set of desks set up in a semicircle where men and women were sitting with inkbottles and quills. They all looked towards Rainbow, Windy, and Spike as they approached the thrones.

Windy's eyes focused on the end of the room where four grand thrones sat. The two in the middle held the Royal Sisters; Celestia, the Princess of Peace and Justice, and Rainbow Dash's commander Luna, the Princess of War and Purity. On the lower thrones sat Mi Amore Cadenza, the Princess of Love and Kindness, and Twilight Sparkle, the Princess of Magic and Knowledge.

Spike stood before the thrones and bowed. "Captain Rainbow Dash of the Shadowbolts, highnesses." He said formally before backing away to stand by Twilight Sparkle’s throne.

Princess Luna sat up with a smile seeing one of her soldiers approaching her. She stood and stepped down the three steps of the dais to approach her soldier. Celestia frowned with distaste seeing this, and Cadenza sighed rolling her eyes before turning away. Twilight though wasn’t watching Luna, nor the Shadowbolt, she was too busy looking at the little girl hiding behind Rainbow Dash, holding her hand. Twilight noticed that Rainbow’s hand wasn’t holding Windy’s in return, as well as how harshly she pulled her hand away to stand at attention before the Princess. She hit a brace and salute with her knuckle to her brow then went down on her knee to kneel before her commander. Windy Belle stood there confused looking up at the tall woman dressed in a dark blue tunic, dark trousers, and black leather boots. She wore a belt with a crescent moon buckle. Windy also noticed a few empty sheathes hanging on the leather belt.

The woman looked down at Windy Belle seeing her face and then her head of hair, the colors of pink and tuffs of color that reminded Luna of the soldier before her. Luna knew something was wrong with the child, but couldn't place what it was.

"Rise my loyal soldier." Luna ordered. Rainbow Dash stood up quickly, snapping to attention. "You have requested an audience with my sisters and I." Luna proclaimed gesturing to the three other princesses behind her.

Windy Belle turned to Spike and saw him speaking to Princess Twilight in a hushed whisper. Twilight blinked and looked straight at Windy Belle as the girl turned away looking down at her shoes again.

"What is it you had need to speak with me about?" Luna asked. Celestia sighed, rubbing her temples, feeling her annoyance growing. She never liked how Luna addressed her knights, even in front of the other three royal sisters. Celestia herself never spoke with such formality to her soldiers as it was, among other reasons, unnecessary. The guards were a constant presence, almost being like family with their ever present vigilance. Lately however, Luna stood more adamantly upon tradition, and spoke with almost cold formality to her soldiers.

"My Princess." Rainbow began, bowing before her. "I came to ask for your aid."

"At ease," Luna ordered allowing Rainbow Dash to take a slightly more relaxed stance, her hands held loosely behind her back. Windy Belle gulped, attempting to imitate her mother. Twilight felt her heart go out to the child, seeing her do so, it may have been cute if it weren’t for Luna's serious nature. She turned to her side to speak with Spike.

"Are you certain?" Twilight whispered, her voice thick with worry. Spike nodded.

"It shows in her eyes Twi." Spike whispered. "She was made using magical means."

Twilight nodded patting his arm, in thanks. "Luna will not like this." She said with deep concern.

"What is it you wish to speak to me about?" Luna asked with interest.

Rainbow turned to her daughter and pushed her forward, Twilight felt sickened by the unnecessary force used. It was like the Captain was shoving Windy into the manticore's den.

"This is my daughter, Windy Belle." Rainbow said with emotional absence. Luna nodded as she leaned over and took Windy’s Belle chin examining her face.

"I wish for you to take my daughter into your guard and train her as you have trained me. As you are already aware, I am to be leaving with my Shadowbolt fleet to the border of the badlands. She’ll be alone."

Windy Belle looked up into Luna’s eyes, managing to remain calm until Windy recognized the anger plastered on Luna's face. She tried to pull away but Rainbow’s hand on her shoulder kept her from escaping.

"Her eyes." Luna whispered with barely controlled rage, looking up at Rainbow Dash. "Who is this girl's father?"

For the first time since she arrived, Twilight saw Rainbow Dash show a spark of emotion, fear. Not the fear of a mother for her daughter, but the fear of a soldier caught disobeying orders.

"He... um." She stammered lamely.

"Answer me!" Luna boomed with authority. This caused Windy Belle to jump away as Luna grabbed Rainbow's tunic and pulled her forward. Rainbow gasped and stiffened noticeably, but made no attempt to fight back. She forced herself to meet Luna’s furious gaze. "Tell me you didn't commit this sin in my kingdom!" Rainbow quivered feebly under Luna's grasp, and found she couldn't meet the glare any longer.

"I was weak, Great Commander! I-I" Rainbow started with fear. Luna slapped suddenly and with great force, knocking her down.

"Mom!" Windy cried seeing Rainbow on the ground rubbing her cheek.

Twilight stood up immediately, having seen quite enough. "Luna, you will NOT do this in front of the child!"

Luna, growling, turned to the Princess of Magic's throne and gave her the same near murderous glare. "I do not care for this abomination or its feelings!" She snarled.

"Luna! That is enough!" Celestia said with the air of supreme authority, standing up. Luna silently glared at the two princesses that had defied her. She turned to the council members to see them bowing their heads or turning away to avoid Luna’s enraged gaze. She then turned back to Rainbow as she managed to stand. Windy Belle ran over to her mother hugging her waist, and trying to help her stand. Rainbow shoved her away again, as she stood at attention before Luna.

"Great Commander," Rainbow pleaded, a bit desperately. "Please hear me out. Just look at her." Rainbow said grabbing Windy's shirt and pulling her over to stand before the princess once more. Windy tried to back away but Rainbow kept a firm hold of her tunic to keep her from shying away. "She was born from two pegasi parents. Her first two years of life were a struggle during the magical epidemic. She survived while the other children in the village grew sick and died. Great Commander, I assure you, the moment she was born I could feel it. She will grow into a fierce warrior, a worthy knight in your Lunar Guard." Rainbow said bowing her head as she held Windy by the shoulders.

Luna thought on that for a moment looking at Rainbow Dash, one of her best soldiers, and then she looked down at the abomination created by magic standing before her.

"Even if I did accept this thing as one of my soldiers, it is far too young for the training." Luna said coldly which made Rainbow's face fall in disappointment, and a touch of despair. Windy felt her mother's hands squeeze her shoulders. "I'm afraid it will need to be dealt with."

Twilight's eyes lit up in horror at those words, and watched as the captain looked ashamed, but did nothing to protect her only daughter.

"Allow me to help you with this my dear guard." Luna said softly for only Rainbow to hear. She placed her hand on Rainbow’s shoulder and squeezed. Rainbow blinked a few times then began to grit her teeth, forcing back unshed tears. "I'll take care of it." Luna whispered softly.

Rainbow noted absently Luna’s hand release her, she then nodded her head slowly in acceptance. Releasing Windy’s shoulders, she stepped back standing at attention once more. Twilight left her throne walking quickly towards the three to the surprise of everyone in the room. She noted the dull gleam of a blade held hidden behind Luna's back. For too long Twilight witnessed these types of heinous acts from Luna and today she would not allow it to happen again. Windy was looking to her mother in confusion of the unfolding events, she didn't notice the dark Princess approach her menacingly.

"I'll take her!" Twilight blurted out causing everyone, Windy included, to turn towards her. Luna glared at the young princess as Twilight marched forward with a determined stride. "I'll take care of her for you, Captain Dash." Twilight said as calmly as she could, having to force her emotions to stay in check. She took Windy by the arm and pulled her away from Luna quickly. The sudden coldness of uncertainty in Windy’s body went away and a warm calm feeling filled her as Twilight wrapped her arm around her.

"Why? What use could such a creature be to the Princess of Magic?" Luna snarled as she discreetly sheathed her blade. She made a note of sarcasm evident in her voice, saying much for what she thought of the youngest princess' title.

"Think about this." Twilight said quickly patting Windy’s shoulder reassuringly. "You say she's too young to begin training as a knight." She paused as she looked to Rainbow Dash. "What is your daughter's name?"

"Windy Belle." Rainbow answered with due respect for a princess. Luna snarled in annoyance at the due.

"And what about her ..." Twilight thought for a moment considering, "Her other mother." Luna cursed silently walking back to her throne shaking her head. Twilight glared at the older princess, then turned back to Rainbow.

Rainbow thought for a moment then sighed. "Her mother is a Pegasus woman named Fluttershy. She's a healer from Ponyville." Twilight nodded.

"I see." Twilight whispered. She was silent as she looked down at Windy Belle seeing her looking back with the first shimmer of hope. Twilight's eyes grew in fascination seeing swirls of magic in Windy’s aqua irises. Just like Spike had told her he had seen. Windy Belle was born from magic and Rainbow’s claim about Windy’s second parent, who was also a woman, confirmed this fact as true.

"I for one see great promise in this young girl. I believe she may well be destined for greatness." Windy Belle was staring up at the Princess in awe, and Twilight gave the young girl a warm smile." I will raise her for now, until she is old enough to enter training. I believe she will make a fine addition to my guard."

Rainbow bowed her head to Twilight in respect and gratitude. "I thank you for taking her into your care. If you will excuse me I must muster my troops and prepare for our long flight to the badlands." Rainbow said bowing before she turned on her heel and walked away.

"Captain Dash!" Twilight called stopping her. "Aren't you forgetting something?" Twilight said gesturing expectantly towards the girl. She had a look of disappointment on her face, but she managed to hold onto some hope that Dash really did care for her daughter on some deeper level. It wouldn't be the first time Luna's guard indoctrination forced good people to forsake other loyalties that would normally be held in high regard.

Rainbow turned to see Windy Belle looking at her with a mix of confusion and sadness. The Pegasus guard sighed with what might be interpreted as a hint of emotion, and slowly walked back towards her daughter. Windy pulled her shoulder from the Princess's grip and ran to quickly cover the distance that separates her from her mother. When she reached her, she let out a choked sob, and threw her arms around Rainbow's waist in a desperate embrace.

"Mom, I...I don't understand! What's going on?" Windy managed to choke out through her tears.

Rainbow took a long moment to try to quell her emotions before they could form. She, for once in her long career as a guard, failed to reign in her feelings. Slowly, hesitantly, she placed her hand on her daughter's head. Running her hand through the hair that so reminded her the love of her life's own, she almost regretted what she would have to do next.

"Windy..." Rainbow hesitated, for once pausing to consider the feelings of her daughter. A large part of her brain told her such considerations were childish and empty, but another less hardened part of her mind would not allow her to be as calculating and shut off as she would normally be. "Do you remember how I said I would have to go away soon? To join my soldiers on the front line?" When Windy nodded, Rainbow continued.

"Well I can't just leave you alone. You're too young. That's why it's so lucky for us that the Princess so graciously agreed to take you into her knighthood." Rainbow held her daughter before her by the shoulders as she tried to make her understand.

Windy blinked, trying to rid her eyes of tears, but new ones quickly came to take the place of the old. "But...but

"Well until you are old enough to take the training, you have to stay here."

"But what about Mommy, why can't I go back to live with her?" The young girl failed to hold back the torrent of tears that she had been forcing herself to hold back for so long.

Rainbow bit her cheek and a contemplating look came to her face as she considered her words. "I'm sorry Windy Belle, you just can't. It's complicated. Maybe one day you'll see her. I've got to go now." Rainbow thought for a moment. "I know you'll do me proud. Good bye." With that final word Rainbow marched away. Windy was ready to go after her but Twilight stopped her by grabbing her shoulder.

"Good luck, Captain Dash." Twilight called trying to force joy into the words for Windy's sake. "We hope for your safe and swift return." Rainbow didn't answer as she walked quickly through the doors. Windy looked to Twilight with utter confusion as the doors shut. Twilight patted her back and turned her away towards the thrones.

Luna sat down on her throne glaring at Twilight as she lead Windy back to where Spike was standing.

"Windy Belle," Twilight began softly as she knelt down so she would be at eye level with the young girl. "I can't even imagine how hard this is for you. This must all be so difficult to understand."

"I want my mommy!" Windy said attempting to sound forceful, but being that she was also trying to swallow a sob her force quavered greatly, which ruined the desired effect. The fact that she was also addressing the four most powerful beings in all of Equestria didn't help matters. Luna growled at the lack of respect this abomination was using to address a princess, even one she had so little respect herself for, but when Twilight responded her voice was filled with nothing but compassion.

"I know dear one, and I am sorry, but she had to leave to perform her duties. She had to leave so she could defend Equestria. Defend you. Do you think you understand?" Windy nodded hesitantly. At that Twilight continued. "I'm afraid I can't give you your mother back right now, but I can at least tell you this. First, your mother is amount the most courageous woman I have ever known, never doubt that. And second, I can at least promise to try to make your stay at the castle as comfortable as possible."

"How? Mom said I’m to become a trained warrior like her."

"You will be, but for now you are simply too young to face the training. You are, after all, only what? Four years old?" Twilight asked with a gentle grin

"Four and a half!" Windy said indignantly, stomping a foot

"Oh my," Twilight said feigning surprise causing Windy to calm greatly, and also blush a bit. "You are a big girl." Spike smiled, watching the exchange, seeing Windy's tears dry and a smile appeared as the intended distraction succeeded in soothing the girl. Twilight turned to notice the princesses looking on as well, waiting for her to return to her throne, and the duties the quartet had in front of them.

"Windy, I'm sorry dear, but I'll have to finish speaking with you later, I have things I must take care of." Windy nodded feeling scared of the separation from one of the only people that had made her feel safe since entering this situation. "Spike," She called waving him over. Windy turned quickly and smiled that the dragon spawn apparently would accompany her. Spike smiled down at the girl in return. "Spike will take you to the kitchens to get you something to eat."

Windy nodded a confirmation, smiling.

"Good, tell the head baker that I sent you." Twilight said with a wink.

"Okay." Windy said happily. Twilight smiled patting her shoulder and stood, letting Spike take her out of the throne room.

Windy turned to see Twilight’s encouraging smile, she then turned to see Celestia and Cadenza's curious stares, and lastly seeing Luna's poisonous glare. This last look made her hurry from the room as the doors shut blocking her view from the throne room. She meekly followed Spike through the grand halls of the castle. She kept silent, Spike looked down to see Windy occupied, looking up at the giant paintings and columns as they walked. When they turned a corner Windy's nose picked up such delicious smells that her stomach growled causing her to giggle.

"You're hungry huh?" Spike asked seeing her nod her head. "Then you’re in for a treat. Stay close to me." Windy nodded as Spike lead her into a giant room filled with bakers and chefs working on cooking the lunch for the royalty and their council. When several cooks looked up they saw only Spike and continued on with their work, but some noticed the new face walking with him and looked on with bewilderment. Spike went through another pair of doors to enter the bakery side of the kitchen where several bakers were working on pastries. Baking, decorating, and even tasting the various culinary delicacies.

"Spikey!" A voice cried causing Windy to jump slightly, and hide behind Spike. Spike smiled seeing a woman with pink hair up in a bun and covered with a hair net walk over, smiling brightly. Her apron was covered in flour, chocolate, and frosting.

"What can I do you for?" She asked wiping her flour dusted hands on her pants.

"Pinkie, I have someone for you to meet." Spike said smiling turning behind him to see Windy hiding shyly behind his legs. Pinkie winked at him and knelt down to her knees to peek behind Spike to see Windy Belle looking to her nervously.

"Aw aren’t you a cutie pie!" Pinkie gushed. "I like your hair, it's so colorful, it's... colortastic!!" Pinky said with her trademark energy. Windy blushed from the compliments with a small smile. "I'm Pinkie Pie. What’s your name, Sweetie?"

"Windy Belle." Windy answered pushing herself slowly away from Spike’s legs to stand before the baker.

"Aw you ARE adorable, but of course I already knew that!" Pinkie said giggling. The other bakers smiled and watched the warm exchange with this new girl, while they continued their work.

"I think she has something to tell you." Spike said with a knowing wink directed to Windy.

"Oh, what could that be?" Pinkie asked smiling.

"Um the nice princess said to say she sent me here." Pinkie smiled giggling.

"Oh did she now?"

Windy nodded. "She said you might give me something special when I said that."

Pinkie gasped. "Oh she is too right!" She gushed as the other bakers were chuckling seeing Windy's face light up. "Wait over there by the door, and I'll be right back." Pinkie said pointing to a dumbwaiter door in the corner. Spike patted Windy on the back to get her attention.

"I have to get back to the princess. Pinkie will look after you until," He paused when he saw that the dumbwaiter door was opening and a red and yellow eye was peeking out. He smiled with mirth, and finished. "Um... just wait here, someone else will take care of you until this evening."

Watching Spike leave, Windy once again felt loneliness creep up on her. The nice pink haired lady wasn't even there. A young boy with yellow and red eyes peeked out of the dumbwaiter, smirking seeing the new girl in front of him. He smirked holding out his fingers and fluttered his them as sparks of magic formed.

"Oh you're going to love this!" Pinkie cried with a giggle.

The boy jumped and fell back into the dumbwaiter hiding as Pinkie came into view, as if out of nowhere. The boy peeked out, after a moment of catching his breath from the shock, to watch Pinkie hand a cupcake to the new girl.

"My own special recipe. Hope you like it." Pinkie said chuckling as Windy took a bite and hummed with delight.

"Wow!" She exclaimed. "What is this?"

Pinkie blinked. "Wait, you're telling me you never had a cupcake?" She asked in shock, and feigned horror.

Windy shook her head. "No, never."

"Were you living under a rock?" Pinkie asked still shocked.

"No, my house was by the woods." Windy answered with slight confusion.

"Seriously?" A voice exclaimed from the dumbwaiter. The young boy leaped out of the dumbwaiter surprising Windy who hadn't realized he was there "You're a kid and you've never had any sweets?" He exclaimed in clear disbelief. Windy blinked a few times staring at the boy's appearance. He was dressed in maroon red trousers and jacket, his eyes looked wild, and his hair was shaped and shaved to a messy Mohawk.

"Pan be nice," Pinkie scolded lightly. "I'll get you a cupcake too, IF you behave yourself."

"I could care less about your cupcakes. I want to know who this girl is and where she came from!"

Pinkie shrugged. "Spike brought her to the kitchen saying that Twilight sent her here."

"Aunt Twilight?" Pan asked with confusion looking to Windy as she took another bite of her cupcake leaving frosting on her nose.

"I don't know the details yet, Pan." Pinkie said handing him a cupcake as well. "You have to ask your mother, or Windy yourself if you want to know more." Pan blinked then turned to the girl to see her finishing her cupcake.

"I'm Pan." He said pointing at his chest. "Who are you?"

"Windy Belle."

After a long moment Pan had finished the cupcake Pinkie had brought him, then wiped his hands on his trousers before running to the dumbwaiter.

"Well are you coming?" Pan called surprising Windy.

"Huh?"

"Come on, Mother doesn't want us kids to be in the kitchen anyway."

Windy was confused until she saw Pinkie wave to her. "Go, play. I'll let Twilight know where you are."

"See," Pan urged. "Come on get in!" Windy nodded with only slight hesitation, as she climbed into the dumbwaiter with Pan and rode up to an unknown level of the castle. At the very top of the chute Pan opened the door and immediately Windy could hear other children laughing and playing. Windy leaped out of the dumbwaiter to see that she was in a large room. She gasped looking around her to find full bookshelves, plushy pillows on the floor, toy swords, shields, bows and arrows, and even stuffed animals.

"Wow...where are we?" Windy asked in astonished wonder.

"Welcome to the royal play room." Pan said happily. "Hey guys we have a new friend!" Pan called causing everyone that had been running around the enormous room to stop what they were doing and come over. Windy watched as the five walked over to see Pan and herself. There were three girls and two other boys in total.

"Hi, there" One of the older girls with light blonde hair said brightly walking over to her. "I'm Princess Radiance." Windy watched as Radiance pointed to a boy with light blue and purple hair and glasses on his face. "This is Prince Gallant Shield." Gallant bowed to her. Windy smiled shyly as Radiance pointed to a dark dressed girl hiding behind Gallant. "This is Princess Lucky Moonflower." Lucky waved her hand careful to keep behind Gallant Shield.

"Those two over there," Radiance said pointing to the younger girl and the little boy. "That's Princess Starchaser and the youngest of us is Agate Quartz." Starchaser smiled and Windy smiled in return. "And that rascal behind you," Radiance added as Windy turned to face the boy who had brought her here. "Is my twin brother Prince Pandemonium."

"Pan for short." Pan added smiling. "This is Windy Belle." Pan said taking the initiative and introducing the new girl. "Aunt Twilight sent her to the kitchen for a cupcake and guess what? She never had sweets!"

The children all gasped in shock. "No sweets, whatsoever?" Gallant Shield exclaimed. "Really?"

Windy shook her head. "No, never had a cupcake before. It was really good." After a moment of disbelief hanging in the air, the tension was broken by Starchaser asking.

"Want to play?" She held up a doll, offering it over. Windy thought for a moment then turned to one of the wooden swords laying on the floor. She picked up a sword and swung it lightly.

"Yeah, I want to play." The children all smiled. Pan smirked and picked up a sword as well.

"Let's play then! I am Prince Pan, here to save my princess from the evil witch!" Pan exclaimed.

"No," Radiance called taking the sword from Windy and smiling with bravado. "I shall protect my dear friend from you, you vile Lord of Chaos!" Windy felt a hand grab her and pull her away to see that it was Starchaser who had done so.

"Watch this." Star said pointing at the brother and sister as they lashed the wooden swords playful until Pan let out a gasp holding his sister’s sword between his side and arm.

"I am slain!” He exclaimed. “Let the world know the Lord of Chaos dies in battle!" Pan exclaimed dramatically as he fell to the floor playing dead as the children cheered loudly for Radiance.

A few hours later Windy was sparring with Gallant Shield. Gallant was surprised by how quickly Windy had adapted the pretend weapon, as she pushed him back until he hit the bookshelf. He dodged as the wooden sword hit the spines of the books. Gallant hit the corner and Windy’s sword was pointed between his eyes as they panted hard from the fight. Gallant let his sword drop to the floor, an acceptance of his loss. Windy stepped back smiling.

"Wow, Windy you're good!" Radiance cheered. "No one has beaten Gallant before. And he’s the oldest and a page!"

Gallant gave Windy a look as he walked away blushing. Lucky ran to him with a hug, whispering to him as Gallant nodded his head. Windy was ready to say something to him when the play room doors opened.

"My, my, my, are my little minions horsing around without me?!" A jolly voice called out.

Pan and Radiance gasped turning to the door. "Father!" They cried running to him and nearly tackling him in a hug. Windy turned to see the tall man hugging the prince and princess lovingly.

"How are my minions doing this evening?" The man joked as he ruffled Pan's head and kissed Radiance on her head.

"Excellent, Father." Radiance answered happily.

"I heard from the servants that we have a new friend?"

Pan nodded pointing to Windy. "Father this is Windy, she's a great sword fighter."

"Oh, is she?" The man asked turning to Windy. Windy blinked looking him up and down. She thought Pan had looked scary when she first met him, this man looked far more so than Pan. He was a tall man with black and white hair, his face looked pointed as if his whole face was chiseled from stone, he was dressed in dark red trousers, a plain tunic with patches of fabric, and hanging from his pocket was a chain for a watch. Windy gripped her sword just slightly tighter on instinct, not realizing she had done so.

"Ah Windy Belle hello, I am Discord, Lord of Chaos. You have already met my children and my nieces and nephews yes?"

Windy nodded, avoiding eye contact with the man

"We were just playing Lord of Chaos father!" Pan exclaimed. "And Windy is the best warrior ever."

"Hmm, that is interesting isn't it." Discord walked over and knelt down to look Windy over. He looked into Windy’s eyes and noticed the magic in her irises and winced slightly. "Hmm, more interesting than I thought." He said standing up quickly.

"What's wrong Father?" Radiance asked worriedly.

"It's nothing my dear." He said covering his trepidation with a quick smile. He leaned over to whisper into his daughter’s ear. "Keep her away from your dear Aunty Luna understand?"

Radiance blinked a few times bewildered, before nodding slowly. Discord then walked over to Starchaser to see what she was reading.

The door opened again and Princess Twilight stepped into the room. She and Discord met gazes for a moment before they each nodded to one another in greeting.

"Good evening, Discord," She said smiling, Discord chuckled at the small amount of distrust that remained in Twilight's voice before answering the greeting.

"Good evening, princess." He said politely.

"How was your trip?" Twilight asked.

"It was relaxing. Just returned to see my little minions before I have to return to my post!" Discord answered casually. He chuckled as he grabbed Pan and hung him over his shoulder. Pan was laughing from being hung upside down.

"I wish you luck. Cerberus has been lonely, or so I've been told." Twilight said smiling as Discord rolled his eyes.

"Now he assumes I’m his new master, the poor creature." Discord said smiling as Pan roared trying to grab his sister’s hair.

"Mother!" Twilight smiled seeing Starchaser getting up from her spot on the floor. She ran over to hug her around her legs. Twilight rubbed her daughters back then turned to see Windy blush slowly walking over to her.

"How was that cupcake?" Twilight asked winking knowingly as she lifted Starchaser onto her hip. Windy nodded, and smiled slightly, brushing her arm

"It was very good."

Twilight smiled. "Excellent. I was able to get you living arrangements during your stay. So until they make room for you, you can stay with Starchaser, okay?"

Windy nodded smiling. "Okay."

Twilight nodded. "Follow me then." Twilight took Windy's hand and lead her out of the play room and through the halls. Windy looked behind her to see the children following Discord out of the play room in a different direction. Twilight then stopped at a door and opened it.

"This is Starchaser's room." Twilight said putting down Star to let the girl run to her bed. Windy looked around surprised by the size, and found a large bed by the wall, a telescope sitting by the large window leading to a balcony, on the opposite wall of the bed was a book shelf and a desk piled high with books and pictures of stars.

"My room is through that small door." Twilight said pointing at a closest sized door next to the bookshelves. "You can share the bed with Starchaser until the living arrangements are met. If you need anything don't be afraid to ask." Twilight said softly seeing Windy's smile.

"When will I see my mom again?" Windy asked, some of her earlier sadness beginning to creep back up on her

Twilight took a while to answer trying to think of a way to explain her situation. "Windy dear, she'll be back as soon as her tour at the border is over."

"When will that be?" Windy asked tears beginning to creep back up on her.

"I'm not sure Sweetie. I'm sorry." Twilight turned to see Starchaser holding up a book. Twilight sighed with a smile, thankful for the interruption.. "Oh alright I'll read to you."

Starchaser squealed laying on the bed. Twilight tickled Windy's chin and smiled as Windy giggled, the sadness receding away once again. "You want to hear a story?"

Windy nodded her head.

"Then get on; take your shoes off." Twilight said as she slipped off her shoes to sit on the bed with Starchaser. Windy pulled off her shoes and leaped up onto the bed with Twilight on her left side and Star on her right side.

Twilight opened the book and began to read. The story was about a powerful Unicorn wizard. Windy listened with awe hearing the story and looking at the painted drawings on the pages. She liked the part about the brave knight who fought alongside the wizard to discover treasure and fighting back the dragons and dragon spawn tribes. Windy’s eyes went wide with awe hearing about the knight protecting the unicorn until the very end.

Later that night Windy and Starchaser were fast asleep in the bed, as Star dreamed of magic and stars, Windy dreamed of being a warrior and confronting a powerful dark unicorn wizard. All Windy could do was smile in her sleep.

Part 1: Chapter 1: Ten Years Later

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It was a beautiful spring morning in Canterlot Commons. Canterlot Commons being a huge square where the Canterlot Market was set up each morning. Not only was it consistently filled with vendors, but it was also where the people celebrated during kingdom holidays. Merchants made deals, vendors called out for the people to buy their products, knights in constable guard armor patrolled lazily watching the streets, and the prostitutes winked toward them distracting them for the young pick pockets that stole all they liked without being caught.

Three cloaked strangers stood in the shadow of a building, on just such a morning, looking over the square. One of them gasped audibly seeing a vendor standing with two young men playing a dice game. The cloaked man grabbed his accomplice by the shoulder, and spun her to see the apples on the gambling man's cart.

Her friend chuckled warmly and nodded. "Agate," The cloaked woman whispered surprising the third of their party who was until that moment wholly distracted watching the women of the night winking in his direction. "Come on."

The three snuck over to the stall, silently. The girl tripped her friend causing him to fall into the apple stand and many to lose focus on what they were doing at that moment. They stared at the unfolding scene with mock concern, and very real interest, as the man struggled to gather his wits and many of the stall's apples fell to the ground with the collision.

"Hey!" One of the apple vendors cried out standing up while his partner quickly went over to gather the apples before the crowd could have their way and get a free, ill gotten, lunch.

"So very sorry, sir." The cloaked girl said helping her friend get up. "My brother is very clumsy."

"Well keep him away from our stand, or next time my brother and I won't be nice enough to let you off with a warning!" The man said with a growl while glaring menacingly. His brother turned to second the implied threat, looking more than a little silly with his cloak outstretched and sagging with the apples he had managed to gather. When he looked behind him at a group of apples he hadn't noticed until then, he saw a third cloaked stranger that had materialized from the crowd, picking them up and stuffing them into a sack.

"Hey! You'd better be planning on buying those" He bellowed, and tried to make himself look imposing, which was a difficult feat with the apples falling out of his cloak periodically

"So sorry, gotta go!" The cloaked man cried out merrily, already running. The two others followed him in a sprint.

"STOP! Thieves! Apple Thieves!" The young man behind the counter cried in anger, shaking his fist as the three teens ran from the stand.

"Someone, get them!" The second man cried out pointing, annoyed that the crowd was only looking on in mild amusement.

The guards among the crowd, however, blinked slowly out of their frivolity. Upon regaining their senses, and having observed scene, they took off as a unit after the teens. The guards ran after them blowing their whistles and screaming threats at the top of their burning lungs. The three teens turned a sharp corner trying to make a run for it in the maze of alleys. They leaped over a small fence and dropped down onto a new street.

"Did we lose them?" The boy asked panting hard.

"HEY! Stop!!" The three gasped and turn to see still more knights running down the paved road toward them. "Stop!"

"I'm pretty sure that means no." The girl stated with a quick laugh before the three of them continued their escape in the opposite direction the guards came from. They turned the corner and gasped to see guards too close for comfort, the closest one almost within arm's reach.

"There they are!" One of them cried.

"We’re trapped!" The boy exclaimed in a panic, hugging the girl. She growled shoving him away.

"We’ll take care of it." She said in confident frustration, turning to the other cloaked boy, nodding. "Do your thing."

The boy chuckled holding out his hands as the guards ran towards them. The teen smirked under his hood as he produced small balls of magical light from his fingertips and shot them toward the guard's. The guards stopped suddenly when the bubbles popped in bright flashes causing them to yell out covering their eyes. The boy ran forward shoving past the blinded guards.

The cloaked girl shoved the second, still panicking, boy toward the guards. Who yelped as he was unceremoniously pushed past the guards, apologizing quietly as he ran. The third teen began her sprint forward conjuring magical blue wings on her back, she jumped up on a cart, and then leaped above the guards heads who were mostly all still too blinded and surprised to try to stop her. Two of them however, were able to catch her by the cloak tail, which was unfortunate for them as it only succeeded in forcing them to the cobble stone ground with a groan. The girl tumbled gracefully back to her feet and sprinted away leaving the guards disoriented and confused.

The three ran past a corner into a darkened alley looking for a place to hide. One of them pointed to a shed and the three quickly ran into the tiny building to hide. Once they were sure no one followed them, the leader pulled off his hood to reveal his yellow and red eyes, as well as his black Mohawk. He started laughing as soon as the fabric was removed from his face.

"Now that was fun." Pan said, forcing the words between fits of laughter. The accomplice to his left removed his hood to reveal his dark red spiked hair and golden eyes. The young dragon spawn servant, Agate, was fighting to suppress the fact that he too was chuckling.

"I can't believe you guys dragged me into this." He said, trying to appear angry, and failing miserably.

"You got to admit," The third added pulling off her hood revealing her short cut pink hair. "That sure got the blood pumping, huh?" Windy asked nudging Agate with her elbow.

"Fine you got me to do the unthinkable." Agate said rolling his eyes. "What did we steal anyway?" He said, trying to put on a look of remorse, but also failing at that since his victorious smirk was still visible to both of his friends. "I feel so bad!"

Windy and Pan laughed even harder at how Agate's words didn't match his tone of glee. It had been a serious struggle getting their timid friend to come along for the adventure, but was now well worth it, if just for his reaction after the fact.

"Uh... guys? We only stole three apples. Eh, enough for a snack at least." Pan said, shrugging, and tossing an apple to both of his friends. "Eat up." Windy caught her's effortlessly with one hand. Agate's, on the other hand, bounced solidly off of his forehead. He yelped with surprise, renewing his friend's laughter.

"Nice catch." Windy joked, as Agate picked his apple up from the floor and brushed it off on his shirt with a blush. Windy took a bite from her apple and hummed in enjoyment at the taste. "Wow, these apples are great!"

"They should be." Pan said smiling. "These, my friends, are no ordinary apples." He announced dramatically, holding up his apple in demonstration. "This apple is part of the rare Apple Clan apple harvest."

"Apple Clan." Agate said with awe, his mouth almost salivating. "I would love to have some of their deserts. It's too bad they've been so expensive lately. Poor Pinkie, she loves Apple Clan pastries.”

"Say Pan," Windy asked, after a few minutes of silence, in which the trio enjoyed their food. Pan looked up quizzically, licking his lips of apple juice. "You're a prince so you've been sitting in on those boring meetings, right?" Pan smirked seeing Windy’s smile turn to the sly. “Got any news you can spread to us, humble, lowly, castle servants?"

"Nothing new, really." He answered with a shrug. "The annual Peace Council is coming up, and you know what that means." Pan added watching as both Windy and Agate’s expressions fell.

"Gah, I hate the Peace Council." Windy exclaimed falling to her back on the floor of straw. "It’s all just a bunch of anger and hate. What's so peaceful about it if it's only purpose is to bring together the whole kingdom of Equestria so they can bicker?"

"The Peace Council was created after the great war against Tirek. All the kingdoms and clans of Equestria united to stop this new great threat." Agate started, without prompting, causing his two friends to look at him with listless expressions. "After his defeat, and with Equestria once more at peace, Celestia and Luna created the Peace Council to celebrate our glorious victory against the dark sorcerer. As well as to provide an opportunity for everyone to come together in peace and rewrite the treaties between our allies."

Agate smiled, feeling accomplished in having remembered his studies so well, but then frowned noticing the look he was getting from his friends. "What?" He asked nervously. Windy only scoffed shaking her head.

Pan sighed in resignation tossing his apple core aside. "This will be my second council and I am NOT excited about it. I can see why Father takes a holiday during the event. They're horrible."

Windy sighed. "I feel bad for Starchaser. This will be her first year in the Peace Council. She's so terrified of sitting there and being judged by everyone." Agate patted Windy on her shoulder.

"Don’t worry, Dad and I will keep our eyes on her." He said reassuringly.

"Ha, you should be more afraid for yourself." Pan said without thinking. "Everyone knows Luna hates Twilight and her daughter, but most especially you." Agate gave the prince a meaningful glare. “What?” Pan asked confused, to which Agate groaned slapping his hand to his forehead.

Windy rolled her eyes. "I couldn't care less if that Old hag likes me or not. She doesn’t even know me. Even after ten years of living in that castle, under the same roof as her." Windy said with half parts anger and defiance.

The two boys remained silent, allowing their friend room to vent. Windy sighed, tossing her apple core to the ground, and left the shed. Agate stood up with Pan and they quickly followed her out.

"Come on, Windy don't get upset over something like that." Agate said, pleading with his friend to calm down, as he dusted off his pants.

"I just don't understand what I did to make her hate me so much!" Windy responded, shaking her head. "I'm strong, I'm a Pegasus, and my mother is one of her elite Shadowbolts. So why am I seen as a rat in the royal kitchen?"

Pan and Agate looked to each other unsure of how to respond.

"I'll show her," Windy said, looking down at her fists, and clenching them tightly. "I'll show her and everyone else who looks down on me that I will be a someone. Then everyone will see that I'm not just vermin living where it shouldn't."

"Don’t say that!" Pan exclaimed looking at her. "You're not a pest. You are a friend, and we all love you." He said wrapping his arm around her hoping to offer some comfort. "You're my pranking sister after all. Who else would have helped me drag Agate's sorry butt out her today?" He added with a wink. Windy blushed, and Agate nodded before realizing what had been said and punching Pan playfully in the arm.

"You're my friend too, don't forget. We all love and care about you. No matter what Princess Luna or her butt sniffers think." Agate said smiling.

"And one day," Pan said smiling. "You will be my minion of chaos!" Pan cackled with maniacal laughter until a fly flew into his open mouth. He gagged and started coughing. His two friends laughed seeing him holding his throat and hacking a few more times before the fly was finally dislodged. He took in a deep breath glaring playfully at his friends. "Hey, I was just choking on a bug! I could have died!"

"Oh pity the poor Pan! Mighty lord of Chaos, felled by the evil house fly" Windy joked. The three friends continue to laugh at one another good naturedly as they continued on.

Suddenly magic grabbed Agate roughly and pulled him back with a surprised yelp. Not a moment later Pan felt magic grab his hood and yank it over his face. Windy gasped in surprise when she felt a magical tendril grab her, which was followed by a blinding flash of light.

The light flashed once again and the three teens fell to the floor with groans of pain.

"Owww!" Agate whined pulling his hood off, which had flown over his head in his struggle with the invisible magical force, and quickly took in his surroundings. Pan did the same, groaning in pain as he sat up. Windy got to her feet, rubbing her eyes in an attempt to get full vision back, then looked around her and almost wished it hadn't worked, as she recognized who's room the trio had apparently been teleported too.

The room was small with a large desk in front of them; the floor was made of old worn out wood partially covered in a rug; the air was stuffy with the scent of ink and paper, and hanging on the walls were banners of the four knightly orders of Canterlot. This was the room of the Captain of the constable guard, a familiar blue haired unicorn man, who was currently sitting on top of the desk observing the trio with an unimpressed frown.

"Oh! Hey Gallant." Windy said chuckling nervously, rubbing the back of her neck. "You're sure looking good in those new duds."

Prince Gallant Shield, son to Princess Cadenza and Prince Shining Armor, glared at the three troublemakers. He set down his scroll and quill to stand before them, dressed in the blush pink tunic with the crystal heart stitched on his chest to symbolize his branch in Princess Cadenza's guard.

A few years ago, Gallant was sent to his father at the Crystal Empire to be trained to become a unicorn knight, and when he had returned from his training he was both meaner and more serious. Especially towards Windy Belle. After his knighthood ceremony Celestia had placed Gallant at the royal guard office outside of the castle to preform constable duties before giving him a proper station and granting him a village to defend.

"I was told that there were three thieves running amok in town today. Apparently they were dressed in cloaks just like yours. They stole some produce from the Apple Clan vendors." Gallant said quirking his brow at the three of them. "You three wouldn't know anything about that, though, would you?"

Pan scoffed, affecting his best offended tone. "Come on Gallant, you old stick in the mud, we didn’t steal anything." Pan said smiling. Gallant glared at him, effectively shutting Pan up.

"I already sent word to the princesses about you. I'm to pass you along to them as soon as I find you. I just thought it fair to give you some warning before giving you over."

"Huh?" Agate gasped. "But we-" Windy quickly clamped her hand over his mouth, to shut the dragon spawn up. Smiling at Gallant, she quickly tried to defend the trio.

"Come on bud, we didn’t do anything! We weren't even anywhere near the apple stands today.

"Really now? Well then you shouldn't have any problem explaining that to the Princesses, right?" With a snap of his fingers and blue sparks from his fingers, the three disappeared leaving Gallant alone in his office.

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Celestia sighed hearing the large man, once again, reiterate his complaints. It had already been a long morning, and the line that stretched out of sight told her that her day wasn't half over. She had a feeling that at least most of these people had the same complaints and fears as the gentleman sitting in front of her had. Bandits were attacking and killing innocent farmers and caravans on the frontiers of Equestria's borders, and they were now here to beg royal aid in solving the problem. This man was a member of the well-respected Apple Clan, and had been chosen to come and speak on behalf of his neighbors. The bandits were getting bolder by the day attacking further into Equestrian lands and even pillaging the villages and manors surrounding the capital city.

"Master Apple, things will be sorted out very soon, I'm sure. I'll have my own personal knights search the roads for thugs and thieves as they travel to Ponyville. We’ll have the bandit tribes taken care of I assure you."

The big, ginger haired man, bowed respectfully. A young man, and an even younger girl, bowed and respectively curtsied with him. His son, and his niece, if Celestia remembered correctly. "That is all we ask Princess. Thank you from my kin, as well as the whole of Ponyville." The man said, his rough accent slipping into his otherwise diplomatic tone.

Celestia nodded with a small smile. "No, thank you Master Apple. Once you return to your clan's home give your Matriarch our warm regards." The man stood straight and smiled, his son and niece mimicking his actions.

Suddenly there was a pop of magic and three hard thuds and grunts were heard. The three Apples turned in surprise to see three teens laying on the floor groaning.

"You know, I'm starting to think Gallant hates me." Windy snapped loudly.

"You think so?" Pan asked sarcastically. Agate pushed his hood away and gasped as he took in his surroundings. They had landed right in the throne room in front of the princesses, during a full court no less.

"Yeah, he's turning into a right prick." Windy growled out loud sitting up, and trying to get her bearings. Agate gulped patting his hand on her shoulder, trying to get the girl's attention, fully aware that everyone present could hear the bashing of the royal son. "I mean is he still sore that he was beaten up by a girl when we were kids? I mean really...suck it up."

"Windy!" Agate whimpered. Windy glared at him, wondering just what was so important.

"Agate will you quit shake ..." Windy snapped and stopped abruptly as she looked around her, realizing where she was. The first person she saw was Princess Twilight apparently trying to disappear into her hand as she hid behind it, her face practically glowing in embarrassment. "Oh shhh-oot."

Pan paled seeing his mother and twin sister looking at him in shared embarrassment. His mother's look carried a serious undertone of anger, while his sister looked concerned. "Uh...oh."

"Pandemonium!" Celestia scolded as the three immediately stood up, bowing to the monarchs. "What have you three been doing all day?" Celestia asked trying to extricate the truth from her son.

"What? Nothing! We just went into town and explored for a bit." Pan said affecting his best innocent face.

"Into town? Where three teenagers wearing cloaks that just happened to look like you three, were spotted stealing apples? No, I'm SURE I'm looking too much into this." Celestia deadpanned. “Please, tell me you three weren't involved." The look on the trio's faces was all the answer she needed. She brought her thumb and forefinger to cup the bridge of her nose. "Please?"

"Getting into trouble as usual, I see." Luna purred as her daughter, Lucky Moonflower, nodded with a barely concealed smirk. "Don't worry Sister, I'm sure it isn't Pan's fault. He was probably just led astray by the help." Windy glared in anger, and Agate bowed his head with shame.

"We didn't mean to steal anything! Honest! It was just a joke that went a little too far..." Pan attempted to defend.

"That's right!" Windy added. "We didn't mean to actually take the apples, we were just caught in the middle of pretending to swipe the apples, and the shop keeps took it the wrong way. Honest your highness." Windy said bowing.

Luna snorted. "A bit too defensive, don't you think? I bet she's the mastermind, and she dragged your precious son along with her. As I've always said rotten tree, rotten seed."

Windy blinked in shock at this shot at her mother. All her life, Luna had taken shots at Windy. Attempted to get her in trouble, and blame her for just about anything short of an earthquake, but to actually take a shot at her mother? A loyal member of her own guard? That bordered on the disgusting. She never understood why Luna hated her so, but as the years wore on she found it more and more difficult to defend herself, even with the help of her friends and surrogate family. Soon she'd have to defend herself without aid. According to most laws Windy was nearly a grown woman, and as a member of the servant class she would soon find it impossible to rebuke Luna's assault on her character.

"Wait a second! That’s not fair!" Agate exclaimed suddenly. "It wasn’t Windy's idea!"

"He's right!" Pan interjected. "I'm the prince. It is my job to know better. Please, if anyone has to be punished it should be me!"

Celestia smiled softly. Her son showed a lot of nobility, not to mention maturity, in his willingness to sacrifice himself for his friends. It made Celestia proud, even if she knew she would never do anything all that awful to children.

"Alright, regardless of whose fault it was, you were all together when caught. It then only makes sense to punish you all together. Your punishments will be a series of chores. Chores you will perform to the benefit of those you have wronged today." Luna snarled lightly, turning away from the scene, and what she believed to be far too light a punishment. “Pan you are my son and the first chore will be to help Master Big Mac until he deems fit."

The three turned to see the Apples glaring at them with disdain. No doubt they were already aware of their theft from the Apple Clan.

"Spike!" Celestia called.

"Yes, your highness?" He answered rushing forward, before bowing.

"Agate is your son so you may choose the second punishment."

Spike smiled and nodded. "Of course, your highness." He turned to the three teens. "I have the perfect job for you three to do. Once you are finished with the Apples you will return here and polish the royal study's book shelves, AND dust off each and every book."

The three teens groaned looking to the floor, knowing that task would stretch on forever.

Celestia turned to Twilight next. "Twilight, as Windy Belle is under your supervision you may pick a fitting punishment for her and the boys as well.

Twilight nodded. "I think I have the perfect-"

"No," Luna interrupted. "I have a better punishment for you three. One that is not quite as nampy pampy as your other guardians." Celestia, Twilight, and Spike all glared at the Princess. They held their tongues, however. They had learned over time that it was crucial to pick your battles with the Princess of War.

Twilight sighed leaning back into her throne and tapping her fingers on the arm of her chair. She worried for her surrogate daughter, but she kept her cool.

"You will meet me back here when you have finished with the Apples and the Library." Luna said, taking the time to give them each their own glare.

"Yes, your highness." The three of them responded in obedient fealty.

Celestia sighed with worry as she stood up. "Your punishments begins now, follow Master Apple and his kin to his stand and do as he wishes. Also, you will all be going to bed with no supper."

"Aw come on!" Windy exclaimed as Agate whined pitifully, and Pan groaned mouth salivating for the lost meal already.

"Get going, the sooner you are finished with your first two 'chores' the sooner your real work will begin." Luna snapped.

As Master Apple and his kin walked past them, the three regretful pranksters followed them out the door into the city.

Luna smirked sitting down in her throne. She turned to her daughter, Lucky and whispered to her. Lucky nodded with a smirk and then ran off. Celestia turned to notice Twilight and Spike looking worried seeing Luna's smirk

Part 1: Chapter 2: Punishments

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"There, that's the last of them." Agate said with a grunt putting the last of the cider barrels into the cart with a sigh.

For the last two hours, the troublemakers had worked hard with Master Big Mac, the Apple Clan's head apple merchant. When the three teens met up with the two vendors from earlier, the vendors were initially in shock. After the initial surprise at seeing the thieving children marched back to their stall unceremoniously had passed however the men made no attempt to hide their amusement, nor their contempt.

Big Mac told the two men to pack up their belongings, the teens would pack up the shop for them that day. When the two were gone, Mac ordered the three to start loading all the apple baskets and cider barrels into the cart. After what had felt like forever, but was likely less than two hours, it seemed that they were finally finished with the first of their three punishments.

"Are we done yet?" Pan whined, panting heavily. Windy was laying on the ground attempting to catch her breath, having also contributed to what felt like an over challenging task. She opened her eyes when she noticed a shadow was blocking the sun that had just been on her face. She looked up to see one of the Apples looking down at her, Big Mac's niece, the girl with purple hair and blue and green eyes. Windy silently thought to herself how odd the coloration seemed.

"Hi! You all worked so hard, and did such a good job, that my Uncle let me make these for you." The girl said holding up a basket of apple pastries. "And considering that ya'll won't get any supper you need all the food you can get!"

Windy sat up and took one of the offered fluffy pastries from the basket. She took a bite and immediately hummed in delight. "Wow! This is amazing, thanks."

Agate and Pan both took a pastry as well, and took bites near somewhat simultaneous bites, both relishing the taste just as much as the other.

"Apple Family pastries!" Pan exclaimed with joyful enthusiasm. "You hardly see these in the market anymore."

The girl nodded and turned and saw Agate avoid her gaze, a heavy blush plain on his cheeks.

"My name is Apple Syrup. My Momma is the matriarch of the Apple Clan."

"Wait," Pan said in shock. "You’re the daughter of THE Applejack?!!"

Apple Syrup nodded. "Ye'sir I am."

"Who now?" Agate asked curiously. His initial blush was beginning to fade, as he took yet another bite from his pastry.

"Agate, Applejack is like, only one of the strongest and most powerful women in the land. How could YOU not have heard of her?!" Windy asked in frustration. It quickly went to awe, however, as her mind went to the self-made woman. "I've heard so many stories about her from the Knights Barracks." Windy sighed. "Man, I would love to meet her in person."

Pan thought for a moment. "Isn't she coming to the Peace Council?"

Apple Syrup nodded. "Eeyup she is. First Apple since Great Jedidiah Apple, my great grandpappy passed."

"Who’s he?" Agate asked.

Windy shrugged. "I have no idea."

Apple Syrup giggled. "Well I'll tell ya. Jedidiah was a serf for the Rich family in Ponyville, before the place became an actual town. He sparked a revolution and overthrew the Duke and his family, to make Ponyville an independent village. Everyone was so grateful they made him he town's mayor. Being that he was an Apple through and through sure didn't hurt our clan none either. Now Momma is returning to Canterlot to renegotiate the Apple Family's trade with the rest of Equestria."

"Wow, your family sounds amazing!" Windy said intrigued.

"My Ma always said I have a knack for telling Apple Clan history." Apple Syrup said happily. All three teens shared the same confused look.

"Um, I thought you only had one Mom?" Windy asked confused.

Apple Syrup shook her head to the negative. "I have two mothers." She said with pride.

The boys paled looking at one another.

"Really?" Windy asked carefully, taking an unconscious step back, then noticed the large man look over as Syrup continued to explain.

"Oh yeah, Ma is a unicorn, and Momma is an earth born." She gasped when Big Mac placed his hand over her mouth shushing her. He glared at the three teens and nodded.

"You've all done enough, you may leave now. Thank you kindly for the help." He said with a distrustful glare. The three friends looked to one another in confusion. Pan stuffed the rest of his pastry into his mouth, with a shrug, and stood up.

"Let's get going guys, we still have two more punishments to get through before we're done." Pan walked past Apple Syrup, and her uncle, before offering a polite bow. "It was a pleasure. I wish you well on your journey back home."

Big Mac nodded once watching Pan leave and noticed Windy also getting up with a smile.

"Those were great pastries! Um... I...I'll see you around?" Windy waved awkwardly before running after Pan.

Agate turned to see Apple Syrup look to him. He waved to her and ran after Windy and Pan to catch up with them.

"That was very stupid you know that?" He scolded as Syrup blushed sharply. "You know you're never supposed to talk about your mothers to a non-family member." Syrup sniffed turning away ashamed, and not really understanding why. Her uncle sighed softly. "I know your momma AJ told you to always tell the truth, but sometimes the truth just don't go over too well Syrup. Pack up and help Bing with the horses, we're about ready to head on home."

Apple Syrup nodded meekly, watching her uncle walk over to the horses. She never really understood why her family felt they had to keep the fact that she had two mothers a secret. As far as she was concerned she had the best moms in the whole world, but there must have been something she didn't understand going on for all the adults in her life to react the same way. She closed her eyes remembering back to before she came on this trip to Canterlot.

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It was late night and Apple Syrup was looking for a book to read in her Ma's library, when she heard a door slam shut and arguing through the wall. She walked over, placing her ear against it, and overheard the heated argument between her mothers. Matriarch Applejack; the leader of the Apple Clan, and Rarity Belle; a seamstress and servant that worked for the Apple Clan household.

"You know I can't agree to this! Apple Syrup is too young and naïve to deal with the world outside these walls."

"She's an Apple and she has to get out of your dressing room sometime and learn to be one."

"That doesn't mean she has to be a brute like you Applejack!"

Apple Syrup swallowed hard. She hated it when her mothers fought. Most of the time it was about her, which only served to make her feel guilty.

"She has to learn to take this family onto her shoulders at some point. One of the most important steps is learning of our allies, and earning their trust.

"Allies?! Applejack, you and I both know that our allies don't care for people like us. Remember that nice couple that used to run the sweet shop? Their children were killed, and their shop burned to the ground." Rarity said with indignation.

"They were flauntin’ their relationship, and their success to boot. They knew it would be trouble!

"I don't trust Canterlot no matter how important the Peace Council is to you! It's bound to come to blows sooner or later and I don't want my daughter to be in that situation. To be put under the eyes of those that would despise her, and see her as just another child born from a cursed spell!"

Apple Syrup felt tears in her eyes as she slid to the floor, she got to her feet quickly and fled the room. This meant of course that she missed the next part of the conversation.

"That spell was never a curse, Consarn it! I am plum fed up with people calling it what it ain't!"

"I know dear." Rarity said, pulling the fuming Applejack into a consoling embrace. "It did bring us our little Syrup, after all."

Syrup went to bed that night in tears, thinking she was the Apple Families secret shame.

The next morning, after hearing the argument, she went with her uncle Big Mac and her cousins to Canterlot to sell their wares, and await the arrival of Applejack and the other key members of their clan. It was never told to the child, but she knew that pains were taken to never have Syrup in Applejack's presence for more than a minutes at a time while in the city.

Apple Syrup never understood why some spell was the cause of so much heated debate and secrecy. Back at home Syrup was treated like any other ordinary child. Both of her mothers were as encouraging as they were loving. She tried not to show it, but it was difficult not to think of herself as a freak when those she loved the most seemed to treat her like dirty laundry.

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After cleaning as organizing the study's bookshelves for over three hours, the three tired teenagers walked out of the castle to the training yards to meet up for their final task, the sun was already setting well into the horizon.

"I'm never pranking anyone ever again." Windy groaned out tiredly with Pan and Agate behind her.

"Just one more chore." Pan said softly with a sigh, a small amount of relief apparent in his tone.. "Then bed. Oh, sweet bed! How I've missed you!"

"And a bath." Agate added happily. "I think all that dust is giving me hives."

Windy snorted. "Yeah, now all we have to get past is Luna. Piece of cake!" The girl said sarcastically. "With my luck she's likely to strap me to a table and direct me."

"We won’t let that happen." Agate stated firmly.

Pan nodded. "Right, no chance."

Windy smiled at them. "Thanks guys." They turned the corner and stopped to see Princess Lucky Moonflower, Luna's daughter waiting for them at the Shadowbolt Tower entrance. The three walked over unsure what was going to happen next.

"There you are! I've been waiting all afternoon." Lucky said smirking.

"What are you doing here?" Pan asked with a glare.

"Mother wanted me to hand you your final punishments, myself. Ones that suit your 'strengths' individually."

"What do you mean by that?" Windy asked nervously.

"Oh you know, nothing too harsh." Lucky said quickly pointing to Pan first. "For Pan, Mother suggested you to dust off all the tapestries and paintings in the Lunar Guard Memorial Hall. It better be done before the first Lunar Watch tonight too. Pan looked to the others in muted anger as Lucky pointed to Agate.

"Agate, Mother wants you to go into the Lunar Library and restock all the shelves. All of the books were suddenly pulled out and left on the floor. No idea how that might have happened." Agate growled lightly as Lucky patted his head. "Oh and she wants them organized by author's last name. Not first name." Lucky smirked seeing Agate's furious gaze. She then turned to Windy. "Oh Mother has just the perfect job for you, reject." Windy bared her teeth at the name as Lucky went on smirking. "She asked for me to lead you there personally."

"What?" Windy asked confused.

"Her idea, not mine." Lucky said with a shrug.

"No way," Pan said standing up. "You are not separating us."

"Pan, you really need to learn your superiority. If you keep defending your lessors, servants no less, people will start to lump you in with them." Lucky said with false concern.

"Why you-" Pan growled. Agate grabbed his arm to stop his tirade before it could begin.

"Pan," Windy said, pausing the situation to pause momentarily. "It's cool, I got this."

"Are you sure?" Agate asked worriedly. Windy nodded with a wink.

"I'll be fine. I'll get this done with before you guys even realize I'm gone."

Pan and Agate looked to one another with worry. Knowing that Windy was just putting up a front for their sakes, but being impotent to protect her.

"If you're sure..." Agate started hesitantly as Windy nodded.

"Go, seriously, I’ll be fine." Windy encouraged smiling.

The two nodded and exited through the doorway into the tower, leaving Windy alone with Lucky. Windy turned back to the other girl with a glare.

"What do you want me to do?" Windy asked with a growl.

"Follow me and I'll show you." Lucky ordered walking ahead. Windy sighed and followed her through the training yards until they reached one of the horse barns. Windy sighed in relief, feeling certain she understood what the chore was, mucking the Lunar Guard stables. Simple, if disgusting. Lucky opened the large door into the smelly horse barn.

"Mother wants you to muck the horses’ stalls and make sure all the saddles are polished and cleaned.... By first watch." Lucky ordered throwing the rake at Windy, who was just barely able to catch it.

"That's it? Not even a snide remark?" Windy asked smirking. Lucky remained silent keeping a straight face and offering only a shrug.

"Just doing as I was told, reject. You won't get it done in time anyway."

"Maybe," Windy said a little worriedly knowing that the large barn was full of fifty horse stalls and by the looks of it, half of the stalls were empty.

"Get to work." Lucky ordered before leaving the stable.

After a moment of waiting, Windy sighed looking around her. She walked to the lanterns and turned them on one by one making sure she had light and began her work. She looked up in time to see a black stallion look to her and nickered seeing her. He moved to the front of the stall and nuzzled her face.

Windy giggled and stroked the horse's snout affectionately. She opened the door to the giant war horse's stall and began cleaning it out. She planned to have all the stalls cleaned first then she'd move onto the harder task of cleaning all the tack and gear.

It was already starting to get dark by the time Windy was halfway done with cleaning out the stalls. She stopped for a second to take a breath, as she continued her attempts to breathe only through her mouth, when she heard the doors to the barn slide open. "Oh no! That can't be first watch already!" She thought with worry, beginning to panic slightly.

"Sirs, I'm SO sorry! I don’t have-" She said turning, and stopped to see that there were five dark cloaked strangers standing by the doorway. One of the horses neighed with fright as one of the cloaked men pulled out a small club.

"Damnit!" Windy Belle thought holding her rake close, hoping it could act as a weapon in a pinch. Are these bandits? Horse thieves?

The first of the men ran over swinging his baton trying to catch Windy, who quickly ducked to the floor. She gasped seeing his boot quickly nearing her face. She rolled to the side, just missing his boot, and hit the padlock door with a wince. The horses began to get restless, and struggled against their restraints, as their new friend was attacked.

Windy conjured her large wings and leaped into the air, grabbing a beam and pulling herself up. She gasped seeing that two of the cloaked men also had wings and flew up to the beams. Windy struggled to stay balanced as she looked up at the two pegasi men, then looked down at the three others below her. Some held bully clubs and others had lengths of rope or other assorted weapons. Windy could only imagine what those with rope might be planning for her.

"What do you want?" Windy asked, fighting to keep fear from her voice, turning behind her to see the second Pegasus man approaching behind her. No matter what direction she looked in, she was trapped. Until she looked down at one of the horse stalls to see a white horse looking up at her, snorting. The horse winked his large eye and neighed. Windy smirked looking at her assailants.

The two pegasi ran for her, one went low to grab her waist while the other went for her head. Windy used her wings and pushed herself quickly back off the beam, the two men crashed into each other falling heavily to the ground. Windy landed on the white horse and held on as the horse kicked through his stall door and ran to the opening.

"Stop that brat!" One of the cloaked figures cried.

Windy held on tight with her legs on the body of the horse as she rode with him into the training yard, feeling like she might actually be safe. At least until she looked ahead again and saw a giant rod fill her vision. The rod connected hard, smacking her off the horse, and she landed hard on the ground with a pained grunt. She coughed for air as the collision had temporarily stolen her breath. She looked up and gasped as the men grabbed her and held her roughly to the ground by her arms.

"Let me go!" She cried trying to kick the men until the third man arrived, and grabbed her legs to keep her from struggling. She looked up to notice that one of the men was a unicorn, his magical hands glowed in blue magic.

"I mean it, let me go now!" She cried out fighting as best she could against the much larger men. The horse let out a neigh, doubling back, and kicked the unicorn man away with a sickening crunch as his hooves landed squarely. The other two men backed away quickly, as the horse pressed his attack. Windy rolled to her hands and knees watching the horse chase the men, but something wasn't right.

"There were four weren't there? Where's-?" She gasped feeling a strong bicep around her neck choking her. She coughed trying to breathe as she struggled in his grip. She looked for anyone, or anything to help her out of the situation, but she came up empty. She was alone, she was going to die!

She shook her head, refusing to just give in. Looking down, she noticed that her feet were still on the ground. She was taller than the man chocking her. She only hoped that would give her the advantage she so desperately needed. Barely aiming, she swung her leg with all her might, and connected. The man released the girl, with a curse, and doubled over. Windy sprinted away, wobbling at first from the lightheadedness being deprived of oxygen had caused, but was able to make the dash to the palace.

"Someone get her!" The hurting man screamed, still struggling to take his feet once more.

Windy turned a corner and hid by the barrels standing against the wall panting hard. Once she got her air she looked around. She looked up the palace wall to find one of the rooms had an open window with the curtain flapping. That was her chance of a getaway. She peeked around the corner to find the thugs looked for her. She pulled back, panting hard, and trying to calm herself down. She pushed off the wall and made a sprint for the castle wall.

"Windy!" Windy stopped and looked up to see a woman she recognized at the opened window. She smiled recognizing Princess Starchaser waving to her from the window. "Up here! Quickly!" Windy gave a hopeful smile, thinking that she was almost out of this mess.

"Hey, there she is!" Windy gasped and turned to see the thugs running quickly toward her. She gulped and continued on, as she conjured her wings again and leaped up to the wall. With their aid, she climbed up the wall, finally reaching the window. She turned and gasped upon seeing that the pegasi among her pursuers were near.

"Star!" She cried struggling, as her wings disappeared from her fright. "Help me up! Hurry!" She cried as her shoes scrapped the smooth wall trying to get traction to push herself up the wall. She felt her grip on the window will, the only thing keeping her elevated at this point, slipping. Starchaser grabbed her hands and with the aid of her magic she pulled Windy into the room. Windy collapsed onto the wooden floor, desperately trying to regain her breath, as Star slammed the window and barred the shutters as quick as she could. They heard the crash and grunts of the assailants hitting the wall and shutters.

Star quickly locked the shutters and sighed in relief. She held up her hand and produced an orb of light to illuminate the room. She looked down to see Windy laying on her back, still panting hard from the run.

"Are you alright?" Starchaser asked with worry as she knelt down beside her.

Windy nodded after a moment. "Thanks for the save." She said smiling in gratitude. Star smiled in return.

"Who were those thugs? I'm surprised that they were able to pass all the guards on watch without being noticed." Star said with confusion evident in her face.

Windy sat up. "I have no idea. And I'd rather not know why they were trying to get me." Star blinked and looked at Windy's neck stroking the red mark gently.

"Hey! Stop, that tickles!" Windy giggled pushing her hand away.

"Oh, sorry." Star said with a blush. "You just have this mark on your neck..."

Windy blinked stroking the mark that the rod had made a collision with her neck. "It's nothing. I'm fine, see!" Windy stood up holding out her arms in a heroic pose. "Fit as a fiddle."

Star smirked at the display. "I wouldn't be surprised if they were there because you'd pranked them at some point and they wanted revenge." Windy frowned watching Star leave the room with her hands behind her back. She couldn't help looking Star over, smiling seeing how beautiful she looked dressed in a shimmering purple dress. She couldn’t help but let her eyes linger over certain areas a young servant girl hadn't the right to linger over. Star turned, and took notice of the staring with a smile, but demurely pretended she didn't.

"What did you do this time Bell?" Star asked curiously. Windy blinked away her distraction, and fought her blushing. She attempted to mask it by playing angrier with the girl' swords than she was.

"I didn't do anything!" She argued following her out of the room closing the door behind her.

"Ha, I find that hard to believe." Star said chuckling as she walked down the servant side stairs, Windy hot in her heels.

Star turned seeing Windy chasing her, she smirked picking up her skirts and running faster down the steps. Windy smirked, the chase was on! When they reached a landing in the stairs, Windy jumped off the last four steps and grabbed Star's waist. Star gasped surprised the other girl had caught up to her so quickly. Windy pushed her into the wall and pressed against her to pin her. The two were smiling excitedly looking into each other’s eyes giddily, before Windy blinked and she realized what she was doing. Her smirk disappeared as she pushed away from her friend, blushing in shame.

"I’m sorry." Windy whispered with embarrassment, turning away. Star frowned with worry, pushing away from the wall herself.

"No, don't be sorry. We were just ... playing around.” Star said, trying to reassure the other girl.

"Still I shouldn’t have done that." Windy whispered. “Its getting to where it’s not … play anymore.” She said sadly. Star thought for a moment then smiled and took Windy's arm.

"Come on, you need a cupcake. If Mama is still awake, I can get her to make us some, or we can grab some of the left over cookies from lunch."

Windy feebly followed Star through the hidden halls of the castle, where the servants could move about without being seen. As they walked silently, Windy began to think about what had occurred just minutes before. What if it wasn’t a coincidence that the cloaked thugs came to the barn and attacked her? The reason she was in those stables was because of Lucky who was ordered by Luna to send Windy there. Windy stopped, pulling Star to a stop as well.

"Windy? Are you alright?" Star asked seeing Windy looking pale.

"Star, I think Luna sent the thugs. I think she wants to kill me. Windy said, more a bit frightened at the prospect.

Star didn't look surprised. "Really?"

"Yeah. I didn't think about it until just now." Windy said scratching her head to pull out strands of straw from her hair. Star pulled her fingers rough the other girl's hair, helping her.

"Why do you seem so calm?" Windy asked. "I mean this is scary stuff. Sure, Luna has tried to hurt me, slander my image, and put me in harm's way but trying to murder me? That's like extreme!"

Star sighed thinking. "I'm sorry Windy, and I don't mean that I don't believe you, but do you have any proof?" Star asked worriedly.

Windy shook her head. "No... nothing. Just a hunch." She said sadly. Star walked to a wall and pushed on a brick to open a secret door. The two girls left the servant halls and entered one of the grand halls of the palace. This hall had standing armor of the Solar Guard decorating the otherwise empty hall. Hanging from the ceilings were the Solar Guard tapestries from years past.

Star took Windy's hand and the two began walking down the hall slowly, both of them thinking quietly to themselves.

"Well it wouldn’t come as surprising," Star began softly squeezing Windy's hand. "She doesn’t seem to care for us very much."

Windy blinked looking down at Star's hand in hers. She swallowed hard and pulled her hand away rubbing her knuckles. Star blushed stroking her hair behind her ear.

"I'm still trying to figure it out. Why does she hate me so much? I mean, I'm the daughter of an elite Shadowbolt."

Star rolled her eyes. "I know. Everyone knows, you've said that at least a thousand times. You don’t see me boasting about my mother." She said with slight annoyance.

"You’re different though," Windy said looking at her pointedly. "I mean everyone knows who your mother is. Everyone assumes I'm just some orphan that was picked up due to your mother's charity."

Star gasped turning to her. "Windy, don’t say that! My mother wanted to help you."

"Yeah, I know. Charity." Windy said sadly before storming off. Star sighed watching her walk off for a moment before gathering her skirts once more and hurrying after her.

"Wait a second Windy, please listen to me." Star begged grabbing her arm to stop her. "Mother wanted to help you, but you've become a part of the family. She may have not expected it to happen, but she cares as much for you as she does me. Please don't be upset."

Windy blushed turning to her. "I don't want to see you upset either. I know Princess Twilight means well but I am an orphan now, a servant." She said sadly. Star walked up to her and stroked her cheek.

"What about those dreams of becoming a knight?" Star asked with a smile. "Becoming someone nobody can ignore? Showing the world that YOU are Windy Belle?" She said, knowing that if anyone could accomplish these dreams it would be the girl before her.

Windy turned away. "They won't come true."

"Why would you say such a thing?” Star said in surprise.

"Because it’s true." Windy whispered sadly crossing her arms across her chest. "I’m not a royal, I'm not from a royal house, I can't even remember my mother's face very well anymore."

"Why not just ask for knighthood?" Star suddenly said causing Windy to blink and turn to her wide eyed.

"Just flat out ask?" Windy asked bewildered.

Star blushed. "Well um, I don't know, but you can ask Mother and she could probably get you an opportunity to try out. You'd be earning your place as a knight, but mother could at least get your foot in the door." Windy thought for a long moment and smiled with a nod.

"I can try." Windy said excitedly.

"Fat chance!" The two girls turned to see Lucky walking over to them smirking. "You done with your chores already?" Lucky asked snidely seeing Windy glare at her.

"Yeah I am, on account of a gang of mysterious men trying to kill me!” Windy snarled.

Lucky gasped, making no attempt to hide the fact that she was obviously feigning surprise. "Oh gosh, I sure hope the Lunar Guard took care of them expediently, and that you are entirely unharmed." She said with a smirk.

"You little...," Windy snarled, Star grabbed her arms stopping her advance on the princess.

"Windy, please, calm down!" Star begged causing Windy to stop, but a snarl was still on her face.

"You should listen to her." Lucky said chuckling. "She obviously knows when to be silent. Don't you Star?"

Star blushed slightly, turning away.

"What do you want Lucky?" Windy snapped glaring at her.

Lucky shrugged, "I couldn't help but overhearing that you wanted to join the guard.

Windy nodded starting to worry. "Yeah, what of it?"

Lucky chuckled shaking her head. "You really think that any one of the princesses will let you join? A girl from your station? Not to mention upbringing?" Lucky asked as Windy's glare cooled into a look of slight worry. "I mean, just look at you! You have no muscle, you're lazy, you have no proper education, and worst of all," Lucky laughed as Star glared at her. "You're too old, if you wanted to be a knight you should have started training years ago. Even if you do end up in the guard, all you’ll be is cannon fodder like the rest of the foot soldiers!"

Windy bowed her head in shame. Star glared at Lucky defiantly.

"That’s not true Lucky! Windy is the strongest, smartest, and most compassionate woman I have ever met. She would make the best of knights if given half a chance!" Star argued to the surprise of Lucky.

"Huh, so you do got some bite after all." Lucky said smirking. "Good to know." She turned and walked away. "If you do want to try asking for permission, I suggest you wait a while, reject!" Lucky called from over her shoulder. Windy looked up surprised. "After that stupid prank you pulled with Pan and that servant, it’s best to wait and let things calm down. Later, rejects." She called waving her hand to the two as she turned a corner down a separate hall.

Windy clenched her fists, and fought the urge to chase down the princess and bet in her smug face. "I hate her." Windy growled.

Star turned to her. "She wasn't always like that, you know." She reminded softly.

"I don't care!” Windy snarled turning away, careful not to let her anger slip to the other princess. "I hate her guts."

Star nodded. "She did give some good advice though. I don’t think it would be the best time to ask to join the guard after you got into so much trouble."

Windy nodded reluctantly. "Yeah, I guess so." She looked around then sighed. "I better get to bed, there will be a banquet tomorrow morning and I have to help in the kitchens. I’ll see you tomorrow?"

"Of course." Star said smiling sadly. Windy nodded as she turned and walked away with her hands in her pockets.

Starchaser watched her friend walk away feeling sad. She wished there was something she could do to help lift Windy's spirits again. She wished it was like the old days, when they were all children. The simpler times of playing chase, when Star would be teaching Windy how to read and write. When the two of them would sneak out at night to watch the stars, and when Windy would sneak to her room during a thunderstorm and sleep with her.

Star blushed deeply remembering those innocent times, but that final one was likely the one she missed the most. As unladylike as it was to admit. Now that they were older she wished they had that much time to spend together once more. Just imagining having Windy close to her again like that made her heart flutter with longing and excitement. She blinked remembering that moment with Windy pressing her against the wall, their faces close, and their lips almost touching. What if Star was brave enough to actually kiss her? She shook her head violently dislodging the thought, her face turning red.

"Stop it Starchaser! You can’t think like that anymore. You are a grown princess now!" She scolded herself, but was unable to fully rid herself of the longing." She turned and walked to her own bedroom trying to get the conflicting thoughts out of her head.

Windy opened another secret door to find another set of servant stairs and went down the steps to the very bottom, into the basement where the servants slept. She sighed sniffing her tunic and groaned.

"I’ll take that bath in the morning, I need to sleep." She whispered. She walked to the bed room to find the day servants all asleep either in pallets on the floor or in hammocks hanging off pillars and hooks. Windy walked past Pinkie Pie who was sleeping in a hammock. Windy pulled off her shoes and her dress tunic. She folded the tunic nicely and set it over her boots and laid into her hammock and cuddled into her blanket, closing her eyes. Comforted by Pinkie's soft snoring next to her, she fell into a deep sleep.

Part 1: Chapter 3: Bulls-Eye

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Windy woke up and looked around to see all the servants were getting up and getting ready for work. Windy yawned, stretching her arms in the air and turned to the hammock next to her to find Pinkie's hammock was empty, Windy grabbed her dress tunic and pulled it on over her head and retched smelling the odor coming off of it. She had to either get a new one from the castle tailor or clean the one she had on. She grabbed her boots and pulled them on. She ran to the mirror hanging on the post by her hammock and used her hand to brush her short hair to make it look half decent then ran for the kitchens.

As soon as she arrived she was tossed an apron by Pinkie and began to work. Pinkie tossed her fresh bread dough to knead and pound. After three hours of constant working and rushing she was given leave by Pinkie who congratulated her on another hard morning’s work. Windy pulled off her apron and tossed it away and ran to the servants’ bath house to wash up.

After her wash she came out feeling better but her clothes still needed a wash. She sighed, another chore to do. She looked down to notice that her pant legs look like they shrunk and groaned. She needed to get a new pair of pants soon. She then thought about her clothing dilemma and made a decision. She made the long walk to the castle tailor, a young woman by the name of Coco Pommel.

Coco looked up hearing her door open, she looked up with pins between her lips. She smiled seeing Windy closing the door behind her. She spat out her pins to talk.

"Hello Windy Belle, how are you? It's been a while since I've had any friendly visitors." Coco said smiling. Windy smiled in return walking over.

"I’m doing well. I was curious to know if there are any discarded tunics from the squires you might have available." Windy asked hopeful. Coco looked at her with a quirked brow.

"Outgrew your tunic already?” She asked bewildered.

"A little." Windy said lamely pulling the hem of her tunic which was above her trousers belt. "Also, the cloth stinks bad." She added.

Coco sighed rolling her eyes. "I swear, you need to clean your tunics once a week. Twice if you are doing horse work."

Windy nodded. "Yes ma'am."

"Alright, I'll take a break. Come over here and I'll measure you." Coco ordered as she got up from her stool.

Windy went under the board door that separates the tailor’s workstation with the sitting area of the tailor room. Windy always visited Coco when she needed her clothes patched or new clothes. Since Windy isn't allowed to have custom tailored things from the tailor, she had to take all the used clothes that the pages and squires outgrew. But it was starting to get harder to find clothes that were long enough for her growing frame.

Windy blinked seeing the gorgeous ball gown Coco was working on. "Who's dress is that?" She asked as Coco looked in her drawers for her measuring tape.

"Oh it’s for Starchaser. Princess Celestia told me to make several gowns for her since this will be her first year in the Peace Council. All the princesses and their children must be at their best during the ball. Ah, here it is!" She said pulling out her measuring tape.

Windy looked at the gown and imagined Starchaser in it and couldn’t help but smile. "It looks beautiful."

Coco smiled with a blush. "Really? I’ve been struggling with Star’s dress."

Windy nodded. "Yeah, it looks pretty." Coco nodded smiling.

"Thanks Windy, I’ve been needing some encouragement. It gets lonely here."

Windy made a cheeky smirk. "What about that one unicorn that was here in the fall."

Coco squeaked blushing seeing Windy’s smirk. "What do you mean?" She asked worriedly.

Windy chuckled leaning against the wall. "I noticed that unicorn woman a while back. And the way you both said goodbye was so romantic. What was her name?"

Coco glared at her as her face went into a deeper shade of red. “Never you mind about my business." Windy was giggling as Coco sighed in defeat. "Fine, she’s a scribe. But she’s always working. The silly writer. That's all you get from me." She whispered shaking her head.

"Sounds like you enjoy it when this scribe comes over." Windy joked as Coco glared at her.

"Are you here for clothes or not? I can kick you out." She warned.

"Alright, alright!" Windy said laughing. "I’ll shut up about it."

Coco snorted as she waved for Windy to stand in front of her. She used her measuring tape to measure her height and Coco was surprised. "Wow, you must be going through a growth spurt since the last time I saw you. You’re getting taller!"

Windy blushed. "Sorry."

"Don't apologize for what your mother gave you, Windy." Coco said softly as she wrapped the tape around Windy’s waist. Coco quirked her brow and checked the hem of Windy's trousers to see if the still stretch or not. To her surprise she could barely fit her finger through the hem and Windy’s stomach. "Oh my, you need new trousers too. Your hips are shaping up nicely."

Windy blushed rolling her eyes. "I'm not interested in showing off my curves to the boys, Coco."

Coco smirked at that as she wrote the measurements on a piece of paper. "Still, you should be fortunate with what you have even though you act more like a boy."

Windy glared at her. "Not my fault I was born a girl."

Coco smirked at that as she walked to a group of crates sitting at the far wall. The crates were filled with old discarded clothes that Coco recycled for future clothes or give away to those that need them. She opened the lid of a crate and began digging through the tunics for the right size for her ward.

"Hmm, try these and see if they're long enough while I look for some larger trousers for you." Coco tossed a few tunics to Windy as she looked into a separate crate that was filled with pants.

Windy pulled off her small blue tunic and tried on a red one. She growled, it was too tight. She pulled it off and tossed it aside. She took a green one and pulled it on, but it was too short. She grabbed a black one and it still wasn't enough. She sighed in defeat and shook her head.

"None of them fit." Windy said annoyed as she grabbed her blue tunic and pulled it back on again. Coco tsked thinking.

"Hmm those were from the late squires that just entered knighthood. Um, here are a few pairs of trousers. Try those."

Coco watched as Windy struggled to pull of her old trousers as he tried on the newer ones. They fit well but they were short. Coco sighed shaking her head.

"I'm sorry, Windy, I don’t have anything for you." She said softly.

Windy shrugged pulling on her tight trousers with difficulty thanks to her growing hips. "It's alright," She grunted finally pulling them up. "I'll just find another way of getting new pants. Thanks anyway."

Coco sighed disappointed. "If only Luna wasn't so strict with her rules, then I would have made you a whole wardrobe of comfortable clothes."

Windy smiled sitting on a box to pull on her boots. "All hail, Princess Purity." Windy sarcastically replied tying her laces around her boots. She stood up fixing her tunic. "I've got to go Coco, see you around."

Coco nodded watching the teen leave the room. "Poor dear. If only she was born like everyone else then she wouldn’t have these problems." She whispered softly with shame as she returned to Starchaser’s dress.

Windy walked out of the tailor room and took another door to go outside. She sighed looking out at the training yard to see it filled with knights, horses, bowmen, squires and pages training with their knight master. She stuck her hands into her pockets and walked by.

One of the bowmen turned seeing her.

"Hey, Windy!" He called. Windy stopped and turned to the bowman to see his smirk. "Hey, you mind helping me out with something?"

Windy sighed annoyingly then walked over to the soldier. She’s a servant and must do as she was bid.

"I made a bet with this outsider here." He said pointing his thumb over his shoulder. Windy looked over to see a man dressed in the uniform of a Griffin Kingdom soldier. He pulled back on the string of his bow with an arrow nocked on the string. He released the string and the arrow hit hits the target circle on the third ring. He growled.

"You Equestrians don't have strong wood for your bows. I can barely make a straight true shot!" He cried out glaring at the bow in his hand.

"Yeah, so?" Windy asked quirking her brow. The bowman smirked.

"So, I made a bet with him that even our servants were taught well with a bow." He said winking at her.

"So you want me to shoot an arrow? You should know that I didn’t get enough training."

"Still, you were good, even for that short time." He said nudging his elbow into her. "Come on Windy, do it for an old pal. We're all servants under the princesses."

Windy glared at him then sighed holding out her hand. "Fine, I'll play along." The bowman handed her the longbow.

"Hey boys! Windy agreed!" He called out. Several knights and bowmen turn seeing Windy approach the griffin man. He turned seeing her and looked her up and down.

"A woman?" He started laughing. "Please I thought you were bringing a man."

Windy blinked. "What’s wrong with me being a girl?"

The griffin chuckled. "Women aren’t meant to be warriors. Sure we had our fair share of female warriors, but women are better for other activities."

"Like what?" Windy growled.

"Tending to the home, bear strong sons and fertile daughters. Raise our children to be strong warriors and breeders." The griffin said smirking.

"Give me an arrow." Windy growled. The bowman gave her one in her hand. "What's your name?" Windy asked stepping back to position, trying to remember the lessons she was given when she was younger.

"Humph," the man snorted. "I am Prince Rudolph Griffin, fourth son of the King of the Griffin Kingdoms."

"The bastard!" One of the griffin soldiers cried out laughing. Rudolph growled turning to the knights that were laughing at him.

Windy blinked hearing that. No wonder why he was being rude and all full of himself. He's just trying to prove he was still a man in front of his men, even though he's not a pureblood. But she won't take being a woman as an insult. She smirked. Time to bruise his ego even more.

She stood up straight holding up the longbow which was about as tall as her. She pulled back the string as far back as her arms could go. She waited looking up at the Equestrian Flag hanging on a pole at the center of the yard to see it lazily move. There was a light breeze, that shouldn't affect the trajectory of her arrow.

Everyone watched as Windy breathed out and released the string. She yelped loudly holding her arm that was slapped by the string. Everyone watched as the arrow made a thunk sound onto the target. The Equestrian bowmen cheered as Prince Rudolph blinked in shock.

"Impossible!" He exclaimed. Windy winced rubbing her arm then looked up and grinned seeing that her arrow hit the bull’s-eye.

"See," The bowman said slapping Windy in the back knocking her over. "I told you, even our women servants can make that shot with our Equestrian bows."

Windy groaned standing back up. "Call that luck." She muttered.

"Luck, I call that cheating!" The griffin prince exclaimed glaring at Windy. "No doubt she's a Pegasus! She could have manipulated the wind to make her shot better!"

"What's wrong Griffin," The bowman asked laughing. "Are you a sore loser?"

Windy stood back up dusting off her clothes looking to everyone standing before the griffin soldiers. She gulped and ran over between them.

"Look, it was just a stupid bet! And besides the Peace Council is next week! We shouldn’t be fighting now!" She cried out, hoping she defused the situation.

Prince Rudolph glared at Windy. "Try it again.” He ordered. “And this time have a Pegasus here to measure the winds."

"What is going on here?" A voice boomed that made Windy groan looking up with everyone else.

Princess Luna used her magical wings to float to the ground between the two groups of knights. The Equestrians bowed to her, the griffins knights bowed but the prince didn't.

"Ah Princess Luna, we were just settling a bet. And I believe that this Pegasus servant cheated."

Oh great. Windy groaned knowing Luna was going to have a field day with this one.

Luna turned to her and smirked. "Ah if it isn't Sparkle’s pet project. I'm surprised that you’re here when I made it clear that servants are not to be in the training yard unless they have been assigned work here." She growled.

Windy gulped backing away from her bowing. "I apologize Princess, I was just on my way to the palace now." She gasped feeling a hand grab her tunic and pulled her up in the air.

The knights were in shock seeing this, even the Prince Rudolph blinked bewildered.

"What did I tell you, Reject?" Luna growled silently. Windy gulped.

"I'm a castle servant." Windy answered struggling in her grip.

"And where do castle servants belong?"

Windy gulped noticing the looks she got from the knights.

"Answer me!" Luna boomed.

"Castle servants belong in the palace!" Windy cried in answer.

"Good." Luna purred dropping Windy to the ground. "Now where are you supposed to be right now?" Luna asked smiling though the smile was anything but encouraging. Windy got up bowing to her.

"I've got work in the palace right now. Princess." Windy said before turning tail and run to the palace. Luna smirked then noticed the troubling looks she got from the knights.

"No need to worry about the help. Continue training my soldiers!" She called before snapping her fingers and disappeared in a dark blue flash. The Equestrian knights looked to one another glaring.

Sir Rudolph stroked his beard thinking about what he witnessed then he turned to the target circle to see a squire pull out the arrow and walk away with it.

"Who was that girl again?" He asked interested.

The bowman from earlier turned to him. "Why do you care all of a sudden?"

Rudolph thought for a moment then shrugged. "I guess I can see someone with potential."

The bowman shrugged. "Her name is Windy Belle. From what I learned, she's an orphan who was left at the palace. She’s a good kid."

The griffon hummed thinking. "Where can I meet her?"

The bowman thought for a moment then shrugged. "Well after what Luna did, I'd say she'll be in the kitchens."

The griffon nodded and walked away toward the palace leaving the bowman confused.

After he got cleaned up from his training Prince Rudolph walked around the palace. Since he was one of the representatives to his kingdom for the Peace Council he was able to move freely in the palace. As he looked he could see the servants cleaning and dusting off the suits of armor. He cleared his throat gaining the attention of several servants.

"Yes, my lord?" A woman asked bowing.

"Good afternoon, I was hoping to find a certain servant. I'd like to speak with her."

The servants looked to one another worriedly.

"No, she's not in trouble, I just wish to speak with her in private." Rudolph said smiling.

"It depends on who you're looking for." A young man answered. The griffin turned to see Agate standing before him. "Who are you looking for?"

"I don't remember her name, but she's about my height, she has pink hair with some rainbow colors in her hair. Know who I'm talking about?" He asked.

Agate paled and groaned. "Her name is Windy Belle. I apologize if she did anything-" Rudolph chuckled shaking his head.

"Oh no, She didn’t do anything." He said smiling. "I just want to speak with her. Know where she might be at this time?"

Agate thought for a moment concerned. "Well, she was supposed to be helping us clean the suits of armor today. But she hasn't arrived yet." He thought for a moment longer. "She might be in the royal study upstairs. She’s often times there at this time of day."

Rudolph nodded. "Thank you, continue with your duties." Agate nodded as the griffin turned on his heel and went for the staircase. Agate licked his lips with worry hoping he didn’t just get his friend into trouble.

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Rudolph found the doorway to the study and stopped hearing two women speaking inside the room.

"Please Windy, settle down."

"Why should I? She had the nerve of just trying to prove that I'm nothing! I bet Lucky said something to her."

Rudolph opened the door a touch to peek inside the room to see Windy pacing in the study. He also recognized Princess Starchaser sitting in a chair watching her worriedly.

Star sighed. "Lucky wouldn’t-"

"When will you stop defending her?" Windy snapped glaring at her.

Star glared at her. "She was my friend,"

"That doesn’t justify her actions."

Rudolph blinked and smiled. A servant with guts, he likes her even more.

After a moment the two girls frowned looking at one another as if ashamed.

"Windy, I'm sorry." Star said standing up from her chair and walked over to her. "I wish I had the power to change it all."

Windy bowed her head. "No, I shouldn’t have lost my temper."

Star smiled hugging her. "Good thing you talked to me and not cause a riot with the servants." She joked. Windy smiled hugging her back.

Rudolph frowned watching. He knocked on the door and stepped into the room. He blinked to realize Windy and Star were five steps away from each other looking around the room to avoid eye contact with each other.

"Ah, here you are, I was looking for you, servant." Rudolph said crossing his arms across his chest.

Windy blinked with surprise recognizing him. "Oh really? I mean yes, my lord, is there something you wish for me to do?" She asked blushing.

Rudolph turned to see Star looking down at the book in her hand ignoring them.

"Princess," He started. Star looked up at him. "Do you mind if I borrow your servant for a spell?"

Star swallowed turning to Windy to see her shrug. Star turned back to the prince and returned her gaze to her book. "It's not my place to tell her what she wants." She said hotly glaring at him. "You’ll have to ask her. She’s still a person. I’m not her jailer."

The griffon prince blinked once surprised then cleared his throat turning to Windy. "Walk with me, I want to talk to you about something."

Windy nodded then turned to Star to see her wink at her. Windy smirked then followed the griffin prince out of the study. Star sighed closing her book rubbing her face.

Windy and Rudolph walked slowly in the halls in silence for a while before Rudolph cleared his throat.

"I was rather surprised by you."

"Surprised, my lord?" Windy asked politely trying to figure out what the prince wanted.

Rudolph chuckled. "It was told in legends that there were women tall and muscular in the Griffin Kingdoms. One of my ancestors was a warrior woman and said to be a hero of my kingdom."

Windy gave him a look. "But earlier you insulted me because I was a woman."

Rudolph laughed. "True I did, but after what occurred with the princess it looked like you are more than just a servant."

Windy blushed looking to him. "My lord?"

Rudolph smiled. "You are level headed while shooting that bow."

Windy snorted. "That was luck."

The man chuckled. "Luck or not, that was impressive."

Windy blinked looking to him to see his smile. "Thank you, my lord."

The two walked to the staircase talking.

"Windy Belle!" Windy jumped and looked down the stairs to see one of the servants waving for her. "Get your butt down here!"

Windy gulped turning to the prince. "I should be going." She said worriedly. "I've already had enough of being yelled at today." She bowed and immediately ran down the stairs and ran over to the servants to help them clean.

The prince smiled softly watching Windy getting scolded by the woman before being shoved to work.

"Something tells me we will be seeing each other more often." He whispered.

Windy looked up to him surprised to see him still at the top of the stairs watching her. Rudolph placed his fist over his heart and bowed slightly. With a wink he turned and walked away. Windy smiled after seeing him bow to her.

"Who was that?" One of the girls asked nudging Windy with her elbow. "A new admirer."

Windy glared at her. "Shut up, I'm not interested in him."

Another girl giggled. "I say he's interested in you."

Windy blushed. "What’s so special about me?"

The girls around her all laughed as she glared at them.

"Leave her alone," one of the boys called out. "Get back to work. We have to get this done before one of the princesses show up."

The girls went silent cleaning the floor. One of them smirked seeing Windy blushing. "You are one rare beauty, Windy Belle." Windy looked to her. "You should look after yourself more."

"Shut up." She growled as the girl shrugged.

"I'm just saying, Windy. You might be able to get out of here if you marry a prince."

Windy blushed harshly glaring at her. She turned and began scrubbing the wooden floors. Windy Belle was not interested in making herself pretty. She was just a servant, not some prince-chaser. All she wanted to be was a knight, be a hero, and protect her friends from those that want to do them harm.

She sighed thinking about the night before with Star and heard her heart pound heavily in her chest. She shook her head to get rid of those thoughts as she continued to scrub the floor. No time to dawdle when the Peace Council was days away.

Part 1 Chapter 4: Heartbreaking News

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It’s the third day of the Peace Council, the city of Canterlot is celebrating the defeat of Tirek and the reunion of the kingdoms. Canterlot Commons was filled with so many people from other nations or other villages celebrating. Celebrating with drinking, dancing, loving, and singing war ballads of old. A time when the kingdoms are at peace is a happy time for a change.

While the citizens of Equestria celebrate, the royals and knights of the kingdoms sit in the renovated throne room discussing politics, games, history, and even talks of marriage to some. Everything seemed to be going normal.

Outside the throne room two knights of the Solar Guards watched as Windy Belle paced back and forth in front of them wringing her hands in anxiety. The two guards had been watching Windy for the last two hours waiting for the Peace Council to leave for lunch. Then she would be able to ask to join the guard.

To make her chances better, Windy took the whole day off the day before to get herself cleaned up, get her clothes washed, and made sure she practiced her manners. This will be her one and only chance in joining the guard, if not as a knight, but maybe she might try and get training to be a Shadowbolt. She struggled with that decision. If what Lucky said was true, she didn't have a chance in being a knight but she might have a chance in joining the Shadowbolts and maybe be a warrior just like her mom.

"Don't worry, kiddo," One of the Sun guards said smiling. "I'm sure you'll make it in, we are always looking for new blood in the Solar Guard." Windy looked to him to see his encouraging smile.

"Toby's right, Windy." The second guard, an earth born woman, added smiling. "I bet Princess Twilight will have you as one of her guards. The Star Guard are still looking for volunteers to enlist."

Windy sighed with a smile. "I sure hope so." She said rubbing her hands. “Thanks for the encouragement. I’ve been stressing out all morning.” The two guards grinned. There was a muffled sound of a pounding gavel inside the throne room. The knights stood at attention.

"That means they’re off for lunch." Toby said winking. The doors opened and Agate peeked out looking around and saw Windy. He nodded with a wink.

"It’s time." He said smiling. Windy gulped hard feeling her anxiety spike. She sighed fixing her tunic and brushed her fingers through her hair. She sighed walking forward.

"Good lucky Windy." Toby whispered as the other knight nodded.

"Were rooting for you." She added winking.

"Thanks guys." Windy whispered as she squeezed through the doors and closed them behind her. Agate winked at her seeing her gulp. The two walked forward into the filled throne room.

Every year before the Peace Council, the servants work tirelessly in pulling out long tables and benches for the guests to sit at during the council. Even the princesses sat at the royal table to show they are sitting with equals. No royal sat higher than the other. The only ones that sat high were the Canterlot Council at the dais where the council members sat and took notes or join in on the voting.

As the two servants were approaching the tables, Windy could see everyone standing around talking to one another. Windy looked up to see that the pillars holding the throne room together had flags of kingdoms, fiefdoms, and clans hanging over the sections of tables where the leaders and their party sat. As she marched closer to the Princesses’ table, many of the delegates for the Peace Council stop talking to watch the servant approach the table.

The four princesses along with their children looked up in surprise to see Windy approach. Starchaser smiled encouragingly and winked. Windy smiled softly and winked in return. Agate cleared his throat and bowed to the princesses and their children.

"Servant Windy Belle wishes to speak to you all, Princesses." He said formally.

Celestia nodded waving for Agate to leave. Agate bowed again and went around the table to stand behind Starchaser. Everyone in the room watched with interest. Prince Rudolph took his seat and the members of his group sat down behind him in their seats to watch.

Big Mac Apple of the Apple Clan nudged his elbow into his leader’s side. The Matriarch and his sister, Applejack Apple looked up from her talk with her neighbor, a Duke from Manehattan and watched curiously.

The delegates from the Crystal Empire, a unicorn woman with red and yellow hair and a Pegasus man with blue hair, looked up hearing the silence. They noticed the servant standing before the princesses. The unicorn closed her book feeling the shift of magic in the air. The man yawned scratching his cheek watching with mild interest.

Even the Canterlot Council sat back down in their seats to watch with bated breath. Everyone who lived in the palace knew of Windy Belle and her condition. To them they hoped to see something happen for the hard working servant.

"Ah Windy Belle," Celestia said smiling. "Did you learn your lesson?" She asked.

Windy Belle bowed before the princesses. "I learned my lesson, Highness."

Celestia smiled. "Very good, you wish to speak with us?"

Windy stood up straight with her hands behind her back. "I do, Highnesses."

Celestia blinked hearing such politeness from the young servant. "Hmm, you must want something terribly to be acting like this."

"It must be a prank." Luna said loudly for all to hear as Lucky smirked and chuckled with her mother. Twilight glared at the princess next to her then turned back to Windy.

"What is it you wish to speak about, Windy Belle?" Twilight asked encouragingly.

Windy took in a deep breath then let it out slowly and recited the words she practiced since the night before. "Princesses, I am very grateful for everything you have done for me. You gave me a home, a place to sleep and food to eat."

Windy looked up to notice Pan and Radiance smiling encouragingly at her from their seats on the table. She turned to Twilight again to see Agate and Starchaser smiling too.

"I came to ask if I can train to be a part of the royal guard so I can continue repaying my debt to you all." She finished bowing again. Three of the princesses smiled at one another. The guests of the council watched in silence for the reaction.

Cadenza stood up. "What branch were you hoping to join, Windy?" She asked interested.

Windy licked her lips. "I wish to follow in my mother's footsteps and join the Shadowbolts."

The room went silent. Cadenza's mouth dropped open in shock. Many in the Canterlot Council groaned out loud hearing her. The Peace Council however were silent, unaware of what was wrong. Twilight winced turning to see Lucky slack jawed and Luna looking at Windy in bewilderment.

"Excuse me?" Luna asked.

Windy started to shake. "I want to join the Shadowbolts."

For a moment there was silence. Luna chuckled then started laughing uncontrollably. Everyone was silent watching the Princess of War laugh. Windy blushed harshly but remained hopeful.

"Oh no," Spike whispered with worry. Agate nodded covering his eyes with his hands to keep from watching.

Luna stood up, coughing a few times from her laugh, as she walked around the table. Windy stood tall as the Princess of War approached her.

"You have some nerve making that request." She said glaring, Windy bit her lip looking up at her starting to panic.

"It doesn't hurt to ask, right?" Windy asked. Those that heard her reply groaned.

"Damnit Windy." Pan whispered as Radiance grabbed his arm to keep him from getting out of his chair.

"Why she asks?" Luna said laughing again. Windy bowed her head feeling her confidence evaporate. "Look at you, you're a nobody, an orphan, a bug, what makes you think you will be allowed to join the guard?" Luna snapped. Windy blinked looking up at her.

"You asked for an audience and according to our laws, if one of us refuses the request nothing will happen." Windy watched in shock as Luna sat back down on her chair to the glares of the people in the room. "So I say that this servant,” Luna proclaimed pointing her finger to Windy. "Will not join any branch of the royal guard."

Celestia glared at her sister, Cadenza turned away, and Twilight looked angered seeing this. She stood up fast surprising the Peace Council

"Luna, that is not fair!" Twilight exclaimed glaring at her. Spikes yelped grabbing her arm trying to get her to sit back down.

Luna scoffed shaking her head. "Of course, you would try and protect the abomination, Sparkle." Twilight growled angrily. Now Agate joined his father to try and get Twilight to sit back down. But Twilight was actually fighting against their restraints glaring at the smirking princess.

"Please Twilight," Spike pleaded, "Calm down before you say something you'll regret." He whispered hurriedly.

Twilight wasn't going to back down now that she is standing. "I will protect her and make sure she gets what she deserves, a chance. A chance you will never give her!" Twilight snapped. Everyone in the room looked at her with shock. Twilight Sparkle never stood up to Luna.

"Enough!" Celestia cried before Luna would get the chance to speak. After a moment of tense silence Celestia sighed looking to Twilight to see her glare fade away to a look of sadness. Celestia stood up looking to Windy with guilt.

"I'm sorry Windy Belle, but that is the law. If one of us declines to a request that needs all four of us to vote on, then it shall not happen." Windy bowed her head, clenching her fists. The delegates looked over to her, some with sadness, others with indifference not sure what was going on. "You cannot be a Shadowbolt ... and you cannot be trained as a guard. I'm so sorry." Celestia said softly with guilt.

Windy Belle took in a deep breath looking back up at the princesses, she bit her cheek to prevent herself from showing any emotion. She bowed to the princesses. "Thank you for your time." She said softly before turning and walking to the doors.

The royals glared as Luna smirked in victory. "Anymore distractions?" She asked seeing everyone’s glare. "No? Well then, it's time for lunch." She said standing up and leaving the room through the side door with Lucky following her.

Twilight felt her heart break in two as she sat back down in her chair and covered her face with her hands. Spike patted her on her shoulder glaring at the floor. Pan slammed his fist on the table then pressed his face into his crossed arms on the table with his twin sister patting his back.

Rudolph felt guilt seeing the proud girl he met a few days ago walk away with sadness. "If she was in my court," He grouched. "I would have granted her wish." He grumbled out loud.

Applejack nodded hearing him. "Same with me, Prince." She said stroking her chin thinking. "Poor girl." She whispered.

Big Mac nodded. "Eeyup."

The delegates from the Crystal Empire were surprised. The unicorn shook her head with disgust. "Wasting valuable talent that was." She grouched as the Pegasus man nodded his head.

"Agreed." He grouched yawning again.

The unicorn turned to notice Princess Cadenza waving her finger to her. She nudged the Pegasus awake. The Pegasus looked up to see his princess stand up motioning for the two of them to follow her. The two delegates stood up and followed their princess out the throne room.

Starchaser looked around her to notice people were either leaving for lunch or remained seated looking sad for Windy. She looked to her mother to see her shaking her head her face still covered by her hands. Star stood up and left the room.

"Where are you going?" Agate asked surprising her. Star smiled at him.

"I'll be back later. I'm going to go find Windy."

Agate nodded. "Let me go with you,"

"I don't think that is a good idea." Star said quickly. "I know where she is. You stay here. I think Radiance can use your help with Pan." Agate blinked and turned to see the saddened twins then nodded.

"Fine." He said with disappointment. He watched Star leave through the side door without anyone else noticing. Once out Star gathered her skirts and ran down the hall. She had to find Windy and she also has a very good idea where to start her search.

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Windy Belle pushed through the doors out into the Canterlot Gardens. The gardens were usually where Windy went to get away from everyone in the palace and to hide herself if she wanted to be alone and cry. She shut the doors behind her and sniffled trying to hold in the tears a little longer as she walked forward.

The gardens were in full bloom in the summer season, the rose bushes are at full bloom with yellow, white, and even red roses. Her fingers brushed the silky petals as she walked past them. She sniffed feeling tears leaking out of her eyes watching the birds flying over her to reach the bird baths and bird feeders set up for them. She ignored them wiping her eyes as she left the garden path and walked to a hill. At the hill stood a large oak tree that was said to have been planted at the first Peace Council. She placed her hand on the giant trunk looking up at the tall giant limbs held up high and covered in dark green leaves.

Windy sighed sniffling some more. She looked down to see one of the small bird baths by her. She looked into the water in the bird bath to see her reflection. She sniffed glaring at her reflection and slapped the water, she whimpered leaning into the tree trunk. After a moment she covered her face and sobbed. She slid to the ground onto her knees covering her face with her hands. She sniffed and resituated herself to where she sat with her back against the oak tree with her knees hiked up. She wrapped her arms around her legs crying into her knees.

Soon she started to have company. Critters of the gardens peeked out from their hiding places to sense the girl’s distress and started to approach her. One squirrel was the bravest of the critters as it stood beside her. He grabbed her pant leg and tugged on it, getting no response. A young deer then walked over and sniffed her head and nuzzled her ear.

Windy looked up with a gasp and noticed the animals surrounding her looking to her with worry. Windy sniffed wiping her face with her sleeve.

"Hey guys." She whispered with a crack in her voice from crying. She reached up to the deer and stroked his head. Other critters began walking over to her and laying by her giving her comfort. Windy looked down at the weasels, mongoose, rabbits, squirrels, and even some mice. She smiled stroking a weasel’s head.

"Windy!" A voice called. Windy gasped looking up as the animals turned and ran away as the stranger came up the hill. Windy turned to see Starchaser walking over panting from her run. "Windy, I've been looking for you." She panted.

Windy turned away glaring at the bushes. "Why? Do you need me to do a chore?" She snapped irritably with a sniff.

Starchaser shook her head. "No, Windy Belle, I came looking for you to make sure you're alright." When Windy didn't turn to look at her, Star sighed sitting down beside her. "You were very brave standing there in front of everyone. I would have wet my pants." Star joked. Windy kept silent. Star thought harder for something to say to cheer her friend up.

"Windy, you wouldn't believe how many people were there to support you in the throne room. Everyone was hoping for the opposite of what just happened. Honest."

Windy sniffed and began to cry again. Star leaned over to her wrapping her arms around her hugging her tight. "No matter what Luna says,” Star whispered softly. “You’ll always be my knight.” Windy hugged her back, crying into her chest as Star held her tight.

The two girls sat under the oak tree for a while, long enough for the animals of the garden came back out of hiding to watch them. Star looked around her surprised seeing the animals from the garden actually approaching her. She had never seen the animals approach her before, they were usually skittish towards the people of the palace.

She watched as one white mouse ran up to Star then climbed up Windy’s pant leg to perch on Windy’s knee. Star smiled seeing the mouse wiggling his pink nose sniffing the air. She felt movement and looked over to see Windy look up from her Star’s chest to see the mouse sitting on her knee. She sniffed holding up her finger to the mouse.

The mouse sniffed her finger and licked it. The mouse chirped and leaped into Windy’s hand and ran up her arm to her neck, nuzzling her causing the girl to giggle.

"That tickles." Windy whispered smiling at the mouse. She turned back to Star and noticed with a heavy blush how close their faces were to one another.

"Thanks Star." She whispered silently. "For sitting with me."

Starchaser hugged her tight. "You did it with me remember? I should return the favor." Windy sighed closing her eyes enjoying this closeness with the princess.

Starchaser looked up by chance noticing that the sky was turning orange, it’s mid-evening. She looked back at Windy to see her soft smile and closed eyes. She looked better and at peace. Star stroked her hair, Windy opened her eyes looking up at her. "I have to go." Star said sadly. Windy tightened her grip around her squeezing her hand.

"Now?" She whispered. Star nodded.

"Mother wants me to be at dinner. Everyone will be at dinner and I have to be there. No matter how much I dislike it." She stood up, pulling away from Windy’s embrace. Windy remained seated on the ground looking pitiful. Star smiled with an idea. "How about you be my personal server tonight." Star requested with a smirk. Windy shook her head.

"No thanks, I don't have anything nice to wear for dinner anyway." She said sadly. She hiked up her knees and wrapped her arms around her legs, resting her chin on her knees. Star bit her lip feeling horrible.

"I'll see you later?" Star asked hopeful.

Windy shrugged staring at the castle. "I got nowhere better to be." She grouched.

Star nodded with a defeated sigh. She gathered her skirts and began her jog back to the castle to get ready for dinner, leaving Windy alone under the oak tree.

Part 1: Chapter 5: A Sad Goodbye

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"Windy?" A voice called.

Windy jumped lifting her head up from her knees to look around her. She was still sitting in the gardens and the sky was turning dark. She looked up and was surprised to see Princess Twilight climbing up the hill towards her.

"Princess," Windy said quickly standing up and almost fell over. Her legs were numb from sitting in one place for too long. Twilight caught her before she fell over. Windy blushed as the feeling returned into her legs. "I'm sorry." Windy whispered sadly. Twilight stroked her hair away from her face as she helped her stand up straight. At Windy’s full height she's just about as tall as the princess.

"There is no need to be sorry, Windy Belle." Twilight replied softly with a smile.

Windy blushed bowing her head. "Still," She cleared her throat standing at attention with her hands behind her back. "Is there a task you need me to do, Princess?"

Twilight blinked with surprise hearing Windy speak like a beaten down servant.

"Now stop that," Twilight said flicking Windy's nose causing the girl to blink. "You are no servant, Windy Belle."

"But Luna said,"

Twilight scoffed shaking her head. "Don’t believe in that old cow. She doesn't know how special you really are, Sweetie." She said softly stroking her cheek. Windy blushed by that. "You are strong, courageous, and after what you did today, I believe you still have a chance to be a warrior like your mother."

Windy looked to her surprised. "But I'm not allowed to be a knight." Twilight winked at her taking her hand.

"Come with me, there’s someone I want you to meet." Windy feebly followed Twilight down the hill and out of the garden. The two walked through the empty training yards behind the castle and approached one of the horse barns closest to the gates. Windy could see two people standing with two horses. Holding the second horse by the reins was who Windy recognized right away as Princess Mi Amore Cadenza. The two turned to see Twilight and Windy approach them.

"Wait a second." Windy said pulling her hand away. "What’s going on? I don't understand." Windy said pointing at them. "What’s Princess Cadenza doing here and who’s that?" She asked confused.

Twilight indicated the princess in front of them. "Windy, Cadence has something to tell you." She stated. Windy blinked surprised then turned to the second princess to see her frown.

"What happened this afternoon in the throne room was a disgrace." Princess Cadence said with disgust. "In all the years I've seen you grow up here, you have dreams and aspirations that everyone has. But you're the only one that stood up and flat out asked when you shouldn't need to."

Windy blinked at that. She didn’t need to ask to join the guard or be a knight? Cadence placed her hand on Windy’s shoulder.

"I sent word to my husband who is overseeing the Crystal Empire while I'm to rule here with the other princesses. I asked for him to mentor you in the way of being a knight."

"What?" Windy asked in shock looking to Twilight to see her nod her head.

"And he accepted." The cloaked stranger said pulling back her hood to reveal her yellow and red hair. Windy blinked in surprise seeing her. Twilight smiled.

"This is Sunset Shimmer, an old friend of mine." Twilight said smiling at Sunset to see her bow.

"A pleasure." Sunset said smiling.

"Sunset Shimmer this is Windy Belle." Twilight introduced as Sunset nodded.

"I know, I witnessed your … audience with the princesses."

Windy bowed her head with shame remembering that moment. Sunset placed her hand on her shoulder causing her to look up at her. "Seeing you like that was a disgrace. Any kingdom will take all the help they can get especially in these troubling times." She said looking to Twilight with a quirked brow. Twilight gulped turning away biting her lip. Windy looked between Sunset Shimmer and Twilight wondering what was wrong between them.

Cadence smiled softly. "I told my husband all about you in my letters." Windy blinked turning to her. "He will have you be his squire and train you to be a knight." Windy couldn’t believe her ears. She looked from Cadence, Twilight then to Sunset.

"This is ... amazing!" She gasped smiling. The women smiled seeing her excitement. "Thank you, thank you so much!" She said excitedly hugging Twilight feeling her hug her in return. Windy pulled away blushing clearing her throat, Twilight chuckled.

"When do I start?" Windy asked looking to Cadence.

The women frowned looking at one another. Windy frowned getting worried.

"You have to go now." Twilight said hurriedly. "Before Luna's guards begin their watch."

"Now? Like right now, right now?" Windy asked with shock.

"Right now." Cadence answered. Sunset pulled out a cloak from her saddlebags and placed it over Windy’s shoulders. Windy blinked looking at them confused trying to process what she was told.

When she finally got it connected she gasped. "I have to tell Starchaser about this." She said about ready to run to the castle. Twilight gasped and grabbed Windy’s arm to stop her. The girl turned to her with confusion.

"There is no time for that.” Twilight said urgently. "You have to leave with Sunset Shimmer now. Or Luna will find out." Windy blinked confused. What does Princess Luna have to do with her prevention on leaving?

"But, Star will think I abandoned her." Windy said crushed. Twilight smiled sadly reaching her hand to her cheek to steer her face towards hers.

"I'll tell her that you left to be a knight and that you will return when your training is over." Twilight said softly seeing Windy about to cry.

"How long will that be?" She whimpered. Twilight blinked remembering the moment when Windy was four asking that same question about Rainbow Dash. Twilight bit her lip trying to think of something to say feeling the stinging tears herself.

"It takes a whole life for a knight to be trained." Sunset answered. "Since you are half the age of a squire you will be training twice as hard to make up all the wasted time."

Cadence nodded in agreement. "You must leave now before the guards arrive to muster for watch." Cadence urged as she held the horse in place for Windy to mount. Windy turned back to Twilight.

"I won't let you down." She stated firmly trying to keep from crying.

Twilight smiled, tears leaking out of her eyes. Her heart breaking with the thought of letting Windy go on this journey. But she knew better than that. Windy would be much safer and happier away from Canterlot. She leaned forward to place a motherly kiss on Windy's forehead.

"I know you won't." She whispered. Windy nodded backing away from her then leaped up onto her horse, grabbing the reins to steady him. Twilight sniffed and wiped her eyes. She looked up and hugged Sunset tightly.

"Promise me you’ll-"

Sunset chuckled pulling away from the hug. "I’ll keep an eye on her for you." She stated smiling seeing Twilight nod in return.

"Thank you." She whispered.

Sunset Shimmer turned to Cadence and bowed to her. "Princess."

"Safe journey to you." Cadence said softly looking up at Windy. "Good luck, Windy Belle. We look forward to your return." Windy nodded trying to control her horse as it danced around, feeling her anxiety. Sunset Shimmer mounted her horse moving her horse forward in a trot to wait at the castle drawbridge while Windy said her last goodbyes. Twilight patted Windy’s leg looking up at her to see the girl trying to wipe her tears away.

"Pinkie Pie has packed you some food for the journey, the rations should last you until Hoofington." Windy nodded.

"I’ll write." Windy said then blinked seeing Twilight horrified gaze.

"No, you cannot." She said looking guilty.

"Why?" Windy asked spooked.

"It’s best to not do such a thing." Twilight answered. Cadence bowed her head avoiding Windy’s confused expression.

"But Starchaser,"

"She’ll be going through training just like you." Twilight said suddenly which caused Cadence to look to her in surprise. Twilight sighed shaking her head. "It’s for your protection and for Star’s. If the wrong people knew about you and where you are … I can’t risk you getting hurt."

"I don’t understand. What are you talking about?" Windy asked confused.

"Hey Kid!" Windy and the princesses turn to see Sunset waving her hand. "We don’t have any more time to dawdle! We have to go now!" She called. Windy bit her lip looking back at Cadence then at Twilight.

"Tell Star that I’m sorry and … I’ll miss her."

Twilight nodded. "I will." She whispered stepping back, away from her. "Go, now!" She urged pointing to the gate. Windy pulled her hood up over her head and nodded. With a kick of her heels into the horse’s sides she rode off. Twilight took a couple of steps forward feeling the tears roll down her cheeks. "Be careful and be safe!" She called before succumbing to her emotions. Cadence hugged her tight as she cried, Cadence watched as the two riders crossed the drawbridge and finally into the city.

Twilight sniffed pulling away to try and recompose herself, but it was proven harder for her to stop. It felt like she just lost a child and would never see her again. But she knew one thing for certain, Windy will finally be safe. She sniffed wiping her eyes with her hands.

"She'll be safer with Shining. For a while." She said sadly.

Cadence nodded in agreement. "It'll be hard without her around." She said chuckling even though it was forced. She sniffed wiping her own eyes. “Is it true?”

"What is?" Twilight asked sniffing.

"If I heard that correctly, you just agreed to give Starchaser the training to be a princess." Twilight shrugged with a sigh.

"Yes, I believe it’s time for her to step up."

"But didn’t you say that Starchaser doesn’t want to be a princess?" Cadence asked confused and with worry.

"I did." She answered softly. "But times have changed. And I should have realized that a long time ago. Sunset Shimmer warned me for years even before I became a princess that some forces are changing. And I know that Starchaser must be prepared if that time does come. Just as Windy will be."

Cadence blinked and felt a chill down her spine. "You don’t actually believe in that dark unicorn nonsense do you? The Dark Unicorn, whatever it was, was destroyed when Luna ascended into royalty. You didn’t believe in the creature’s existence."

Twilight chuckled sadly. "True, back when I was a palace scribe I didn’t believe in such haunting fairy tales. But the way things are going here in this kingdom, the signs that I read about are starting to happen. And I fear that Windy might be involved."

Cadence looked spooked. "So I’m not the only one that senses that?"

Twilight shook her head. "If Sunset Shimmer is feeling something amiss then there must be something happening. I don’t know when, but something will happen and happen very soon. The kingdom will crumble under the Dark Unicorn’s power again." Twilight paused then turned to see Cadence’s look of fear. "Please don’t repeat any of this."

Cadence shook her head. "I won't tell a soul." She blinked with a thought. "Not even to the children?”

"Absolutely not! They cannot know, not until we know for sure it will happen. According to the old texts I read as a scribe, The Dark Unicorn caused chaos. The type of chaos Discord would never use to gain control. I just hope Celestia can feel the change too. Or Luna … Maybe Luna does sense it and that’s why she’s been intolerable with her army lately."

After a long moment of silence, Cadence sighed. "Come along, we better get to dinner before Celestia and Luna start asking questions." The two princesses quickly made their way back into the castle and went straight to the dining hall, as they passed, Twilight used her magic to help clear off her face, making sure no one could notice the tears on her face as she entered the dining hall.

Twilight and Cadence entered the dining hall to hear the clamor of noise from the delegates of the Peace Council who are either telling stories, laughing, or singing ballads from their homeland.

Twilight took her seat at the Canterlot table sitting between to Starchaser and Celestia, Cadence took her seat between Radiance and Lucky.

"Where have you two been?" Luna asked agitated as her goblet was refilled with wine.

Twilight sniffed unfolding her napkin and placed it neatly in her lap. "We had some important business to take care of." Twilight answered with a sniff. Starchaser looked to her mother worriedly sensing that something was wrong. Twilight’s eyes were bloodshot and she continued to sniffle.

"Mother," Star whispered leaning over. "What's wrong?"

"It's nothing dear." Twilight lied with a smile. Spike placed her dish before her. She smiled up at him. "Thank you Spike." Spike bowed in return smiling as he moved to place Cadence’s dish before her. Star thought for a moment then turned to see Pan looking to her. The way he looked at her made her think he wanted something. She nodded to let him know she was listening.

"Where's Windy?" He mouthed.

Starchaser motioned for Agate to come over to her. Agate set walked over to her. She waved her finger for him to come closer and whispered into his ear. After whispering her message, Agate blinked surprised seeing Star nod her head then point to Pan and Radiance. Agate looked concerned and bowed as he moved over to the other side of the table to Pan and Radiance. He leaned between them to whisper what Star said.

"What?" Radiance asked softly. Pan growled with agitation.

"That's it," He said grabbing Agate’s collar to pull him closer so he could whisper to him. "Tell Star that we are going to visit Windy after supper. Oh and by my order, tell Pinkie to prepare Windy's favorite cupcakes for us to share later."

Radiance smiled overhearing his order. "You are too sweet sometimes brother, dear." She whispered seeing his shrug and blush.

Agate smiled and winked with Pan then ran over to Star to tell her the news.

Twilight over heard the exchange and frowned seeing Star nod. "That's a great idea." Star whispered and turned to Pan to see him wink. She winked in return.

"What are you children whispering about now?" Lucky huffed as Radiance glared at her.

"It’s none of your business." Radiance snapped.

"Windy’s right," Star whispered to herself. "You are a bitch." Twilight choked on her wine hearing Starchaser curse out loud.

"Starchaser!" She gasped in surprise.

"I heard that, reject." Lucky snapped angrily as Star glared back at her.

"Not during dinner, please!" Cadence begged.

Luna sighed and patted Lucky's shoulder. "Enough, just eat."

The two young princesses glared at one another before returning back to their food.

Part 1: Chapter 6: Seperation Anxiety

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When dinner service was over, Star, Pan, Radiance, and Agate met up in the kitchen where Pinkie was finishing frosting the five cupcakes she made for the special occasion.

"There you go, kids." Pinkie exclaimed placing her frosting bag on the counter and slid the plate forward. Agate caught the plate smiling with glee seeing the perfectly made cupcakes.

"I hope this will put that frown of Windy's upside down." She said smiling. Star walked over to hug her, Pinkie smiled hugging her back.

"We hope so to, Mama." Star said smiling feeling Pinkie give her a kiss on her forehead.

"I'm afraid you are too late." A voice said sadly. The six turned to see Twilight walk into the kitchen. The cooking staff who were cleaning the dishes and kitchen looked up seeing her walk into the room. The cooks bowed to her as she walked by. She stopped to turn to them. "Dinner was perfect as always."

"Thank you, Highness." One of the cooks said smiling seeing their Princess smile. Twilight stepped into the bakery to see the teens look to her confused.

"What do you mean by that?" Agate asked curiously reaching his finger to a cupcake but Radiance slapped his hand away.

Twilight took a second then looked to them. "Windy had to leave."

The friends all looked to one another confused. "Huh?" Pan asked confused.

"What do you mean Aunt Twilight?" Radiance asked just as confused.

Twilight turned to see the cooks looking to one another and left the kitchen immediately. Pinkie whistled a tune as she tiptoed away. Twilight smiled softly seeing Pinkie following the cooks.

"Pinkie," Twilight called stopping her. "You may stay and listen."

Pinkie blinked watching the cooks leave the room. She turned rubbing her back of her head worriedly. "Are you sure? I mean if it's too private, and meant for royal ears I can-" Twilight walked over to her and kissed her on the cheek.

"I know you can keep a Pinkie Promise with me." Pinkie smiled and nodded.

"I cross my heart and hope to fly; stick a cupcake in my eye." The baker said doing the old childish motions that made the teens giggle. Twilight smiled then turned to the teens.

"What I say cannot be repeated, understand?" She said silently.

The friends all nod their heads, even Pinkie. Twilight sighed softly feeling sad again. "Windy Belle left to train to be a knight."

Agate, Pan, Radiance and Pinkie all gasped and started cheered with excitement. Except for Star who just stood there her mouth dropped to the ground.

"Her dreams will come true!" Pan cheered with a fist pump in the air. "Finally things will go her way!”

Agate was nodding his head and was pulled into a tight embrace by Pan. "Pan, let me go! I can’t breathe!" Agate winced trying to pull away from Pan’s bone crushing hug. Radiance gigged then turned to notice Star not celebrating like the others.

"What's wrong Starchaser?" Radiance asked suddenly that made everyone turn to her.

"She didn't even say goodbye." Star whispered shocked looking at the floor. The others looked to one another sadly. Twilight swallowed hard knowing what she say will hurt her daughter more than anything. She stepped over and wrapped her arms around her holding her close.

"I made her leave, Sweetie." She whispered with difficulty.

"What?" Star gasped pushing her mother away from her. She looked her mother up and down and saw the guilt on her face. She shook her head. "Why? Why did you do that? Why couldn’t I see her before she left?"

Twilight reached her hand to Star but the girl stepped back waiting for Twilight’s response. Twilight lowered her hand feeling her heart break seeing this.

"There was no time Star. If Luna or her guards found her trying to leave the palace, Windy wouldn't get a chance like this again." She said softly. "She wanted me to let you know that she’ll miss you and that she’ll be back as soon as she can." Star looked to her with tears. Twilight wiped a tear off her daughter's cheek. “She wanted to see you but there was just no time.”

Star turned away. "When will she come back?" She asked sniffling.

"If she's smart enough, never." Pan said causing his friends to glare at him, even the two adults glared at him. He yelped when Radiance slapped him upside the head. "Ouch what?!" He exclaimed seeing her glare along with Pinkie and Agate.

"Idiot brother." Radiance snapped.

Twilight turned back to Star seeing her on the verge of crying. "She'll be back, Sweetie and when she does, she'll be a knight. And I'll have her be one of my guards." Star shook her head pushing her mother's hands away.

"No, Pan is right!” She cried shaking her head. “Windy wouldn't want to come back here after all the abuse she went through!" Star gathered her skirts and ran out of the kitchen.

"Starchaser!" Twilight called watching her daughter run away in tears. She sighed covering her face with her hands.

"Look what you done now." Agate snapped glaring at the prince. Pan blushed shamefully.

"Sorry." He said lamely.

"No," Twilight whispered pulling her hands away from her face and wiped her hands on her dress. "It’s my fault." She whispered sadly covering her face again. "I should have handled that better," She whimpered. Pinkie walked over and hugged her tightly kissing her on the cheek.

"She'll be fine." She whispered. "She'll be back to her sweet, happy go lucky self by morning."

"I'm worried that Pan might be right ...." Twilight whispered sniffling.

"You don’t know that for certain." Pinkie whispered lifting up Twilight’s chin to look at her. "Windy and Star have a bond, Twilight. Even I can see that.”

Twilight shook her head pulling away from her partner’s embrace. "I know that. I know they have a strong bond."

Pinkie patted Twilight’s shoulder. "Maybe it’s time you tell, Star.” Pinkie whispered softly. Twilight blinked looking up at her. Twilight bit her lip and sighed in defeat then turned to the door way.

"I’ll tell her." She whispered. Pinkie smiled holding Twilight in her arms for a while longer then kissed her gently, Twilight returned the kiss lovingly. The three teens looked away to give them privacy.

Twilight pulled away smiling softly. "Thank you, I needed that." Pinkie grinned.

"What are lovers for?" Pinkie said cheerfully. Twilight sighed walking to the door leaving the kitchen.

The teens turned back, looking saddened by their friend’s departure.

"Well now what?" Radiance asked

Agate sighed sitting on a stool. He looked at the cupcake platter with a new idea. He took a cupcake and held it up in the air. "To Windy Belle," He said loudly. Pan, Pinkie and Radiance turn to him curious. Agate swallowed. "Bless her with happiness for her new found freedom."

The twins looked to one another then nodded smiling. They each took a cupcake and held them up with Agate's.

"Bless her with strength." Radiance proclaimed.

"Bless her with courage." Pan added smiling.

Pinkie smiled taking a third cupcake and held it up with the others. "Grant her safe passage back to her true home safely." She added. The three nodded looking to one another.

"We will welcome her home like a hero." Pan said with the nods from his sister and best friend.

The four nodded and took hearty bites from their cupcakes. Each with ideas of how to welcome their dear friend back when she returns,
as a knight of the realm.

<><><><><><><><><><><>

Twilight knocked on Star’s bedroom door. "Star, sweetie." She called.

"I want to be left alone!" Star cried.

Twilight sighed sadly thinking about what to do. She looked down at the door knob then grabbed the knob and opened the door entering the bedroom. She blinked seeing her daughter crying into her pillow. Twilight walked over and stopped to find an old article of clothing clenched in Star's hand. Twilight recognized it to be one of Windy's Belle’s childhood tunics from when she was very young. That surprised her the most. She knew that Windy and Star had a strong bond but had it bloomed into something more serious? Was this what Pinkie was talking about?

Twilight shook her head. No time to think about your daughter's love life. She scolded herself and cleared her throat. She sat down on the side of the bed as Star turned away from her.

"I said I wanted to be alone." Star sniffed.

Twilight placed her hand on Star's arm. "I know how upset you are and I am so sorry for causing your pain. But Starchaser, Windy had to go or terrible things would happen to her."

Star blinked turning to her. "What do you mean?" She asked confused.

Twilight sighed. "Remember when I told you about how you were born?"

Star nodded wiping her eyes. "Yes, I was born with the aid of magic."

Twilight nodded. "That’s right, and Windy was born the same way too."

Star blinked a few times confused sitting up. "How did ... Windy’s my sister?"

Twilight chuckled shaking her head. "No baby, she's not your sister." she said kissing her on the head. "Your Mama and I tried to have a second child, but ... the spell backfired on me." Twilight said smiling bashfully. "Poor Pinkie about had a heart attack when the spell blew up in my face." Star started to smile imagining what that probably looked like. Star thought for a moment then looked back at Twilight to see her worried expression.

"So Windy Belle was born with magic too?" Star asked to see Twilight nod. "How did you know? I don’t think Windy knows or even remembers if she did."

Twilight shook her head. "I think she forgot most of her early childhood after living here for so long. But there is a way you can tell if a child is magically born from the spell." Twilight whispered pointing at her own eyes then pointed her fingers to Star's eyes. "It's in your eyes."

"My eyes?" Star asked curious. Twilight nodded.

"Yes, it's a side effect in the spell. It seems that children that were born from magic had a glimmer in their eyes. A glimmer of magic that sparkles. If you look into a child’s eyes long enough you can see the twinkle and the shimmer of magic in their eyes. Windy was born by the same magic spell that created you. The spell and the love between her two mothers. The same way that Pinkie and I created you." Twilight whispered smiling. Star smiled in return then wrapped her arms around her hugging her. Twilight smiled hugging her in return.

"But you didn’t answer my question." Star whispered. "What did you mean that Windy will get hurt?" She asked fearfully.

Twilight held her tighter before speaking. "Luna is against the magical aid for people like your Mama and I to have children. She feels it's sinful and evil magic." Star looked up at her mother to see her sadness. "She was tolerable to you to a certain degree, but learning that one of her better soldiers ... betrayed her by having a magically created child..." Twilight paused shaking her head. "Even to this day I never understood the hatred she had with Windy or you."

"But why?" Star asked with fear. "Aren't we the same as any other child born in this world?"

Twilight kissed her on the head. "Yes you both are. It's just Luna won't accept the fact that you two or any child born with magic are the same as any other child. She doesn't want to accept it for some reason. And she made her daughter think the same way."

Star looked down at the old wrinkled blue tunic by her pillow, thinking. "If Windy does come back, what will happen to her?" Star whispered.

"I'm praying she won't return and live her own life the way she dreamt to live it." Twilight whispered. "But if she does come back." Twilight said smiling down at Star. "I'll use every fiber in my being to protect her like I always had."

"Promise?" Star asked.

"I promise."

"Pinkie Promise?" Star asked grinning. Twilight smiled at her.

"Oh alright. Ahem, cross my heart and hope to fly; stick a cupcake in my eye." Twilight said doing the motions. Star laughed hugging her mother tight.

"I feel better now." She whispered

"I'm glad." Twilight whispered.

Star sighed. "Where did Windy go to train?" Star asked excitedly.

Twilight blinked. "Why do you ask?" She asked.

Star looked to her confused. "I was curious because I want to send her letters."

Twilight jumped and shook her head to the confusion of her daughter. "No, you can’t do that."

"Why not?" Star asked angered. "First you tell me that you sent Windy away and now you won’t let me send her letters? Why not?"

"Because Star,” Twilight said seriously regaining her attention. "I told Windy to do the same."

"The same?" Star whispered with surprise.

Twilight sighed rubbing her face. "Like I already told you, Windy is not safe here. And I fear for your safety and hers. If someone finds out where Windy is …"

"What are you not telling me?" Star asked confused.

"I’m trying to tell you that you two are in danger." Twilight snapped. She blinked to notice Star’s confusion. Twilight rubbed her face. "We have a shaky peace right now, Star. And there are dark forces going on that you don’t understand, yet."

"Will you tell me?" Star asked annoyed glaring at her.

Twilight bit her lip then stood up. "Starting tomorrow, you will begin your advance magic training."

"What?" Star gasped seeing Twilight guilt on her face. "But Mother you said I don’t have to be a princess!"

"Times have changed." Twilight whispered. "I’m sorry Star. I’ve already made my decision and asked for some mages and scribes to assist in your training."

"I don’t want to train!" Star argued.

"You have to!” Twilight snapped back.

Mother and daughter glared at one another for a long moment. Star looked down shaking her head. Twilight sighed rubbing her forehead.

“Starchaser, this is for your own good. You’ll thank me later when times turn sour for us and you have the power to defend and fight for yourself.”

Star turned away biting her lip to keep her chin from quivering. Twilight walked to the door and stopped to turn to notice Star on the verge of crying. She opened her mouth trying to say something but couldn’t. Finally she gathered the courage looking at her.

“Starchaser I’m doing this because I love you.”

“Just leave me alone!” Star snapped glaring at her. Twilight nodded.

“Good night sweetie.” She whispered opening the door. She turned back around to see Star grabbing the tunic and began sobbing into her pillow again.

Twilight shut the door behind her, she leaned her back against the wooden door and covered her face. She felt like a horrible mother for making her daughter so upset. It broke her heart even more. First she sent one child away and now forcing the other into something she never wanted.

“I’m so sorry Starchaser.” She whispered sniffling. She winced pressing her fingers into her temple and a dark thought came into her mind. A dark vision passed through her mind’s eye. She blinked and could see herself laying on the floor not moving, laying by her were Princess Cadence and Princess Celestia, and they looked drained and beaten. Through the vision she could barely hear Star crying for her in the far distance, but it was difficult to know where she was in the vision.

Twilight shook her head hard to get the horrible vision out of her mind. She turned to the wooden door and placed her hand on the wood. “I’m doing this to protect you Star.” She whispered softly as she began to cry. “One day I won’t be able to protect you.” She winced feeling the pain again.

She pushed off the door and began a quick walk to a friend before going to sleep.

<><><><><><><><><><>

Twilight walked to a well-known area of the palace. As she walked she could see late night scribes running from one room to another carrying scrolls, books, quills and ink bottles. Many years ago, Twilight was just like these young people working long night shifts in writing, translating, or calculating in logs, books, or scrolls. Some that notice her said good evening and ran off. Others that knew her best smile in greeting before running off again.

Twilight reached one door and knocked on the door. After a long moment she knocked again.

"Oh Princess!" A voice said startling her. Twilight turned to see one of the scribes bow to her. "I'm afraid you might have to step inside or go to the booking room."

Twilight nodded. "I see. Thank you."

"My pleasure princess." The man said before skirting off. Twilight walked to the old booking room where she once worked herself. She opened the door and noticed several young scribes wearing the white robes of novices rushing around checking log books and running to shelves.

Twilight walked over to the far corner of the room and sure enough she could hear snoring. She walked over and shield leaning against a bookshelf to see the one she was looking for.

"Ahem," She called as the scribe she wished to speak continues to snore on an opened log book. "Spell Check!" Twilight said knocking on the desk.

The unicorn in question snorted and sat up. Twilight covered her mouth to hide her smirk seeing the poor woman's face covered in ink from her book. The unicorn woman gasped pulling down her glasses from her messy brown and orange stripped head to her nose.

"Oh my, Princess!" She exclaimed before tripping over her robe and falling into the books piled up beside the table. She stood up with difficulty then bowed.

Twilight chuckled. "Please my friend, I only came for a favor not royal business."

Spell Check, the head unicorn scribe of the castle blinked in surprise.

"Oh well that’s a relief." She exclaimed fixing her robe and tunic underneath. "As you can see, we have been busy since the Peace Council began."

"It's always busy during the council." Twilight replied smiling fondly.

Spell Check snorted fixing her glasses again. "So um you came for a favor. What will it be?" She asked sticking her hands into her trousers pockets.

"I'm curious to know if you still have that tea from Manehattan."

The scribe blinked looking to her. "Wow, first time you asked for that tea since you joined the royals."

Twilight nodded rubbing her temple. "Yes, I know."

"I just got a new shipment from the merchants yesterday." Spell Check thought for a moment looking at Twilight to notice her red eyes and her frown. "Come along, let's sit and have some tea like old times. What do you say?" She asked seeing Twilight smile.

"That will be nice."

Spell Check lead Twilight back to her room and opened the door to reveal the messy room. "I apologize for the clutter. Since I became head scribe I hardly get anything done anymore." She said being mindful of her piles of papers and books. Twilight smirked.

"Believe me Spell Check, I know."

Spell Check used her magic to grab her tea pot and used a water creation spell to create water and fill up the kettle. She set the kettle on top of her mini wood fed stove and set the water to boil.

"You seem awfully stressed." Spell Check said as Twilight took a seat in one of the chairs in the room. "Is everything alright?"

Twilight shrugged. "Parenting."

"Ah I see." Spell Check said smiling. "Good thing I’m single and no kid to watch out for."

Twilight smirked. "Funny I thought you had a fling with one of the book keepers."

Spell Check blushed glaring playfully at her. "Oh like it's worse than being intimately involved with a baker?"

Twilight smirked in return. "Careful Spell Check, I'm very fond of my baker. And she'll do anything to get back at you for insulting her."

The two women laughed at that. "Alright I digress." Spelling found her box of tea bags opening it. "True it was a fling but it didn't last long." She said softly. "I realized men aren’t my cup of tea."

"Oh, so you are into women?" Twilight asked surprised. During her final years as scribe Spell Check was a novice and always kept to her work. She claimed that there was no time in life for love and love was too messy. Twilight had heard rumors that Spelling was seeing people but now actually stating that she is interested in falling in love and with women was a huge surprise.

Spell Check blushed. "This old girl has to settle down one day. It's starting to get lonely living by myself in this stuffy room." She replied softly.

Twilight sighed nodding. "It is rather lonely for me too. Pinkie is a castle servant and is forced to stay with the servants." Twilight whispered sadly. "I envy you Spell Check."

The unicorn looked to her with a quirked brow. "How so? My life isn't as glamorous as yours."

"No it isn't,” Twilight agreed. "But just living simple again is ever tempting. When I was still a scribe, I could visit Pinkie Pie whenever I wished. Then I became a princess and things got harder between us." Spell Check turned hearing the kettle whistle. She grabbed the wooden handle and set the kettle aside hearing the whistle die away.

"But you two seem to make it work. You had a daughter together."

Twilight shrugged. "Yes, but Star was always with me and hardly saw Pinkie unless I take her to her."

Spell Check placed the tea bags into the cups and poured the water into the glasses.

"Speaking of Starchaser, how is she doing?" Spell Check asked smiling. "I have been hearing from other servants that she is growing into a very beautiful young woman. I wouldn't be surprised to hear that there were a few knights and Princes during the council lining up to ask for her hand for marriage."

Twilight was given her cup. She frowned looking at the liquid. "She's doing well. Until recently." She whispered sadly.

"Is she alright?" Spell Check asked worriedly blowing the steam away from her cup.

"Oh yes she is doing fine ... it's just she lost someone she cared about and ... I'm going to train her to be a princess like me."

Spell Check blinked. "Really? Well I wish her luck."

Twilight nodded with a frown. The scribe took a sip of her tea then noticed Twilight’s silence.

"That is good news, right?"

"I don’t know anymore." Twilight whispered tiredly. "Spelling, you are one the closest friends I had back in my scribe days. And I fear for this world."

Spell Check nodded. "We all can feel a shift in power lately. Some of us are having nightmares about some dark creature attacking the castle."

Twilight looked up at her friend with fear. "A dark creature?"

"Yeah a dark Unicorn or Pegasus or an All Being with blue eyes like a dragon’s eyes. There was lighting flashing in the sky. Some sort of castle floating in the sky. It's a bunch of stuff we still haven't processed yet."

Twilight gulped. "Have you been seeing these as dreams or visions?"

Spelling scratched her head. "I hardly have dreams anymore, Twilight. But I did have strange visions. What I see over and over again was an army of dark warriors with glowing blue eyes marching on the kingdoms and destroying everything in their path."

Twilight looked pale leaning back into her chair.

"Something is coming, Twilight. It's coming, we just don't know when."

Twilight nodded. "All the more reason to be prepared. Thank you for telling me this Spelling."

Spell Check nodded. "Of course Twilight." Spelling grabbed a few bags and set them on the table. "Here, you'll want these. Seeing how frazzled you are, you'll need them."

Twilight took the tea bags and smiled. She took a long sip of the tea and stood up.

"Thank you for the talk and the tea. Please let me know if there is any more of these visions you or the scribes are seeing."

Spell Check stood up walking with her to the door.

"Of course, Twilight, I'll report to you my findings later on this week."

Twilight smiled and hugged the scribe surprising the unicorn making her blushed. She sighed and hugged her in return.

"Oh and Twilight," Spelling said as they separated from the hug. "I am seeing someone else." She said with a wink. "But that is all you'll get from me."

Twilight chuckled. "I'll figure it out sooner or later. Servants talk."

Spell Check winked sticking her hands into her pockets. "Sleep tight, you need it."

Twilight waved to her friend then walked down the hall. After the long walk to her room, the headaches went away thanks to the soothing tea. Once at her grand bedroom she walked to her vanity mirror and pulled off her jewelry and her crown, setting the jewelry into the drawers and her crown sitting nicely on the desktop. She undressed herself and went into her cold bed wishing for someone warm to sleep with her

Warrior, Protector, & Survivor

by TigerSwirl448

Prologue

Part 1: Chapter 1: Ten Years Later

Part 1: Chapter 2: Punishments

Part 1: Chapter 3: Bulls-Eye

Part 1 Chapter 4: Heartbreaking News

Part 1: Chapter 5: A Sad Goodbye

Part 1: Chapter 6: Seperation Anxiety