> Gathering Pieces
>  by Random_User
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Unexpected Finds
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Grayson glanced down at the stone in his paw, sighed, and sat down. “I know where it is now.”

“Glad to hear it. I was beginning to fear that thing was on the fritz.” Fierce stood beside the gray feathered griffon and looked at the stone. His ears perked and he tilted his head.“Good fellow, how can you know where our quarry is if the whole stone is glowing like that?”

Grayson took a draw from his canteen and wiped his beak. “It's in the Sister's Castle. That maybe why we're getting all the magical interference.”

“What a rotten turn of luck.” Fierce turned his head in the direction of the ruins. “It is a frightful place, from what I have heard of it.”

“Twilight has been scavenging in there, without an escort, so it can't be that bad,” Puca said, moving to stand on the other side of Grayson.

“What could she want in there?”

“Old books owned by the Sisters, for the most part. She and her friends have been hauling them and other relics out of the castle for the last little bit. They stopped coming when star spider season started getting bad.”

After tucking the stone away, Grayson stood. “We should head back and tell Bonsmara what's going on.”

The three turned their heads as a crashing sound came from the undergrowth.

“I believe that we are about to have company.” Fierce placed a paw on the hilt of his sword and put himself between the oncoming noise and the two with him. “Whoever it is, they seem to be in quite a hurry. If they are not in an agreeable mood, I will entertain them and give you two time to fetch Bonsmara.”

“Look, you two legged hound, you're the one that's supposed to do the fetching.” Grayson spread his wings in an aggressive display. “I can't fly much under the canopy, but I'm not leaving you to fight alone.”

Puca let out a relieved sounding breath. “It's alright. It's Bonsmara.”

The minotaur pushed her way through the undergrowth and almost collided at full speed with Fierce. 

As she staggered into him, he caught her in his arms. “Steady on there! What is all the fuss about?”

“The timberwolves are after a couple of ponies.”

Fierce patted her shoulder. “There is nothing to be worried about. The wolves will just run them out of the forest. They will be a bit winded by the experience, but unharmed.”

She shook her head. “They are not running. One of them is hiding in the roots of a tree, a little one, and the other is fighting the timberwolves off.”

“Just what we need, more complications,” Grayson said.

Puca darted from the game trail. Using the gaps that Bonsmara created in the vegetation to cut through the undergrowth, she sped deeper into the forest.

“I have never seen the lass move like that before,” said Fierce.

“Horse apples!” Grayson swore. “What is she thinking?! Bonsmara, take point and get us through this mess! We have to go after her!”

Bonsmara angled her shield in front of her body and pushed aside any branches or vines that got in their way as she led them the way she had come. “Either of you have a clue what lit a fire under her tail?”

“I don't know what's going through her head, but I know she and I are going to have some words after all this,” snarled Grayson. 

The sounds of a pitched battle could be heard. Blows struck against wood, growls, grunts, yelps, and battle cries from a pony resounded through the vegetation.

“Sounds like whoever is out there is holding their own.” 

“Stop it! All of you!” Puca's voice cut through the forest. “You don't have to fight!”

Bonsmara, Grayson, and Fierce pushed their way into a clearing. A young earth pony, in armor that was almost too big of him, was fighting with a dozen timberwolves. The timberwolves' wooden teeth could not penetrate his armor, and his blows did nothing but break the bodies of the wolves apart, spilling their green, misty essence. In moments of being rendered from its body, the essence of a wolf would pull together another form from the forest debris and renew its assault.

Fierce’s sword cleared its sheath with a menacing, metallic hiss. “Ah! A melee! What is our strategy?”

Bonsmara bellowed a war cry, drew her axe, and flung herself into the fray. Each powerful swing of her axe scattered the wolves' bodies in arcs of wooden chunks and splinters. Her shield proved a fordable weapon in its own right, as she used it to bludgeon any wolf who came too close to her or the young pony.

Fierce shrugged. “While not the most elegant plan, rushing to render aid does have an appeal to it.” He walked into the fight as if stepping onto a ballroom floor and struck down a wolf who came within his range. “We will have to find a more permanent manner in dealing with these things.” His sword blurred through the air, and another wolf fell. “Cutting them down again and again is sure to become tedious.”

Puca ran into the middle of the combatants. “Stop!” She raised up on her hind legs and stomped down. As her hooves struck the ground, a gout of green flames formed around her and raced towards the forest's canopy. “Stop right now!”

All movement in the clearing ceased. After a couple seconds of silence, Puca pointed a hoof at Bonsmara. “Put your axe away, you're scaring the wolves out of their minds!”

Bonsmara slowly put her axe back in its harness. “Fine. But if they so much as twitch, it will be back in my hand.”

Fierce drew a handkerchief from his vest and used it to clean his weapon. “Tree sap! That cannot be good for the blade.”

Puca turned to the pony. “Please, don't freak out. I'm going to have to change to be able to talk with the wolves.”

He nodded.

Puca closed her eyes, and the green flames engulfed her again. After the flames dissipated, her appearance was that of a changeling mare.  “Cousins, please, let me Share with you.”

The wolves made a circle around her.

Grayson pulled his mace from his belt. “You hurt her, and...” His words fell off, as the wolves released their wooden bodies and flowed around and through Puca.

“That is quite the way to get to know someone,” Fierce said, sliding his sword back into its sheath.

“Changelings and timberwolves are elemental in nature and can share thoughts and feelings directly,” Bonsmara said. “I envy them in a way, but I like the fact that my thoughts are my own too.”

The essences of the wolves left Puca and returned to their constructed bodies. One by one they nodded to Puca, turned, and walked into the undergrowth.

Puca's knees trembled and she sank to the forest floor.

“That was awesome, Puca!” A voice called from a tangle of roots, under massive tree at the edge of the clearing. A blue coated colt, raced from his hiding spot, dragging a pair of saddlebags far too big for him, and hugged Puca around the neck. “Thank you so much!”

“Cobalt, I thought I said for you to stay hidden until I said everything was safe,” the armored pony chided.

“We're safe now,” Cobalt said. 

The older pony's eyes lingering on their weapons and equipment. “I'm not too sure about that.”

“My good lad, I assure you we mean you no harm.” Fierce stepped forward and bowed. “I am known as Fierce Watch. My companions are Bonsmara, Puca, and Grayson.” He offered a paw to the young stallion. “May I have the pleasure of learning your name?”

“The dog wants to shake, how stereotypical,” said Grayson.

“If you would quit being catty, you would have more friends.”

The pony's helmet settled back on his head, as he looked up into the face of the diamond dog. “My name is Corner Stone.”

Bonsmara knelt beside Puca and rubbed her back with her free hand. “Are you okay?”

Puca swallowed and nodded. “Sharing with the timberwolves isn't as easy as Sharing with other changelings. I'm just winded.”

“How do you know Puca, Colbalt?” Stone asked.

Cobalt released Puca. “She's Kevin's friend. You remember him right? He was changeling that was at Cranky's wedding that I told you about.”

“So she's a friend of a friend?”

“Yep!”

Puca smiled. “You did very well yourself. It's not easy to stay hidden when you are feeling that scared.”

Stone titled his head. “You could feel he was scared?”

“I can feel most ponies' emotions. I'm sorry that I'm causing such conflicting feelings in you, but I understand.”

Stone looked embarrassed and his ears folded back. “I've been taught to be careful of changelings. I never thought I would have one help save me and my brother.” He extended a hoof to her. “Thank you.”

She took his hoof. “You're welcome.”

As Stone helped Puca to her hooves, Bonsmara said, “Puca is a dear friend. She won't harm you.”

“I don't fear her as a single changeling, but an army of changelings attacked Canterlot not too long ago. Father owns a construction and repair business and was called in to help with the rebuilding. He said the damage was horrible.”

Puca swallowed and looked away from Stone. “We didn't hurt anypony.”

“You were there?”

“I was.” She tried to pull away from Stone. “I was part of one of the infiltration units.”

Stone, not letting go, gave her hoof a gentle shake. “Princess Twilight talked to all of us in Ponyville about what happened. She told us about how you changelings were starving and not in your right minds.”

“She's being kind. We knew what we were doing. We never wanted to feel hunger like that again and came up with that mad plan to capture a permanent source of food.”

“The plan was desperate, not mad, and, in an odd way, it worked,” Fierce said. “The incident opened diplomatic relations between the changelings and ponies.”

“You're one of the changelings that Twilight said would be staying in town? I didn't know that. Who have you been living with?”

“I've been staying with Cranky.”

“As much as I would like this conversation to continue, we need to travel on. Our business has to be concluded before nightfall,” Fierce said.

“Why are you two in the forest anyway?” asked Grayson.

“It's because of me,” Cobalt said. “I've been having these dreams about a unicorn mare trapped somewhere in the Everfree Forest.” His ears folded back and he looked towards his hooves. “I know I'm going to sounds even more nuts, after you hear this, but every time I have one of the dreams it feel's like she's trapped in something and trapped in the forest at the same time. The last couple of days, something has been pulling me into the forest. I think it's her.”

Stone locked eyes with Grayson. “I know it sounds impossible, but I believe him. Cobalt never makes this kind of thing up, and his description of the mare and what he feels is too detailed for it to just a regular dream.” He took the saddlebags from Cobalt and slung them over his back. “He was leading us through the forest, when the wolves attacked.” 

Fierce grinned at Grayson. “Looks like the 'complication' may be our solution to finding what we have been looking for.” Fierce nodded to Cobalt. “Lad, you have no need to doubt your sanity. We are looking for the same thing you are. However, since we are so short on time, we will have leave the full telling until later. We need to make our way to the  Castle of the Two Sisters with haste.”

Grayson sighed and gestured at Cobalt. “Get it over with, Bonsmara. Just don't embarrass him too badly.”

Cobalt looked up to Bonsmara. “What's he talking about?” 

Bonsmara fidgeted. “Would you mind if I carry you?”

Cobalt sat back on his haunches and spread his forelegs as if readying for a hug. “Sure.”

Bonsmara smiled, scooped Cobalt up, and nuzzled the top of his head. “You will be safe with me.”

“You two will serve as our guides. I'll be right with you, in case anything else in the forest wants to get nasty.” Grayson looked to Fierce. “You'll be the rear guard.”

Fierce nodded.

Grayson looked to Puca and Stone. “You two are in the middle. Stone, you seem level headed and looked like you can handle yourself in a fight. Keep an eye on Puca. She's compulsive and gets herself into trouble.”

Stone moved to stand beside her. “I won't let anything get near her, I promise.”

“That's not what I'm worried about. She is quite the fighter herself, but she lets her emotions get the best of her and she does things without thinking.” Grayson looked towards Puca. “We're going to have a discussion about you running off like that, later.”

Puca's ears fold back and she nodded. “I understand.”

Stone took a step forward. “She saved our lives.”

“The wolves would have harried you until you couldn't fight and then dragged you and your brother out of the forest is all.”

“They seemed pretty determined to chew us to pieces.”

“Think for a moment. Can you remember ever hearing or reading about a pony actually getting mauled or killed by timberwolves?”

Stone paused, before answering, “No, I can't.”

“They're not killers, they just don't like visitors. We'll talk about the importance of group discipline later, colt. We don't want to be in the forest during the night. Then, things come out that will eat you.” Grayson turned, flicked his tail at Stone, and walked away.

“What a jerk,” muttered Stone.

“He's right. I could have gotten myself or someone else badly hurt or killed.” Puca sighed. “I deserve the chewing out I'm going to get.”

“I'll be standing there right with you, when he does. It's the least I can do.”

“Thanks.”


*****


“Everything's fine.” Grayson waved back to the group, from the other side of the gorge. “The bridge is new and the gaps between the boards are small.  You can come across without any problems.”

“I'm scared of heights.” Cobalt buried his face in the crook of Bonsmara's arm. 

She held Cobalt tighter as as she stepped on to the rope bridge. “To be honest, I am not fond of them myself.”

Cobalt said, his voice muffled, “But you're so strong.”

“Might of the body allows you to move what you can touch. Strength of mind is something entirely different.”

“Well spoken,” said Fierce. “We all have things that give us troubles. Being skilled or strong does not make them go away. You have to learn how to overcome them so that you can perform with your full ability.”

Stone adjusted his helmet. “Let's take it one at a time. We don't want the bridge swinging all over the place.” He nodded to Puca. “Mares first.”

“Thank you, but I'll just fly over.” Puca spread her wings, hopped into the air, and hovered off the ground.

“You don't have to stay with us. We'll make it.”

“I'm not going to leave you guys to make the trip by yourselves.” She grinned. “In fact, I may be able to help.” Puca flew ahead of Bonsmara. Keeping a couple of ponies' height above the boards, she flew backwards at a slow speed. “Keep yours eyes on me and put one hoof in front of the other.”

“Thank you for giving me something to focus on, rather than the gorge.”

“You're welcome,” Puca said, guiding Bonsmara on.

“She's nothing like I thought a changeling would be,” Stone said to no one in particular.

“Thought she would be a nasty piece of work?” said Fierce.

Stone nodded.

“You will find that those in our little group do not match the typical descriptions of our kinds.”

“Except for Grayson. He's fits the grouchy griffin stereotype.”

Fierce laughed. “He just needs to warm up to you a bit. Go on, lad. I will be the last across.”

Stone took a few tentative steps on the bridge. “It's not quite as bad as I thought I would be.”

Puca flew back across the bridge to him. “Keep looking at me and talking. You'll be across before you know it.”

“Whoever worked on the bridge knew what they were doing.”

“Twilight and her friends were the ones to rebuild the bridge. Those mares can go anything, from what I can tell.”

“You know a lot about what Princess Twilight does.”

“Celestia wanted me to keep an eye on her, while I lived in Ponyville. It's kind of my part time job.”

“You work for Celestia?” His hooves met solid ground rather than wooden boards. He looked down as if surprised then looked up and grinned at her. “Neat trick.”

“Glad to help.”

Fierce strode off the bridge. “Marvelous view. Pity that you cannot see the entrance to the cave that holds the Tree of Harmony from the bridge.”

“The bridge didn't bother you at all, did it?” asked Stone.

“Of course it did. Any sane being, unable to fly on their own, would have misgivings about stepping onto a swaying set of planks held up with rope strung over a chasm.” He grinned. “The trick of it is to give the appearance that it does not bother you. If you can fool others into thinking that you are not concerned, you can sometimes fool yourself that there is nothing to worry about right along with them.”

“I'll be on point with Cobalt,” Grayson said. “Bonsmara, you'll have to put him down now.”

Bonsmara put Cobalt on the ground. “We will be right behind, watching out for anything nasty.”

“Everyone, listen up.” Grayson pointed toward the ruins. “The castle is rigged with traps. From what I have found in descriptions, they are are the non-lethal, diversionary type, but you do not want to become separated from the group. We are here on a rescue mission, let's not have to be rescued ourselves.”

Cobalt raised his hoof.

Grayson smirked. “I take it you have a question.”

“What is our mission?”

“That's right, you don't know.” Grayson lay down so that he was eye level with the sitting colt. “We are here to help save a princess of the Crystal Empire. She was turned into a crystal statute by the evil tyrant Sombra and then shattered.”

Cobalt's eye's grew wide. “Is she the one that's been in my dreams?”

Grayson nodded. “If I had to bet, she is. Sombra used his magic to send shards of the statute all over Equestria. Our group is helping bring the pieces back together so she can be restored.”

“She can be turned back?” Cobalt said, his voice catching.

“The Princesses think so, but we need all the pieces for it to work.” Grayson reached into a pouch hanging from his equipment belt and pulled out a glowing stone. “This was supposed to guide us to shards. But for some reason, it's not working. That's where you come in.”

“Me?”

“You'll be able to guide us to the shard, if I had to bet. I won't force you to help us, since things could get dangerous, but we need a guide.” Grayson tucked the stone back into the pouch from where he got it. “I should have asked whether you wanted to help before saying we would be on point together or bringing you here, for that matter.”

“I want to help. That's what my brother and I am here for.” Cobalt put a hoof over his heart. “I will listen to whatever you tell me to do. I won't get myself or anyone else in trouble. I promise.”

“I take it your brother asked you to do that for him before you came into the forest.”

Cobalt nodded.

“You have a good brother.”

Cobalt grinned and looked towards Stone. “He's the best.”


*****


“What is he doing?” whispered Stone.

“Checking for nasty surprises, like ambushes or traps.” Puca whispered back. “He's an expert at both.”

“Everything looks clean, but don't touch anything that you don't have to. We don't have enough time for me to check everything.” Grayson looked to Cobalt. “Which way now?”

“Down. It feels like we have to go down.”

“There is a stairwell just down the hall,” Fierce said. “It heads deeper into the lower levels of the castle.”

Stone said, “You've been here before?”

“I can smell it.” Fierce tapped the side nose with a finger. “There is air coming up from the lower parts of the castle. It has earthy tones in it.”

“That's impressive.”

“Being able to smell this well has its uses. However, I get to experience the scents of things I would rather not. I have to say that the bouquet of a tazelwurm is something I would not like to experience again.”

Grayson led them down the hall and the stairs.

“This way,” Cobalt said, pointing down the hall.

“Grayson, keep on your toes.” Fierce inhaled deeply through his nose. “I cannot name what I am smelling but I do not care for it.”

“Something big and nasty?”

“Nothing so simple. It has a touch of magic about it.”

“You want me to take point?” asked Puca. “I know my magic isn't that great but I may be able to sense something.”

“Join me up front,” Grayson said. “Cobalt, keep just behind us.”

They moved further down the hall. The sound of Fierce’s sniffing echoing in the halls. “It is a might bit more dusty here. Mind the cobwebs. Nothing quite like having a web stuck in your coat.”

Puca's horn gave off a soft green glow. “I not sensing any spells, but there is something here.” She shook her head. “It's not focused in one spot, though. It's like magic it all over th-”

A flash of light lit the hallway and Stone let out a startled shout.

The group drew their weapons, and Puca's horn glowed brighter. The light from her horn cast the hallway in stark black and green contrasts.

“What happened?!” Grayson asked. “You alright?”

“I'm fine,” Stone said. “I just got a shock from somewhere.”

“That did not seem a trap to me.” Looking up and down the hallway, Bonsmara turned her back to the wall and slowly walked backwards. She yelped, and jumped into the middle of the hall. She wrapped her tail around her body and looked at its tip. Her tail's brown tuft was tipped with white hoar frost. “Something just tried to freeze off my tail.”

“Everyone, don't move.” Grayson looked around the hall way. “Stone, how close were you to that sconce when you got shocked?”

“What's a sconce?” asked Cobalt, from his hiding place under Grayson.

Grayson looked between his forelegs at the colt. “The metal things on the walls that hold torches.”

“I wondered what those were called.”

“I was pretty close, but not close enough for static to get me,” said Stone.

“It was too strong a bolt for that too.” Puca pointed a hoof towards Stone's back. “His armor is scorched.”

“He's hurt then,” said Grayson. “Don't be stoic, we need to know how bad it is.”

“I'm fine.” Stone rolled his shoulders and shook himself. “It stings, but I can move without any trouble.”

“What's going on?” Cobalt asked. “If someone was going to attack us, why haven't they? If it's traps, why are they nasty like this? I thought the traps were just to confuse.”

“I have a feeling I might know.” Grayson reached to his belt and drew a throwing knife from its sheath. “Puca, could you shine your light down the hall?”

“Sure.” Puca turned her head. As she directed the light, the shadows in the hall slid with eery grace in the green light.

Grayson threw his knife towards the upper right of the hall. A series of electrical flashes, balls of flame, and puffs of falling snow marked the path of the knife. A metallic ring came from the darkness, as the knife hit the stone floor, and a single pop of electricity lit the hall.

“Star spiders,” Grayson spat. “Everyone, look out for webs. If you touch them, you're not going to like it. If you touch a large enough tangle of them, you might not survive.”

“Are those the spiders that like to get into unicorn's houses?” Cobalt said.

“They are. They feed on magical energy and capture in it their webs. If the webs gather enough magical power, they can release dangerous magical effects when touched. The Everfree Forest is naturally full of wild magic, but the castle is a particularly strong point for it to gather. Luna used to work on all kinds of magical experiments here too. I bet the artifacts left here drew the spiders in.”

“There is something that has been bothering me,” Stone said. “Why would the fragment be here in the castle?”

“The spiders will construct colonies around magical things.” Fierce looked down the hall. “If enough of the blighters get together, they will work together and create collections of magical items much like ants gather food.”

“They dragged the fragment here!” Cobalt said.

“Now, we have to venture into the heart of the colony and get that fragment.” Fierce shook his head. “That will be no mean task.”

Stone said, “Can they hurt the fragment when they absorb its energy?”

Cobalt's eyes grew wide. “She could be in trouble!”

“No, lad.” Fierce smiled. “They absorb magic like you would get heat from a fire. You getting warm does not hurt the fire, and they do not hurt the things they gather. I do not understand the ins and outs of it myself, but I have it on good authority that is all they do. Adventurers see finding a few star spiders as a sign they are close to strong magical artifact.”

“We have more than a few here,” Grayson said. “That is going to make things dangerous and slow.”

“We do not have time for a slow pace.” Bonsmara sighed. “We might be able to get this done in a day. We might have to return after getting the right gear.”

Cobalt moved out from under Grayson. “We can't turn back now! We've come too far!”

“We don't have to worry about making noise, right?” Stone said.

Bonsmara shrugged. “With all the spiders here, I doubt there is anything else around that will give us trouble.”

Stone smiled. “Great. I have an idea, but it's going to be loud.”

Cobalt hopped up and down. “What is it?”

“You know those suits of armor that we saw while we were coming this way?”

“Yeah.”

“We're going to need a few of their helmets.”

After a moment, Grayson started to laugh. “That's perfect!”


*****


“This a wonderful idea, but the noise is making my ears ring!”

“Sorry, Bonsmara. We can't use cloth or wood. The magic would ignite it.” Stone rolled his helmet along the floor, setting off a number of low strung webs.

Cobalt threw a helmet down the hallway. The resulting eruption of magics from the broken spider webs lit the hall. “The webs are much thicker now. I think it means were heading the right way.”

Fierce threw, and the helmet smashed against something solid. “I believe that was the sound of a helmet hitting a door.”

“We're really close,” Cobalt said. “I bet it's in this room.”

“There is something odd here. Where are the traps we were to fear?” Bonsmara used her shield to brush the spent webbing from the door. She tried the door handle. It was locked. “This is the first door to be sealed. If it is braced with magic, we could be in trouble.

Grayson examined the lock. He reached into another of the pouches on his belt and withdrew a set of lock picks. “This lock has crystal components. If I had to put bits on it, both the door and the lock were enchanted. I don't know what did it, but the spells are gone.” Grayson slid the lock picks into the lock. After a couple of deft movements, a metallic click came from the lock. “Fine piece of work. After all these years, the lock is still smooth.”

Grayson pushed open the door with caution. “Lots of webbing in there.”

After four helmets were tossed at different angles through the door way, the group stepped into the room.

“If I had to bet, this was Princess Luna's study.” Grayson looked around the room. “Lots of artifacts, books, a high domed ceiling, and it looks like old drafting and measuring instruments on that desk over there too.”

“So that's where the spiders are,” Stone said, looking up. “I wondered why we hadn't seen any. It looks like they've covering the whole ceiling, there's so many of them.”

“Puca, please put out your light,” Bonsmara said, putting a hand on her shouler.

Puca stopped her magic, and the room went dark.

“That's amazing!” Cobalt said, in awed whisper.

The ceiling was lit by the glowing marks on the spiders. The light from the spiders also illuminated the strands of webbing, giving them a slight glow of their own.

“It's gorgeous,” said Puca. “Now I see why they're called star spiders.”

“There! The fragment is in there!” Cobalt pointed a hoof toward a round mass of thick webbing stuck to the wall.

“Of course,” Grayson growled. “It's at the center of the nest.”
> Flight from Danger
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Why aren't they attacking us?” Cobalt asked.

Bonsmara answered, “They will not attack unless you threaten something dear to them.”

“Like their nest.” Puca lit her horn. “There is a lot of magical power in that thing.”

“That adds a layer of complication.” Fierce looked around the room. “All the webs in this room have strands that lead back to the nest. A frontal assault is out of the question. The magical feedback would be too much for anybody to take.”

“We can throw helmets to cut the webbing from the nest,” Stone said. “That way we just have to discharge the magic from the nest itself.”

“I can use the flat of my shield.” Bonsmara unstrapped her shield and held it at the edges. She moved close to the nest, knelt down, and hunkered behind her shield. “We must take care to not harm their brood. We do not want them surging us to protect them.” 

Grayson looked to Fierce. “Can you cut the nest open without rupturing any eggs that might be in there?”

“I'll do it,” Puca said. “I can break the nest open without harming the eggs and I should be able to handle any magical feedback that might still be in there.” 

“You sure about that?” asked Grayson. “I don't want anypony to get hurt.”

“Opening the nest won't be problem. I'm not so sure about the leftover magic. But it's a safer plan than Fierce using a sword, even if I do get a little feedback.”

“Stone, aim for the top. Fierce, you take the left side. Cobalt, see if you can hit the lower strands. Puca, you take the right.” Grayson picked up two helmets from the pile. “I'll do cleanup. Fierce, start us off. I'll yell for Bonsmara to use her shield, after making my tosses. Cobalt, as soon as Puca gets that thing open, grab the fragment. After that, we all haul tail out of here.”

“Bonsmara, is there something in that care package that you got from Zecora that might help?” Fierce said. “I am not too keen on the idea of the spiders getting a literal drop on us.”

“I just might have something.” Bonsmara pulled a potion from her pack. “I did not even think about this. It is meant to keep star spiders away from a campsite or house. Whether it can overcome them in a rage, I cannot be sure.”

“Anything that might slow them down is worth a try.” Fierce picked up a pair of helmets of his own. “My friends, keep in mind that haste is important, but precision is what is required for this to work.” He drew back his throwing aim. “Ready, aim, throw!”

As the helmets sailed past her, Bonsmara poured the potion on the floor. The webs around the nest released their magic charges and stirred the mass of spiders.

“Good shots!” Grayson made his throws, severing the last of the webbing. “Now, Bonsmara!”

Bonsmara let go of her shield and jumped back. On the shield’s contact, the nest released a blast of fire and electrical bolts.

“Are you hurt?!” Fierce said.

“I am fine, beyond being a bit singed. I cannot say the same for my shield.”

Puca hurried to the nest and touched her glowing horn to its base.  She raised her head and cut open the outer webbing with delicate precision.  She stepped away as the nest fell open. “Cobalt, you're up!”

Cobalt raced to bookshelf. “I can't reach where it is!”

“Get on my back!”

Cobalt hopped onto Puca's back and stuck his forequarters into the nest. “There are all kinds of crystals in here! I don't know which one it is! Something's wrong!” His hooves moved frantically. “How close are they?!”

Stone backed closer to Cobalt and Puca. “The potion is keeping them from dropping from the ceiling, but they are surrounding us.”

“Keep calm, Cobalt. Focus on what you are doing and leave the rest to us.” Fierce pulled his handkerchief from his vest. He dabbed the handkerchief in the puddle of potion on the floor,  draped the it over the tip of his sword, raised the blade toward the ceiling, and slowly moved the sword in a wide, circular path. The spiders that had started to descend stopped and climbed back up their strands of silk. “Back to your webs you little blighters!”

Stone stood beside Puca, facing away from the nest. “Don't worry about getting the right one. Grab all the crystals that you can and stuff them in my saddlebags.”

Cobalt all but tore open the closest of Stone's saddlebags and began stuffing crystals into it. “I'm sorry this is taking so long! The webs are really tough and something is keeping from telling which one is the right one!”

“Take your time and find the right one,” Grayson said. “We don't want to have to come back later. Bonsmara, can we put that potion on us to keep the spiders off?”

“I have no idea what is in it. I would not chance it.”

“Could you take this for me for a minute?” Fierce handed Bonsmara his sword. “Thank you. While I am fond of this vest, sacrifices must be made.” Fierce ripped his vest into strips and dipped the ends of them in the potion.

“You're a genius!” Stone said, as Fierce tied one of the strips to his saddlebag.

“You are too kind.” Fierce tied a strip to Bonsmara's backpack and tucked the clean end of a strip into one of Grayson's pouches, leaving the coated end exposed to the air. “That leaves two without a strip of their own.”

Bonsmara retrieved her shield from the floor. “I will carry Cobalt, so do not worry about him.”

Puca looked over her shoulder to Fierce. “I can use my magic to keep them back. I'll be fine.”

Cobalt gasped. “I got it! It's this one!”

“Good show!” Fierce took his sword back from Bonsmara. “Thank you. I will lead us out of here. Puca, get in the middle of us, that should afford you some protection. Huddle close everyone, but mind not to touch the strips.”

Bonsmara grabbed Cobalt, and the group formed a circle around Puca. With Fierce leading the way, waving his sword in front of him and making a path through the spiders, the group made their way out of the room. “If you would be as so kind, please shut the door.”

As soon as he made his was through the doorway, Stone slammed the door shut. “We made it!”

Fierce used his sword to push the handkerchief into the door's keyhole. “That should slow them down.”

“While it would be nice to have a moment to celebrate, we need get out of here as soon as possible,” said Bonsmara.

“I'm with Bonsmara, the quicker we can put distance between us and them the better,” Puca said, leaning against the wall.

Fierce slid his sword back in its scabbard. “Lass, at the risk of sounding rude, you are not looking your best.”

“The nest did have some magic left, and it took more for me to redirect it that I thought it would.”

“Do you need to quit using your magic?” said Stone. “I'm sure we can make a torch of some kind.”

“No, thank you. Making light like this doesn't take too much effort.”

Bonsmara led them down the hall. 

“I'm sorry I took so long, finding the right crystal,” Cobalt said. “I almost got us all into trouble.”

She hugged Cobalt. “You did a wonderful job. There are a lot of full grown ponies that would not have been able to do what you just did.”

“Hold still for a moment.” Fierce removed the strip of cloth from her backpack and hung it from a nearby sconce. “No sense in tempting fate, now that the hard part is over.” He added the strip from Stone's saddlebags and from Grayson's belt to the sconce. “That might keep the spiders back for a bit, if they decide to come after us.”

Bonsmara resumed walking, and the rest of the group followed her. She led them out of the castle and towards the bridge. “Same order? It worked last time.”

Grayson took to the air. “Sounds like a plan, but we need to hurry. We're running out of daylight. Come on Puca, they can catch up.”

As soon as all the members of the group had gathered on the far side of the bridge, Grayson motioned for them to follow him. The group ventured back into the woods, keeping up a good pace down the path.

“You feeling okay, Puca?” Cobalt asked. “You don't look too good.”

“I'm just tired. Using that much magic always-” Puca tripped, stumbled, and fell.

Bonsmara knelt beside Puca and put a hand on her back. “You are not 'fine.' You are staggering and tripping over your own hooves.” 

“I just need to be more careful.”

“Stay down for a moment,” said Stone. “Fierce, would get the blanket out of my right saddlebag and drape it over my back?”

Fierce smiled. “It is good to see that others follow the way of chivalry.” Fierce took the blanket from Stone's saddlebags and examined it. “This is good, thick material. I will have to fold it a bit to keep it from interfering with your stride and to add some extra cushion, but it should work.” After Fierce draped the blanket over his back, Stone knelt to the ground. With a bow and a flourish, Fierce gestured to Stone. “My lady, your steed awaits.”

Puca got to her hooves in a wobbly hurry. “Thank you, but no. I'm give out, not wounded. I can make it.”

“You've put yourself in danger for us enough today,” Stone said. There is no sense in you getting hurt now, just because you are tired. Let me help.”

“You can't carry me all that way.”

“I promise you, I can.”

“He can,” Cobalt assured. “He trains and works every day moving heavy loads. You won't be a problem to him at all.”

“Get on his back, Puca,” Grayson said. “If you do, I'll forget that I need to talk to you about running off.”

“I'll make it.”

“Puca, please,” Stone implored.

“I don't want to be a burden.”

“You've done so much for us today, let me do something for you.” 

“I didn't do much. I didn't even fight.”

“You saved me and my brother from the timberwolves, helped us across the bridge, lit our way through the castle, and cut open the nest without damaging the eggs and making the spiders even more furious at us when we took the crystal.” He bowed his head, almost touching the forest floor with his forehead. “It would be an honor for me to help the mare that has done so much for us. Please, let me carry you.”

Fierce chuckled. “Can you refuse such an offer?”

Puca smiled and shook her head. “No, I can't.”

“Hurry, we're...”

Fierce cut Grayson off with a look. “So long as there is daylight, we will be safe.” He held out a paw and helped her onto Stone's back. “There we go.”

Bonsmara flicked an ear in the direction from where they had come. “We will make it with time to spare. I have a feeling that carrying her will not be a problem for him.”

“I'll take the rear. Fierce, you're on point.” Grayson nodded to Stone. “You'll need to keep up no matter what.”

Stone nodded. “I understand.” He got to his hooves as if Puca weighed nothing. He looked back at her and asked, “You comfortable?”

“Yes.”

“Good, hold on.” He nodded to Fierce. “Let's go at a trot. I'll keep up.”

“You sure?” Fierce said, one of his eyebrows rising.

“I'm sure.”


*****


“I must say, I'm impressed,” Fierce said. “I would have thought you would have flagged a bit by now.”

“My brother is the toughest pony in Ponyville,” Cobalt said, with pride. “He's been training to get into the Royal Guard for years.”

“I'm not the toughest pony in Ponyville, but thanks bro.”

“You want to go into the Guard?” Puca said.

“I'm thinking about it, but I'm not sure.” He glanced back at her and smiled. “I like the exercise program, though, so I've kept it up.”

“Grayson, how are we doing?” Fierce asked.

“Things are the same.”

“What's going on?” Cobalt said. “He doesn't sound right.”

“There was something in the castle that followed us for a little bit,” Stone said. “As soon as we stepped outside, it stopped.”

“In this forest, there are many creatures that do not care for daylight. We will be safe, if we get to Zecora's before sunset.”

Cobalt looked up at Bonsmara. “We're going to Zecora's?!”

“That we are,” said Fierce. “She, Bonsmara, Grayson and I have known each other for quite a while.”

Puca laughed. “Cobalt, what's got you so excited?”

“How do you know I'm excited?”

“I can feel it from here.”

“Cool. What does it feel like?”

“It kind of tickles,” Puca said.

“I've seen Zecora a couple of times, but I've never gotten to talk to her. I've heard she can do magic and mixes all sorts of weird potions.”

“She can mix potions, but I don't think she can do magic,” Stone said. “It's probably just another rumor about her that's been floating around town.”

Bonsmara lengthened her stride so that she jogged beside Stone. “Magic is not just for unicorns. There are many who can work wonders with magic in their own way.”

Cobalt gave Stone an encouraging smile. “If there is anyone that will know about something like ponies using magic without being a unicorn, it's got to be her.”

Stone nodded. “We'll have to see.”

“I think we are about to enter Zecora's clearing,” said Fierce.

“That's good,” Grayson said. “The sun's going to set before too much longer.”

Fierce slowed his pace. He sniffed the air and smiled. “She is either concocting a delicious smelling potion or she is cooking dinner.”

“You can let me off now,” Puca said to Stone. “Thanks for bringing me all this way.”

“No problem.” Stone stopped in the path and knelt down. Puca slid off his back, leaned in close to his ear, and whispered, “You had a lot of conflicting emotions when Cobalt talked about Zecora doing magic.  Is something wrong?”

Stone shook his head and gave her a sad smile, as he stood up. “It's alright. It's just something that I should have grown out of by now.”

“Whatever you two are talking about, it can wait.” Grayson walked past them. “We don't have daylight to waste.”

“We're coming,” Puca said. She turned back to Stone, pulled the blanket from his back, and tucked back in his saddlebag. “It's more than that. Talk to Zecora. She may be able to help.”

“If I get the chance, I will.”

She paused and gave him a look, but did not say anything.

Fierce led the group to Zecora's house. He lifted his paw as if to knock, stopped, turned away from the door and then bowed to Bonsmara. “I believe you should do the honors.”

“You are too kind.” Bonsmara rapt on the door with solid knocks. She said something in another language, her words rhythmic and warm.

“What are you singing?” Cobalt looked up at Bonsmara.

Bonsmara grinned. “I was not singing. I was just saying hello.”

The door opened, Zecora stepped out to greet them. “My friends, I was beginning to fret. You had not come back, and the sun had begun to set.”

“It was close.” Grayson nodded to Cobalt and Stone. “Without these two we might have had to have spent the night in the castle.”

“One face I know, the other is new. I am glad they helped you see things through.” She looked the group over. “Blemished armor, missing vest, and scorched shield. What kind of foe did you make yield?”

“The eight legged kind.” Grayson pointed a talon to Cobalt. “Star spiders. The colt's still covered in their webs.”

Cobalt waved a hoof. “Hello.”

Zecora looked up at him. “I could use those webs for a variety of things. Would you mind if I keep those sticky strings?”

“I wouldn't mind at all.” 

Stone stepped forward and removed his helmet, revealing his Grayson coat and blue mane. After tucking the helmet under a foreleg, he extended a hoof to Zecora. “I'm Solid Stone. Bonsmara is carrying my brother, Cobalt. If you would allow us to stay the night, I will do what I can to pay you back.”

She shook his hoof. “You need not think of payment. Of my guests, I would never charge a rent.” She smiled and nodded towards Cobalt. “Your sibling has brought a gift most rare. To ask that you give anything more, I would not dare.”

“We should get inside.” Grayson scanned the edges of the clearing. “The light's fading, and we don't want to be out in the open.”

Zecora waved them inside. “Put the little one in the tub. I will get the webs off him and then he can scrub. There is soup in the pot. Please, have some while it is still hot.”

Grayson stopped and hugged Zecorra, as he entered the house. He leaned his head against hers. “Thank you.”

“I am quite glad to see that you have returned in better state than when first you visited me.”

“So am I.” He let go of her and looked at the door's threshold. “I made quite a mess of your floor.”

“You could not help that you made a mess. I did not think you would make the night, I must confess.”

“What happened?” Stone asked, drawing the attention of Grayson and Zecora. He looked sheepish for a moment. “Sorry. I didn't mean to eavesdrop.”

“The story is not mine to tell. What happened to him nearly did not end well.”

Grayson shook his head. “We're all tired, and it's not the most pleasant of stories, so I won't go into it tonight.”

“I understand.”

“No, you don't.” Grayson's tone was harsh, and Stone flinched. He lifted a talon and rubbed between his eyes. “Sorry, I'm mad at myself, not you. I was an idiot and nearly got myself killed playing hero. If Zecora hadn't used all of her skills, I wouldn't have made it.”

“You thought of noble deeds and helping griffin kind. What happened should not weigh on your mind.” Zecora put a hoof to Grayson's shoulders and guided him into the house. “You should share your tale, when you are ready. It would help others to be mindful of keeping their thoughts steady.”

“I will, just not right now. I promise.”


****


“What are you going to do with the webs?” Cobalt asked, his voice muffled by the towel Bonsmara was using to dry him.

“I will use them to make potions to cure magical afflictions. Whether it be cutie pox or dark magic addictions. The webs can be used to drain magic, you see. That is why they are so valuable a commodity.”

Cobalt, poking his head from under the towel looked to Grayson. “Is that why the door and the lock were not protected by magic? The webs drained the spells?”

Grayson shook his head. “I don't think so. The webs don't drain spells on their own. They have to be added to mixtures that do.”

“Then what broke the spells?”

“I don't know.”

“Let us set aside such thoughts for the evening. We are safe, we have supped, and we are in good company.” Fierce sat down beside Bonsmara. “Lad, would you toss me your helmet?”

“I would, but I can't. If I move, Zecora will have my ears.”

“I would put a knot in your tail as well. Why did you wear such loose fitting armor, pray tell?” Zecora rubbed a mixture on various raw spots on Stone's back, chest, and legs. “If must fit properly in a fight, or you will not be able to use your full might.”

“It's my grandfather's. I haven't gotten as big as he was.”

Cobalt scampered from under the towel, picked up the helmet, and carried it to Fierce. “Here you go.” He then returned to Bonsmara, who picked up a brush and began using it on his coat.

Fierce chuckled. “Be careful. She will braid your mane and tail, if you sit still for too long.”

“I only do that with fillies,” Bonsmara said.

Fierce turned the helmet. “Today was not the first time that it was worn in combat.” He ran his paws over a couple of blemishes in the armor. “There is a story behind this armor.”

“I don't know much of it myself. My grandfather didn't like to talk about the times that he went into combat. He said that it glorified something horrible that should only be done in the most desperate of situations.” Stone looked to the floor and rubbed a circle on the floor with his hoof. “I wouldn't have fought the timberwolves today, but I didn't know what they would do to Cobalt if they managed to get him from me.” Cobalt walked over and gave Stone a hug, which Stone returned. “I don't know what grandfather would have thought about what happened.”

Fierce stood and put the helmet back with the rest of the armor. “You fought in order to protect somepony other than yourself when on a rescue mission. I believe that your grandfather would be proud.”

“Can I look at the crystal now?” asked Cobalt.

“Of course. I'm surprised you didn't ask sooner.”

“I had to get the webs off me first.”

Fierce brought Stone's saddlebags over to the colt. “Here you go. I would like to have a look at it myself.”

Cobalt opened the pouch and his ears folded back. “I forgot, everything I got from the nest is covered in webs.”

“Pull out what everyone wants to see.” Zecora left the room and returned with a soft bristled brush. “Leave removing the webs to me.”

Cobalt brought out crystal after crystal from the bag and gave them to Zecora. “It's happening again. I can't feel which one is the right one.” His worried expression vanished as he drew out a dark red crystal. “This is it! Now that I'm touching it, I can feel it.”

Grayson and Zecora locked eyes for a moment. Zecora extended a hoof over the other crystals and then moved it over the crystal in Cobalt’s hooves. “There is power in all of these stones, but this one has a feeling all of its own.” Zecora took the crystal and cleaned it with care. Before returning the stone to Cobalt, she brushed his hooves, removing a few strands of webs from them.

Cobalt held the crystal out so everyone in the room could look at it.

“It has such a deep red color,” Bonsmara said. “It is pretty in an odd way.”

“The stone has feelings.” Every head turned towards Puca.  “I can't tell what they are. It's like hearing a voice and not being able to make out any words because it's so faint, but they're there.”

“She's in there,” Cobalt said, his voice sure. He looked to Grayson. “What is her name?”

“Princess Amore.”

“How many pieces are there?”

“We aren't sure. A number of them have been collected already. We've been out of contact with the other search teams for a few days, so I don't know how much progress has been made.”

Cobalt's ears slowly folded back. “It could take a long time, then.”

Stone put a foreleg around his brother's shoulders.

Bonsmara smiled. “It will not take as long as you think. Twilight figured out a way to find the crystals. She enchanted several stones with a spell that points towards the pieces, like the one Grayson has, and gave them to teams that are combing Equestria for the lost fragments. Crystal pieces are being found all the time.”

“That's actually how we got involved in the hunt,” Fierce said. “Our sea serpent friend, Steven Magnet, was hired to help recover a couple pieces that ended up in rivers and lakes. He recommended us to the ponies in charge of the recoveries, and they sent us an offer to pay for every piece that we find.”

“He's the sea serpent that came to Cranky's wedding, right?” Cobalt asked.

“That would be him.”

“How many pieces have you found?”

Fierce nodded to the crystal. “That is the first. It will not be the last.”

“So you're adventures for hire?” Stone asked.

“Yes and no.” Bonsmara sat back down in her spot. “Fierce and I are ambassadors of sorts. I am from a land not far from Zecora's home country. Fierce was born in Trottingham and has served as Equestria's diplomat to the diamond dogs on several occasions.”

“We met through our mutual friend Cranky,” Fierce said. “We were at a function in Canterlot, and he introduced us to each other. Bonsmara was new to Equestria and wanted to see the various regions of the kingdom. She had hired Cranky as her guide, due to his experience roaming all over Equestria, but he was woefully ignorant of diamond dog customs. He asked if I would like to tag along and introduce her to my diamond dog contacts.”

“They both were wonderful at their jobs,” Bonsmara said. “The three of us had all sorts of interesting times as we roamed Equestria. Due to our skills, we were often hired to do odd jobs in the community’s that we visited. Our reputation grew, and we ended up acting as adventurers more than ambassadors.”

“I joined the Group later, and Puca joined us not long after Cranky retired,” Grayson added. “Steven left the group before I got on board, so those two lovebirds are the only ones of the original members still active.”

Cobalt looked back and forth between Bonsmara and Fierce. “You're together? But you're a diamond dog, and she's a minotaur.”

“Love does not care about such things, nor do we. I found myself yearning for her more than any of the artifacts or tomes of knowledge we sought.” Fierce walked over and kissed Bonsmara on the cheek, before sitting down beside her and wrapping an arm around her. “I courted her for moons. At first, she spurned my advances, thinking them a jest. I tried to espouse my devotion and love to her time and again, but she would not hear it.” Fierce put his free paw to his chest, his ears wilted, and he dropped his head. “My heart was wounded and my spirits crushed by her rejection. Our adventures together became torturous due to the tantalizing closeness of the one treasure I coveted above all other remaining just beyond my reach.” 

Bonsmara rolled her eyes. “You are laying it on a bit thick.”

“Defeated, but not broken, I renewed my efforts. Through unflappable determination and plying every romantic tactic that I knew, I earned a chance to prove myself to her.” Fierce raised his head and grinned. “I made the most of that opportunity, and we have been inseparable ever since.”

“By Celestia, you are so dramatic!” Bonsmara leaned over and kissed him on the top of his head. Fierce's tail wagged, drumming the floor, and Bonsmara laughed. “I could not tell whether you were trying to court me or just being your typical foppish self.”

“I am stung! I consider myself rather roguish, not foppish.”

Bonsmara snorted. “Many things you may be, but roguish is not one of them. You are too refined to be a rogue.” She pointed toward Grayson. “He, is a rogue.”

Grayson raised his beak in the air. “A title I carry with pride, thank you.”

“I cannot argue. He fits the role better than I.” Fierce leaned into Bonsmara and rested his head on her shoulder. “He is also our guide and leader, now that Cranky has left us.”

“I can't compare with Cranky,” Grayson said. “He loved and lived adventuring. It's strange to see him even happier being a homebody.”

“Just wait, you will understand.”

“You will not present me with a collar, so you cannot officially declare me yours yet,” said Fierce.

“Not this again,” Grayson said, with a sigh.

“Is that so?” Bonsmara said.

“It is.”

Bonsmara scratched Fierce's belly and his leg kicked. She used her other hand to scratch his ear. He tilted his head towards her and his tongue rolled from his mouth, as she continued petting him. After a couple of seconds, she stated, “You are mine already. There is no need for me to put a collar on you.”

With a slurping noise, Fierce drew his tongue back into his mouth. “Foul play! I will not yield to such deplorable tactics! You will not dissuade me from this, even using my weaknesses against me!”

Puca's cheeks turned red. “Bonsmara, you may want to stop now.”

“Not until he gives up this ridiculous idea. Putting a collar on him feels so wrong and demeaning.”

“What she is politely trying to say, is that things will soon move beyond mere play,” Zecora said. “While you did not mean for things to turn out thus, he is beginning to feel amorous."

Bonsmara looked around the room and blushed. “I guess I should stop, before I get him too riled up.”

“I must insist that you finish what you started, onlookers or no.” Bonsmara gave Fierce a light shove, and he toppled over in a relaxed heap. “Puca, while my appetite will remain unsatisfied, I hope that we were able to satiate yours.”

“I feel much better now, thank you,” Puca said.

“You we're feeding off their love?” Stone said.

“I was. Changelings don't have to hurt anyone to feed. Chrysalsis fed off of Shining Armor for days, and he never felt a thing.”

“What does love feel like?”

Puca smiled. “Warm, happy, relaxed, and comfortable all rolled into one. It's wonderful.”

“Since we are all warm and fed, we should all go to bed. You have done much today, but tomorrow you must go on your way.” Zecora picked up a potion and a brush from a nearby shelf and walked to the door. Using the contents of the potion as paint for the brush, she marked a symbol on the door. She placed her hoof in the center of the symbol, closed her eyes, and the symbol began to glow a light green color. She stepped back from the door and nodded. “You can sleep without fear. Nothing evil will be able to enter here.”

“You can do magic,” Stone said in an awed whisper.

“Every being can work magic's flow. You act as if I put on quite a show.”

“For him, you have,” Puca said. “Could you talk to him about how you do magic? He's really interested in knowing more about magic done by non-unicorns.”

“I would be happy to share what I know.” Zecora turned and smiled at Stone. “I love helping others learn and grow.  I will speak with you after the dawn. Even now, your brother is fighting a yawn.”

“You can talk with him, I can stay up a bit more,” Cobalt said.

“We all need to rest.” Grayson rolled out his bedroll. “We have a lot to accomplish in town tomorrow, and we will need to be just as sharp there as we were in the forest.”

“You think whatever was in the castle would venture into the village after us?” Bonsmara said.

“Nothing quite so dangerous, but it may prove to be just as unpleasant.” Grayson grinned at Stone. “Tell me, did you two leave a note for your parents, or did you just slip off with your grandfather's armor and a pair of saddlebags?”

A look of horror washed over Stone's face. “Mom's going to be back in the morning! We'll never make it to our house before she does!”

Fierce laughed. “You faced a pack of timberwolves today! Compared to that, what is facing your mother about this?”

Stone slumped. “I'd rather face the timberwolves again, to be honest. They have less bite than Mom can when she's mad.”
> A Brief Return Home
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fierce opened his eyes and looked around the room. “Dear, the sun is rising, and I think the others just stepped outside.” He smiled and leaned his head back against Bonsmara's chest. “While I could spend all day with you like this, we need to get up.”

She drew him against her. “Five more minutes.”

“I am a watch dog, but I am not an alarm clock.”

“Hush.” She put her chin on the top of his head. “I have not had you to myself for days.”

He turned so that he faced her and embraced her. “I am glad that you still find my company amiable.”

“I always will.” She gave him a quick kiss. “What is bothering you? You have not brought up the collar in a while.”

“Cranky leaving us to get married put several thoughts in my head.” He sighed, gave her a wane smile, and brushed her cheek with a paw. “I am not the pup I used to be. I would not blame you if you decided to retire from all of this and find a good bull to enjoy the re-” Bonsmara clamped a hand around his muzzle.

“I am never going to leave you. I am just as much yours as you are mine.” She touched her nose to his and held his eyes. “Something happened to upset you. Something more than just Cranky leaving us. I am going to let go, and you are going to tell me what is going on in that head of yours.”

He nodded, and she released him. “You want a child, and I cannot give you one.”

“It was me carrying Cobalt that started this.”

“I feel like I am denying you the chance to be truly happy.”

“My dear, sweet wolfhound.” She kissed his nose. “You would let me go to find another so I could be happy?”

“Yes.”

She rubbed his ear. “I will never be able to tell you how much you mean to me or how much I love you. Do you think I could be happy without you?”

“The bull and child would fill the void of my absence.”

“No, it would make it worse. Every time I would look at him or my child I would be reminded that I pushed away the one soul who has always loved me for a selfish reason.”

“Giving a child life is not selfish.”

“It would be, if done like that. You do not care if the child is not yours so long as I am happy, right?”

“Yes.”

“Then the solution is simple. When we are ready to settle down, we adopt.”

“You wanted a child of your own.”

“I have wanted a child with the one I love. The child we choose would be our child. That is what is important to me.” She grinned. “Besides, from what I have seen, being pregnant is not a pleasant experience. I will be able to keep you, give a child a loving home, and not have my innards abused for months. There are no down sides that I can see.”

Fierce laughed. “That's one of the many, many things I love about you. You are so practical.”

“I thought it was because you liked minotaur heifers with scars and muscles.”

“Those aspects of you have their appeal too.” He trailed kisses from her lips, to her check, down her neck, and then to her collar bone. “It has been too long since I showed you how much I adore all of you properly. Allow me the privilege of doing so now.”

She put a hand under his chin, stopping him. “Tempting as you are, we will have to wait. They could walk in any minute.”

He kissed the palm of her hand. “As my lady wishes.”

“Keep in mind, we are going to be back in Ponyville tonight. We will have four walls and a door with a lock.”

Fierce's ears perked and he grinned lecherously. "I believe the wait will be worth it, for such a setting."

She leaned close and breathed, "I assure you, it will be."


*****


“Are you feeling okay?” Stone asked. “You look a little flushed”

Puca nodded “I'm fine. They're a lot of strong emotions in the air right now is all.”

“I would not doubt that is true. That is often the case when someone tries something new.” Zecora motioned to Cobalt. “Lay down on the grass. Let all the tension in you pass.”

Cobalt put his head between his hooves, and Zecora placed the crystal fragment so it sat a hoof's width beyond his nose.

“Close your eyes and relax your mind. I will try to guide you to what you seek to find.” Zecora's voice carried a musical tone. “Let your heart wander where it wants to go. The way you need to travel it is sure to know.”

Stone leaned forward, his eyes riveted on his brother. 

Puca smiled and pushed on Stone's chest so that he sat up straighter. “You're going to fall on your nose,” she whispered.

Grayson's tail lashed. “Hush. You'll distract Cobalt.”

Zecora adjusted Cobalt's position so that he was aligned perfectly from nose to tail. “Allow your breath slow and let your mind's images flow.” 

Cobalt twitched.

Zecora lay down next to him. “Feel as if you were under the water's surface. Allow yourself to drift without purpose.”

After a couple of minutes, the crystal began to glow with a dim light. Cobalt smiled and tears ran down his cheeks. The light from the crystal flickered and then went out. Cobalt gasped and opened his eyes. 

Zecora pulled him against her side. “I am very proud of you. You were strong and saw things through.”

Cobalt leaned against Zecora and sniffed. “She's in there! She was so happy to see me.” He rubbed his nose with a back of a hoof. “I was so afraid she was trapped somewhere horrible, but she's not. It felt like being in a strange dream. I don't know where we were, but it was pretty.”

“There's no telling.” Grayson picked up the crystal, put it in a pouch, and hung it around Cobalt's neck. “She reached out to you so it's only right that you carry the crystal.”

Cobalt looked up from the pouch to Grayson. “Thank you. I will take care of her.”

“Let's go back inside and wake up the layabouts. We'll need to head into town before too long.”

“I don't know if I'm looking forward to that or not,” said Stone. “Mom is going to have my ears.”

“I guess they weren't asleep after all,” Gray said, after opening the door. “I thought I saw smoke coming from the chimney.” 

“That smells wonderful,” Cobalt said.

Puca nodded. “It's Bonsmara's apples and oats. They're delicious.”

“I thought we could have a good meal before getting back on the road.” Bonsmara said, looking away from the cooking pot. “It is a bit of celebration of two ponies completing their first official adventure too.”

Fierce pointed to the pouch around Cobalt's neck. “I take it that the crystal is in your care now?”

Cobalt smiled and nodded. “Grayson gave me the pouch so I can carry it.”

“Grayson! I believe you might be going soft on us.”

Grayson glared at Fierce.

“What were you doing out there?” Bonsmara asked.

“Amore tried to talk to me again last night,” Cobalt answered. “She was clearer, since the crystal is so much closer to me, but I still couldn't understand what she was trying to say.”

“Zecora said she could help Cobalt and me at the same time,” said Stone. 

“To show Stone that magic could be done by all, I helped Cobalt hear Amore's call.”

Cobalt stood proudly. “Zecora showed me how I can talk to Amore! She took me outside so I could be closer to the plants and trees in the forest when I tried to talk with Amore. She said earth ponies' magic is stronger when there are closer to things that grow.”

Bonsmara paused her stirring of the pot. “You were able to reach her?”

Cobalt grinned and nodded.

“That is amazing.”

“I think he has a special talent. I believe that is why he could hear the message that Amore sent.” Zecora looked at Cobalt. “Such skill is rare to see. Especially in so young a pony.”

“He had a good teacher too. That makes quite a difference.” Fierce patted Cobalt on the head. “I wonder if you have found your lot in life.”

Cobalt glanced back towards his flank. “I don't think so. No cutie mark.”

Bonsmara ladled the oatmeal into bowls. “As soon as we eat, we will need to pack up and go back to town. We will have reports to send, princesses to talk with, and a mother to calm.”

Stone looked to Cobalt. “How bad do you think it's going to be?”

“Pretty bad. We went into the Everfree Forest without an adult, got chased by timberwolves, stayed away from the house overnight without checking in, and all sorts of other things. Yeah, it's going to be really bad.”

“We shall see.” Fierce said, as he packing away his things. “I have no doubt that your mother is going to be displeased, but we can see what we can do to mitigate things.”

“I take it your planning to use your considerable charm to persuade her not to have their ears?” Bonsmara asked.

“Of course. They helped us, we help them. It is only fair.”

Bonsmara handed him a bowl. “You just want to sweet talk another lady.”

“I am courteous to all ladies, but there is only one who I wish to say sweet nothings to.”

After blowing the steam off his bowl of oats, Grayson said, “Tone it down you two. It's too early in the morning for that.” 

“Would you care for any?” Bonsmara held out a bowl for Puca.

“Just a little, please. I love your cooking, but I'm already pretty full.”

“Really?” A grin grew on Bonsmara's face. “Oh, I see. You nibbled on something a bit earlier.”

Puca blushed. “A little.”

“It is nice to know that we can keep you healthy.”

Grayson inspected Stone's saddle bags. “You know how to organize and pack a Royal Guard equipment kit.” He looked over Stone. “Just how did you come by the kit and the training to pack it?”

“My Grandfather gave me the kit as a present. I spent several summers in the Royal Guard youth training camp. My grandfather was in the Guard, and would tell me about some of the things he did. I wanted to know what it was like and signed up for the camp. I enjoyed it, and kept going back. While I was in school, I was also part of the Royal Guard's Young Officers Training Corps.”

“But you don't want to go into the guard now?”

“I'm not sure. I like the discipline, the training, the push to constantly improve, but I feel like there's something missing.”

“They fight monsters, help ponies in need, defend against invasions, and all kinds of over things. What more could you ask for, if you looking for some excitement? Sure, they look like like they have sticks shoved under their tails most of the time, but they're effective.”

Stone laughed. “I can't argue that they don't have interesting jobs, or get things done, but...” He looked down at his helmet. “There is no exploration, no discovery, nothing new. The Royal Guard would never have taken on a mission like the one you're on. They would hire specialists and go back to their routine.”

“You're on the mission now too.” Grayson patted Stone's shoulder. “At least, until your mom gets hold of you.”

Stone knocked his helmet against his forehead. “Thanks for reminding me.”

“You're welcome.”

“Do not torment him so. How his mom will take things we cannot know.” Zecora said. “I would like to come as well. Of her sons' talents, I would like to tell.”

Stone reached over and mussed Cobalt's mane. “This guy is the talented one. I'm just strong and think tactically.” Cobalt ducked out from under Stone's hoof, a grin on his face. 

“You do not give yourself your proper due. There is quite a bit to you.”

Stone pointed towards his flank. “Nah, I'm pretty one dimensional. Even my cutie mark is bland.”

“A stone rook's meaning is rather clear. What about the crystal shield upon your rear?”

“I've always thought it was just another symbol of me liking to help anypony in a jam.” Stone shrugged. “I never gave it much thought before.”

“A mark's meaning can be many fold. I think the shield may mean more than what you just told.”

“If anyone can help you find out, it will be her,” said Grayson. “She helped me put my head on straight.”

“His problem is quite different than the one that faced you. When he first saw me, he did not have wounds that I needed to sew.”

“What happened?” asked Cobalt.

“I was looking for something in the forest, and a bug bear got the drop on me.” Grayson gestured to Zecora. “She put me back together. While I was recovering, we talked about what I was doing in the Everfree. She saved my life two times over. Once by healing my body, the second time by helping me sort out my mind.”

“I think we are ready to go.” Bonsmara said. “Everything is packed and the bowls, pots, and spoons are clean.”

Stone put on his helmet. “I hope I don't need this as much as I think I will.”


*****


At the edge of Ponyville, Grayson signaled for a pause. “I will give you two a choice. We can go to your place first, or to the castle.”

“Let's see Mom.” Cobalt looked up at Stone. “I know she's going to be mad at us, but I want to see her.”

“You're right.” Stone sighed and nodded. “There isn't a reason why we should keep worrying her.”

“Sometimes, it takes more courage to face those you love than your foes,” Fierce said. “Lead the way.”

“Just a second.” Green flames surged around Puca for a moment, as she changed her appearance. “Gray mane, light brown coat, green eyes.” She looked herself over. “I think that does it.”

“You forgot your cutie mark,” Bonsmara pointed out.

“I did.” Looking towards her flank, Puca squinted her eyes. With a small puff of green fire, an hour glass appeared on her flank. “There we go.”

“Why that one?” Cobalt asked.

“I like the idea of the flowing sand. It kinda fits.” She grinned. “That, and a lot of ponies have this mark, so I blend in better with it rather than something fancy.”

“I guess that makes sense, but we already know you're a changeling. We spent all of yesterday with you.”

“This isn't for you. Ponies freak out when they see me, if I don't put on a disguise. It doesn't bother Kevin that ponies run away or stare at him, but it does me. I know I look like a freak. I don't want to be gawked at and treated like one.”

“There is nothing wrong with the way you look,” said Stone.

Puca changed back to her natural form. “I have fangs, holes in my legs, insect wings and tail, a fin on the back of my head instead of a mane, and my eyes are a solid color. To most ponies, I'm a monster. Even you were put off when you first saw me.”

“I was worried because of what happened in Canterlot, not because of what you looked like.”

“So you think the town's ponies could get over this,” she waved a hoof in a motion that indicated her whole body, “and take the time to get to know me?”

“They did with Zecora.”

“Zecora has healing talents and the whole exotic beauty thing going for her. Is there any part of me that a pony could find attractive?”

Stone nodded, but said nothing.

“And that would be?”

“You are in fetlock deep as it is, might as well wade deeper,” Fierce said, grinning. “Go ahead lad. Tell her what is in that head of yours.”

Stone blurted, “Your eyes and wings are pretty.”

She paused and looked at him for a moment. “You really mean that. Why do you think my wings and eyes are pretty?”

A blush formed on Stone's face. “They catch the light. Last night, when the candle flames flickered, colors danced on your wings and in your eyes. They're pretty now, but last night they were beautiful.”

“What about the holes and my fin? Don't they bother you?”

“I don't think about the holes much at all and the fin makes me wonder what else you can change into. Can you change into a sea pony or a bat pony?”

“I don't know. I've never even seen a sea pony, much less tried to mimic one, and I've never tried to change into a bat pony.”

“Come on you two, we need to get going,” declared Grayson.

“Give them a second or two more.” Bonsmara said, scooping up Cobalt. “They can catch up.”

As the others walked past, Puca gave Stone a hug. “Thank you for not thinking I was a monster or that I was repulsive. I get to feel that from other ponies way too much.”

After a brief hesitation, Stone hugged her back. “You helped my brother and me when we needed it most. A monster would not have done that. And you are not ugly at all, so please quit saying stuff like that.”

After ending their hug, Puca and Stone made their way after the others.

“Is your boss going to be mad at you too, since you missed work?”

“Yes, but not for the reason you think. I work for my Dad's company. I have been keeping my parent's house while they were on business trips, looking after Cobalt, and taking care of invoices and other paperwork for the last couple of days. Usually, I'm one of the hauling and framing ponies, so it's been a nice break.”

“So, your boss is your mom too.”

“That's what's going to make things really interesting when we talk to her.”

“We're here!' Bonsmara put Cobalt down. “My dad made our house. Isn't it great?””

“Impressive work.” Fierce ran a paw over the field stone. “Your father knows his craft well.”

“Let's get this over with.” Stone stepped towards the front door,

Fierce stepped in front of him and held up a paw. “If would allow me one moment, I think I can help considerably.” He turned to Grayson. “You still have the writ, I presume.”

Grayson smiled and nodded. “I do. I take it you want to borrow it.”

“I believe it could be of use.”

Grayson took off his backpack, opened its main storage pouch, and pulled a letter from it. “Here you go.”

“Thank you kind sir.” He turned and knocked on the door. “Leave this to me,” he whispered to the brothers.

“What if what you have planned doesn't work?” Stone asked.

“Then we will return with a pardon from Princess Twilight.”

The sound of hurried hooves could be heard from behind the door. A second later, the door was thrown open. A powder blue mare with a white mane stood in the doorway. She looked up to Fierce's. “I'm sorry, sir. I hate to be rude, but now is not a good time. My boys are missing and I'm about to leave to gather a search party together.”

“You would be referring to one Cobalt and one Corner Stone, if I am not mistaken.”

“Yes I would! How did you know?! Are they alright?! Please tell me they're safe!”

Cobalt ran around Fierce and hugged the mare. “I'm fine Mom! We're both fine!”

She hugged Cobalt to her tightly. “Thank Celestia and Luna both you're alright!”

Fierce stepped aside, and Stone hugged his mother and Cobalt. “We're fine Mom. We had to stay in the forest longer than we had planned.”

“Don't say 'forest' like you were going into the Whitetail Woods! I read your note! I know you went into the Everfree! What possessed you?! Following the wild dreams of a colt into one of the most dangerous places in Equestria?! I thought you were more responsible than that!”

“Please, do not dismiss your son's dreams so quickly. My companions and I were in the Everfree Forest seeking the very same thing that your sons were.” Fierce bowed. “We owe them and you a debt. Without their aid, we would not have accomplished our task.”

“What task?”

Fierce offered the letter to the mare. “We are on a royal mission to revive a fallen princess of the Crystal Empire. She was turned to crystal and shattered. Cobalt led us to one of the fragments needed to restore her, and Stone devised the plan that allowed us entry into the lower halls of the castle so that we could locate the fragment that was tucked away there.” He presented her with the writ. “That document bears the seal of, and is signed by, the rulers of the Crystal Empire, Princess Cadence and Captain Shining Armor.”

She took the letter from Fierce. “Is this some kind of prank?”

“I assure you, it is not. I would like to tell you all of what has transpired, if you would afford me the opportunity.”

Looking stunned, the mare nodded. “Of course, come in mister...”

“Forgive my terrible manners.” Fierce placed a paw to his chest and bowed slightly. “I am Fierce Watch. My fellows are Bonsmara, Grayson, Puca, and Zecora.”

“Zecora! I'm sorry, I didn't even see you there!”

“You were not unkind. You had more important things on your mind. Would you mind if we came and stayed a spell? We have quite the story to tell.”

“Please, come in. I want to hear everything.”

“May we have your name?” Fierce asked. “It strikes me as awkward to enter the home of a pony I do not know the name of.”

“My name is Mosaic.”


*****


Mosaic looked around the kitchen table. “My boys did all of that?”

“They did indeed.” Fierce took a sip of his tea. “Without them, there is a good possibility that our efforts would have failed.”

She turned to Cobalt. “You did magic using a crystal?”

Cobalt took the pouch from around his neck and, with care, put the crystal fragment on the table. “This is a part of Amore, Mom.”

Mosaic stared at the fragment for nearly a minute, before saying, “It's all true then.” She sighed and smiled. “Now I don’t' know whether to mad at them, or proud.”

“Both would be reasonable, considering how they went about things.” Fierce put his cup down and gave Mosaic a strong look. “However, bear in mind that they did seek help before setting off on their own. Had the Elements not been off on a mission themselves, they would have lent their aid if asked, I am sure. Ponies not used to adventures and magical happenings would rationally think they were weaving a tale.”

“I can't blame anypony for not believing them. I thought it was a joke and I had all of you at my front door.” She sighed. “Celestia help me, I don't know what to do with the two of you. Your father is going to have a come-apart when he hears about this.”

“Granddad would love it,” Cobalt said, with a small smile.

Mosaic looked to Cobalt and raised an eyebrow. “Do you think that is really going to help your situation?”

Cobalt's ears folded back and he sunk towards the floor. “No, not really.”

Mosaic pulled Cobalt to her side. “You're right though, Dad would love it. That doesn't mean that you are getting off without some kind of consequence.”

Cobalt nodded. “I understand. I did something wrong, and I have to make up for it.”

“Whatever his punishment is, please, just add it to mine.” Cobalt met his mother's eyes. “He was under my care and I allowed things to get out of hoof. I should have kept him here and safe, but I couldn't stop him when all he wanted to do is help somepony.”

“You don't live here anymore, so I can't ground you. I'll have to think of something else.”

“Cut my pay equal to the number of hours that we were gone. I not only failed as his guardian, I also failed you as an employee.”

Cobalt gasped. “No! Those are your bits! You need those!”

“I won't do that.” Mosaic said. “That's too harsh, and you have to eat.”

“What I did put both our lives in danger. I should be penalized accordingly, and I can graze for a little while.”

“You kept him from danger as well,” Bonsmara said. “Without your helping him in the Everfree, there is no telling what could have happened to him.”

“Did you enjoy what you did?” Grayson asked.

Stone looked at him, smiled, and nodded. “I did. It was an adventure, we met you, and we got to help out.”

Mosaic looked at Stone as if studying him.

Grayson tapped a claw against his cup. “You have vacation time, I assume.”

“I do.”

Grayson turned to Mosaic. “Take the time from his vacation. That leave him with bits, and he's punished.”

“While that is a good idea, I won't do that either.” Mosaic gestured to Stone. “Come here.” Stone approached her, and she drew him into a hug. “You left the work that you needed to do for your job in an envelope next to the note. Why should I punish you for not doing something when you did?”

“I was supposed to keep Cobalt safe and I failed miserably.”

“Did you? You protected your brother while he played a key role in a rescue mission that may have given him insight into what his talent is.” She leaned back and looked at him. “Yes, you two nearly gave me a heart attack by wandering off, but you did it for the right reasons. I have to ask one thing though, why didn't you wait till I got back?”

Cobalt pull away from her and looked down.

Cobalt hugged Mosaic. “Because I begged him to go. I had been pestering him for days, and he finally broke down.”

“Your brother is stronger than that.” She pulled Cobalt against her and looked back to Stone. “Son, why didn't you wait for me to come back?”

“At first, I just wanted to keep him safe at home. Then, after his dreams started to repeat and get more detailed, I knew that the mare was reaching out to him specifically. We...”

“Go on.”

“We had to do something. He wanted to help her. I wanted to help her, but I knew you wouldn't have let us. When it got close to you coming home, I decided I would gear up, protect him from whatever was out there, and we'd do what we could.”

Mosaic smiled sadly. “I think I know what you need to do.”

Stone drew himself up. “I'll do whatever you say.”

“You're going to see this through.” Mosaic looked at the others gathered around the table. “Would you take my son with you till all this is over?”

Grayson nodded. “Sure, but we'll have to get some armor that fits so he doesn't rub his coat off.”

Fierce raised his cup in salute. “It would be a pleasure to have him accompany us.”

“I would be glad to have him.” Bonsmara looked to Puca and smiled. “What about you?”

“I'd like him to come with us.”

Mosaic turned to Zecora. “You haven't said anything. What do you think?”

“In this I do not have a say. Here is where I will stay. My home is in the Everfree and my skills are needed to help any sick or injured pony.”

“Then it's settled. He goes with you.”

“What about my job?” Stone asked.

“Do you enjoy what you do?”

“It helps you and Dad, let's me have my own place, and it keeps me in shape.”

“That's what I thought. You do it, but you don't love it. When you answered Grayson about whether you liked going with them, you lit up like I have not seen in a long time. I want you to be happy with what you do. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity that you should not pass up.”

“I don't want to leave you and Dad in a lurch.”

“We'll be fine. You're forgetting, I worked on site and did the books long before you were old enough to help out.” She laughed. “Besides, it would be good for me to get back on the job instead of going to all these business meetings. I need the exercise and I miss getting to work on the projects.”

Stone turned the group, smiled, and nodded. “I'm in!”

Cobalt put the fragment back in its pouch and offered it to Grayson. “I'll give this back to you.”

Grayson took the pouch and put it around Cobalt's neck. “Hold on to it a little longer. We need to get a message to the princesses that we found a piece. We'll have to see Spike for that. Since you've already missed school for today, I can't see why you couldn't come with us when we see him.”

Cobalt put a hoof against the pouch. “Thank you.”

“Now is a good time for me to bid you all adieu. I wish the best of luck to all of you.”

“You could come with us.” Grayson said. “We could use your wisdom and skills.”

“While it flatters me that you value my knowledge and skills, I must stay and help ponies with their ills.”

Grayson looked into his tea. “I can appreciate that. If you hadn't been at your place when I was attacked, I wouldn't be here.”

Zecora made her way to Grayson and put a hoof on his shoulder. “You are always welcome to visit me. Just knock on the door of my tree. Whether at night, or with the morning's dew, my door will always be open to you.”


*****


Grayson knocked on the castle's doors. “This place really doesn't fit in with the rest of the town.”

Cobalt trotted in place. “Spike's going to be so surprised. I went on an adventure like he does!”

The castle's door opened and Spike looked at the group wide eyed. “Whoa. Twilight said there might be  somepony showing up with something important, but I didn't expect anything like this.” He pointed to Cobalt, “Not that I don't want to see you, but what are you doing with them?”

“Stone and I helped them get the fragment from the Sister's Castle.”

“Who's Stone and what fragment?”

“I'm Stone.” Stone raised his hoof. “Don't you remember me?”

“Oh yeah. You're the one that checked out all the books on the Guard branches.”

“Nice to know I made such an impression.”

“Give me a break. Do you know how many ponies come to check things out? If your brother and I weren't buds I probably wouldn't have remembered that about you.”

“We need to a message to the princesses that we recovered one of the fragments of Amore and we'll be heading to the Crystal Empire with it soon,” Grayson, said stepping forward.

Spike shrugged. “I can do that. Which princess or princesses do you want to send the message to?”

“Princess Twilight first, then the others.”

Spike looked past Grayson. “That first one won't be a problem.”

Grayson looked over his shoulder. “So I see.”

“Hey Twilight!” Spike called, waving. “You've got company!”
> Sharing Knowledge
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Hello!” Twilight smiled. “I'm sorry I almost missed you.  I just got back with the girls from solving a friendship problem in Hoovesville.” She tripped, and Rarity caught her with her magic.

“She's dead on her hooves from all the effort and magic she used and can't keep a clear thought in her head is what she is politely saying,” Rarity stated, as she helped Twilight along.

“Those look heavy, Princess. Let me take them for you.” Fierce took the saddlebags from Twilight. He paused and hefted the bags. “These weigh as much as Bonsmara's pack. What is in these?”

“Books and supplies.”

“Mostly books,” said Spike. He dashed to Rarity's side. “Can I carry your bags for you?”

“If you wouldn't mind.” Rarity levitated her saddlebags to him.

“Anything for you,” Spike said, taking the bags from her magical hold.

Puca covered her mouth, smothered a giggle, and grinned.

“Dear, whatever are you chortling about?” Rarity asked.

“Nothing. He's just being so sweet it's adorable.”

Bonsmara opened the castle door wider and waved the tired pair through. “Get her comfortable. She looks like she could use a good meal and some rest.”

“You cooked this morning. I will prepare lunch.” Fierce looked to Spike. “Would you be as so kind as to point me to the kitchen?”

“You can cook?” Spike asked, sounding more than a little surprised.

“Of course I can cook. What kind of ruffian do you take me for?”

“A diamond dog.”

Twilight snapped her head towards the young dragon. “Spike! You know better than to think something like that, much less say it!”

“It would seem you have had an encounter with my rougher kin,” Fierce said, addressing Spike.

“They ponynapped Rarity and tried to make her show them where gems were hidden with her magic.”

“Ah, they stole this gem of a mare to find more gems. I can see why you thought so of me. Dragons do tend to guard their treasure tirelessly.” Rarity and Spike both blushed. “I assure you, not all of us diamond dogs are so base.”

“You appear to be living proof of that,” Rarity said. “You strike me as quite refined.”

“Thank you. I do not know if I am worthy of such a description, but I try. Spike, my good dragon, would you show me where I can put these?”

“Sure, follow me. There's a closet just down this hall. It's on the way to the kitchen too.”

The rest of the group followed Twilight and Rarity into a sitting room. Rarity helped Twilight settle into a well cushioned reading chair. “Poor dear, it's a wonder you're still awake.”

“It's like pulling an all-nighter. You just have to keep your thoughts together enough to function.” Twilight looked to the others. “Please sit down anywhere you'd like.”

Bonsmara and Cobalt shared a couch. Grayson occupied a floor cushion, after stomping on it and making three circles on it. The only seats left was the unoccupied space on the couch and a love seat.

“I'll share the loveseat with this strapping fellow.” Rarity batted her eyes at Stone. “I'm sorry, but I didn't catch your name.”

Stone snapped his eyes away from the loveseat. “Corner Stone.”

Rarity offered her hoof in a ladylike manner. “I am Rarity. It is pleasure to meet you.”

Stone took her hoof and bowed over it.

“Such a gentlecolt.”

“You're supposed to kiss her hoof,” Cobalt whispered.

“Not necessarily.” Rarity looked to Cobalt, as she withdrew her hoof from Stone's. “You know about kissing a lady's hoof?”

“Granddad taught us.”

“You're brothers then.” 

Cobalt nodded.

Rarity smiled. “Show me what your grandfather taught you.”

Cobalt jumped off the couch and stood before Rarity. He put a hoof to his chest and bowed. “Lovely mare, may I have the pleasure of knowing your name?”

Rarity's smile grew. “Of course, young sir.” She offered her hoof to him. “But only if you tell me yours.”

Cobalt took her hoof and gave it a light kiss. “I my name is Cobalt.”

“I am Rarity.”

“You are as lovely as your name.”

Stone slapped a hoof to his forehead. “You can stop there, Cobalt.”

“Your grandfather must have been quite popular with the ladies,” Rarity said. “I'm sure you will be too.”

“What you both did is considered correct. The difference between what you did and what Stone did is that he did not actually kiss her hoof, signifying courteous respect. Kissing the hoof indicates respect, but can also have a flirtatious element to it.” Twilight smiled at Cobalt. “I have a feeling your grandfather didn't explain that part.”

“He didn't.” Cobalt looked up at Rarity and blushed. “You are pretty, though.”

“Why thank you. Your grandfather taught you well. Next time you see him, thank him for me. There are far too few gentlecolts like you in the world.”

Cobalt grinned, nodded, scampered back to the couch, and sat beside Bonsmara.

“Now the question is, does your brother wish to share a seat with me or no?”

“Please don't play with him like that,” Puca said. “You're making him feel uneasy.”

Rarity gave Puca a look. “I don't believe that I caught your name.”

“Puca,” Stone said. “Her name is Puca.”

“Wait, I've heard that name before.” Rarity stiffened and drew back. “You're the changeling that's been living with Cranky!”

Puca swallowed. “I am.”

“Forgive me, that was quite rude on my part. It's just my first encounter with a changeling was an unpleasant experience.”

“I know. You have a mean left.”

“A lady does have to know how to defend herself.” Rarity extended her hoof. “I harbor no hard feelings. Twilight told us of the plight that you changelings are facing. No one should ever be denied love. I hope you don't hold anything against me.”

“Of course not. You were defending yourself and your friends.” Puca took the offered hoof and shook it. “Thank you for considering me a pony. Too many others don't.”

“You're welcome.” Rarity moved to the couch and asked Cobalt, “Is this seat spoken for?”

His eyes widened and he shook his head.

“Offer her the seat,” Bonsmara prompted, with a whisper.

“Oh! Right!” Cobalt turned back to Rarity. “No, it is not. It is yours, if you would like.”

“Thank you.”

Cobalt helped her to her seat.

“You are too kind.” She looked to the pouch around his neck. “May I ask what you are carrying?”

“It's a crystal piece of Princess Amore.”

Rarity blinked. “Excuse me, but did you just say that you have a piece of a princess in there?”

“That is why we are here,” Grayson said. “We are helping revive Princess Amore of the Crystal Empire.”

“She was the princess Sombra turned to crystal and shattered, is she not?”

“She is.”

Rarity asked Cobalt, “How did you come by it?”

“That is a story that can be told over lunch, which is served,” Fierce said, as he rolled a serving cart into the room. Spike followed on his heels, carrying a tea set. “Spike, if you would be so kind as to pour the tea, I will serve the meals.” He looked at Puca and Stone. “Why are you two still standing?”

“There was a bit of a debate as to the seating arrangements,” Rarity said. “I was offered a seat by this gentlecolt and accepted.” She captured Puca and Stone in a meaningful glance. “Those two seem to be working things out between themselves.”

“Get on the loveseat you two,” Grayson ordered. “Twilight needs to eat, and you're holding up the process.”

Puca and Stone quickly made their way to the loveseat. Stone paused just long enough to offer a helping hoof to Puca, before sitting beside her.

Fierce presented Twilight her meal first. “I prepared daisy sandwiches. Spike was kind enough to tell me they are your favorite.”

“Thank you.”

Fierce and Spike made a circuit of the room, pouring and serving respectively. As soon as everyone got their meal, Grayson told of their trek to find the crystal.

“That's so cool, Cobalt,” Spike said, from his spot beside Twilight, after Grayson finished. “You've gone on your own adventure now.”

Cobalt grinned. “It was awesome.”

“I'm glad that you're here, Princess,” Grayson said. “I have some concerns about what happened.”

“Sounds like everything went well, thanks to this brave colt.” Rarity patted Cobalt on his shoulder. “You did very well, but you should not have worried your mother so.”

Cobalt nodded and looked towards the floor. “I know.”

“It was a trap,” Grayson said.  “We were very lucky that we weren't the ones that it was meant for or we wouldn't have gotten out of there.”

“What do you mean?” Puca asked.

“The webs outside the door were meant to keep curious creatures or ponies from getting too close to Luna's study. The traps that should have kept us from going down that hallway had been tampered with or had been disenchanted.”

“Those spells would have been ancient and could have faded and the traps could have had mechanical failure after sitting there for a thousand years without somepony to keep them up,” Stone said.

Grayson shook his head. “I doubt any spell of Luna's would have dissipated, and the mechanisms had been disabled deliberately. While I thought other adventures may visited the site before us a while back, the state of the door is what clenched it for me. That door should have been guarded with several spells and an almost flawless lock. The spells were gone and the lock had been made so that it would be easy to open.”

“They wanted us to think that we had accomplished something by getting to the study,” Bonsmara said. She paused in her scratching of Fierce's ear. “They didn't want to make it too easy and give themselves away.”

“The state of Luna's study made it even more obvious that it was a trap. The spiders could not have brought the crystal to that room by themselves, and the other crystals were put there deliberately to interfere with anyone who used magic.”

“I have to ask, Princess, why hadn't you gotten everything out of the study already?” Puca asked.

“Luna wanted to be there when I did.  She wanted to share what she had been working on with me. You shouldn't have been able to find her study. The hallway leading to it had a powerful misdirection spell on it. Had you looked at it, you wouldn't have seen or recognized the hall being there.”

“That gives more credence to it being a trap,” Stone said.

“Can I see the crystals?” Twilight asked. “They could tell us a lot.”

Grayson pulled a pouch from his belt, and poured a few of the crystals into his talon. “Here they are.”

Twilight's horn lit, and there was no reaction. She paused, looked at the stones as if they confused her, and her horn lit again. “I can't touch them with my magic!”

Rarity's horn lit, but nothing in the room changed. “I can't either. They feel too slippery, if that's even the right word to describe it, to get a hold of. I can't even pick one out of the lot to focus my grip on.”

“That's exactly what I was feeling.” She looked to Grayson. “Would you mind if I borrowed these? I'd like to study them.”

“Sure.” Grayson scooped the crystals back into the pouch and placed it in front of Twilight.

“Then there is no doubt. It was a trap.” Fierce nodded to Twilight. “I would guess that it was meant for you and the Elements.”

“What about the spiders?” Cobalt said. “What were they doing there?”

“Star spider bites knock ponies out.”

“They wanted hostages,” Fierce all but growled. “How distasteful.”

Bonsmara began scratching his ear again. “We cannot know what their purpose was. We know there was a trap, we know they were there when we took the crystal from the nest, and we know that they let us go without pursuing us too hard. We cannot even say for certain where it's a group or an individual.”

“Considering the amount of effort that was involved to set everything up, I would guess it was a group,” said Grayson.

“Are Mom and Zecora going to be alright?” Cobalt asked, his voice shaking a little. “They might have seen us with them.”

Rarity hugged him to her. “I'm sure they will be just fine.”

“You don't have to worry about either of them,” Grayson said. “Grown dragons would be wise not to mess with Zecora. Your Mom and your house are safe too. Zecora told me that she was going to put the same kinds of protection around your house that she has around hers.”

“What about everypony else? They have to have figured out we're from Ponyville.”

“It wouldn't make sense for them to grab random ponies from the street,” Twilight said. “That would bring Celestia and Luna down on them pretty quick.”

“You're leaving yourself out, dear,” Rarity said. “You're no slouch in the monster fighting and saving ponies categories yourself.”

“I'm not as good as they are.”

“I just thought of something,” Stone said, his voice heavy. “They did grab somepony, and it wasn't random. They had Amore. They used her to draw us in.”

A hush fell over the room.

“Oh no. No, no, no!” Twilight got to her hooves. “There are lots of other groups looking for fragments! What if yours wasn't the only one that walked into a trap!”

“Twilight, calm down, and sit back down.” Rarity said. “You can hardly stand, you're in no condition to walk, much less go on a rescue mission. We don't know if anypony is in trouble, or where they would be. Send a letter to Cadence, Celestia, and Luna asking about the other teams. This might have been a one time thing.”

“You're right. We need information.” Twilight turned. “Spike, I need you to take a letter.”

“On it!”


*****


Rarity put a blanket over Twilight. “Poor thing. She couldn't stay awake any longer. Even wanting to hear something back from the princesses couldn't keep her up.”

“She made a valiant effort at it though,” Fierce whispered. “Let us settle elsewhere, she needs to rest.”

“Follow me,” Spike said, his voice low. “We can go to the library. It has lots of places to sit.” Spike led them to the library and waved a claw. “It's not quite as cozy as the last library, but we've got a larger collection now.”

“Oh, wow.” Puca looked around the library, a look of awe on her face. “I would have never thought a collection of this size would be in Ponyville.”

“You haven’t come to the library?” Cobalt asked.

“No, I haven't.”

“Why not? It's got everything! I like the Daring Do stories, and there's all kinds of other things to read too.”

“It feels weird, coming into the home of someone you fought with.”

“Twilight would never hold such a thing against you,” Rarity said. “She has made friends with Discord and Trixie, both of whom were her personal enemies. The only thing that Twilight might give you trouble over is not having a library card.”

“That sounds about right,” Spike said.

“You didn't feel anything hostile from her tonight did you?” Bonsmara said.

“No,” Puca said. “Actually, see seemed curious about me.”

“You want to be friends with Twilight? Talk with her about being a changeling. You will get to know her, and she can write a book on it.” Spike pulled out a chair from one of the reading tables. “Would you like to sit with me, Rarity?”

“Of course, Spike. Let me grab a some light reading first.”

Bonsmara walked alongside Rarity, as she headed into the stacks. “Would you mind if I bothered you for a minute?” Bonsmara asked. “I know that you are a famous designer. I need your expertise on something.”

“Well now, I'm not exactly famous quite yet, but I hope to be someday. How can I be of assistance?”

Fierce watched them go, one of his ears perked. “Bonsmara's up to mischief. I can feel it in my tail.”

Puca laughed. “Your tail feels funny because she was scratching your ears and making your tail hit the floor for so long.”

“That might be part of it, but I know her tactics.” He sighed and smiled. “I will have to remain vigilant for a pleasant ambush.”

“You sound like you're looking forward to it,” Stone said.

Fierce nodded. “She keeps me on my toes, and I try to do the same for her.”

“Has there been any new Daring Do books come out?” Cobalt asked.

Spike shook his head. “Nothing since the Forbidden City of Clouds. I can show you a couple of other series that are pretty cool, though.”

“Alright!”

“Wait, before you two run off, where is the section on military information?” Stone asked.

“You don't know? I thought you read that stuff all the time?”

“I haven't been in the new library.”

“Don't tell Twilight that.”

Puca laughed. “What about the magic section?”

“Second floor level, over there.” Spike pointed a claw. “There's a big table in the middle of it since it's where Twilight spends a lot of time researching.”

“Thanks.”

Cobalt and Spike raced off.

“I didn't know where that section was in the old library, so I wouldn't have been any help there either. Being an earth pony, I never needed it.”

“You should stop thinking like that,” Puca said, leading the way. “It's not good for you, and it tastes sour.”

“Sorry.” He moved so that he walked beside her. “I should stop it all together anyway. After what Cobalt and Zecora showed me, it looks like anything's possible.”

Puca smiled. “Much better.”

“What do you want with the magic section?”

“Sharing with the timberwolves got me thinking about what exactly Changelings are. We're from the Everfree Forest, but we're different from the other creatures there. We're too pony like.”

Stone raised his nose. “There is nothing wrong with being a pony. Sure, we don't have fangs, claws, or anything else like that, but we're good folk.”

She bumped into his side. “That's not what I meant, you goof.”

“I know. Speaking of not having claws, or anything like that, why did you pick to be an earth pony?”

“Ponyville is mainly earth ponies. I blend in better that way.”

“That makes sense, but wouldn't you rather be a unicorn or a pegasus?”

“I can't disguise myself as a unicorn all that well. Changeling magic doesn't work like unicorn magic. I can only affect things I touch directly. Ponies notice when a unicorn only uses their hooves or can't levitate something. Only Chrysalis can do that kind of thing.”

“Aren't we boring, though, compared to the others?”

“Stop.”

“But, we're nearly...” He stopped talking as Puca wrapped her forelegs around his neck. “What are you doing?”

“I'm giving you a hug.”

“I got that part. But why?”

“You needed a hug. The polite thing to do would be for you to hug me back, and it will make you feel better.”

After a moment's hesitation, he put his forelegs around her. “I'm not feeling bad.”

“Don't lie to me about what you feel,” Puca said, her voice tinged with anger. “It's insulting to me, and it's not healthy for you.”

“I didn't lie to be nasty. I didn't want you to worry about me.”

“You think being an earth pony is bad.”

“No, just less than the others.”

“You are so wrong. Could a unicorn have carried me, a full field back, and a set of armor through miles of wild forest like you did? No. Could a pegasus? No. Earth ponies are the builders, growers, and providers of strength that everyone needs.”

“But we're so limited.”

“You are not! What happens when an earth pony can't fly? They build an airship that can not only fly, but carry much more than a pegasus ever could. Need something moved that a unicorn can't lift? Get an earth pony. If the they can't lift it themselves, they'll make a machine or tool that can. Earth ponies build, design, and grow new things. Pegasi and unicorns manipulate things that are already there, for the most part.” She shook his shoulders. “If you think about it, they're the ones that are limited in their abilities, not earth ponies.”

Stone smiled. “I guess that means that Changelings have the best of everything?”

Puca let him go, stepped back, shifted to her natural form, and shook her head. “No. We don't have magic at the level of unicorns, we can't fly as well as pegasi, and we're not nearly as strong or creative as earth ponies.” She held up on of her hooves and smiled sadly. “Maybe that's why we have holes. We're not complete no matter how you look at us.”

“Now who needs cheering up?” Stone pulled her into a hug. “I don't know about all Changelings, since I've only met you, but you keep things level emotionally for everyone and keep us honest with ourselves. At least, you have with me.”

Grayson landed on walkway not far from them. “That was sappy. True, but sappy.” 

Puca and Stone moved apart. “Sorry. I got too personal too quick.”

“I'm the one that hugged you first. You don't have to apologize for anything.”

“Puca, can I borrow him for a moment?” 

She glanced at Grayson and then at Stone.

“It's alright, I'll be right there,” Stone said.

Puca gave Grayson a meaningful look.

Grayson held up his talons as if showing he was unarmed. “I'm not going to be nasty to him. We're just going to talk, I promise.”

She turned and continued on. She gave them a brief look, before rounding the corner.

“I know, sir. I've only known her for a little bit. I didn't mean to make a move on her, I was just trying to help.”

“If you wanted to make a move, I wouldn't try to stop you.”

Stone stared at him.

“Not the answer you were expecting from me, I take it.”

“No, it wasn't.”

“I am a hawk, in more than one sense.  I watch for small details and trouble.” Grayson pulled a book from a nearby self. “You find her attractive, that much is obvious.”

“I like her, but we just met yesterday. What I know about her wouldn't fill a cup. She might not even be interested in me.”

“Do you need to know the whole history of something, when you see it, to know that it's valuable?”

“No.”

“If she allows it, pursue her. Don't let the opportunity to gain a treasure pass you by.”

“Why are you doing this?”

“You and I are almost two sides of the same coin. We both look out for patterns and dangers, but we approach how to take them on differently.” He patted his mace. “I knock them over the head before they can become a threat. You use defenses and feints to avoid or withstand attacks and strike back when you see an opening, if I had to guess from your mark.”

“Then why are you not knocking me in the head?”

“To protect her?” Grayson snorted. “She doesn't need protection. Don't let her demeanor fool you. She is a hardened fighter. She also is naturally able to tell whether you are sincere in your affections or not, so she has no need for me to protect her on that level either.” After looking over the cover of the book, he slid it back to its place on the shelf. “What I am trying to do is keep you from making a similar mistake to one that I made. I subdued my affections for someone, thinking it would cause trouble, and doing so cost me. If you want to make a try at a relationship with her, don't rush it, but don't the opportunity get away from you either.”

“I thought you were a jerk. I was wrong.”

“I am a jerk. I'm grouchy, sarcastic, and territorial. I'll admit, when we first met, I thought you were an impetuous young fool playing hero. You're green, but you're also more insightful, mature, and more steady than I gave you credit for. I would have tried to hire you away from your parents, even if your mother hadn't pushed you into this.”

“That's a high compliment. Thank you.”

“I know a useful asset when I see one. Don't think anything more of it than that.” Grayson turned, spread his wings, and put his talons on the railing. “A bit of advice. If you want a chance with her, and like your ears attached to your head, never lie to her about your emotions. In fact, never lie to her at all.”

“I won't. I don't like lying.  It just make things worse, and trying to lie to someone that can feel emotions seems like terrible idea.”

“You better go. She's going to think you've forgotten her, or I did something horrible to you.” Using the railing as a boost, he jumped and glided down to the lower floor of the library.

“And I know a friend when I have one,” Stone said.


*****


Stone made his way to the magic section of the library. Puca had gathered a small pile of books on a table and was studying the text of one of them. As stone approached, she looked up from the book she had been reading. “How bad was it?”

“He told the truth. We just talked.”

“You are a jumble of emotions right now. What did he say to you?”

“That I shouldn't let good opportunities pass me by.”

“Took him a bit to say something that simple.”

“He also told me that I was making a good impression and not to mess it up.”

“That sounds more like Grayson.”

“I think he needs help with something.”

Puca shut the book. “How quick do we need to move out?”

Stone winced. “It's nothing like that. I feel bad. I made you loose your place.”

Puca shrugged. “It didn't look like the book had what I needed anyway. What does he need help with?”

“Talking to someone important to him.”

“He told you about that?”

“Not directly, but I picked up on it.” Stone took a seat across from her. “You have to know who it is by now.”

“I do, but he doesn't want anyone else to know.”

“What are the chances that I could pull it out of him?”

“Nil.”

“That's what I thought you were going to say. What are the chances I could get you to tell me?”

“About the same. I don't give away others' secrets.” 

“I understand. You'd be in rough spot if you did.” Stone leaned back in his chair and looked towards the ceiling. “I guess I'll have to try to pull it out of him somehow then.”

“Good luck with that. It's going to be a painful process for both you and him.”

Stone dropped his head back down. “You don't seem that enthusiastic about me trying to help him.”

“I've tried to get him to open up, but it doesn't work. He gets defensive and clams up even more. Bonsmara and Fierce have tried to help too, but they didn't get anywhere either.”

“Then there's little chance he's going to say anything to me, and I don't want the abuse. I'll have to take a different approach then.”

“Why do you want to help him so bad? You just met him.”

“He's giving me a chance to prove myself. I haven’t had many chances like that, and I want to repay the favor.”

“You're sweet, but don't let that get you into trouble.”

“I won't. Is there anyone else he could have told?”

“Cranky would be the only one that I could think of.”

“I've met Cranky, but I don't know him all that well. He took a liking to Cobalt, and even invited him to his wedding. I'm not sure why Cranky's that friendly to him. I guess I should ask Cobalt about that.”

“Grayson and Cranky are similar, but the way that they handle others are completely different. Cranky is ornery at times, but he appreciates it when you try to help him. Grayson takes being offered help as a sting to his pride and pushes you away. He's a grouchy cuss, but he's got a soft side. It can be hard to get him to show it, but it's there.”

“I guess I'll have to take a chance with Cranky then.”

“Speaking of taking chances, I think I might have found something for you.” Puca grabbed one of the books from the pile, opened it to a page she had marked, and gave it to Stone. “How do you feel about eating rocks?”

“You're kidding.”

“I'm not. Go ahead, read it. Turns out the phrase 'tough enough to eat rocks' has some truth to it.”

After a few seconds, Stone looked up at Puca. “This is crazy. I can't eat rocks.”

“Have you ever tried?”

“No. I like my teeth.”

“I would be willing to put bits on it you can. You match the description of the kind of earth pony that can and needs to eat rocks perfectly. You're strong, without being bulky, you have endurance, and you have an unexplainable desire to seek out things magical in nature.”

“Incoming scroll!” Spike announced.

“I have a feeling things are about to get interesting,” Puca said.
> Testing Limits
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight sat at the head of the dinning table. She was still bleary eyed and had a blanket wrapped around her, but she was awake.

“Why didn't you wake me up when the message arrived?”

“Because you needed to rest, and we needed time to make dinner.” Bonsmara put a salad in front of Twilight. “Besides, there is nothing that you could have done about anything in the letter.”

“To sum it up, we got some good news, some neutral news, and some bad news,” said Grayson. “The good news is that all the teams have checked back in and everybody is fine. The neutral news is that a couple of teams found traps similar to the one we faced, but nopony was hurt. The bad news is that there are reports of ponies disappearing under strange circumstances.”

“Any idea who's disappeared?”

“There were only two names listed: Moon Dancer and Trixie Lunamoon.”

Rarity's fork clattered against the table. “Twilight! What in Equestria is going on?!”

“I take it you recognize the names?” Fierce asked, as he put a bowl of soup besides Twilight's salad.

“They're both ponies we know.” Twilight slouched and rubbed her forehead with a hoof. “They both went to Celestia's school for gifted unicorns.”

“So they are targeting specific ponies,” said Grayson. “Looks like we lucked out. None of us were on the list, or they would have fought harder to keep us.”

“Have there been any ransom demands?” Rarity asked.

“None were mentioned.”

“We need more information.” Twilight said. “I'll write a letter asking for more details.”

“After you eat, darling.” Rarity pointed her fork towards Twilight's salad. “We can't have you collapsing.”

“I took a nap, I'm fine.”

“You're not. You used a lot of magic and stayed up all hours trying to figure out how to drive those manticores out of the swamp without hurting them.”

“You girls helped too.”

“True, but we didn't put as much energy into the plan that you did.”

Stone tapped the tabletop with a hoof. “If I had to bet, the teams that had trouble with traps had skilled unicorns with them too.”

“I'll add that to the questions I ask in the letter. We'll need to know their locations too. We may be able to triangulate their position, if we know where each of those teams were when they ran into trouble.” Twilight turned her head, cast a spell, and a scroll and set of writing utensils appeared on the table.

Rarity's horn lit, and the writing supplies slid towards her. “Not until you finish your dinner.”

“You have to be kidding me! My friends are disappearing!”

“Which you can do nothing about, at the moment. If you are not at your full strength you put yourself and your friends in danger.” Grayson picked up his bowl and drained the last of his soup. “The best thing that you can do is eat and use the time to systematically think about the situation and what we know.”

“They're using Princess Amore as bait, right?” Cobalt said. “I can ask her if she knows what's going on.”

Bonsmara laughed. “Of course! If anypony had information as to who, or what, is behind this she would.”

“You can talk to Amore?” Twilight asked.

Cobalt nodded.

“After dinner for you too.” Rarity patted Cobalt on the head. “You're a growing colt and need to eat your vegetables.”

“Twilight, can I have a few gems?” said Spike.

“Of course. You did a wonderful job looking after the castle and helping with the library while we were gone. You more than deserve them.”

“Thanks!” Spike ran from the room.

Twilight laughed. “He still acts like a foal sometimes.”

A bitter-sweet smiled came to Rarity's face. “He's a growing dragon. We really can't call him a foal anymore.”

“No, we can't.”

The sound of Spike's claws rapidly hitting the crystal floor echoed from the hallway. He slowed down, as he came into the room, and then took his seat beside Rarity. He offered his bowl of gems to her. “Would you like to look through them to see if there are any that you would like?”

“No, thank you. You earned those. Besides, if you eat all of them we can go on another gem hunt.”

“Sounds like a plan to me.” Spike put a clawful of the gems in his mouth.

Puca grinned, as she watched Spike enjoy his dessert. “Which ones are your favorites?”

Spike swallowed and answered, “Opals. You never know how they are going to taste, but I've never had a bad one.”

“Can I have one of your gems?”

“Sure. You're not going to eat it, are you?”

“I'm not. Stone is.”

“Wait, what?”

“I think he's a gem eating pony.”

“Puca, have you lost your mind?” Grayson said.

Stone sighed. “She's serious. She found something in one of the books in the library that said there are ponies that eat rocks.”

“While it was a bit of a shock the first time, I've seen it done several times myself.” Rarity dabbed the corner of her mouth with a napkin. “Pinkie's family eats rocks as part of every meal.”

“This I've got to see.” Spike dug through the bowl and picked out a ruby. He tossed the ruby to Puca, who deftly caught it with her hoof. “If he chips his teeth, don't blame it on me.”

“He won't.” She turned to Stone and held the ruby out to him. “Here you go.”

He took the gem from her. “I can't believe I'm doing this.”

“It's amazing what mares can get you to do,” Grayson said. “Look at Cranky, he went from one end of Equestria to the other several times over looking for his jenny.”

Every eye focused on Stone, who did not make a move.

“No pressure here,” Puca prodded. “You're just keeping us all waiting.” 

“Here goes.” Stone closed his eyes, popped the stone in his mouth, and slowly began to chew. After a couple of seconds, his chewing became more vigorous. A couple of motions of his jaw later, he swallowed.

“I can't believe it.” Bonsmara said. “I just watched a pony eat a gemstone.”

“Pretty good, huh?” Spike said.

Puca clapped her hooves together. “What did it taste like?!”

“Like a cinnamon hot.” Stone said.

“That's so awesome!” Cobalt stood in his chair. “You really are tough enough to eat rocks!”

“You'll have to talk to Pinkie about what her family eats,” Twilight said. “Her sister, Maud, is amazingly strong. You may be able to become as strong as she is.”

“Oh no!” Cobalt clapped a hoof over the pouch around his neck. “What if a dragon or something else ate part of Amore?!'”

“You don't have to worry about that.” Spike said. “I put one of Twilight's practice enchantment gems in my mouth one time, when I was little, and it stung like I had tried to eat a bee. I found out the hard way that dragons and other gem eating creatures don't eat magically charged gems. Our bodies reject them as soon as they touch our mouths because our we don't know what they would do to us.”

Cobalt took a deep breath and sat down with a thump. “Thank goodness.”

Bonsmara moved around the table, picked Cobalt up, and hugged him to her chest. “You have such a big heart.” She patted and rubbed his back. “No wonder Amore reached out to you.”

“That was some pretty powerful emotions there,” Puca said, wiping away a couple of tears from her cheeks. “You're really are worried about her, aren't you?”

“I'm sorry. I didn't mean to get so upset and make you feel bad. She seems so nice, I don't want anything bad to happen to her.”

“Would talking with her again help?” Stone asked.

“I think so.”

“Then let me help you get settled and you can give it a try.” Bonsmara carried Cobalt out of the room. “Where would you like me to take you?”

Twilight sprang from her chair. “Don't start without me. I might be able to help and I need to take notes!”

“I don't care if you're a princess, you need to finish your meal!” Rarity trotted after them. “Twilight! I know you can hear me!”

“Hey, Stone, catch.” Spike tossed him a piece of turquoise. “If you like the ruby, you're going to love that.” Spike, carrying his bowl of gems, raced after the others.

“Fierce, whatever it is you're thinking, please tone it down.” Puca looked at him. “You're going to make me blush again.”

“I love that lady, with all my heart. She is an enchanting dichotomy. She is one of the most ferocious fighters I have ever encountered, but she only draws blade to help others. She possesses equal measures of power and tenderness. Grace and savagery. Domination and seduc-”

“Fierce!” Puca covered her face with her hooves and all but ducked under the table. “Please! I really don't need to feel that much about what you think about Bonsmara on that level!”

Fierce grinned. “I would say that I regret making you feel so, but I cannot do so in good conscious. I will not apologize for the depth of my affection for her. However, I will grant you a reprieve by pursuing her and putting distance between me and you.” Fierce, smile still in place, strode from the room.

“Celestia and Luna both help us. I am the only sane one out of this whole group.” Grayson, with a catlike leap, sailed over the table and went out the door. “Come on you two.”

Puca sat back up. “Fierce is worse than Cranky! Well, not really, now that I think about it, but it's close!” She got down from her seat. “Let's go after them. We don't want to keep Cobalt waiting.”

“Hang on for a second.” Stone put the turquoise on the table, joined her on the floor, and hugged her. “Thank you. Thank you so much.”

“For what?”

“Helping me find the magic that I had been missing in my life.”

“I didn't know you liked me enough to say something like that.”

As he opened his mouth to reply, Puca tossed the turquoise into it. She laughed as he shook his head and chewed. “I know what you meant, and your more than welcome. What does that one taste like?”

Stone smiled. “Blueberry pie.”


*****


Cobalt slept soundly, his head in Bonsmara's lap. Bonsmara stroked his neck and back with soothing motions of her hand. “Poor thing, he's exhausted.”

Rarity looked towards Twilight. “Reminds me of another pony I know.”

“I'll go to bed soon, I promise.” Twilight's pen did not falter as it went across the parchment. “He was able to reach her, even though he's had almost no experience with magic at all. His technique was simple and it looked like he had been doing it for years.”

“He took in Zecora's lessons very well,” Grayson said. “He was able to stay in contact with her for much longer this time.”

“While I am glad that he was able to contact her and calm his nerves, that she did not know much about those using her is a pity.” Fierce put a thumb to his lips. “There are far too many unknowns for us to even form a counter strategy.”

“There is some good news in that they have not used violence to get what they want,” Stone said. “The spider webs could have killed us, if we hadn't been careful, but they weren't actively using them to attack.”

“All traps have an element of lethal danger to them. A pit trap may not kill you outright, but you could starve or dehydrate before you get out.” Grayson paused in his preening and pulled out a feather.

“Do you mind if I have that? I've read griffon feathers make wonderful quills.”

“Sure. I just throw them out. There may be a couple of more I can add to it. I can't tell quite yet.”

“The question is, what do they want?” Stone said. “If we knew what they were after, we might be able to negotiate with them.”

“That's quite mature of you,” Rarity said. “Most young stallions would be chomping at the bit to fight.”

“We have enough problems with creatures trying to eat us, disease, elementals, and natural disasters without adding fighting among ourselves to the mix. That's what Hearths Warming is all about, when you get right down to it.”

Twilight yawned and covered her mouth with a hoof. “I know, Rarity, time to go to bed.”

“It is for us all.” Fierce stood and offered a paw to Bonsmara. “Should we take the lad back to his house, or will he remain with us?”

“He'll stay with us and so will Rarity.” Grayson put the feathers he had preened on Twilight's desk. “So far, they have been targeting ponies with magical abilities that know Twilight. Rarity fits that description. Cobalt has a developing power that they may be interested in, so we'll keep him here for tonight.”

“Thank you for the complement, but I am not all that skilled at magic nor did I attend Celestia's school. They couldn't possibly want anything from me.”

“You are the former bearer of the Element of Generosity. That combined with your friendship with Twilight makes you a prime target.”

“Since you put it that way, I think I'll stay the night.”

Bonsmara cradled Cobalt to her and stood. “Where would be a good place for him?”

“My room.” Spike said, sliding off his chair. “It will be like a sleep over. Come on, I'll show you.”

A knock from the front of the castle echoed down the hallway.

“Who could be here at this hour?”

“I'll get it.” Stone got to his hooves and trotted toward the door.

Grayson met him at the doorway. “With us, especially when there is something going on like we're facing, we never do anything alone.”

“Thanks.”

“If they planned something nasty, I doubt they would knock,” Rarity said.

“The castle is sure to have magical defenses in its walls, judging by its composition.” Fierce said. “Sometimes the only way a demon can enter a protected place is to be invited in.”

“What a cheery thought.”

Bonsmara put Cobalt down on the couch. “Fierce and I will stay here. If there is any trouble, we will come running.”

Grayson nodded and led Puca and Stone down the hall. “You're out of armor, Stone, so you'll be the friendly face for us.  Greet our guest politely. I'm going to play gargoyle above the door. If anything happens, get away from whatever your fighting. I'll attack from above. Puca, stick to the shadows.”

“You've done this before,” Stone said.

Grayson nodded. “Been a while, though. We try not to take jobs that involved fighting, but sometimes we find ourselves having to. Keep in mind, when opening a door that swings inward, keep clear of the path of the door.” Grayson took to wing, flew to the top of the gate, and perched on the overhang. Once he was settled, he nodded to Stone.

Stone  opened the door so that there was just enough space to talk through. “How can I help you this evening?”

“Are you one of the guests of Princess Twilight?”

“I am.”

“Good.” A blow to the door swung it open with brutal force. Stone managed to avoid being hit by leaping backwards.

A bat pony stallion in light armor stepped into the foray. “Good move. This could be more interesting than I had expected.”

“You talk too much.” A glint of metal flashed from above and sped towards the bat pony.

A magic barrier deflected the attack, scattering the throwing knifes across the floor.

The bat pony looked up and smiled at Grayson. “Did you really think I would come alone or that we didn't expect an ambush?” He grunted, as Stone slammed a hoof into his chest.

Grayson dropped from the overhang, mace in talons. A bubble of magic caught him and shoved him against the ceiling, pinning him there. “Now, now, birdy. Let them play.” A unicorn mare stepped into the castle. “Starless, try not to rough him up to much.”

“That's not a problem!” Starless blocked another of Stone's attacks. “If I didn't have my armor on, he'd have broken something!”

As Stone and Starless fought and moved under him, Grayson let go of his mace. “Stone, dodge!”

A lash of magic knocked the mace aside. The unicorn shook her head at Grayson and gave him a disapproving look. “Don't you have any other tricks besides attacking from above?” She snapped her head from him, as a figure launched itself from the shadows.

Pushing a wedge of green fire before her, Puca rushed the unicorn. Her attack was met with a barrier conjured by the unicorn, who staggered back from the impact of Puca's attack.

Grayson began to descend from the ceiling again. “If you consider friends tricks, I have several of them!” A tendril of shadows snapped around Grayson and pulled him back against the ceiling. “Oh, come on!” Another shadowy tendril wrapped itself around his beak.

“Be silent, and let this scene unfold as it will,” a commanding voice whispered in his ear. “I know of you, but have no knowledge of these two. I would see how they fare.”

The unicorn mare beamed. “A changeling? Here? How marvelous. Ever since I missed your attack on Canterlot, I have wanted to face one of you.” Green flames met a dark purple barrier, creating flashes of prismatic light. The unicorn smiled. “So far, I am not disappointed.”

“Quit goofing around and end it!” Starless yelled.

“Says the one toying with the youth. I'll have you know I'm having to put a bit of effort into this to avoid getting pummeled.”

“He's not exactly a push over either.”

“Then let's swap partners. I think you will find this one more agreeable to your tastes.”

The unicorn teleported to the bat pony's side and engaged Stone. “You are a feisty thing, but eagerness and strength will only get you so far.”

Starless intercepted Puca's charge. “Interesting style, combining magic and hoof fighting like that. I want to see more of it.”

The unicorn pinned Stone to the floor with her magic. “It's quite something to watch, isn't it. Seeing two skilled fighters test each other? He was toying with you a bit, but you held your own enough not to have your skull caved in. Now that he's not holding back, she won't last long.”

Stone got his hooves under him and began to push off the floor.

The unicorn turned back to Stone. “You are quite strong.” She stepped towards him. “It's clear you've had some Royal Guard training and your strength is remarkable, but you have a fatal flaw.” She put her horn under his chin and forced him to raise it so that his neck was exposed. “You have no defense against a magic user like me.”

An intense blast came from the hallway. A far more potent barrier than any used, till that moment in the fight, appeared and half deflected, half absorbed the attack. Even lessened, the shock of the two magical forces colliding was enough to knock the unicorn from Stone and across the floor.

“There will be no more fighting in my castle,” Twilight commanded. “If there is, I will be the one you fight.”

“You need not sully your hooves with these.” As he walked past Twilight, Fierce drew his sword and snarled, exposing his intimidating fangs. “If you would do me the favor of keeping the magic user from using her skills to their full effect, we will end this with all due haste.”

Bonsmara passed by Twilight's other shoulder. “I would surrender, if I were you two. I wanted a peaceful evening and you have ruined it. To say that I am irritated would be an understatement, and I intend to take my frustrations out on something.” She bashed the flat of her axe against her scarred shield and rushed forward. “I hope you can survive long enough for me to get my satisfaction!”

“Let this farce be over.” Everyone froze as Luna stepped from the shadows. “I wanted to take your measure and I have. There need not be more conflict.” She looked to the unicorn. “Have you come to harm?”

“No, my lady.” The unicorn stood. “Thanks to you.”

Puca walked over to the unicorn and struck her with enough force turn her head. “You heartless witch! You have no idea what you've done to him!”

“Puca!” Grayson flew down and dragged her away from the unicorn. “It's over!”

Puca shoved him away. “No, it's not.” She rushed to Stone, who had collapsed on the floor.

“I couldn't do anything,” Stone's voice held a mixture of fear and sadness. “You and Grayson were in trouble, and I couldn't do anything.”

“Stone?!” Cobalt ran to his brother and wrapped his forelegs around his neck. “Are you all right?! You're bleeding!”

Stone embraced Cobalt. “It's just a nick. It could have been a lot worse.”

The bat pony stood in front of Stone and offered his hoof. “I am Starless Night, one of Princess Luna's inner guard. I am humbled by your courage and determination. Without arms or protection you fought me to a standstill.”

“You were holding back.”

“Not as much as I thought I would have to. You pushed me a couple of times with your strength alone. We're both going to have bruises from this.”

Cobalt and Puca moved so that Stone could accept the offered hoof. Starless pulled stone to his hooves, embraced him, and slapped him on the back. “If you would like to join the Lunar Guards ranks, you have to but to ask, and I will write a letter of recommendation.”

“He's ours, thank you.” Grayson said. “He's too kind hearted to be a solider.”

Starless stepped back from stone, and the unicorn mare began tending Stone's wound. “This is more than a little scratch. Hold still, and let me work on it. It's the least I can do, since I'm the one that did it.” She cut her eyes to Puca. “Would you stop gnashing your teeth? I can hear it from here.”

“How are you going to close the wound?”

“My medical supplies are outside. I can't wear them into a fight. I was about to go get them.”

“Don't bother.” Puca spit a gooey, green substance onto a hoof and tenderly applied it to Stone's chin. “This acts a lot like putting honey on a wound. It will close the cut, keep it clean, and speed it's healing. If you're lucky, you won't even have a scar.”

The mare snorted. “That's one way to do it. Marks what you claim as yours pretty well too.”

“You stuck up, Canterlot harridan!”

Cobalt looked to Twilight. “I don't know what that means, but it doesn't sound very nice.”

Twilight smirked. “It's not a 'bad' word, but it's not nice to call a mare that.”

Luna took hold of Puca's hoof. “I would have a sample of this.” She looked to the unicorn. “Retrieve your kit. I believe you have clean phials that would serve.”

“Yes, Princess.” The Mercy turned and stepped out of the castle.

“Luna, why did you do this?” Twilight said. “Somepony could have gotten killed.”

“Neigh. I was present for all that transpired. I would not have allowed permanent injury to any. This exercise was necessary to gauge the worth of this duke's mixture that has played so prominently of late. I need to know the depth of their skill so that I do not assign them a duty beyond their kin.” She bowed slightly to Stone. “I apologize that my skill was not enough to prevent this from occurring.” She touched his cheek with a hoof, near the cut. “I will make amends for this. I give you my word.”

“Careful, Princess, the changeling might get jealous and bite.”

“Cold Mercy, do not goad her. You have wounded her favored and raised her ire. She is an ally, not a foe. You need not ply your sharp tongue with her in that manner.”

“Yes, Princess.” Mercy opened her kit and offered a pair of test tubes to Luna. 

Luna used her magic to take the goo from Puca's hoof and put it in the tubes. “The implications of this substance are profound. You changelings have much to offer us, as we do to you. We need only understand each other to reap the full benefits of such a bond.”

Puca bowed. “I'm glad to help however I can.”

“Why are you here?” Grayson said, as he picked up one of his knifes. “You didn't just come to test us.”

“Having learned that something breached the barriers that I placed on my old study, I came to see what had transpired. There are dangerous things kept within that room that should not be tampered with. That is one of the many reasons why I asked Twilight not to venture that deep into the castle without my presence.”

“For the most part, your study seemed undisturbed.”

“That is the first good news that I have heard in two nights. I fear I am the harbinger of ill tidings. Another has been found to be missing. One Starlight Glimmer.”

Twilight gasped. “How? When? She's almost as strong as I was in magic before I became a Princess. How could they take her without her resisting?”

“We do not know on both accounts. However, the state of her abode would suggest she has been absent for a period of time and she was taken without force.”

“It's beginning to sound to me as if not all of the disappearances are ponynappings.” Grayson inspected the blade and then slid it back into its sheath. “What that means, the Princesses only know.”

“You have two of the said Princesses with you. I assure you we nor the other two have an inkling as to what is at the heart of this.” Luna grinned as Grayson opened and closed his beak. “Let it not be said that I lack for humor.”

Starless bowed to Luna. “How should I direct your forces, Princess?”

“Have them take up defensive positions through out the town. If anything other than one of our number, or one of our allies, comes close, end it.”

“As you command.”

“Forces?” Stone asked.

Starless grinned and opened the castles doors fully. “Step outside for a moment.”

Stone did and stood dumbstruck.

“Guard!” Starless bellowed. “We are to defend all of the town. Nothing but friendlies on the grounds and in the air. If there is doubt as to anything's alliance, crush it!”

The formation of Lunar Guards spread out and took their positions. Two dozen of their number marched past Starless and Stone and into dim light of the castle's interior.

Luna stood beside Stone. “Did you believe I would chance battle without victory being assured?”

“They don't make any noise and they can vanish!”

“Their armor is enchanted so that it allows little noise and gives them the appearance of being part of the shadows. The effect of invisibility is accomplished with far fewer magical tells that would betray their position than a true invisibility enchantment. Many a time ponies have wandered my wing of the castle and remarked that it is unguarded, which could not be further from the truth. Where my sister's Guard uses a display of might to discourage conflict, my Guard relies on subtly and guile to lure foes into a false sense of superiority. It is easiest to take advantage of those who think that they have the advantage over you.”

“I never thought I would see guards come to Ponyville like this.”

“I wish it were not needed, but we are at war. Our opponent is skilled, treacherous, and willing to go to any length. My Guard and I will prove more than a match for them, and if any survive after we run them out of the foul nest they have been hiding in, I will make examples of them as to the fate of all who threaten the ponies of this realm.”

Mercy stepped from the castle. “Princess, I do not wish to overstep myself, but if we are to make it to the Everfree and accomplish our mission we should considered leaving soon.”

“You are right. We must away.” Luna turned back to Stone. “You and yours rest easy this night. You are protected by some of my finest. We will speak upon my return.” Her horn lit, and she, Starless, and Mercy vanished in a flash of pale light.
> Layers of Defense
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Grayson, what are you still doing up?”

“I take it you can't sleep either.” He turned his head towards Puca and patted the space beside him. “Come sit down.”

She joined him in looking over the walkway railing. “Two things are making sleep impossible. Bonsmara and Fierce have been wound up more than I thought and are working the tension out vigorously, so I don't really need to sleep with that going on.”

He smiled at her. “And you worried about what happen with Mercy and Starless.”  

“We should be worried. They beat us, and Mercy traumatized Stone pretty badly.”

“You're not going to be happy to hear me say this, but I'm glad she did. He's been under the illusion that this is all fun and games, till now. She also exposed a serious weakness with our group. We cannot get into a fight with a high level magic user. You're skilled at what you do, but you're about in the same boat we are.”

“You're right on both counts, so I have no right to get angry. Stone has never faced a challenge like Mercy before and it woke him up. We're lucky that it wasn't a real fight. They could have ended the fight in seconds and they played with us.”

“Had Luna not kept me out of the fight, we could have taken them.  Considering that Stone has not been fully trained, or faced combat before, he did well. We don't have time to brush up his skills, but perhaps we can find ways to increase his strength so that the next time he gets a hit on somepony, like he did with his opener with Starless, he will break bones.” Out of curiosity, how many of them are in the library with us right now?”

Puca tilted her head as if listening for something. “Three.”

“That's not good. I only counted one.” Grayson scanned the library from floor to ceiling. “I'll give them this much, they're good at creeping around.”

“What are we going to do?”

“We're going to think about what happened, learn from it, and correct our mistakes. Had it not been for Mercy, I think he would have overpowered Starless eventually. Had the three of us faced him, he wouldn't have had a chance.”

“We have to be able to counter magic.”

“Which is going to be difficult to do. Most powerful magic users are not combat trained and are not willing to risk getting into a battle. To make matters more interesting, several of the best, who we might have approached for help, have disappeared.”

“Then we can't rely on anypony to help us.”

“No.”

A silence settled between them. Grayson grinned. “So, he's your 'favored' is he?”

Puca stared at him. “Why are you bringing that up now?”

He shrugged. “The conversation died off. I thought I would liven it up again. Talking about new romances tends to do that.” She shoved him on the shoulder, and he laughed. “You're not denying it.”

“It's not a 'romance.' I don't know if he even likes me like that.”

“Can't you tell?”

Puca shook her head. “Emotions can be hard to read. Where is the line between a good friendship and the start of romantic feelings? Is it a crush or the beginnings of something greater? It's like trying to determine where similar shades of color fall on the spectrum.” 

“So it's a determining if a cloth is black or navy kind of thing?”

“Pretty much.” She looked out one of the library's windows and sighed. “Being able to feel emotions does not let you know the thoughts behind them either.”

“He does feel something for you, then.”

“He feels a lot of things about me, but I'm having trouble determining where it might lead.”

“So your asking me, as a representative male, what insight into this I can provide?”

“You don't really have the advantage there.” With a spurt of green flame, Puca appeared as a tan stallion with a dark brown mane.  

“What in Equestra?!”

Puca giggled. “My birth form is female and I identify as female, but I can be male. Changelings are raised in a gender neutral manner, and we become whatever we're good at and like. We have a different perspective on what the differences between genders are.”

“I didn't know you could do that! I didn't know any changeling could do that! By the way, it's really strange hearing you giggle as a stallion.”

She returned to her natural form. “You don't mind me looking like a bug, but your freaked out by me being able to be a stallion?”

“First, you don't look like a bug. Bugs have lots of legs, are much smaller, and skitter across the floor. Second, having been male my whole life, the thought of that vanishing is not something I can really wrap my mind around.”

“The thought of being stuck as one or the other is odd to me. Back to the subject at hoof, what should I do? Should I do anything? You talked to him. Where does he want this to go?”

“I'm not breaching his trust and I'm not playing messenger.  If you want to know what we talked about, talk to him. Be direct, be blunt, if needed, but you both need to face this or there is going to be tension in the group like Bonsmara and Fierce caused. At one point, Cranky and I were discussing locking them in a room till they worked things out.”

“I might try that with you and-”

“Don't,” Grayson said, with a sharp gesture. “Fight one battle at a time. Let's focus on yours.”

“It's hurting you both. I about cried when she left and made you feel like you did.”

“I tell you what. After we get through this mess we've managed to mire ourselves in, I'll talk to her.”

“You promise?”

“I will, if you promise to talk to Stone soon.”

“Deal.”


*****


The sound of hooves running down the hallway resounded in the dinning room. A pony with two cheering passengers on his back raced past the doorway.

“I think that was Stone carrying Cobalt and Spike.” Grayson took another bite of his eggs. As he chewed, he asked, “Care to place bets as to what is going on with the three of them?”

“I don't know, but all three of them were excited. I'm going to find out what's going on.” Puca got up from her seat and galloped after them. 

Twilight followed Puca out of the dinning room at a brisk trot. “I think they headed towards the library. I'm all about a good morning read, but that's just crazy.”

Rarity looked to Grayson. “Should we follow?”

“I have reached my limit for madness for the next little bit and I haven't finished my coffee. If you want to follow them, don't let me stop you.”

Fierce poked his head in the door. “I thought curiosity was part of your nature.”

“About time you got up, you lazy hound. Breakfast is getting cold.”

“He may not want to know what is going on, but I do.” Bonsmara waved as she went past the doorway. “Good morning, Grayson, Rarity.”

“Where she goes, I follow,” Fierce said, as he moved out of the door's frame.

Rarity left her seat. “It appears that this has turned into quite the event. I would hate to miss it.”

Grayson watched Rarity leave, sighed, picked up his coffee, and took a long pull from it. As he put the cup back on the table, he muttered to the empty room, “Might as well go and see what's going on.”


*****


Stone skidded as he took a turn around a table. “Which section?”

“Non-fiction, public administration and military science,” Spike said, as he pointed the way.

“Not history?”

“The Crystal Empire was history. We didn't even have any books on it till we got the new collection. Now, its back, current, and information on it is in high demand.”

“Which range?”

“That's right, you don't know the new library. Twilight's going to be pretty ticked.”

“He's been busy!” Cobalt defended. “He's been working his tail off for Mom and Dad.”

“Looks like he just got it cropped short to me. The one on your left!”

Stone stopped and lay down so his passengers could jump off. “We'll need books on the Empire's military equipment. What we really need is information on their armor.”

“Got it!” Cobalt said.

The three quickly made their own piles of books.

“Their indexing system is really different, so slow down and scan a little before flipping to the first thing that seems like it's what you're looking for.”

“Spike, I'm so proud of you!” Twilight landed beside him and pulled him into a winged embrace. “You've become such a good librarian!”

“It helps that I learned from the best.”

“I think I've got it.” Cobalt put his hoof on the page that he had been looking at. “I think I've got it!”

Puca hurried to the table. “You think you've got what?”

He turned the book so she could see. “Look at their armor. It has crystals all over it, like the Lunar Guard's.”

“That's not that big a deal, they have crystal houses up there,” Spike said.

“You're kidding.”

“I'm not.”

Puca tapped a hoof on the table. “Focus.”

“Oh, right.” Stone put his hoof beneath the illustration. “This says that earth ponies can't manipulate magic like unicorns can, but they can lace it into crystals. It looks like it's similar to the way that pegasi can manipulate clouds to make certain kinds of weather.”

Cobalt hopped up and down. “I helped him find that out. I talked with Amore last night about what had happened and she said that their army had a way of keeping magic from touching their soldiers. She couldn't tell me how they did it, but she knew they had something that worked.” 

“They enchant the crystals and attached them to their armor so that they'd be protected. I had the thought about seeing if the library had any information on something like this, after Cobalt told me what Amore had said.”

“That's wonderful darling, but where are you going to get crystals that are enchanted like that on such short notice?” Rarity asked, as the sat down beside Twilight.

“We have some,” Bonsmara said, as she Fierce and Grayson joined the others at the table.

“Figures that I didn't have them with me when we fought with Starless and Mercy,” Grayson said.

“I'll get them.” Twlight's horn glowed for a moment and then sputtered out. She laughed. “Well, now we know spells can't be directed at them either. I couldn't teleport them here.”

“I'll get them, I know where they are!” Spike offered.

“I'll go with you!” Cobalt said.

Rarity watched them run out of the library with a smile. “I'm glad they are such good friends now.”

Twilight nodded. “He needs more friends in his age range. I know I must bore him to tears sometimes, with all the studying I do.”

Bonsmara took Fierce's paw in her hand. “Adventures tend to draw individuals closer to one another in all sorts of ways.”

“I take it that's how you two met?” Rarity said.

Fierce raised Bonsmara's hand and kissed it. “Not how we met, but how we became close.”

“Both of you behave, they're just about back,” Puca said.

“Here they are.” Spike put the bag of crystals on the table.

“Think they'll work?” Cobalt said. “We don't know if they're the right kind of crystal.”

“Let's find out. Can I borrow your pouch?”

“Sure.” Cobalt removed the crystal fragment from his pouch and gave the pouch to Stone.

Stone placed one of the magic deflecting gems in the pouch and hung it around Puca's neck. “Twilight, can you touch her?”

“With my magic? I'll try. Stand up for me, Puca.” Twilight's horn lit. “Nothing on the front quarters.”

Twilight's magical aura appeared on Puca's back and belly. Puca squirmed and protested, “That tickles! Ouch! That's my tail!”

“It covers about one third of her body with protection,” Twilight announced.

Cobalt pointed a hoof at Fierce. “We can divide them up like he did with his vest and the potion!”

“Exactly.”

“I can't wear them,” said Puca.

“What do you mean?” Stone gave her a worried look. “Is it hurting you?”

“No, but I can't focus my magic.” She paused, then shook her head. “I can't change either.”

“We'll think of something. We have to keep you protected.”

“I can deflect magic on my own.”

“But-”

She put a hoof to his lips. “I handled Mercy's attacks and I need my magic to be effective. I'll be fine.” She took the pouch off, removed the crystal, and returned the pouch to Cobalt.

“I want everyone to be safe.”

“No matter how much you desire it, you cannot shield all from harm.” Luna regarded the gathering around the table. “My Guard informed me that you were holding a war council. I wish to join.”

“Cobalt, Spike, and Stone worked together and may have found a solution to the magical defense problem,” Twilight said.

Luna took one of the gems from the bag. “Yet more shield stones. There were several of them in the nest befouling my study.”

“We had to leave in a hurry, or we would have gotten those too,” Grayson said.
“They are yours, by right and by need. I will have them delivered to your quarters. Curious that these are newly made. The art of their crafting was lost with the Crystal Empire, or so we supposed.”

“You can tell?” Spike said.

“Indeed. The magical effects of their creation linger around them in ways I can sense.”

“How was your study?” Twilight asked.

“For thieves, they were considerate. They disturbed little and only took a pair of trifling artifacts of my making that helped with locating things with magical properties and a couple of my research journals. There were much more powerful and potentially destructive devices among the collection that they ignored, and the journals they absconded with contained the notes I scribed when making the location devices and not much else.”

“They maybe looking for something,” Grayson said.

“They are taking great pains not to reveal what they are seeking. I know not what aid my creations could provide them.” Luna looked at the bag of crystals thoughtfully. “They have also not resorted to physically coercing any pony to join them that we can tell. Since they are not inclined to do harm, I will have mercy upon them, when they are apprehended.”

Starless trotted up to to the table and bowed. “Princess, I am sorry to interrupt, but we just received a missive from Canterlot.  Princess Celestia asks for your presence as soon as possible.”

“That does not bode well. I can recall every time my sister has summoned me in such a manner, and none of them were happy occasions.”

“How soon should we depart?”

“I will depart immediately. You and Mercy will remain and rest. Until my return, you shall lead the Guard assigned here.”

“You honor me.”

Luna strode from the table. “Keep my ponies safe.” With a flash of magic, she vanished.

Starless turned to Twilight. “I ask permission for our forces to make camp inside the castle.”

“They are more than welcome to come in.” She nodded to one of the nearby guards. “I see that the enchantments on your armor are not as effective during the day.”

“To be honest, we bat ponies don't work as well during the day either. While the sun is up, you will be seeing our unicorn and earth pony guards. At night, we bat ponies will be the main body of the active guard.” He bowed. “If you will excuse me, I must see to the changing of the guard and the establishing of our camp.”

“Of course.”

“Cool, Twilight! You've got your own Guard now!”

“Spike, they're Luna's guard. They're just here to protect us for a little while.”

“As much as I would like to stay and see how they manage it all, I need to get back to my shop,” Rarity said. “My parents will be bringing Opal back, and they will worry if I'm not there.”

Bonsmara smiled. “How would you like to add to that order of mine?”

“More business is always welcome, especially if it's for a friend. What can I do for you?”

Bonsmara reached into the bag of crystals, drew a few of them them out, and held them in the palm of her hand. “Would you be willing to make some accessories for us?”

Rarity grinned. “It would be a pleasure.”

“We'll escort you there,” Fierce said. “We cannot have you wandering off on your own, with you being a prime target.”

“I wouldn't want to bother you so.”

“You'll need us to take measurements,” Grayson pointed out. “Or you'll have to make a return trip and take the risk of missing your parents.”

“You're a devious thing, aren't you?”

“I try.”

“Having the flare for it that he does, he typically succeeds,” Fierce said. He picked up the bag of crystals. “I will carry these, if there is no objection.”

“What a gentlehound.” Rarity led them from the library. After stepping out the door, she stopped in the middle of the hall. “My word, they work fast.”

The Lunar Guards had draped cloth over most of the castle's windows and were in the process of covering the rest. Cots lined the halls and ponies of all descriptions made their way through the half-lit organized chaos.

As the group made their way towards the castle's gate, many of the Lunar Guard stopped and stared.

“Why are they looking at us like that?” Cobalt asked, his tail nearly tucked between his legs.

“It's not you they're staring at,” Puca said, her voice shaking. “It's me. I forgot to change before we left the library.” She started to breath quickly and almost crawled along the floor she sank so close to it. “They're disgusted by me.”

Stone moved to her side, put a foreleg around her, lifted back to standing, and glared at the guards.

“Why are you standing around?!” Mercy's voice roared down the hallway. “We have to get camp set up, make the castle secure, and get the mess hall going! There is too much for us to do for you to be wasting time lollygagging!” Upon seeing Puca's and Stone's state, her face lit with fury. “Every pony that can hear my voice, front and center! I don't care if you are half dressed, half undressed, or what you are doing! Drop it and get your flanks over here now!”

With drilled efficiency, the guards did as Mercy commanded. They lined both sides of the hall, standing at attention.

“All of you, listen and listen well! I do not give a cockatrice's beak and a flying parasprite what you have heard or think about changelings.” She pointed a hoof at Puca. “This mare and her friends have served this realm bravely and are welcome among us! She is friends with Princess Twilight and has been found to be a skilled warrior by Princess Luna herself. This appalling behavior ends immediately.  This is not the time of the Three Tribes! We do not discriminate due to the features of a pony or being that joins us as allies or friends! We are not savages! If I hear of any incident like this again, or even whispers of one, the ponies responsible will answer to me and, what's left of them, to Luna herself! Do I make myself clear?!”

“Yes ma'am!” The halls rang with the guards' collective response.

“Good! Spread the word to anypony that was not here and inform them that the same applies to them. Dismissed!” As the guards scrambled back to where they had been, Mercy made her way to Puca and Stone. “You two, follow me.”

“We need to es-”

Mercy's glare silenced Grayson. “I did not ask. I will speak with these two now, not at your convenience. Wait outside the gate.”

Grayson's wings fluffed in aggression. “I don't remember signing up for the guard, or being put under your command by either of the Princesses.”

Fierce put a paw on Grayson's shoulder. “We can tarry in the morning sun for a few minutes.”

Cobalt looked up at his brother. “Stone is everything okay now?” 

Mercy's purple magic aura surround Cobalt and lifted him to her back. “You are coming as well.”


*****


“Inside.”

Puca and Stone entered the room. Mercy followed and shut the door behind her.

Mercy levitated Cobalt to Stone.

Stone took Cobalt from the air, sat him down, and hugged him against his chest. With his free hoof, he drew Puca against his side.

“I want to know what happened. Every detail.” After Stone told her of what transpired in the hallway, she sighed and shook her head. “How quickly ponies forget. Not long ago, the ponies of Canterlot had the same reaction to Lunar Guard become active again. We won't even discuss the reaction to the reintroduction of the bat ponies. I am sorry that you had to endure that.”

“It's not your fault,” Puca said.

“No, but they and their actions are my responsibility. As a leader, I bear the weight of their failures.”

“I thought Luna put Starless in charge?” Cobalt said.

“She did, but he can't be everywhere. At the moment, despite me trying to get him to rest, he is setting up patrols outside the walls.  I am second in command and do what I can to take some of the pressure off him.”

“Including pinning griffins to ceilings,” Stone said.

Mercy smiled. “Occasionally, I will be asked by Luna to get involved in something like what happened last night. I specialize in gauging a trainee's skill and teaching sometimes painful lessons so that they do not get hurt by a foe set to do them real harm.”

“So you meant to hurt Stone,” Puca said.

“No, I did not. Twilight's attack knocked me back, which caused my horn to cut Stone.”

“It's true. She could have hurt me before then, but she didn't.”

“I wanted to make an impression on him that he could not face a magic user alone through intimidation and fear.”

“You were holding back a lot, then,” Stone said.

“Crippling or ending an opponent is easy. Having skill enough to rough somepony up and get them to think about their weakness without doing real injury takes quite a bit more skill. I do not mean to sound like I'm boasting, but I am at that level.”

“No doubt here,” Puca said.

“What did you learn from our sparring last night, Stone?”

“I learned that when facing a magic user that as an earth pony I have my limitations. I also learned that those can be overcome with enough effort, knowledge, and help from my friends.”

“Good. If you do not toil, learn, and use your friends' abilities you cannot hope to improve your situation.” Mercy looked to Puca. “What did you take from it?”

“That attacks from separate directions are great, but to be really effective you have to fight with somepony almost as if you are a single being.”

“You noticed how coordinated Starless and I fought. Very good. You're team seems close, both of you should work with the others and find a style and mindset that complements yours and train together until fighting or moving together is second nature. The more you can do that among the various members of your team, the stronger the whole will become”

She looked to Cobalt. “You were not there for the fighting. I am glad you weren't so you did not see the violence and your brother being hurt. However, you should be told that he fought well and with courage and determination against better equipped and trained foes.”

“I learned something too, even though I wasn't there. I saw Stone on the floor. I saw the cut and the blood. I learned that my brother can be hurt and how horrible that feels.” Cobalt turned and buried his face into Stone's chest. “I don't want anyone to get hurt.”

“Remember that feeling when any of your friends are in danger. You are too small to fight, but you can do your part by making yourself as safe as you can so you do not distract them from their foes or by presenting a tempting target.”

“I understand,” Cobalt said, his words muffled.

“Why are you doing this?” Puca took in the room with a gesture. “Why go through all this trouble to shield us?”

“You three are young, but there is potential within each of you. I want to see what you are capable of, but I have to help make sure that you can survive long enough to come to your full skill. Luna told us of what you two have done last night.” She smiled at Puca. “I like your group too. It is an example of what can be done if beings put aside petty differences and work for a common cause. As for you specifically, you have spirit, you are helping us ponies with a problem that you could have avoided, and you are cared for by the others.”

Cobalt cautiously left Stone and stood before Mercy. “Thank you for helping us in the hall.” He hugged her, and she looked down at him in shock. “Thanks for teaching us so we don't get hurt later.”

“I can't promise that none of you will be hurt, but I want to give the best chance at it that I can.” She bent and kissed Cobalt on the top of the head. “I need to get you back to that grouchy Griffin before he comes looking for you.

“Can Stone and I stay for a couple of minutes longer? He and I need to talk.”

Mercy looked up and gave Puca an understanding smile. “I have made this guest room my quarters. You can have it for as long as you like.” She levitated Cobalt to her back. “Cobalt, would you introduce me to the others in your group? I didn't have a chance to meet them last night.”

“Sure!” Cobalt said.

Mercy carried Cobalt from the room and shut the door.

Puca looked at Stone for a moment. “You shielded me. You picked me up off the floor, put me back on my hooves, and put yourself between me and over a dozen Guard.”

“Of course I did.”

“Why?”

“I wanted to help you.”

“You want to help me a lot. It ripped at you that you couldn't help me last night. I know that what happened to Grayson mattered to you, but you all but panicked when Mercy said that Starless was going to beat me.” She stepped closer to him. “You're emotions are much more intense when I'm involved. Just me getting closer to you is stirring them up.”

“I like you. I know that I've only known you for there days, and you may think it's shallow, but I like you.”

“Stone, are you getting a crush on me?”

“I am.”

She smiled. “That's what you meant when you said Grayson said that you shouldn't let an opportunity by.”

He nodded.

“Don't trust yourself to say anything more?”

“I'm afraid I'd be rushing things with you if I say too much. I don't know anything about you and you don't know anything about me. From what I understand, strong long term relationships start as solid friendships.”

“You're thinking about being with me long term this soon?”

“I guess I am. I haven't really thought about what I've thought.” Stone laughed a short, self-depreciating laugh. “I'm not sure that even made sense and I'm the one that said it.”

“Some things can't be put into words. Let me try something.” She kissed his nose and held him in place.

Beyond his ears shooting up, Stone did not move.

Puca broke the contact. “That was an interesting blend. Bits of fear, hope, surprise, and disbelief, mixed with a strong body of blooming affection, and a spicing of lust.”

“Sorry about the lust. I wasn't expecting you to do that or I would have tried to control myself.”

“That's why I did it the way I did. I wanted to experience your unfiltered emotions.” She put a hoof to his cheek. “Why are you scared?”

“You make it sound like you tasted my emotions like a wine. I'm worried that they don't rate well with you, as a blend, and you'll think I'm after you only because you're a mare.” 

“I like that analogy. Sampling emotions is like tasting a wine. It's a complex, nuanced, and personal process. Your emotional 'blend' was very appealing.  Don't worry about the lust. I'm glad it's there. It means you like my personality and my looks. It's a wonderful sign to me, since you had that reaction while I was in my natural form.”

“So I passed?”

“This wasn't a test. This was a sampling of a new vintage. One of the wonderful things about wine is that they become richer and more complex with age. Thanks to what I am, I know how you feel about me and that it's genuine. While you can't feel what I feel, I assure you I like you too. Neither of us is in love, but we've got a good start. It's going to take time for us to have something close to what Bonsmara and Fierce have between them. Are you willing to share and spend the time with me it will take for us to try for something like that?”

“Very willing.”

“Then let's try.”
> Discoveries
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 7: Discoveries

“Thank you,” Puca said to the guard, as he opened the gate for them.

After the gate shut behind them, Puca sighed. “They still aren't too happy about me being here, but at least they're trying to hide it.”

“That has to be awful, being able to feel something like that,” said Stone. “You would think that will all the differences just between the types of ponies that we'd be able to treat anyone decently.”

Puca shrugged. “It's not that bad. I get to feel good emotions too. I just keep to ponies who like me for who I am and look past what I am.”

Stone pointed a hoof down the path. “I think that's them, under the tree.”

“Grayson is talking with Mercy, that's a good sign.” Puca let out a relieved breath. “When she 'asked' us to come with her, she really ruffled his feathers.”

Stone laughed. “I didn't know he could fluff his feathers up like that. He looked like a feather duster.”

“If you like your ears, never say that where he can hear you.”

“I wouldn't dare. It's nice to know that he's looking out for us.”

On seeing Puca and Stone, Cobalt jumped to his hooves and raced towards them. “They called off school, since the guards coming has the whole town in a commotion! I can stay with you guys today!”

“That was a bit of a rush.” Puca stopped and shook her head. “He's really excited.”

Cobalt slid to a stop in front of them. “You guys ready to go?”

“I can't think why not,” Stone said.

Cobalt glanced over his shoulder and then asked, in a whisper, “You two didn't get into a fight, did you?”

Puca smiled. “Not at all.”

“That's good.” Cobalt looked down and pawed the ground. “I thought you might have been mad at him for some reason.”

“I just wanted to thank him for helping me with the guards and talk about a couple of things. That's all.”

He looked back up to her, his expression curious. “What were the other things?”

With a teasing smile, Puca looked over to Stone and shrugged. “Nothing much. We just came to an agreement to see where things are going to go.”

Cobalt looked to Stone. “What does that mean?”

Stone glanced at Puca, before responding, “I don't know if we're sure ourselves, but we're going to work it out as we go along.”

Cobalt's eyes lit up and his ears perked. “Oh, I get it! You don’t' want the others to know yet, do you?”

Puca kept her expression neutral. “Don't want them to know what?”

Cobalt motioned for her to move close, waited till she leaned in, and whispered, “You like each other.”

“What makes you think that?”

“You've been helping each other a lot.” 

“If that's all it took for me to like him, then you and I could like each other. We helped each other when we got the crystal, after all.”

“I guess you're right.” Cobalt looked at Stone for a second and then back to Puca. “Can't you tell if he likes you?”

“I can sense what he's feeling, to a degree, but I don't know what he is thinking. Making assumptions about something like that can start all kinds of trouble.”

“That makes sense.” Cobalt leaned closer to Puca, almost touching her ear with his mouth. “You like him, right?”

She smiled and nodded. “I do.”

“I could help you, if you'd like.”

“Help me?”

“Get him to like you.”

Puca giggled. “I don't think that's going to be a problem, but I'll take all the tips I can get.”

“All the whispering is making me nervous,” Stone said.

“I believe it should. It appears they are plotting something.”  Mercy approached the whispering pair, coming from the direction of the tree. “Do you need a third or do you have matters in hoof?”

“I think everything is fine,” Puca said, straightening back up. “Nothing we can't handle.”

“Good to hear. I expect you two to drill with the Guard tonight. We start at sundown.” Her tone indicated there would be no discussion on the matter.

Stone snapped to attention. “Yes, ma'am.”

“I see the training is still there. Even though you have chose a different path than being in a branch of the Guard, I hope it serves you well”

“What about me?”

Mercy looked down at Cobalt. She seemed to have to fight to keep her expression neutral. “You're welcome to join us, but we might have to tone things down a little for you.”

“I can do it. If Stone is tough enough to eat rocks, I can drill with you without needing you taking it easy on me.”

“Your brother eats rocks?” Mercy looked at Stone. “He's serious?”

“I just found out I could yesterday, thanks to Cobalt.”

Mercy shook her head.“You're little group keeps getting more and more interesting. On a related note, I want to warn you, you have caught Luna's eye. She sees great potential in your group's unique makeup, and intends to test it against whatever it is that is taking the unicorns.”

“How can we help when the princesses can't do anything?” Puca asked, sounding shocked.

“It is because you are not princesses and alicorns that you might be able to succeed where they cannot. They are bound by the rules of their positions, while your group is free to act as it sees fit. Luna did not say anything to you about it, but something she sensed in her study bothered her. I don't know what it was she sensed, but she said something about 'knowing the kind of magic used all too well,' when she was trying to determine what had undone her protection spells.”

“That doesn't narrow things down much. She's faced everything from Discord to Sombra and who knows what else.”

“Why doesn't she just send the Lunar Guard after whoever it is?” Stone asked.

“For the same reason that Celestia has not sent any of the Royal Guard. We are defensive forces only, by international agreement. We do not have the authority nor the training to seek out a foe like the one that we are facing without clear indication that the threat is from an internal source. That is why both sisters rely on local authorities and specialists to look into these kind of matters.”

“We're adventurers and problem solvers, not mercenaries,” Puca stated. “We carry weapons and can defend ourselves, but we don't look for fights.”

“But you do look into things, which is what we need at the moment. With luck, fighting may be avoided, but I have a feeling that there will be some before this is all over. I just hope there aren't too many casualties.” Mercy closed her eyes, rubbed her temple with a hoof, and sighed. “I'm sorry. I'm tired, and it's making me more pessimistic than usual. I'm going to get some sleep, before I become intolerable to be around.”

“Rest well,” Stone said.

“To you all as well.” Mercy nodded to them and continued on towards the castle.


*****


“Here they come.” Fierce sat up and smiled. “How much should we pry?” 

Bonsmara raised an eyebrow and gave him a look. “What do you mean?”

“You cannot tell me that something is not starting between them, especially since Puca asked to be left alone with him. I know the look that Stone has too. I saw if often, in the mirror, while pursuing you.”

One of Rarity's ears turned in their direction. “Is somepony crushing on somepony?”

“I am not quite sure, but I would not put it outside the realm of possibility.” Fierce grinned rakishly. “Though, I am determined to find out.” 

Grayson grunted and sat up. As he moved, the dappled light that came through the trees leaves played across his fur and gave the impression of him stirring from the bottom of a pool.  “Leave them be. If they want to talk about it, fine. If not, so long as it doesn't interfere with our jobs, it's their business.”

“You cannot tell me that you are not a bit curious as to what happened.”

“I, for one, am,” Rarity said, raising a hoof. “Young love is so adorable.”

In catlike fashion, Grayson stood and stretched out his fore and hind limbs. “What is it with you high society types and your fixation on romance?”

“It is part of being courtly.” Fierce stood and helped Bonsmara to her hooves. “It goes paw and paw with politics and scandals.”

Bonsmara put a finger to Fierce’s nose.  “Behave, when they get here.”

“I will restrain myself.”

“I make no such promise,” Rarity said, as she got to her hooves.

Fierce's tail wagged. “If you get anything out of them, please do share.”

“I certainly will,” Rarity said.

“You three ready?” Grayson asked, as Cobalt, Puca, and Stone joined them.

“Yep!” Cobalt answered, adding an excited hop added to his gait.

Rarity said, “You're quite enthusiastic for a colt about to go to a boutique.”

“You're one of the Elements of Harmony! It doesn't matter where we go, I get to spend a day with one of the most important ponies in the world!”

“You are too kind. Keep in mind, I was a bearer of the Elements. Now I'm back to being regular pony.”

“A 'regular pony' with a five star client list and the beginnings of her own fashion empire,” Puca teased.  

“That's a bit of an exaggeration,” Rarity said, her voice touched with suppressed pride. “I only have two shops.”

“If you would be as so kind, could you lead us to the nearest one?” Grayson said. “The quicker we can get outfitted with these gems the better.”

“Of course. You never know when trouble will find you. Best to be prepared.” Rarity turned towards Ponyville's center. “This way.”


*****



Rarity froze in the middle of the path that led to her shop. “Something's not right.”

“What is it?” Grayson asked.

“When I left with the girls to help in Hoovesville, I left the curtains to the shop open so that anypony passing by could see my designs. They're closed now, and my parents would not have drawn them.”

“How many ways are there in and out of the shop?”

“There's the front door and the back door, for traditional entry and exit. Along with the display windows, there are large windows in my workroom, kitchen, and my bedroom, which is on the second floor. A pony could get in and out of them without much trouble.”

Grayson readied his mace. “You've thought about this.”

“Having been on the adventures I have, I've learned to be cautious and prepared.”

“Bonsmara, Fierce, take the back. Rarity, Puca, Stone, take the front.”

“Got it,” Puca said.

“I'm going for the bedroom window.”

“It's locked and so is the back door,” Rarity informed him.

“That won't matter. We can pick locks. Cobalt, I have something I need you to do.”

Looking shocked, Cobalt pointed a hoof at himself. “Me?”

“Run back to the castle and get Twilight.”

“You want Mercy and Starless too?”

Grayson shook his head. “Let them rest. I doubt there will be anyone still in the shop, but I want backup just in case.”

“Yes sir!” Cobalt galloped towards the castle.

Grayson “Everybody keep quiet and move. I'll signal when to enter.”

The group split apart and went to their respective points of entry, After a few seconds of silence, a whistle came from the upper story.

Rarity gingerly tried the door.  

It opened, softly ringing the shops bell as it swung. 

“They could have locked up behind themselves at least,” Rarity groused.

“I'll take point,” Puca said, as she led them into the storefront. After checking every possible hiding spot in the display area, they checked the dressing rooms and closets.

Bonsmara and Fierce joined them, from the back of the store. “No one back there or anything out of place that we could tell,” Bonsmara said.

Rarity led them on. “Next is my workroom. What they could want in there, I haven't a clue.”

“The door's been left ajar,” Fierce said. “While I typically let ladies enter a room first, I must insist that I be the one to do so this time.” Pointing the way with his sword, he stepped into the room. After looking around, he stated, “I think we know now what room they were needing to get into.”

Three unfinished dresses had been left on the floor in crumpled piles. Drawers had been opened and half pushed back in. The shelves had been left in chaos, supplies had been left on in random piles on the counters, and bolts of cloth had been removed from their racks and left on the floor or leaned against the wall. To the side of the room, a chest stood open and empty.

“Those monsters!” Rarity yelled. “I've been working on those dresses for days!”

“Did you have something in that chest?” Bonsmara asked.

“Gems. Not many, mind you. I just filled a couple of orders that used a lot of them, but there were gems.” 

“Who would steal gems and sewing supplies?”

“I have the answer to that.” Grayson stepped into the room and offered Rarity a piece of paper. “Somepony left you a note and was kind enough to sign it.”

Rarity took the note from him and read aloud:

Dear Rarity,

Sorry about taking your stuff without asking, but we're facing a crisis and didn't have time to 	wait for you to get back. I'll settle up with you latter. While I can't explain everything right now, 	know that it's for the greater good.

Tell Bon Bon I'm sorry that I missed our day and that I love her.

Your friendly thief,

Lyra Heartstrings

“She sounds like an interesting sort,” Fierce said. 

“That sums her up quiet well.” Rarity looked around her workroom and sighed. “At least I know that this was done with somewhat good intentions.”

“Why leave the letter upstairs?” Stone asked. “Why not here?”

Grayson shrugged. “She probably thought that Rarity would go right to her room. This was on the bedroom door.”

“That makes as much sense as any for her. Lyra can be a bit odd, but she means well.” Rarity began straightening and reorganizing the room. “I wonder who the mysterious 'we' are and what kind of trouble they are in.”

A flash of light came from the storefront. “Rarity?! Everyone?!” Twilight's voice sounded slightly panicked. “Where are you?!”

“In here, darling! Everyone's fine, but my poor workroom was ransacked and I've been robbed!”

Twilight stepped into the room and examined the room. “It looks like the Cutie Mark Crusaders went through here.”

Spike jumped from Twilight’s back and ran to Rarity. He hugged her and put his face against her chest.  “I'm so glad you're okay!” 

“I'm just fine, dear.” Rarity hugged him back. “You're sweet to worry, but I had friends with me keeping me safe.” She looked back to Twilight. “From what I can tell, the only things they took were some supplies and all the gems that weren't already being used.”

“That's a weird combination.”

Rarity floated the note to Twilight. “Lyra's involved.”

“Ah, now it makes a little more sense.” Twilight read over the note. “What has she gotten herself into?”

“I am glad that she does not seem to be in danger, but I wonder about the crisis she mentioned.” Bonsmara looked around the room. “Of all the things here, of what use are gems and sewing supplies?”

“I haven't a clue.”

Grayson took Cobalt from Twilight’s back. “You're looking a little green there.”

“I've always wanted to know what teleporting was like.” Once back on the ground, the colt swayed on this hooves. “Now that I've done it, I don't want to ever do it again.”

“The first few times are rough, but you get used to it,” Spike said.

“I don't think I want to do it enough to get used to it.”

Grayson patted Cobalt on the back. “You were pretty fast getting the Princess.”

“Cobalt runs with me, when I train in the morning,” Stone said.

“It certainly has paid off.” Grayson mussed up Cobalt's mane. “We know who to send for help, from now on.”

Spike looked down and put a claw to his chest. “Incoming scroll!” With a belch of green fire, Spike materialized a scroll bearing Celestia's seal.

Twilight caught the scroll in the air with her magic. “Thanks, Spike.” She broke the seal and quickly read the message. “What is going on?! Another unicorn has disappeared, but this time there are signs that they were forced to go.”

“Twilight?! Rarity?!”

“Who's that?” Grayson said, turning to the doorway.

“Bon Bon, were in here!” Rarity called.

Bon Bon raced into the room. She gasped, as she slid to a stop and into Grayson. 

“Whoa there!” Grayson caught Bon Bon, before she could fall. “Slow down and take a breath.”

Bon Bon took a quick gasp of air and nodded. “I'm sorry, but I need help! Lyra is missing!”

“We don't know where she is exactly, but we have some good news.” Twilight gave the note to Bon Bon. “As far as we can tell, she's alright. We found this note just a few minutes ago, and it was placed here within the last couple of days.”

As Bon Bon finished reading over the letter, tears rolled down her face. “Thank Celestia she's all right, but why didn't she say something, write, anything?! She knew that I could help!”

“She may not have had time,” Bonsmara said. “If she's been spending all her effort to help whoever she's with, she might not have had a moment to contact you.” 

“I wouldn't put it past her. She doesn't have an organized thought in her head, but she has a huge heart.” Bon Bon wiped away her tears. “I'm just glad she's not hurt.”

“I do not like the fact that the newly missing unicorns may have been taken,” Fierce said, pausing in his helping Rarity put the workroom back in order. “That speaks of desperation on the part of whoever is behind what is going on.”

“It doesn't make sense for them to take anypony by force, though,” Stone said, as he put items back on shelves. “Lyra must have gone with them willingly. Why would they take ponies if they have asked for ponies to help them before?”

“Their situation may have changed, or we're dealing with different groups.” Twilight lit her horn. Directed by Twilight's magic, things that had been scattered the room began floating to their rightful places. “There is so much we don't know, we can't even begin to create a plan to find out what is going on.”

“Something tells me they're getting desperate and are having to change tactics.” Grayson rubbed his chin with a talon. “You would not expose yourself to the possibility of being found out by ponynapping unicorns unless you have no other chose.”

“If they are peaceful, why have they not asked for help directly?” Stone asked. “That would seem the best way to get the help that they need the quickest.”

Puca's wings hummed, as she worked them in a show of agitation. “They may be like my hive was before the attack on Canterlot. We were feared, and couldn't ask for help.” Puca's folded her ears back, and her eyes went to the floor. “At least, that is what we thought. Now we know that if we had just asked for help we would have been given it.”

“Maybe we can reach out to them?” Stone looked to Twilight. “We know the note has to have been left in the last couple of days and they had a lot of stuff with them from the shop. Is there a way that we could find where they went?”

The items that had been moving through the air paused, as Twilight closed her eyes to think. “They took a half chest work of gems, several bolts of cloth, and sewing items. There are only a hoofful of places where you could go and hide a haul like that without drawing attention.”

“The Castle of the Sisters!” Cobalt said. “We know they were watching us when we went to get the crystal, and it would be big enough for them to hide!”

“Good thought, but I don't think that's were they are,” Grayson said. “You don't want to set a trap too close to home. You never know what you might attract to your front door. However, if there was some kind of split in the group we're dealing with, the second group might have set the trap.”

“They either had to teleport what they stole or carry it away.” Bonsmara said, picking one of the dresses off the floor. “I did not see any cart tracks, and I would think that anyone carting stuff out of here would have attracted attention.”

“If they teleported everything, they could be anywhere by now,” Rarity said.

“I have a feeling Lyra is the key to finding out where they went,” Twilight said, looking to Bon Bon. The hovering objects resumed their paths to their places. “Where would Lyra go to hide out after robbing somepony?”

Bon Bon snorted. “I don't have a clue. It's not like we planned to go on a crime spree and discussed where we could hide the loot.” A thoughtful look came to her face. “I just remembered something. After the bugbear attack, we talked about where we could go if Ponyville ever got attacked by another monster. We thought the cave with the Mirror Pool would be the perfect spot. It's well hidden, has access to water, and can be barricaded closed without making it look artificial.”

“Is it close by?” Bonsmara asked.

“It's not too far into the Everfree Forest.”

“Interesting.” Fierce rubbed his chin with a paw. “This whole thing started in the Everfree, and here we are about to return to it. When do we depart?”

“Not now.” Grayson said. “Without the stones, we are too vulnerable to magic to go into the lair of someone that can use magic at the level that they seem capable of.”

“I can assist with that. It's going to be a rush job, but it will work. We will be on the road in no time.” 

“We?” Grayson asked.

“Yes, we. I intend to give Lyra a piece of my mind for leaving the door unlocked.”

Puca grinned. “That she took all your stuff doesn't bother you?”

“It was for a good cause, I'm sure, so I can't get too mad at her for that.” Rarity looked towards Bonsmara, who was running a hand over a bolt of cloth. “Did you find something that you like, dear?” Rarity moved to her side. “I have to say, the color goes with your eyes quiet well.”

“Knowing her, she already has ideas for designs for all of you,” Spike said. “She'll just need a few measurements and for you to answer a couple of questions, and she'll have you ready to go in no time.”

“What do you thing she'll make for us?” Cobalt asked.

“I don't know, but it will be awesome. Rarity never lets a client down.”

“Thank you.” Rarity glanced over to Spike. “You play a big part in that, you know. Without you helping me find gems, I would have a much harder time making the designs I do.”

Spike blushed and rubbed the back of his neck. “I would do anything to help you, Rarity.”

Twilight smiled and rolled her eyes. “Of course you would.”

“I don't mean to sound unappreciative, but if they are taking ponies by force, we want to catch them as soon as possible, so please keep things simple.” Stone shuffled his hooves nervously, as every eye in the room turned to him.

Rarity gave him an understanding smile. “Of course, darling. What I purpose is that I do something simple for you all right now, and later you let me create what I have in mind for each of you.”

“Sounds great.”

Rarity looked to Spike. “How would you like to help me by heating up some wire?”

Spike nodded. “I'd love to.”

“We get to see you breathe fire?!” Cobalt asked.

“Yep.” Spike grinned. “I've gotten pretty good at controlling it. I don't even melt the wire anymore.”

Cobalt bounced up and down with excitement. “This is going to be awesome!”


*****


Puca bumped up against Stone, as the group made their way into the Everfree Forest. “You alright?”

Stone nodded. “I'm just worried about everyone. The Everfree is dangerous enough as it is, and we're going after a group that is dangerous and getting desperate.”

“We'll be fine,” Bon Bon said. “Unlike Lyra, after Rarity and I get hold of her.”

“I just want to have a couple of words with her about taking things without asking and leaving doors unlocked,” Rarity assured. “You can have her after that. But do keep in mind, she acted with good intentions.”

“Good intentions pave the way to Tartarus,” Bon Bon growled.

Grayson chuckled. “Just don't send her there yourself, when you see her.”

“Here we are!” Twilight announced, as they entered a small clearing with a large stone set into a depression in the ground. “You were right, Bon Bon.” She pointed a hoof at a spot near the stone. “Somepony moved the stone recently. You can still see the marks.”

“That is a good sign.” Bonsmara said, setting Cobalt down. “We have half a chance that this will not require fighting.”

“Dear Celestia and Luna both, let her be alright,” Bon Bon whispered, as Twilight used her magic to remove the stone from the cavern's entrance.

Rarity hugged Bon Bon, to her side. “Everything is going to be fine. Lyra is not exactly your typical pony.”

A small smile found its way to Bon Bon's mouth. “I know. She can take care of herself, but I'm still worried sick.”

“I'll lead.” Twilight said. “I know the cave.”

“That, and you can blast anything nasty enough to give us trouble to pieces,” Puca said, showing more of her fangs in a grin that was more than a little predatory.

Twilight nodded and entered the cave's mouth. After a few steps, she stopped. “It's completely dark. Unnaturally dark.”

“Dear, what are you talking about?” Rarity moved to Twilight's side. “We've only gone in a little bit. There is still plen...oh. Now I see. Rather, I don't see.”

“What's going on?” Cobalt said.

“Come here.” Twilight gestured with a wing for him to stand beside her. “It's an interesting spell. Harmless, but effective.”

Cobalt joined her, and gasped. “I can't see a thing! What happened?! He looked back towards the cave entrance, seeming disoriented. “Stone?!”

“I'm right here.”

“Stone?” Cobalt looked around. “I can hear you, but I can't see you. There's just a bit of light far away.”

Twilight's horn lit, and both Rarity and Cobalt looked around as if bewildered.

“Twilight, what just happened?” Rarity said.

“It was an illusion to keep ponies, or anything else, from coming into the cave. It makes it seem that all the light is gone, except for one spot that would lead a pony back to the cave entrance.”

“That's sneaky,” Grayson said, sounding impressed. “It's not harmful, but it would scare anyone who wandered into the cave unwittingly.” His face hardened. “But now they know we're here.”

“We don't need to worry. I know at least one of the ponies in here.” Twilight said, her smile coloring her voice. “In fact, I think we might have just found three of the unicorns that have been missing.”

“Three?” Bon Bon said.

“Come on. We'll know soon enough, if I'm right.” Twilight stepped further into the cave.

As the group descended and took a blind turn, a masculine voice said, “If you made it past the illusion, you're better than most.”

“I've been told I'm fairly good at magic,” Twilight said.

“Twilight Sparkle!” There was a sharp intake of breath. “Don't give me that look. I know, don't move.”

The group walked into the cavern that held the Mirror Pool. On the far side, Sombra was laid out on a cot. His ribs were wrapped tight in bandages.  Sitting on a pillow beside him, sat Radiant Hope.

“Lyra Heartstrings!” Bon Bon pointed a hoof at the pony she named, who was trying to be small and hide behind Hope.

“Hello.”

Bon Bon stomped a hoof. The sharp impact echoed around the cavern. “Get your flank over here.”

Lyra slunk from behind Hope and place herself in front of Bon Bon, her eyes never leaving her hooves. “I'm sorry.”

“Do you have any idea how worried I was?” Bon Bon's voice was just strong enough to be heard. She took Lyra by the shoulders and shook her a couple of times. “Do you?”

“No, I don't. But I was worried about you worrying about me.” She looked to Bon Bon with pleading and remorseful eyes. “I didn't want to miss our day and I knew that it was going to upset you, not knowing where I was, but I had to help.”

Bon Bon pulled Lyra into hug and held her tight. “Why didn't you get a message to me? I would have half of the Royal Services ready to help in an hour, if you needed help.”

“We weren't where I could send a message, and there wasn't time. We hoped that things would be done by now, but there were complications. I didn't want to miss our day and worry you.  I really didn't. But things aren't ready and they have to be soon.”

“Lyra, I'm the one that is supposed to be going on life threatening missions, not you. I'm trained and ready for a lot of things, but handling the thought of you in trouble is not one of them.” Bon Bon dropped her chin to Lyra's shoulder and sniffed. I'm so glad you're alright, I'm not even mad. I'm exhausted. I had no idea I had gotten so tense.”

Lyra embraced Bon Bon, putting her head on Bon Bon's opposite shoulder. “I'm so sorry. There are lives at stake, or I would have done whatever I could to have gotten some kind of message to you.”

“Don't do this again. You hear me? I don't think I could stand it.”

“I don't plan on it.” Lyra kissed the top of Bon Bon's head. “This one adventure has been more than enough for me.”

“Please, she is not the one that you should find fault with.” Sombra said, his head still resting on top of the rolled up blanket he was using as a pillow. “I swore her to secrecy and told her that should could not reach out to anypony.” Sombra looked apologetic. “I am sorry to have caused you such hurt and fear.”

“Why did you not let her send somepony a message?” Rarity asked.

“The timing wasn't right. But we have run out of both time and options, so I allowed her to leave the note.” Sombra looked towards a small pile of gems. “I have been doing what I can to help. But with my injuries, I have not been able to contribute much to the effort. These gems are still not ready, and refilling the others is becoming too taxing for us to manage alone.”

Twilight looked to the gems. “You two have been doing some high level enchanting to these. Why?”

A shadowy shape rose from the mirror pool and glided across the stone floor.

As it passed near Rarity, she gasped and took a quick backwards “Sombra, what have you done?! Do you know what that is?!”

“I know fully well what he is.”

The shape wrapped itself around Hope and then sank into her body.

Twilight leaned forward. “Hope, are you alright?”

“Hope has been generous enough to allow me to speak through her,” a stallion's voice said from Hope's mouth.

“Oh, that's not creepy at all,” Stone said, as Hope stepped towards them.

Both of Hope's eye had turned yellow and glowed with an inner light that made it seem as if a pony were holding a lantern behind an opaque window.

“Rarity, it's alright,” Puca assured her, as the unicorn took another step back. “We're right here.”

Hope put a hoof to her chest and bowed low to Rarity. “It is an honor and a pleasure to be in your presence again.”

“What is it?” Cobalt asked, sounding equally curious and scared. “Why is it bowing to Rarity?”

“It's a Nightmare,” Spike answered, after swallowing to clear his throat. “Rarity was their queen.”
> Unfolding Gambits
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Stone's eye widened. “Rarity was the queen of the Nightmares?”

Rarity gave him an uneasy smile. “It was a short reign.”

“Why are you here?” Twilight asked.

Hope returned to her full height. “It is not our will that we remain,” Hope said, her voice amplified and her words touched with an archaic accent. “Something transpired that robbed us of our ability to return to the moon.”

Spike slid from Stone's back. “How many of you are there?”

“In this cavern, there are but four of us.” Hope turned her head toward the entrance to the cave and gestured with a hoof. “Out there, eight more have chosen to tread the path of fear and violence rather than that of diplomacy and negotiation.”

“Why are you hiding here with these three unicorns?” Grayson asked.

Hope's eyes closed and she drew a deep breath.“Forgive me, but I must return to the pool. Speaking with you has tested what little strength remains in me.” Hope walked the short distance to the mirror pool and dropped her head so that it was just above the surface of the water. Pausing in her actions, Hope cut her eyes towards Rarity. “Lady Rarity, it has been an honor to be in your presence again. While your reign was brief, your Sharing with us blessed us with insights into your kin and world that are still resounding in our minds.”

A healthier smile came to Rarity's features. “My time with you changed my outlook on a couple of things too.”

Hope turned back to the water. She let out a full breath, and the Nightmare flowed from her eyes, nostrils, and mouth, and into the water. After the last wisps of the Nightmare left her, Hope colapsed.

“I've got you.” Lyra's magic caught hope before she fell into the pool. “If you keep this up, you're going to make yourself sick.”

Hope, her voice unaltered, responded, “I'm just going to be tired for a bit is all.” She gave Lyra a teasing smile. “You had a furious marefriend to deal with. It would have caused all sorts of trouble, if she had attacked you while you were hosting Reve.” After Lyra's magic released her, Hope lowered herself to the floor.

Lyra trotted over to her. “I told you were giving too much.”

Sombra's magic aura surrounded Hope and lifted her from the stone floor. She kicked feebly, as she floated towards Sombra. “I am not an invalid!”

“At the moment, you might as well be.” Sombra shifted to the far edge of the bedding. Hope drifted over and landed against his side. “Don't move, or you're going to hurt me.”

Sighing, she settled down. “This isn't fair.”

“I'm the king of monsters. I don't have to be fair.”

Wincing as if Sombra's words had stung her, Hope closed her eyes. “I know you're joking, but I really wish you would quit calling yourself that.”

Looking guilty, he kissed her cheek. “I'm sorry.”

“How have you been?” Twilight asked, as she approached them.

“Very well. We both have been acclimating to the new Equestria.” Sombra chuckled. “It's amazing how things are the same and yet so different.”

“All of the Crystal Empire has been going through the same transition. It's not easy to adjust to a thousand years worth of change.” Twilight looked over Sombra's wrapped ribs. “How did you get hurt?”

“It's a bit of a story,” Hope said. “I'll tell it, to save his ribs a bit.”

The others gathered around Hope and Sombra, in a semi-circle and sat attentively.

Hope grinned. “It feels like I'm telling a story to a group of foals.”

“Most of us are not that youthful, but we are just as eager to listen,” Fierce said, sitting beside Bonsmara.

Puca froze, as Sombra's gaze fell on her. He tilted his head. “I have not seen one of your kind in years. How did you come to be mixed up in all of this?”

“I have a bit of a long story too.”

“Most of us here do,” Bonsmara said to Sombra. “However, we should focus on your story first and foremost.”

Hope nuzzled his cheek. “I'll tell them. You need to put your head down and relax.”

Sombra nodded and put his head on her forelegs, resting his cheek against her chest.

“After our encounter with the Umbras and Sombra being rid of his Umbra aspects, he and I began searching for the scattered pieces of Princess Amore. We didn't get very far, as there were only two of us and we had no way to locate the pieces without physically searching for them.” Carefully removing a hoof from under Sombra's chin, Hope rubbed a hoof along his neck and shoulders. “Sombra figured out a way for us to track the pieces using magic. He modified a lost item locating spell so that it had extend range and sought out the pieces of the princess specifically. We shared the spell with Celestia, and she wrote back that she would have her best ponies giving us help as soon as possible.”

“That must be the same spell that Twilight put in the location stones,” Rarity said, looking to Twilight apologetically. “Not to sound as if I'm doubting your talent in all things magical, but I wondered how you managed to create those so quickly.”

“During our search, we came across Lyra, who was searching for Equestrian artifacts as part of her studies,” Hope said, nodding to Lyra. “It turned out that sites containing the fragments we were looking for often had artifacts of other varieties.”

“As I told them, what I think happened is that Sombra's shattering spell did not send the shards to completely random locations, but to spots with other magically charged items,” Lyra said. “Magic items have a propencity to react to one another, so it would make sense that the spell and shards sought out other magical artifacts to head towards. It turned out I was right, and we began to find artifacts and pieces much faster, thanks to me knowing where such sites were thought to be and the spell pointing out exactly where we needed to go once we were on site.”

“That was really clever,” Bon Bon said.

Lyra smiled with pride. “While I'm no Twilight, I am a graduate of Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns.”

“When we had gathered enough pieces, they began to resonate with each other. Lyra figured out how to use that with the location spell to increase its range and the accuracy.”

Grayson looked over Lyra, as if weighing a potential investment. “After this is over, maybe we can discuss hiring you when we get jobs to locate magical items.”

“It's nice to have someone recognize my abilities in a field other than music.” “I'm going to warn you, my services don't come cheap. You'll have to talk to my agent, Bon Bon here, about my rates.”

Bon Bon gave Lyra an unimpressed look. “Don't try to get back in my good graces with something like that.” Bon Bon turned from Lyra, to Grayson. “I can get her to do just about anything around the shop for some peanut brittle and small box of chocolates. If you buy them from me and offer them to her, I'm sure that she'll do whatever you say. Throw in some chocolate covered mints, and she'll follow you into Tartarus itself.”

Lyra winced. “That was harsh. True, but harsh. Still a little mad that I didn't get a message to you aren't you?”

“A little.”

“You realize that the main reason that works is that you're the one that makes the candies, so they're special to me. If it were just anypony's candy, whoever was bribing me would need a whole cartload to even get my attention.”

Bon Bon gave a relenting sigh and slouched against Lyra. “How can you be so infuriating one moment, and so sweet the next?”

Lyra leaned her head against Bon Bon's. “I don't know, but I'd like to think it's part of my charm.”

“Please, continue with your story before these two get too sappy for us to take,” Grayson urged Hope.

“When we tried the enhanced spell again, it indicated that there was a spot with a strong signature not too far away. When we went to the site, we encountered the Nightmares hidden in the remnants of an old crystal mine. I will let Reve tell what led them to be there, because I don't fully understand it myself, but they were sick and I convinced Lyra and Sombra that we should try to help them.”

Sombra chucked and winced. “Hope is always giving creatures like me a chance when most other ponies would have walked away and left us to our fates.” A sad look came to his eyes. “It would save her a lot of pain and suffering if she would leave foul things like us alone.”

“That was a little too close to to you calling yourself a monster.” Hope lightly tapped him on the nose. “Stop it.”

“I take it the Nightmares engaged in some kind of treachery for you three to sequester yourselves here,” Fierce said.

“There are four of us, and the Nightmares,” Lyra said. “Our other member went out for supplies.”

One of Fierce's ears turned towards the cave's entrance. “Speaking of your fourth, I believe they just got back.”

Every source of light in the cave abruptly vanished.

“In the dark again,” Rarity groused. “One should never do an illusion twice in the same show.”

“I don't know who you are or what you are doing here, but if you hurt my friends I will make you suffer in ways that have been outlawed since Celestia took the throne.” The sound of approaching hooves echoed in the cave with ominous intensity. “I have been taught by the master of fear and misery himself, King Sombra. I plan to honor my tutor, and leave you all quivering, weeping shells of beings.”

“Hello to you too, Moon Dancer.”

“Twilight?! What are you doing here?! I just went looking for you!”

“Good use of the light removal spell,” Sombra praised. “The touch with the sound enhancing enchantment on your hooves was clever, but you missed an important detail. Had you used a fear inducing spell as well, you would have enhanced not only your element of surprise but also the natural effects of the other spells.”

“You sure you really turned to the good guys’ side?” Lyra asked, sounding concerned. “It seems to me that you’re enjoying talking about this kind of stuff a little too much.”

“Old habits and all of that.” Sombra's horn glowed, and the cave returned to its natural, dim lighting.

Moon Dancer looked at the assortment of ponies and others occupying the cave. “This has got to be the most eclectic collection of individuals I have seen in a long time.” She walked over to Twilight and gave her a hug. “I tried to see you, but they Lunar Guards told me you were not there. They said that you had gone out on a mission of some kind and they didn't know when you would be back.”

“Well, I guess I saved you the trouble of finding or waiting on me.”

“Figures you would have found this place and come to see what was going on. It was Lyra's note that was the real giveaway, wasn't it? I told her not to leave that, good intentions or not.”

Twilight nodded. “We got some help from Bon Bon, which sped things up a lot, but I think we would have found you guys eventually.”

Moon Dancer looked Bon Bon over from her ears to her hooves. “Now I have met the mysterious Bon Bon. Honestly, I thought Lyra was making you up. I couldn't imagine somepony putting up with her enough to be her special somepony.”

“Hey!” Lyra protested. “I'm not that bad.”

“You’re not that bad, I have to agree, but you're not the run of the mill mare either.” Bon Bon kissed Lyra's temple. “You're an eccentric, intelligent, good-hearted, and loveable mess.”

“Thanks. I think.”

“What brings the rest of you here?” Moon Dancer asked.

“This young stallion here is the cause of us being here,” Fierce said, nodding to Cobalt. “Princess Amore reached him in his dreams and we ran into him and his brother while mutually searching for one of the fragments of the princess.”

Seated in Bonsmara's lap, Cobalt sat up a little straighter.

Moon Dancer adjusted her glasses with a hoof and looked Cobalt over. “Really? Would you tell me what happened?”

“Me?” Cobalt said, looking shocked.

Moon Dancer smiled. “Of course. One of the foundations of doing proper research is using primary sources, when they are available. Since you are a primary source, I want to know what happened from you.” She lit her horn, and a pad and pen appeared in the air.

“Moon Dancer, remember he is a colt,” Lyra said. “You can't interrogate him for hours to get every detail.”

“I am not going to interrogate a colt. I am going to ask questions of him.”

“Just because you are nice while asking him things does not mean it's not an interrogation.”

Moon Dancer let out an exasperated breath and explained: “Interrogation is an adversarial process.  We are not adversaries. Therefore, I do not have to use an aggressive application of authority, employ deceit, or implement physical discomfort or pain to get the information that I seek from him. Therefore, what I plan to do will not rise to the level of a true interrogation.”

“That you can say that with a straight face, when discussing a colt, is disturbing.” 

Moon Dancer turned looked back to Cobalt, who looked at her with apprehension. “I promise, I this will not be an interrogation.”

“Notice that she did not say it would not take hours,” Lyra said.

“Hush, you plunderer of ancient heritage, and let's find out how we all came to be here.” Moon Dancer smiled at Cobalt reassuringly. “You can tell me as little or as much as you would like. I might ask a couple of questions, but I don't intend to get every detail of what happened right now.”

As Cobalt described the events that had had led up to everyone being in the cave, Hope, Lyra, Moon Dancer, and Sombra listened silently. Moon Dancer's pen jotted down notes the entire time that Cobalt spoke, but she did not ask any questions.

After finishing his story, Cobalt looked at Moon Dancer shyly. “Did I do okay?”

“You did very well.” She flipped to a page in her notes, scribbled another note, and nodded. “There are a couple of things I want to know, but they can wait.”

Lyra put a hoof to her chest and acted shocked. “The ever studious Moon Dancer is not asking questions?”

“As I said, this was not to be an interrogation, and I can get the details later.”

Lyra looked to Puca and pointed a hoof at Moon Dancer. “Can you tell if she is a changeling? She's acting off, even for her.”

“Lyra, behave.” Bon Bon said, giving Lyra a light shouldering.

Moon Dancer's eyes remained on Puca. “Could you do such a thing?”

“Of course. We changelings can sense one another, even when we are disguised.”

“You would be an interesting research project all on your own.”

Mimicking the tone of a narrator to a horror movie, Lyra said dramatically, “Having failed in gaining the knowledge that she sought from the foal, our villain then turned her attentions to the changeling, who would suffer untold numbers of heinous experiments before satisfying Moon Dancer's all consuming desire to know the secrets of the world.” 

Moon Dancer's frowned at Lyra. “What is it about me that makes you think I'm some kind of deranged scientist who would torment a foal and do horrible things to other sentient beings?”

“You live alone in a creepy, rundown house. You nothing but study. As a hobby, you try new spells that cause things in your house to explode or teleport randomly when ponies aren’t looking. You also have the habit of spontaneously laughing manically while writing in those journals of yours.” Lyra gave Moon Dancer a look that dared her to argue. “How do you not fit the profile of a mad scientist?”

A grin gradually broke through Moon Dancer's hurt expression. “I guess, when viewed through that lens, it might appear that I might have a couple of mental issues.” She turned back to Puca. “Let me clarify. If you consent, I would like to examine you and take measurements of your magic. I was not planning anything painful or invasive.”

“I would like to know more about changeling magic myself,” Twilight said. “Knowing more about you might help us in he ongoing negotiations with Queen Chrysalis. If we do not know what you need and what is important to you as a group, it makes it difficult to make any meaningful suggestions as to how we can work together.”

“If we are going to measure what occurs when she feeds on love, we are going to need a couple of more participants in the study.”

Somepony's stomach growled.

“Sorry,” Bon Bon said. “I was so worried about finding Lyra that I skipped breakfast. I think my stomach heard the word 'feed' and decided to remind me of that.”

“How about you and I go get everyone something to eat?” Lyra said to Bon Bon. “Hayburgers sound good?”

“Take these two with you as protection,” Bonsmara said, and motioned towards Puca and Stone.

Bonsmara looked down at Cobalt, who fidgeted in her lap while looking at Sombra. “Would you like to ask something? I am sure he would not mind answering.”

Cobalt blurted, “You said that you had found a lot of pieces to Princess Amore?”

Sombra smiled. “We did.”

“Where are they?” Cobalt asked, his voice heavy with concern. “Did the Nightmares take them?”

“No, they did not. We made sure that they did not make away with them.”

“Can I see them?”

“They are in the pouch behind Hope and me. You are more than welcome to see the pieces that we have here. We had gotten many others, and have sent them to Celestia before all of this began.”

As Cobalt walked around the pair on the bedding, he asked, “How many pieces have you found?”

“I do not know the exact count, but is has to be in the dozens.”

Cobalt’s ear’s perked up. “Really?”

Hope used her magic to open the bag. “There are nineteen more pieces in there.”

Cobalt looked in the bag and smiled in a way that showed both happiness and melancholy. “This one will make twenty.” As he started to take the pouch from around his neck, it began to glow in Sombra’s magical grip and would not be moved.

“You said that Princess Amore could reach you easier when you had that with you, if I recall,” Sombra said.

“She can. But if bringing the pieces together makes finding more easier, I need to add this one to the ones that you have. That’s more important than me talking to her.”

Stone walked to Cobalt, patted his shoulder, and then hugged him against his side. “I’m proud of you for putting the right thing first.”

“Yes, it is a noble, selfless gesture, but there is no need for you to give up that piece,” Sombra said. “We know where the final pieces are.”

“The way that said that makes it sound like that is not a good thing,” Puca said.

“It is not,” he said, his voice hardening. “The other Nightmare’s have them.”

“We're going to need Luna, then,” Twilight said. “She knows the Nightmares and her magic is the best suited to help them.”

“When is she due to return?” Sombra asked.

“Sometime tonight.”

He turned to look at the pool. He sat in silence, his expression one of concerned thought.

“What is it?” Hope asked.

“I am afraid we're on the horns of a dilemma. We have done all that we can for the Nightmares, but they cannot endure much longer without aid. Luna may be the best source of help for them, but I do not know how she will react to the idea that there are Nightmare's loose in Equestria.”

“You think she would hurt them?” Twilight asked.

“She wouldn't,” Rarity said, with confidence. “While my time with them was short and what I learned from them wasn’t all that clear, I know that Luna wouldn't do anything horrible to them.”

“We will have to hope that she still feels the same, now that she has been freed from their influence.”

“They are not evil,” Hope said. “They are just desperate. Luna will see that.” She returned to gently stroking a hoof down Sombra's neck and shoulder. “She helped you, even after you turned her to stone.”

“True, but I did not hold her hostage for a thousand years. Nor has she battled with me for even longer before that.”

Rarity bit her lip. “Now that you put it that way, she might have developed a teensy little bit of resentment towards them, especially after they tried to take over Equestria not too long ago.”

“Without her, they will die,” Moon Dancer stated. “If it means that there is a chance for them, even a slim one, we need Luna to be involved in this.”

“I'll talk to her, before I bring her here,” Twilight said. “If she seems like she might do something that would hurt them, I will send a letter to Celestia and get her to talk to Luna.”

“Let us hope is in a reasonable mood,” Sombra said, sounding resigned. “She has been known to let her emotions overpower her common sense.”

Twilight sighed. “I know that all too well. Remind me to tell you about Nightmare Night sometime, preferably when she is not around.”


*****


“What is she doing?” Cobalt asked, as he and Lyra watched Moon Dancer use her magic on herself and the pool simultaneously.

Lyra leaned close to him, and softly said. “She's giving them some of her inner fears and magical power. Without it, they would starve.”

“She looks like she's hurting.”

“It doesn’t physically hurt, but it's not fun.” Lyra licked her lips as if they had gone dry. “I've volunteered for it a couple of times. While I'll do it again if they need it, I really don't want to.”

“So they feed off of fear like Changelings feed on love and Umbras feed on hopelessness and misery?”

“That’s it in a nutshell.” 

Moon Dancer took a sharp breath, and her magic faded. “I can’t give them anymore.” She lay down on her side and took deep, deliberately paced breaths. “Their condition is deteriorating fast, from what I can tell.”

“Do they need more?” Cobalt asked, as cautiously drew closer to the edge of the pool and look down into the water at the shadowy forms under the surface.

“Due to being so far from the moon for so long, they need all they can get.” Moon Dancer sat up and pointed a hoof towards a pile of gems at the bottom of the pool. “Sombra, using his knowledge of fear and magical crystals, created amplifiers and containers for what we can provide. The Everfree Forest and Mirror Pool’s natural magics also seems to help them retain their strength, but it’s still not enough.” She took a steadying breath. “If they do not return to the moon fairly soon, they will die.”

“I wondered what you had done with the gems,” Rarity said, looking up from the game of cards she, Bonsmara, Fierce, and Grayson were playing. “I volunteer to provide what I can for them.” She stacked her cards, placed them in front of her, and got to her hooves. “I know a bit of how they are feeling, having experienced that craving myself, and would like to do what I can to help the poor dears.”

“That will not be necessary, for I have come.” As she stepped into the cavern, Luna looked around as if searching for some small detail. “It has been many a moon since I last visited this place. It pleases me that it remains unchanged since then.”

Rarity moved so that she stood between Luna and the Mirror Pool. “Princess, what are your intentions for the Nightmares?”

Luna regarded Rarity with a thoughtful look. “I regret that we have not spoken since the last incident with the Nightmares. You and I are two of a very small count of ponies that have ever been taken by the Nightmares. I would relish the chance to hear your thoughts on the experience, once this matter has been settled.”

“I hope that settling things will not involve something as uncouth as violence against those who don't have the power to defend themselves.”

Luna gave Rarity a self-depreciating smile. “It would seem my reputation for being mercurial has affected your perception of me as well.” She turned to Sombra. “Twilight spoke to me of your misgivings. You both can set aside your concerns, for I do not wish to harm either these or the Nightmare’s who have secluded themselves.” She looked into the pool. “Speaking candidly, I must say there is a part of me that has greatly missed communing with them.”

“But they took you against your will,” Lyra said. “How could you miss them?”

“The whole of the story is much more involved than what is written in the books of this time.” Luna approach the pool and looked down into its depths. “While my sister and I have the power bring an end to such threats to our ponies, we restrain ourselves from doing so. A creature should not be destroyed due to its appetites alone. While Nightmares cause horrible dreams in order to feed on the fear they arouse, they are not a mortal threat to ponies except in rare occurrences.”

“No harm, no foul, kinda deal,” Lyra said, looking into the pool herself. “I got it.”

“Typically, when I send them from a pony’s dreams, my powers return them to the moon. Something seems to have occurred that bars that process for a select number of the Nightmares.”

“They mentioned that something happened not too long ago that affected their powers,” Moon Dancer said. “I can’t think of any major magical events or star alignments that would have such an impact on them.”

“I can.” Twilight said. “Were the Nightmares in Ponyville together not too long ago?”

“I didn’t even think to ask where they were when this all started, but I think so,” Hope said. “At least, that is what I have an impression of.”

Twilight hummed and nodded. “I bet you that they got caught in the spell that was meant to keep the tanabus from escaping the shared dream.”

“The who and the what?” Lyra asked.

“The tanabus was a being of my creation meant to torment my dreams as penance for allowing myself to fall under the sway of the Nightmares and causing my ponies anguish. It escaped my control, and sought to gather enough power through invading the dreams of the ponies of Ponyville that it could manifest itself in the waking world.”

“That doesn’t sound so bad.”

“If it had succeeded, it would have rendered Equestria a perpetual waking Nightmare.”

“I take back what I said.” 

“If the Nightmare’s were affected by the spell meant to trap the tanabus, then they must have been very similar in nature,” Moon Dancer said.

“You created an artificial Nightmare,” Twilight said, sounding as if she almost did not believe her own words. “That’s what the tanabus was. How did you do it?”

“I will not detail how I accomplished the feat. My foolishness caused the death of a being and yet more suffering. Such is the toll for meddling in such magics, as I should have learned long ago.”

“Can you undo the effects of the spell?” Cobalt asked, as he cautiously
made his way close to Luna and the edge of the pool. “Can you send them home?”

Luna smiled. “I believe such a thing can be done. With the Element of Magic and Moon Dancer insights, the task should be done within a fortnight at the most.” She looked dipped her head low, almost kissing the surface of the water. “Till then, I shall give the Nightmares the sustenance they need.”

“You’re not going to go all Nightmare Moon on us again are you?” Lyra asked.

Luna raised her head from the pool and broke the following stunned, uncomfortable silence. “No, Lyra Heartstrings, I am not about to return to being that abomination. There are a mere four Nightmares in this pool. They do not have the power to overcome my defenses or my will. When I turned, it took the combined efforts of dozens of Nightmares and years of subtle maneuvering and manipulation for me to succumb.”

“We’ll be right here, if they try anything.” Lyra said.

“Lyra, dear, you don’t understand,” Rarity said, her words soft. “They can’t force themselves into someone’s mind. They allow you into their minds. Once you are connected to them, it’s an awful lot like being caught up in a crowd. Your personality gets lost in the mass of feelings and thoughts. When it moves, you move, whether you’re willing or not.”

Luna dropped her head back down. Her horn lit and the Nightmares flowed into her.

“Is it just me, or did her mane darken a bit?” Bon Bon asked.

“She’s taller too,” Lyra said.

“That is not surprising. This body now houses five, when it previously held but one. It has adapted to accommodate our presence and our powers.” Luna’s voice, while still feminine, had a deeper tone to it. “Grant us a moment. The transition has made us woozy.” Luna closed her eyes and smiled. “While our experience of being Nightmare Moon is not something that we would relive, these moments of letting ideas and impressions pass among us are something that we still cherish.”

“So you’re still driving the cart, right, Luna?” Lyra said.

“Luna is part of us. We are part of her. We are individuals, and have formed another individual as well.”

“So, you’ve gone loony.”

“No. Much like a voice joined in a choir, we each add our distinct voices to the whole, creating something distinct and more than we are as an individual. Since you are most familiar with the name given to Reve, we shall take it up. We believe the name is also symbolic in representing what can be achieved between our peoples if we do not let base emotions bar our progress towards higher aims.”

“You represent a dream, rather than a nightmare,” Rarity said.

Reve looked to Rarity. “We regret that we cannot include you in this. We have yet to discover a way to allow ponies to Share with each other in the same bond as we Nightmares do, even when we influence both at the same time. To attempt to now would destroy that which we have become. You would also face peril, due to drain that we would have on your magic.”

“I know.” Rarity smiled sadly. “I just...”

Reve hugged Rarity to her chest and wrapped the unicorn in her wings. “We have missed Sharing with you as well. You gifted us with an understanding of your world that has changed us irrevocably.”

Rarity rose up and hugged Reve around the neck, her white coat contrasting sharply against the darker color of Reve’s. “I can only hope that it was for the better.”

“We assure you it was.”

“So, what is the plan, now that the Nightmares aren’t going to starve to death?” Grayson asked.

“We will set you and your group after our brethren, before their plans can come to fruition.” Letting a wing linger on Rarity’s shoulders, Reve released her from the embrace. “You are the most suited for the task.”

“Hey! What about the rest of us?” Lyra said. “We’ve been here since the beginning! I want to be there to finish this myself!”

“Being unicorns, you would prove to be far too tempting a mark for them. Your presence would cause the others danger. I must ask you, Hope, and Sombra to remain.” Reve looked to Cobalt. “I ask that you remain with us as well. I know that you have faced dangers and trials, but not such with a desperate and keen intelligence behind it. My brethren would see you as a potential bargaining token, if they took you in body or mind.”

“What are their plans, exactly?” Fierce said. “They must have some stratagem, if they are gathering specific unicorns for it.”

“They seek to magically force open a rift that would allow travel to the moon, near the site where the Umbra’s entered this world.”

“Why go all the way up there?” Lyra asked. “There are a couple of viable portal locations close by that would be much less trouble.”

Bon Bon looked at Lyra, her face the picture of disbelief. “I thought something like that would have come out of Moon Dancer or Twilight.”

“Like I said before, I'm a graduate of Celetia's School for Gifted Unicorns.” Lyra said.

“They seek to open a rift to the moon, allowing all Nightmares access to this world, and to use it’s energies to open the gateway to the Umbra’s realm in the process,” Reve said solemnly. “After forging an alliance with the Umbras, they seek to turn this world into a place of constant fear and misery so they may feed as they will.”

“That is ambitious,” Moon Dancer said. “I doubt they could do it, even with the unicorns they have taken.”

“I'm not so sure,” Twilight said. “Sunburst recently disappeared. According to the guards that looked over the scene, he was taken by force.”

Moon Dancer’s expression darkened. “That is not good. Not good at all.”

“That’s an odd choice of a pony to ponynap, if they are looking for raw power.” Lyra said. “He could hardly cast a good spell.”

“They would not have taken him for his magical power,” Moon Dancer said. “He can be of use to them in two ways. First, his knowledge of the arcane surpasses almost all others and could be used to find a way to open the rift. Second, they can use him as emotional leverage against Starlight.”

“They have Starlight?!” Twilight said. “She was supposed to be visiting Manehatten!”

“We don’t know whether they have her or not, but we think they may go after her,  Minuette, and Lemmon Hearts.” Lyra’s ears folded and looked towards the floor in shame. “The Nightmares asked who we thought could help them get back home, and their names came up, along with Sunburst’s.”

“They have Minuette and Lemon Hearts,” Twilight said, looking grim. “According to Celestia, they were the others that had gone missing.” She turned to Spike. “Send Starlight a quick note for her to send us a response of any kind as soon as she can.”

“Got it.” Spike looked to Moon Dancer. “Can I borrow your notepad?” After writing a quick message and ripping out the page, using his breath, he sent the note through the aether.

“You won’t be getting a reply,” Puca said. “If I had to bet, they’ve already got Starlight.”

“That’s a rather grim statement.” Bonsmara tilted her head. “What makes you think so?”

“It’s what I would do.” Puca moved her hooves as if manipulating pieces on a board and removing one. “By taking Starlight, you take a potential threat off the board and, if you can overpower her, gain an asset.”

“Such a tactic would also fit with the timing of events,” Reve said. “Having been foiled several times in getting unicorns to enter their traps, and facing running out of reserves, they would secure resources with the most possible value immediately before starting their final gambit.”

“Then we must get to the Crystal Empire as quickly as possible,” Bonsmara said. “If they open the portal, we might not be able to shut it again.”

“The next trail leaves in the morning,” Twilight said. “I will get you tickets and send a letter to Cadance and Shining...” A horrified look passed over Twilight's face. “Dear Celestia, no! Flurry Heart! She would be perfect for them to feed off of!”

Reve shook her head. “Fear not. Celestia thought much the same, earlier this day. Your niece is safe in Canterlot, under the care and guard of Celestia herself. Cadance and Shining remain in the Empire, to guard their citizens.”

Twilight slumped, as the tension left her. “I'm glad she's safe. I should have thought of her sooner.”

“Do not let such a thought trouble you. You had other matters demanding your attention. Without your efforts, we would not be in position to stop their machinations.” Reve smiled. “Celestia is enjoying the time with her niece as well.”

“When do we leave?” Grayson asked.

“How long will it take you to gather what you need?” Reve asked.

“A couple of hours, tops.”

“You shall depart soon after.”
> A Cold Flight North
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“It was fortuitous that the ship came to deliver supplies to our Guard this eve,” Reve told the group of adventurers standing around her. “Had it not, you would have had to wait till the dawn and depart by train. Even if called, a vessel from Canterlot would not have been swift enough to gather you and carry you forth.”

Fierce watched as Lunar Guards hastily unloaded the airship. “While not the most sophisticated of conveyances, it will do nicely.”

“I’ve never been on an airship before,” Stone said, with a grin. “This is going to be great.”

“I wish I shared your enthusiasm.” Bonsmara glared at the ship as if it had offended her. “I cannot think of a time that I have managed to avoid being sick on one of these things.”

“If there were any other way, we would take it.” Fierce hugged Bonsmara from the side. “But time is a luxury, and this is the best that we have to work with.”

Bonsmara’s shoulders lost some of their tension. She returned the hug, putting an arm around Fierce. “I will just stay in the hold and keep a bucket close.”

“I have something that might help, but I don't know how effective it will be.” One of the Lunar Guard’s approached the group and looked Bonsmara over from head to hooves. “I’ve never had a minotaur on-board before.” She then looked at Fierce. “Or a diamond dog, come to think of it.”

“This is a night for many firsts,” Reve said. “We appreciate your willingness to accept this task, Captain.”

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world, Princess. It will be one hay of a story to tell, if we survive to tell it.” She looked at Stone, whose enthusiasm had diminished. “Sorry, but it’s the truth.”

“If we don’t make it, it won’t matter,” Grayson said. “The world, as we know it, will end. In fact, if worse comes to worse, we will be lucky in the fact we will be the first to go.”

“You certainly are a cheery lot.” Fierce released Bonsmara and regarded the captain. “Lass, I am afraid I did not get your name.”

“Air Freight’s the name. My ship is the Long Haul. He’s not the slickest thing out there, but he’s tough and strong as a mule.”

“He?” Puca said, tilting her head to the side. “I thought ships were mares, traditionally.”

“I’m not a traditional captain.” Freight looked over her shoulder and yelled at the guards prepping the ship, “We’re in the air in five! Move your flanks!” She stepped behind Stone and swatted his cutie mark. “That goes for you too.”

At the impact, Stone yelped in shock and took a couple of quick steps towards the Long Haul.

“We must address your lack of armor,” Reve said, with a poorly suppressed laugh.

Fierce chuckled. “Yes, we certainly do not want your flanks to be bruised by lecherous mares.”

“You will all have to come back and get outfitted properly,” Rarity said, looking to each of the adventurers. “For now, the brooches will have to suffice.”

“You have their measure, do you not?” Reve asked.

“You mean their measurements? I do. Why do you ask?”

“Then you will be able to help us address the situation.”

“That’s rather cryptic.”

Reve put a hoof on Freight’s shoulder. “Captain, may my stars guide you true and the wind speed your flight.”

“Thank you, Princess. We’re going to need all the help we can get.”


*****


“Whoa! Look at how small the castle is now!” Stone, keeping a respectful distance from the ship’s railing, swung his head back and forth, as he took in the sight of the ground dropping away. “Look at how small everything looks!”

“No, thank you.” Bonsmara, taking quick strides, moved towards the ship’s hatch. “I have seen more than I want to.”

As Bonsmara descended from view, Fierce sighed in sympathy. “I will go down with her. It embarrasses her to get sick, and she is going to be in the hold with a lot of guards.”

“I hope you can make her feel better,” Puca said. “She’s feeling pretty rotten right now.”

“I will do my best.”

“I don’t care for these things either,” Grayson said. He looked up to the ship’s envelope. “The thought that there is nothing keeping us up beyond a bag stuffed with clouds and magic sets something in the back of my mind on edge.”

“We fly with less all the time,” Puca said, extending a wing.

“True, in one sense, but my wings are part of me and aren’t going to detach themselves if someone didn’t get their rigging right or deflate if a spell fails.” Grayson walked to the railing. “Speaking of my wings, I haven’t gotten to use mine for a while. I’m going to stretch them a bit.” He looked to Puca. “You might want to do the same. I don’t know when the next time we will get a chance.”

“I think I’ll stay here.”

“Suit yourself.” Grayson threw himself over the rail. After a couple of seconds of free-fall, he opened his wings and flew away from the ship, towards the rising moon.

“He doesn’t think we’re going to make it, does he?”

“From what I understand, Nightmares can be horrible foes. Since they have taken over some powerful unicorns too, they will be even more dangerous.”

“We have the stones, so that’s not going to be a problem.”

“They can hurt us by throwing things or clobbering us with whatever they can levitate.”

Stone winced. “I didn’t think of that.”

Puca leaned against him. “It’s a bit chilly out here, with the air going past us like it is.”

“Do you want to go below deck?”

“No. It’s too crowded, and everyone is emotionally charged. To me, it would be like being locked in a small room with everypony shouting.”

Stone headed toward the stairs. “I’ll see if there is anything we can use to cover.”

“We?”

Looking out of the hatch towards Puca, just his nose and the top of his head still visible, Stone said, “I’m not going to leave you out here by yourself to freeze. I'll be right back.” The hatch closed with a thump, as he ducked out of sight.

Puca changed her form to a brown coated, white maned pegasus mare and watched the stars.

The hatch opened, and Stone stepped onto the deck. He carried a pile of gray cloth draped across his back. “Excuse me, Miss.”

Puca turned to him. “Yes?”

“I was supposed to bring a cute mare with iridescent wings and blue eyes a blanket.” He smiled and asked, “You wouldn’t happen to know where she went would you?”

“You silly thing, I’m warmer like this.”

“They’re not exactly blankets, but these cloaks should do.” He pulled on of the cloaks off his back and played with the fabric between his hooves. “I brought a few of them, since I didn’t know if we would be staying up here the whole flight or not.”

“Why did my changing bother you? I felt it did, so don’t try and be polite and act that it didn't.”

Stone looked down to the cloak he was worrying. “I thought that you changed for me. I didn’t like that idea at all.”

“What do you mean, ‘changed for you’?”

“I thought you changed to make things more…”

“You mean make me less buggy,” Puca filled in. “You don’t have to dance around it.”

Stone nodded and then looked towards the front of the ship. “Let’s lie down over here. The bow will break the wind a bit.” Stone put down a couple of the cloaks at the front of the deck.

“I changed to make this more comfortable for both of us.”

Stone looked up from arranging the blankets. “But-”

“Hush. Lay down.” Puca joined him on the cloaks, put a wing over his back, and then settled so that her side touched his. “In this form, I can hold you with my wing. I can’t do this when I’m in my natural form.”

Taking the last cloak in his mouth and using a deft turn of his head, he spread it over the two of them. “I don’t want you to think that I’m not comfortable with who you are.”

“What if I wanted to change forms for myself? Would you keep me from changing?”

“No, but why would you want to change?”

She waggled her eyebrows. “It provides more options in a variety of situations.”

Stone blushed and looked away from her. “Puca!”

“Don’t act like you haven’t thought something similar. Go on, admit it.”

“I have.”

“Stone, I’m something different from you. While I appreciate the fact that you don’t want to hurt my feelings, I like to change. Part of who I am is changing my form to make others happy.”

“Having your wing around me is nice.”

“There you go, you’re relaxing a little.” She leaned in a bit more and took Stone’s hoof with hers. “You’re still too tense, though.”

“Sorry about that. I guess I’m just nervous.”

“Is it what we are going to face that’s bothering you?”

“That’s part of it, but I’m also under a blanket with a mare I like and holding hooves under the stars.”

With a wicked grin and a flash of green flame, Puca changed into a stallion. “Does this help?”

Stone's ears folded back in shock and he leaned away from Puca. “No! No, it doesn’t!”

“It’s still me.”

“I know that. It’s just weird to see you like this. I think of you as a mare.”

“While I am a ‘mare,’ for the most part, I am more than that too, just like you are more than just a stallion. I think of you as Stone, the personality behind the pony. Not Stone whose body happens to be that of a stallion.”

“So, it wouldn’t matter to you if I were a mare?”

“Not if you, the pony, were the same. It’s you are that I am interested in, not your body. Though, I’ll admit, I like your body like it is.”

“I’m glad. I’m not sure how I would take being a mare.”

“You never know, you might like it. Haven’t you ever wondered what being a mare is like?”

“A couple of times, but I’ve never sat down and seriously thought about it.”

The ship’s hatch was thrown open, making a horrendous noise as it struck the wooden deck. “Get out there, you little scamp!”

“I have a letter from the princess!”

“I don’t care if you do or not! Nopony stows away on my ship!”

“Is that who I think is?” Puca asked.

Stone put his forehead against the deck. “Sounds like it.”

“Ow! Let me go!”

Freight, guiding Cobalt by holding his ear in the knuckle of one of her wings, brought the colt to stand before Stone. “I believe this is yours.”

Stone did not lift his head, as he answered, “He’s my brother, yes ma’am.”

“Don’t ma’am me. You’re not in the Guard, and I’m not that old. Being polite and good looking will only get you so far with me. This is way beyond that.”

Stone looked up at Cobalt. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m coming with you to the Crystal Empire.”

“I can see that. What in Equestria made you think this was a good idea?”

Cobalt held out a piece of paper. “Twilight wanted me to come with you.”

“You’re kidding.” Stone took the paper and looked it over.

“It bears her seal, which can’t be forged. Like the rest of the royal seals, there is an enchantment on it that prevents forgery,” Freight said. “I believe that he is on the ship with the princess’ blessing.” She gave Cobalt a disapproving look. “She should ask for my permission though, before stuffing him in a crate and hiding him among our supplies.”  

Puca leaned close to Stone and closer to the paper. As her eyes scanned over the page, he started to grin. “That’s the paper she typically uses, and it reads like her writing too.”

“Stone, why are you sharing a blanket with this guy?” Cobalt asked.

Puca answered, “He was being kind and keeping me warm.”

Cobalt’s eyes widened, as Puca withdrew her wing from around Stone and shifted the cloak so that it revealed he was holding Stone’s hoof. 

“You’re supposed to be with Puca!” Cobalt admonished.

“He is.” With a puff of green fire Puca changed into her previous pegasus mare form.

Cobalt stared at Puca with his mouth open.

“Surprised?”

“I think you stripped a couple of gears in his head.” Freight covered Cobalt’s ears with her hooves. “I bet that trick has all kinds of uses.”

Puca nodded and gave the captain a shameless grin. “It can.”

“Shouldn’t you be piloting the ship?” Grayson asked Freight, as he landed next to where Puca and Stone were bedded down.

“My first mate is at the helm.” Putting her hooves on his shoulders, Freight nodded to Cobalt. “I had to step away from the wheel to take care of this situation. Besides, the weather is good, and Star Chart needed more flying hours.”

“I thought I smelled him.” Fierce said, as he climbed out of the hold. “You were in the reinforced crate with the air-holes, were you not?”

Cobalt nodded. “That’s where I was.”

“See? I may be getting long in the tooth, but my nose still works.” Fierce reached below the deck and helped Bonsmara through the hatch.

As she stepped onto the deck, Bonsmara locked eyes with Cobalt. “You! You’re supposed to be safe in Ponyville!”

Freight removed her hooves from Cobalt and stepped away from him. “You’re in for it now.”

“I have a letter from Twi-”

“I don’t care if you have a letter signed by all five princesses and the Dragon Lord! You are in more trouble than you can imagine!” Cobalt folded his ears back, tucked his tail between his legs, and slowly backed from Bonsmara, as she stormed towards him. “Your mother has to be going into conniptions!”

“She knows I’m here,” Cobalt said, in a scared but determined tone. “She helped reinforce the box.”

Bonsmara halted her advance. “What?”

“She doubled up on the interior bracing, didn’t she?” Stone said.

“She used screws instead of nails too. I nearly didn’t get packed, because she wanted to make sure the crate was going to be as strong as she could make it.”

“That’s Mom for you," Stone said. "What is it that she told us when she caught us with the tools that one time? ‘If you’re going to do something stupid, at least be as safe as you can while doing it,’ I think is what she said.”

Cobalt grinned and nodded. “That sounds about right.” 

With much calmer steps, Bonsmara closed the distance between her and Cobalt, picked him up, and hugged him to her. “What possessed you to do something so reckless?”

“Twilight asked me to come, but we had to keep the fact that I was coming from Reve. She thinks that the Nightmare’s might get an idea of what we’re up to through the link they have, even if Reve is on our side.”

“Twilight wrote that Cobalt should serve as our compass, and we’re to head to the Nightmare’s hideout directly,” Stone said, turning the letter to Bonsmara. “She has made him a temporary royal courier, too. We should be expecting backup sometime during mid-flight that will need the orders he is carrying.”

“Clever.” Freight looked back towards Ponyville. “I wondered why we didn’t get much more out of the princess beyond being told to get our tails up to the Empire as fast as we could.” She shook her head sympathetically at Cobalt. “You realize Luna is going to be livid, right? She is all about keeping foals safe.”

Stone gave Bonsmara the letter. “Twilight is willing to deal with that. She wants him here as a wild card, in case Reve turns on us.”

“He has been the crux of this whole series of events, so far,” Grayson said. “Since he started this, it’s appropriate that he be with us when it’s finished.”

“I’m glad you’re feeling better, Bonsmara,” Puca said. “I’m surprised to see you come out of the hold.”

“Freight gave me a potion that made the worst of it stop.” She rested her chin on the top of Cobalt's head, as she said, “I should be fine.”

“It appears we have incoming,” Fierce announced, pointing over the bow. “Somepony is coming our way from just a bit off the port side.”

“That’s a super-sized pegasus, if we can see them from here,” Freight said.

As she got to her hooves, Puca let the cloak slide from her back and changed into her natural form. “That would be an alicorn.”

“Lady Cadance,” Fierce said her name fondly. “I have not seen her in many moons. I wonder how motherhood is treating her.”

“Very well, it would seem,” Bonsmara said, waving to the incoming princess.

Moments later, Cadance landed on the deck of the airship. The group bowed, as she joined them. 

“Please, everyone, there is no need to bow,” Cadance said.

“Welcome aboard the Long Haul, Princess,” Freight said, as she returned to standing. “I’m Air Freight, captain of this ship.”

“Thank you and pleasure to meet you.” On seeing Bonsmara and Fierce, Cadance smiled grandly. “Twilight wrote that you would be coming! It’s been too long!” She hugged Fierce. “I’m glad to see that you’re doing well.”

“We haven’t managed to be devoured by anything yet,” Fierce said, patting her on the back, as he returned her hug. “You are looking quite well yourself.”

“How is little Flurry?” Bonsmara asked.

Cadance turned to Bonsmara. “Wonderful, tiring, growing, cute, unpredictable, and half a dozen things I can’t even think of right now.”

“Sounds like a healthy foal to me.” Bonsmara put Cobalt down on the deck of the ship. “It's time for you to perform your duties.”

Cobalt looked embarrassed and pointed a hoof at Freight. “I can't. She took my saddle bags. The message was in it.”

“That's right, make me the bully,” Freight said. She bopped Cobalt lightly on the nose. “See if I ever let you out of a crate again.”

“I didn't mean it like that!”

“I know. Go below and ask Starred Sky for them.”

“The stallion that helped you get me out of the crate?”

“That would be the one.”

“Be right back!” Cobalt hurried to the hatch and went down into the hold.

“Slow down or you're going hurt yourself!” Freight shook her head. “He's cute, but a little over eager.”

“That pretty well sums him up,” Stone said.

Cadance studied Puca. “I haven't seen a changeling since the attack on Canterlot. How is your hive doing?”

“For the most part, we’re alright.” Puca bowed low and all but touched her head to the deck. “I want to apologize for my part in ruining your wedding, Empress.”

Cadance shrugged and gave her an understanding look. “Just Cadance, please, titles make things so awkward. As to my wedding, you we're starving to death and under the influence of a hunger crazed queen. From what I understand, the spell that Shining and I used gave your hive enough love to last you a while.”

“It did.”

“Please, stand up.” As Puca returned to standing, Cadance smiled at her and crossed her heart with a hoof. “I promise I don't hold any hard feelings about it. It wasn't fun, but it's certainly a story I can tell my grandfoals.”

“Thanks for understanding.”

Stone let out a relieved breath, drawing Cadance's attention. She glanced down at the blankets, to Puca, and then back to Stone. Cadance raised an eyebrow, as she asked, “Wouldn't it be warmer down in the hold?”

“It's a little too loud for her.”

Cadance gave him a knowing smile. “Of course you, being a gentlecolt, offered her a blanket and your body heat to make sure she was comfortable.”

Stone fidgeted under Cadance’s scrutiny, dancing lightly from hoof to hoof. “We try to look out for each other.”

“I've got it!” Cobalt scrambled out of the hatch, across the deck, and presented a sealed scroll to Cadance. “Here you go.”

“Thank you.” As Cadance read the scroll, the group watched her intently. Cadance snorted in vexation. “This is not good. Twilight found out from Celestia who the other ponies that were missing were: Lemon Drops, Minuette, and Trixie Lunamoon. Lemon Drops is skilled alchemist, Minuette is skilled in time magic, and Trixie is talented with both illusions and telekinesis. Trixie works well with Starlight, so we would be better served isolating the two from each other. We might be able to use Starlight's and Sunburst's relationship with each other to our advantage, if push comes to shove.”

Grayson tapped a talon against the deck, drawing the group’s attention. “The Empire is your kingdom, so you control how this will play out. Do we have permission to use any means necessary to make sure that this mission succeeds?”

“This goes beyond the Empire. The whole world is at stake.” Cadance sighed resignedly and nodded. “Shining and I have decided that we will do whatever it takes to make sure the Nightmare's do not get that portal open, but we will try negotiations first.” She motioned towards her saddlebags with a hoof. “I brought several magic limiters so there would be little chance of them trying using the unicorns against us, once we have them away from the Nightmares, but if things go badly violence may be the only way to prevent something even worse from happening.”

A silence fell over the group. The hum of the ship’s propellers and the wind were the only sounds.

Cobalt stomped a hoof, sharply ending the dismal quiet. “Nopony is going to get hurt, the Nightmares are going to go back to the moon, and we’re all going to be heroes, like the Elements.” He shivered. “The Nightmares could have been really nasty with their traps, but they weren’t. I don’t think they want to hurt anypony either.”

Candence smiled at him. “You’re right. Everything is going to be just fine. We just need to talk to them and tell them that we want to help them get back home. First, we’re going to have to get them away from the gateway and into somepony that can handle them taking energy from him at a rapid rate.”

“Him?” Grayson said. “Sounds like we already have a candidate.”

“We do.” She pointed a hoof at Stone. “You’re Stone, right?”

“I am.”

“Then you’re the one that Twilight is counting on.”

“What?! I can’t host a horde of Nightmares!”

“Yes you can,” Cobalt said with enthusiasm. “You just have to keep eating gems. You can convert the gem’s magic into energy that the Nightmares can use. With you being an earth pony, they can’t use external magic to do something nasty, if they decide to turn on us.”

“See, being an earth pony has hidden advantages,” Puca teased.

“Twilight had a couple of bags of gems shipped with me,” Cobalt said, pointing towards the hold. “She wants you to start eating them right away to put as much power as you can in you before we talk to them to show that it can be done.”

“I like the plan,” Cadance said. “There are other gem eaters in the Empires guard, so you don’t have to host all of the Nightmares for that long, just long enough for us to get them back to the capital.”

“You wanted to play a key part in an adventure, lad,” Fierce said, chuckling. “Here is your chance.”

Cobalt shivered again. “Is it just me, or is it getting really cold?” He looked towards his nose, nearly crossing his eyes. “I think I can see my breath!”

“You’re right,” Freight said, sounding concerned. “It’s too cold. We’re not far enough north for it to be this frigid.”

“Captain!” One of the guard’s head and shoulders appeared through the hatchway. “We just an emergency missive from Canterlot, the Empire is under siege by windigos!”

“That explains the weather,” Freight said. “If I had to bet, it’s some kind of feint by the Nightmares. The timing is just a little too convenient for it to be a coincidence. Tell Chart I’ll be there to take the helm back soon.”

“Yes, ma’am,” guard said, as he ducked out of sight, closing the hatch behind him.

“Been nice, but if windigos and bad weather are involved I’ll need to be piloting.” Freight saluted Cadance, “Princess, it was an honor to meet you.”

“It was nice meeting you too.”

“Let’s all get out of the wind,” Grayson suggested. “We need to get below and rest for what’s coming. I’ll get the hatch.” After opening the hatch, Grayson bowed to Cadance. “Princesses first, as manners would dictate.”

“Thank you, but I need to go back,” Cadance said, turning towards the rail and spreading her wings.

“You’re not leaving this ship.” Everyone turned to stare at Freight, who moved towards Cadance. “If you try, I, and five of my boys, if need be, will drag you back.”

“Excuse me?” Cadance said, her voice sounding equally annoyed and amazed.

“You. Are. Not. Leaving.” Freight said each word in time with the steps that she took to stand in front of Cadance. With her final step, she spread her wings, barring Cadance from approaching the railing. “Princess, I know that you are worried about your Empire and your husband, but heading back by yourself, without knowing what is going on and with windigos loose, is crazy.”

“I have to get back to them!”

“Shining Armor can shield the citizens of the Empire from windigos on his own. With the Crystal Heart helping him, they are all sure to be safe.”

Cadance drew in a deep breath and dropped her head. “I’m just worried about my Shinning. I don’t want my daughter to grow up without her father.”

“She should not have to bear losing her mother either,” said Bonsmara. “We will need you to complete our mission which would end the windigo threat entirely, if the Nightmares are indeed behind it.” 

Cadance nodded. “You’re right. I’ll stay with you.”

Freight folded her wings back to her sides. “Thank you, Princess. I was not looking forward to having to face your husband or the other princesses, if something had happened to you.” She turned to the rest of the group on the deck. “Let's get below. If it's already this cold, I have a feeling that it's going to get a lot colder before too long.”

“Do you want to try to stay up here for a little longer?” Stone asked Puca. “We can go down into the ship, if you want, if it’s too cold.”

“I’d like to stay, but it’s going to get too cold before long. We might as well head on down.”

Cadance raised her hoof. “I have a solution for that. I’ll stay up here with you, for a bit. I would like to talk to you two.” She glanced at the others, sending a clear message.

“You heard the Princess.” Freight made a shooing motion with her wings, indicating for the rest to head towards the hatch. “Move on you odd lot of gawkers.” 

“We’re going, we’re going,” Grayson said, leading the way. 

As she walked past him, she scooped Cobalt to her side with a wing. “You too, squirt.”

“But I want to listen!”

“Stowaways don’t get to be part of these sorts of meetings.”

“But-” Cobalt’s objection was cut off, as Freight closed the hatch behind them.

Stone sighed. “We’re never going to hear the end of this, are we?”

“Never,” Puca confirmed, “especially from Grayson.”

Cadence used her magic to arrange the cloaks in a triangle so that three ponies could be close to each other, with two sharing an under layer of cloaks while being closer together at the base. “Shall we?”

Puca and Stone pulled a cloak over themselves, while Cadance draped one over herself. She looked up for a moment, her horn flashed, and a sphere appeared around them.

Puca looked around at the shield. “That’s a neat trick.”

“It’s a winter survival spell. It will keep the wind off of us and trap our body heat.”

“It’s a lot like being in a pod.”

Cadance shuddered, causing Puca to flinch. 

“Sorry about that," Cadance said. "My time in a pod wasn’t all that pleasant.”

“Don’t take this the wrong way, but I was impressed that you got out of one. The sedative they are laced with should have kept you out for days.”

“It did its job for a good while. I think that Chrysalis was weakened due to her hunger and having to use all the magic she did to hide herself from Celestia and Luna. If she hadn’t been, when she made the pod, I don’t know if I would have gotten out.”

Stone looked at Cadance, confusion on his face. “I thought Twilight saved you from the caves?”

“She did, after I got out of the pod that had been holding me. I was still dazed from the sedative and wouldn’t have made it out of the caves without her.” Cadence waved a hoof. “Enough about me, I’m curious about you.”

“I’m just an earth pony from Ponyville. There’s not much to tell.”

“Not ‘you’ singular, ‘you’ plural.” Cadance made a motion with her hoof, connecting Stone to Puca and then towards the hatch. “How did your group get wrapped up in this? Twilight wrote that you were coming, that’s how I knew to meet the ship, but she didn’t give much of an explanation as to what was going on.”

Stone smiled. “That’s a lot more interesting.” Stone gave her a summary of the events that led up to them being on ship, Puca occasionally filling in an occasional detail he left out. Cadance paid rapt attention. During the telling, one of her ears rotated towards the hatch then snapped back to facing forwards. “You’re group was right where it needed to be when Equestria needed it.” Cadence sighed. “It seems some part of Equestria needs saving at least once a month. I’m glad we have so many good souls to help us out.”

“That’s what makes living here so interesting,” Puca said, “the adventures and the ponies.”

Cadence shared a look with Puca. “I have a feeling that Stone left out interesting bits of the story.” 

Stone blushed, when Puca answered her, “You could say that.”

“If you are trying to keep the fact that you two are close a secret, staying out here with her under a cloak is not the best way of going about.”

“I must protest two things. First, I wasn't aiming to ‘hide’ anything. I did not know if she wanted me to say anything to somepony we just met or not, so I kept quiet. Second, two mares going against one stallion is not fair.”

“You’re right, it isn’t fair.” Puca turned her head toward the deck hatch. “While he’s not a stallion quite yet, our eavesdropper will even things out.”

“I like that idea.” Cadance’s horn lit, and there was a startled gasp as the hatchway fully opened from its slightly gaped state. 

A second later, wrapped in Cadance’s magic, Cobalt, carrying a weighty bag, floated from the hold. The hatch closed behind him, as he squirmed and floated towards the trio. 

“A stowaway and now a spy, you’re getting quite a dubious resume for a colt your age,” Puca said.

Cobalt went limp, looking like a kitten being carried by the scruff of its neck, as he was brought inside the magic barrier. “It wasn’t all my idea. They were taking bets as to what you were talking about.”

“Who is ‘they’?” Stone said.

“Grayson, Freight, and some the guards,” he answered.

“At least Bonsmara and Fierce weren’t in on it.”

“They didn’t bet, because they thought it was kinda mean, but they were recording the bets and the odds.”

Stone sighed and rubbed his forehead with a hoof. “Do I even want to know what the odds were and what the guesses were as to what we were talking about?”

Cobalt shook his head emphatically.

“Now that you’ve caught the spy, what should we do with him?” Puca grinned, making a display of her fangs. “Perhaps we should start by asking him what’s in the bag.” 

Cobalt thrust the bag towards Puca. “It’s just one of the bags of gems for Stone to eat! They stopped me before I could get up here and wanted me to find out what you were talking about.”

“Let's put him between you two, so he’ll stay warm.” Using her magic, Cadence adjusted the cloaks, Stone, and Puca, so that Cobalt fit comfortably between them. After they settled down together, Cadance spread a couple of the cloaks over the trio. “Then we thank him for bringing the gems and being so honest.”

Cobalt blushed and looked away from her. “You’re welcome, Princess.”

“Just Cadance,” she tapped him on the nose with a hoof, when he turned to look at her again. “Remember?”

His blush intensified, “Yes ma’am.”

“Ma’am?! I’m not that old!” She put a hoof to her face and playfully patted around her features as if checking for wrinkles. “I don’t look that old, do I?”

Puca laughed. “He gets formal, when he talks to a mare he thinks is pretty. He did the same thing with Rarity.”

“Puca!” Cobalt looked at her as if she had betrayed him to his worst enemy.

Cadance gave Cobalt a warm smile. “I’ll take it as a complement then.” Her smile turned devious, and she asked, “Would you do me a favor?”

Cobalt sat up straight and told her, “Whatever you’d like.”

“These two told me about how you came to be here, but they didn’t tell me about what is going on between them. Being the Princess of Love, I’m curious. Could you fill me in, since they don’t seem to be all that willing to tell me themselves?”

Cobalt matched her smile. “I’d be glad to!” 

Stone tried to interject during Cobalt’s telling, only to be hushed by Cadance. “You had your chance to tell the story,” Cadence told him. “Since you didn’t, Cobalt should be able to tell it without being interrupted.”

“Here they are now,” Cobalt said looking at Puca, then Stone, after he finished. “Can you help them?”

“Cobalt!” Stone groaned.

“Help them?” Cadance angled her head as if confused, but her smile and the humor in her eyes indicated that she understood. “What do you mean?”

“They’re not special someponies yet, and they should be.” Cobalt looked at her hopefully. “Don’t you have any magic that can help?”

“It looks to me like they don’t need any help. In fact, they are doing better than most.” Cadance leaned closer to Cobalt. “They haven’t known each other a week, why do you think that they should be together so quickly?”

“She likes him, she told me.”

Cadance nodded. “Okay, that’s a start, but does he like her?” As if they had choreographed it, Cadance, Cobalt, and Stone turned to look at Stone at the same time.

Stone blushed, met Puca’s watchful eyes for a moment, then said to Cobalt, “I do like her, but-”

Cobalt sprang up and put both of his hooves to Stone’s chest. As he moved, he knocked over the bag of gems, spilling its contents across the deck. “If you like her, then that’s it! Make her stay!”

Stone pulled back in shock. “What in Equestria are you talking about?!”

“After this is over, she is going to leave!”

Stone, in a patient tone, told Cobalt, “I can’t force her to stay.”

“Don’t you want her to stay?!”

“It would be great to have her live in Ponyville, but I don’t want to pressure her into it. Think about it from her perspective. Wouldn’t it be weird to you to have somepony call themselves your special somepony and try to get you to plan your whole life around them if you hadn’t even known them for a week?”

Cobalt dropped his head in defeat. “I guess so.” He looked toward Cadance. “You don’t have a spell that could speed things up so they could be sure that they could be together, do you?””

Cadance shook her head. “My magic doesn’t work that way. I can help heal rifts between ponies, after they have formed a relationship. I can’t hurry or force a bond between ponies. That has to develop on its own.” She regarded Cobalt with a curious look. “Why is it so important they are together?”

“I want them to work. I owe him.”

“Owe me what?” Stone asked. “You don’t owe me anything.”

“Yes I do.” Cobalt hugged Stone around the neck. “You didn’t think I was crazy, when I told you about the dreams. You helped me get through the Everfree, you helped me get the piece of Amore back, and you helped me find what I might get my cutie mark in. You’ve done so much; I have to pay you back somehow.”

Stone wrapped his forelegs around his brother. “If I hadn’t helped you, I wouldn’t have found out that I could eat gems. That’s a pretty good payback.”

“Then I don’t owe you for helping me find out what I might be good at, but I still owe you for the rest.”

“So I’m supposed to be his prize?” Puca guffawed. “I don’t know if I’m being flattered or objectified.”

Cobalt looked at her and stammered a couple of attempts to explain, but could not form the words.

“Don’t’ worry, I know what you meant.” Puca smiled at him. “What makes you think that I’m going to just up and disappear?”

“I thought you were going to have to leave soon.”

“Cranky isn’t planning on kicking me out, as soon as we get back, as far as I know.”

“Aren’t you going to go after all of this is over?”

“Not immediately. Right now, I have three part time jobs: adventuring, spying on Twilight, and working at Quills and Sofas.”

“How did you get the job at Quills and Sofas?”

“After seeing Twilight visit the shop a couple of times, I got curious to see what it was like and went in. I met Davenport, who mentioned that he was looking for some help around the shop, and things went from there.” She waved a hoof as if dispersing smoke. “Back on subject, truthfully I wasn’t planning on staying in Ponyville for too long after all of this finished up. I’ve been giving Kevin a bit of a break from watching over Twilight, while I was in town helping gather the nearby pieces. It’s really his gig to keep an eye on her and the Elements.”

Cobalt’s ears folded in disappointment. “So you are going to leave.”

“I had been planning to, if another big job came up, before I got to know the town. Since I’ve been in Ponyville, I’ve made some wonderful friends. I didn’t know if I could stay in the town or not, especially after the reception I got a couple of other places. There are towns that aren’t nearly as friendly as Ponyville. They treated me a lot like what I heard that Ponyville used to treat Zecora and worse. I was run out of Trottingham by the constables there.”

“That’s horrible.”

Puca shrugged. “That’s natural. I’m different. Different is scary and possibly dangerous. That my hive attempted to take over Equestria doesn’t help either.”

“Would you stay, if you could?”

“It wouldn’t take much to talk me into it,” she glanced at Stone. “Especially if somepony were to keep doing things to entice me to stay put.”

Cobalt perked up. “Like when he helped you with the guards at the castle?”

“That was a big deal, I’ll admit, but that was a cherry on top, rather than was has been really impressing me.”

“What has he done to impress you besides that?”

Puca patted the cloak under her. “Things like this. Helping me when I was exhausted, being courteous, bringing the cloaks up and sharing them with me, little things like that.”

Cobalt nodded, and then his expression soured. “I just hope he doesn’t get like Fierce.”

Puca snorted. “Little chance of that, Fierce is one of a kind and your brother too shy to act like a love struck puppy like Fierce does.”

“Does Stone have trouble expressing himself?” Cadance asked, smiling at some internal image. “Sounds like Shining Armor. When he first started to try to date me he could hardly talk.”

“Stone’s not that bad, but he’s so worried about ‘rushing things’ that he’s too restrained at times,” Puca said.

Stone sighed and looked up towards the airship’s envelope. “A stallion is too quick, he’s a chauvinist or just wants a good time, if he’s too well behaved he’s not interested.” He stated, with false heaviness, “There’s no winning for us.”

Cadance giggled. “It’s not quite as serious as you make it out, but it does take a touch. Thankfully, nowadays mares can be more aggressive and meet stallions in middle without it being a big deal.”

“That’s something I may have to take advantage of,” Puca said.

“How?” Cobalt asked.

“Doing little things for him like he’s done for me might be a good start.”

“Like when you helped him with the cut on his chin?”

“That’s a good example, but it might take a bit more than that to get him to express himself. We’ll just have to see.” Puca turned to Stone. “Speaking of your chin, Stone, let me see how the cut is.”

“It’s fine. Whatever you did really helped. It’s all but healed up. There won’t even be a scar, from the looks of it.”

“Let me see it,” Puca ordered.

Stone dutifully raised his head. “See? That stuff really helped.”

“It’s still not completely healed and most of the sealant has come off. Hold still.” Puca leaned in and kissed his chin.

Stone’s ears shot up, but he did not move his head. He cut his eyes over to Cadance and then to Cobalt, blushing gloriously.

After letting the kiss linger for a couple of moments, Puca drew back. “There we go. That should be enough. Leave it alone, until the sealant dries.”

“That’s one way to meet him in the middle,” Cadance said.

The ship lurched in the wind, causing the spilled gems to slide on the deck. 

Cobalt slapped a hoof to his forhead. “I forgot about the gems! Stone’s supposed to be eating them!” As he reached for one, the ship lurched again, causing the gem to slide just beyond his reach. “Come back here!” After grabbing the half full pouch, Cobalt ran around the deck collecting the errant gems.

“We’re hitting turbulence due to the weather, be careful!” Cadance warned him.

“I’ll be careful, Princess!”

Cadance smiled and let out a small sigh. “I’m glad I stayed. I didn’t think about it before, but the ship would have been in trouble if it ran into the windigos without somepony with combat magic to hold them back.” She shifted on her cloaks and winced. “I think I found one of the gems.” She fished under the cloaks and drew out a ruby. She floated the gem to Stone. “Here you go.”

Stone took the offered gem. “Thanks.” He popped the ruby into his mouth and chewed.

“I have no idea how many times I’ve seen that done, but it makes me flinch every time,” Cadance said.

Stone swallowed. “I’m not used to it either. It takes a bit of convincing to get myself to bite down.”

“I think I got them all.” Shaking and with his teeth chattering, Cobalt stepped back into the shield. “It’s gotten really cold out there and there’s ice and snow building up on the edges of the bubble.”

Cadance lifted a cloak covered wing. “Come here and warm back up.”

Cobalt darted under her wing, which she wrapped around him. “Thanks,” he told her. In the process of snuggling against Cadance, he froze.

“What’s wrong?” Puca said. “You feel like you’re starting to freak out.”

“I don’t know if I should be doing this.”

“Why not?”

“She’s a princess.”

Cadance gave him an amused look. “So I can’t get snuggles from a colt because I’m a princess? I didn’t know that. Shining’s going to be disappointed when I tell him.”

“Shining’s your husband, that’s different.”

“I can keep freezing colts warm, if I want to, princess or not, if I happen to get snuggled while doing so, all the better.”

Cobalt still seemed unsure.

Cadence tucked Cobalt’s head under her chin, pulling it against her chest, and closed her eyes. “I’ll let you go back to your spot between them, if it would make you more comfortable, but you’re helping me by being here.”

“How? I’m not doing anything.”

“I’m scared about what we’re going up against. I’m scared for Flurry, Shining, the Empire, and the whole world. I want to fly off, get Flurry, and then find Shining, hug them both together, and make sure they are safe, and I can’t. Having you under my wing and keeping you warm is helping make that go away a bit.”

Cobalt looked to Puca, who gave him a confirming nod. He leaned against Cadance. “I’ll stay.”

“Thank you.” Cadance nodded toward the bag of gems. “Don’t forget those.”

“I have an idea.” Puca moved the bag so that it sat in the middle of the group. “We each pick out a gem for him; he eats it and then tells us the flavor.”

“I like it,” Cadance said. “I already fed him one, so I just want to know the flavor.”

“Rubies taste like cinnamon hots,” Stone informed her.

Cobalt reached into the bag and drew out an amethyst. “Here you go.”

Stone took the gem and chewed it. “Grape,” he announced. “It’s a very sweet and tangy grape.”

Puca drew a piece of amber. “This should be interesting.”

Stone tried the gem, smiling as he chewed. “It’s just like maple syrup.”

“That makes sense,” Cobalt said. “It’s fossilized tree sap.”

After few rounds, the variety of gems had been gone through and Cobalt’s head began to nod.
“Put your head down,” Cadence said. “You need to sleep.”

“I want to stay up a little longer.”

“We all need to get some sleep,” Cadance said. She shifted so that he filled the space in the curve of her body, his back against her chest. “We’re going to need our strength for tomorrow.”

Within seconds, Cobalt drifted off.

“Your parents should be proud,” Cadance whispered to Stone. “They raised two fine colts.”

“Thank you. They would be happy to hear that.”

“Are you going to camp out here with us tonight?” Puca asked. 

“In a way, I’m going to be on guard.”

“There’s no need for you to do that,” Stone said. “After eating all those gems, I’m feeling wide awake.”

“You’re tired too,” Puca said.

“A little, there has been a lot going on, and I haven’t flown that far in a while.” Cadance sighed and gave her an odd smile. “It almost makes me want things to go back to the boring routine we had there for a while.”

“Almost,” Puca said, with a grin.

Cadance’s smile changed to a genuine one. “Almost.”

“You have a cloak, it’s nice under the bubble, you can see the stars, and you have a sleeping buddy. Enjoy it.”

Cadance put her head down, curled around Cobalt a bit more so that her chin touched the top of his head. Soon after, she completely relaxed and her breathing slowed.

“I’m sorry,” Puca whispered to Stone.

“What for?” he whispered back.

“I embarrassed you in front of the princess and your brother.”

“A little, but I’m glad you did.”

Puca cocked her head to the side. “Why?”

“I have to get over this hang-up of mine.”

“What hang up?”

“Being too conservative and not showing that I care about you more.”

“That’s not a hang-up. I’m bolder than you are with this kind of thing is all.” She poked him in the shoulder. “Whatever that feeling was, you’re going to have to fill me in. It felt like you were getting ready to jump off a cliff.”

“I was getting ready to take a plunge, in a way.” Stone gave Puca a hopeful, scared smile. “I’m falling for you. A lot faster than I thought I would.”

“I wondered what that flash of inspiration from you was, while Cobalt was talking.”

“When he talked about you leaving, I felt the floor drop out from under me. When you listed the reasons to stay in Ponyville, I started to realize how much I didn’t want you to leave and...” Stone dropped his eyes.

She put her nose under his chin and raised it up. Drawing back so that they returned to sharing breath, she rubbed a hoof over one of his encouragingly. “Go on.”

“How much it stung when you didn’t mention I was one of the reasons that you would want to stay.”

Puca’s ears snapped back in a display of pained sympathy. “Stone!” she hissed, and then glanced over at the princess and Cobalt. “Sorry, that was almost too loud,” she said, returning to a whisper. “You haven’t wanted to pressure me, and I didn’t want to pressure you by naming either of you. You would do anything for Cobalt, including put up with me when you really didn’t want to.”

Stone chuckled. “Come here.” He took Puca in his forelegs, and rolled so that he was on his side, pulling her along with him. “I want to ‘put up’ with you for as long as you want to ‘put up’ with me.”

She leaned her head back and hummed. “You feel warm.”

“It’s my coat. You can change to get warm too, if you want.”

“That’s not what I meant. You’re feeling warm and fuzzy. I’m glad I can make you feel that way.”

He shifted the cloak over them so that it covered them properly and wrapped a foreleg around her. “Are you comfortable?”

“Very much so.”

“Good. I am too.”

Puca angled her head so that she looked towards Cadance and Cobalt. “You two can give it up. I know you’re awake.”

Cobalt sighed dejectedly. “It doesn’t matter. He messed things up anyway.”

“Just how did I manage to mess something up?” Stone said, in mock indignation. “I confessed I like her romantically, I’m holding her, and she’s not protesting. What more could I have done?”

“When you tell somepony that you are falling in love with them, you’re supposed to kiss them fairly soon after,” Cadance pointed out.

“In his defense, that would be rather hard to do the way that we are laying right now,” Puca said. “This is just fine.”

“No, they’re right. You should get a kiss.” Stone kissed the top of her head, causing her ears to splay out.

“Stone!” Cobalt groaned.

“I don’t think that’s quite what they meant.” Puca looked up at Stone, pressing her horn against his nose as she tilted her head back.

“Really?” He kissed her horn, and Puca giggled. “Was that better?”

“Your brother’s a tease,” Cadance said.

“My brother’s hopeless,” groaned Cobalt.
> Finding Ways
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Grayson prodded Fierce’s paw with a talon. “Get up, you lazy hound. We’re in the Empire’s territory. It’s time for Cobalt to do his trick.”

Fierce grunted. “Give me a moment. The world has not come into focus quite yet. It still appears rather fuzzy.”

“That could be because Bonsmara has you held like a stuffed toy.”

“That is playing a part, I will admit. Her coat also adds to her luscious warmth, which I am hesitant to remove myself from.”

Bonsmara stirred, shook her head, groaned, and asked Grayson, “What is going on?”

“Nothing, I hope. Our changeling and pony friends didn’t come in last night, and I’m afraid we might have to pry them from the deck like popsicles stuck on a cold floor.”

“What a lovely image.” Fierce shifted in Bonsmara’s arms and gave her a peck on the cheek. “Good morning.”

She gave him a return kiss on the nose, while telling him, “Good morning to you too.”

“You two are beyond hopeless.” Grayson made his way up the stairs and to the hatch.

“He sounds worried,” Bonsmara said, as she released Fierce and got to her hooves.

“With Nightmares and windigos around, he has reason to be.”

Bonsmara led Fierce up the stairs. Stopping a few stairs below Grayson, she caught his lashing tail in her hand before it could strike her in the face. “Grayson, you need to tell your tail they are fine.”

Grayson looked over his shoulder to her. “Sorry about that.” His tail twitched in her grasp. “You can let go now.”

“Not till you get the hatch open, and we step on deck. This thing stings when it connects.”

Fierce reached up and fluffed the tufted end of Grayson’s tail. “You are supposed to catch tigers by the tail. I do not believe griffins count, particularly those with a lion’s tail.”

“I should have left you two asleep.” Grayson opened the hatch and peered out. “There is a magic bubble out there, which is a good sign. That it is half covered in snow and ice is not.” He led them out on the deck.

From inside the shield, Stone waved. “Good morning,” he silently said to them.

Bonsmara grinned. “They are so precious! It looks like a pile of ponies sleeping in a snow globe!”

Grayson poked at the shield as if to pop it, only to have his claw pass through. With an expression of surprise on his face, he waved his talon around in the sphere. “It’s warm in there.”

“Trapped body heat,” Fierce explained. “I have seen this spell before.”

Cobalt’s head appeared from the center of the bodies surrounding him. His mane was a mess and his eyes still held traces of slumber. He waved at the trio outside the bubble and yawned. He then put his head on Cadance’s wing, which was partially covering him, and gave them a contented smile.

“He looks cozy,” Fierce said.

“He looks adorable,” Bonsmara voiced.

“How do you pop this thing?” Grayson grumbled.

“I see that Puca and Stone are bundled together,” Fierce said, a teasing lilt to his voice.

“Leave them be,” Bonsmara chided.

“I have an idea.” Grayson reached into one of the pouches on his belt and drew out a magic nullifying stone. He touched the stone to the magical bubble. The bubble rippled violently from the point of contact, lost its blue coloring, and popped with an electrical crackle. Grayson smiled with malicious satisfaction. “That is going to be quite useful.”

Puca lifted her head from Stone’s shoulder. “What’s with the cold air?” She wiggled her ears and looked around, bleary eyed. As her eyes settled on Grayson, she snorted. “I should have known. Found a new toy didn’t you?”

“I did,” Grayson said, smiling and presenting the stone to her. “Looks like making direct contact with the stones can disrupt magic shields.”

Cadance tucked Cobalt closer to her. She did not open her eyes, as she told Grayson, “Five more minutes.”

After ducking under Cadance’s wing, Cobalt cuddled into her. “You’re a princess; you can order him to go away.”

“I wouldn’t listen,” Grayson said.

“For some reason I don’t doubt that.” Cadance raised her head. After studying Cobalt for a second, she smiled at him. “For somepony who didn’t want me to put them under my wing last night, you certainly seem to have changed your mind.”

“Shining is going to be jealous,” Fierce said.

Cobalt poked his head out from under his feathery blanket. “What do you mean?”

“You spent the night with his wife under the stars and he didn’t.”

Cobalt’s eyes slowly widened. He looked up at Cadance. “He’s going to throw me in the dungeon isn’t he?”

“I don’t think he’s the jealous type.” She put a hoof to her chin and acted as if in thought. “Though, you are the only other colt I’ve fallen asleep with my wing around. I’m not really sure how he will react to that.”

Cobalt blushed, even as he looked like his world was ending. “Yep, I’m going straight to the dungeon.”

“Do you really think he would be willing to get so jealous over me that he would put a colt in the dungeon?”

Cobalt nodded without hesitation.

“You really think that? Why?”

Ears folded back, Cobalt looked to Stone with a silent plea for aid.

“You’re in too deep for me to be able to help you now. Remember what Granddad taught us, and you should be fine.” Stone smirked. “If not, I’ll visit you in the dungeon when I can.”

“Thanks a lot.” Cobalt swallowed nervously as he looked back to Cadance.

“I’m waiting,” Cadance said, with a teasing smile.

“You’re pretty, warm, and give the best wing hugs.” Cobalt fidgeted, and looked away from her as he added, “You’re really brave and nice too.”

“Brave? Why do you say that?”

“You were going to fly into a storm and face windigos to get back to Shining and the ponies of the Empire. That’s brave.” Cobalt looked up, and his blush intensified. “I would get jealous over you too, if you were my special somepony.”

Cadence’s cheeks turned a darker shade of pink. “That’s quite a complement. I’ll be sure to have a talk with Shining, so you don’t end up in any trouble.”

Puca tried not to laugh, but let a couple of giggles out. “I think you have a fan, Princess.”

“I think it’s more of a crush,” Grayson said.

“A case of hero worship, or, in this case, heroine worship, I would say.” Bonsmara stooped over Cobalt up and ran a hand over his mane. “Pity I did not think to pack a brush.”

Grayson turned to Puca and Stone. Grinning like he had caught them in the middle of a crime, he made a show of looking at the cloak draped over them and rubbing his chin with a talon. “One blanket and two ponies, strikes me as being a bit cozy.”

“It was,” Puca said.

“I hope you behaved yourself as a proper stallion would,” Grayson said to Stone. “Especially considering that your brother and royalty were with you.”

“I did,” Stone assured.

Grayson looked to Cadance. “Can we take him at his word?”

Cadance shrugged. “I don’t know. I wasn’t awake most of the time.”

“So there is still potential for scandal,” Fierce said, earning him an elbow from Bonsmara.

“Stone’s too much of a stick in the mud for anything to have happened,” Cobalt said. “He wouldn’t even give her a real kiss.”

“Changing the subject, before this gets more awkward for me than it already is,” Stone said. “I saw a large flash of light not too long ago towards the north.” 

Cadance’s ears perked up. “What kind of flash?”

“It was big and white. It looked like someone had used a really powerful spell for a couple of seconds and then stopped. After the flash, there were streaks of color in the sky.”

“The Crystal Heart,” Cadance said, as if she had no doubt. “I don’t know if that is a good or bad sign. Sunburst was helping Shining learn how to activate the Stone’s powers on his own not too long ago. If he used it, I hope it wasn’t because he had no other choice than to try.”

“We’ll find out soon enough, one way or the other.” Grayson patted Cobalt on the head. “It’s time for you to do your compass act again.”

Cobalt stood and took a determined stance. “I’m ready.”


*****


“Signal me when to stop,” Freight said, as she steered the ship to starboard.

Cobalt tapped on her right foreleg, and Freight straightened the ship out. Cobalt, keeping his eyes closed, nodded, as the ship found its course. “That feels right.”

“That means they do not have their main camp right at the gateway, which should work in our favor,” Cadance said, while looking over the ship’s navigation chart. “The gateway is here and we’re here,” she said, pointing at the respective positions on the chart.

“Do you think that they found one of Sombra’s bolt holes?” Grayson asked.

“I hope not, but I have a feeling they have. We’ve done what we can to find Sombra’s lairs, clear them out, and seal them. If they did manage to find one that we missed, there is no telling what kind of artifacts or spells they might have gotten hold of.”

“We’re getting close,” Cobalt said. His eyes still closed, he turned his head as if listening for something.

“There isn’t anything but snow and hills for miles,” Stone said, looking out the ship’s cockpit canopy.

“We can’t trust our eyes on this one. The entrance to their hideout is sure to be hidden with some kind of spell.” Grayson nodded towards Cobalt. “It’s up to him to get us close.”

Cobalt pointed down and to his right. “They’re somewhere under there.”

“I’ll land us somewhere close, but not right one top of them.” Freight maneuvered the ship towards a relatively flat area near where Cobalt had indicated, and, with the help of her flight crew, set the ship down. “Lock everything up! Nothing and nopony that was not already on this ship gets on unless I say so!” 

A chorus of “yes ma’am” from the crew answered her.

Freight turned to a member of the Guard. “Starry, I have a task for you.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Starry said.

Freight put her hoof on Cobalt’s head. “This one does not leave this ship under any circumstance. Do I make myself clear?”

The stallion nodded. “Crystal, ma’am.”

Cobalt turned around, so that he faced Freight, and put a hoof over his heart. “I will not leave the ship. I promise.”

“Good colt.” 

Cadance moved to stand beside Freight and nodded towards Starry. “So he’s staying on board?”

“I am, Empress,” Starry said.

“Stone, could you come over here for a moment?” Cadance asked. As Stone approached, she directed him, “Stand by this stallion for a moment.”

Stone glanced at Starry, shrugged, and stood beside the guard. 

“I thought so. You two are about the same size.” Cadance said.

“I see where this is going,” Freight said. “Starry, strip.”

Starry gave her a disbelieving look. “Ma’am?”

“You heard me. I don’t care if you take it off fast, slow, or dance and make a production of unbuckling each strap, but you are coming out of that armor.”

Starry blushed and answered, “Yes ma’am.”

Cadance turned to Freight, looking shocked. “Don’t you have spare sets of armor?”

“Not on board, back at base we do.” Freight pointed to the near complete set of armor. “Well, Stone, are you going to put it on or not?”

“You’re sure?”

“I didn’t have him take if off just for the eye candy. Starry, if things turn bad, you grab Cobalt and get your and the flight crews’ flanks straight to the capital. No heroics, do you hear me?”

“Yes, ma’am.” Starry broke his professional demeanor and gave Freight a grateful, worried smile. “Thank you, ma’am, but part of me says that I should be with you out there.”

Freight hugged Starry around the neck. “If the horse apples hit the fan, you get home to your family, no matter what. Promise me you will.”

Starry hugged her back. “I will.”

As Stone picked up the first piece of armor, Chart’s voice came from the hold of the ship, “We have incoming, and they’re not ours!”

Freight released Starry and ran towards the hatch. “What are we dealing with?!”

“Two unicorns, they look like they’re dragging something between them!”

Cadance quickly followed Freight through the hatch to the aft of the ship. “I’ll take point. Guard to me!”

Freight patted Stone on the shoulder. “Looks like you won’t have time to get geared up. Come on.”

Cobalt urged Stone, “Be careful.”

“I’ll will. I promise.”


*****


“Halt!” Cadance shouted down from the ship’s deck and through the falling show to the vague shapes approaching the ship. “State your intentions!”

The shapes paused. “We wish to parlay!” one of the figures called. “We have sick unicorns and wasting companions here! We are unarmed and do not wish violence!”

“Approach!” she called to them.

The figures came closer to the ship and became recognizable through the falling snow. Moon Dancer and Lemon Drops drew Minuette, who was unresponsive, on a makeshift litter towards the ship. The effects of Nightmare possession marked all three of them, making them taller and altering their natural coloring in striking ways. 

“Medics!” Freight shouted into the ship. “We have a pony down! Stone, looks like you’re going to be in action sooner than we expected!”

“Keep your guard up,” Puca said to Stone, as he moved past her and out the hold’s loading doors.

Cadance moved to greet the Nightmares ahead of the others. “I speak for the Crystal Empire and Equestria. We ask that you surrender yourselves peacefully.”

“We gladly do so.” Lemon Drops said. “We have all but exhausted our powers and our strength. The unicorns too, have given their utmost. We must find alternate sources of nourishment posthaste, or we endanger their and our lives.”

“I’m the solution to that,” Stone said stepping forward. “I will able to hold you.”

Lemon Drops turned to Stone and regarded him before asking, “Are you willing to host us all?”

“If you need me to, I will.”

“We do. However, such a thing would not be without risk to you. We have never joined with an earth pony or pegasus before. We cannot guarantee that we will not drain you too swiftly. We are fourteen of our number, and our former compatriots sapped us of a good deal of our strength before allowing us to depart.”

“We’ve got that covered.” Grayson stepped forward, a feed bag and a heavy satchel of gems clutched in his talon. “He keeps eating, and so do you.”

“Where did you get a feed bag?” Stone asked, appearing a bit disturbed. “Why does anypony here have a feed bag?”

“From me, from our supplies,” Freight answered. “It’s a standard medical device that we keep handy.” She grinned. “I thought of it last night, after hearing about the plan.”

Stone gave Grayson an unamused look. “I take it you liked the idea.”

“I’m the one holding the thing aren’t I?”

“Time is short,” Lemon Drops said. “We will inhabit you first, and then we will draw our companions from Minutte.” Lemon Drops moved so close to Stone that he drew his head back to keep from touching noses with her. “Steel yourself.”

A dark form poured from Lemon Drop’s eyes, nose, and open mouth. Stone, looking apprehensive, opened his own mouth and allowed the Nightmares to flow into his body. After the last traces of the Nightmare vanished from sight, he closed his eyes and shuddered. He held head between his forehooves and moaned.

“Stone!” Cadance yelled.

“Give them a moment.” Moon Dancer barred anyone from approaching Stone by putting herself between him and those moving to help him. “The first blending can be difficult, if the host has a strong will.”

“He does,” Puca stated.

Stone shook himself as if trying to dry his coat and smiled. “We are doing well now. Having the breath knocked from you mentally is the best way to describe how it feels. While not painful in the truest sense, it is intensely uncomfortable. It will not be as trying a process from this point on.”

Puca took a step back from him. “You’re not the same pony.”

“No, we are not. We will not be the same after the others have joined us as well. We will be a new individual each time. We would like to join you in your efforts to stop our fellow Nightmares, if you would have us.”

“Can we trust you?”

“A valid question, but you need not fear. We sought to use the portal, but in our efforts to do so it has become apparent how dangerous a proposition of unsealing it would be. Those still in sanctuary might bring about the end of us all if they succeed.”

“The other Nightmare’s told us you planned to use the portal to bring the Nightmares from the moon here or unleash the Umbras and strike a deal with them.”

“So they yet live.” Stone appeared relieved. “We feared that our spat and the resulting tussle had drained them too much for them to survive. As to our plan to open the portal for our brethren or the Umbras, we few that left those still in Sombra’s sanctuary have come to realize that the Nightmares we fought with previously were right in that doing so would most likely culminate in the destruction of this world and the very beings we need to exist. The other’s feel that such a doom could be avoided, but we are of the mind that entertaining the possibility is too great a risk. For our change in outlook, the others drained a good portion of our strength and turned us out into the snow. We have not been long in our trek to the capital when you arrived.” Stone bowed to Cadance. “Empress, we offer our determination, our knowledge, and our strength to end this shared threat.” 

“We would greatly appreciate the help,” Cadance said.

“Then you shall have our aid.” Stone approached Moon Dancer and drew in the Nightmares from her. He then knelt down to Minuette and stroked her mane with a hoof. “She has done so much for us. Using her talents in time magic, she slowed the ill effects that being away from our home cause us. We pray that she has not injured herself irreparably on our behalf.” Stone put his mouth near Minuette’s and took the Nightmares from her into himself.

“Good thing he didn’t get the chance to put that armor on,” Freight said to Cadence. “It would have torn off him, big as he is now.”

When Stone regained his hooves, he stood as tall as Bonsmara. “It seems we will have to acclimate to this form.” 

“Feeling a bit uncoordinated?” Bonsmara asked. “You are quite a bit larger.”

“While gaining in stature is playing a part, the experience of being male is novel to us. Till now, our hosts have been female. This body, while similar, is different enough to cause us to focus on each movement. This ungainliness should pass swiftly.”

Freight snickered and said, “Being a stallion after being a mare would take some getting used to.”

“Stone, is that you?” Cobalt’s question, while not spoken loudly, cut through the wind with its tone of concern. He stood beside Starry, at the opening of the ship’s hold, who had donned his armor again. Cobalt glanced at Starry, then Freight, then Stone, as if torn by an inner debate.

“You can see him off,” Freight said. “Make it quick, though.”

Cobalt dashed into the snow, but its depth kept him from making progress.

Stone, with a couple of unsteady strides, met Cobalt. “We are fine. Your brother is safe.”

Cobalt started to reach up for a hug, paused, and then dropped his hooves back down. “I know you’re you’re not Stone, but he’s in there somewhere. Promise me that you’re going to bring him back.”

“We can do no such thing. While our fellow Nightmares are not at the height of their strength, they remain formidable.”

“I want to go with you.”

“You cannot and should not, as well you know.”

“I know and I’ll keep my promise to stay here.” Cobalt sniffed. “When we were going into the Everfree and the Castle of Sisters, I wasn’t scared like I am now. Knowing that he is doing something dangerous and not being able to go is so much worse.”

“You are a brave, noble soul. Return to Starry, keep warm, and do not worry overmuch about us.” Stone looked over his shoulder and nodded towards the others. “We are in good company.”

Starry stepped from the ship and put Cobalt on his back. “Chart and I will show him around the ship’s bridge. That will help him keep his mind off of things.”

“We need to go,” Grayson said.

“We shall serve as your guide.” Stone moved in the direction the unicorn’s had come from. “Have the main force follow us at a distance. The other Nightmares may have devised traps since our departure.”

“Come back safe!” Cobalt called, his voice breaking. Cobalt gasped and swallowed, fighting back tears, as the departing ponies outlines faded into gray of the falling snow. 

Starry looked over his shoulder. “Come on little guy, let’s go back inside. Standing here in the snow and getting cold isn’t going to change anything.”

“Do you think they’ll be all right?”

Starry took a deep breath, before answering, “If the other Nightmares are as reasonable as the ones that turned themselves in, I think so.”

“What if they aren’t?”

“I don’t know.”


*****


Fierce stared at Stone, who was chewing a mouthful of gems from the feedbag, with amazement. “You gobbled down two whole bags of gems as if they were nothing more than a snack.”

Stone paused and reached up to take the feedbag off. He fumbled with the straps, unable to loosen them from his head.

“Let me help.” Puca took to wing and carefully helped Stone remove the feedbag. “There you go.” As she landed and met his eyes, she looked away from him.

“Thank you.” Stone hooked a hoof into the opening of the feedbag, keeping her from leaving. “Puca, look at us, please.” Her ears folded back, she turned to Stone, but did not look at him. “What is causing you to fret so?”

Not meeting Stone’s eyes, she asked, “How much will he change?”

“If he does change, it would be all but inconsequential. We could compare the experience of Sharing with us to having a deep conversation with another for a long period. While both parties remain the same individual, the information given can affect them deeply only if allowed to.”

“Changelings can do something similar, and it does not affect our personalities. Knowing the same thing happens with you helps.”

Stone looked at her, seeming to ponder something.

“What is it?”

“You stated that we were not the same individual after Stone became our host. Cobalt said much the same and would not embrace us. Could you sense Stone as an individual among us?”

“I don’t know.”

“Make an attempt. It may prove pivotal, if we can somehow use the fact that the host remains their own entity to our advantage. Rarity was able to remove herself from our influence due to the strength of her bonds with her friends. We may be able to encourage or force such a separation, if we apply the right stratagem.”

Puca closed her eyes. After a few seconds of concentration, she shook her head. “I think I might be feeling him, but it’s real vague.”

“Move it, you big lummox,” Grayson said, coming from behind and prodding Stone in the back. “It’s too cold to sit still, and we’ve only a little bit left before we get there. We can’t stop for you two to talk.”

“Afford us this moment. She may provide us the key to subduing our fellow Nightmares.”

Grayson’s tail lashed. “We have to reach the Nightmares before we can do anything to them. Besides, they might be cracking open the portal while we sit here.”

“Even with the fear we siphoned from the ponies of the Empire they lack the power to force the gateway open. They will have to manage a more artful solution, which will take time.”

“So the windigos were your doing after all.” Cadance said, landing close to where the friends had gathered.

“We were at our limits and needed sustenance for us and our hosts to survive. We reasoned that employing windigos would arouse fear without being directly harmful, summoned them to menace the capitol, and used a spell to draw the fear they inspired to us. While it was ultimately unsuccessful in giving us the power we needed to succeed in our plan, the gambit saved our lives. Had they not been repelled by somepony, things could have turned out quite differently.”

“That makes me feel a little better,” Cadance said, as she joined them. “If I had to bet, it was my Shining and the Crystal Heart that drove off the windigos.”

“Judging by the amount of power that was displayed, I would agree that would be a safe assumption.” Stone looked to Puca, who was still deep in concentration. “Do not tire yourself. It was a mere theory.”

“What was the theory?” asked Cadance.

“Rarity proved that hosts have the potential to reject us Nightmares. We may be able to use that in some way, if we can isolate the host’s mind. She is able to sense Stone within us, but not with sufficient clarity to form a stratagem on how to use it to our advantage.”

“I know he’s there,” Puca said, through clenched teeth. “I just can’t pick him out!”

Cadance’s looked as if she had been struck with inspiration. “If you can’t reach Stone that way, we’ll get him to react to you. Give him a hug.”

Puca opened her eyes and stared at Cadance. “What?!”

“I’m sure Stone will sure to react to you hugging him, after seeing you two last night. Go on.”

Stone sat as still as his namesake, as Puca hugged him. “I’m feeling something.” She put her head against his chest. “He’s there, no doubt about it.”

“Let me try something.” Cadance’s horn lit as she surrounded Stone with her magic. “There you are!”

Stone shook his head as if trying to get rid of an annoying insect. “Cease! You are making it difficult to maintain the bond between Stone and us!”

Cadance’s smile grew, as she ended the flow of magic. “I tried using a variation on the spell that I use to help those having relationship problems. It focuses on the connections between individuals to make them stronger.”

“So using your magic on a pony taken by Nightmare’s to strengthen their bond with someone else you can draw out their personalities from the mixture.” Grayson snorted and shook his head. “Leave it to ponies to make a weapon of warm fuzzies.”

“I foresee an issue with this,” said Stone. “She has to be in contact for it to work.”

“Maybe not, we’ll see. Puca, take a couple of steps back. I want you to try something.”

Puca took a couple of from Stone. Cadance moved to her side and whispered in Puca’s ears. “Ready?”

Puca nodded. “Ready.”

Cadance surrounded Stone with her magic again. “Now, give it a shot.”

Puca changed her form so that she appeared as Cobalt. Using Cobalt’s voice, she pleaded, “Stone, don’t’ leave me here!” She shrunk down into the snow, looking pityful. “Please, let me come with you!”

Stone fell to the snow and pawed at his head. “Release us! This is maddening!”

Cadance stopped her magic. “That’s what we needed to know. If we know who the pony holds dear, Puca and I can reach them emotionally and force the Nightmare’s out.”

Puca shifted back to her true form and moved to Stone’s side. She put a hoof on his shoulder. “Are you okay?! That felt nasty.”

Stone rolled to his belly. “That was most unpleasant, but we were not injured.” Even while on the ground, his head was near to being on level with Puca’s. “You did well in using Cobalt. Leaving his brother behind upset Stone, despite knowing it was the prudent choice.”

“I hope that I can do as well with the others.”

“Of that we have no doubt. Let us speak of their feelings towards one another.” Stone stood, shook the snow from his coat, and took point again. He motioned for the others to follow. “We may be able to deduce what could be the most effective emotional triggers for them and what our stratagem will entail.”

“If I were to guess, a frontal assault with the guard is out of the question,” Fierce said.

Stone nodded. “The entrance to cavern will only allow for a couple of ponies to pass through at a time without risking an ambush that would wipe out a tightly drawn group.”

“So it’s just a cavern?” Grayson took to the air, hovered, and shook his paws and talons free of snow. “That will help.”

“I should clarify. The initial cavern is natural, but the chambers beyond were constructed by Sombra.”

“Not good.”

“The chambers house no weapons or traps. They were a place of rest and study for Sombra, when he was trying to open the portal for the Umbra’s himself. There were remnants of some of his experiments with crystal magic as well, but they were not meant for war.”

“I knew that we had to have missed a couple of his workshops,” Candance said, sounding bitter. “Sunburst even said there had to be a hooffull still scattered around, since Sombra’s notes alluded to locations we knew we never found.”

“The tomes held in this particular collection were connected to the portal but were not the main body of his work, from what we could discern.” Stone turned to Cadance. “What do you know of Sunburst’s relationship with Starlight?”

“I know that he has a crush on her and has for a while. I think it may be turning serious. Why?”

“We suspected as much. Starlight’s feelings for him are well known to us. She harbors a good deal of affection for him. We can use their feelings for each other to loosen my fellow Nightmares’ hold on them.”

Grayson pulled out one of the magic nullifying stones. “What about Trixe?”

“We are not certain, since she is not certain.” Stone turned his head and looked, as Grayson poked him in the side with one of the magic shielding stones. “Pray tell, what is it that you are hoping to accomplish?”

“I take it that didn’t do anything,” Grayson said.

“Beyond being somewhat irksome, it had no effect on us.”

Grayson guffawed and returned the stone to its pouch. “I was hoping that it would mess with your connection with Stone.”

“Our bond is of a different nature. It cannot be disrupted by such an instrument. An inspired notion, though.”

“Back to Trixie, what did you mean that she is not certain?” Cadance said.

“She does not know which she has more affection for. She formed a bond with Starlight, who introduced her to Sunburst. Afterward, she grew to like him as well. Her jealously of what Sunburst and Starlight have between them being what she wants from either of them compounds the issue.”

Grayson’s wing beats paused long enough that he had to make a couple of quick wing beats to keep from dropping into the snow. “Are you saying what I think you’re saying?”

“She would be more than willing to enter a relationship with either of them,” Stone said, sounding certain. “Perhaps even with both. She has entertained the idea more than once.”

“What do mean, ‘both’?” asked Grayson.

“Surely the notion of two members of the same gender being together is not novel to you,” Fierce said. “We’ve encountered it in our travels more than once, and you never batted an eye at it.”

“I don’t think the idea of the genders involved is what is foreign to him,” Cadance said. “Griffins are natural monogamists. They form a bond on a very deep level with one other and will never take another lover so long as their mate is alive.”

“We were unaware of that,” Stone said. “Considering you are the Princess of Love, it comes as no surprise to us that you knew such. Does Trixie’s feeling the way she does have something to do with the herding practices that ponies used to do?”

Cadance giggled. “The ‘herding’ arrangement between ponies is still done, occasionally. The tradition has died out, for the most part. Life has become easier and having an extended family under one roof, blood related or not, is not as important for survival as it once was. And since mares still outnumber stallions by a good margin, there are a number of mares who do not have a preference as to either gender or form relationships with other mares exclusively.”

“Thus, her feelings may not be as easy to manipulate since she does not have a true focal point for them,” Stone said.

“Quite the opposite,” Cadance assured. “It means that she has not comes to terms with what she is feeling and wants and will be all the more vulnerable. While I hate that she suffering, it may be the weak point that we need to reach her.”

“We will defer to you expertise in the matter.” Stone nodded towards a rise in the distance. “We draw close to our destination. We should address the more practical aspects of our assault, before we are on our foe’s threshold.”

“From your tone, I take it you have a plan,” Bonsmara said.

“I will enter first. I know the layout of the cavern and Sombra’s chambers. If we face resistance, due to us inhabiting this body, there is little chance of injury to us due to a direct blow of a physical nature. Directly behind me will be Puca, who can change to the form most likely to emotionally impact our foe.”

“I will be right behind her,” Cadance supplied.

“That would be prudent. Grayson, Bonsmara, and Fierce will follow after.”

“What about the Guard?” asked Puca.

“They may follow us into the cavern, no further. While not devoid of space, the rooms that Sombra crafted would not allow for a full force to enter and fight effectively.” Stone’s voice turned grim, as he added, “They would also need to make ready to carry any wounded back to the ship as swiftly as possible or cover our retreat, if things take an ill turn, which would require the room available in the cavern.”

“Sisters forbid it comes to that,” Cadance said.

“There.” Stone pointed a hoof towards what appeared to be a sharp incline in the hill they had been walking up. “While it lies beneath an illusion, this is the entrance. All need to make ready. Once we enter, events will unfold swiftly and perhaps violently.”

“I’ll tell Freight and the guard about our plan. We should be ready in a couple of minutes.”

As Cadance made her way to the guard, Bonsmara approached Stone. “Hold still.” She put a crude necklace bearing one of the stones that Rarity had woven into wire on Stone, making a quick adjustment to its strap so that the necklace fitted well. “There we go. Give me a moment.” She then tied another of the stones to his tail using a small loop of the same thread. “You can thank the medics for the thread, after all this is all over.”

“Thank you. While we could bear many a physical blow that would otherwise prove fatal, this will be of great aid, if negotiations fail and magic is wielded against us.”

“I have no doubt they will,” Grayson said.  

“We must ask of you a favor.” He looked to each of the adventurers. “If things do take a foul turn, let us bear the brunt of their ire. We can withstand their assaults and drain their strength so that you can make good your escape.”

Bonsmara stepped forward and caught Stone’s snout between her hands. Looking into his eyes, she told him, “We do not leave anyone behind.”

“We are not of you. We offer ourselves to you for atonement for our actions. Allow us this.”

“Stone is one of us,” Fierce said. “We have stood against danger side by side.”

“Stone and we are of the same mind. We would give our liv-”

Bonsmara shifted her hands so they grasped Stones ears and pulled him close so that her nose touched his. “I have lost loved ones to foolish, self-sacrificing heroics before. I do not care what happens to the Nightmares in there. They can burn or freeze in the depths of Tartarus, for all that I care. You are coming home with the rest of us. Mark my words, if I have to, I will knock you senseless and drag you back to Ponyville myself!”

Fierce put a paw on Bonsmara’s shoulder. “Love, let him go.”

She shook Stone’s head slightly. “I am not taking your lifeless body home to be mourned because of some idiotic sense of honor! Do you hear me, Stone?! I will not do that to Cobalt and your parents!”

Ears still in Bonsmara’s grasp, Stone slowly nodded. “We know of your nightmares over what you suffered, having enhanced and fed from many of them ourselves.” Stone reached up and gently removed Bonsmara’s hands from his ears and held them with his hooves. “We Nightmares swear we shall leave Stone and fight ourselves so that you can return him to his loved ones, if need demands.”

“We,” Candace said firmly. “We can return him. You Nightmares included.”

Still holding to Bonsmara’s hands, Stone bowed slightly to Cadance. “We it shall be then.” He released Bonsmara and walked towards the rise. “Close your eyes as you enter; doing so will negate the illusion’s influence.” He took two more steps and vanished.

“I’m next,” Grayson announced. “Every couple of seconds, someone else follow.” He untied a couple of pouches from his belt and gave them to Cadance. “Have the Guard tuck these in their armor. One stone near their chest, one near their tails. They will shield their wearers from magic.”

Cadance looked up from the bag and gave Grayson a confused look. “Why are you giving these to me now?”

Grayson grinned. “I didn’t want Stone to know that they had been passed out to the guard, in case he turns on us. Also, keep the guard out here. If we need them, we can call them in. I don’t want things to get so crowded in there that we can’t move, if things get ugly.” Grayson turned, walked towards the rise and vanished into the illusion.

“We go together.” Fierce moved to Bonsmara’s side and took her hand.

She let out a happily exasperated sigh. “Even with the world hanging in the balance, you are ever the romantic.” She walked with Fierce towards the rise and then paused. “I am going to close my eyes. If the spell affects me like flying, I do not want to enter a fight with my stomach rolling.”

He lifted her hand and kissed the back of it. “I shall be your ears, eyes, and nose.”

“Wait, stay with me for a bit longer,” Cadance said. “I have an idea and I’m going to need you two to pull it off.”

Bonsmara turned back to Cadance and raised an eyebrow. “I take it Grayson was not the only one who was planning in secret. We must make this quick and catch up to them.”

“We’ll be right behind them. Besides, those two can handle themselves and we will need a little distance between them and us for this to work.” Cadance tossed the pouch of stones to Freight, who caught it in her hooves. “Have these split up among the Guard. They act as shields against magic.”

“I heard him.” Freight opened the pouch and peered inside. “If we don’t have enough to go around, those that don’t get them will stay outside if we are called in.”

“Thank you.” Cadance turned back to the adventurers. “There is going to have to be more luck involved with this plan than I would like, but as long as we can isolate one of them, I think it might work.”

“I am intrigued,” Fierce said. “What did you have in mind?”

Cadance told them of her plan.

Fierce grinned. “Manipulative, unexpected, and wickedly clever, you could ask for nothing more of a drama, much less an attack.”

“It does sound like we will be putting on a production of sorts.” Bonsmara sighed. “It leaves much to chance, but I think we can make it work.” She turned to Puca. “You are going to linchpin in all of this. What do you think? ”

“Let’s do it,” Puca said.

“I hope that you are a quick study,” Cadance said, projecting an image into the air using her magic.

“Don’t’ worry. I’m a Changeling, being quick studies is part of what we do.”
> Struggles
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 13

“Those are not the hooffalls of a Changeling behind us,” Stone said, without turning his head.

“You’ve got good ears.” With a fluid leap, his back just missing the low ceiling of the tunnel, Grayson landed on Stone’s back. “Come, my faithful steed. We ride to war.”

“You are no gallant knight.”

“And you’re no horse, even if you’re about the right size right now.” Grayson patted Stone’s shoulder. “We’ll just have to fake it.”

Stone snorted. “We doubt any act we could muster would convince anyone. The tunnel is about to open up. Make yourself ready.”

Grayson freed his mace from his belt. “Will there be enough room for me to fly?”

“The cavern is about the same size as the entry chamber to Twilight’s castle, but the ceiling is lower.”

“So, there’s limited flight paths to attack from.”

“Quite. Be mindful of the stalactites, if you do take to wing.”

“Shouldn’t it be dark by now? We’re too far from the entrance for light to reach this far.”

“I would surmise we are expected and they were considerate enough to keep the lighting spells active.”

“No chance to the element of surprise for us then.”

“None whatsoever,” Stone grimly stated, as he moved into the cavern with caution. While somewhat spacious, the cavern’s floor was rough and uneven. Unevenly spaced stalagmites and stalactites created barriers and stone curtains that hindered sight across the cavern.

“Horse apples,” Grayson muttered. “You couldn’t ask for a more defensive spot.”

“Curious.” Sunburst stepped into sight, from behind a cluster of stone spires. The Nightmares’ influence had increased his height beyond that of a typical unicorn stallion and added darker streaks to his mane and tail, giving him a regal appearance. “We assumed that you would return, having used up your strength in the vain effort to save the pony. We did not envision you inhabiting a new host and carrying a griffin on your back when you made your way back to us.”

Grayson smiled and shrugged nonchalantly. “Life can take odd turns like that. By the way, the pony and her friends are doing just fine.”

“You and the ponies are insignificant,” Sunburst stated, waving a dismissive hoof at Grayson. “Remain silent, you malformed beast. We would speak with our brethren without you cawing like a sickened crow.”

Grayson feathers fluffed, as he spread his wings and stood on Stone’s back. “You greasy fart of a parasite! I’ll show you who is insignificant!”

“Hold,” Stone said to Grayson, turning his head just enough to look at him. He cut his eyes back towards Sunburst. “Surely you have deduced that we did not come without allies.”

“We did and we know that others have entered our sanctuary with you.” Sunburst sneered. “It matters not.”

“There is an alternative to being removed from the board like a sacrificial pawn. As you can see, this pony has the means to ensure our survival for quite a time. Come peaceably, help us gather the others, and we can all leave here peaceably. The ponies intend to send us back to the moon and do not wish to harm us.”

“If we succeed, we shall have the same without the ponies controlling our source of power.”

“We offer a surety; you cannot say the same.”

“That is risk we are willing to accept, as you well know.” Sunburst’s horn flared. “We shall grant you one chance. Flee or be ended.”

Stone reared and let loose a challenging neigh. As Stone rose, Grayson tumbled from Stone’s back and landed on his paws and talons then scurried behind a stone column.

“What do you expect to gain from a frontal assault?!” Sunburst dropped his head and let loose a stream of power towards the charging earth pony. The spell parted around Stone as if pushed apart by an unseen wedge. Sunburst managed to raise his head in shock, as Stone struck him.

“We expect to end this contest swiftly!” Pressing the advantage, Stone pummeled Sunburst with a series of well-placed blows.

After throwing up a barrier around himself, Sunburst shook his head and steadied himself. “Your host came prepared it would seem.”

Grayson silently approached Sunburst from behind, holding one of the magical nullifying stones in front of him. As the stone contacted the barrier around Sunburst, the spell failed and splintered into sparks. With a swing of his mace, Grayson took Sunburst’s hind legs out from under him. “He’s not the only one who came ready to kick your flank!”

Sunburst snarled, turned toward Grayson, and let loose a burst of magical power.

Grayson lithely dodged the blast, but shards from a stone formation shattered by the bolt of energy struck him. With a pained yowl, Grayson ducked from sight.

Stone tackled Sunburst and struck him repeatedly. “Yield and we shall grant mercy!”

“This shall be to the death!” Sunburst kicked up with all four of his legs, launching Stone from him.

“You’ll be the one to die, if you keep this up!” Grayson yelled, concealed in the cavern’s stone formations.

“So be it, so long as the others accomplish our task!” Sunburst rolled and got to his hooves. “Even with the earth pony’s strength bolstering our traitorous kin, you cannot overcome us!”

“Then it is good thing I am here.” As Sunburst turned to face her, Bonsmara lunged from her concealment and caught the side of his head with a blow from her shield then brought the flat of her ax down on his shoulders, driving him to his knees. “I will make up for the deficiency.”

Sunburst swung his head in an attempt to pierce Bonsmara. She defected his attach with her shield and struck his head with the flat of her ax. Grunting in pain, he let loose a spherical burst of power from the tip of his horn that surrounded him and then pushed out with considerable force, sending her staggering back.

“So you can do more than bluster.” Bonsmara grinned and struck the side of her shield with her ax. “Get up. I want to see what else you can do.”

Stone moved to Bonsmara’s side. “Again, we beseech you to surrender. We will be taking the unicorn with us, whether you inhabit his body or no.”

“Sunburst! Help me!”

Fierce dragged Starlight into view as if coming from deeper in the cavern, using a roughly made halter and crude set of reins. “I told you to keep your yap shut!” He pulled on the reins, jerking her head and directing Starlight towards the cavern’s exit. “Quit dragging your hooves or I will give you reason to move! Twilight said that we were to bring you back to answer for betraying Equestria, she did not say what shape you had to be in when we presented you to her!”

“You filthy, misbegotten cur, how dare you?!” Ignoring Stone and Bonsmara, Sunburst stalked towards Fierce. “What have you done to our kindred?! That pony is ours! If you do not let the pony go and answer us, we shall flay you alive!”

A streak of blue magic lanced from between a series of stalactites and engulfed Sunburst.

“Marvelous shot!” Bonsmara cheered.

Still held within the spell, Sunburst bellowed in pain and thrashed on the cavern’s floor. Wrapping his forelegs around his head, he curled into a ball, went still, and screamed, “Get out of my head!”

The Nightmares flowed from Sunbust and were trapped within the boundaries of the spell surrounding him. The barrier shifted, dragging the Nightmares away from Sunburst and releasing him from its confines.

Stone stood before towards the roiling mass of Nightmares. “We cannot risk you blending with us and influencing Stone. We had hoped that you would see reason and see violence avoided. As things stand, we will have to decide on another means to confine you.”

Sunburst unsteadily got to his hooves and fixed Fierce with a furious gaze. “I don’t know who that is, but if you don’t get the halter off her this instant I’ll follow through with what the Nightmare’s promised!”

Fierce dropped the reigns, held his paws up, and took a step away from the false Starlight. “Steady on there, lad, it was just an act! This is Puca, a changeling, and good friend of mine! I would not hurt her for the world!” 

Puca closed the distance between her and Sunburst and hugged him. “It’s alright.” She stroked a hoof down his neck and to his shoulders. “I’m fine. He didn’t hurt me. I volunteered for this, so don’t be angry at him.”

Using his magic, Sunburst removed the halter from her and tossed it away. He reached up and touched her cheek with a hoof and choked back a sob. “You look and sound just like her. For a second, when he had you and pulled on the reigns…” He dropped his head to her shoulder and let his tears fall. “You gave me enough focus to fight them and throw them off their concentration, but, feeling their fury too, I nearly lost myself to the anger. Celestia above, I’m furious, happy, and scared out of my mind all at the same time.”

“I’m sorry we had to use the image of the one you care for like this,” she said.

“I understand and I’m not really mad at you. I’m just mentally exhausted from fighting them. I’ve been trying to get loose for…” He paused, chuckled, and shook his head. “You know, I don’t have a clue how long it’s been.”

“It is interesting that you managed to free the pony from us,” a rich, feminine voice said, from the far end of the cavern. “Let us even the score.” 

A burst of purple magic ruptured the spell holding the Nightmares. Starlight Glimmer, taller and bearing the markings of being taken by the Nightmares, took bold strides towards the group. After coalescing into a shadowy mass, the Nightmares flew towards the true Starlight. She paused and took the Nightmares within her. Her eyes remained closed as she tilted her head slightly and appeared to be listening to speaker that only she could hear.

“Not good,” Puca said. “I’m not feeling a pony in there at all.”

Opening her eyes, Starlight gave Puca a contemptuous look. “We do not know whether to be flattered or disgusted that you used our likeness to distract the host pony. We will make this offer but once: take him and leave. Elsewise, we will break you and feed on every morsel of fear that we can bleed from you before you perish.”

Sunburst moved away from Puca, towards Starlight. “Starlight, I know you’re in there! Fight them!” 

“Your pleas move us not. We have subdued her utterly. Her lingering guilt and numerous insecurities make her much more manageable than you.” Starlight leaned forward, smiling in a cruel, predatory fashion. “She is ours, body and soul!” She raised a barrier, just before Cadance’s spell struck her from the side. Starlight turned her head and smirked. “There you are. We wondered where the spell user was. That leaves us to find where the wounded one slunk off to.”

Cadance stepped from her hiding spot. “You know you cannot defeat us. I am an alicorn, one of the most powerful beings in Equestra. We have Stone with us as well, who is more than a match for you on his own. If you come with us willingly, we will do all in our power to make sure you get home.”

“A match for us?” Starlight laughed. “We are many times removed from Sunburst. He struggles to cast spells that we consider trifling.” She glanced towards Stone and released a ball of magical energy which floated towards him with an ominous electrical hissing. “Even with our fellows using all their powers to keep him from being rendered into a bloody smear, this will end their dirt pony host.”

“Move away from us!” Stone shouted. The others had a split second to react, before Stone was swallowed by an expanding sphere of destructive power. The sphere lingered for a brief time and then faded. Stone, standing in a shallow bowl carved out by the spell blinked a couple of times and then shivered as if he had just plunged into ice water. “That was an interesting sensation, but we would rather not experience it again.”

“That should have turned you to pulp!” Starlight fumed. Her eyes suddenly going wide, Starlight whinnied, kicked out her hind legs and then let loose a beam of power over her shoulder.

“You missed, and I didn’t,” Grayson declared, “so much for your vaunted superiority!”

Starlight looked to her flank, where three throwing knives had found their marks. “You insult us.” Using her magic, she pulled the blades from her. “Observe, you simpleton, there is nary a drop of blood. We heal so that such annoyances do not do so much as make a mark.”

“Good to hear!” Grayson mocked, as he hovered near the cavern’s ceiling, partially shielded by a stalactite. “I didn’t want them to get stained anyway! Those are from my favorite set!” 

“I must assume that you have the same protection that the dirt pony has or you would not be so flippant.” With a burst from her horn, Starlight shattered several of the nearby stone formation and levitated the resulting hundreds of shards so they formed a circle around her. “Since using spells directly against you seems to be futile, I will take your cowardly attack as inspiration and butcher you all with base instruments!”

“Horse apples!” Grayson barely dodged the stone fragments Starlight sent towards him, ducking behind the stalactite he had been close to. 

Cadence raised a barrier as Starlight sent several of the stones in her direction at the same time she assaulted Grayson. “Everyone scatter! I can’t shield you and me at the same time with as much force as she is putting behind those things!”

“Here dog, catch!” Starlight sent a burst of shards towards Fierce. Bonsmara stepped in front of him, putting her shield before the stones. The shield held against the stones and protected her and Fierce’s upper bodies, several of the fragments hit her legs, causing her to cry out in pain.

“Bonsmara!” Fierce tucked an arm around her and helped her stay upright.

Stone charged Starlight, who sent a stream of shards his way.

Sunburst formed a magical shield in front of Stone, allowing the juggernaut to continue his assault.

“Can you guard yourself as well?!” Not taking her eyes from Stone, Starlight sent a flurry of projectiles towards Sunburst.

Puca embraced Sunburst from the side and used a green wedge of power to divert the attack. “Keep shielding Stone!”

Running through the hovering circle of shards, receiving a number of cuts to his face, chest, and legs as he did so, Stone slammed into Starlight and knocked her from her hooves. He attempted to pin her, but landed on top of her at a poor angle.

“Remove yourself from me you savage!” Starlight stabbed forward with her horn, slicing from Stone’s shoulder to his ribs.

Drawing a hissing breath, Stone adjusted his position so that a foreleg was braced against Starlight’s throat, keeping her from reaching him with her horn. Even pinned, Starlight struck him in the shoulders and ribs and tried to kick him off her. While her attacks were vicious and well placed, each consecutive blow lacked a portion of the strength of the previous.

Between pained grunts, Stone called out, “We could use some assistance!”

“You have it!” Fierce quickly approached the struggling ponies and deftly slipped a limiter ring down Starlight’s horn. “Get away from her, Stone!”

After giving Fierce an uncertain look, Stone rolled off of Starlight and put distance between him and her.

“That was foolish.” Starlight said, lingering on the floor. “We shall still overcome you all.”

“Get to your hooves.” Stone tapped his blade against the pads of free hand. “If you test my patience, I will make what I am about to do much more unpleasant for you.”

With noticeable effort, Starlight got to her hooves.

“You seem to favor edged weapons. As fate would have it, so do I.” He saluted her with his sword. “You wounded my love. For that, I challenge you.”

“Your hubris will cause your demise.”

With a growl and a motion almost too quick to follow, Fierce struck her across muzzle with his blade, leaving her with a startled look and an angry welt. “It is not hubris, if one can back it up.”

“We shall test that!” Starlight awkwardly lunged, leveling her horn as if to run Fierce through.

Fierce parried the attack; side stepped, and cuffed her with the hilt of his sword. “First blood goes to me!”

Starlight drunkenly lashed at Fierce with her horn. “Who draws last blood is what matters in these things. Besides, as you can see, your attack did naught!”

Fierce slapped Starlight across the haunch with his blade and maneuvered away from her. “It is the principle of the thing!”

Starlight turned sharply, almost falling over her own hooves, in an attempt to slash Fierce. “I will cripple you and force you to watch as I torture that cow that ” Starlight’s words halted, as the point of Fierce’s blade came to rest between her eyes.

Fierce growled, “I would mind my tongue, if I were you.”

“Don’t kill her!” Sunburst begged. “Starlight is in there!”

“I would never do such a thing.” Fierce stepped back from Starlight and lowered his blade. “Our match is ended, albeit too soon for my liking. I have had my satisfaction, so it will have to suffice.”

“We are not finished,” Starlight said, seeming to have to focus on her words.

“I must disagree. There is no sport in fighting an opponent who can barely manage to stand.”

Starlight began to sway. A moment later, her hind quarters gave out and she collapsed to the floor. “What foul trick is this?” she asked, her words slurred.

“A sleeping drought,” Grayson answered, hobbling from his hiding spot on three legs to get closer to Starlight. “It’s actually good portions of three sleeping droughts, to be honest. I wasn’t sure of the dosage, given your size and your powers.”

“The knives!” Starlight said, with angry realization in her voice.

“I’ll admit it was a bit of a gamble. Stone mentioned that you Nightmares could heal your hosts, but I figured that trying to drug you was worth a shot. It’s a trick we use when we’re asked to help move nasty creatures away from populated area.”

“With all of our power we still could not beat you.” Starlight shook her head and lowered her chin to the floor. “Pitiful.”

Bonsmara hobbled over to the group, each step accompanied by a pained breath through clenched teeth. “We work well together.” Bonsmara said, as she leaned against Fierce.

“So it seems.” Starlight’s eyes began to close.

“Starlight, we need you awake,” Cadance said. “Stay with us for a bit more.”

“You should have informed your knavish flank stabbing companion of that,” Starlight said. “As things stand, we will not be able to remain conscious.”

“Stone, pry her mouth open, if you would.” Grayson pulled a vial from one of his pouches. “This should neutralize a good bit of the drought. We need to get some of this in her, in case I overdid the dosage for just a pony after the Nightmares are pulled form her.”


Stone looked at him with a raised eyebrow. “Rather convenient that you would happen to have the counter potion.”

“According to Zecora, the number one of using dangerous potions is, ‘Make no brew that you do not have the antidote to.’”

Stone took the vial from Grayson. “We would not have guessed it, but we seem to have a budding alchemist with us.”

“I had to do something while healing from the bugbear’s attack,” Grayson said. “I thought learning something useful would be one of the better uses of my time.”

Fierce grinned. “The fact that a certain zebra would have to spend a good bit of time with you to tutor you in such things had nothing to do with it, I am sure.”

Stone lowered himself so that he was on level with Starlight. “You can drink this willingly, or we will force you to. It is your choice.”

“We will face our end with dignity,” Starlight said with resignation, raising her head from the floor.

Grayson tossed a protective horn sheath on the floor in front of Starlight. “Put that on her first. We don’t want her going for your throat.”

Stone picked up the cover and put it over Starlight’s horn. “This could have been avoided.” He placed the vial against her lips, and she drank without protest. “The ponies have been true to their word.”

“That has yet to be seen.” Starlight looked to Cadance. “What say you, Empress? What is to be our fate?”

“Sisters above, what happened in here?!” Fierce stepped through the cavern’s entrance and looked around, another of the Guard at her side. “We heard some fighting, and then it stopped. It was quiet for too long, so I decided to see what had happened. If we had known it was this bad, we would have rushed in!

“Good thing you didn’t, it was cramped in here as it was,” Grayson said. 

“You’re hurt,” she said, indicating his wound with a wing.

“I have a rock stuck in my hip, but it’s not bad. I’ve had much worse.”

“Bonsmara is wounded too,” Cadance pointed out. She looked to the guard. “Please, get the medics.”

“Yes, Empress,” the guard responded and galloped back into the tunnel.

“We have a quandary,” Stone said. “Since our kindred the strength to flee, we must contain them in a way other than binding them in a pony.”

Cadance studied Starlight. “I do not want Starlight under their influence any longer than possible either.”

“The logical move is to end us.” Starlight looked to Cadance without any show of fear or judgment. “An enemy eliminated, rather than confined, ceases to be a threat and requires no effort to hold captive.”

“They are not our foes,” Stone said with conviction. “Our respective natures have put us at odds on a number of points, but they have never sought to destroy us. Recall that Luna went so far as to attempt to devise a way to end our dependence on ponies’ fears so that we could live as non-parasitic beings.”

Starlight looked to Sunburst. “What say you? We tricked you as we did Luna, using your willingness to aid us against you. You know our minds and our tactics. Are we monsters in your eyes? If it were left to you, what fate would you have for us?”

Sunburst remained silent for a long few moments. Then he nodded as if agreeing with an inner voice. “As you pointed out, I am not unbiased in this.” He stepped to Starlight, tucked his legs under himself and joined her on the floor. “I want you gone. I don’t care how it happens, not because I think you are fundamentally evil and need to be taken care of, but because you’ve stolen my friends and I want them back safe and sound.”

“Too close,” Grayson said, reaching for Sunburst.

“We will not harm him,” said Starlight. “Doing so would gain us nothing and we lack the coordination to make a serviceable attempt.” Starlight frowned at Sunburst. “You name them mere ‘friends’?”

Stone chuckled. “Now that you are drugged, it would seem you are facing the same difficulty we are.”

Starlight gave him an annoyed look. “What difficulty is that?”

“The difficulty would be that of maintaining our emotional equilibrium with our hosts. When Fierce pulled on the reigns and turned Puca’s head, during their charade to free Sunburst, it took effort for us not to demand that he not harm her. When Grayson and Bonsmara were injured, we felt wrath. You are vexed that he will not name Starlight as a romantic interest because she is now a part of you.” He leaned towards Starlight and gave her a smug smile. “Since concepts such as concern for a comrade and romantic affection are foreign to us Nightmare’s what other source could such emotions come from other than our hosts?”

“Now, I’ve got a vague notion of what Starlight feels too and I want to talk with her about it.” Sunburst said. He pointed a hoof to Starlight’s chest. “I am not discussing this with you. I am going to call her a friend until she and I get the chance to talk face to face. After that, we’ll see what happens.”

“What of Trixie?” Starlight asked, in a flat tone. “Will you do the same with her?”

“Speaking of Trixie, where is she?” Cadance asked. “Shouldn’t be helping you by now?”

“She is not here,” Stone said. “Else wise she would have joined the melee. That Starlight is now hosting Sunburst’s share of us Nightmares in addition to the ones she bore also indicates that Trixie is not within the sanctuary.”

“She was heading to the portal,” Sunburst said. “She left not too long after Moon Dancer, Minuette, and Lemon Drops did. She did not trust that they would not give our position away and wanted to move closer to the portal as soon as possible. Starlight and I stayed behind to gather the notes Sombra left that might have helped them use the portal.”

“What was her aim?”

“She thought she had devised a way to open the portal.”

“That does not sound good,” Grayson said. “Did she give you any details?”

“She thought she could use the fragments to make a connection to the other side and ask the Umbras for help.”

“Her scheme will not work. We told her as much,” Starlight said. “Had we had more time, resources, and years to study the forces involved, perhaps her scheme would have come to fruition. As things are, it is folly to even attempt it.”

“You called Trixie ‘she’ in the singular. I thought you Nightmares always addressed yourselves in plurals.” 

“She fancies herself the Magnificent Enigma now.” Starlight giggled, sounding inebriated. “The drought is still affecting us it would seem. For a moment, we entertained the notion that the pony had taken control of us Nightmares rather than the other way around.”

“With Trixe’s ego and hardheadedness I wouldn’t put it past her,” Sunburst said.

Fierce helped Bonsmara lower herself to the floor. “Easy, love, you took quite a wallop. I am glad to see there is no blood.”

“The pieces did not get through my armor, but they hit hard.”

“I saw the face of your shield.” He kissed her on the top of her muzzle almost between her eyes. “You saved my life.”

“Consider it partial compensation for all the times you have saved mine.” She turned her shield so that she could examine its front. “Scorched, battered, and dented. I believe, after all this is through, I am going to have to retire this one.”

“We will give it a place of honor on the wall back home,” Fierce said.

“We need to end this,” Grayson said. “We’ve taken two down, now we have one to go.”

“You are not going anywhere,” a Guard wearing the insignia of the Medical Corps stated, as he led another of the Guard into the cavern.

“Bitter Root, we need you and Gauze to tend to these two, while we go after the final Nightmare. If there is even a remote chance she could get something through that gate, in either direction, we have to stop her as soon as possible.” Freight turned to Cadance, “Empress, the way I see it, you will have to contain the Nightmares from Starlight so they don’t have a chance to bolt for it.”

“Since when did you become the head of this operation?” Grayson asked.

Freight nodded towards Bitter and Gauze. “Don’t make me order them to truss you up like a turkey while they get that rock out and stitch you up.”

Grayson’s plumage fluffed out in a defiant display. “You wouldn’t dare.”

“She would, and we would. I have never worked on a Griffin before.” Bitter smiled in a chilling show of enthusiasm. “I would hate for this opportunity pass me by.”

“I would cooperate, if I were in your position,” Stone advised. “Besides, even with you, Bonsmara, and Cadance unable to aid us, we will overcome her.”

“Not easily though,” Sunburst said. “She is not as strong magically as Starlight, but she can think on her hooves very well and is still quite skilled. With the Nightmares influencing her, there is no telling what she could or would do.”

“We’ll get Trixie back,” Puca assured. “Why don’t we get Starlight back right now?”

“We might want to hold off on that till the last moment,” Stone said. “We do not want to call on Cadance to use her strength unduly.”

“I held a barrier of protection against Sombra that spanned the whole of the capital for days. Keeping a few Nightmares in place for a few hours won’t be a big deal.” She looked to Sunburst. “Besides, what kind of Princess of Love would I be if I didn’t help a stallion free his colthood crush from the bad guys? Having them constrained now means they have less of a chance for them to try and escape.”

Stone bowed to Cadance. “We shall not question the will of the Empress.”

“What should I do?” Sunburst asked.

“Give her a hug,” Puca said.

“You are joking,” Starlight said. She went still for a moment, blinked, and then narrowed her eyes at Puca. “Now we understand. That is what you did with the act and spell. You leveraged his feelings for her so you could pry us from his mind.” She gave Sunburst a mocking sneer. “What if she does not react to your touch? We are of a mind to keep her and will not make your attempt an easy one.”

Sunburst wrapped his forelegs tightly around the Starlight’s neck. “I am of the mind of getting her back and I’ll do whatever it takes to do so!”

She tried to push him away, but failed in her attempt. “Release me you plebeian!”

Puca threw herself on Starlight’s shoulders and added her efforts to Sunburst’s to keep Starlight still. “Make it quick!” 

Cadance’s spell spread over Starlight, who struggled against Sunburst’s hold. “They’re holding on to her!” She leaned forward and her horn’s glow brightened, as she concentrated on Starlight. “This is going to get nasty, if we don’t think of something!”

“I have an idea!” Sunburst pressed his lips to Starlight’s.

Starlight’s ears snapped upwards. “You insolent-!” Starlight fumed, her words muffled by Sunburst’s lips.

“I’ve got them!” Cadance said, as she used her magic to draw the Nightmare’s from Starlight. The Nightmare’s tried to cling to Starlight, leaving strands of shadowy energy behind them as they were extracted.

Starlight’s form diminished and she returned to her natural size. Her struggles stopped and she calmly pulled back from Sunburst.

“You can let me go now,” Starlight said, with irritation in her voice.

“Oh.” Sunburst’s ears snapped backwards and he looked away from her. He started to pull away from her. “I’m sorry I just-”

“Not you, her!” Starlight glanced over her shoulder. “You, whoever you are, off!” Turning back to Sunburst, she commanded, “You, hold still!” She kissed Sunburst and wrapped her forelegs around his so that he could not end their hug. After letting the kiss linger for a long moment, Starlight released him. “We really need to talk.”

“I think you said a lot without a word,” Puca said, still draped over Starlight’s shoulders. “It certainly felt that way.”

“I thought I told you to get off me,” Starlight growled.

Puca hastily removed herself from Starlight’s back. “Sorry, that got emotionally intense and distracted me a bit.”

“You remind me of Thorax lurking around Cadance and Shinning when they are having their husband and wife moments.” Sunburst reached up as if to adjust a pair of glasses, but he was not wearing any. “I forgot I didn’t need my glasses with the Nightmares. I think I know where we, or I, should I say, put them.”

“They’re with your cloak and hat, if I remember correctly,” Starlight said, “back in the study.” She leaned her head against Sunburst. “I’m sorry, but I’m not going to be able to stay awake.”

Using his magic, he moved her so that she was leaned against his side. “That better?”

“Yes. Thank you.” She put her against him. “You’re really warm and comfortable to lean against. Have I ever told you that?”
Sunburst blushed. “No, you haven’t. I think it’s the potion talking.”

She giggled. “Maybe it works a little like a truth serum, because I meant it.”

“Are you sure that you gave her enough counter potion?” Fierce asked Grayson. “She seems a bit on the loopy side of things.”

“No, I’m not. Considering she didn’t get three full doses, she shouldn’t be in danger, but it might take a few minutes for the counter potion to work. Besides, we have such warm and friendly medical experts here that are sure to be able to help her, if anything bad were to happen.”

“Do not mock the pony that is going to be stitching you up,” Bitter said, making a sewing motion. “My hoof just might slip.”

“You’re a real sadist, aren’t you?”

“He is, but he’s a skilled one,” Freight said. “You’re in good hooves, if you behave. If not, you’re in for a rough time.” She looked to Cadance. “Speaking of being in hoof, how are you doing with them?”

“It’s taking a bit of concentration, but it’s not bad.”

“Can they hear me in there?”

“We can,” a genderless voice replied from the center of the mass of Nightmares.

“Good. Listen close. Since the Empress is partially out of commission, I’m running this circus now. I want you to know one thing: you have caused us enough trouble and you hurting ponies and our friends has changed the game. You give the Empress trouble or try to force your way away from us and every solider I command will rip into you until there is nothing left but wisps of smoke and bad memories.” She glared at the Nightmares. “Do you understand?”

“Yes.”

Freight pointed a hoof at Stone. “You’re going to lead the still healthy members of this team to the other Nightmare. On the way there, you’re going to tell us what you know of her and how best to capture her or take her out.” Without waiting for a response from Stone, she pointed at Fierce and Puca. “You two are going to back him up, and make sure he doesn’t do anything heroic and stupid.” She pointed to Bonsmara and Grayson. “You two are going to get patched up and then get hauled back to the ship.”

“Bossy thing isn’t she,” Grayson muttered to Bonsmara.

“Commanding, is the proper word,” Freight said. She looked to Cadance. “We need you to tackle the last Nightmare. That means one of two things. We need to very quickly find a way to contain the Nightmares, or we eliminate them as a threat.”

“We will not kill them,” Cadance said.

“We may have to,” Sunburst said. “They are bent on getting their plan with the portal to work and they will not stay put if you are not containing them.”

Stone removed the shielding stone from his neck. “We ask for assistance in removing the stone from our tail. We have discovered something worrisome about the stones.”

“You can’t take those off; you’ll be vulnerable to magic!” Puca protested.

“True, but it leaves us vulnerable in another way.” Stone indicated his side, where the shallow gash he had received remained. From the shallow wound ran rivulets of blood that matted his coat.

“That could have been bad.” Grayson said.

“Verily, had she struck a true blow it might have proved mortal to us.” Stone lowered himself to the floor. “Puca, if you would be as so kind?”

Stone looked to where Sunburst and Starlight lay. “Would you be willing to face my kin with me? Your aid was most welcome against our brethren.”

“I don’t know how much I can do, but I will shield you as best I can.”

Puca undid the knot that held the shielding stone to Stone’s tail. “That gash looks horrible.”

“It is not deep. The angle of the cut makes it appear more gruesome than it merits.” He nodded to the wound. “Observe, now that the stones no longer interfere.” The gash closed and mended itself, along with the various scratches and bruises he had received. “But for the blood and loss of hair, you would not know we had been injured.”

All three bat ponies heads snapped towards the cavern’s entrance. “That’s an alarm! We’ve got to get out there!” Freight said. “Empress, you stay here with those things! Everyone else that can, follow me!” She bolted into the cavern’s tunnel, followed closely by Bitter and Gauze.

“What just happened?” Sunburst asked. “I didn’t hear anything.”

“You wouldn’t,” said Gauze, as she began taking her supplies from her saddle bags. “The alarm was on a pitch only bat ponies can hear.” 

“If I had to guess, when Sunburst and Starlight did not show up promptly, Enigma grew impatient and returned,” Stone said, jumping from the floor to his hooves. “Comrades, steel yourselves. This could prove to be a bitterly fought contest. Follow me!”

As Stone led the others out of the cave entrance, Sunburst gasped. “The Sisters preserve us! It looks like something out of a painting of Tartarus!”

A half dozen windigos fought with the Lunar Guard, who had formed into groups to face the creatures. Their fighting occupied both the ground and the air, with groups taking to wing or landing as their strategies demanded it. Swathes of the landscape had been seared with magic, revealing the earth beneath the snow and creating muddy, treacherous conditions. In the middle of the maelstrom, Enigma raged, lashing out bolts and spheres of energy towards the Guards. As the spells neared the Guards, they would change direction, missing their intended targets.

“Why will you pests not fall?!” Enigma screamed.

“Surround her and take her down!” Fierce ordered to those around her. “If she’s out of commission, those things will leave!”

The Nightmare turned her attention to Freight. “Such overconfidence, I need not magic to lay you low!”

“Enigma, this struggle is futile!” Stone roared over the din of the battle. “Call off the windigos, yield, and you shall be treated with mercy!”

Enigma glared at Stone with unconcealed hatred. “You craven traitors, you not only betray your kind; you disgrace yourselves by serving these vermin!” Enigma stormed towards Stone, shouldering Freight out of her way and sending the bat pony sliding through the muck of the battle field. “While I may ultimately fall, I will bring you down with me!”

“Sunburst, shield us as best you can!” Stone charged towards Enigma. They met at full speed, causing an impact that resounded in the chests of those around them. As they battled, striking each other with their hooves in a series of exchanges, Stone yelled, “You cannot hope to overcome our strength!”

“I merely have to outlast it!” Her horn glowed and she smiled. “I can feed off the fear around us and restore my endurance while starving yours by forcing you to keep your mud pony alive!”

Freight speared into Enigma’s back, leading with her armored forehooves. The impact caused Enigma’s to stumble and struggle to remain standing. Straddling Enigma’s back, Freight pounded Enigma’s head, neck, and shoulders with merciless blows. “His strength isn’t the only thing you need to be worried about!”

With a snarl, Enigma rolled and pressed Freight into the ground. As Freight gasped for breath and flailed in an attempt to regain her hooves, Enigma stood over her and reared up. “I will crush you into the dirt as deserving an insect such as you!”

As Enigma stomped down, a golden glow of magic surrounded Fierce and pulled her from under Enigma’s descending hooves. Sunburst pulled Freight to himself and helped her get to her hooves.
“Trixie, fight them! You don’t have to do this!”

Enigma glared at Sunburst. “They managed to free you before killing our kin, how noble of them.”

Stone rammed into Enigma, sending them both sprawling into the mud. “They are not dead! The ponies never sought our demise and still do not! This fighting is pointless! They would see us home, if we corporate!”

Before rolling away from him, Enigma stabbed Stone in the shoulder with her horn, causing him to bellow in pain. After getting her hooves back under her and standing, Enigma lowered her horn and aimed it towards Stone. “You believe their lies as they believed ours! I am no fool like you!”

Enigma’s blast was deflected, at the last second, by Puca’s magic, as she clamored on top of Stone shielding him with her body and her power. The impact of the spell caused her to fall on top of Stone. “Stop, he’s telling the truth! Starlight and the other Nightmare’s are just fine!”

“If that is true, where is Starlight?! I see her not!”

“She’s in the cave! If you stop all of this, we’ll take you to her!”

Enigma hesitated, then shook her head and snarled, “You would lead me into a trap!”

A ribbon of magical power wrapped around Enigma’s forelegs and pulled them from under her. Her chin to slammed into the muck, sending mud and debris flying. Another ribbon appeared and wrapped itself around her hind legs, binding her in place. 

“They don’t have to, I’m right here!” Starlight staggered across the bog that the battle field had become. “I’m fighting off a tranquilizer to stay awake, but I’m fine!”

Following behind Starlight, Princess Cadance emerged from the cave, due to the still functioning illusion she appeared to materialize out of thin air, hovering the captured Nightmares at her side. With a burst of power, she sent out from herself a wave of magic that drove off the windigos and brought stillness to the air. “This is over, right now. You can either surrender peacefully, or I will force you to give in.”

Enigma lowered her back half to the ground, closed her eyes, and sighed. “End us. Grant us that dignity.” The Guard gathered around her, weapons at the ready. Many of them were battered and caked in mud. All of them had frost clinging to their armor and manes, giving them an otherworldly appearance. Enigma looked around at them. “I am sure there are those among you who would be eager to strike the blow.”

“I’ll strike you, but just to knock some sense into you!” Starlight said and lightly cuffed Enigma’s head. “They could have killed the Nightmares they forced from Sunburst and me, but they didn’t. None of us ponies want to hurt you! Get that through your thick skulls!”

Stone, rolling to his stomach, told Starlight, “They did not treat us as enemies, when they encountered us. They even went so far as to allow us to guide them into battle. While not tactically sound, considering that we were so recently foes, it shows their benevolence and willingness to forgiven those who have wronged them.”

“You were fighting for your lives, not against us. We can understand that.” Fierce wiped the frost from his sword, sheathed it, and then knelt and patted Stone on his bloodied and filthy side. “This guy, these guys, however you want to look at it, have proven themselves to be good chaps, it would be monstrous of us to do something nasty to them after all that they have done to help us.”

Sunburst hugged Starlight to his side. “Please, Enigma, give us our friend back without forcing us to use Cadance’s spell. It’s not a pleasant experience.”

“We shall leave this pony as you release Trixie.” Stone lowered his chin to the ground. “Let us join our fellows in the Empress’ care. We shall take the strength that Stone has garnered for us and share it with you and the others so that we need not depend on a host for a time. We have much to discuss with you and the others.”

Enigma snorted. “You speak as if we have an alternative. So be it.” Enigma rolled to her side and put her head down. “I, Enigma the Magnificent, formally surrender and return your fellow unicorn to you. Let it be known that I was magnanimous even in defeat.”

The Nightmares flowed from both Trixie and Stone. They came together in stages, the two groups seeming not to trust each other completely. 

Some of the Guard took to wing, while others circled the congealing Nightmares on the ground, forming a half sphere around them. “Stay sharp, but don’t do anything vicious unless they ask for it,” Freight told them.

After joining into one group, the Nightmares moved toward Cadance. Puca and Sunburst moved in front of Cadance, blocking them. “Close enough,” Puca told the Nightmares.

“The sun is robbing us of our vitality,” the mass stated. “We implore you to act with haste.”

Cadance shifted the Nightmares that she had in her magic close to the new mass and allowed the two to merge through the barrier. “I have them! Let’s get back to the cave quickly!”

“We have ponies down over here!” Freight called out.

Trixie stirred and lifted her head. “Who is yelling like they are playing soldier and why?” She looked up at Starlight and her mouth fell open. “Trixie remembers! It was all real!” She frantically tried to get to her hooves, only to falter and fall back into the mud. “Starlight!” She reached towards the unicorn with a hoof, tears running down her face. “Where’s Sunburst?!”

Starlight joined Trixie on the ground and pulled her close. She nuzzled the top of Trixie’s head while she stroked her mane with a hoof. “It’s okay, he’s coming.” She kissed the top of Trixie’s head, while the show pony sobbed. “We’re just fine.”

Sunburst settled behind Trixie and reached so he hugged both her and Starlight. “I’m right here.”

Fierce floundered through the mud to Stone. “Stone?” Fierce shook his friend's shoulder. “You still with us lad?” 

Stone twitched, opened his eyes, and looked up at Fierce. “Did we win? It’s all kind of fuzzy in my head right now.”

“That we did.”

Stone sighed, sounding more exhausted than relieved. “Good.”

“You made a right good showing for yourself.” Fierce looked towards the cave and smiled. “It looks like you are in for a bit of a congratulatory snogging, if you manage to keep with us long enough.”

Puca raced down the slope, slid the last bit to Stone, and then hugged him around his neck. “You were wonderful! Are you hurt anywhere?” She looked him over,  patting around on his coat him with a hoof to check for wounds.

“No, I’m just tired.” He wrapped his forelegs around her and rested his head on against her chest. “Could you hold me like this for a minute? I’m sorry, but I can’t keep my eyes open.” As soon as he finished speaking, Stone was asleep.

> Healing and Restoring
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 14 Healing and Restoring

“You alright back there?” Starry asked, his breath coming out in white plumes that were carried away by the air rushing past.

Cobalt, his voice muffled by the cloak wrapped around him, answered, “Yes! This is awesome! It’s even better than flying on the ship!”

Chart pointed towards the ground. “That’s the spot! Follow me down.” Chart guided them down in a smooth spiral towards the ground and to a landing zone that had been marked off by Lunar Guard banners. Once they landed, Chart glanced at the position of the sun. “Not too bad as far as time for the flight, considering I was carrying a heavy load of supplies and you were carrying supplies and a passenger.”

“The ground looks all torn up.” Cobalt said, looking over the remnants of the battle. “The fighting must have been really bad.” He turned to Chart. “Do you know who got hurt and how bad?”

Chart shook his head. “The messenger didn’t say. He said that there were several frost bitten ponies, a few that got roughed up, and a few wounded, but he didn’t tell me much more than what Bitter and Gauze wanted us to bring.”

Starry added a single bounce to his walk, jolting Cobalt. “You’re going to need to be brave. Getting wounded is part of battle, and we need to keep the spirits up of those that got injured. No frowning or looking worried, all right.”

Cobalt nodded, “I can do that.”

Freight stepped out of the cave. “I thought I had it timed about right. Chart, you’re as reliable as a clock.”

Chart grinned, “Thank you, ma’am. We brought what was asked for.”

“You look like you saw some action,” Starry said.

“I got a little bruised up and dirty, but I’m fine.”

“We know ponies got hurt,” Cobalt blurted out. “Is anypony...” he stopped, choking on his words.

Freight took Cobalt from Starry’s back. “I won’t lie. Things got nasty and a couple of ours won’t be going on patrols for a while, but we didn’t lose anypony.”

“Thank Luna above,” Starry said, closing his eyes.

“Come on, those supplies are needed inside. It’s a bit of a tight fit, so we’ll have to walk single file in, with you carrying those bags.” Freight led the way into the cave. “Cobalt, just to warn you, Grayson and Bonsmara both got hurt.” The passage opened up, and Freight looked around the chaos that the semi-organized chaos that the chamber had become. “The special delivery’s here; medical supplies and a morale boost!”

Cobalt caught sight of Grayson and Bonsmara, where they lay on the stone floor, and ran to them. “Are you going to be all right?”

“My hip will recover, but my dignity will not!” Grayson groused. He pointed a talon at Gauze. “She shaved most of my backside, and look what she did to my tail!”

“We had to make sure that the area around the wound was clean,” Gauze said, as she applied salve to a guard’s frost bitten ears. “You had a couple of more fragments besides that larger one that needed to come out, so the area that had to be shaved had to reach those too. Besides, nopony can see your haunch, since it’s covered by the cloak.”

“I can’t hide under this thing forever, and I suppose the ribbon on my tail was to make it not hurt!”

“I didn’t hear you complaining while Bitter was giving you the stitches. You were too busy being a grouch about me tying the bow and flipping your tail around.”

“That’s beside the point!”

Freight stood beside Cobalt and leaned close to his ear. “Did you notice he didn’t take the bow off?” she whispered. “He didn’t want to hurt her feelings, the big softie.”

Cobalt moved to check on Bonsmara. He looked her over from her hooves to her horns. “How bad are you hurt? I can’t tell with the cloaks covering you.”

“Do not worry. I got banged up a bit is all.”

Fierce, who was sitting at Bonsmara’s side, patted her shoulder. “Dear, a broken fibula and tibia on one leg and a femur on the other with dozens of bad bruises all over is a bit above getting banged up a bit.”

“We do not know they are broken for certain quite yet.”

“You might not be, but I am,” Bitter said, as he made his way over to them. He grinned at Cobalt. “Don’t worry, kid. From what I understand, the Crystal ponies can have you up and running from broken bones in no time.”

Bonsmara held up her right hand, showing off a bright blue ribbon. “I got a ribbon too. Evidently Gauze gives them to all her patients.”

“They’re from my family’s shop, so they’re extra special.” Gauze said, as tied a ribbon around a foreleg of the guard she had been helping. “I like to think of them as long lasting hugs from me so that everypony can get better quicker.” Finishing the bow, she hugged the guard. He blushed at the contact and hugged her back.

Cobalt looked around. “Where’s Stone?”

“He’s in the back, in Sombra’s chambers, with the Empress,” Bitter said. “He had a pretty rough time of it and is resting right now.”

“Cobalt, you’re here! I didn’t know you would show up so quickly or I’d have been there to meet you. I’ve been helping Bitter and Gauze get everypony patched up.” Puca trotted over to Cobalt and put her forehooves on his shoulders.

“We’re keeping her,” Bitter announced. “That goo of hers is great stuff and she has a wonderful way with our troops. I just have to figure out which forms I have to fill out to get her transferred.”

“I’m not part of the Equestian Guard,” Puca told him.

“Then I’ll file a petition with Luna to have you drafted.”

“There is no need for something that drastic. There are other changelings out there. I am sure a couple would love to work with you. I’ll see if I can get them in contact with you.” Turning from Bitter, Puca put a hoof to Cobalt’s cheek. “What’s wrong? You’re feeling worried.”

“That guard said that Stone was in the back.” He looked past Puca, towards the entrance to the chambers. “He said he got hurt pretty bad.”

“The name’s Bitter Root, and that’s not quite what I said.” Bitter patted Cobalt on the shoulder. “Stone’s not hurt. He’s suffering from exhaustion. He needs a lot of rest and he’s filthy, like most of us, but he’s fine. We’re having to ration water for drinking and medical work or we would have cleaned him up.”

“Before you go check on him, I would like a hug,” Bonsmara said.

Cobalt tenderly gave Bonsmara a hug. 

Bonsmara pulled him in a bit tighter. “I want you to know I am going to be needed a lot of hugs and snuggles till I get better.”

“I can do that.”

“So I have met my replacement.” Fierce put a paw to his chest and slumped forward. “I concede. It is impossible for an old dog like me to compete with a young, handsome colt when it comes to hugs and snuggles.”

“You, I have different plans for that will require much more than snuggling, but they also require me to make a bit of a recovery before I can act on them.” Bonsmara said, with a smile that made promises.

Cobalt moved towards Grayson, then paused as he drew close.

Grayson sighed and reached out with a talon towards Cobalt. “One hug, that’s it.”

Dwarfed in comparison to Grayson’s size, Cobalt stood on his hind legs and hugged the griffin around the neck. “I’m glad you’re going to be all right.”

Grayson hugged Cobalt and put his chin on top of the colt’s head. “Thanks.” Grayson pulled back a little and mussed Cobalt’s mane. “Go see your brother. Even if he’s not awake, he’ll know you’re there.” He nodded to Puca. “Take her with you. She’s about ready to collapse herself.”

“I’ll take you to him,” Puca said. As she led Cobalt to the back, she told him, “Cadance and the Nightmares are back here too, along with three of the ponies that were ponynapped.”

The guards stationed at the door to the chambers nodded as Puca and Cobalt approached. “The Princess would like to see the colt, after he sees his brother,” one of them informed them.

“I’ll make it quick,” Cobalt said.

“We’ll have to be quiet. They have a number of the guard that got hurt worse back here so they can rest with some quiet.”

Puca led him past the guards and into a small hallway that had several pieces of furniture lining one side. She stopped at the first door they came to. “They moved the furniture out here so there would be space enough for everypony. We’re going to have to be careful not to step on anypony.”

Cobalt nodded. “I can do that.”

“He’s going to look horrible. He’s dirty and he has blood on him, but the Nightmares patched him up before they left him so he’s not hurt.”

“Thanks. I don’t want to freak out on him.”

Taking her time to make as little noise as possible, Puca opened the door. The moderately sized room had been made into a makeshift infirmary. Several wounded guards rested on bedrolls and cloaks. A couple of them smiled and nodded to Cobalt and Puca as they entered the room, but did not break the silence. In the far corner, cuddled together and resting, were Sunburst, Starlight, and Trixie. Next to them was Stone.

“I know Trixie and Starlight,” Cobalt whispered. “Who is the stallion?”

“Sunburst, Flurry Heart’s Crystallyer and their special somepony.”

Cobalt gave her a confused look.

“I’ll explain later. Come on, we’re letting a lot of light in.”

Puca, softly closing the door behind her, followed in his steps. One of the guards made an uncomfortable noise, and Puca turned towards her. “I’m going to check on her. Frost had her shoulder blade cracked and may need some help. I’ll catch up with you in a minute.”

Cobalt made his way to Stone and stood beside him. With each second he looked over Stone, his expression saddened. “Puca was right, you look terrible,” he whispered. Tears started to course down his face. “I’m so sorry.”

“Trixie will not allow this.” The illusionist got to her hooves and stepped over Sunburst and Starlight. “You two, keep my spot warm. Trixie will be most displeased if she returns to a cold bedroll.”

“Remind me, what do we see in her?” Starlight asked.

“Despite being a bossy, narcissistic, showoff she has a caring soul,” Sunburst said, shifting himself on the bedroll and pulling Starlight to him and kissing the back of her head.

“Trixie does not know whether to be flattered or insulted.” She sat down behind Cobalt and pulled him into a hug so that his back was to her chest. She put her chin on his head and asked, “Why are you crying?”

“It’s my fault he got hurt.” He reached out and, holding his hoof just above Stone’s side, traced the hairless path of the cut his brother had received. “I know that the Nightmares healed him, but I still feel terrible about it.”

“Did you force him to do what he did?”

“Sort of.”

“No, is the correct answer. Just like nopony forced us unicorns to try and help the Nightmares. He did what he thought was right and, just like the rest of us, is paying for our decisions. You should be proud of him. He was brave, fought like an ursa major, and saved our lives.” She put her cheek against Cobalt’s head. “I’m so sorry.”

“For what?”

“I tried to kill him. You can’t see it, since the mark is on his other side, but I stabbed him with my horn. If I had hit something vital and the Nightmares couldn’t heal him fast eno-” For a second, her breath caught. “I would have never have been able to live with myself, if I had.” 

Cobalt turned and wrapped his forelegs around Trixie. “You didn’t mean to.”

“Trixie was supposed to be helping you, not the other way around.” 

A pair of orange forelegs wrapped around her from behind bringing her and Cobalt into a group hug. “Right now, we all need to help each other,” Sunburst said. “We’ve been through a rough time, and we will all need to support one another so we can recover from it.”

“Keep in mind, we all tried to do him in. We didn’t mean to, but we did.” Starlight rubbed Stone’s shoulder. She paused and shook her head. “He’s cold, that won’t do. For him to get proper rest, he has to be warm.”

“Why doesn’t he have a blanket or a cloak?” Cobalt asked.

“He refused one, saying it should go to somepony that was wounded,” Sunburst said.

Cobalt sighed and smiled in a frustrated, proud way at Stone. “That’s my brother.”

“Body heat it is then,” Trixie said. “He’s joining us.”

Cobalt looked up at her and shook his head. “Please don’t,” he whispered.

Sunburst looked at him quizzically. “He needs to be warmed up. Why don’t you want him with us?”
“I want him to be warm, but I want…”

“I think he wants a certain somepony to provide the heat for his brother.” Starlight made a motion towards Puca, who had stopped to help another of the Guard.

“Ah, now I see.” Sunburst released Cobalt and Trixie. “I’m not sure how we can manage it, though.” 

“I’ll be right back.” Starlight rose from the bedrolls and made her way through the maze of resting and sleeping ponies to Puca. She whispered in Puca’s ear for a second or two and Puca nodded.

When Starlight returned, Sunburst asked, “What are you up to?”

Starlight settled back down on the bedrolls and grinned. “I told her that there was somepony that needed her help, when she was through. Play along.”

Puca joined them and asked, “Who needs help?”

“From the looks of it, you do,” Trixie said. “You’re about to drop.”

Sunburst steadied Puca with a hoof. “She’s been providing a lot of the healing gel. That’s probably why she is exhausted.” 

“Your patient is right here.” Trixe nodded to Stone. “He is suffering from overdoing it and an acute lack of a blanket. You will have to substitute for the latter, rest will fix the former.”

Puca shook her head. “I can’t right now. There are too many others that need help. Would you mind him joining you?”

“I don’t think that would be the best course of action.” Sunburst adjusted his glasses and inspected Puca. “How can you expect to help others if you fall asleep on your hooves while attending to them?” He nudged her, and she had to fight from toppling over. “If you don’t watch it, you’ll end up like Stone.”

“I just need a little pick-me-up and I’ll be fine,” Puca said.

“We can help with that.” Sunburst looked to Trixie and Starlight and smiled. “We can provide the boost; you provide the body heat for Stone for a few minutes, while you recharge.”

Trixie asked, “How are we going to provide a boost?”

“She can sip off my love for you two while resting with him for a few minutes and she should be good to go again.”

Starlight raised an eyebrow. “What’s this ‘my love for you two’ stuff? Why not ‘our love for each other?’ Are you implying that we don’t love you back?”

Sunburst folded his ears back and looked bashful. “That’s not at all what I meant. Since I care for you both so much, I thought my feelings for the two of you would be enough for her to get what she needs.”

Trixie and Starlight looked at Puca. “Would it be enough for you?” Starlight asked at the same time that Trixie asked, “He isn’t kidding is he?”

Puca grinned. “It would more than enough for me to ‘sip’ on, and he isn’t kidding.”

Starlight nodded. “Trixie, I think we’ll keep him.”

“I think so too.” Trixie released Cobalt. “While you are a good hug size, Trixie must let you go so that she can help your friend help your brother.” She returned to the bedrolls and gave Sunburst a come hither motion with her hoof. “You’re in the middle this time.”

“You won’t hear me complain.” Sunburst settled down between the two mares.

Cobalt looked to Puca expectantly. “Your turn now,” he prompted.

Stone rolled over to face them. “Am I still out of it or am I hearing Cobalt?” He grunted as Cobalt pounced on him. “Yep, that’s Cobalt,” he said, his voice distorted by Cobalt’s enthusiastic hug.

“You’re awake!”

“I’m sort of awake. I feel like I could still sleep for a couple of days, but it’s not as bad as it was.”

“You should get more rest,” Sunburst said. “You’ve only been asleep for about six hours.”

“I think I’ll do that.” Stone put his forehead against Cobalt’s. “Sorry, I would tell you about what happened, but I’m worn out and I would probably fall asleep in the middle of it.”

“I understand. You’re not the only one, Puca’s about to fall out too.”

Stone leaned back from Cobalt and looked at Puca. “I hate to say it, but you do look dead on your hooves.” 

Cobalt wiggled out of Stone’s hug and got to his hooves. “I’m sorry, but I have to go. The Empress wanted to talk to me after I saw you. I’m keeping you from resting too.”

One of Stone’s ears flicked. “I can tell there is something else going on in that head of yours.”

“You’ll have to move over, but she’ll fit.”

“I knew something was up.” Stone looked over to Puca and smiled. “You’re right, though, I think she will.” He moved to the edge of the bedroll and extended an inviting hoof to her.

Puca gave him a reluctant shake of her head. “They might still need my help.”

“You won’t do anything good for anypony, if you pass out on them. Please stay, just for a few minutes.”Stone gave her a vulnerable smile. “I’ll be able to rest better, if you’re here.”

“All right, I’ll stay.” She gave Cobalt a look. “You’re way too excited about this.”

“I can’t help it,” Cobalt said, grinning.

Puca took Stone’s hoof and joined him on the bedroll, resting against his side and putting her head down on the mat. “I must be tired, if I didn’t think about his before. If you’re supposed to be getting warm, I should have turned into a pegasus and wrapped you in a wing.”

Stone put his head next to Puca’s and leaned so that they touched. “You’re warm enough just as you are.”

“You better go, Cobalt,” Starlight said. “You don’t want to keep the Empress waiting. We’ll keep an eye on them for you.”

“Thanks.” Cobalt looked back to Puca and Stone. “Rest well.”

“We will,” Stone assured.

Cobalt made his way across the room, careful with his hooves as he moved through the maze of sleeping and resting guards. After opening the door he glanced back, smiled, and then silently entered the hall and shut the door behind him. He went further down the hallway and stopped in front of a door watched by a trio of the Lunar Guard. “Excuse me. Is this the room where the Empress is?”

“It is,” One of the guards said. “You must be Cobalt. Freight said you would be coming by soon. I would let you in, but she, the Empress, and...” The guard and his comrades came to attention, as the door opened.

Freight glanced at the guards and smiled. “The Crystal Guards are on duty now. They will be coming shortly, so guys can go and get some rest.” She looked at Cobalt and smiled. “Good timing. You’re just the pony I was about to go get.”

“Thank you, ma’am,” the guard who had spoken to Cobalt said to Freight. He nodded to Cobalt, “Take care.”

“I will.” The guards left him and Freight standing in the hallway. “How is Cadance?”

“She’s doing much better, now that Shining is here. We just got through with a meeting about what had happened and how we were going to organize things when nightfall comes and we can move the Nightmares without them getting scorched by the sun.”

Cobalt blanched. “Shining’s here?”

She chuckled. “So you did spend the night with the Empress.”

Cobalt’s ears pinned back and his tail tucked between his legs. “She told you and Shining?”

“She did, and about Fierce teasing you about it. Trust me; you’re not going to end up in any dungeon.” She gestured for him to enter the room. “Come on in. They both want to see you.”

“There he is,” Cadance said, as Cobalt entered the room. “How is your brother doing?”

“He’s doing all right. Puca is looking after him right now, but she is about as give out as he is.”

“I’m not surprised. As soon as the triage process started, she was in the middle of things and helping with the worse of the cases.” Cadance extended and cupped a wing in a gesture of invitation. “Come here, I need somepony to cuddle.”

Cobalt froze and looked at Shining.

Shining thumped his armored chest with a hoof. “I wouldn’t be much a snuggle buddy right now, wearing all this plate.” He tried to look stern, but a slight grin ruined his attempt. “I know it’s not the first time you’ve been under her wing too, so might as well make it two times.”

Cobalt slunk, appearing guilty, to Cadance and was pulled to her side by the inviting wing. “Thank you,” she told him and nuzzled the top of his head. “Keeping the shield around the Nightmares is not that tough, but it makes me tense. Having somepony close helps.”

Freight moved and stood before the sphere of magic holding the Nightmares. “To their credit, they have behaved and not made this any worse than what it is.”

The genderless voice of the Nightmares responded, “It would be a futile effort to attempt to escape. Doing so would also accomplish nothing more than garnering more ill will with you ponies.” Changing the patterns and ways that it moved in the sphere, the mass gave the impression that it had turned its attention to Cobalt. “So you are the one who responded to our spell.”

Cobalt nodded. “I am.”

“We are grateful that it was you. Our gambit did not work as we had planned, but it allowed us to get the help that sought nonetheless. Had another been affected by our spell, it could have led to a much different end for us and for this world.”

“I didn’t do much.”

“You have done far more than you realize. The Empress, her Consort, and we have discussed it, and we would like to put something in your safekeeping.” The Nightmares changed the direction of their swirling again, as if to draw Cobalt’s attention to a spot across the room. “There, in the bottom right drawer of the desk, you will find a bag. Retrieve it.”

Cobalt did as he was asked, and settled back under Candance’s wing. He looked up at the Nightmares. “Is this what I think it is?”

“If you assume that it is the collection of fragments that we had gathered of Princess Amore, you would be correct.”

Cobalt clutched the bag to his chest. “I will take care of them, I promise.”

“Of that we have no doubt.”

“Can I ask you something?”

“Of course, but we will have to be brief in our response. Our endurance is limited and may have to be maintained for a prolonged period. While not arduous, speaking in this manner demands a degree of effort.”

“Why me? Why did the spell chose me when there were so many others that it could have reached. There were even unicorns close by. I would have thought the spell would reach them first.”

“Earth ponies have their own unique magics. As Princess Amore was turned to crystal, which earth ponies have a natural magical connection to, it is not surprising to us that you were the one that the spell affected. The spell’s nature, combined with Amore’s will, sought out the one most likely to not only to hear its message, but also possessed the conviction to act on it.”

Cadance gave Cobalt a squeeze with her wing. “You should be proud. You were magically determined to be hero material by a princess in need.”

“A hero who steals wing hugs and snuggles from other ponies wives,” Shinning joked.

Cadance put her nose in the air. “He does not steal them. I give them to him all on my own.”

“I stand corrected. I guess I can’t put him in the dungeon after all.” Shinning lowered his head so that he was on eye level with Cobalt. “Kidding aside, thank you for staying with Cadance last night. She gets really anxious when ponies she cares about are in danger. You helped her rest and settle her mind when she really needed it. I am glad you were there for her when I couldn’t be.”

“In other words, you make a great stuffed toy,” Freight teased.

“There are worse things to be, especially when a mare like my wife is the one doing the hugging.”

“She does give great wing hugs.” Cobalt looked down to the bag and put a protective hoof on top of it. “Are these the last of the pieces?”

“They should be,” Cadance said.

“So she can be put back together now, right?”

“That’s what we’re hoping.”

“How long will it take?”

“I don’t know. There are a couple of very complex magical problems that will have to be figured out before we can try anything.”

“If we might be as so bold, we would like to point out that you have a gathering of some of the most gifted magical talents in Equestria at hoof,” the Nightmares said. “With their collective knowledge and skills, the task might not take as long as you might think.”

The door to the room opened. One of the guards announced, “Princess Celestia has arrived.”

Cadance’s ears shot up. “Did she bring Flurry?!”

“I did,” Celestia said, striding into the room, Flurry Heart riding on her back. “I thought you could use some rest, so I’ve come to take over the guarding of the Nightmares. I will remain here, with the Royal Guard, while you and Shining return to the Crystal Palace.” Celestia wrapped the Nightmares in her magic and drew them from Candance’s magical hold.

Fierce motioned for Cobalt to come to her, as Celestia levitated Flurry to Cadance. Cadance sat up and took her filly in her forelegs. Flurry cooed and laughed, as Cadance hugged and kissed her. Shining, taking care with his armor, embraced them both. “Now, things are all right. I have the ladies I love back with me.”

“After we settle the details of my Guard taking over matters here, I want you to take your ladies home and keep them safe,” Celestia told Shining, before giving the dark mass held in her magic a chillingly kind smile. “The Nightmare’s and I have much to discuss.”

Freight softly said to Cobalt, “I believe this would be a good time for us to step out.”

“I think so too,” he replied.


*****


“I can walk!” Stone protested, as he was carried from the makeshift infirmary on Grayson’s back.

“Sure you can,” Grayson said, the beginnings of laughter in his voice. “If you call the staggering around like you’d had too much cider that you were doing walking.”

Puca grinned and walked beside Grayson. “This seems familiar. I think I remember somepony telling me to accept getting carried around just few of days ago.”

“There’s a huge difference between the two situations! We were being pursued by something nasty, and I was trying to help! He’s getting too much enjoyment out of this!”

“You looked like you need help to me, the way you were wobbling, and it’s not if you didn’t enjoy carrying her and being able to play the heroic gentlecolt,” Grayson prodded. “Why protest when I am giving you the same treatment as you did her?”

“Because it’s not the same!”

“Because you’re a stallion? I didn’t take you for a chauvinist.”

“That’s not it either!”

Fierce chuckled and patted Cobalt on the shoulder, as the bickering pair of friends went past. “I am glad to see Stone is getting some pluck back in him. He was all but lifeless there for a couple of days.”

“Having all the energy drained from you tends to do that.” Bonsmara, a crutch under one arm, leaned against Fierce. “I will be glad when all of us are up to full speed again.”

Cobalt glanced at Bonsmara’s left leg, which had been wrapped in a cast. “I can’t believe they said that you can walk already. I thought you would be in bed for weeks.”

“I do not know what the Crystal Guard medics did with those crystals, but they sure did work.” Bonsmara patted her leg. “They encased a few of them in the cast too, so even my femur should be fine in a few days.”

“Lean on me, Love. We do not want to give them too big of a head start on us.” Fierce wrapped an arm around Bonsmara and led her out of the infirmary and after Grayson and the others.

“You realize that if I fall on you, you will not be able to catch me.”

“I will at least give you something softer to land on than the floor.”

Balancing the bag of fragments on his back, Cobalt trotted around the pair and took the lead. “I hope that the spells works, the Nightmares get to go home, and Princess Amore will be all right.”

“You sound worried,” Bonsmara said. “The greatest magical minds in Equestria, if not the world, have been working for nearly a week on all of this. If they say they have everything figured out, I would have a tendency to believe them.”

“I know, I’m just worried about Amore.”

“You share a common characteristic with your brother, it would seem,” Fierce said.

Cobalt looked over his shoulder at the Diamond Dog. “What is that?”

“Once you find a lady to be loyal to, you do so wholeheartedly.” He chuckled, as Cobalt blushed. “I am sure they will restore the Princess.”

“How are our changeling and your brother doing, by the way?” Bonsmara asked. “I have not seen a lot of either of them the last couple of days.”

Cobalt groaned and looked to the ceiling. “My brother’s a doofus. Since he woke up holding her the day the Guard changed, he’s been acting all kinds of weird towards her. She seems all right with it though, so it can’t be that bad.” One of his ears flicked and he tilted his head. “Now that I think about it, she’s seemed almost happy.”

“She is giving him a little room then. That is good.”

Cobalt looked over his shoulder to Bonsmara. “What do you mean? I thought giving somepony space meant things were going bad.”

“Not necessarily. It might be there are feelings he is having that she is picking up on that he does not know how to express quite yet.”

“You mean he...?!”

“I have seen things like this before, so it is possible. We will just have to wait and see.”

They entered chamber of the sanctuary, where several of the guards were packing up the remainders of their gear.

“I’m going to miss this place.” Cobalt paused and looked around the cavern. “It’s been like having a camping trip and huge sleepover all in one.”

“It has it charms,” Fierce said. “However, I would welcome being able to properly bathe. I am beginning to smell like a dirty dog as well as look like one.”

“We all could use a good scrubbing,” Bonsmara said. She leaned in close and whispered something in Fierce’s ear. 

His tail began to wag with vigor. “I have never looked forward to a bath as much in the entirety of my life.”

“You’re supposed to be taking it easy, Bonsmara, not wandering the sanctuary!” Bitter yelled to her from across the cavern, where he was putting the last of the medical supplies in boxes to be shipped.

“I am being helped and I am keeping my weight off my bad leg! Besides, I would not miss this for the world.”

Freight entered the cavern from the tunnel leading to the outside. “Speaking of this evening’s event, everypony stop what you are doing and gather outside! We can hold off on getting ready to take off to watch the princesses in action!”

As the members of the Lunar Guard filed out of the cavern, Freight made her way to Cobalt. “Are you ready?”

“I hope so, but I don’t know what I’m supposed to do,” Cobalt told her.

“Stand there and look cute, for the most part.” She patted his head. “That shouldn’t be a problem for you.”

“How well is the rest of the guard mending?” Fierce asked. “We have not gotten much in the way of news about them, since they were transported to the Empire. The lad that had been beside us was a right hoot, and we were wondering how he was doing.”

“I don’t know what those Empire medics are doing, but it seems to be working great. Most of us will be up and flying again in a week. The few that got really banged up are going to take a bit longer, but they have all been promised they will make a full recovery.” As the last of the Guard lined up to make their way out of the cavern, Freight looked towards the tunnel. “I hope everything else goes as well tonight.”

Freight led them out of the sanctuary and to the area that had been marked as the landing zone. The Lunar Guard’s banners had been joined by those of the Empire and Royal Guards, creating a circle of bright colors that stood in contrast to the plain white of the Empire’s northern scenery. The moon’s light played off the snow and bathed the area in an ethereal aura and the stars shown noticeably brighter.
“I see Princess Luna has taken the opportunity to make the lighting as dramatic as possible,” Fierce said, as they joined the circle of ponies gathered just inside the banners, staying a respectful distance from three Princesses and the gathered unicorns that would be their assistants. 

“I think everything looks wonderful,” Cobalt said. He waved back, as Sombra and Hope waved to him. “It’s good to see all the unicorns that were ponynapped are here and doing all right.” 

A section of the circle parted, as Celestia and a hooffull of her guard moved through with the still imprisoned Nightmares floating beside the princess. “Good evening, one and all. Thanks to your efforts, tonight we shall return the Nightmares to the moon and restore Princess Amore.” She paused to allow the cheers and snow muffled stomps of applause die down. “Reve, are you and yours ready to return?”

Luna, still hosting a number of the Nightmares, stepped forward. “We are.” The Nightmares flowed from Luna and joined their compatriots in the magic sphere. Luna staggered, but was braced by Cadance and Twilight.

The Nightmare’s collective voice said, “We have learned much from this experience and your words have much to ponder. Perhaps the next time we meet it shall be as friends.”

“We would welcome that,” Celestia said. She looked to the unicorns. “Are we ready?”

“We are,” Sombra responded, lit his horn, and began a spell. The princesses and unicorns added their magic to Sombra’s, and the Nightmares vanished with a flash of pale light.

“The Nightmares are now back where they belong.” After the cheers of the crowd diminished, Celestia called, “Cobalt, step forward.”

A murmurer went through the crowd, as Cobalt made his way to the princess. He bowed, as Celestia used her magic to take the bag of fragments from his back. “I am yours, Princess. You need but ask it of me, and I will make it so.”

“Such courtly manners.” Luna said, in a stage whisper, “If only the nobles of this age acted so,” gaining her a number of laughs.

Celestia smiled. “You have done much for Equestria. We thank you with the deepest gratitude.”

Keeping his head low, Colt responded, “It was an honor to serve you and Equestria.”

“We would ask one more thing of you.”

Cobalt’s head nearly touched the snow, as he bowed lower. “You have to but to name it.”

“Join us, and aid us in restoring Princess Amore.”

Cobalt’s eyes met Celestia’s, wide with shock. “Princess, I would deny you nothing, but I can’t help.”

Celestia smiled at him assuredly. “You have accomplished so much already, this should be but a small thing.”
Cobalt trembled as he told her, “I can’t help with spells like this.”

Sombra’s laugh brought Cobalt’s head up. “You’re forgetting that you have already helped with spells of great power! You are the one that the seeking spell found, you were the one that led the Lunar Guard here, using your magical abilities, and you can serve as the connection to bringing back Princess Amore.”

Cadance strode over and tucked Cobalt against her side with a wing. “Compared to what you faced in the Everfree Forest, this will be easy. I promise.”

Cobalt looked up to her and asked, “What do I need to do?”

“We need you to focus on thoughts of Princess Amore and stay still, while we connect you to the spell.”

“I can do that! I’ve done it before, with Zecora.”

“This should be almost exactly the same.” Twilight looked out towards the gathered circle, and called, “Grayson, you’re about the right size, we need your cloak!”

“Not happening, Princess!” Grayson responded. “I am not exposing my shaved rear to the cold and this many eyes, good cause or not! You’ll have to get a cloak from someone else!”

“Grayson, you cad!” Fierce shouted. “You would deny the Princesses such a small thing for such a paltry reason?!”

“You forget the pride of griffins,” Luna said, with enough volume for all to hear. “Fret not. His refusal is of no import.” Using her magic, Luna took off her cloak and laid it on the ground. “As a practical matter, his cloak would lack the volume of cloth we would require.” She grinned with self-satisfaction. “I am greater than he in stature, so my cloak will serve.”

“Luna, behave and do not goad the griffin,” Celestia chided, without much force. “Remember what occurred last time you did such a thing.”

“Twas but a minor scuffle.”

“Beating a half dozen dignitaries and their honor guard unconscious is not ‘a minor scuffle,’ dear Sister. It was an international incident.”

“None of their number suffered egregious wounds, so history favors my telling. Due to their lack of foresight and skill, they lost both the rhetorical debate and the contest of might that day.”

A small smile came to Celestia’s features, which she swiftly suppressed. “Setting that aside, we lost diplomatic ties with their kingdom for years.”

“I do not recall you bemoaning their absence from our halls overly much. If memory serves, you stated that you were glad to have a reprieve from their ‘incessant, petty cawing and squawking’ and that my daily sparing with the Guard had served me well in the melee.”

Twilight covered her mouth with a hoof and cleared her throat. “Excuse me, but I believe there is something we need to be focusing on other than historical events.”

“Let them get it all out,” Cadance said, as she indicated for Cobalt to lie down on Luna’s cloak. “They are just having a sisterly moment.”

“I didn’t know they could do that,” he said, his eyes never leaving the Sisters.

“Of course we can,” Celestia said, with a full smile. “We are no different than you and Stone.”

“Except for their being mares, having enormous magical and political power, and being older than some of the hills in Equestria, they are just like you two,” Cadance said.

“Such impertinence,” Luna huffed.

“She reminds me of a certain sister of mine at that age,” Celestia said, which gained her a scathing look from Luna.

Cobalt arranged himself on the cloak, while Cadance and Shining poured the collected fragments of Princess Amore from several bags together in front of him.

Twilight patted him on the shoulder. “Just reach out to her and let us do the rest. It might feel a little weird, but don’t get distracted.”

Cobalt nodded, closed his eyes, and put his head down. “I’m ready.”

Twilight lit her horn and began the spell. The others at the center of the circle added their power to hers, creating an orb of energy that held strands of color from the individual magic users’ magical auras that floated above Cobalt and the fragments.

Slowly, the orb descended and encompassed the colt and the fragments, obscuring them from view.

Stone tensed, as the thrumming from the spell intensified and the orb changed in color to a pure white. “Hang in there,” he muttered.

Puca leaned against Stone’s shoulder. “He’ll be fine.”

“I know, but that’s some really intense magic being worked. If anything goes wrong...”

“We won’t’ have to worry about it,” Grayson said. “As close as we are, we’d be vaporized before we had a clue something had fouled up.”

“What a cheerful thought,” Bonsmara grumbled. “Leave it to you to think of something like that.”

The magical orb shrank and seeped into the fragments. After a hushed second, a bright flash, and resounding electric crackle, the spell was completed.

Almost nose to nose with Cobalt, Princess Amore lay on her side on Luna’s cloak. Her eyes remained closed.

“Princess?” Cobalt said, reaching towards her and touching her cheek. “Please be okay. Please.”

Amore opened her eyes. She blinked a couple of times to adjust her eyes to the light, looked at Cobalt, and then smiled. “Hello.”

“You made it!”

“I can’t thank you enough. Without you, I don’t know if I…” Amore pulled Cobalt to her, and cried. “Thank you,” she told him, through her tears. “Thank you.”
> Conspiracies, Discoveries, and Opportunities
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Tell Mom and Dad I love them, okay?" Cobalt asked, as he hugged Stone. “And get some sleep on the flight. You’re about to fall asleep sitting up again.”

Stone returned the hug and patted his brother’s shoulder. “I’ll do both, I promise.”

“Do I get a hug?” Puca asked.

Cobalt broke his hug with Stone and embraced Puca.

Puca gave him a little squeeze. “Let’s make a deal. You keep a watch on Bonsmara, while she recovers, and I’ll keep a watch on Stone for you.”

“Deal.”

“Enough with the mushy stuff you two. We’re supposed to be back in Canterlot by sunup.” Freight gave Cobalt a poke in the ribs. “You will see them again in two days.”

Cobalt ducked under Puca’s forelegs and caught Freight in a hug. “Thank you for everything.”

Freight grinned and returned the hug. “You like hugging mares don’t you?”

Cobalt looked up at her, with the start tears in his eyes, and shook his head. “I don’t know if I will ever get to see you again.”

“You shouldn't go and cry over me.”

Cobalt’s ears folded back. “Sorry, I couldn’t help it.”

“Since you’re so cute, you’re forgiven this once. ”She patted Cobalt on the head. “Don’t give the princesses too much trouble.”

“I won’t.”

“Now, it’s time to end the mushy stuff. We’ve got to go.” Freight prodded Cobalt towards Twilight and Cadence, who had been watching the scene on the edge of the landing pad. “You two,” she said, addressing Puca and Stone. “Get on board and pick yourselves bunks in the sleeping quarters. There won’t be any princesses on board to keep you from freezing this time, so no going out on deck.”

Stone and Puca made their way into the ship and to the sleeping quarters.

“The ship seems empty, without all the Guard in it,” Stone voiced.

“I’m glad for them that most of them got time off.” Puca yawned, showing her sharp teeth for a moment before covering her mouth with a hoof. “Sorry about that. With all the high emotions from  Amore coming back to the Empire I haven’t been able to sleep much.”

“Another reason to be glad the ship is about empty.”Stone said, sliding his saddle bags under a bunk and securing them.
Puca chose the bunk across from Stone’s, and stowed her own saddlebags. “Have you figured out how you will tell your parents the princesses coltnapped your brother so they could study him.”

“They’re not going to study him, they want to make sure that the spell didn't affect him in some weird way.”

“Not all of them will, but I guarantee Twilight is going to.”

Stone snorted. “I wish I could argue, for Cobalt’s sake, but you’re right. She would ask me about what I remembered about being with the Nightmares every opportunity she got and she didn’t seem as interested in what happened with me as she did with Cobalt.”

Puca studied him for a moment. “What do you remember?”

“I remember almost all of it. Right before the Nightmares left me is a blank, but Luna said the memories would come back.” He gave her a warm smile. “I never thanked you for talking with me about me when we were heading towards the sanctuary.”He stopped, blinked, and shook his head. “That was kind of weird to say. Now I understand why Luna slips into talking in the third person sometimes.”

She giggled at him. “You’re welcome.”

He hugged her against his chest and rested his chin on her shoulder. “I mean it. Even while I was with them, the part of me that was still me was worried that their way of looking at things would seep into my personality.”

“I’m glad.”Stone listed to the side, and Puca helped him remain upright. “You’re about to collapse again.”

“Sorry, I’m just a little tired.”

“You’re just a little half-asleep on your hooves.” She patted him on his back. “Get in your bunk, or do I need to get Freight to come back here and order you to?”

“There’s a threat if I’ve ever heard one.” Stone crawled onto his bunk. “Why did I have to start to collapse again now?  I wanted to talk to you.”

“You need to take care of yourself first. You’re still recovering, remember?” She rubbed his shoulder in an assuring way. “It can wait for.”

He took her hoof with one of his. “It’s important though.” His eyes half closed. “I want-”

She smiled as he drifted off, still holding her hoof.


*****


“Princess?”

Twilight looked up from her writing. “Just Twilight, remember?”

Cobalt shifted in his chair. “Sorry, Twilight, I forgot. Can we take a break? I want to check on how Bonsmara’s doing. I don’t want her to be by herself too long while Fierce and Grayson are in their meeting.”

“Of course you can,”Cadance said, from a nearby couch, gaining her a irritated glance from Twilight.

Flurry, who was tucked against Cadance, giggled and wriggled as Cobalt hopped down from his chair. He looked at her. “Does she understand what we’re saying?”

Cadance nuzzled the top of Flurry’s head. “She can tell you’re happy, so she’s happy.”

Cobalt grinned at the filly. “Thanks for being happy for me. You behave for your mom, okay?” Flurry responded with happy babbles. Cobalt waved to the three princesses, before trotting out of the room.

Cadance glanced over at Twilight. “Did you find anything?”

“Nothing at all left over from the spell, which is good, or what I was hoping to find, which is frustrating.”Twilight rubbed her temples with her hooves. “How am I supposed to figure out the deeper magic of cutie mark formation if I can’t even detect it? I can’t hover around him all the time and wait for it to happen.”

“Are you sure he’s about to get his mark?”

Twilight tapped her hoof against the table. “I’m shocked he didn’t get it when he was part of the spell that restored Amore.” She pulled out a sheet of paper from her notes. “Stressful or surprising situation that pushes the pony to the edge of their limits, check. New experience based on activity preferences or talents previously shown, check.” She ran a hoof down the page. “All of these factors that are associated with cutie marks appearing are there. If my theory is correct, one should have appeared!”

“He won’t be the first colt you might observe right before they their cutie mark, I promise, so don’t worry about it.”

“You know something.”

“I know quite a few things.”

“You’re not going to tell me about whatever it is, are you?”

“Nope, I will not risk the wrath of Celestia and Luna.” Cadence smiled and Flurry giggled up at her. “Flurry knows too, but she’s not going to say anything.”

“You’re enjoying this too much.”

“It will be worth the anticipation. Just be patient and keep your ears open for hints.”

Shining entered the room. “How are my two lovely ladies?”

Flurry squealed happily on seeing Shining. 

Cadance gave him a welcoming smile. “We’re doing just fine”

“And not a word to me,”Twilight teased.

“Hello, Twily.”Shining gave Cadance a kiss and then kissed flurry on the cheek, which gained him a happy giggle from his daughter. He grinned over at Twilight. “Would you like a kiss too?”

“Thanks, but I’ll pass. How did the meeting go?”

“It was interesting.”

Twilight stared at him. “That’s all you’re going to say? It was a two hour meeting.”

“The rest is classified and cannot be discussed with anypony outside the meeting.”

Twilight tapped herself on the chest. “I’m a princess of Equestria, for crying out loud!”

“No way,I’m not talking. Celestia would shave my tail, and I want to sleep without Luna messing around with my dreams in creative and horrible ways.”

“Celestia and Luna again?! I’m being conspired against!”

“Perhaps you’re just being paranoid?”Shining scooped up Flurry and touched his nose to hers. “Hello my little princess.”

Twilight’s wings unfurled. “Something sneaky is going on! I’m sure of it!”

“Would you like to hold Flurry? She always calms my nerves.”

Twilight sighed and sat back in her chair. “Sure, but I don’t want to take her from you too soon. You just got here.”

Shining levitated Flurry to Twilight. “I’ve said hello to her, and you’re her favorite aunt so she won’t complain.”

“Unless there’s something Mom and Dad not to tell us about, I’m her only aunt.”

Shining turned to Cadance. “Now that my princess is in good hooves, I must hug and hold my Empress, as my duties as consort dictate.”

Cadance grinned and extended her forelegs, inviting him. “Come, my consort, and lavish your Empress with affection.”

“It would be an honor and privilege most enjoyable.” Shining hugged Cadance and kissed her cheek. “I love you, my empress.”

“I love you too, my dear consort.”

Twilight sighed and looked down at Flurry. “Your parents are romantic goofs.”


*****


Bonsmara looked up from her book. “I see you peaking around the door frame. You should be heading to bed.”

Cobalt, looking a bit guilty, stepped into the room. “Twilight was looking me over again, so I was late checking on you. I didn’t want to go to bed, before making sure you were okay.”He looked around the room. “I’m glad I did. They’re still in the meeting, aren’t they?”

Bonsmara put her book down and patted the bed. “Come here.”Cobalt climbed on the bed and Bonsmara tucked him against her side. When he looked up to her, she touched his nose with a finger. “Something is bothering you, I can tell. Is it Stone leaving to go back?”

Cobalt leaned his head against the side of her chest. “That’s part of it.”

“You can talk to me.”

“I don’t want to bother you. You’re trying to get better.”

“It would ease my mind, if you told me what is worrying you.”

“Everything is about over, isn’t it?”

“It looks like it.”

“I don’t want you to go. You, Fierce, Grayson, Puca, I want you all to stay.”

“Fierce and I don’t live too far away. We’ll come and visit.”

“What about Grayson?”

Bonsmara sighed. “I am not sure what we are going to do about him. We had a time of it tracking him down for this job. He is looking for a place to land, but he is not sure what he wants.”

“Stone is kind of like that.”

Bonsmara looked down at Cobalt. “What do you mean?”

“He wants to go on adventures, but he wants to be at home and help Mom and Dad with their business too.”

“He is a rook, just like his mark. He is dedicated to protecting that which is important, but can also end dangers too. It is hard balance to keep.”

Cobalt nodded. “I’m scared he’ll let Puca get away trying to because of it.”

Bonsmara laughed.“I would not fret about that. Puca is an expert. If she is interested in him for the long term, she will get him. I get the impression your brother would protest too much if she made the first move either.”

They stayed quiet for a time, both seeming lost in their own thoughts.

“Ladies first,”Fierce said from the doorway, breaking Bonsmara’s and Cobalt’s introspection.

“Thank you my good sir.” Amore walked into the room. “There you are, Cobalt.We stopped by your room to find you weren’t there.”

“Cobalt has become Bonsmara’s get well plushie,” Fierce said, as he let an older mare with a pink coat and silver mane pass into the room.

“So you’re the colt everypony’s been talking about. I’ve wanted to take a gander at you.” The mare took off her saddlebags, which had the markings of a first aid kit. She nodded toward a corner of the room. “Do you see that circle?”

“Yes ma’am,” Cobalt said.

“You will be standing in it in a minute. Get out of the bed, but stay close. I want you to see something.”

“Yes, ma’am,” he said and climbed out of the bed.

“Such good manners, your parents taught you well. Don’t worry about the ma’am though, save that for the royalty around here.”

Amore smiled. “Cobalt, I will introduce her, since she seems too preoccupied to introduce herself, this is Tender Mend. She is the pony that has been helping Bonsmara heal the last couple of days.”

Mend pointed a hoof at Fierce.“You with the thumbs, would you help the lady with her blanket while I get everything set up?”

Fierce’s ears wilted, as he looked toward the ceiling and sighed. “Fierce, dear lady, my name is Fierce. I am sure we have been introduced at least twice now.”

“Names aren’t important.” Mend took out a wooden case as if handling a delicate instrument and placed it on the bedside table. “You’re helping me help your lady love, that’s what’s important.”

Fierce’s eyes met Bonsmara’s, and he smiled. “You speak true.” As he helped Bonsmara get out from under her blanket, he gave her a quick kiss on the cheek.

Mend opened the case and motioned for Cobalt to get closer. “Tell me what you think about these.”

Cobalt moved so he could see the interior of the case. Inside the case were a series of padded sections each of which held a crystal.

“You can get closer.”

Cobalt shook his head.

“Why not? They don’t bite.”

“They make my coat stand on end.”

A knowing smile came to Mend’s face. “Like static in the air?”

Cobalt nodded. “This isn’t going to make sense, but it’s like they’re loud.” Cobalt’s ears folded and he looked away. “I’m sorry for being a scaredy colt, but-”

“You’ve got good horse sense. If something is giving you the whim whams, you leave it be.” Mend patted him on the shoulder. “That’s not being a scaredy colt, that's being wise."

“Thank you.”

“So there is a soft spot in you,” Grayson said, from his spot in the doorway. “The stitches are doing fine, so you won’t go tugging on them this time.”

Mend narrowed her eyes at Grayson. “Just for that, you can be the one to go get the nosy princess and bring her here so the patient doesn’t freeze.”

“Twilight is who you mean, right?”

“She’s the purple one who comes and asks me all kinds of questions when I’m trying to help somepony and writes down everything, right?”

“That would be her. As for Bonsmara, it’s warm in here. She’ll be fine till I get back.”

“No back talk from you, you overstuffed falcon! Get!”

“Yes ma’am.” Grayson saluted and headed off down the hall.

“Griffins always make the worst patients. They give you nothing but beak and complain.” Mend examined Bonsmara’s leg, poking it with her hoof. “Any pain here or here?”

“None.” Bonsmara answered.

“The bruises are gone. That’s good. Colt, come here.” Cobalt did as Mend asked and stood beside her. “Put your hoof on her leg here, right where mine is.”

Cobalt blushed and looked up at Bonsmara. “Is that going to be okay?”

Bonsmara nodded. “I trust you and her.”

Mend raised her hoof, letting Cobalt place his on Bonsmara’s thigh, and then put her hoof on top of Cobalt’s. “Relax, close your eyes, and focus on what I am doing.” Mend closed her eyes and hummed a soft note. “Do you sense anything?”

Cobalt’s nose wrinkled as if he smelled something vile.“A dark streak, I guess is what I would call it.”He pulled his hoof away and shook it. “What was that?”

“That was amazing!” Twilight’s pen went across the parchment she was levitating with precise speed. “Guided magical sensing through hoof contact, something like that hasn’t been seen in-”

“About a thousand years,” Mend said, giving Twilight a chastising glance. “I invited you so you could observe. Keep your comments on the paper or I’ll ask Grayson to throw you out.”

Grayson snorted. “I’m the one who went to go get her. Shouldn’t it be Fierce’s turn?”

“Leave me out of this.” Fierce took Bonsmara’s hand in his paw. “I am here for my lady and shall not be moved.”

“Guess I will play the part of the bouncer then.” Grayson grinned at Twilight. “Please misbehave. I’ve never roughhoused with a princess before.”

Twilight’s eyebrows rose.

Mend shook her head. “This was supposed to be a healing and teaching session, not a theater production complete with peanut gallery. Colt, you go stand in the circle. Hound, fetch my bags, while I get him ready.”

Grayson sighed. “You had to bring up that cliché.”

“Sure did.” Mend used her hooves to adjust how Cobalt stood so his hooves rested on a set of symbols. “Hold still.” She adjusted his chin so his nose was level. “Don’t move. Some of these might be cold.”

“I don’t want to sound like I’m complaining, but I'm curious. Why do I need to stand in the circle?”

“It’s made of quartz that has been inlaid into the floor. It helps magic flow for tests like this and allows me to better diagnose some of the more tricky patients’ problems.”

Twilight squeezed between Amore and Fierce so she could see. Her quill never stopped, as she took notes as Mend took a pouch from her saddle bags, which Fierce held for her. 

Mend took five crystals from the pouch and put them on markings on the edge of the circle. She then took five more crystals from the pouch and placed them along Cobalt’s back, starting with his haunches and ending by placing one on his nose. “Amore, you want to bet which one responds the strongest?”

“The malachite,” Amore said, without hesitation. “A bottle of crystal berry wine, if I’m wrong.”

“That’s was my choice too, so no bet.”

Cobalt, cross-eyed due to looking at the green stone on his nose, asked, “What do you mean?”

“I have a hunch why you could hear Amore and I want to test my theory.” She tapped his chest with a hoof. “I’ll give you this chance to say no. Sometimes things like this can lead us down a path we would not have chosen otherwise.”

Cobalt swallowed, met her eye, and told her, “I want to find out why.”

She put her hooves on his cheeks and smiled. “Remember, this is a lot like having your fortune told by using cards. You can follow what is shown, or go your own path. How you react to what is shown is the important part. I know ponies who followed the signs and ponies who ignored them and all were successful in life. Close your eyes. Clear your head as best you can and don’t move.”

Cobalt took a deep breath and closed his eyes. Mend took a step back and then circled Cobalt. She stayed just outside the circle and as she passed the crystals she had arranged, she put a hoof over them as if trying to protect the flame of a candle. Once she made the full circuit, she announced, “So far there hasn’t been so much as a flicker, which I’m not surprised at.” She stepped into the circle. “Now, we’ll see if I’ve still got it.”

She started by putting her hoof over the stone on Cobalt’s haunches. “A little something, but not what I would call a reaction.”She moved her hoof to the stone at the small of Cobalt’s back. “Missed on this one, I’m not getting anything at all.” She moved her hoof to his shoulders. “Not much here either.” She moved her hoof to base of his neck. “Closer this time, but not what we’re looking for.” She stood beside Cobalt so her head was next to his. As she put her hoof above Cobalt’s nose, she smiled. “There is the reaction I was expecting.”

On Cobalt’s nose, the malachite gave off a calming green light. A collective, excited murmur went through the room.

“You can open your eyes now,” Mend said.

Cobalt stared at the stone. “What does it mean?”

“Malachite is a healing stone,” Mend explained. “It means that your affinity is for crystals and magic that helps others.” She took the other crystals from Cobalt’s back and put them back in her bag. “You take that one from your nose now.”

Cobalt took the stone from his nose and held it in his hoof. “Now I know what kind of magic I can work with, what do I do now?”

“You work with me to help your friend over there.”

“Mend, don’t push things too far,” Amore warned.

“Princess, with all due respect, I’ve tutored fillies and colts in this longer than you’ve been alive. Trust me.”

“I trust you but I don’t want you to…” Amore let her words trail off, though it was clear she wanted to say more.

“I want to help,” Cobalt said looking to Mend, and then to Amore.

“So much like your brother,” Mend said. “Yes, while I was checking in on him, I talked with him and did the same test.” She put a hoof to her cheek. “Here I am prattling on like an old ninny when there is a patient and a student I need to attend to.”

“Student?” Cobalt asked her, his ears perked.

“While you’re here,” Amore interjected.

Mend looked as if she were about to say something to argue.

Cobalt assured, “Any time I could spend with you would be great.”

“Then let’s make the most of it.” After putting the rest of the crystals back in the pouch, Mend instructed, “Hound, take these and, please, put them back where you got them.”

“With pleasure.”

Mend took a variety of stones from the case on the bedside table and placed them around and on Bonsmara’s leg. “You minotaurs are made of stern stuff. Had you been a pony, this would have mended days ago with as much magic as I’ve poured into you.”

“Thank you.” Bonsmara tapped the side of her head with her knuckles. “It is often said we have hard heads, but it would seem that it goes for the rest of us too.”

“Colt, come here and stand by me. Now, put one hoof beside her leg here. Put the other here. Good.” Mend moved and stood closer to Bonsmara’s hip. Before placing her hoof near Bonsmara’s waist, she took his left hoof in hers and placed their hooves so they touched the top of the same piece of malachite that had responded to him. “I want to close your eyes, feel what happens between me and the stones and then mimic me as best you can.”

He looked up at her with worry. “What if I mess things up? Will it hurt her?”

“You couldn’t hurt her even if you tried.”

“That makes me feel better.”

“Ready?”

Cobalt nodded, closed he eyes, and turned his head so he faced Bonsmara.

Mend closed her eyes. “Here we go. Just relax and follow what I’m doing.”

The crystals on and around Bonsmara glowed. Her eyes widened. “My leg is tingling more this time.”

Fierce put a paw on her shoulder and gave it a light squeeze.

The room lit with a flash of light.

Mend grinned before she opened her eyes. “We got it this time.”She looked back towards Cobalt’s flank. “It looks like you got something for yourself too.”

“Yes, yes, yes, yessss!” Twilight cheered.


*****


Puca rolled over in her bunk. “You okay?”

“I thought I was being quiet. Sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you.”

“You didn’t make a sound, but I can feel you thinking. Are you all right?”

“No, I’m not. I keep waking up with something on my mind. It’s been happening for a few days now.” He got out of his bunk and headed toward the hatch. “Sorry about waking you up. I’ll move around a bit, clear my head, and come back.”

“Stone, come here.”He came to her and she put a hoof on his shoulder. “You’re a mess right now. What are you thinking about?”

He sat down and leaned his chest against the frame of the bunk. “You.”

“I don’t know if I like that, if I’m causing you to worry like this.”

“You’re not what’s causing me to worry. It’s the what-ifs running around in my head.”He took her hoof from this shoulder and held it with both of his. He looked from her hoof and into her eyes. “Remember when you asked me what I remember from being with the Nightmares?”

“I do.”

“I remember you checking on me and holding me when I passed out. When you held me, I felt safe and cared for.”

She blushed. “I was so relieved that it wasn’t as bad as it looked. You were a bloody, dirty mess and I couldn’t tell if the wounds had closed up or not.”

“I sort of remember talking to you and Stone when we were first in the cave, but there is something I know I will remember for the rest of my life that happen not long after that.”

“What was that?”

“Waking up holding you, it felt right. It felt wonderful. I was the most content and happy I can remember feeling, because you were there.” He smiled and touched his nose to hers. “I bet you sensed all of that, though.”

She smiled. “I did, but I wasn’t sure if I was what was making you feel that way. Going on assumptions based just on what you read from emotions is dangerous. You never know what the thinking behind the emotions is.”

He drew back, and his smile grew vulnerable. “I want to ask you something.”

“Ask anything you want.”

“Can you feel I love you?”

She nodded. “I can.”

“Is it enough?”

“Enough? What do you mean?”

“Could you live off it?”

“Yes, it’s more than enough.”

“Good, then I won’t feel guilty asking my next question.”

“Which is?”

“Will you stay with me in Ponyville?”

She smiled. “I will.”She leaned in, hugged him around the neck, and kissed him. “I love you.” She bumped her nose against his. “You’ll have to let me drag you out on the occasional adventure with the others now and then, though.”

He laughed. “I will go with you wherever you want to go.”

“I’ve already got a job you could help me with me. I’ve got royal duties to attend to in Ponyville, and I’m sure you can make them go a lot quicker by helping me.”

Stone’s right ear flicked. “Royal duties?”

“Part of us being asked to head back before the others is that I’ve been conscripted by Celestia and Luna for clandestine purposes.” She kissed his nose. “I can’t tell you much about the overall scheme, since I don’t that much myself. But you must decide whether we will be in your bunk or mine, before I tell you what I know.”

“I’ll meet you in the middle.”Stone used his forelegs as impromptu measuring sticks. He took the width of his bunk and then measured the space between his bunk and Puca’s. “That’s a problem. Both mats won’t fit on the floor.”

“That’s not a problem at all.” She shifted to being the pegasus she had been when they were on the deck of the ship as they traveled to the Empire and patted her forehead. “Now we won’t risk you getting poked, since we don’t have that much space.”

“But...”

She got out of her bunk and bopped him on the nose. “Remember, I like changing for others, so no fussing.”

He grinned. “I can do that.” He took her hoof and led her to his bunk, and they snuggled together.

She wrapped her free wing around him. “How’s that?”

“Wonderful. Is it comfortable for you?”

She hugged him a little more. “Very.”

“I never did really say it, did I?” Her eyes widened, as he kissed her. “I love you.”
> Coming Home
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Freight smiled and leaned against the hatchway. “You two look cozy.”

Puca raised her head from the crook of Stone’s neck. “Good morning,” she whispered.

“I’m assuming you’re Puca, or Stone’s in a whole bushel of trouble with her and me both.”

Puca smiled and nodded.

“I thought you two were more than fellow adventures to each other.”

“How long have you been together?”

“Since last night.”

“I hope you two didn’t do anything I will have to explain to the cleaning crew.”

Puca glanced up to the bottom of the bunk above, which was not far above her head. “I was tempted, but there’s not enough room for what I had in mind.”

“There’s always the floor.”

Stone muttered something indecipherable and leaned up. “It’s morning already?” When Puca turned to answer him, he gave her a kiss. “You’re something wonderful to wake up seeing.”

“You’re sweet.” Puca cut her eyes towards the door. “Somepony’s watching.”

Stone turned to Freight and blushed. “Good morning, Captain.”

“Do I get a good morning kiss too?” Freight laughed, as Stone attempted to say something that amounted to an answer. “We’re not too far out from Canterlot. I wanted to warn you two so the landing didn’t jolt you awake.”

“Thank you,”Puca told Freight. “We’ll get ready for landing.” She and Stone untangled themselves from their shared blanket and got out of the bunk.

“I don’t know what this is all about, but Luna told me to deliver these.” Freight gave Puca and Stone each a sealed envelope. “She told me that the envelopes have everything you will need to complete your respective assignments, including documents and train tickets.”

“I thought you were the one they were counting on,” Stone said to Puca.

“Looks like they’re pulling us both in on whatever is going on.”

Stone looked over Puca’s envelope. “Hers has Celestia’s seal and mine has the Empire’s. Are we working for different princesses?”

“I have no clue,” Freight said.

“We might do something at cross purposes then.”

“I doubt that. The princesses do nothing of importance without consulting each other.”

Puca opened her envelope and read the first page of the message. As soon as she reached the end of the page, she slid the message back in the envelope. “I am to read these orders alone and not give out any details about what will do beyond saying I am to catch a train to Ponyville early this evening.”

Stone opened his envelope and read the first page of his assignment. “Same here. If I had to bet, it’s the same train.”

“So they want you two to split up for a while.” Freight shook her head. “Just what are they up to that they need you two to be so fast and quiet about it?”

“There’s no telling.” Puca gave Freight a hug. “Thank you for everything.”

“You’re more than welcome.” Freight grinned and gave a look to Stone. “I got a goodbye hug from your brother, and your special somepony, how about you?”

Stone looked to Puca.

“I won't get jealous, I promise,”Puca assured him.

Stone gave Freight a hug. “Thank you.”

Freight kissed him on the cheek. “Thank you. If you hadn’t let those things inside you and fought with us, my crew would be down a few members.” She swallowed and gave him a brave smile. “I don’t know if knew you this, but those of us that made this flight back had chance to stay with the others in the Empire, but we wanted to see our families and made the run with a skeleton crew.”

“You’re married?”

“I have a husband, and filly and a colt about Cobalt’s age. They’re twins.” Her breath caught and tears trailed down her cheeks. She turned her head and hugged Stone tight against herself. “I didn’t know if I would see them again.”

Puca wrapped her forelegs and wings around Freight and Stone. “It’s all right. We’re back home and safe.” She rubbed Freight’s shoulder with a hoof. “You’ve been holding that in a while.”

“I have.” She sniffed. “I have been acting tough for my crew, but making the trip back made me think about how close we came to not coming back at all.”

“So long as you’re not one of the Elements of Harmony, or living in Ponyville, this should be a once in a lifetime thing,” Stone said.

“Thank Luna! I never want to get tangled up in anything like that again.”

“You were the right captain at the right place and at the right time,” Stone told her. “If it weren’t for you and your ship and crew we might not have made it on time.”

The ship’s engines’ sound changed to a slower, more powerful rhythm.

After letting go of Stone, Freight wiped the tears from her face. “Chart must be about ready to set us down.”

“You’re not going to pilot us in?” Puca asked.

Freight shook her head. “Chart is trying to become a full pilot. As part of the training, he has to complete several landings on his own.” She released Stone, stepped back, and sniffed again. “Thank you for letting me cry on you.”

“While I hope you never need to, you can cry on me anytime you want.”

“You have a keeper,” Freight said to Puca.

Puca leaned her head against Stone’s shoulder. “I know.”


*****


Grayson walked the length of the train car time and time again.

“How like a tiger in a cage,” Luna said, watching Grayson. “One wonders as to the thoughts that cause him to pace so.”

Celestia looked up from her book. “You could just ask him.”

Luna smiled. “I prefer to indulge in speculation. One can come up with the most wondrous reasons for such behavior.”

Grayson paused in his pacing and gave them an unamused look. “I’m glad I can provide such entertainment.”

“He is not the only one in such a state,” Luna said. “Young Cobalt has been restless while waking and in his dreams.”

“He tried so hard to hide it during his lessons yesterday, but Mend and I both noticed his mind wandering.” Amore sighed. “Mend thinks we’re being cruel, not letting him in our plans. To an extent, I can see what she means, but we cannot make promises to him without consulting his parents first. We don’t know whether Twilight will agree either.”

Celestia giggled. “I assure you, you need not worry about her not agreeing.”

A knock, low on the car’s door, drew everyone’s attention.

Amore smiled. “You may enter, Cobalt.”

Cobalt entered the train car and bowed to Amore. “You summoned me, Princess?”

“I did.”

“I will serve to the best of my abilities.”

Cadance giggled. “Being formal again I see.”

Grayson patted Cobalt’s shoulder with a talon. “He knows how to conducted himself.”

“There is no question of that.” Amore smiled at Cobalt. “You may rise. Due to unforeseen events, we will need to stop in Canterlot longer than we had scheduled. While the should prove positive overall, it has left us with issues we need to address. We have need of you two to aid us in doing so.”

Grayson’s eyebrows rose. “We’re an odd pairing.” He looked to Cobalt. “No offense meant, I’ll be glad to work with you, but we couldn’t be more different.”

“True, but you two have something in common. You have connections to Ponyville and know its citizens and the locations of their abodes.”

Grayson’s bumped Cobalt and chuckled. “I think we will running parcel post.”

“Royal couriers,” Celestia corrected. You two will need to set out as soon as we reach Canterlot. Speed is vital for what we have in mind.”

“We can leave now, provided there is access to the top of the train,” Grayson said. “I can carry him with no trouble.”

“Are you certain?”

“No doubt at all.” Grayson patted Cobalt on the head. “If time is of the essence, we are the right team for the job.”

Cobalt nodded. “We won’t let you down, Princess.”

Celestia smiled. “I’m sure you won’t.” She turned to Cadance. “Is it finished?”

“It is.” Using her magic, Cadance placed her letter into an enveloped and affixed her seal. She held out the envelope to Grayson. “This is for you to deliver.”

“To whom should I take it?” Grayson asked.

“Zecora of the Everfree Forest.”

Grayson froze.

“Are you refusing?”

Grayson shook his head and took the letter. “I’ll need my gear, if I will be making a trip there.” He gave Cadance a quick bow. “I will take my leave and prepare for the flight.” With feline speed, he left the train car.

“You struck something within him.” Luna gave Cadance an inquisitive look. “At what tender spot did you aim?”

“His heart,” Cadance said, with a cheerful grin.

“Cobalt,” Celestia said, “come here.” She gave Cobalt a messenger bag which bore the royal seal. “These are for your parents, your brother, and the Elements. Make sure they get to them as soon as possible. There is one in there for you, but you may only read it after you have delivered the others.”

Cobalt bowed. “Yes, Princess.”

“There is one other matter.”

“I’ll do whatever I can to help.”

“I have learned that my fellow princesses have all received a hug from you. I have not. You must fix this.”

Cobalt lifted his head. For a second, his expression was of disbelief. Smiling, he put the bag aside and hugged Celestia.

Celestia hugged him back.“Thank you for helping Amore come back to us.”

“I’m glad I could help, Princess.”


*****


Puca pointed a hoof towards the sky. “Stone, is that who I think it is?”

“If you’re thinking it’s Grayson with Cobalt on his back, I think you’re right.” Stone waved to them. “Hey you two, you’re not supposed to be here for hours!”

Grayson turned his head towards them, pointed them out to Cobalt, and then descended to the street. “Thanks for saving us the trouble of hunting you down. The princesses told us we’re on a tight schedule.” 

Cobalt slid from Grayson’s back. “Be careful,” he told the griffin.

“I always am.” Grayson grinned at Puca and Stone. “I hope you two have been behaving yourselves.”

“We have,” Stone said at the same time Puca responded, “Somewhat.”

“I don’t think I want the details on the ‘somewhat,’ so I better go.” Grayson took off and flew toward the Everfree Forest.

“He has the same feeling as when he’s preparing for a fight. I don’t know if that is a good thing or a bad one.” She looked to Cobalt. “I take it you’re on another mission for the princesses?”

“I am!” Cobalt pulled a pair of scrolls from the messenger bag. “I was to give these to you and Stone.” He then turned and trotted away.

“Where are you going?” Stone asked.

“I have to deliver the rest of them as soon as possible. Where are you two going to be?”

“We’re going to get a bite to eat, run some errands, and then go to my place.”

“I’ll meet you there!”

Stone blinked. “Is that a cutie mark?!”

“It is! I’ll tell you about it when I get back!”

“He must be excited about these messages, if he’s not even going to tell us about how he got his cutie mark.” Stone broke his scroll’s seal and read it. “So that’s why we were running around like mad yesterday.” 

Puca read her own message and smiled. “This will change a few things around here.” She rolled the scroll back up. “I noticed you didn’t tell him what we’re about to do. Are we trying to keep things a secret?”

“Not so much a ‘secret’, but I thought it would be a nice surprise for him.” Stone gave Puca a scheming grin. “I have an idea. If you’re up for it.”

She smiled back. “What have you got in mind?”


*****


Mosaic took a sip of the soup she was preparing. She smiled, as the sounds of the front door being unlocked then opening and closing, as somepony entered, from the front of the house.  “That’s Cobalt.”

“Stone, could you help me with this leaf? It needs to ooch a little bit, and I can’t get it to move from where I am.”

“Be right there, Dad.”

Puca stopped using the rolling pin she had been working with and smiled.

Mosaic paused in her stirring the soup and turned to Puca. “Are you feeling all right?”

Puca nodded. “I haven’t been able to enjoy something like this too often.” She closed her eyes and took a deep breath as if savoring a scent. “It’s wonderful.”

Mosaic looked down at her ladle. “The soup’s not that good, and you haven’t even tried it yet.”

“I’m sure the soup is great.” Puca rolled out dough again. “It’s the feeling of family togetherness I was talking about. It’s rare for a changeling to enjoy it like this.”

Mosaic hugged Puca across the shoulders with a foreleg. “I hope we can make it a much more common thing for you.” 

“I don’t mean to sound ungrateful or suspicious, but why do you trust me? In most ponies’ eyes I’m little better than a monster.”

“You watched over and brought back the two most precious things in my life.” Mosaic hugged her tighter. “If I can’t trust you after that, I can’t trust anypony.” 

“Mom? Puca?” Cobalt stepped into the kitchen and looked at them both as if in disbelief. “What’s going on?”

“We’re fixing dinner,” Mosaic said as if it was nothing out of the ordinary.

“Got it!” A stallion’s voice said over the sound of a wooden thump.

“How mad is Dad?” asked Cobalt, his ears folded back.

Puca gave a light snort. “Stone survived telling him about what happened, you will too.”

“You must have gotten the note I left on the front door at my place.” Stone entered the kitchen, tapped Cobalt on top of his head with a hoof, and gave him a disapproving look. “Mom told me what you did. Giving her the scroll, a quick hug, and then running off was not nice to do.”

“My orders were to get the scrolls where they needed to go as fast as I could.” Cobalt glanced over at his mother. “She would have hugged and kissed on me and made me tell everything and held me up for who knows how long.”

“Puca, could you take over for a moment?” Mosaic gave Puca her ladle. “I have a son I need to hug.”

Puca took the ladle and gave Mosaic a wide smile. “I think he needs a hug too.”

Cobalt met Mosaic half way and hugged her. “Sorry, Mom, for running off like that.”

“You could have at least let me get a good look at you and talked with me long enough to know everything was all right.” Mosaic held Cobalt against her chest and kissed the top of his head. 

“There’s my boy.” A large, gray coated stallion with a light blue mane came into the kitchen, moved past Stone, and took both Cobalt and Mosaic in a hug. “Get over here, Stone, you’re not too big for this.” As soon as Stone got close enough, the stallion pulled him into the family hug. “Thank Celestia and Luna both I can do this again. I’m proud of you both, but you worried your mother and me half to death.”

Stone turned his head toward Puca then looked back at his family.

Puca gave him a quick motion with her hoof, as if to signal for him not to worry about it.

After watching the exchange between Puca and Stone, without letting anypony out of his embrace, the gray stallion tapped the top of Stone’s head with his chin. “Something going on?”

Without breaking eye contact with Puca, Stone told him, “We need room for one more.”

Cobalt looked up at Stone with wide eyes.

The gray stallion chuckled. “Come on,” he said to Puca, gesturing with a hoof for her to join them. “There’s plenty of room.”

Puca gave him a thankful smile and joined in the hug.


*****


“Would you like a roll, mister-” Puca paused in her words and in offering the rolls. “I realized I have no idea what your name is. I’ve only heard you called ‘dad,’  ‘dear,’ or ‘my husband’.”

“Fieldstone is my name. Just Field, please, no mister needed.” He took two rolls from the basket. “Thank you.”

“Cobalt, you need to eat,” Mosaic told her son. “Your soup will get cold.”

Cobalt tore his eyes from Puca and Stone, who were sitting across from him. “Yes, Mom.”

Mosaic said to Puca, “I thought you two were the only ones being sent back early.”

“That was the plan. Cobalt and Grayson must have followed behind us later.”

“Why send you two back early?”

“Princess Cadance and Mend thought Stone would rest better at home, and messages needed to delivered for everypony to be ready for the festivities. Since I am employed by Celestia, and knew my way around Canterlot, I was the chosen as the one to accompany Stone on the flight back.”

“They must have been the forerunners for getting everything ready,” Field said. “What is going on, I don’t know. What I know is that the rumor mill is in full tilt trying to figure it out.”

“Festivities?” Cobalt asked.

“The festival the princesses will be hosting.” 
Cobalt gave him a blank stare. 

“Did your message from the princesses not mention it?”

Cobalt’s ears sprang up. “I forgot about it!”

Field laughed. “Go get it then. I’m wondering what they wrote to you. They wrote something different to each of us and we’ve been trying to figure out what they are up to by comparing the messages.”

Cobalt scrambled from his seat.

Mosaic shook her head and smiled in a tolerant way. “No running in the house!” she told Cobalt. “I don’t care if you are a hero or not!”

Cobalt’s steps slowed in tempo. “Yes ma’am!”

Mosaic gave Puca and Stone a look. “You two being here must be important to him. He forgot about the message and hasn’t even mentioned getting his cutie mark.”

Stone told her, “We’ll get the story about his cutie mark out of him, I promise.”

Puca added, “After we try to figure out what the princesses are up to.”

Cobalt returned to the kitchen, cleared off a spot at the table, put his scroll down, and returned to his seat. He opened the scroll and read the message. “The princesses will be here in two days.” He looked up and grinned at Puca and Stone. “We’re all supposed to be there. I’m supposed to meet with Princess Amore.”

“We’re all meeting with a princess, it would seem.” Field nodded to Puca and Stone. “Stone is meeting with Luna. Puca will meet with Cadance, and your mother and I are to meet with Celestia.”

“They are resorting to dividing and conquering again,” Puca said. “They must be up to something big, if they are going through all this trouble to keep things quiet.”

“Speaking of not giving details,” Mosaic gave Cobalt a meaningful look. “Somepony has a few things to tell us. Things like how they got their cutie mark and what they have been doing in the Crystal Empire.”

Cobalt’s ears folded back. He rubbed the back of his neck with a hoof. “I can do that.” Cobalt told about his getting his cutie mark and his studies with Mend and Amore.

“You healed Bonsmara,” Stone said, sounding amazed. “I wish I could have been there to see that.”

“I had help,” Cobalt said, looking down to the table.

“I think I remember reading something about that kind of magic, when I was looking for something to help Stone,” Puca said. “Healing using earth pony magic is a rare talent and powerful.”

Mosaic leaned over and hugged Cobalt. “We always knew we had a special colt.”

“You have two special colts,” Puca said. When everypony turned to her, she blushed.

“You’re right.” Mosaic regarded Stone with a happy look.

Field looked to Cobalt. “That reminds me, what about Puca and Stone being here made you so excited that you forgot about your message?”

Cobalt looked as if were caught in a spotlight. “I was just surprised to see them and glad they were here.”

“Don’t fib to your father.” Mosaic gave Cobalt a light tap to the nose. “Or, in this case, tell a half truth.”

Cobalt squirmed, but remained silent.

Field gave Cobalt a half stern look. “Son, you know you can talk to us about anything.”

“I thought Stone would be at home. When I saw the note on his door saying he would be here, I though he would be here on the couch sleeping. Puca being here too surprised me too, I guess.”

Field raised an eyebrow. Before he could say anything, Stone said, “He saw Puca and I, when he arrived, as we were going to the market. I think he was expecting me to be a little more tired.”

While Field was talking with Cobalt and Stone, Puca caught Mosaic’s attention. Through the use of ears, body posture, and subtle gestures a silent exchange occurred between them, 

“Speaking of that, I believe your brother was ordered to bed by a princess,” Mosaic said.

“I feel funny having to ask permission to stay up,” Stone said to her. “But if you tell me to go to bed, I will.”

“You can stay up longer, if you help Cobalt do the dishes,” Field said. “You’re mother has not been sleeping well, worrying about you two. She deserves a break herself.”

“I can’t argue with that,” Stone said, as he stood up from the table. “I owe you both a lot of chores for making you worry about us.”

“I’ll help too,” Puca said, getting to her hooves.

“You will do no such thing.” Mosaic made a gesture toward Puca that indicated she should sit. “You are our guest.”

Stone glanced at his parents and then at Puca, who met his eyes for a moment.

“We’ll behave. I promise.” Mosaic gave Stone a smile that was too wide for comfort. “If you do the dishes fast enough, we won’t even have time get out the family album.”

Stone’s expression changed to one of embarrassed horror.

Cobalt grabbed one of Stone’s forelegs. “Come on! She’s got pictures of me in there when I was little too!”

“You still are little!”

“You know what I mean!”

While bickering back and forth, the two brothers made short work of clearing the table.

“You two are both going to be doing chores for a while, to make up for making your mother and me worry about you,” Field told them, between the two brother’s verbal jabs.

“Yes sir,” the brothers said in unison. They hurried to the kitchen. Soon after, the sound of running water and exchanged plans of action being discussed filtered into the room.

“Well played, my dear,” Field said.

Mosaic grinned. “Thank you.”

Field looked at Puca. “Don’t worry, neither of us bites.”

Puca drew up a smile. “I didn’t think you did.”

“You’re nervous, though.” Mosaic extended a hoof and took one of Puca’s.

“I think we’re both still in shock over the news, but you don’t have to be worried that we will throw you out of the house or anything like that.”

Puca asked Mosaic, “Could you let go for a moment? I need to show you both something.” After Mosaic let go of her hoof, with an accompanying spurt of green fire, Puca dropped her pegasus disguise. “This is what I look like. I wasn’t aiming to hide it, but I thought appearing like a normal pony would be the best for tonight.”

There was a second of awkward silence.

“I want your honest reactions to seeing this.” Puca said.

“It’s still a shock to see somepony change like that.” Mosaic said. She took Puca’s hoof again. “That does not mean I think less of you.”

Field’s studied Puca for a second and then shrugged. “I don’t care what somepony is. I work with three griffins, two diamond dogs, and half a herd of minotaurs. They’re just as much of a ‘pony’ as a pony.”

“But they aren’t interested in our son like she is,” Mosaic said. “That’s what she’s worried about, that we won’t accept him being with someone that isn’t a pony.”

Puca’s ears folded back. “I love your son, but I don’t want to make him chose between me or his family.”

A loud clatter of dishes turned their heads.

“Be easy with the plates you two! We're not getting out the family album, so take your time!” Mosaic half shouted towards the kitchen. She grinned at Puca and told her, “This time, anyway.”

Puca looked at Field. “I can tell something is troubling you about something about Stone and me.”

“We just met, so I won’t pretend that I know you. If Stone has invited you into his life like he has, you are part of ours too. I am just worried about other ponies. Twilight coming here has helped, the town’s reactions to Kevin and Zecora are not isolated incidents.”

Puca assured him, “We can handle it.”

The sound of draining water could be heard from the kitchen.

"They will be done in a minute,” Mosaic said. “What we’re trying to say, is that you don’t have to worry about anything with the two of us.”

“Cobalt said he would finish drying and that I could...” Stone trailed off, as he stepped into the room and looked at Puca and Mosaic. “Is everything all right?”

“We were just discussing you two’s courtship, in a roundabout way, and a little after the fact,” Field teased. “She wanted us to see her as she is see how we would react. I believe we conducted ourselves well.”

Puca smiled. “Very much so.”

Stone sat down beside Puca so their sides were almost touching. After glancing toward the kitchen, he whispered, “I don’t think Cobalt has a clue about what we’ve done. He asked me a dozen questions about our trip back and what we’ve been doing.”

After letting go of Mosaic’s hoof, Puca changed back into her pegasus form and grinned. “He’ll know soon.”


*****


“Thank you for coming over. It was nice to meet you, after hearing about you from Mosaic.” Field opened the front door.

“Thank you for having me.” Puca turned to Mosaic. “Would you mind if I borrow two of your stallions as escorts?”

“I wouldn’t mind at all.” Mosaic leaned against Field. “This one stays with me, though.”

“That leaves Stone and Cobalt then.” Field kissed the top of Mosaic’s head. “You think they can handle the rough streets of Ponyville?”

“I think they’ll manage.” She pointed a hoof at Cobalt. “Be back by nine.”

Cobalt nodded. “Yes ma’am.” Moving out the door, he declared, “I’ll take point,” and headed toward Cranky and Matilda’s house.

“Let’s swing by my place first so I can put these leftovers up,” Stone said.

Cobalt looked over his shoulder, nodded, and changed direction.

Stone winked at Puca. “If you don’t mind, that is.”

She stifled a giggle. “I don’t mind at all.”

On the way, the trio chatted about their respective trips back to Ponyville. When they reached Stone’s house, Puca told them, “I’ll get the door.” Using a key she had tucked away, she unlocked the door. “Your Mom’s cooking is too good to risk spilling.” She opened the door and made room for Stone to pass.

“Stone’s not bad at cooking either,” Cobalt told her. “Mom told him he had to know how to cook before he moved out on his own and taught him everything she knows.”

“His list of good points keeps growing.”

Cobalt and Puca followed Stone into the kitchen. While Stone put the leftovers away, Puca sat with Cobalt at the kitchen table. “Your dad’s a real nice guy.”

“He’s great.” Cobalt’s expression fell. “I wish he were around more though. His job keeps him on the road so much, we don’t get to see him for weeks sometimes.”

“He has to travel to take care of you and your mom.”

“I know, but still...”

Puca gave Cobalt’s should a little shake. “Think of it this way; it means that the time you get to spend with him is all the more special.”

Cobalt perked up. “You’re right. Thanks, Puca.”

“Any time.”

Cobalt glanced at Stone’s kitchen clock. “I don’t mean to be bossy, but we’ve got to get you home.”

“Cobalt, we need to tell you something,” Stone said. “Puca is not living with Cranky now.”

Cobalt looked at Stone, his expression a mixture confusion and shock. “What do you mean?”

“She will be living somewhere else.”

“No,” Cobalt said, sounding crushed. He shook his head. “She promised.” He looked to Puca with saddened betrayal. “You promised you wouldn’t leave.”

“Cobalt, hold out your hoof,” Puca said. When Cobalt did, she gave him the key she used to let them in. “I’m not leaving.”

Cobalt stared at the key. After a second, his eyes lit with joy and he looked up at Puca. “You’re moving in with Stone?!”

“She’s moved in. She didn’t have much to move. It only took one trip to bring her stuff here.”

“That means,” Cobalt’s smile grew, “you two are special someponies!”

Puca gave Stone a look. “That’s one way of putting it.”

Stone blushed. “She was paying rent to Cranky. I said she was welcome here, rent free, and she took me up on it. She’s set up in the guest room.”

Cobalt gave him a flat look. “I’m not that little. You two will be living together like Lyra and Bon Bon. I know they aren’t married, but they love each other.”

Stone sat down next to Puca. “We will get married. We just haven’t figured out when.”

Cobalt’s ears perked. “Does that mean I could be an uncle before too long?”

“I don’t know if you ever could be,” Puca’s said, some of the life gone from her voice. “I don’t remember ever hearing of a male changeling getting a female pony pregnant or vice versa.”

“I thought you told me that changeling’s were boys and girls at the same time.”

“We are, but only those born female can carry offspring and only those born male can sire them.”

“So it might happen.” Cobalt’s ear’s drooped, as Puca’s expression turned to one of worry. “Did I say something wrong?"

She hugged Cobalt to her, and he wrapped his forelegs around her as if desperate to comfort her. “Not at all. Bonsmara and Fierce aren’t able to have a calf or pup of their own. I was thinking about the emotions they have about not being able to have a child of their own is all. It’s one of the few things I worried about if I became involved with Stone.”

Stone took Puca from Cobalt and wrapped her in a hug of his own. “You shouldn’t worry about it. I’ve never thought about having foals with anypony before.”

“That doesn’t mean you wouldn’t want one at some point,” Puca said, putting her chin on his shoulder. 

Stone turned his head and kissed Puca’s temple. “If we decided we want a foal, at some point, we can try.”

“I’ve never thought about having a hatchling, or foal in this case, myself. My life in the hive didn’t allow for much chance for it, and after leaving the hive I considered it impossible.”

“Twilight.” Cobalt named the princess with certainty. “Twilight could help, I know it.”

Puca turned to look at Cobalt. “That’s an idea, but Stone’s right. We’re getting ahead of ourselves. Stone and I love each other, there’s no doubt about that, but it’s early for us to even be thinking about having a foal right now.” 

“That’s what he said about falling for you when you planed to be just friends. These kind of things happen all the time too. Mom and Dad didn’t expect me, but I’m here.”

“Fair enough, but I have never even heard of a changeling and a pony having a foal. I doubt it would happen on accident. We would have been warned about such things, during our infiltration training, if it could.”

Stone told them, “I don’t know if I like the idea of going to Twilight, if we ever try.”

“Why?” Cobalt asked. “She’s nice, and I’m sure she would help however she could.”

“True, but she’s obsessive. She would want to monitor everything about the process. We might be better off going to Cadance.”

“You never know. You might find you like having our attempts monitored to add to the experience.” Puca waggled her eyebrows at him.

“Puca! My brother is right there!”

Cobalt laughed for a moment, then his ear’s tilted to uneasy angles. “I wanted to ask you about Mom and Dad.  How did they take the news of you two being together?”

“Mom expected it, from what I can tell,” Stone said. “She seemed happy for us.”

“What about Dad?”

“’It’s about time you found somepony’, is about all he said.”

Cobalt sniffed and smiled. “That’s great.”

Puca broke from Stone’s hug and held out her forelegs to Cobalt. “Come here.” Cobalt leaned into her hug, putting his head on her chest, as she wrapped him in her forelegs. She rubbed his back and said, “You worried they might not like us being together.”

With his head still resting on Puca’s chest, he nodded. “I didn’t think they would, but they are protective of Stone and me.”

She put her cheek on the top of his head and gave him a squeeze. “I’m not going anywhere. I promise.”
> Distractions
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“I believe we are being followed,” Fierce whispered to Bonsmara.

“I know. I think we should ask them why they find us so fascinating.”

“Would you like me to start the conversation or would you like to?”

“I believe I would.”

“Ready when you are.”

Bonsmara stopped and snap turned so she faced back up the path. Beyond a bush that had a slight shake to its foliage, there was nothing to see but an empty path and peaceful scenery. She waited two seconds then addressed their followers, “Well done, but we know you are there and that there are three of you.”

A young, orange coated pegasus poked her head out of the bush. “Wow, you’re good.”

“Scootaloo, you’re givin’ away our position!” a filly with a country accent scolded.

“We’re already caught anyway,” a softer voice said.

The three fillies came out of the bush and approached Bonsmara. “Why were you girls following us?” she asked.

“We don’t get to see minotaurs or diamond dogs that often,” Scootaloo said. “We wanted to know where you were going.”

Bonsmara knelt down. “You could have come and talked to us.”

“We would have, but Scoots thought we should be sneaky about it,” Apple Bloom said.

“Thanks, Bloom,” Scootaloo said, with ample sarcasm.

“You’re heading to my sister’s, if I had to bet.” The third filly stepped forward. “My name’s Sweetie Belle. These are my friends Apple Bloom and Scootaloo. You must be Bonsmara and Fierce. Rarity said there would be a special couple coming in to pick up an order this morning.”

Fierce’s ears pricked up. “What is this about an order?”

Sweetie covered her mouth with her hooves and looked towards Bonsmara. “I’m sorry! I didn’t know it was a surprise!”

Bonsmara waved her words away. “Do not worry. Him knowing such a tidbit will build his anticipation.”

Apple Bloom tilted her head. “You two are together, together?”

“We are,” Fierce said. “Is that so surprising?”

“How does that even work?”

“Much the same as with a mare and a stallion, I would surmise. I adore her, and she tolerates me and my fawning over her well enough for me to remain in her presence.”

“Rarity was right; you sound like a gentlecolt.” Sweetie Belle said.

Fierce bowed his head to her. “You are too kind.”

Bonsmara stood up. “It was nice to meet you three. I wish we had more time to chat, but we must be going. We should not keep Rarity waiting.”

“Could we come along?” Apple Bloom asked. “I’m kinda curious to see what she ordered now.”

“Apple Bloom!” Scootaloo shouldered into her. “It’s rude to invite yourself in on something like that! Besides, it’s probably some frou-frou fashion thing anyway.”

“I doubt my lady would ever order something of that sort.” Fierce looked to Sweetie Belle as if expecting her to answer an unvoiced question.

Sweetie Belle shook her head. “I don’t know what it was.”

“Would you know what materials she used?”

Using a finger, Bonsmara tapped Fierce on the muzzle. “No asking for hints.” She looked to the fillies. “If you want to see what Rarity has created for us, you are welcome to come along.”

Fierce took Bonsmara’s arm in his, as they walked, the fillies leading the way. “Did I hear a slight slip there, my dear?”

She raised an eyebrow at him. “Slip?”

“You said, ‘created for us,’ which makes things all the more interesting.”

“You are as sharp as ever. You will not get any more hints from me, I assure you.”

“Then I can imagine you dressed in all kinds of things.” In a softer voice, he added, “Or in nothing at all.”

Bonsmara gave Fierce’s backside a light lash with her tail. “Behave, you hound. There are fillies present.”

“I thought my parents were bad,” Sweetie said, so only Apple Bloom and Scootaloo could hear.

“They remind me of Big McIntosh and Sugar Belle,” said Apple Bloom.

Scootaloo glanced back at the couple. “They are older, though. You would think they would be over acting like that.”

“It seems sweet,” Sweetie Belle said. “I hope I find a coltfriend that would treat me like that.” Her focus drifted. “Somepony I could tease, be friends with, and love like I was young forever.”

Apple Bloom snorted. “What do ya mean, ‘like I was young’? You’re still a filly, silly.”

“You’ve been reading your sister’s romance novels again, haven’t you?” Scootaloo asked.

Sweetie Belle put her nose in the air. “I don’t have to answer that.”

“I think ya just did,” Apple Bloom teased.

Ignoring more verbal jabs from her friends, Sweetie Belle led them into Rarity’s boutique. “Rarity!” she called over the shop’s bell, “You’ve got customers!”

“Be there in a moment, dear,” Rarity responded, from the back of the shop. “I’m just putting some things away.” After a short pause, Rarity joined them in the show room. “Good morning!”

“Good morning to you too,” Bonsmara said.

“I see you gained some attention. I hope they were not too much trouble.”

“None at all,” Fierce told her.

“Would you like them to go?”

“They are fine,” said Bonsmara. “It would be cruel to ask them to leave after fanning their curiosity and allowing them to accompany us.”

“We’ll have an audience for the reveal then.” Rarity’s horn lit. “I have been looking forward to this.” Held in Rarity’s magic, a shirt box floated from the back of the store. “I can’t wait till you see it.”

“I feel a bit odd,” Fierce said taking the box from Rarity’s magic. “The lady should always be first.”

“Not this time,” Bonsmara insisted. “Go ahead.”

Fierce opened his box and drew from it a royal purple vest with fine stitched silver accents and buttons. “It is lovely, thank you. I have been feeling rather exposed without something on.” He ran a paw over the fabric. “This is fantastic.”

“Put it on,” Rarity said. “Let me see if I need to make any adjustments.”

As Fierce put on the vest, Bonsmara smiled and nodded. “You were right; the color is perfect for his fur and his personality.” She kissed Fierce on the nose, when he looked at her. “It is regal and refined.”

“You are too kind.” Fierce said, blushing.

“They’re getting mushy again,” Scootaloo complained.

“Hush,” Sweetie Belle told her. “He looks handsome in it.”

Rarity walked a circle around Fierce, looking the vest over. “Anything you would like me to adjust, good sir? Make sure you can move without it hindering you.”

Fierce drew his sword and went through a quick practice drill. Sheathing his blade, he told Rarity, “It is perfect as it is.”

“Wonderful.” Rarity turned to Bonsmara. “Your order is in the first fitting room on left, just through that door.” She gave Bonsmara a knowing look. “A lady should have privacy for these kinds of things.”

“Thank you.” Bonsmara said. “I will be back,” she told Fierce, giving one of his ears a scratch.

“I will await your return with bated breath.” After Bonsmara left the room, Fierce said to Rarity, “I sense there is something a bit more going on.”

“I am not at liberty to say anything.” A muffled noise came from the direction of Rarity’s guest bedroom. Rarity tittered nervously and waved her hoof. “Opal must be up to something. Whatever that was, please ignore it. I’ll check on her in a few minutes.”

Fierce smiled at her. “There is no need to hide it. I know there are other ponies here.”

Rarity tried to appear ignorant. “I have no idea what you could mean by ‘other ponies’.”

Fierce closed his eyes and drew a breath in through his nose. “There is one princess, one empress, and her consort. I could name them, if you would like.”

“Please don’t mention this to anypony. Cadance and Shining needed a quiet place for Flurry to take a nap that would not draw attention. The castle was too noisy, with all the guards and ponies coming in and out with set up going on. I happened to be there, helping with the decorations, and overheard them. Since I was coming back to the shop, I invited them to come along with me. All three of them got comfortable on the guest bed and ended up taking a nap together.”

“I will not tell a soul.”

“You can tell who somepony is just by their smell?” Scootaloo asked.

Fierce nodded and tapped the side of his nose with a finger. “This is a fine tuned apparatus that has helped me avoid scrapes more than once.”

“How good is it?”

Fierce leaned towards Scootaloo and took a sniff. “You had orange juice and toast with apple butter made by the Apples for breakfast this morning.”

Scootaloo smiled. “Cool.”

“How did ya know the apple butter was from our farm?” Apple Bloom asked.

“You have hints of the same apple butter about you. Due to your name, and knowing a little bit about the Apple farm, I made the connection.” Fierce leaned towards her and took a sniff. “You had fresh apple juice with your toast and eggs instead of orange juice, though.”

Apple Bloom nodded. “You’re right!” She pointed a hoof at Sweetie Belle. “What about her?”

After a quick sniff in Sweetie Belle’s direction, Fierce said, “I cannot say.”

“Is it somethin’ you can’t figure out?”

Fierce shook his head. “I cannot say what she had because she didn’t have breakfast. She brushed her teeth with a cinnamon flavored paste, though.”

“Sweetie Belle!” Rarity rounded on her sister. “Breakfast is a very important meal. You should not skip it.”

“I was busy this morning getting ready for our crusading and forgot about it,” Sweetie explained. “I don’t do it all the time.”

Rarity tapped the floor with a hoof. “No excuses. A filly your age needs breakfast and should know how to take care of herself.”

Sweetie’s ears folded back, and she looked to the floor. “Yes, Rarity.”

Fierce gave a polite cough. “Please, do not be too harsh on her. I cannot tell them what you had for breakfast either.”

Rarity gave him a reproaching look. “Perhaps you can’t smell it due to my perfume. I might have put on a smidgen too much this morning.” Fierce held up a finger and opened his mouth, but Rarity did not let him speak. “Let’s change the subject, shall we?” she said, with firm politeness.

“I make it a habit not to argue with a lady.” Fierce gave her a timid smile. “It is a rather nice scent you are wearing.”

Rarity returned Fierce’s smile with one that appeared well practiced. “Why, thank you good sir.”

“Your sister’s kinda scary sometimes,” Apple Bloom said to Sweetie Belle.

Sweetie Belle nodded.

Bonsmara returned to the show room, carrying with her a small box.

Fierce tilted his head. “Is something wrong? I thought you were going to change.”

“That was an act of subterfuge.” Bonsmara opened the box and took out a pair of rings made from woven strands of silver. She held them out to him. “What do you think of them?”

“They are beautiful.” He looked up toward her horns. “Judging by their size, they must be horn rings.”

"One of them will be.” She slid one ring onto her left horn. She reached back into the box and drew out a silver chain. After undoing the clasp, she strung the second ring on the chain. “Come here.”

Fierce took a step towards Bonsara.

She put the chain around his neck. Its length put the ring in the center of his chest. “Diamond dog tradition says I should present you with a collar to show you are mine, but nothing about our relationship has been traditional.” She touched the ring on his chest with one hand, while touching the ring on her horn with the other. “I want the world to know I am yours as much as I you are mine.”

Fierce covered her hand on his chest with one paw and caressed her cheek with the other. “My beautiful, perfect lady, thank you.” He leaned up and kissed her. “I am proud to let all know my heart belongs to you, and that I treasure you above all other things.”

Rarity gave a delighted squeal. “Aren’t they so romantic?!”

“That’s one word for it,” Scootaloo said.

Rarity looked to the fillies. “Before too long, you three will be looking for a special somepony yourselves. You would do well to find one like Mr. Fierce.”

“Or a somedragon,”Apple Bloom said, while looking at Sweetie Belle.

“I’m afraid I don’t follow.”

“There have been rumors going around about how well Sweetie and Spike danced together at Starlight’s graduation party.”

One of Rarity’s eyebrows arched. “Really now?”

“They danced close for a couple of songs too.”

Sweetie Belle blush deepened. “Apple Bloom!”

“It’s true!”

“What about you and Tender Taps then? You two have done a lot more dancing than me and Spike.”

“Leave Taps out of this!” Apple Bloom protested. “He’s a nice colt who likes to dance with me every now and then.”

“Then you wouldn’t mind me asking to dance with him next time I see him.”

Apple Bloom’s eyes widened. “You wouldn’t.”

“I might.”

“What about Spike?”

“What do you mean?”

“He could get jealous.”

“I doubt it; we danced at the graduation and that's been it.” Sweetie Belle acted as if she were thinking about something and then shrugged. “If he wants, since he seems to like dancing, I could ask if Taps could give him lessons too.”

“That’s not what ah meant! You can’t dance with Taps!”

“So he is your special somepony.”

“That’s not what I’m sayin’!”

“He’s just your exclusive, special dancepony then?”

“That’s not it either!”

Scootaloo shook her head. “If this is the stuff having a special somepony starts, count me out.”


*****


Puca paused at the castle’s door. When Stone stopped beside her, she bumped into him. “You ready?”

“I’m not sure. It’s weird, I’m more nervous now than when I first met any of the princesses.”

“Being summoned by them for an official meeting has something to do with it, I’m sure.” She swallowed. Her voice was unsteady as she told Stone, “I know it’s different for me, and I’ve met with Celestia several times.”

One of the castle’s doors opened. Spike stepped out and greeted the pair, “Twilight was right, you would be here fifteen minutes early.”

Stone told him, “Part of the Guard’s training is that if you are fifteen minutes early you are just in time.”

“Come on in.” Spike waved them inside. “Bonsmara, Fierce, and Rarity are here. Follow me, I’ll show you where they are.” Spike guided them to a sitting room, where Bonsmara, Fierce, and Rarity sat at a table talking.

Puca’s ears perked, as she looked at Bonsmara and Fierce. “You’re wearing rings?”

Bonsmara smiled. “We are making our marriage known without either of us wearing a collar.”

“I’m glad you two came to a compromise.”

“I cannot take any credit.” Fierce put a paw to the ring resting on his chest. “I merely accepted this wonderful gift.”

“Rarity’s design was inspired.” Bonsmara slid the ring from her horn and held it in her hand. “That she came up with something like this with as little as I gave her to with is astounding.”

“That is her special talent, taking raw ideas and making them into masterpieces,” Spike said.

“Thank you for such a wonderful compliment,” Rarity said to him.

Fierce gestured for Puca and Stone to join them. “How have you two been?”

“Busy,” Stone said. He pulled out a chair for Puca, waited for her to sit, and then took a seat beside her. “We’ve been running errands for the princesses and trying to catch back up from being gone.”

Puca giggled. “Davenport hugged me, he was so happy to see me back. He’s been having a busy time at the store and needed help.”

Bonsmara looked disappointed. “Where is Cobalt?”

“He’s with Mom and Dad. Their meeting was scheduled for later.”

“Speaking of that,” Spike said. “I’ve got things I need to do before I have to greet them. If you guys need anything, Rarity can send me a note, and I’ll do what I can to help.”

“We’ll be just fine,” Rarity assured Spike. She gave him a quick hug, before he left her side and exited the room.

Fierce tilted his head as he looked at Puca. He leaned towards her and took a light sniff.

“Is something the matter?” Rarity asked.

Fierce chuckled, and his tail wagged. “Nothing is wrong. I found out something interesting.”

Puca pointed a hoof at Fierce. “Bad diamond dog! No using your nose like that!”

Stone looked to Puca. “What’s going on?”

“Do you remember how sensitive Fierce’s nose was when we were in the Castle of the Sisters?”

“I do. It was a neat trick, leading us where we needed to go the way he did just by smell.”

“He just used his nose on me.”

Fierce took a sniff in Stone’s direction. “No doubt about it now.”

Stone looked as if he was caught in the middle of a spotlight.

“Darling, you must share,” Rarity told Fierce. “The suspense is getting to me.”

“They had breakfast together this morning. Stone was the one that cooked and cleaned the dishes. The smell of the kitchen is stronger on him and he is the only one that has the smell of dish cleaner.”

“Is that all? Surely you picked up on something else.”

“They also used the same bath soap this morning, a different brand than any at Cranky and Matilda’s.”

Rarity waved his words away. “While that might hint at the possibility of interesting events, Puca might have procured her own brand of soap. My sister and I use different soaps, even when she comes to visit.”

Fierce leaned forward, as if he was going to sniff again.

Bonsmara covered Fierce’s nose with her hand. “Put that away.”

“What has he done this time?” Grayson asked, as he let Zecora past him and into the room.

“Fierce was using his nose on Puca and Stone,” Rarity answered. “Bonsmara was warning him he might be misinterpreting things.”

“I doubt it,” Grayson said, as he sat down beside Zecora. “What does the nose know?” he asked Fierce.

“These two have been spending a good bit of time together the last couple of days,” Fierce said, his voice still muffled by Bonsmara’s hand, “at his home.”

“I take it you two are official now,” Cadance said, as she came to stand in the doorway.

“We are,” Stone affirmed.

“Going on adventures together seems to do that.” Cadance looked towards Grayson and Zecora. “I hope you talked to her like you promised Puca you would.”

“I did,” Grayson said.

“Are you feeling better now?”

“I am.”

“I’m glad to hear it.” Cadance met eyes with Zecora. “I’m sure you have to feel better too, knowing he will be home more often. I worry about Shining, when he’s gone, even if it’s only on training exercises.”

Zecora leaned against Grayson. “I worry, but I will not keep him bound. It makes it all the more wonderful, when he is around.”

Grayson put his wing across Zecora’s back and hugged her against his side. “I will be home a lot more now. I promise.”

Stone’s mouth fell open.

Taking his wing from around Zecora, Grayson leaned across the table and thumped Stone on the nose. “It’s not polite to stare.”

Stone rubbed his nose with a hoof. “You two are special someponies?”

Zecora laughed. “I see you had no clue. He said nothing to you?”

“He didn’t say a thing. I got the impression he had lost a love, after we talked one time.”

“I guess I could have been clearer, but you know I’m not into being sappy,” Grayson told Stone. “I didn’t lose her so much as I’ve regretted the lost time with her.”

“How long have you two been together?”

“It’s been several years now. I knew I loved her when she was taking care of me, but I thought she would think it was just a patient having a crush on his nurse, so I put off telling her till after I had become self-sufficient again.”

Stone asked Zecora, “You knew though, didn’t you?”

“He did his best to hide it well, but I could tell. Without speaking his intent, his acts told of his endearment.”

“What did he do that gave him away?”

“He learned of my arts and what ingredients I would need. He pushed himself too hard. My words of caution he would not heed. Though he could still not fly, he would wander into the forest to add to my herb supply.”

Grayson acted as if he had been besmirched. “I was making sure I was getting back in fighting shape and not going soft while learning a useful skill set and paying off my debt to you.”

Zecora gave him a look. “You often returned with flowers and wild fruit. Though of your feelings you remained mute, I thought it rather cute.”

“We had to make sure we had enough food. Living in the wild means you harvest what you can when it’s available.”

“So, after you recovered, you confessed,” Stone said.

“No. I didn’t.” Grayson held up a talon as if examining it. “I thought we were too different.” He tapped his beak. “I could never kiss her like a zebra. I would never understand what it was like to have hooves rather than talons and paws. There were so many differences culturally and physically, I convinced myself she would never be interested.” He looked at Zecora as if looking for something in her expression. “I was content she tolerated me being around. I would take on dangerous or tough jobs to fund my search and to help pay her back, get roughed up again, and go to her for help.”

“I told him there was no debt to pay. He would not listen to anything I would say.” Zecora said. “After he came for aid a time or two, I knew his love for me was true.”

“Before we... bonded, I told her there was something I had to do before I could settle in with her.”

“Your quest,” Stone supplied. “You said you were looking for something. What was it?”

“I never knew. Don’t give me that look, let me explain. Griffinstone has been in shambles since our kingdom was attacked by an arimaspi and lost the Idol of Boreas. I was young, brash, and impetuous and thought I could find another magical artifact that could replace the Idol. So I set out to find something that would inspire and rally us griffins back to greatness.” He sighed and rubbed his beak with a talon. “Or, at least, to get everybirdy motivated to repair the buildings and homes that are collapsing from neglect.”

“I’d heard Griffinstone was in rough shape. I didn’t realize things had gotten that bad.”

“While I was on the mend from one of my little adventures, Cranky came to visit Zecora. She introduced us to each other, and he and I struck a deal. We would wander together, him looking for his lost love and me looking for something with enough power to get the griffins to listen to reason. Later, he and I became friends with Bonsmara and Fierce.”

“You never found what you were looking for.”

“I didn’t. To add insult to injury, it turns out I never need to. I visited Griffinholm right before taking this latest job and found that two griffins, who both learned lessons in friendship from the ponies of this town, are leading and teaching the griffins of Griffinstone about being a community. While there’s a lot of work to be done, it’s looking like civilized creatures live there again.” He looked to Zecora as if seeking her forgiveness. “I’ve wasted so much time.”

Zecora put a hoof to Grayson’s cheek. “Do not judge things with haste. Your time searching was not a waste. You have helped many far and wide. You could not have done that at my side.”

“I doubt my wandering will stop altogether, but knowing Griffinstone is recovering has eased my mind,” Grayson touched his beak to her nose. “My searching for treasure is through. Now I can devote more time to you.” Seeming to realize what he had done, Grayson blushed and glanced around at the others. “You did not hear or see that.”

“That was sweet,” Bonsmara said. “You shouldn’t be ashamed.”

“Our friend is a poet,” Fierce said, earning him an irritated look from Grayson. “Who would have thought it?”

“I make one slip and my dignity is shredded,” Grayson said, covering his face with a talon.

“Showing affection in public is not a bad thing,” Puca said. She glanced at Fierce and added, “So long as you don’t go overboard with it.”

“I would never do such a thing,” Fierce said, putting a paw to his chest.

Bonsmara snorted.

“Let us get the opinion of the new couple.” Fierce grinned at Stone and Puca. “Now I that I think about it, I do not believe I have ever heard either of them give terms of affection to the other.”

“Which means they’re on my side,” Grayson said. “Affection should be shown through helpful actions and giving support, not acting like a mooncalf.”

“I’m sure they say nice things to each other, when there are no other ears around.” Rarity smirked. “I would bet one of my dresses they have pet names for one another by now.”

Puca and Stone both blushed.

Grayson looked relieved. “At least I won’t be the only one embarrassed now.”

Cadance moved to stand behind the pair. “You might as well tell us.”

“I don’t have one for him, yet, but he has a nickname for me,” Puca said.

Rarity leaned towards Puca. “Don’t keep us in suspense. What is it?”

“He calls me a living jewel.”

Cadence looked at Stone. “What inspired that name for her?”

Stone fidgeted and looked towards Puca. “I don’t know if I should say.”

Puca’s blush deepened and she gave a slight shake of her head as if asking the princess to not ask another question.

“Go on,” Rarity prodded. “One of you has to tell us.”

“I agree.” Cadance gave them a playful look. “You know, I can have guards posted to keep you in here until one of you tells us.”

“When she’s getting out of the shower, the water drops may her carapace and wings shine,” Stone said, looking as if had been caught doing something scandalous. “She looks like an opal when she’s wet.”

Rarity gave Stone a disapproving glance. “A lady should have her privacy for such activities.”

“It’s not what you think,” Puca said. “He was in the shower with me.”

“Looks like you were right about the soap,” Grayson told Fierce.

Rarity’s eyebrows rose, as she looked at Stone. “Conserving water, are we?”

Stone gave her a guilty smile. “I guess you could call it that.”

Cadance patted Stone on the back. “There’s nothing to be ashamed of. Shining and I share a shower almost every morning.” She looked to Puca. “It’s nice having somepony help with those hard to reach spots isn’t it?”

“He has the most attentive, caring hooves you can ask for,” Puca told Cadance. “He helped me towel off afterward too.”

Stone put his head on the table and covered his face with his forelegs. “They didn’t need to know that much.”

“You have gathered here I see.” Luna strode into the room, followed by Starless Night and Cold Mercy. “We may want for space, but this room will serve.” She looked to Stone. “Is he of poor health?”

“No, Princess, he is being shy about discussing his activities with the lady of his affections,” Fierce said.

Luna’s ears perked up. “You announced your courtship to Puca then, I would assume.”

“That’s one way to put it,” Grayson said, with a laugh.

Fierce’s ears turned toward the door. “We have incoming foals running this way.”

Starless winced and asked, “Two of them?”

“There are two of them,” Puca confirmed, “and they are very excited.”

Starless bowed to Princess Luna. “My Princess, I beg a moment to intercept them and find them a more suitable-”

“Your request is denied, Captain.” Luna grinned. “Let them come.”

The sounds of two sets of young hooves approached the room from down the hall.

“I think it’s this one!” a bat pony colt stuck his head into the doorway. His eyes widened, as he looked at the individuals gathered in the room. “Whoa.”

“Hello, little one,” Luna greeted the colt.

The colt drew himself up and stepped into the room. He bowed to Luna. “I am sorry to interrupt, Princess. I did not know you were here.”

“He is, and you did not interrupt.”

“Windless, what-” A filly stepped in the room and looked around. For a moment, she seemed unsure whether to bolt from the room or not.

“There is no need to be scared,” Puca said.

The filly’s ears pinned back. She looked to Starless. “Mom said it was okay for us to find you. Should we be here?”

“Princess Luna said you were welcome,” Starless told her.

The filly bowed to Luna, “Thank you, Princess.”

“Everyone, these are my children, Windless Night and Care Package,” Starless told them. As Freight entered the room, he added, “And this is my wife, Air Freight, though most of you know her already.”

Freight bowed to Princess Luna. “Sorry about letting my foals run ahead. I had no idea you were meeting with everyone right now.”

“Since all were gathered here, and what I would discuss with them is much in line with what Cadance intends to say, I decided I would join in and shorten the duration of the meetings.”

“Are these the adventurers that helped you, Mom?”

“They are, except for the lady there,” Freight said, nodding to Zecora. “I have not met her before.”

“This is Zecora,” Grayson said. “She’s my bond mate.”

Zecora smiled at Freight. “Grayson has told me about you. He says you take care of your cargo and your crew.”

“You’re the Zebra that helped Cobalt find Amore,” Freight said.

“What I did was not much. He only needed a guiding touch.”

Windless watched Puca as if expecting her to do something.

Freight nudged Windless. “She’s spoken for, you’re too young, and you shouldn’t stare.”

Windless groaned. “That’s not why I’m looking at her. She’s the changeling, isn’t she?”

“How could you tell?” Puca asked.

“Mom told me about all the adventurers that fought with her. She didn’t say anything about a pegasus.”

“Clever colt,” Grayson said.

“Can I see what you look like for real?” Windless asked. “Mom said you’re cool looking.”

“Since you asked so kindly, I’ll change for you.” Puca shifted to her natural form.

Windless smiled. “That’s wicked.” He tilted his head, as he looked at her legs. “Why do you have holes?”

“Windless!” Freight said, sounding aghast.

“It’s to help us conserve energy when we transform,” Puca explained. “The less of us there is that has to stretch or shrink, the less magic we have to use to keep up the transformation.”

“So, from what Mom said, if Stone’s around you, you should be able to pull all the energy you need and keep up whatever disguise you want, right?”

“That’s enough out of you.” Freight scooped Windless to her side with a wing, all but enveloping him. “I better take these two somewhere where they won’t be any more of a distraction that what they already have been.”

“May I make a suggestion?” Rarity said. “Spike and Amore will be heading with Cobalt to Sugar Cube Corner about now. You could join them. I’m sure they wouldn’t mind.”

“Did she say Spike?” Windless wriggled his head out from under Freight’s wing. “Isn’t he the dragon that saved the Crystal Empire?”

“That would be him.”

Wingless looked up at Freight. “Can we go, please?”

“Cobalt will be there?” Care asked Rarity, with notable enthusiasm.

“That was the plan, last I knew." Rarity smiled at her. "You seem like you have something on your mind.”

Care looked a little bashful as she looked around the room. “I’ve wanted to thank all of you for helping Mom.” She bowed to them. “Thank you.”

“You don't have to thank us,” Fierce said. “Your mother helped us as much, if not more, than we helped her. If it had not been for her timely arrival and piloting skill, we might not have reached the Nightmares before they unsealed the portal.”

“Your Mom and her crew are good at beating the icicles out of Windigos too,” Grayson said.

Windless freed himself from Freight’s wing. “Yeah, Mom’s cool all the way around. We still owe you guys, though.” He bowed to them. “Thank you for helping Mom.”

“It was our pleasure,” Bonsmara said.

“Why the interest in whether Cobalt would be there?” Rarity asked Care.

“I wanted to thank him too,” Care answered, with a slight blush.

“I’m sure he would appreciate getting a thank you from a lovely filly like you. Do you know where Sugar Cube Corner is?”

“No ma’am. I’ve never been to Ponyville before.”

“Is that the place that looks like a gingerbread house?” Freight asked.

“That’s the one. I didn’t think you had been in Ponyville long enough to find it.”

“I’ve seen it from the air. It’s hard to miss, with its design and as pink as it is.” She prodded Windless towards the door. “We can go, if you behave yourself.”

“Yes!" Windless did a hoof pump and sprinted out the door. “Come on, they’ve got a head start on us!”

Freight looked to Starless. “He’s your son.”

“He is,” Starless said, with a proud smile. He nuzzled Freight for a second. “Though, I’ve always thought that his rushing into things came from you.”

“If only your troops could see you now,” Mercy teased.

“They’d be jealous he has such a beautiful wife,” Freight said, without missing a beat. “Come on, Care. If you want to thank Cobalt, this is your chance.”

Care waved a wing back at the group in the room, as she followed Freight out the door. “Thank you again!”

“You are welcome,” Puca said.

“You did very well, Dear,” Fierce congratulated Bonsmara, as soon as Care was out of sight. “You managed not to grab either of them.”

“It took all my willpower not to,” Bonsmara confessed.

Cadance asked Rarity, “Spike said you can send messages to him, right?”

“I can, if the occasion calls for it. It’s not something I do often. I don’t want to bother him while he’s in the middle of something important.”

“Amore and Spike need to know they have two more they need to help distract, and Cobalt needs to be warned about what could be heading his way.”

“You caught that from her too,” Puca said, sharing a grin with Cadence.

“What’s wrong?” Stone asked, sounding concerned.

“Bat ponies still adhere to the old ways of thinking about a pony's worth more than other ponies do,” Cadence told him.

“What does that have to do with having to warn Cobalt about something?”

“I think I have picked up on what they’re hinting at,” Rarity said, with a knowing smile. “If your brother puts on the charm, like he did for me, he may get more attention from a certain filly than he expected.”

“Cobalt’s cute and acts the gentlecolt, when he wants to, but I doubt we have to warn him about anything.”

“Your brother went an epic quest, helped her mother in a time of need, played a part in a battle that may have saved the world, and saved a princess.” Rarity giggled. “If I were a filly Care’s age, it would be hard not to have a certain amount of interest in a colt like Cobalt, particularity if he greeted me in the manner he did the other night.”

Stone’s eyes widened. “I didn’t think of it that way, and that’s what he’s likely to do when he meets her.” He looked to Starless. “He means nothing by it, if he does.”

Starless shrugged. “Things will play out as they will. Care will meet Cobalt and she will get over her crush, or she will be pursuing a colt of good character.” He chuckled. “Freight being there could make things interesting. She thinks the world of both of you and might encourage things.”

“Care could wrap him around a hoof by herself, if she wants to. Cobalt’s just getting interested in fillies, but we can already tell that he takes after Grandfather and is a hopeless romantic. That Care is the filly of someone he helped during an adventure would make it seem to him it was destined for them to be together.”

Puca leaned against Stone. “Like he thought you and I should be together?”

“Exactly! If Freight gets involved, he doesn’t have a chance.”

“Would that be so bad?” Cadence asked.

Luna’s horn lit, and a quill, inkwell, and a piece of paper appeared before Stone. “Write with all due speed. Keep the message to Amore and Spike short, and the warning to Cobalt, if you include one, mild. I would like to see how things play out without undue influence on any pony’s part.”

Grayson glanced at Luna. “You’re enjoying this more than I thought you would.”

“There are reasons falling in love was known as ‘being moon struck.’ I have helped ponies find the partner of their dreams on occasion.”

Cadance told Luna, “You and I need to talk.”
> Sweet Meetings
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cobalt glanced over his shoulder at his parents. “Are you ready?”

Field chuckled. “You sound a little nervous.”

“I am.”

“You went into the Everfree forest, without asking permission,” Mosaic said. “Going into Twilight’s castle invited by three of the princesses shouldn’t be a big deal.”

“I’m not going to live that down am I?”

“No until you’re our age.”

Cobalt knocked on the castle’s door.

After a brief wait, the door opened. Spike poked his head around the door and grinned. “The hero returns!” Spike looked over Cobalt’s shoulder. “Hello!” he greeted Field and Mosaic. “Come on in, the princesses are waiting for you.”

“Cobalt.”

“Yes Dad?”

“Hearing the princesses are waiting, now I’m a little nervous.”

Amore and Mend met them as they moved down the hall.

Cobalt ran towards the pair. “Amore! Mend!”

Amore took Cobalt into a hug. “Hello again Cobalt.”

“I see how it is,” Mend teased. “The young mare gets the hug.”

“Mend, I’m sure he’s glad to see you too,” Amore said, releasing Cobalt. 

Cobalt gave Mend a hug. “I didn’t know you would be here.”

“I wouldn’t have missed this for the world.” Mend looked over Mosaic and Field. “These your parents?”

“They are. This is my mom, Mosaic Tile, and my dad, Fieldstone.”

“We owe your sons a great deal,” Amore told them. “I owe Cobalt for my freedom, and Stone for his bravery in the battle against the Nightmare’s.”

“We’re very proud of them,” Mosaic said.

Mend stepped towards Mosaic. “Hold still.” Mend examined Mosaic, giving her a prod or examining touch. “Good bone structure, toned but not over developed musculature.” She looked over Mosaic’s surprised face. “Open your mouth.”

Mosaic, cutting her eyes towards Field, did as ordered.

Mend looked over Mosaic’s teeth. “Overall, I would say you are in good health.”

“We try to take care of ourselves,” Field said, “but what does-”

Mend took Field's chin in her hoof and examined his mouth. “Both your son’s show some interesting characteristics, so I need to know about you two to know more about them.” She felt on his chest and shoulders. When he winced as she hit a tender spot, she asked, “You both work with heavy loads don’t you?”

“We do,” Mosaic said. “But-”

“I have herbs that will help you with the soreness.” Mend looked to Mosaic. “You picked a good one. ”After finishing her examination, Mosaic patted Field’s chest, which gave a deep reverberation. “Does he take care of you like he should?”

“He always has,” Mosiac said. 

“Is he still able to get the fire to rise?”

Amore gasped and put her hooves over Cobalt’s ears. “Mend!”

“Cobalt knows how he got into this world. There’s no shame in talking about it.” Mosaic looked to Field. “You’re still young, but if you ever need a little extra spark don’t be embarrassed and just ask. I’ve got stuff that’s sure to get the flames high again.”

“Thank you, but,” Field hugged Mosaic to his side, “she is all the spark I need.”

Mosaic blushed and hid her face behind a hoof.

“If I ever need any flint and kindling, I will come to you.” He kissed his wife’s head. “This is a fire I want to keep going for as long as possible.”

Mend hummed a thoughtful note. “Stone got your size and her personality. Cobalt takes after you, being an affectionate, hugging pony like you, but her build.”

“Now we have answered you questions, let me ask one of you,” Mosaic said. “Why do you need to know more about our sons?”

“I like to know as much as I can about anypony I am working with or on.” Speaking of which, I need to get you two to Celestia. We have a lot to talk about.” Mend looked to Amore. “You can uncover his ears now.”

Cobalt looked around at the grown ponies. “Is everything okay?”

“Your parents are in great health, but we’re about to be late for our meeting. ”Mosaic put a hoof on Cobalt’s shoulder. “Can I entrust you and Spike to make sure that Amore behaves while I’m gone?”

Cobalt nodded with exaggerated seriousness. “We’ll do our best.”

“Watch her close,” Mend said, as she guided Field and Mosaic down the hall. “She can be a hooffull.”

Amore laughed. “Compared to you, I’m no trouble at all.”

Cobalt turned around to face Amore. “We’re supposed to be meeting too.” He bowed to her, folding a foreleg under himself. “I am here to answer my Princess’ summons.”

“This will not be a formal meeting. Since I am not from Ponyville and have no connections in Canterlot, there is little I could do to contribute to the preparations for tonight. I was hoping to spend time with you outside of the lessons we had been doing.” She smiled at Spike. “You are more than welcome to join us. Is there a place where we could go to get a snack and talk? I would like to get out of the castle and the bustle going on with everypony getting ready for the celebration.”

“Sugar Cube Corner,” Spike said with finality. “It may not be much calmer, but it’s a different craziness.”

“Sounds delicious,” Amore said.

“Everything they have is wonderful,” Cobalt said.

“Then it that's where we'll go.”


*****


“Just to make things clear,” Mend leaned forward on the table between her and Cobalt's parents, “you can either sign this enrollment form, or I’m going to coltnap your son and train him myself.”

“Mend, we agreed to not put any undue influence on anypony regarding the decisions they would make today,” Celestia reminded her.

“I’m not trying to influence them. I am stating what will happen, if need be. That colt has the most potential I’ve seen in years. I will not let it go to waste.”

“You don’t have to worry about that,” Mosaic said. “I agree; he needs training for his talent.”

“That makes two of us,” Field said, as he passed a quill to Mosaic. “Mares first.”

“Thank you.” Mosaic took the quill from Field and signed the enrollment form. She returned the quill to Field. “Twilight doesn’t know?”

“She doesn’t’ have a clue.” Celestia watched as Field signed the enrollment form. “I asked her for a preliminary report on her research on Cobalt getting his Cutie Mark. She has been so absorbed in working on it she hasn’t even noticed what has been going on in Canterlot.” She glanced towards a clock on the wall. “Shining and Flurry will greet her at the train station any time now. They are to distract her for as long as possible. If they can’t, we have a backup plan in place.”

Field put the quill back in its inkwell. “What would that be, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“Pinkie Pie,” Celestia said, with a bright smile.


*****


“I can’t believe I missed all of that,” Spike said.

“It wasn’t as nice being there, for parts of it.” Cobalt looked down at his sundae. “I was so worried for everypony.”

“I’m just glad-” Spike paused, turned his head, and let out a ball of flame. The flame coalesced into a plain scroll. He grabbed the scroll out of the air, before it could fall.

“Good catch,” Amore praised.

“I’ve had lots of practice.” Spike examined the scroll. “That’s weird. It’s for me.” He broke the seal on the scroll and read the message.

“What does it say?” Cobalt asked.

“Pony of interest incoming, mode of transportation was faster than expected. Distraction tactic number two needed. Contact agent Cotton Candy.” Spike turned his head and released another spurt of flame. He caught the second scroll in his other hand and looked at the pair of seals affixed to the scroll. “This is for you, Princess.” He passed the scroll to Amore. “It has a Your Eyes Only spell on it, so it’s got to be important.”

After swallowing a bite of his sundae, Cobalt asked, “What’s a Your Eyes Only spell?”

“It’s a spell that keeps anypony but the one that it’s for from reading a message. They’re used when things are getting bad.”

“That’s not the case here,” Amore assured Spike, looking up from the scroll. “It’s good news I must keep secret a while longer.”

“Does it really make the message unreadable to everyone but you?”

“It should.” Amore turned the scroll so he could see the side she had been reading. “Can you see anything?”

Cobalt shook his head. “Nothing.”

“I’ll contact agent Cotton Candy,” Spike said, sliding from his chair. “I’ll be right back.”

“We need to head back to the castle,” Amore said. “Twilight shouldn’t know I am here just yet.”

“Can we stay till we finish our ice cream?” Cobalt asked, looking hopeful and sounding a touch sad. “I promise, I’ll be fast.”

“Cobalt, are you okay?”

“We won’t be able to do this again,” he said, his voice cracking. “I know you are an important princess, and have lots to do. I don't think I'll see you again af-” He stopped, as Amore touched his nose with a hoof.

With a gentle smile, she told him, “You will see me again. I assure you.”

“There are no frowny faces allowed in Sugar Cube Corner!” Pinkie Pie hugged Cobalt from behind. “I would ask what’s got you blue, but you’re blue all the time.”

When Cobalt looked up at Pinkie, and she looked down at him, their noses came close to touching. “I’m all right, Pinkie.” He gave her a brave smile. “I was worrying about something is all.”

“The only thing you have to worry about is that what’s left of your sundae will melt if you don’t eat it. I hate to hug and trot, but I’m on a super-secret distraction mission while the princesses get everything together for a great big celebration that will be full of lots of surprises for everypony.”

Cobalt’s smiled turned into a true one. “If your mission is super-secret, why are you telling ponies about it?”

“To make their frowns go away.” She let him go from the hug. “I’m glad it worked.” She waved at Amore. “Hello.”

“This is Princess Amore,” Cobalt told Pinkie.

“I know who she is, silly; she will be a big part of the celebration and a lot of other things I can’t talk about too.”

“Pinkie, shouldn’t you be distracting somepony right about now?” Spike said, as he returned to the table.

“You’re right! I’ve gotta go! See you at the party!” Pinkie raced out of the shop, leaving a puff of confetti behind.

“Twilight won't know what hit her,” Spike said. Looking surprised, he thumped his chest with a fist. “Another one?” He turned his head and breathed out a plume of flame that turned into another scroll. He grabbed the scroll from the air and looked it over. “It’s for you, Princess. It’s from Stone.”

Amore took the scroll from Spike and read it. “We won’t be going back to the castle,” she told them. “We’re needed here to serve as another distraction.”

“I take it something in the plans broke down,” Spike said.

“Twilight wasn’t the only one who got here early and we are now acting as a contingency plan for some new arrivals.” She looked to Cobalt with a smile that hinted that she knew something she was not sharing. “Cobalt, it seems your brother is concerned about you.”

“What do you mean?”

“Stone wrote me, quote, ‘and tell Cobalt to be careful about putting on the charm with who he is about to meet,’ end quote.”

“I could teach you a thing or two about handling fans, before whoever it is gets here.” Spike rubbed the claws of one of his hands against his chest. “I am a rather important dragon in the Crystal Empire.”

The door to Sugar Cube Corner opened, and Freight stepped in. She glanced around the shop, until her eyes came to the table where Amore, Cobalt, and Spike sat. “There you are!”

Cobalt intercepted Freight and hugged her with enthusiasm. “I can’t believe you’re here too!”

She hugged him back. “Who else would they trust to make sure the last of the party supplies got here on time?” She let go of Cobalt and looked back towards the door, where Care and Windless were looking around the shop with amazement. “Come here for a second, you two.”

Care and Windless trotted over to the table.

Windless paused in awed wonder when we looked at the princess. “You’re Princess Amore.”

Amore smiled. “I am.”

“Wow. I didn’t know you would be here.”

“Hello, Princess,” Care said. As she bowed, she paused and nudged Windless. He joined her in bowing to Amore.

“You don’t have to bow. I’m here as regular pony.”

“You can pick out what you would like for a snack, but it can’t be too big,” Freight told them. “From what I could tell from the shipping manifest there will be a lot of food served tonight and I don’t want you ruining your appetite.”

After returning to standing, Windless grinned at Cobalt. “You must be the magic compass Mom told us about.” He approached Cobalt and held out his hoof. “My name is Windless Night. Thanks for helping Mom with the Nightmares.”

“I didn’t do much of anything,” Cobalt said, shaking the offered hoof. “The Lunar Guard, my brother, and our friends are the ones that took care of the Nightmares.”

“I got to meet your brother for a minute, he seems kinda cool.”

“He is.” Cobalt turned his head, as Care moved towards him. He glanced back at Windless. “Are you twins?”

“We are.” Windless grinned, and added, “I was born first, so I’m her older brother.”

“Do you have to tell everypony that?” Care asked Windless.

Cobalt bowed to Care. “My name is Cobalt Blue. May I have the pleasure of knowing yours?”

Care blushed. “My name’s Care Package.” She glared at Windless, as he snickered at her.

Freight prompted, in a coaxing, teasing tone, “Care, you’re supposed to offer the gentlecolt your hoof, when greeted like that.”

Care offered a hoof, which Cobalt accepted and bowed over.

Cobalt asked, “Is there anything I can do for you to make you feel welcome here in Ponyville?”

“You can quit flirting with my sister for minute and tell us what the best thing here is that counts as a quick snack,” Windless said.

“Windless, he’s just being nice,” Care told her brother, with a touch of a growl in her voice.

Windless nodded towards where her hoof was still being held by Cobalt. “Then why is he still holding your hoof?”

“It’s because I’m not letting go of his.” She hugged Cobalt, and wrapped her wings around him. “Thank you for helping everypony with the Nightmares and making sure Mom got home.”

Cobalt appeared stunned. “I was just the guide.”

“That’s not what Mom told us. She told us you and your brother were both brave and went through all kinds of stuff. Dad said you even stood up to Mercy, and she can be scary.”

“Your Mom and Dad told you about me?” Cobalt asked.

“You’ve met my husband, but you didn’t know it,” Freight said. “His name is Starless Night.”

“You’re married to him?!”

Freight laughed. “With all that was going on in the Crystal Empire, I never got to tell you about them or about me being married to Starless. Stone knew about Care and Windless, since I mentioned them to him on the trip back to Canterlot, but I take it he didn’t tell you.”

“He didn’t.”

“Sis, let go of him or kiss him and get it over with,” Windless teased. “If we take too long, Mom won’t let us have a snack.”

Care blushed. “I wasn’t going to kiss him!”

“Sure you weren’t.”

“Cobalt, you should give her a hug back,” Freight suggested. “Getting a full wing hug from a bat pony means a lot.”

Cobalt nodded and gave Care a timid hug.

“That wasn’t much of a hug,” Spike said. “I’ve see you hug lots of ponies. I know you can do better than that.”

Cobalt shifted how he held Care and embraced her. “Sorry about that, I’ve never given a hug to a filly before. I was nervous and didn’t know what to do.”

“It’s all right,” Care assured him. “I was nervous about meeting and thanking you. I kind of hugged you without thinking about it. So I know what it’s like, just from the other end of things, if that makes any sense.”

“It does to me,” Cobalt said with an understanding grin.

“That’s better,” Freight said. “For second, I thought you didn’t like her hugging you.”

“No, I like it,” Cobalt said. “It’s so warm and different from a pegasus wing hug.” He looked down Care’s wings. “It feels so soft and delicate. It’s like being wrapped in a warm silk blanket.”

“Our flight membranes are delicate,” Freight said. “That’s why a bat pony wing hug is so special. We have to depend on who we are hugging not to hurt us.”

Blushing, Cobalt met Care’s eyes. “Thank's for trusting me like this.”

“Mom, ponies are staring,” Windless said.

“Care, you can let him go now,” Freight told her.

Care took her wings from around Cobalt and let him go, as he released her. 

“I’m Spike,” Spike said, giving her a wave.

“I’m Care, pleased to meet you.”

“Are you going to give him a hug too?” Windless teased. “He saved the Crystal Empire, twice.”

“It’s cool,” Spike said. He offered a fist to Windless. “I didn’t know my reputation had spread that much.”

Windless tapped a hoof to Spike’s fist. “I’m into the Crystal Empire. I found about you by keeping up what’s been going on there.”

“Windless and I have never been here before,” Care told Cobalt. “What do they have that’s tasty?”

“Everything’s great! Just choose something you like.”

“Do they have any fruit pies?”

“All kinds of them, come on, I’ll show you.” Cobalt looked to Windless. “Want to come with us?”

“Sure.”

Cobalt led the twins to a display on the other side of the shop.

“He doesn’t have a chance,” Spike said.

“Just what are you implying?” Freight asked.

“Care might as well have hung a sign on him that said, ‘this colt is mine and the rest of you back off.’ No filly I know would give a wing hug like that to a complete stranger.”

“Unless that stranger saved Equestria and helped their mother get home,” Amore said. She cut her eyes toward Freight. “However, they would have to learn about that from another pony, and her reaction to meeting with Cobalt seemed strong.”

“I told both my foals and my husband about what happened,” Freight said. “You can’t point a hoof at me for her behavior just on that.”

“You didn’t intervene either, after she hugged him that long,” Spike said.

“It did strike me as odd,” Amore said. "Most mothers would not care to see their daughter act as Care did." 

“Let me tell you both a little story, one that my daughter knows and that may be playing into this. During one of my first solo training flights, our ship got an emergency signal from a group of Luna Guards that had run into a bugbear during a training exercise. My instructor insisted that I not give up the wheel, despite me wanting to give it over to him. I piloted the ship to the coordinates and landed it as close as I could. The guard was still fighting with the bugbear, when we got to them. While we were descending, I could see three hurt guards on the ground.”

“That must have been intense,” Spike said.

“It was. As soon as we touched down, my instructor ordered me to do what I could to help, while he got the ship ready for an emergency take off that was sure to be over the ship’s weight limit. I helped carried the wounded to the ship, while other members of the crew helped keep the bugbear back.”

“You have a habit of get pulled into adventures you weren’t intending to it would seem,” Amore said.

Freight seemed to see something other than what was around her. “Starless couldn’t fly, but he and the other guards kept the bugbear distracted and allowed us time to get everpony on board. It was rough take off, but we made it off the ground. We were so cramped in the ship we only had space for the couple of Guards that had gotten roughed up bad to lie down while Mercy worked on them.”

“Wait, Mercy was there too?” Spike asked.

“She was the team’s medic. After that, she trained on learning offensive magic so that nopony around her would have to go through something like that again.”

“I think she accomplished her goal. What happened to Starless?"

“His left wing was broken, he had cracked ribs, and he had scratches all over. If hadn’t been for his armor, it would have been much worse. After Mercy stabilized the other Guards, she gave something to Starless for the pain. Since there wasn’t much room in the ship, I ended up holding Starless to keep him sitting upright and to keep an eye on him as the medicine took effect.” 

"That must have been rough for the guy, being held by a  mare that had just helped save him," Spike joked.

Freight gave a light snort. “He kept apologizing, for getting blood on me and putting me in an awkward position. I ended up putting his head on my chest and telling him to shush so he wouldn’t disturb the others. Right before the medics loaded him on a stretcher, Starless sat up, touched his nose to mine and thanked me for all I did and told me I was brave, selfless, and talented mare. For a second, I thought he was about to kiss me, but he paused and the medics got him first.”

“He who hesitates is lost,” Amore said. 

Spike asked, “What happened after that?”

“For a week, nothing happened. I didn’t even know Starless’ name. Because I wasn’t a family member, when I tried to find out how everypony was doing all I got in response was a uninformative ‘they are recovering well’ answer, as per protocol.”

“They could have said something to you, considering what you did,” Spike commented.

“After I sent the inquiries through the official channels, I got a letter from a pony, who shall remain nameless, who provided me with news on how things were going.”

“Your source wouldn’t have been at the event herself would she?” Amore asked, with a knowing smile.

“I never said the pony was a she,” Freight said, while giving a return smile that confirmed Amore’s suspicion. “When I found out that Starless and the other two guards were mending well, it took a load off of my mind.”

“You didn’t go see them?” Spike asked.

“I couldn’t. Between my training schedule for becoming a pilot and the tight visiting hours for non-family members at the infirmary, I never could check in on them myself.”

“Bummer.”

“A few days after I got my informal response, there was a knock on my door. When I answered it, there stood Starless, in full dress uniform. He greeted me in much the same way that Cobalt greeted Care, thought without the bowing due to his ribs and wing.”

“So, he sought you out,” Amore said. “I take it he thanked you for what you had done?”

“Yes, after he offered to pay back the cleaning costs of my uniform.”

“What a doofus,” Spike said, earning him a look from Freight. “I mean, he could have been smoother than that.”

“Oh, he was,” Freight assured. “He told me that while he was in the infirmary that the thought of how I held him made the recovery bearable. He told me he wanted to show his appreciation for my piloting skills and saving him by taking me to dinner.”

“Much better,” Spike said.

Amore glanced at Care and Windless, who were talking with a pony behind the shop’s counter. “Seeing those two, I assume things went well.”

“The dinner went well. He bumbled things, after he escorted me home. He recovered well, though.”

Spike’s spines rose. “What did he do?”

“It’s what he didn’t do that got to me. After walking me back to my apartment, thanking me again, and wishing me a good night, he acted like he was just going to leave. He must have picked up on me being disappointed. He stopped and asked me what was wrong. I asked him if he had thought about kissing me when they were about to take him off the ship. He didn’t answer at first, but then confessed that he had thought about it.”

Amore sighed. “While that’s not the most enthusiastic answer he could have given, at least he was honest.”

“I asked him why he didn’t. He said he did not want to overstep himself and that it would have been inappropriate in front of our fellow Guards.”

“So he was being professional,” Spike said. “There’s nothing wrong with that.”

“I asked him why he didn’t at least offer to give me a hug before he left, since we had such a wonderful night and we had pretty much hugged each other the entire time on the ship.”

“You trapped him,” Amore said.

“I tried, but he turned it on me. He told me he didn’t want to give me a hug until we had seen each other a few more times and when he had recovered enough so he could hold me and get both wings around me.”

“Whoa,” Spike said. “That was bold.”

“It was perfect. Till that point, I didn’t know if he was interested in me or if he was taking me out and thanking me out of a sense of duty. I told him that since I couldn’t get a hug from him, I wanted the kiss he intended to give me on the ship, or I might think he was being insincere. You know what that scoundrel did in response? “

“What did he do?”

“He kissed my nose.”

Spike blinked. “That was it?”

“He told me that would have been all he would have had the courage to do, while in the ship and everypony watching. He told me he was sure that if we were to see each other more that his admiration and appreciation for me would grow and he could far more into a kiss whether ponies were watching or not.”

“No wonder you ended up marrying him,” Amore said. “Debonair and handsome is hard combination to pass by.”

“I knew he was teasing me, so I teased back. I suggested that every time we went out we could kiss to gauge see how were progressing between us.” Freight smiled. “It didn’t take long for us to figure out that there was a bond forming between us that was more than us riding the excitement of our meeting the way we did. By the time he healed up enough to give me that promised hug, we were devoted to each other.”

“They’re coming back,” Amore warned with a whisper.

“I found happiness and love due to a chance meeting,” Freight told Spike. “If she finds the same with her chance meeting with Cobalt, I will not step in the way.”

Windless was the first to return to the table. “Can I sit by you?” he asked Spike.

“Sure.”

Windless pulled up a chair and settled beside Spike.

“What did you end up getting?” Amore asked him.

“A chocolate cupcake,” Windless replied. “Cobalt said he would bring it with the rest.”

“A good choice, Pinkie makes those, most of the time, and they are delicious,” Spike said. “I like mine with a little quartz sprinkled on top.”

“That’s right, you can eat rocks too.”

“I just eat gems. I’ve tried rocks, they taste horrible. Maud, Pinkie’s sister, likes to eat gems and rocks of all kinds.”

“I’d like to see that.”

Care pulled up a seat next to Windless. “Have you asked her?”

Windless gave her a panicked look. “Care, don’t.”

“Ask me what?” Amore said, smiling at Windless.

He bowed to her, almost putting his forehead on the tabletop. “It’s nothing, Princess”

“It’s not nothing, it’s important to you.” Cobalt slid Windless’ cupcake in front of him. “Ask her. I promise, she’s nice.”

Windless remained silent, staring at the table, as Cobalt put a slice of apple pie topped with whipped crème in front of Care.

“Did you know you are the first pony, outside the Empire, that has recognized me at first sight?” Amore said.

“No, Princess.”

“Just Amore, please.” Windless looked up at Amore’s smiling face. “I can’t tell you how flattered I am that you knew who I am. You can ask me anything you like.”

“Are there any bat ponies in the Crystal Guard?”

“I don’t know.”

Windless looked miserable and his ears wilted. “I should have known.”

“That does not mean there aren’t or there can’t be,” Amore said. “I know a pair of ponies you could talk to about that.”

Windless perked back up. “Who are they?”

“Empress Cadence and Shining Armor are  friends of mine. I could introduce you to them.”

“You’d do that for me?”

“Of course.”

“Thank you.”

“You could be the first bat pony in the Crystal Guard, ” Cobalt said.

“That would be cool.” Windless smiled and took a bite out of his cupcake. “Hmmm, you two were right, this is great. ”He glanced over at Care’s plate. “How is… you ate it already?”

Care grinned. “It was the best pie I’ve ever tasted.”

“How could you tell? You just inhaled it!”

Ignoring her brother, Care asked Cobalt: “You said the orchard that grew the apples for the pie is here in Ponyville, right?”

“Sweet Apple Acres is right on the edge of town. It’s Applejack’s family’s farm. They grow all kinds of stuff there, and their apple cider is the best.”

“We if go, could we meet another of the Elements?” Windless asked.

“Another?” Spike asked.

“Pinkie met us, not long after we landed, ”Care explained. 

“I should have known.”

Amore told Windless, “There’s a good chance you will meet all the Elements this evening.”

“All of them?” Windless asked, in a nervous tone.

“I wouldn’t be surprised, why?”

Windless flushed from his cheeks to the tufted tips of his ears.

“Looks like somepony has a crush,” Spike said. He narrowed his eyes at Windless. “It’s not Rarity is it?”

Windless shook his head.

“Pinkie doesn’t seem like she’s the one. There wasn’t much of a reaction from Applejack’s name. It’s not Rarity. Rainbow Dash? Nope, nothing there either.” Spike counted on his claws, and his eyes widened as he looked up at Windless. “Don’t tell me it’s Twilight!”

“It’s Fluttershy,” Freight said.

Windless sunk in his seat till he all but disappeared under the tabletop. “Mooom!”

“He was about to figure it out anyway.” Field turned to Spike. “Windless likes to draw, and there for a while Fluttershy’s picture was everywhere. He used her as a reference and turned into a fan.”

“She has such graceful lines, it’s easy to draw her,” Windless said. “I hated that she looked scared in so many of the pictures, though.”

“You should tell her that, if you meet her tonight, ” Spike said. “I’m sure she’d appreciate it.”

“If he can say anything to her at all,” Care teased.

Twilight’s voice could be heard from outside: “Pinkie! We don’t have time to stop for a snack! There is something going on at the castle!”

The door to Sugar Cube Corner opened, and in stepped Pinkie. “We’re not stopping for a snack; we’re stopping for some help.” She pointed a hoof at the three foals. “Are you three up for helping with some pastry transportation?”

Windless stood up in his seat. “Sure!”

Twilight made her way around Pinkie and stared at the Amore, Freight, Spike, and the foals. “What in Equestria is going on?!”

“Hello Princess Twilight,” Care said, giving her a quick bow and a wave.

“Hello to you too.” Twilight waved back, seemingly on instinct. “Freight, is this your filly?”

“She is. Her name is Care. She’s mine and Starless’.” Freight nodded to Windless. “That’s my colt, Windless.”

Windless bowed, “Hello, Princess.”

“Hello to you too, it’s nice to meet you. ” Twilight froze and stared at Freight. “Did you say you and Starless’?”

“No time for chit chat, we have desserts to move!” Pinkie said. “You four, march to the kitchen, on the double. We’ve got a cart to load.”

“Yes, ma’am!” all three foals, and one dragon, replied. After replying, they raced to the back of the shop.

Shining, with Flurry riding on his back, entered the shop. “Pinkie, what are you up to now?!”

“I’m distracting Twilight and getting things done, silly.” Pinkie pointed a hoof at Amore. “You’re going to help me and the foals get things moved.” She pointed towards Freight. “You’re going to help keep Twilight occupied by telling about your foals and your husband to Twilight.” She turned to Shining and pointed at him. “You’re going to get Flurry a little treat for being such a good filly this afternoon and then go to the back of the shop so we can get you hooked up to the cart.” She pointed at Flurry. “And you stay cute as a button.”

“I’ll hold Flurry, while you get her treat,” Twilight offered, sounding resigned. Flurry giggled and laughed, as Twilight used her magic to levitate the filly into her forelegs. “When Pinkie’s like this, you have to go with the flow.”

“That’s the spirit!” She motioned for Amore to follow her. “Come on, Amore, we’ve got goodies to deliver!”
> Final Preparations
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pinkie checked the last strap of the harness and patted Shining’s shoulder. “You ready to go?”

“Ready,” he said, rolling his shoulders.

Pinkie motioned to Care, Cobalt, Windless, and Spike. “You four are on escort duty. Make sure no pony tries to get a bite of the goodies before they’re supposed to.”

“Can do!” Spike said, as he and the foals saluted.

“Let’s get this pre-party on the road!” Pinkie said, taking the lead.

Freight shook her head. “Where does she get all that energy?”

“I’ve been trying to figure that out,” Twilight told her. “I think it’s a form of earth pony magic.”

Amore hummed. “It very well could be. Earth pony magic can manifest itself in a variety of ways. Have you been able to figure out how the energy is flowing to her or through her?”

“I’ve tried to isolate both, but have had no success.”

“I think it would be a challenge getting her to hold still long enough for you to try,” Freight said.

Twilight snorted. “You have no clue.”

Flurry looked up, giggled, and reached towards the sky with her forelegs.

“Incoming!” Windless announced. “It looks like an alicorn!”

“If it’s Celestia, guard the cakes!”

“Pinkie!” Twilight groaned.

“She’s got a point, though,” Spike said. “You’ve seen what Celestia can do to a cake if you leave her alone.”

“Spike!”

“It’s Cadance,” Cobalt said.

“Stand down cadets, the cakes are safe,” Pinkie said, still looking towards the sky as if expecting trouble. “At least for now.”

Cadance landed beside Twilight. “Welcome home. I hope you found the materials you needed in the Royal Canterlot Library.”

“I found some interesting materials, but don’t play miss innocent with me. I know you, Celestia, and Luna, are up to something. Vinyl Scratch was on the same train coming home from Canterlot. She told me she was ‘exited that she would be the first pony to rock the new castle.’ Then Shining and Flurry were there to greet me at the station and none of the girls were.”

“Me, conspire against my favorite sister-in-law?” Cadence put a hoof to hoof to her chest as if she had been besmirched and gave Twilight a smiled that was too broad to be genuine.

“Unless Mom and Dad are hiding something, I’m your only sister in law.” Twilight glanced back at Flurry. “At least you don’t go plotting and scheming behind my back.”

“Would you like me to take her?” Cadance asked.

“No, thank you, she’s mine for a little while.” Twilight leaned her head back and got an affectionate hug and nuzzle from Flurry. “I don’t get to see her or give her rides near enough.”

“You can visit us whenever you’d like, Twily,” Shining said. “You’re always welcome.”

“I see that you have conscripted to help with the desserts,” Cadance said to Shining, moving so she walked beside him.
“Something like that.” Shining gave Cadance a peck on the cheek. “How is everything shaping up?”

“Everything is falling into place well.” She glanced back at Twilight. “There are some details that still need to be ironed out, though.”

“I hope Starless hasn’t driven everypony crazy ordering them around,” Freight said.

“Not yet, but I have to say things are getting done.”

“That’s Dad and Aunt Mercy,” Windless said.

Cadance gave him a curious look. “Aunt?”

“Mercy is Dad’s company’s medic,” Care said. “Mom and Dad have been her friends a long time.”

“That explains a lot.”

“There’s a story behind it,” Twilight said, “the kind you would like to hear.”

“That sounds intriguing.” Cadance asked Freight, “Would you be willing to tell it?”

“I would be glad to, but let’s hold off on that till a little later,” Freight said.

“How did your meeting with Stone and the others go?” Cobalt asked Cadance.

“I can’t say much beyond it went well.”

“More secrets,” Twilight grumbled.

“Soon, Twilight,” Pinkie assured, “soon.”


*****


Bonsmara paused in her work and watched members of the Crystal and Lunar Guards file in and out of the Long Haul’s cargo hatch and to and from the castle itself. “They are efficient, I will grant them that. I guess when you have to protect ponies from threats like hydras, cragadiles, and chimeras every day you have to be.”

Stone stared at the table before him.

“How are you doing?” Bonsmara asked, giving pat his shoulder. “You seem lost in thought.”

“I’m all right. I’m a bit overwhelmed is all.”

“That is to be expected.” She offered half of a table cloth to Stone, who took it in his mouth. “Your entire world has changed in the last month, and it will change even more soon.” She guided their efforts, as they put the cloth over a table. “There is one question you need to ask yourself.”

Stone smoothed his end of the cloth out with his hooves. “What is that?”

“Would you have done anything different, knowing what you know now?”

Stone looked up at her and smiled. “No.” Stone looked toward Puca, where she and Field were chatting and covering another of the tables. “I wouldn’t change a thing. Helping Cobalt on his adventure and meeting you and others has been the best thing that has ever happened. I don’t know if I can balance my job, possible adventuring contracts, now I’m part of the team, and what I’m supposed to help with if Twi-”

“Stop there, before you get yourself and me into trouble.” Bonsmara hugged Stone and patted his back. “We will help you keep your balance, and you will help us keep ours when we need help." She gave him a squeeze. "Thank you. I have been wanting to get a hug from you for a while."

“Stone, have you been denying this lady hugs?” Mosaic teased, as she approached them. “I’m sure Puca wouldn’t mind if you shared a couple.”

“Cobalt didn’t give much of anypony a chance to give Bonsmara hugs, except Fierce.”

“I’m not surprised.” She looked to Bonsmara. “Cobalt would snuggle a timberwolf, if it gave him a chance. I hope he didn’t pester you.”

“Not at all. I must confess, I am as bad as he, in that regard, and encouraged it more than I should.” She gave Stone a little squeeze, before letting him go.

Mosaic nodded towards a group of ponies approaching the castle. “Speaking of Cobalt, it looks like he has become an escort for royalty.” She smiled and shook her head. “What am I going to do with him? It seems like every time I take my eyes off him that he ends up involved in royal business.”

Cobalt pointed a hoof towards them. Breaking away from the cart, he, Care, and Windless raced towards them.

“All we can do is hope he doesn’t get into any trouble he can’t get out of and support him when he does,” Stone said.

Cobalt ran to Mosaic. “Mom, I want you to meet somepony.” He stepped aside and introduced Care and Windless to her. “They’re Freight’s and Starless’ foals.”

“Pleasure to meet you both,” Mosaic said.

“Whoa.” Windless looked up at Bonsmara. “I thought you we’re big when you were sitting. You must be crazy strong!”

“She can pick me up with one hand,” Cobalt said.

“Really?”

Bonsmara scooped up Cobalt using only one arm. “Simple as that. While most minotaurs are strong, I train, so I am an outlier for strength.” She nodded towards Stone. “He is even stronger, for his size, without gems fueling him. With gems, he would best me without effort.”

Stone appeared flattered.  “I don’t know about that.”

Bonsmara put Cobalt back on the ground. “You are being too modest.”

Care blurted, “Miss Mosaic, thank you!” She hugged Mosaic and buried her face into the mare’s chest. “Thank you for letting Cobalt and Stone help with the Nightmares. If they hadn’t, Mom and Dad could have...” Care trailed off and sniffed as she cried.

Mosaic hugged Care, stroked her mane with a hoof, and told her, “I am glad they could help.”

“What happened?” Field asked, as he trotted up. “Who is this? Is she okay?”

“She’s my daughter,” Freight said, as she walked up to Care and Mosaic. “She has been wanting to thank you for helping me and Starless make it home.” Freightrubbed Care’s back with a hoof. “To tell the truth, her losing both me and Starless was something I was worried about while everything was going on. I became a supply pilot to keep off the front lines so something like what happened never would. It was against protocol for me and Starless to both to be active during a time of conflict.”

“We, the members of the Guard, serve as the watchful eye, strong shield, and unerring blade of Equestria. We will give of our lives so that our kin, our fellow ponies, and their loved ones may live and sleep untroubled while within its borders. If our Princesses ask for our strength, we will give it until none remains or life is taken from us.” Windless’ voice wavered as he said, “It’s a lot different to think about when you don’t know if you’re parents will come home.”

Freight kissed the top of Windless’ head. “I hope you never have to worry about either of us ever again, much less both of us at the same time.”

Mosaic put her chin on top of Care’s head and rocked her. “My dad was in the guard. It was the hardest thing, waiting for news or for him to come back.”

Care, her tears all but stopped, looked up at Mosaic. “Is he…?”

“He’s fine. He should be here, in a couple of days.”

“Granddad’s coming?” Cobalt said, his ears perked.

“He couldn’t make it for the…” she glanced towards Twilight, who was coming closer to them, and continued in a whisper, “event, but he wants to see both of you.”

“What is going on?!” Twilight asked, as she looked at the tables that stood outside and the air ships resting near her castle. “Why is there an airship and guards here and why are table’s being set up?!”

“That is classified, Princess” Freight said. “Celestia said that she would breif you about what will happen tonight.”

“Celestia’s here too?!”

“And Luna,” Pinkie said. “Come on, Twilight, you wanted to know what all the secrets were about, now’s your chance to find out. Ooo! I rhymed like Zecora and I didn’t even mean to!”

Cadance trotted over to Care and the others, after waving for Amore, Pinkie, Shining, Spike, and Twilight to continue towards the castle. “Is she okay?” Cadance asked, looking at Care.

“She’s been bottling up emotions and needed to let them out.” Mosaic stopped rocking Care and looked down at her. “Are you feeling better?”

“I am.” Care looked up at her and sniffed. “Thank you.”

“Any time.” Mosaic smiled and touched a hoof to Care’s mane. “Your mane and coat are so silky. What do you use?”

Cobalt said, “Freight’s coat is like that.”

Starless asked Cobalt, as he joined them, “Just how would you know how soft my daughter’s coat is, young stallion?”
“Don’t be mad at him,” Care said. “I hugged him without asking.”

“It was a full wing hug too,” Windless tattled, “in the middle of a shop, with lots of ponies watching.”

“Care, giving an appreciative hug is fine, but a wing hug is too much for somepony you met,” Starless said. “What if that pony isn’t ready for it? You could be hurt, if they pull away, or you could offend them.”

“I know not to pull away from a wing hug,” Cobalt told Starless, “and I didn’t mind.”

“Judging by your blush, I’m sure you didn’t,” Starless said, in a joking tone. “Still, she should be more careful.”

“Take it easy on her,” Freight said. “I’m sure this is a one time thing. She was thanking him for helping us, and it was precious.”

“It was embarrassing,” Windless groaned. “I’m glad he helped you and Dad, but giving him a wing hug in the middle of a shop?” Windless made a teasing, disapproving face. “At least he she didn’t kiss him.”

Starless gave a deep, rumbling laugh. “I will not say anything about not giving an appreciative kiss.”
Windless looked surprised. “Why not?”

“I gave your mother an appreciative kiss, a while back.” He looked at Frieght and smiled. “Thanks to that kiss, and a few more after that one, I now have a beautiful wife and a wonderful family.”

Mosaic gave Care a light pat on the back and let her go. “After that confession, there should be no more talk about Care hugging Cobalt from you or Windless.”

“Yes ma’am,” Starless said with salute and a smile. “Now back to what I was to be doing when I came over.” He made a show of putting on a serious expression. “Enough chit chat everypony. We’re behind schedule setting things up. Let’s get back to it.”

“Can I help?” Cobalt asked.

“All three of you can help. Mercy needs support getting things arranged in the castle.” Starless said, looking at the Care and the two colts. “Form up and come with me.”

“Yes sir!” the trio of foals answered.

Freight shook her head, as Starless led the foals away. “If only I could get Windless to behave that well for me.”
“He is a good colt,” Mosaic said, “but he’s full of himself.”

“That he is. Since my husband marched off with your colt, I guess I should introduce myself.” Field offered her hoof, which Mosaic shook. “I’m Freight, the captain of the ship that Cobalt help guide.”

“Thank you for taking care of him for us.”

“I did what I could. If he needs to stow away again, please tell me first. It would do me in if something happened to him while we were on a flight.”

“Can do,” Mosaic said. “This is my husband, Fieldstone.”

Field shook Freight’s hoof. “Cobalt and Stone have told us a lot about you.”

“I deny everything. Unless it was positive, then I take full credit.”

“We have said nothing but good things,” Stone told her.

“Glad to hear it.” She nodded towards Puca. “How are things between you two?”

“Going well,” Puca said.

“How well?”

“She moved in with me,” Stone said.

“Oh, things are going that well.” Freight paused. “Wait, how did you move in that fast?”

“She had four saddlebags and a small box worth of stuff. I carried one of the pair of saddle bags and the box, and she carried the rest. It took all of about thirty minutes to get her moved.”

“I’m so glad for both of you.” Freight pulled both Puca and Stone into a hug.

“How did Cobalt react to the news?” Cadance asked.

“He was elated,” Puca said.

“He loves you and all of your adventuring group,” Mosaic said. “If you were to just vanish, after all you have been through together, it would do him in.”

Bonsmara grinned. “If things go the way they seem to be, he will have not have to worry about that at all.”

“Speaking of which, I am glad you are here,” Cadance said. “We need to coordinate one last thing before tonight, and we will need all of you to pull it off.”

Field gave a deep belly laugh. “I have a feeling we’re about to conspire against my youngest son.”
Cadance nodded. “In the best of ways.”


*****


“Twilight looks like she’s about to burst.” Mosaic said, looking toward the platform where the alicorn princesses were sitting and dining.

Puca snickered. “That’s an understatement.”

Cobalt looked to Puca, his ears angled in concern. “Is she all right?”

“She having to hold something in is all.”

“She won’t have much longer to wait,” Amore said, putting her dessert fork down.

Care rushed up to the table. “You got to come see this! Rarity is about to introduce Windless to Fluttershy!”

Cobalt glanced towards Mosaic.

“Go on. Just come back as soon as it’s over,” she told him. “You don’t want to miss Celestia’s announcements.”

“I’ll go with him,” Amore said. “I would like to see this this too. We’ll be right back.”

“How did Rarity find out about Windless and Fluttershy?” Cobalt asked, as they weaved through the tables and party goers.

“Mom stopped Rarity, when she was going by our table, to say hello. I’m not sure how Fluttershy came up, I was talking to Gauze while they were talking so I didn’t hear, but Rarity said she would introduce him to her.”

“Gauze is with you?” Cobalt asked.

“All of the Lunar Guard that were with Mom and Dad are. So are all the unicorns that were ponynapped. Dad said Sombra and Hope were here somewhere too, but we haven’t see them.”

“There you are,” said Freight. “I see you found them.”

“You seem nervous,” Amore said to Windless.

“I am.”

“Whatever for?”

“I’m meeting an Element of Harmony, who knows I’ve been drawing her because I saw her on the front of a magazine.” Windless swallowed. “I can’t even count the number of ways this could go wrong.”

“You keep being your cute little self and everything will be fine,” Gauze told him. “From what I’ve heard about her, Fluttershy will melt if you act cute and defenseless.”

“It won’t be much of an act. I’m so nervous I pretty much am.”

Starless chuckled. “You don’t have to worry. She’s a mare, not a manticore.”

“Dad, I’ve seen Mercy in action. I’d rather face a manticore.”

“You have a point,” Starless said. “She scares me too.”

Mercy sighed. “I’m sitting right here.”

“At least you know we don’t talk about you behind your back,” Starless said.

Mercy narrowed her eyes at him. “Just wait till I run drills next time. I’m going to work you so hard your tail will drop off. I’ll have Gauze put it back on you, and I’ll make you work it off again.”

“Leave me out of this.” Gauze smiled at Cobalt. “Hello again, Unofficial Recovery Mascot. How have you been?”

“I’ve been great.”

“Here they come,” Care said, in a stage whisper. She leaned close to Windless. “Is she as pretty as you thought she would be?”

“Care please don’t,” Windless said, sounding vulnerable.

Care bumped shoulders with him. “I’ll behave, I promise.”

“Here we are,” Rarity said. “Your admiring fan is right here.” She glanced back over her shoulder. “Fluttershy? Are you all right, dear?”

“I don’t know if I can do this,” Fluttershy said, her voice coming from behind a nearby table, where she had hidden herself behind the table cloth.

“Don’t be anxious,” Rarity said. “You should see him. He’s just as nervous to meet you.”

Starless gave Windless a light prod. “Now is the time to be brave for her sake and yours,” he whispered to Windless.

Windless swallowed, nodded, and got up from his seat. He moved to stand beside Rarity. “You don’t have to come out, if you don’t want to,” he told Fluttershy. “My name is Windless Night. I wanted you to know I liked using you as a reference for my drawings, and I felt bad about you not enjoy being in the shoots.”

“Did Rarity tell you about that?” Fluttershy asked, still hidden.

“No, I could tell by the pictures.”

Fluttershy peeked over the table top. When she saw Windless, her ears perked up. “You’re a bat pony.”

Windless smiled and nodded.

“I’m sorry, that was rude of me. It’s just Rarity didn’t tell me much about you, and I wasn’t expecting to meet a bat pony.” With timid steps, Fluttershy came from behind the table.

“I thought it would be a nice surprise,” Rarity said.

As she got closer to Windless, Fluttershy’s demeanor changed from being scared to being delighted. “I’ve never seen a bat pony colt up close before. You’re precious.”

Windless blushed. “Thank you. It’s good to see you smile. There weren’t that many photos where you did.”

“What told you that Fluttershy didn’t like her photo shoots?” Rarity asked.

“When I was drawing her eyes, I could tell. It made it hard to draw those pictures. I felt was like I was helping whoever was making you feel bad when I sketched them, so I stopped drawing any picture where you looked frightened or sad.” His ears fell and his tail tucked. “It made me feel bad, when I realized that you didn’t like being a part of the shoots. I’m sorry.”

Rarity giggled. “My word, Fluttershy, you have quite the young fan. He’s appreciative of your form and concerned about you as a pony too.”

“You did nothing wrong, so there’s no need to apologize.” Fluttershy gave Windless a warm smile. “It wasn’t all bad, I got to go to some fantastic places and I used the money to help a lot of my animal friends.”

“You wouldn’t have one of your sketches with you?” Rarity asked Windless. “I would love to see one.”

“They’re all at home. I didn’t even bring my drawing stuff.”

“I hate to do this,” Amore said, but it looks like they are getting the main table ready for the announcements. Cobalt and I need to get back to our table.”

“That’s quite all right, darling. Fluttershy and I need to get back to our table too.”

“Thank you for thinking I was pretty enough to draw and caring about me,” Fluttershy said, half hiding her face behind her mane. “It was nice to meet you.”

“You’re welcome.” Windless bowed to Fluttershy. “It was an honor to meet you.” He turned to Rarity. “Thank you for introducing us.”

“I’m glad I could. It was wonderful to find out that somepony else was looking out for our dear Fluttershy, even without having met her. You’re a fine colt.” She reached out and patted his shoulder. “If you come back to Ponyville I hope we’ll be able to see-” She paused, letting her hoof linger on his shoulder. “I absolutely must know, what do you use on your coat?”

“Just soap.”

“You’re joking.”

Windless shook his head. “I promise. I use plain soap.”

She reached up touched his short cut mane. “Your coat and your mane are so soft.”

“It’s part of being a bat pony,” Freight said. “Our coats and are soft and fuzzy like a bat’s fur so we don’t make noise and to keep us warm during night flights.”

“If you could make stuffed toys that felt like this, you could make a fortune,” Rarity said. “I bet it’s perfectly huggable.”

Windless blushed, as Rarity touched a tuft on one of his ears. “And these are just precious.”

“You could give him a hug to test the idea,” Care said, a scheming smile on her face. “I’m sure he wouldn’t mind.”

Windless gave her a look that seemed to thank her and call her a traitor.

Rarity’s eyes flashed with a devious spark. “I think I’ve taken enough liberties with him as it is. However, I know somepony who could test my theory and give him a thank you at the same time.” She looked to Fluttershy. “Go on, darling, give him a hug. I want to know know what you think.”

“What if he doesn’t want a hug?” Fluttershy squeaked.

“Nonsense. Who wouldn’t want a hug from you?”

Fluttershy peeked around the edge of her mane and asked Windless, “Would you mind if I gave you a hug?”

Windless shook his head.

“There you are.” Rarity made a gesture as if presenting Windless to her. “Hug away.”

Moving as if she might break him, Fluttershy gave Windless a delicate hug. “Oh my goodness, you are the softest thing!” She gave him a more energetic embrace and ran a hoof over one of the tufts of his ears. “And these are adorable.”
Windless managed to say, “Thank you.”

Rarity giggled. “It appears I have my answer whether or not he would make a good doll.”  She paused for a moment. “Come to think of it, I don’t believe I’ve ever seen a bat pony doll.”

“Ponies don’t ask for bat ponies dolls, so there aren’t that many outside of our colonies.” Gauze said. “I guess we’re too different and scary to most ponies.”

“Don’t you say such a thing! You are not scary!” Rarity drew herself up. “I should know. I’ve fought with nasty, scary things.” She gestured towards Fluttershy. “Look at her. Fluttershy’s not scared of bat ponies, and she’s scared of everything.” Rarity flinched. “Sorry dear.”

Fluttershy shook her head. “It’s all right. It’s true.”

“So, what do you think? Would you like a Windless doll for yourself? You could be the first tester to see how true to the original it is.”

“It would be nice, but I know how much work you put into them,” Fluttershy told Rarity. “Please don’t go through all of that trouble just for me.”

“It’s no trouble at all. Finding the right material for the coats could be a challenge, but I would enjoy it and it could help me with my future projects.” Rarity smiled and looked towards Care. “If I could make the patterns, I have a friend that might end this problem of there not being any bat pony dolls or plushies being available.”

“You would do that for us?” Gauze said. “That could do us wonders in the public relations department.”

“Of course I would.” Rarity asked Windless, “Would you be willing to model for me?”

“Sounds great.”

She looked to Care. “Would you?”

“I’d love too!”

Rarity looked  back to Fluttershy and giggled. “Fluttershy, you can let him go now.”

“I don’t he will complain if she keeps holding him,” Care said.

“True as that might be, we need to go,” Rarity said.

Fluttershy let go of Windless. “Thank you for letting me snuggle you. It was nice.”

“I should be the one thanking you, for giving me a hug and for everything you have done for Equestria.”

“We must arrange the time for me to get your measurements at a latter date,” Rarity said. “Maybe then Windless could share his drawings with us.”

Freight assured Rarity, “I’ll make sure he brings his sketches.”

“Wonderful. Come along, Fluttershy, the others are most likely thinking we got ponynapped.” Rarity said, guiding Fluttershy away from the table.

Windless, turned to Care. “Sis, that was an underhooved thing to do.” He grinned. “Thanks.”

Care grinned back. “Now we’re even. I don’t want to hear anymore about me hugging Cobalt.” She held out her hoof to him. “Got it?”

Windless bumped his hoof to hers. “Got it.”

“I’m impressed that you came up with on the spur of the moment,” Mercy told her.

“I thought Rarity would be the one to hug him, to be honest,” Care said. “She took my idea and made it even better.”
“Spike said that was her talent,” Cobalt told her.

“We need to go,” Amore said, patting Cobalt on the shoulder. “Just putting in my two bits worth, I think bat pony dolls sounds like a good idea,” she told Gauze.

“Thanks for inviting us,” Cobalt told Care. “It was fun to watch.”

“You’re welcome.”

“I’m glad I could provide such entertainment,” Windless muttered.
> Announcements and Plans Revealed
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Where is that brother of yours?” Mosaic asked. “It looks like things could start any time now.”

“Amore is with him, he’ll be back.” Stone gave his mother a look. “When did it become ‘that brother of yours’ and not ‘my son’?”

“Since you let him drag you into the Everfree Forest and all over Equestria.”

“I remember somepony putting him in a reinforced crate and air shipping him during part of that.”

“I was following the wishes of a princess.”

“It would have happened anyway, and we both know it.” Stone gave her a puppy eyes look. “He would have looked at you with those eyes of his, told you about how much it meant to him to see things through, and you would have packed him up princess’ orders or not.”

“I will admit to nothing.” She smiled at him. “I take it that’s how he got you?”

“No, it was because when he came to me and started telling me about his dreams he started crying. You know how he wants to be chipper around everypony. I knew something was really wrong when the tears started.”

Mosaic’s expression saddened, but she still had a smile. “What are we going to do with him? I can’t tell him not to help ponies, but he’s going to worry me to death if he keeps getting pulled into things like this.”

“Please, don’t tell him about me telling you. He didn’t want to upset you, and I think it would hurt his pride.”

“I won’t,” Mosaic said.

“Here he comes,” Field said. “Amore is right behind him.”

“How did it go?” Stone asked, as Cobalt neared the table.

“Really good, Windless even got a hug from Fluttershy.”

Stone looked astounded. “Fluttershy gave somepony she just met a hug?”

Cobalt waited for Amore to take her seat at the table and then sat down. “Care set it up. She was trying to get Rarity to hug him, but Rarity made it so Fluttershy was the one that gave him the hug.”

Puca smiled. “So that’s what I picked up on a couple of minutes ago. Care certainly made his day.”

Field leaned and put his head against Mosaic’s. “Getting a hug from my special mare always makes my day better.” He looked at Stone. “Wouldn’t you agree?”

Stone looked at Puca and nodded. “It does.”

Amore hugged Cobalt to her side. “Hugging heroic little colts works wonders too.” She glanced down at Cobalt and smiled. “I believe Care would agree with me, if she were here.”

Cobalt blushed. He seemed to think about something for a moment. He looked up at Amore. “We’re the only ponies without special someponies here.”

Amore giggled. “I’ll let you in on a little secret.” She leaned close to Cobalt’s ear. “I have a special somepony.”

“Really?” he whispered back. “How? You just got back.”

“You haven’t met him; he was part of the team that escorted Flurry and Thorax to Canterlot.”

“That’s right, the Empire’s only been back for about a year now!” Cobalt looked at the neighboring tables. “Is he here?”

“I don’t think so. From what I understand, that team was heading back towards the Empire just as we were getting on the train to Canterlot. I don’t think they even knew that there was going to be a celebration.”

“That stinks. I’m sure he would have been glad to see you.”

“I would have loved to see him too, but we’ll catch each other soon enough. I hope he is enjoying the celebration in the Crystal Empire. That way, I can look at it as us being at the same event in a way.” 

Ponyville’s Mayor stood on the main platform and addressed the crowd,“Mares and gentlecolts, welcome to this evening’s festivities.” She put a hoof to her chest and gave a slight bow. “My name is Mayor Mare, and I have the honor of introducing somepony who has recently been returned to us.” 

“Cobalt, follow me.”

Cobalt looked up at Amore. “What?”

“I have been asked to introduce everypony to the Princess of the Crystal Empire, to start our ceremonies off.” Mayor Mare looked out from the stage to Amore and nodded. “It is my honor to introduce Princess Amore of the Crystal Empire.”

Amore stood and made her way to raised platform. Cobalt followed behind her. As they ascended the stairs at the side of the platform, Cadance motioned for Cobalt to come and sit beside her.

“What is going on?” Cobalt asked, in a whisper.

Cadance leaned close to him. “You’ll see.” 

Amore stood beside the mayor and smiled at the gathered ponies. “Good evening. Tonight, I address you not as a princess, but as a fellow pony. I want to thank you all for saving my life. Without your courage and selflessness, I would not be here.” She bowed to the crowd. “Thank you all.”

“Welcome back!” a voice in the crowd shouted, and the audience laughed and applauded.

“I find myself in a world both familiar and strange. I ventured to the Crystal Empire to study the interactions of earth pony magic with the crystals of the north and, through an unexpected series of events, ended up connected to the Heart and the leader of the Empire. Though not much time has passed for me, my situation and the world certainly have. My connection to the Crystal Heart is gone, my country is ruled by pair of wonderful ponies, and my home is not as familiar as it once was.” Amore paused and took a deep breath.

“Take all the time you need,” Celestia whispered.

“Thank you, but I’m okay,” Amore replied. She steadied herself and smiled at the crowd. “I have decided to take this opportunity and return to my studies. While leading the Crystal Empire has been a wonderful experience, due to the changes in the world during my and the Empire’s absence, I have abdicated my position as Princess of the Empire.”

Several gasps could be heard from the crowd.

“What do you intend to do then?” the same voice that welcomed her questioned.

“I intend to return to academia, as an instructor, to continue to learn, and to teach the next generations of ponies about the intricacies of magic in all its forms.”

Celestia stood and moved to the front of the platform. “My ponies tonight’s festivities are being held as a thank you for your bravery and service to all of ponykind and the world. You are the ones who should be on this platform, and not us.” Celestia was joined by the other princesses. “Without ponies like you, Equestria would not be the nation that it is and the world would be a much darker place.” She and the other princesses bowed. “From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you.”

A moment of silence passed, and then the audience roared in applause.

After the cheering died down, the princess rose. Celestia addressed the crowd: “Those who have been granted power are beholden to use it for the betterment of others and to teach others ways to cultivate their own talents and to live worthy lives. The Crystal Empire has it’s Grand Library and university. Equestria has several renowned specialized schools and libraries, including Canterlot’s School for Gifted Unicorns and Clouddale’s flight academy. However, Equestria lacks a school that encourages the understanding of what can occur when ponies and other beings that live in Equestria combine their efforts. To address this, Ponyville has been chosen as the site for the new Equestria University, which will enhance and study such bonds and allow us new ways to better the world.” Celestia nodded to Twilight. “Princess Twilight will be working with Mayor Mare and the citizens of Ponyville to establish the university, and will act as its head.”

Twilight waved. “I look forward to working with you to get the university up and running. However, that process will take time and I am eager to start introducing students to the concepts that the university will be renowned for.” Twilight scanned the crowd. “Miss Cheerilee? Are you here?”

“I am,” Cheerilee said, from where she was sitting with the Apple family.

“Please stand, so everyone can see you.”

Cheerilee stood and gave a nervous wave to everybody.

“Miss Cheerilee has been kind enough to agree to allow our future instructors to get some experience teaching under her supervision for a class or two during the year. Speaking of our instructors, some of them are with us now. Instructors, if you could stand up so everybody could see you.”

Cobalt’s gawked as Mend, Zecora, Grayson, Bonsmara, Fierce, and Guaze stood.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for agreeing to be a part of the founding of the university,” Twilight told them.

“It is an honor to be invited to be a part of such an institution,” Fierce said, as he bowed to Twilight. “We look forward to helping however we can.”

Luna stepped forward. “You and your compatriots have accomplished much for Equestira as it stands.” She looked over the gathering. “As have you all, without your valiant actions and loyalty to Equestria there would be no celebration this evening. Had events taken a slight turn, we may have not lived to see many more nights.” Luna paused and then smiled. “I should not speak so. For tonight should be filled with fellowship and revelry, not thoughts of what could have been.” She looked to the side of the platform, where Cobalt sat. “Before the festivities commence, there is one pony that I would like to present with a boon. Cobalt Blue, step forward and receive your reward.”

Cobalt looked up to Cadance as if to ask if he had heard Luna right. Cadance giggled and gave him an assuring pat on the shoulder. “Go on.”

Cobalt nodded and got to his hooves. As he walked towards Luna, he glanced out at the gathered ponies and put on a nervous smile. Once he was in front of Luna, he bowed.

“You may raise your head.” When Cobalt looked up at her, Luna smiled. “I would have you know that I had to remind my fellow princesses that it was through my realm of dreams that you were reached by Amore, to be the one who bestowed this upon you.” Luna’s horn lit, and a table with a piece of paper, inkwell, and quill appeared in front of Cobalt. “If you wish it, you are to undergo special instruction under the tutelage of Amore and Mend. This will also acknowledge you as the first student admitted to Equestria University, which you will attend when you reach the proper stage in your studies.”

Cobalt looked down at the table and the attendance form that lay on it. “Mom and Dad have already signed it?” He looked up to Luna. “They knew?”

“They agreed today,” Amore said, “while we were at Sugar Cube Corner. That was what the messages were about.”

“It didn’t take too much convincing for them to agree,” Mend said, from the side of the platform. “Amore, could I get a lift? I’m getting a bit too old to go jumping up on something like this.” Amore’s magic surrounded Mend and lifted her to the platform. “Thanks.” She moved so that she could look at the form. “Looks like all it needs is your signature.”

“When would I need to move to the Empire?” He looked towards Mosaic, Stone, and Field, and then back to her. “If I could have a couple of weeks to-” Mend tapped a hoof to his nose, cutting him off.

“I’m coming here. Remember? I’m going to be an instructor.”

Cobalt perked up. “That’s right!” His ears fell, as he turned to Amore, but what about you?”

“Just today, though, a certain princess asked me to consider becoming a part of a new school that is starting up. Seeing that I was out of a job, and living in a guest room at the palace, I accepted the offer.”

“Cobalt, if you don’t sign that form, I think the purple princess there is going to lose all of her feathers,” Mend told him.

Cobalt nodded and signed. “I look forward to being part of your school, when I’m old enough,” he told Twilight.

“I’m looking forward to having you as a student,” Twilight replied. She trotted in place with happiness. “I can’t believe I got to say that to somepony!” She looked out and said, “You can sit down now, thank you.”

“All but Silk Gauze may be seated,” Luna said. 

Gauze, who had been in the process of sitting down, shot back to standing, at Luna’s words. Gauze looked at the ponies around her, and gave a shy wave. “Hi!” she said to the crowd, gaining her a few chuckles.

“Bitter Root, please join her in standing,” Luna commanded. Bitter, who had been sitting at Guaze’s side stood. “While you are to be the last honored this night, you two are by far not the least. I want you to look around at the ponies gathered here."

“When I walked among my Guard, after reaching Sombra’s sanctuary, I was surprised to find a number of them adorned with ribbons. After asking what the ribbons represented, I was told that they were well wishes that came from a singular healer who gave one to every pony that she treated. Upon knowing what they meant, the number of ribbons struck me, and I asked as to name of the healer. I was given Gauze’s name. I learned that you two treated almost all of those wounded during the battle with the Nightmare and her Windigos and saved several lives.”

“Bitter and I didn’t do it alone, Princess,” Gauze said humbly. “Everypony helped everypony else as best they could.”

“But everypony did not triage the wounded, work for two days without sufficient rest, and take care of ponies in the manner that you did. So that all know, Bitter and Gauze wrote to me, in response to my invitation that they would not be here due to needing to remain to tend those that were still in no condition to be moved.” Luna smiled. “I managed to convince them the Crystal Empire’s healers could tend to our wounded quite well and that it would mean a great deal to me that they attend tonight.”

Bonsmara stood. “It means a lot for all of us that you came.” Bonsmara held up her hand and displayed a ribbon. “Do you know how many of these you gave out after the battle, Gauze?”

Gauze shook her head. “No, I don’t.”

Bonsmara held her ribbon higher and ponies throughout the audience stood. Each held out their own ribbon. Grayson help up his tail, where his ribbon had been retied.”

Gauze looked around and teared up. Bitter, appearing shocked himself, whispered to her, “I didn’t realize it was that many. Everything started to blur together, after a while.” 

“You gave out thirty eight in total. Nine of those who got them could not be here due to their injuries.”

Gauze sniffed. “I wish they could have been.”   

“They may not be here tonight, but they will be able to return home, due to your efforts,” Luna said. “Take comfort in that.”

Gauze bowed her head. “I will. Thank you Princess.”

“Let us put aside such heavy thoughts. If adequate space could be provided for Lady Scratch and her equipment, I believe now is the perfect time for our celebration to begin.”


*****


Cadance put a hoof to her forehead. “Twilight never took dance while she was in school, did she?”

“She didn’t.” Celestia sighed. “I am going to have to find a tactful way to suggest that she get some instruction.” 

Luna snorted, as she glared at the stereo equipment that Vinyl Scratch had set up. “Her dancing fits the noise coming out of those machinations.”

“I didn’t like this kind of music either, when I was introduced to it, but it grows on you,” Celestia said.

Using his magic, Shining lifted Flurry from Cadance and put her on his back. “Come on, kiddo. Let’s see if we can’t teach your auntie Twilight a couple of moves. You coming, Love?”

Cadance told him, “You two have fun. I’ll catch up.”

“Princess stuff?”

“Princess stuff.”

Shining gave Cadance a quick kiss on the cheek, which Flurry giggled at, and then left the platform.

“You chose well,” Luna said. “He is fine example of a stallion.”

“Thank you.” Cadance gave Luna a sly look. “I’ve heard that you might have taken an interest in a certain somepony.”

“There is one that has drawn my eye. I have given subtle hints that I am willing to be courted, but he has not acted. I will give him a chance or two more and, if he does not act, I shall know that he is uninterested.” 

Celestia arched an eyebrow. “You didn’t say anything to me?”

Luna crisply replied, “There was nothing to divulge, since the courtship has yet to begin.” Luna’s ears lowered and a sad look came to her eyes. “Perhaps there will never be reason. He has not approached, yet he attended this evenings events.” She shook her head, and drew herself back up. “Let up put aside such frivolities. Amore, now that you have visited this town, seen its ponies, and attended this event do you think this school will suit our needs?”

“I have little doubt.” She looked toward the dancing ponies. “A filly is dancing with a dragon. A diamond dog and a minotaur are together, there is a changeling and pony pair, and even a griffon and a zebra enjoying the night together.” Amore smiled. “If there is a place in all of Equestria that this idea will work, it is here.”

Cadance scanned the crowd of dancers. “We’re missing some of our key-” She smiled and looked to the edge of the platform, where a small group of ponies had gathered. “Never mind.”

“He’s really going to do it,” Windless said, as Bitter separated himself from the group and approached the platform.

“Princess Luna, I ask permission to approach,” Bitter said.

Cadance giggled. “He’s taking the old fashioned approach.”

Luna gave a light snort. “Keep in mind; such formalities are not antiquated for me. Sir Bitter Root, you may join us.”

With a graceful leap and a couple of wing beats, Bitter landed on the platform and bowed to Luna. “I humbly ask that you honor me with a dance.”

“He did it!” Gauze cheered.

“She hasn’t said yes yet,” Windless pointed out.

“You brought a cheering section with you,” Cadance said.

“It was unintentional, Empress,” Bitter said, still looking to the platform. “When I got up from the table, they asked where I was going. When I told them what I was going to do, half of them thought I was nuts, the other half encouraged me. Both halves followed out of curiosity, I believe.”

Cobalt let it be known, “I was on the cheering side!”

“I still think he’s nuts,” Windless said.

Mercy laughed. “He’s acting a moon-calf, I’ll agree. But those in his condition often do.”

Comfort looked up at Mercy. “His condition?”

“He’s been moonstruck by Princess Luna.”

“She can do that?”

Celestia nodded with exaggerated seriousness. “Luna has afflicted many a stallion and quite a few mares with this condition.”

Luna cut her eyes toward her sister. “I recall somepony having a number of ‘sun dogs’ following her around like puppies. You may rise, Sir Bitter Root, and approach.”

Bitter stood and moved towards Luna.

“Lift your head.”

“Yes, Princess,” he said, raising his chin. Bitter’s eyes crossed, as Luna leaned towards him and kissed his nose. When she touched him, Bitter’s wings snapped up and he blushed crimson.

She looked over Bitter’s wings with undisguised appreciation. “I have not gotten such a reaction from a stallion in ages. It pleases me that you find me so desirable for you are quite so to me.”

“Luna!” Celestia gasped and then laughed. “That’s a bit brazen for this day and age.”

“I will not let it be said that I do not make my thoughts known.”

“You have a lovely pair of wings, Sir Bitter,” Cadance teased.

Bitter looked over his shoulder at his wings as if they had betrayed him and folded them back to his sides. “Thank you, Empress. I didn’t mean to put them on display.”

“I didn’t know bat ponies did that too,” Cobalt said, looking up at Gauze.

“We certainly do.” She looked down at him and booped his nose with a hoof. “You are too cute for your own good.”

Careful, Gauze, you’ll make Care jealous,” Windless said. “She claimed Cobalt earlier.”

Care’s coat fluffed in a show of indignation, and she protested, “I did not ‘claim’ him!”

“You might as well have, with that hug you gave him in front of everypony.”

Cadance began to fidget and hum an excited note.

Amore glanced over at her. “Are you all right?”

“Empress Cadance, a citizen of the Empire requests to speak with you,” Starless announced, as he led a cloaked pony towards the platform. “He just arrived by special transport. He says that the matter is of the utmost importance.”

“I will hear him,” Cadance said. “Good sir, you must be roasting in that cloak. Please, feel free to take it off.”

“Thank you empress,” the stallion replied. 

He put back the hood of his cloak, and Amore gasped. “Rough Edge!”

The stallion bowed. “Good evening, Princesses.”

“Good evening to you as well, Captain Rough Edge,” Celestia told him. “Your timing is impeccable.”

“Thank you, Princess.” He rose up and looked at Amore. “You have no idea how good it to see you again. I thought we had lost you.” Tears filled his eyes. “I thought I had lost you.”

“You were supposed to just be getting back to the Empire from Canterlot, with the guards that had escorted Flurry. I was sure we were going to miss each other.”

“The Empress got a message to me, just as I got back to the Empire from Canterlot. She also arranged so that I could catch a flying carriage to Canterlot and a then train from there to here.” 

Amore’s voice hitched, as she told him, “She didn’t say a word to me.”

“Surprise!” Cadance said. “I didn’t do it alone, though. Celestia was the one who commandeered the flying chariot.”

“Rerouted,” Celestia gently corrected. “No force was used to persuade the guards pulling the chariot that I could fly quite well on my own and that another was in more need of the transportation.”

“When did you get here?” Amore asked him.

“Not quite ten minutes ago.” He looked at her with concerned intensity. “Did you really do it? Did you abdicate the thrown?”

“I did.”

“But you loved being our Princess. We would have had you back in a heartbeat.”

“The Empire needs more modern leaders. I am a thousand years out of date.” She sniffed and smiled. “Besides, they had already packed my furniture up.”

“Luna has done well enough, after she’s come back.”

“Thank you,” Luna interjected.

“You’re a bit biased as to my ability,” Amore told Edge. “I know a good opportunity when I see one. I want to be here. I want to study and teach again.”

“You’re sure. I can tell.”

“I’m sure.”

Edge snap turned to Cadence and came to attention. “Empress, I resign from my post. I will have the formal documents drawn up and delivered to Captain Shining armor by dawn.”

Amore sprung to her hooves. “Edge! No!”

Not turning his head, Edge looked to Amore. Tears ran down his face. “I lost you once, I won’t lose you again. Where you go, I go. You will always be my princess, and I will be your guard.”

“I do not accept your resignation,” Cadance said. She held her hoof up, when he began to protest. “I would like to offer an alternative. Ponyville has had need of a more regimented security force, with Twilight and the Element’s being here. With the University coming, the need will be even greater. The details haven’t all been ironed out, but there have already been volunteers for a new guard force that is to be stationed in Ponyville.”

“We are lacking a Captain of the Guard,” Celestia said. “If we were to have a pony with your qualifications aid us as we cobbled the force together, it would be an invaluable help.”

Cadance smiled. “If you would like to volunteer for a transfer, I would be happy to recommend you for the position.”

“Yes! A thousand times, yes! I volunteer for the transfer!”

Amore jumped from platform. She and Edge held each other and cried into each other’s shoulders.

Edge nuzzled and stroked Amore’s mane. “I thought I would never hold you again.”

Amore touched her nose to Edge’s. “There is another upside to not being a princess that I didn’t think about before.”

“What would that be?”

“I can do this in public without worrying about ending your career.” She kissed him with deliberate, slow passion.

“While I am glad that you two have been reunited, I am going to have to ask that you two not go any further before I have to charge you with public indecency,” Celestia warned, with a giggle.

Amore and Edge broke the kiss. “Later, love,” Amore promised. 

“This time, I’m going to act as if there might not be a later.”

Amore stared at Edge, as he knelt down. “Edge, what are you doing?”

“I nearly missed this opportunity because I waited too long. I’m not going to make that mistake again.” Edge reached into a pocket of his uniform and retrieved a pair of rings. “Amore, princess of my heart, will you do me the honor of marrying me?”

“Yes, my beloved captain.” 

Celestia glanced over to Cadance. “Did you plan this?”

Cadance, who was grinning like a filly on Hearths Warming morning, shook her head. “No, but it couldn’t have come out better if I had.” 

Edge rose to his hooves. “Princess Cadance, would you do us the honor of marrying us?”

“Of course I will marry you, but not tonight and not here. If the citizen of the Crystal Empire learned that I married you without a full ceremony, they would oust me and Shining.”

“We can wait till we get back to the Empire.” Amore leaned against Edge and put her head against his. “I’m just glad to have him back.”

“Let’s all agree to keep this quiet, for the time being,” Cadance said, looking around at the gathered ponies.

“We can do that,” Windless said.

“Let’s get out there and celebrate, or ponies are going to start wondering what is going on,” Freight suggested.

“I like that idea.” Gauze said, putting a foreleg around Cobalt’s shoulders. “Everypony that doesn’t already have one, grab a partner.”

“Your making my sister jealous again,” Windless stated.

“I thought she said she hadn’t claimed him.”

“I haven’t,” Care said, her words lacking conviction.

Gauze hugged Cobalt to her side a little more. “Then there’s nothing wrong with him dancing with me, right?”

Care’s ears tucked back. “I guess not.”

Gauze gave Care a smile. “I tell you what. You help me find a dance partner, and I’ll give Cobalt to you.”

“Doesn’t Cobalt get a say in this?” Amore asked.

“I don’t think so,” Cadance said. “Judging by how he’s blushing, I don’t think he minds much.”

“But I don’t know anyp...” As she let her words drop off, Care grinned. “How much do you want to dance tonight?”

“I don’t want to feel my hooves in the morning.”

“I have an idea, then. Offer a dance to anypony that has one of your ribbons as a ‘checkup’.”

“I like the way you think.” Gauze gave Cobalt a pat on the back. “He’s all yours.”

Cobalt scampered to Care’s side.

Gauze sighed and made a show of looking at the ponies around her without looking at Windless. “It’s a shame almost all the stallions are taken around here. I wanted to go out on the dance floor with somepony ready to dance.”

Windless puffed himself up and stood to his full height. “Miss Gauze, would you like to dance with me?”

“I would love to,” she said, extending a hoof to him. Windless took her hoof and walked at her side to the dance floor.

“Like father, like son,” Freight said, shaking her head, “lots of bravado and no shame.”

“You can’t fault him for wanting to dance with a lovely mare.” Starless hugged Freight to his side with a wing. “I know that’s what I want to do right now.”

“I get the hint.” She leaned her head against his. “It has been a bit too long since we danced.”

“Care, Cobalt, you should join us,” Luna said, getting to her hooves. “So long as Cobalt does not protest, that is.”

“I won’t protest, Princess,” Cobalt said.

“You don’t mind being my ‘prize’?” Care asked, looking concerned.

Cobalt smiled and assured her, “I don’t mind at all.”

“Miss Care,” Amore said, “just one thing.”

“Yes, Princess?” Care winced. “Sorry, I forgot. Yes, Miss Amore?” 

“I get at least one dance with him, at some point tonight.”

“Sure!”

Luna nodded. “Now that all is settled, let us go and speak with the operator of that machination. I will have at least a couple of songs played that are appropriate to waltz to before this night concludes.”

“Yes Princess.”

The remaining princesses and Edge watched the partners move to the dance floor.

Celestia’s ear twitched. “Cadance, you might as well let it out.”

Cadance gave a happy squeal. “I love it here! There is something about Ponyville that just brings ponies together!”

“I take it then there are connections forming already?”

“Oh yes! Bitter isn’t going to know what hit him, and he cares for Luna on a couple of levels. Care and Cobalt are already friends, so that’s a great sign.” Cadance giggled, as she looked over the dancers. “There are so many connections being made here I can’t keep up with them all.” She lowered her voice. “There is no way that things aren’t going to work.”

“Let’s not count our chickens before they hatch,” Amore cautioned. “Making an artifact like the Crystal Heart is not any easy task. Even with as much as we know about it, and all the energy that Ponyville could provide, there is no guarantee that the plan will succeed.”

“We have you, Twilight, and some of the best minds in Equestria right here. I’m sure things will go just fine.” Cadance looked towards Celestia. “There is just one more thing we need to work on. Getting a certain somepony we know to find somepony to help her unwind and take care of herself, since she refuses to.”

“My dear niece, whoever could you be talking about? Amore has a special somepony.”

“I was hinting about you.”

“I appreciate your concern, but Kibitz and Raven attend to my every need.”

After a long second’s pause, Cadance said, “You don’t mean…”

Celestia gave Cadance a teasing smile.

“Kibitz?!”

“He has served me well for years, and continues to perform at the highest standard that I could ask of him.”

Cadance sputtered.

“I like Miss Inkwell,” Amore said, with a well maintained, neutral expression. “From what little interaction I’ve had with her, she seems to be on top of everything and quite efficient.”

“That she is,” Celestia agreed. “When the two of them assist me together, we have yet to have an unsatisfactory outcome.”

Cadance let out a relieved laugh. “Alright, I’ll admit it. You have me going for a minute, but I’m not buying it now.” As she spoke, the celebration’s music shifted to an airy modern waltz.

“It would seem Luna got her wish.” Celestia’s smiled broadened. “It also seems that Raven and Kibitz are enjoying the change of music as well. I was worried they wouldn’t have a chance to have a least one song they could enjoy. They do dance well together, don’t they, Cadance?”

“Yes they do, but I’m still not buying it! It’s just a coincidence or you and Luna set this up as some kind of prank!”

“Believe what you will, but I’m sure that you have noticed the strong bonds between us and that I rarely attend a function without one or both of them at my side.”

“It is nice, when you can keep the ponies that you care about and trust close by as you tend to a nation.” Amore kissed Edge’s temple. “Shall we join them?”

Edge kissed her nose and told her, “Of course, my princess.”
> Gathering Friends and Family
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The toaster gave a pleasant ring and popped up four pieces of toast.

“Would you like butter and cinnamon sugar or jam?” Stone said, angling his head towards the stairs.

“Stone, something’s wrong!” Puca called.

Stone dropped the butter knife he had been using and raced up the stairs. “Are you hurt?!”

“No, but something isn’t right!”

Stone rushed into the bathroom, where Puca was staring at the mirror. She turned to him, fear showing in her eyes. “I can’t change. I’ve been trying to, and I can’t.”

“You’re not hurting anywhere are you?”

“No, I’m fine and I feel fine. I don’t know if that’s a good thing or a bad thing.”

“Try again.” Stone watched as Puca closed her eyes and concentrated. 

She shook her head. “Nothing. It’s like when I put the magic blocking stones on. I can’t even feel the magic I need to change.”

“But the stones are down stairs and they haven’t given you trouble before.”

“I think this is something different.” Puca looked towards the mirror again and put a hoof to her face. “I can’t go into work like this tomorrow. I’ll scare off the customers.”

“There is nothing scary about you,” Stone said, hugging her. “You’re a living jewel.”

“Thanks.” She snuggled into him. “But you’re biased.”

“Let’s go see my folk’s and tell Mom what is going on. After that, we can head towards the castle to see Mend and Twilight. Between the two of them, they’re sure to figure out what is going on.” He nuzzled the top of her head. “I’m just glad you’re not hurting or feeling sick.”

“I’m scared, though. What if something’s gone wrong with me, and I can’t change again?”

“You’ll still be the mare I love, and I will help you however I can.”

“Thank you. I love you too. “

“Let’s get you checked out first. I’m sure he will understand. I have an idea; we can be the ones that pick up the pies. Mom can go with Cobalt.”

“Sounds like a plan. I hate I’m messing up such an important day, though.”

“First, you aren’t messing anything up. We’ll just need to adjust our plans. Second, it’s not like you set this up. You’re sick, or something close to it.” When she looked up at him, he kissed her on the nose. “I want to make sure you are okay. The rest is little stuff.”

She smiled. “When did you get so laid back?”

“Since the most marvelous mare in the world decided I was worth being around and came to live with me and taught me to let stuff go.”

“You silly thing.” She gave him a kiss. “Let’s eat and get going or we will be behind schedule more than I’ve made us all ready.”


*****


“Cobalt, you keep that up and your tail is going to wag off,” Mosaic said.

“I can’t help it. I haven’t seen either of them since Stone and Puca’s wedding, and they haven’t been here since the celebration. I can't wait to show them around again.” His enthusiasm dropped and his ears folded into a worried position. “I hope Puca’s okay.”

“I’m sure she will be fine. You looked her over and found nothing wrong. She doesn’t even have a fever.”

“I’ve still got a long way to go with my training. I could have missed something.” He glanced around the platform. “To tell the truth, I wasn’t supposed to do what I did. Please don’t tell anypony.”

“I won’t. I promise.” She nodded down the tracks. “Here’s the train.”

Cobalt stood and pranced in place, as the train came to a stop. Ponies poured onto the platform, and Cobalt scanned the mass. “I don’t see them.”

“I can see you, though.”

Cobalt turned just in time to get a shoulder to shoulder hug from Windless. “I’m glad to see you.” Windless patted Cobalt’s back. “You must have been training with your brother. You’ve put on some muscle.”

“Stone’s been helping me, but Mend added physical training to my training. She said, ‘an unfit healer is unfit to be a healer’ and signed me up with Edge’s guard training.”

“You’ve gotten stout yourself,” Mosaic said.

“Dad and Mom set Mercy on me.”

Cobalt winced. “Ouch.”

“That sums it up.”

“Whatever she’s putting you through, it’s working,” Mosaic said.

“Hello again, Miss Mosaic.” Windless looked sheepish as he asked Mosaic, “Can I get a hug?”

Mosaic smiled. “You didn’t even have to ask, and you can drop the miss.” She hugged Windless, who hugged her back. “It’s so good to see you again.”

“I’m glad to see you too.”

“Where is your sister?”

“There she is,” Cobalt said, pointing further down the platform. “Care, we’re over here!”

Care’s ears turned towards Cobalt’s voice. She looked in their direction, saw them, and smiled. “There you are!” She wove through the last of the departing ponies and trotted up to them. “I’m so glad to see you!”

Mosaic looked over Care from head to hoof.  “I still can’t get over you two are my height now.”

Care had to look up a little to Cobalt. “He’s got us beat, though.” She smiled at him. “Hello, Cobalt."

He smiled back. “Hello, Care. How have things been?”

“Busy, but good.”

Windless chuckled, after Care and Cobalt looked at each other for a few seconds. “This is getting awkward. Care, make first move and get it over with.”

Care gave Windless a look. “Excuse me?”

“You’re both looking at each other wondering who should hug who first, for how long, and whether to add a nuzzle in there somewhere.” Windless gave an exaggerated sigh and motion towards Cobalt. “Just pounce him and get it over with.”

“I’m not going to pounce him!”

“You might as well. The first time you met him, you gave him a wing hug. The second time you saw him, you ran and tackled him and sent his luggage all over,” he counted on the other.

“It was icy and I slipped!”

“I didn’t buy that story then and I’m not buying it now.”

Cobalt pointed out, “She hasn’t wing hugged or tackled me again.”

“That’s because she’s been training with her Cobalt substitute since then, so her technique has improved.”

Care blushed beet red. “Windless!”

Cobalt’s ears went at an odd angle, and he tilted his head. “Cobalt substitute?”

“He looks a lot like you, but not as big. She snuggles with him every now and then too.”

“If you don’t stop I’m going to shave your-”

Cobalt hugged her, halting Care’s words. “I’m glad you’re here.”

Care hugged him back. “So am I.”

“Not even in school yet, and you’re hugging the first stallion you see,” Freight teased, approaching them from where Cobalt’s back was turned.

“This isn’t a random stallion, Mom, it’s Cobalt.”

Freight grinned. “I took a moment to recognize him, since he’s gotten so much bigger since we saw him, but I know who he is.”

“Hello, Freight,” Cobalt said, letting go of Care and turning to greet her.

Freight embraced him. “Are you bigger than Stone now?”

“Nope, and I don’t think I'll catch him either,” Cobalt said, sounding disappointed.

“Don’t say it like that; you’re just the perfect size.”

Everypony turned to Care, whose blush returned. “What I mean is you’re just the right size to hug.” With a look of realization, she hid her face behind her wings. “I think I’m just going to be quiet now.”

Freight laughed. “Cobalt, would you help me with our luggage, before my daughter embarrasses herself anymore?”

“I’d be glad to.”


*****


“What is keeping them so long?” Stone asked, looking at the waiting room’s door.

Puca pointed a hoof at Stone. “Quit worrying!” she teased. "You’re worrying is making me worry.”

“I can’t stop. It’s like telling me not to breathe!”

The room’s door opened. Mend, made her way into the room with a less than pleased expression. “No clue.”

Puca blinked. “No clue?”

“Not a one,” Twilight said, following Mend into the room. “We’ve checked over everything we can on the magical and physical levels and we can’t find anything wrong. We can say, however, that you are in excellent health.”

“Well, that much is good news,” Puca said. She sighed. “I’ve been meaning to take a few days off, but this is not the way I was planning to do it.”

“We noted that your wings have changed in appearance a little,” Twilight said. "They have a nice sparkle to them now."

She glanced back at her wings. “Oh, that. Changeling wings can shimmer like this, if they absorb enough love.” She leaned against Stone. "Thanks to Stone, I get all the love I could ever ask for."

“Could that be what’s causing you not to be able to change?”

“I don’t think so. I’ve only see this happen with changelings that had been out in the field by themselves for a while. Once they share the love they have gathered with the hive, the shine went away. They could still change forms too, from what I remember. I don’t remember anybuggy mention they couldn’t either.”

Stone hugged Puca against his side. “So, she’s not in any danger, right?”

Mend smiled at him. “She’s fine, you worrywart. If this was hurting her, we would have been able to pick up on it.”

“There are worse things than not being able to change,” Puca said. “Though, it could get to be a problem if I can’t go into work for a while.”

“You can go into work just as you are.” Stone gave her a squeeze. “No pony will even blink. They’ve gotten so used to Kevin and his antics you wouldn’t give them a second thought.”

“We’ll see, if it comes to that.”

“I would take it easy for two or three days and see how things go,” Mend said.

“I can’t take it too easy. Davenport is having a big sale on sofas. He will need all hooves on deck.”

Mend gave a look to Stone. “If she insists on working she is to do little to nothing afterward.”

“I will pamper her to the best of my ability,” Stone assured.

“I appreciate it, but you will be working too. I’m capable of taking care of myself.”

“Either I pamper you or I’ll put you in the care of my mother. She’d make sure you don’t lift a hoof.”

Puca’s ears pinned back. “You wouldn’t.”

“I would. It would be the best for both of us, in the long run. If she finds out you haven’t been following Mend’s orders, she’ll have both our tails.”

“True.” Puca put the back of a hoof to her forehead. “I guess I will just have to suffer being pampered more than usual.”

Twilight giggled. “Before you two go, Puca, I want to ask you something. Would you mind if I send a letter to Celestia about what is going on? She or Luna might know something.”

“I don’t mind, but I don’t want to bother her.”

“I’m sure she wouldn’t think it a bother at all.”

“Beyond the princesses, please don’t’ tell anypony else. I don’t want to worry anyone.”

“I would like to tell Amore, if you don’t mind,” Mend said. “She has studied the interactions of magic and the body in a unique way. She might know something to look into that we wouldn’t have thought about.”

“I don’t mind.”

Twilight put a hoof on Puca’s shoulder. “Don’t worry, we’ll have this figured out in no time.”

Puca smiled. “At least I’m being an interesting project for you.”

“Are you kidding? I don’t think anypony has studied changeling physiology more than we have in just the couple of hours we’ve been with you. I hate you’re having this problem, but this is a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Puca laughed. “You could just ask me if I would mind being studied.”

Twilight’s wings and ears perked up. “You wouldn’t mind?”

“Of course not.”

Twilight gave Puca an excited hugged. “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! If more changelings come to live with ponies, what we learn could be invaluable.”

“I’m glad I could help,” Puca said giggling. 

“What does her excitement feel like?” Mend asked.

Puca giggled again, “It’s fizzy and electric, if that makes any sense. We’ll have to set up times for me to come visit.”

Stone laughed. “She has to let you go, before you can come back.”

Twilight blushed. “Sorry about that. I got carried away.”

“You’re fine,” Puca said. “You may want to ask Kevin to see if he would be interested in being a part of your research."

Twilight’s eyes lit up. “I’ll do that. We’ll double our study population that way. I can’t wait to get started!”

“You have a lot of other projects to get through first,” Mend reminded Twilight. "You can’t start anyway. I’m sure they have places to be.”

“I can stay, if you would like,” Puca said. “You’re the ones who took time out of your day to help me.”

Twilight shook her head. “Thanks, but Mend is right. I have a ton to work on right now and, if I remember, you two were supposed to be meeting with Freight and her foals.” She glanced at the clock on the wall. "I have an appointment with Mayor Mare in ten minutes too. You take care of yourself and tell us if any thing changes or you can change again. Okay?"

“I will,” Puca promised.


*****


A young diamond dog pup pulled at Fierce’s paw. “Come on Daddy, we have to get to Auntie Mosaic’s house! We can’t be late!” She looked up at Fierce with a serious expression. “It would be rude! Mommy said you shouldn’t be rude to anyone!”

“We are fine,” Bonsmara assured the pup. "Their house is just around the corner, and we are early."

“You need to calm down, Labra.” Fierce guided her back to his side. "Remember, there will be new ponies there, and you will need to be on your best behavior."

“I know, Daddy.” Labra bounced as she walked. "I’ll behave. I promise.”

Fierce glanced towards Bonsmara. “How are you doing?”

“A touch sleepy,” She leaned and kissed his cheek, "but quite happy."

“You deserve it.” He looked at the pup in her arms. "Looks like he’s a bit sleepy too.”

Labra’s ears shot up. “Look, Daddy, look!” She pointed down the path. "Stone and Puca are coming!"

“That they are.” He looked down at Labra. "Do you want to go see them?"

“Yes, please.”

Fierce let her paw go. “All right, but be careful with Stone. He looks like he is carrying a lot.”

Labra raced towards Puca and Stone, running on all fours.

“Something is off.” Bonsmara said. “Puca never walks down the street without being in pony form.” 

“We should not worry too much. If something had gone wrong, Stone would not be so calm.”

“Hello.” Stone said, as Labra approached. "How are you?"

“I’m great!” Labra gave Stone a rub on the nose.

“That’s good to hear.”

“How are you Puca?” Libra asked.

“I’m doing fine.”

Labra tilted her head. “I thought you liked being a pony when you went outside?”

“I do, but something is making it so I can’t change.”

Labra tensed. “You’re not sick are you?” she asked, sounding near panicked. “Please don’t be sick!” She put a paw to Puca’s nose. “Oh no! Your nose is warm! You are sick! We got to get you to the hospital right now!”

“That doesn’t work with changelings and ponies like it does with diamond dogs,” Cobalt said, put a hoof on her shoulder. “We’re supposed to have warm noses.”

“Oh.”

Puca hugged Labra, who clung to her as if she would vanish. “You're sweet for checking on me, but I I’ve already seen a doctor this morning to make sure.”

“You promise you’re not sick?” Labra tightened her grip on Puca.

“I promise.”

Labra looked up at her, tears in her eyes. “You Pinkie swear?”

“I Pinkie swear.” Puca did the complete set of motions and made her Pinkie swear formal. She patted and rubbed Labra’s back. “We saw Mend and Twilight this morning. They both said I was fine.”

Labra buried her face against Puca’s chest. “Then what’s wrong?”

“We don’t know,” Stone said. “What we know is that it’s not hurting her, whatever it is.”

“Since Stone can’t give you a ride, I will.” Puca knelt down. “Hop on. Just be careful of my wings."

Labra, with ample caution, got onto Puca’s back.

“I see you picked up a passenger,” Fierce said, as he and Bonsmara came closer. He paused, as he looked at his daughter. "Labra, are you okay?"

“I thought Puca was sick.” Labra sniffed, turned her head and put it against the back of Puca’s while giving her a hug around the neck. “She promised she isn’t, so it’s okay.”

“I’m just having trouble changing,” Puca explained.

“I am not surprised,” Bonsmara said. “Whatever the princesses are working on has been having all kinds of odd magical effects around town. Unicorns have had trouble controlling their magic, earth ponies have lost their strength, and poor Muffins fell through a cloud she had been sitting on, when she lost her ability to manipulate clouds. She caught herself before she fell too far, thankfully." 

A small paw reached up and touched Bonsmara’s nose. She took it with her free hand and held it. “Hello, my little boy. Are you awake now?”

“I better keep back then.” Puca stepped backwards and winced. "Ouch, Labra, let go of my ears, please."

“You shouldn't hide from him. It’s not right.”

“He’s afraid of me when I’m like this, though. I don’t want to upset him.”

“You aren’t scary.” Labra let go of Puca’s ears. “He has to get brave like Mommy and Daddy.”

The pup’s ear flicked and he turned to look at Labra. When he saw where she was, he tensed and started to whimper.

Puca’s ears folded and she took a step back. “He’s scared.”

Labra patted Puca’s head, as if she were a dog, with one paw and rubbed her neck with her other. “Don’t worry, Pyrite. She’s a good ladybug.”

One of Puca’s ears went askew as the other rotated toward Labra, giving her a comical look. “Now he’s as confused as I am.”

Stone chuckled. “Looks like your not just my lady bug now,” he said, emphasizing the pronunciation of his term of endearment.

Puca gave him an amused look. “I don’t think it has the same meaning for her as it does for you.”

Bonsmara put Pyrite down. “It’s okay, Pyrite. It’s Puca. She just looks different today.”

Labra patted Puca’s head again. “See? She’s a good ladybug.”

With slow steps, Pyrite moved from Bonsmara’s side. When he got close to Puca, Pyrite reached out a paw towards her as if expecting her to bite him.

Puca leaned forwards and let Pyrite pet her nose. “Hello, Pyrite.”

“You sound the same,” he said.

“I can change my voice, but I don’t do it all that often. No one would know who I am, if I did.”

Labra slid from Puca’s back. “She’ll let you ride her, but you have to promise to be careful with her wings.” 

Stone met eyes with Puca, who gave him a slight nod. “It’s fine.” She knelt down. “Come on, Pyrite. You can get a ride.”

Pyrite smiled. “I’m sorry. I was silly to be scared. You're still Miss Puca.” 

“It’s all right. I am kind of scary, when I’m like this.”

“No you’re not.” He scratched her ears. “Your eyes look like gems now."

Stone laughed. “I tell her that all the time. She doesn’t believe me.”

“If you’re going to ride, you need to get on her,” Labra said, with an older sister’s authority in her voice. “We can’t be late.”

Pyrite nodded and, with help from Labra, got on Puca’s back.

“You be careful with her.”

“I will, Sis.”

“Now we are all settled, shall we away?” Fierce said.

Puca nodded. “Lets.”


*****


One of Field’s ears swiveled towards the front of the house. “I think somepony just knocked.”

“I’ll get it,” Cobalt offered.

Field shook his head. “I’ve got it, you keep visiting.”

“You brought a whole herd!” Field could be heard joking. "Thanks for the hugs, you two." He answered an unheard question, "They’re in the kitchen.” Field laughed and warned those in, “Incoming!"

“Brace yourself,” Mosaic said to Cobalt, as the sound of two sets of racing paws came towards them.

Cobalt grinned. “I’m ready.”

Labra and Pyrite slowed down, but still scrambled into the kitchen at a good pace. Pyrite came to a stop upon seeing the new ponies. Labra hurried to Cobalt and gave him a hug.

“I missed you!” Labra said, as he returned her hug.

“I missed you too, but it’s only been a couple of days.”

Labra rubbed her head against him. “It’s still too long.”

“Who are they?” Pyrite asked, as he wearily moved toward Mosaic.

Mosaic took Pyrite in a comforting hug. “These are Cobalt’s and my friends.”

Bonsmara and Fierce entered the kitchen, followed by Field and Stone. Bonsmara shook her head at Labra and Pyrite. “That didn’t take long.”

“They take after you, dear,” Fierce said. "If there are hugs to be had, they will get them."

“They look like Cobalt’s toys,” Pyrite stated, looking at Care and Windless.

There was a pause, during which Cobalt looked nervous.

“Cobalt’s toys?” Windless asked with a smirk. “What toys?"

“They’re plushie ponies, like the ones for Hearths Warming but they’re bigger. He keeps them on a shelf in his room. He says they’re special and he has to take care of them.” 

Labra pouted. “He won’t let us play with them, even though you’re supposed to share.”

“I don’t play with them either,” Cobalt said. “They are collector’s items.”

“Then why do you put one on your pillow sometimes?” Pyrite asked.

Stone smiled in a knowing way. “Sometimes you need to snuggle somepony.”

Labra hugged Cobalt a little tighter and put her head against him. “He’s good at snuggling.” She looked up at Cobalt. “Do you use her to practice? Is that why you’re so good at snuggling?”

“Her?” Windless leaned forward with a grin. "Does ‘she’ have a name?”

“It’s Care.”

Windless laughed so hard he had to lean against the kitchen table.

Labra let go of Cobalt and faced Windless, an unhappy expression on her face. “Why are you laughing at Cobalt like that? That’s not very nice.”

Windless, after gasping for a breath, told Labra, “I’m not trying to be mean.” He pointed a hoof towards Care. “This is Care. She’s my sister.”

Pyrite grinned as if he had solved a puzzle. “You’re Windless! That’s the name of his other plushie!”

“That would be me,” Windless said. He folded his ears down and gave Cobalt an exaggerated hurt look. "I don’t get any snuggles?”

“Don’t be sad!” Labra raced to Windless and gave him a vigorous hug. Her eyes lit up and she nestled into him. “You are so soft!"

Windless chuckled. “I’ve heard that a couple of times.” He gave her a hug back. “Since we’re hugging, would you tell me your name?”

“My name’s Labradorite,” she said, not moving her head from his chest. “You can call me Labra, if you want to."

“I’ll do that.”

“What’s your name?” Care asked Pyrite.

“It’s Pyrite.”

“That’s a nice name.” She said, with a gentle smile. “It matches your coat’s golden color.”

“How old are you?” Freight asked him, with a hitch in her voice.

“I’m four?” He looked to Bonsmara as if for confirmation.

“That is right,” Bonsmara said. "Pyrite, would you give Freight a hug? I think she needs one."

Pyrite nodded. Mosaic let him go, and he made his way to Freight. Freight hugged him against her chest and stroked his back. “Thank you.”

Pyrite looked up at Freight with confused, sad eyes. “Did I do something wrong?”

She nuzzled her nose to his. “You didn’t do anything wrong. I’m just glad that your mommy and daddy have you.”

“They are blessing for us,” Fierce said moving to stand beside Bonsmara and hugging her around the waist.

Puca poked her head around the kitchen door’s frame. “Is everyone okay in here?”

“I made Miss Bat cry.” Pyrite hugged Freight tighter. "I didn’t mean to.”

“You didn’t make me cry, I promise.” Freight kissed the top of Pyrite’s head. “It’s just part of being a mommy. You care about foals that aren’t your own.” She smiled down at him. “You giving me a hug made it all better. My name is Freight, by the way."

“Hello, Miss Freight.” He smiled and rubbed his cheek against her. "You’re soft too.”

Without making a sound, Cobalt mouthed to Care and Windless, “Let’s get your stuff.” He nodded to each of the pups. “We’ll take them with us,” he added. 

Care and Windless nodded.

“Would you two like to help us with something?” Windless said.

Both pups looked at him. “We can help with something?” Labra asked.

“You can. I need to bring my stuff inside, but I don’t know where the room I’ll be in is. Could you show me where Stone’s old room is?”

Labra nodded. “Miss Mosaic lets us sleep over in there!”

“Great, then you can show me where it is.” He gave her a grin. “Then, maybe you can show me where Cobalt’s room is so I can see the plushies he has.”

“I sure can!”

“Wait a minute!” Cobalt protested. "I didn’t agree to letting anypony in my room.”

“Did you leave the door open?” Care asked.

Cobalt paused. “I can’t remember.”

“Then we can look in from the hall, if you didn’t.” She gave him a teasing smile. “That doesn’t break the rules.”

Cobalt sighed. “You can see my room.”

Windless let go of Labra. “Then let’s get to it then.”

“Wait,” Pyrite said. “Where are Care and Miss Freight going to stay?”

“They will stay with Puca and me,” Stone told him.

“Mom, you have to let him go, for him to come with us,” Windless said.

Pyrite looked up at Freight. “Do you need any more hugs?”

“I’m fine now, thanks.” Freight gave Pyrite a little squeeze and let him loose. “If I need any more, I’ll tell you.”

Pyrite smiled and nodded. He turned and followed Labra and the younger ponies out of the room.

Freight sniffed and wiped her eyes. “Does he remember anything before coming here?”

“He was so young, here seems to be all he recalls,” said Fierce.

“What about Labra?” 

Bonsmara sighed. “I am not sure.”

“She sometimes asks questions that hint she might,” Fierce said.

“Between her age and the fever, she does not seem to be sure of any memories before coming here.” Bonsmara leaned her head against Fierce’s. “It is almost as if we stepped into a nightmare of hers and pulled her to safety and to live with us.” 

Field took one box from Stone’s back and put it on the counter. “That’s not too far from what you did.”

“How has Cobalt done, after going through what he did?”

“Well enough. I think having them here helps him with the memories of all the ones they could not help.”

“I still don’t know if I will forgive Mend for taking Cobalt with her,” Mosaic said. “When he came back, he wasn’t the same.”

“It was rough for him, but keep in mind he volunteered to go, went through what he did, and still wants to be a healer.” Field gave Mosaic a comforting nuzzle. "I don’t completely agree with Mend’s reasoning, but I see why she allowed him to go with them. Cobalt had to be tested to see if he was completing his training just to please her and Amore. He helped a lot of beings in need too.”

“I know. There is a part of me that understands.” She kissed his nose. "The mother in me wants to beat the hay out of her for allowing my little colt to get hurt."

“Your ‘little colt’ is bigger than you are,” Freight said, as she helped Puca take the last of the boxes from Stone. “It’s difficult, but we have to let them lead their own lives at some point, even if they get scuffed up. I think the only thing keeping me from going crazy letting Care and Windless move out is knowing they will be where we have friends that can watch over them.”

Fierce sniffed the air. “The pies smell great, so do the cupcakes.” He paused, looked thoughtful for a moment, and sniffed again.

“What is it?” Bonsmara asked.

Fierce smiled. “Nothing, Love, I noticed a slight change in a scent is all. An addition to the mix of ingredients, I would wager, but I am not sure.”

Freight pointed a hoof at Puca. “Speaking of sensing new things, I want you to keep an ear out, or however you say it when it’s feelings, for Care. She will be in a new town, with a new school, and with all kinds of new stuff going on. If she has trouble, you are to let me know.”

“You will be the fifth pony to know,” Puca teased. "I promise."

Freight gave Puca an incredulous look. “What do you mean, fifth?! I’m her mother!”

“Windless, being her twin brother will be the first to know. Cobalt, being her good friend will learn of anything, after that. I will be third. Mosaic will be next. You will be told as soon as possible after that.”

Freight looked confused. “What do you mean Windless would know?” Freight sat down, as a look of comprehension came to her face. "Windless didn’t tell Cobalt in his letters did he?”

“Tell him what?” Field asked.


*****


“You only brought one bag?” Labra asked, looking over her shoulder.

Windless, who was carrying his bag by a strap in his mouth nodded.

Cobalt looked towards Care, who would not meet his eye.

Pyrite, who had been leading the way, pointed into a room. “Here’s Stone’s room.”

“Tunk u,” Windless said. He walked into the room and put his bag down on the bed. "Now, let’s go see Cobalt’s room.”

Both pups’ tails wagged and they looked to Cobalt.

“I don’t know why you two are so excited.” Cobalt motioned for them to follow and led everyone to the next door in the hall. “You’ve been in my room before.”

“Not that many times, thought,” Labra said. "You’ve got pretty stuff in there too.”

Cobalt put his hoof on the doorknob. “Just remember the rules, don’t touch anything unless you ask first.”

“Does that apply to us too?” Windless kidded.

“It does.” Cobalt gave him a serious look. "Some of the stuff I have can hurt you if you’re not careful and activate them.”

Care put her hoof over his on the doorknob. “Are you sure you’re okay with us coming in here?”

Cobalt looked at Care’s hoof, then up to her face. He gave her a smile. “I’m sure. I just don’t want anyone to get hurt. I have most of the charged stones tucked away, but I have a couple I have been working on out.”

“They’re holding hooves!” Pyrite whispered to Labra.

Care’s ear flicked and she turned to Pyrite. “We are not holding hooves.”

“Looks like it from here,” Windless said, pointed to where Care’s hoof rested on Cobalt’s.

Care blushed and removed her hoof from Cobalt’s. “I was just-”

Windless cut her off, “Sis, you know what Mom says about starting a sentence with those words.”

Labra looked to Windless with expectation in her eyes. “What does she say?”

“She says if you start a sentence with, ‘I was just,’ you might as well confess to whatever you were doing.”

Cobalt opened the door. “Mare’s first,” he said to Care, giving her a slight bow.

“Thank you.” After she took a couple of steps into the room, she paused. "Wow."

Labra and Pyrite scrambled through her legs and into the room.

Windless poked Care in the flank. “You’re blocking the way, Sis.”

“Sorry.” Care moved forward, giving Windless enough room to enter.

Windless look around and smiled. “It looks like a crystal pony’s room.”

On shelves around Cobalt’s room sat a variety of crystals in natural and cut states. Some glowed with a soft inner light. His desk, which was in the corner, had several books on crystals and their magical properties.

“Can we get on your bed?” Labra asked.

“Sure.” Cobalt lifted Labra and Pyrite onto his bed.

“What’s in the box on your dresser?”

“A crystal set for healing.”

Care’s ears folded back. “This is neat stuff, but Mend let’s you do other stuff too, right?”

Cobalt laughed. “She makes me do other stuff.” Cobalt went to the corner of his room and opened his closest. Inside, there was a variety of sports equipment, comic books, and collectables. "We only meet three times a week. We used to only meet once a week, but I pushed and she bent." He looked a little sad. "She doesn’t want to take up all my time, but I think she’s worried that she won’t be around to teach me.”

“Mend’s great!” Pyrite said. “She lets us dig all we want. We go out and dig with Spike all the time."

“Really?” Windless asked.

“Yep!” She and Cobalt use some of the gems we find. He pointed to one of the gems on a nearby shelf. “I found that one."

“You are so cute.” Care petted and scratched Pyrite’s head. “I might have to hire you two find a gem or two for me.”

“We can do that!” Labra said. "Maud can help us look for any gem you want."

“Who’s Maud?”

“Pinkie Pie’s sister. She lives in a cave and has a pet rock named Boulder.”

“She’s really, really strong too,” Pyrite added. “She knows everything about rocks and lets us help her find stuff she’s looking for.”

Windless grinned, as he looked at the shelf above Cobalt’s bed. “Here are the famous plushies.”

“I can get them,” Labra offered. "I’ll be careful,” she assured Cobalt.

“Sure,” Cobalt agreed. "They’re too big for you to get both, though. Pyrite, would you get the other one?”

“Can I see Windless?” Care asked Pyrite.

“Sure!” Pyrite scooted across the bed and took the Windless plushie from the shelf. He brought it to Care, who giggled as she took it. "Thank you." She turned the plushie in every direction and looked it over. "Are these the plushies that Rarity made? These seem bigger."

“She said these were her first attempts. She changed the patterns a little bit and made them smaller for the final design.”

Labra held out the Care plushie to Windless. “Here you go!”

“Thank you,” he said, as he took the offered plushie.

“These have the mane styles we were wearing then too.” Care patted the miniature Windless’ head. “You were so cute.”

“I still am, but I’ve I added a strong dash of handsome to my looks since then.” He paused, as he inspected the face of the plushie he held.

“What is it?” Labra asked, almost leaning off the bed to see.

Windless glanced over at the plushie in Care’s hooves and nodded. “I thought so. Care, would you be as so kind as to turn the stuffed me to face Labra?”

Care gave him an odd look. “Sure.”

Windless put the Care plushie next to the Windless plushie. “Do you anything something about the fuzz?”

Pyrite joined his sister in leaning closer to the plushies. “Her nose is smoothed down and yours isn’t.”

“That’s right. Do you know what that means?”

Pyrite shook his head.

Windless’ ears, wings, and tail drooped. “That means that my sister has been getting nuzzles and I haven’t.” 

Cobalt blushed and looked away from Care, when she looked at him.

Windless gave Cobalt a faux expression of hurt. “I don’t get snuggles or nuzzles? Don’t you like me at all?”

“Of course I like you!” Cobalt assured.

“Not as much as my sister, it seems.” He sighed and made an act of looking rejected. "I guess I’ll have to get affection somewhere else.”

“You know, you’re right,” Cobalt agreed, with a smile. “I don’t snuggle or nuzzle you enough.”

“What are you doing?!” Windless protested, as Cobalt picked Windless off the floor, hugged him, and nuzzled the top of his head.

“I’ve got to make up for all the times I gave Care snuggles and nuzzles and not you.”

“That is not what I meant!” Windless struggled, but could not get free of Cobalt’s hold. “Care, do something other than laugh!” He looked toward Labra and Pyrite, who were laughing at his plight. "I can tell you two aren’t going to be any help either.”

“What is going on in here?”

“Miss Amore!” Labra led Pyrite in jumping from Cobalt’s bed, running to the doorway, and giving Amore a hug.

“Hello, little ones.” Amore returned the duo’s hugs.

“Will you tell your apprentice to unhoof me, please?!” Windless begged.

“Cobalt, put the nice stallion back on the floor.” As Cobalt complied with her request, Amore studied the plushie that Care was holding. “Rarity did a great job, didn’t she? Except for the change in mane style, you can tell it’s Windless.”

“I don’t get as much love as Care does though,” Windless said, holding the Care plushie out to Amore. “Look at her nose."

Amore clicked her tongue. “For shame, giving more nuzzles to one more than the other.”

Cobalt let his head drop. “Yes, ma’am. I was trying to make up for it though.” He brought his head back up and smile. “I didn’t think you would make it tonight. I’m glad you came.”

“I could get more done than I thought I would have been able to. I was also asked to drop in and check on something.”

“There you two are,” Gauze’s voice came from down the hallway. “Give me a hug and then go see your mom and dad. Dinner’s about to be ready and they want you back in the kitchen.”

“Yes Miss Gauze,” both pups said in unison.

Amore shook her head, as Labra and Pyrite raced from her towards Gauze. “They are the most affectionate things.”

Windless smoothed his mane with an unconscious motion, as hoofsteps approached the doorway.

“You’re mane looks fine,” Care teased. “Just remember to breathe.”

Windless snorted and cut his eyes at his sister. “Ha, ha, you know she has a fiance.”

"Are you okay?" Cobalt asked. "You didn't sound like you for a second." 

“It's my fault,” Care said. "I shouldn't have made fun of him about-"

Gauze stood by Amore and looked into Cobalt’s room. “Pretty nifty room you have.” She blinked, when she saw the plushies. "Are those yours?"

“They are,” Cobalt admitted. "They were the first ones that Rarity made as prototypes."

“I thought they kinda familiar,” she said. "Not just because they look like Care and Windless either. I’m glad you ended up with them.”

“Except for rubbing the fuzz off my sister’s nose,” Windless said, holding the Care plushie out for Gauze to see.

“Is somepony feeling left out?” Gauze took off the saddlebags she had been wearing, set them aside, and instructed Windless, "Give Care to Cobalt." 

“I don’t think she’d protest, but I have my hooves full at the moment.” Windless feigned having a revelation. “Oh, you mean give Cobalt the plushie! I can do that."

“I know where you sleep,” Care reminded him. 

Cobalt took the plushie from Windless. “Thank you.”

Gauze walked into the room and gave Windless a warm hug. “How has my dance partner been?”

“I can’t complain,” Windless said, returning the hug. “Staying busy and trying to stay out of trouble."

“You’ve put on some more muscle since I saw you last time.” She patted his chest with a hoof. “I hope Mercy hasn’t been too rough on you.”

“She hasn’t been too bad.”

“She’s going soft then. She used to drill us till we wished our legs and wings would fall off.” Gauze looked to Cobalt. “I would give you a hug too, but since Care is here you’re off limits for hugs again.”

“What do you mean, ‘off limits again?’” Care asked.

“I never took you for the jealous type, but that tone says otherwise.” Gauze gave her a wink. "Don’t worry; I’ve always remembered how you won Cobalt at the celebration.” She put a foreleg around Windless’ shoulders. “It allowed me to find the nicest dance partner that a mare could ask for.”

“You can give him hugs, Gauze,” Care told her. "We’re good friends. I don’t own him or anything.”

“Your tone says otherwise. For somepony so adamant about denying that she never claimed him, you are protective.” One of Gauze’s eyebrows arched, as she looked to Cobalt. “Now that I think about it, I wonder how well you will do keeping the mares off him once school starts without laying claim to him. With his looks, personality, and reputation, some mare is bound to come along and snatch him up.”

“May I have Windless?” Cobalt asked Care, before she could respond.

Care seemed confused. “Sure.”

“Thank you.” Cobalt went to his bed and put the Care plush down. With ritualistic motions, Cobalt gave the Windless plushie a hug. He then aligned the plushie’s limbs and wings to their proper places and set it on its spot on the shelf. Cobalt went through the same series of motions with the Care plushie, adding a light nuzzle to its nose, before setting her beside her sibling on the shelf. “That’s what I do with them, after taking them over to my desk and writing to you.”

“Even after you’ve gotten this big, you are too cute,” Gauze said. “However, trying to divert my attention from Care will not work."

“I don’t think his showing us his routine was meant as a distraction,” Amore said. “Besides, you will be distracted now."

Puca, looking anxious, stuck her head in the door frame. “Cobalt, can we borrow your room for a few minutes?”

“Of course, but why...” His eyes widened and his eyes went to Amore.

“Gauze and I wanted to check to something with Puca using a method we were just told about.” Amore looked towards Cobalt’s dresser. “Would you mind if I used your crystals?”

“You can use whatever you need!” Cobalt pointed towards his closest. "I have a new set of charged amethyst on the top left shelf, but I haven’t be able to stabilize the amount of energy they give. They still surge when-”

“Cobalt, you need to calm down.” Amore told him. “She’s fine.”

“She’s worried about something. I’ve never seen her like this before.”

“She’s picking up on my emotions, which isn’t helping her stay calm.” Stone said, as he entered the room. “The princesses sent a response to Twilight. They think they know what is going on, but the standard tests won’t work with Puca.” He hugged Puca to his side. “Do you want me here when they do this?"

Puca leaned against him. “I don’t know what they plan to do. If it's something that will upset you, you don’t have to be here.”

“Everypony out except for Stone and Puca,” Gauze said and pointed to the door. "We will not be doing anything nasty to Puca, but something like this requires concentration and privacy. Go play with the pups, till we’re through. That will take your minds of things a little.”

“We’ll be there shortly,” Amore assured, as she ushered the younger ponies out of the room. “Go on," she said, before shutting the door.

“Care, grab him or he will stand there with his ear pressed to the door,” Windless said.

Care put a hoof on Cobalt’s shoulder. “Everything’s fine.”

“I know, but...”

“He needs a hug,” a voice said, from down the hall. "Mommy told us to give him a hug whenever he starts to look like that.”

Windless looked towards the end of the hall, where Labra and Pyrite were peeking from around the corner. “I thought you two were supposed to be with your parents.”

“We were,” Pyrite said.

“You gave them the slip?”

Pyrite shook his head, causing his ears to flap. “Miss Mosaic wanted us to make sure Cobalt came to the kitchen. She said he’s too much of a worrywart.”

With a stretch, care put a foreleg across Cobalt’s shoulders and acted like she was straining. “I’ve got him, but he’s bigger than me and I can’t move him on my own,” Care said. “If you two tickle his back legs, we can get him going."

“What a devious plan,” Windless said, as he threw a foreleg over Cobalt’s shoulder from his side. “I’ll help. Come on you two!”

As the pups charged down the hall, laughing, Cobalt grinned and made a show of giving a struggle. “You’ll never get me to move!”
> Delighted Expectations
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Something just occurred to me,” Bonsmara stated, pausing in helping set the table. “You did not seem surprised to see Amore and Gauze here."

“I have a suspicion and little more.” Fierce asked Mosaic, “Where would you like to put the younger members of our gathering?”

“They can eat in the den. We have a folding table that should have enough room for everyone.”

“You’re too much for me!”

“Come on everyone!" Care cheered. "We’ve got him!” 

“I think he’s got us!” Windless argued.

Everyone looked toward the kitchen’s doorway. 

“What in the Equestria?” Mosaic asked.

Cobalt walked into the room, feigning being overburdened. Care had her forelegs around his neck and was being carried along half over his shoulders, her hind hooves off the floor. Windless was draped over his back like a pair of living saddlebags. Labra and Pyrite each were wrapped around one of Cobalt's hind legs tickling his ribs and belly.

“Keep tickling!” Labra ordered.

“I am!” Pyrite told her. “He’s just too strong!”  

“I can’t go any further!” Cobalt knelt down, making a show of going to each knee with a grunt of effort and a struggle, allowing the pups to get off his hind legs, and collapsed to the floor. He rolled to his side, trapping Windless under him and making it so that Care’s barrel rested on his ribs and shoulder. He put his head on the floor, stuck out his tongue, and acted as if he were dead.

Freight shook her head. “That’s one way to do it.”

Pyrite pointed to Cobalt’s collapsed form. “We brought him for you Miss Mosaic!”

Mosaic laughed. “Thank you.”

“Yes, we got him here. Now, somepony get him off me!” Windless said, pushing against Cobalt with no effect.

“I’m comfy right where I am,” Care said, adjusting her position and relaxing against Cobalt. “Would you do me a favor and stay here? I think it will take me a minute or two to recover.”

“I can do that,” Cobalt said, breaking his act.

“No you can’t!” Windless protested, giving Cobalt another ineffective push.

“My cushion is a little lumpy, though,” Cobalt said. “It’s noisy too.”

“I wouldn’t make so much noise if you would get off!”

“I guess I can’t stay then.” Care got to her hooves and offered one to Cobalt. “I don’t think you need help, since you carried all four of us, but I thought I’d offer.”

Cobalt took her hoof. “Thanks.”

As Cobalt rose to standing, Windless groaned and curled his legs like a dead bug. How can you be so strong? You’re not that much bigger.”

“Mercy will never let us live this down, if she finds out about this,” Care said. “Four on one, and we still lost."

“I'm glad you didn't stop training with her because of those jerks that we're giving you a hard time,” Cobalt said. "Reading about that in your letters really bothered me. It seemed like you were so happy, then they almost ruined it for you." 

Care nodded. “I am too. Like you said, they were just being jerks." She smiled at him. "Even with the training we're not ready to wrestle with you.”

“Don’t put yourself down. You’re both in great shape and you both weren’t giving it your all.”

“They're holding hooves again,” Labra pointed out to Pyrite.

Windless rolled to his belly. “I want everyone to note they left me here on the floor.”

Pyrite stroked down Windless’ back as if he were a cat. “It’s okay. Now you’re down here with Sis and me.” He used his free paw to scratch one of Windless’ ears. “Does this help? Momma does this to make us feel better.”

“It’s working on me too.” Windless leaned his head into the scratches. “Thanks."

Labra moved to the opposite side of Windless and joined in scratching and rubbing Windless, who relaxed into a pony shaped lump on the floor.

Fierce chuckled. “I say, I believe they rendered him comatose.”

“Works much the same on you and them,” Bonsmara stated. “Come on you two, let Windless up. He is blocking the way to the rest of the dishes."

After he stood up, Windless’ wings were eye level to Pyrite. Pyrite reached out a paw. Just before touching Windless’ wing, he jerked his paw back.

“I don’t bite,” Windless assured Pyrite.

“I almost forgot. I’m not supposed to touch a pony’s wings without asking.”

“That’s very polite. Pegasi can have their feathers moved out of alignment and bat ponies’ wings are kinda delicate.” Windless extended his wing partway. “You can touch it, just be careful."

Pyrite rested a paw on Windless’ wing membrane. “It’s so warm.” 

Labra gave Windless a pleading look. He smiled and told her, “You can touch too.”

Labra moved to stand beside her brother and put her paw beside Pyrites on Windless’ wing. “It’s really soft.”

“That’s why you need to be careful with them,” Care said.

“Can you hug with them, like Miss Muffin’s does?”

“Who is Miss Muffins?”

“She’s the mailpony.” Pyrite smiled. “She gives us a hug every time we get the mail from her. We have to hold real still when she does it.”

“We can hug with them,” Care said. “The same rules apply about holding still too.”

“Mom?”

Everyone turned to the door, where Stone and Puca stood. Puca had a silver ribbon tied into a bow around her neck.

“Is Dad here?” Stone asked.

“He and Edge stepped outside. Edge had questions about your dad’s work on the house.” Mosaic’s eyes lingered on the ribbon around Puca’s neck.

“I’ll get them,” Amore said, walking past the doorway.

“You’re sick,” Labra said in an accusing, tearful tone. “You promised you weren’t sick!” She sniffed and cried. “Pinkie won't be happy you broke a Pinkie promise.”

“She’s not sick,” Gauze said, as she peeked around the door frame.

“But you gave her a ribbon!”

“I do that for everyone I see, whether or not they’re sick.” Gauze edged past Stone and Puca, sat down, and extended her forelegs towards Labra. “Come here." Gauze took Labra into a hug. “What makes you so upset about her maybe being sick?”

“When you get sick, you go away,” Labra said. “That’s what happened to Pyrite’s and my first parents.” 

Bonsmara’s breath caught.

“Most diamond dogs and ponies get sick, at some point.” Gauze used a hoof and rubbed comforting circles into Labra’s back. “What happened with your village was a rare, terrible thing.”

“It could happen here too,” Labra said.

“What happened there can’t happen here. Something got into the water where you lived. What got in the water there is not anywhere around here.” Gauze looked up at Pyrite, who had made his way closer to them.” She smiled and held out a hoof to him. “Come here, your sister could use another hug.”

Pyrite rushed to his sister and hugged her from the side. “Sis isn’t supposed to get sad. Mom says I’m supposed to give her and Cobalt hugs, when they look sad.”

“Hugs help a lot of things.” Gauze brought Pyrite into her hug with Labra. “If either of you ever need a hug, just ask me for one. Okay?”

“Okay.”

“There is someone else that needs a hug right now.” Gauze looked up at Bonsmara. “Your Mom could use a couple from some a pair of special somedoggies.”

Both pups looked to Bonsmara, who was being comforted by Fierce. 

“Momma’s not supposed to cry!” Pyrite said, holding tighter to Gauze. “Momma’s tough!”

“Your mom is tough.” Gauze let go of the siblings. “That doesn’t mean she doesn’t get sad. You need to go help her feel better.”

Both pups ran to Bonsmara, who knelt to the floor and hugged them both to her chest. Fierce joined her on the floor and hugged them all. “None of us are going anywhere,” Bonsmara told the pups. “We are a family, and we will be with one another for all of our lives.”

Gauze got to her hooves and swallowed back tears. 

Windless moved to her side. “You could do with a hug too.”

“Thanks,” she said, as she accepted his offered comfort hug.

“What is going on?” Amore asked, as she led Field and Edge into the kitchen.

“Labra thought I was sick,” Puca said, holding hooves with Stone and leaning against him. "Maybe we should hold off for another night."

“No, now is the perfect time,” Stone said. “Everyone needs a pick me up, and this more than qualifies."

Puca nodded and smiled. “You’re right. Now that everypony is here, we can tell you what Amore and Gauze wanted to see me about. They got news from the princesses they have seen what is happening before and there was a simple magical test that could determine what was going on.” She took a brief, gathering pause and then announced, “We’re going to be parents.”

“You’re going to be parents,” Mosaic repeated, as if she did not believe what she had heard.

“Yes, we are,” Stone said. “That’s why Puca can’t change.”

Field sat down with a thud. “That’s great, Son, but how?”

“The same way you and Mom had me and Cobalt.”

Field chuckled. “I guessed that part. What I mean is how can a changeling and a pony have a foal?”

“A changeling, we’ll be having a changeling,” Puca clarified. “There will be an egg coming in about five months."

Astounded silence reigned in the kitchen.

Field shook his head and rubbed one of his ears with a hoof. “Run that by me again.”

“I know what’s going on!” Labra said. “They’re adopting like Mommy and Daddy did with me and Pyrite. They ordered a changeling egg, they have to wait for it to get here, and then they will hatch it!”

Puca looked to Bonsmara, with an expression of being uncertain what to say.

“Is Miss Muffin’s going to deliver it?” Pyrite asked, his head tilted and his ears splayed in curiosity.

“At the moment, we don’t know who will deliver it,” Stone supplied. 

“Why did no pony know about the delivery coming earlier?” Cobalt asked with elated curiosity.

“Because what is used to find out about such things with ponies does not translate over to changelings, there are different magical signals to look for when an egg is involved. Once a changeling absorbs enough love from a particular pony, they can become parents together. The princesses mentioned in their message that there was a changeling stallion and a pony mare couple that received a foal of their own in Canterlot not too long ago.” Amore gave a knowing, teasing look towards Puca and Stone. “It turns out that Puca and Stone could have had a foal too, had things been just a little different.”

“What do you mean?” Windless asked.

Stone, blushing crimson, explained, “The form she was in during certain events determined whether we would have a changeling or a foal and what form she would be in till either arrived.

Windless’ jaw dropped open. “I didn’t mean to get that personal with the question.”

“It’s fine,” Puca said, her blush matching Stone’s.

“You’re going to be parents,” Mosaic said, as if the idea had sunk in with her. 

“Yes we are,” Puca gave her a vulnerable smile. "I know us having a changeling is a shock. Had we known we-”

Stone hugged Puca to his side. “I would not have changed a thing.” He kissed her temple, touched his nose to hers when she turned to him, and looked into her eyes. "Now, I am going to have two living gems in my life. If we want to have a foal delivered later, we can look forward to filling out the paperwork for that shipment too."

Mosaic hugged Puca and Stone around their necks and pulled them to her so their heads rested on her shoulders. “Are you two happy?”

“We are,” Puca said, as she and Stone returned Mosaic’s hug.

“Then nothing else matters. I don’t care if you two are having a hippogriff, a sphinx, or hatching a dragon. I will love and spoil your child rotten. I’m sure everyone else here agrees.” Her words were supported by sounds of approval. Mosaic sniffed and touched her nose to Puca’s. “I’m going to be a grandmother.” She looked towards Cobalt. “Come here and give her a hug. I know you’re dying to.”

Cobalt sniffed, as he moved towards Puca. “I was so worried.” He hugged her as if she might break.

“I know.” She hugged him back. "You weren’t as bad as Stone, but it was close.”

“What I was feeling doesn’t count the same. I was worrying for two ponies. It would hurt us all if something ever happened to you, but it would end him,” Cobalt said.

“He’s tougher than that,” Puca said.

“Let’s not find out,” Stone said.

The oven’s timer went off.

“Okay, everyone, now we’re having a celebratory lupper and a welcome back to Ponyville lupper in one tonight,” Mosaic announced. “Cobalt, Stone, get the folding table set up in the den. Care, Windless, help Bonsmara and Fierce get the rest of the plates and utensils out. Freight, Gauze, Libra, and Pyrite, get the sitting cushions from the closest in the hall and put them in the den. Amore, Edge, you’re with me and Field on serving detail.”

With a wide grin, Edge snapped to attention and saluted. “Yes, ma’am!”

Mosaic covered her mouth with a hoof. “I’m sorry. I went into foremare mode didn’t I?”

“Yes, Miss Foremare, you did.” Field told her, with a loving smile. “It was impressive to watch.”

“You heard the mare!” Freight said, in her captain’s voice. “Let’s get to it!”


*****


“Anything but a five. Anything but a five!” Windless rolled. “Four! A little too close for comfort, but I’ll take it.” He moved his playing piece on the board and sat back. “Now I have to get through Ghastly Gorge." He smiled at Labra, as he passed her the die. "Thanks for suggesting we play this. I haven’t even thought about this game in forever, and this has been a blast.”

“You’re welcome.”

Care put a hoof on Pyrite’s shoulder. “Careful, you’re about to fall over.”

“Sorry.” He yawned, showing his full set of sharp puppy teeth. "I’m trying to stay awake. I want to finish the game.”

“What about a pony pile?” Labra asked. "We could finish the game later."

Pyrite perked up and wagged his tail. “A pony pile sounds great!”

“What’s a pony pile?” Care asked.

“We put blankets on the floor and get into a pile with whoever wants to,” Pyrite explained. "Cobalt’s in the middle, most of the time, if Mister Field isn’t here.”

“Mister Field gets in pony piles?”

“Dad’s huge and tough, but he’s a big softie for stuff like this,” Cobalt said. “I’ll get the blankets, if that’s okay with everyone.”

“I like the idea,” Care said.

Windless nodded. “Count me in.”

Cobalt got to his hooves. “I’ll be right back.”

“Show us where we need to be, since we haven’t done this before,” Windless said to Labra.

Pyrite leaned against Care, drowsy again. Care tucked him against her side with a foreleg. “I think I’d like to stick with Pyrite.”

Pyrite snuggled into her. “Sounds great.”

Labra pointed at Windless. “Then I get your brother. That’s fair, right?”

“I don’t know. You’re brother’s cute and warm. I think I’m cheating you.”

Windless gave her a look. “Thanks Sis.”

Cobalt returned and put the blankets on the floor. He looked to Labra. “How should we do this?”

“You’re in the middle, since you’re the biggest.”

“All right, I can do that.”

“I’m on his left side,” Labra said.

“She always gets in a pile next to Cobalt,” Pyrite mumbled, half asleep.

“He’s my special somepony,” Labra explained. 

Windless snorted. 

“It’s not funny! He is my special somepony!” Labra wrapped her arms around one of Cobalt’s front legs and hugged herself to him. “He helped save me when I was sick. He used magic and herbs and everything! He’s my first pony friend, so he’s special.”

Windless held his hooves up. “I wasn’t making fun of you or him, I promise. I think what you mean is that he is your best friend. Telling somepony they are your special somepony means you love them.”

“I do love him. He’s our big brother.”

“Not that kind of love. The love like your Mom and Dad or Stone and Puca has.”

Labra’s ears folded back. “Oh.” She looked up at Cobalt and blushed.

“I tried to explain, when she said something like this before to somepony,” Cobalt said to Windless, "but I couldn’t get the idea across.”

“Wait. If Mommy and Daddy are married and Puca and Stone are married, does that mean I could marry Cobalt?” Labra asked Windless.

Windless fought and just kept a straight face. “I guess it does, but he wouldn’t be your or Pyrite’s brother then.”

“But we need a big brother.”

“You would still have Stone.”

Labra shook her head. “He doesn’t count. Stone’s at work or on adventures with Puca, Grayson, and Zecora most of the time.”

“Labra’s my little sister Pyrite’s and my little brother. I don’t want to mess that up,” Cobalt said. He looked down at Labra. “Besides, if we got married, we would have to cook and clean, and pay bills, and all that adult stuff. We wouldn’t be able to have as much fun together with all that getting in the way.”

“I was just curious if I could is all,” Labra said, not seeming to put her full conviction in her words.

Windless smiled. “Yes, you could marry him, when you were older, but it seems like you’ve got the perfect thing going already.”

“We’re about to lose Pyrite again,” Care said, helping him stay sitting upright.

“Come on.” Labra tugged at Cobalt, who followed her to the blankets. “You’re here,” she pointed to the center of the blankets and waited for him to settle to the floor. She moved to his right side and patted his shoulder. “Care, you’re here.” She took a sideways step from Cobalt and patted the air close to the floor. “Pyrite will be here.”

“We can do that.” Care guided Pyrite towards the blankets and Cobalt. She went to the floor beside Cobalt.

“You’ve got to get closer to him than that!” Labra put her paw between Care’s and Cobalt’s shoulders. “There’s still a gap.”

Care scooted closer to Cobalt and leaned against him. “Is this okay?”

“Since he’s blushing, I would say so,” Windless said.

Pyrite got on the blankets and snuggled against Care.

She extended a wing and wrapped him in it. “We can’t have you getting cold.”

“Thank you,” he said and nuzzled into her side.

“Now I’m here,” Labra said, settling down beside Cobalt on his free side.

“That won’t work,” Windless said.

“Sure it will. You go right here.” She patted the blanket on her left side.

“We’ll squish you, if one of us rolls over. What if I get where you are and you get on my left side?”

Labra leaned against Cobalt’s shoulder. “He and Stone don’t squish me. It’s nice and warm like that too.”

Windless glanced at where Care had Pyrite tucked against her. His ears fell as he told Labra, “Okay, I’ll be on the outside.”

“I think he wants to give you a wing hug,” Cobalt said. "I don’t know why, but he’s feeling blue. He’s been trying to hide it all day by teasing me and Care and being silly too much. You would make him feel better, if you let him hug you.”

Labra looked at Windless with worry. “What’s wrong?”

“Tell them!” Care ordered in a forceful tone, making everyone jump. "I can’t take it anymore! Either you tell or I will.”

Windless confessed, “I’m not coming here for college.”

“I figured something was up,” Cobalt said. "You always dodged the subject in your letters, and then you came with only one bag. Where are you going?"

“The Royal Crystal Empire University, I got a full scholarship and couldn’t turn it down.”

“With your grades, I’m not surprised. You always beat me and Care.”

“I kinda had an advantage in the application process. It turns out knowing a lot about the Empire and being able to be able to read and write Old Ponish is a rare commodity these days, if you are from outside the Empire.”

“When did you learn Old Ponish?”

“Learning it is part the colony’s schools requirements for teaching us our tribe’s special history with Luna.” He gave Cobalt a weak grin. “You’re taking this a lot better than I thought you would.”

“Did you think I would be mad? Is that why you didn’t write about it?”

“I wanted to tell you to your face, so you could pummel me, if you wanted.”

“Why in Equestria would I do that?”

“We’ve been friends for years, even though we haven’t seen each other as much as we’d like. Now we have a chance to go to school together, I trot off in a different direction.”

“It stings you will not be here, I’ll admit, but it’s not like you're vanishing off the face of Equestria. We can ride a train to there, or you can come here. I have to go to the Empire every couple of months with Mend and Amore to get supplies from there. Care and I can visit you on those trips, if she wants to come.”

“But it’s not going to-”

“No more serious stuff!” Labra said, cutting Windless off. She moved away from Cobalt and pointed to a spot on the blanket. "Get right there."

“Yes ma’am.” As he settled down on the blanket, he asked her, “How did someone as adorable and small as you get so good at ordering everyone around."

“Mommy.”

“I can see that. If your mom told me to do something, I’d do it too.”

Labra pushed on Windless’ shoulder. “Get right up against Cobalt. No gaps, remember?”

Windless leaned against Cobalt. “Yes ma’am.” 

Labra got down beside Windless. “Put your head down.” After Windless did as she ordered, she used a paw and directed him to put his chin on top of her head with his cheek and ear on the ground. She snuggled to him and stroked his neck and shoulder like he was a large dog. "You can talk about the serious stuff later. We’ll help you feel better first, I promise.”

Windless wrapped her in his wing, and tucked her into a comfortable position. “You have already.”


*****


“So that’s why Grayson and Zecora couldn’t make it,” Edge said.

Fierce nodded. “This particular herb can only be gathered a few days a year. As important as it is to the medicines that Zecora makes, they couldn’t miss the opportunity.”

“That’s a shame. They missed a wonderful meal and great company.”

Bonsmara, Field, Freight, and Mosaic shared a look.

“What’s wrong?” Amore asked.

“It’s too quiet,” Freight said. “When you have little ones around and you hear nothing for a while, something is going on.”

Puca closed her eyes. After a moment, she smiled. “I think almost all of them are asleep.” Her expression changed to one of slight worry. "Whoever it is that’s awake is having an odd mix of emotions I can’t decipher.”

“Can you tell who it is?”

Puca shook her head. “I can’t.”

“I’ll go check on them,” Gauze offered. She got up from her seat and patted Freight on the shoulder. “I’ll be right back.”

“You wait,” Mosaic said, looking to Puca. "You’ll have the same instincts before too long.”

“I’m nervous about being a parent, but I’m looking forward to it.”

“We are a family, and we will help,” Field assured. 

“We will assist as best we can,” Fierce added, raising his tea cup.

“I may have overstepped myself, but I was thinking of you two when I offered. Labra and Pyrite coming here has been a blessing to us all. Helping care for them has given us more joy than I can put into words. To us, you are family.”

Fierce put a paw to his chest and bowed to Field. “It is an honor to be considered such.”

“When you looked after Cobalt and Stone on their adventure, you signed on then and there,” Mosaic said.

“I am glad we did, in so many ways,” Bonsmara said.

“This might be getting too personal, but what are you going to do with the egg once it comes?” Amore asked Puca. “Does it need a special spot to develop or regulated conditions?

“I’ll make a nest for it at home.” Puca leaned against Stone. “With all the love around from me and Stone it will develop well."

“We get to visit too,” Mosaic said in a no nonsense tone.

Puca smiled. “The more love the better.”  

“You have to come and see this!” Gauze whispered, from the doorway. “They’re all together on the floor together. It’s the cutest thing I have ever seen!”

“Labra,” Bonsmara named, smiling and shaking her head. “She got them in a pony pile, if I were to bet.”

“It is her herding instincts kicking in again, I am afraid.” Stone sighed. "I will have a talk with her about such things."

“Don’t discourage her. As long as there are ponies in this house, we will be happy to make pony piles,” Mosaic said. 

“She takes after her mother too,” Fierce said, looking towards Bonsmara. "Being warm and snugly to everyone is a wonderful trait of my beloved wife."

Bonsmara put a finger to his nose. “I recall many an evening that has concluded with you starting ‘puppy piles’ at home.”

He kissed her finger. “Shall we go see what our daughter has wrought?”

Making little noise, the group left the kitchen table and moved towards the entryway to the den.

“Oh my goodness,” Amore whispered. "That is so sweet!"

Pyrite’s nose was the only part of him that could be seen from under Care’s wing. Care had settled against Cobalt, who had put his head on the floor facing forward, and rested her head against his. Windless had put his back against Cobalt and held Labra against his chest, with her wrapped in both of his wings and her head tucked under his chin. 

“I’ll get the camera,” Field whispered. “There’s still enough light I shouldn’t need the flash.”

Edge held out a pair of polished gems to Amore and Mosaic. “Ladies, if you would do the honors.”

“What are these?” Mosaic asked, in a soft whisper.

“Memory stones from the Crystal Empire,” Amore answered. “Focus on them, and then think about the image you want to capture. Watch me.” Amore looked toward the sleeping youngsters. The stone gave a soft glow, for a second, and then dimmed.

Mosaic followed Amore’s example. “That felt a little odd.”

Field returned and snapped off a few photos. “There we go. Let’s get back to the kitchen, before we wake them.”

“It’s Care,” Puca said. “I can tell now."

“We’ll talk in the kitchen,” Freight said, stepping into the den. “You go on, I’ll be right there.” Without a sound, she made her way across the den and stood in front of her daughter. She leaned down and whispered in Care’s ear. “I know you’re awake.”

Care’s ear flicked, and she opened her eyes. 

Freight looked toward Cobalt and back to Care. She raised an eyebrow.

Care swallowed and looked up at Freight with a worried expression.

Freight kissed Care’s forehead. “You’re worrying too much about everything,” she whispered. “Relax and enjoy the moment. Put your head back where it was."

“Thanks Mom,” Care mouthed. She closed her eyes and put her head against Cobalt’s once again.


*****


“Is she okay?” Mosaic asked Gauze.

“Which she are you talking about? Care or Freight?”

“Either, both, it doesn’t matter. Is something wrong?”

Gauze smiled. “It’s nothing. Freight’s just being a mother concerned about her daughter.”

“I’ve promised I would keep an eye out for her,” Mosaic said.

“We need to talk about your son,” Freight said as she entered the kitchen and walked to the table. She nudged Stone, who moved from his spot, and sat down across from Mosaic and Field. "Has Cobalt shown any kind of interest in Care at all?"

“Not that he’s talked about,” Field said, “but she has never showed interest in him I know of either."

“Did you not see how they have been with each other tonight?” Amore put her memory gem on the table, and it projected an image of the pony pile into the air. "Look at them."

“I didn’t even think about it, to be honest. I assumed that Labra arranged the pile, like she usually does.” He chuckled, as he looked over the image. “Care seems comfortable where she is and Cobalt is quite relaxed."

“Care has been worried that everyone would think it was just a crush from when she was a younger filly,” Gauze explained. "She’s talked to me and Freight about it; she thought if she showed too much interest that someone would disapprove due to thinking she was not serious about Cobalt. It got to a point she worried about coming here for school. After we assured her that no one would think such a thing, her anxiety shifted into the thought he wouldn’t be interested, or worse, that they would date and break up, making living in Ponyville impossible for her.”

“She has nothing to worry about.” Mosaic smiled. "Let me go get something." She left the kitchen with a smile.

Everyone turned to Puca, who held up her hooves. “I will not talk about something like that without his permission, one way or the other.”

“Cobalt’s so warm to everyone, I cannot tell if he has special affection for Care,” Fierce said. He looked to Bonsmara. “Has he mentioned anything to you?”

Bonsmara shook her head. “He has not.”

Mosaic returned to the kitchen and placed the Care plushie before Freight.

“He kept her,” Field said, running a hoof over the plushie. “She’s in great shape too.”

“Notice the felt on the nose,” Mosaic said.

Field smiled. “He nuzzles her.”

“He has said nothing to us about her, but I think how he has cared for that plushie speaks volumes,” Mosaic said.

“I think Cobalt has been worried about the same things that Care has been,” Stone said. "He has never named names, or said anything specific, but everything seems to point that way." He put a leg around Puca’s shoulders and leaned his head against hers. “He’s also asked about when and how I could tell that I was attracted to Puca. He has never asked me to be quiet about it, but I didn’t think he’d appreciate it if I shared it around.”

Freight’s shoulders lost some of the tension in them. “Now all we have to worry about is them setting up a delivery of their own a little too fast.”

Mosaic’s eyes widened with understanding. “My son would never do anything dishonorable to your daughter!”

Field chuckled. “We never thought our oldest would start living with a mare before marrying her either.”

“Thanks Dad,” Stone said smiling and putting a hoof to his forehead.

“You’re welcome, Son. You did pick a lovely mare to shack up with, I’ll give you that much. To be honest, I would have done the same with your mother, had she given me the opportunity.”

Mosaic looked up at Field with disbelief. “I don’t know if I should be flattered or upset by that confession.”

“You should be flattered,” Freight said, as she waved a hoof in dismissal. “I wasn’t making accusations about anypony. I was just making a statement. I would be much more worried about my filly doing something dishonorable to your colt. If something like that happens, I will raise the foal myself, if need be.”

“You will not be taking my grandfoal from me,” Mosaic stated.

Fierce stage whispered to Bonsmara: “It is a good thing we put away the cutlery. Else-wise, we might have a duel on our paws.”

“I can see it now,” Gauze said. "The headlines will read, ‘Salad Tongs at Dusk: The Duel that Shattered Ponyville’!”

“Who is dueling who?” Windless said, from the kitchen doorway. “And why salad tongs?”

“Your mother and Mosaic, over nothing serious, and the tongs were for the absurdity,” Gauze told him. "I see you have a friend with you."

Labra patted Windless’ head. “Mommy, I’ve found my special somepony.”

Windless’ eyes widened. "That's news to me."

“Dear, I am not sure you are using that term the proper way again,” Fierce said in an amused, caring tone.

“No, Daddy, Cobalt and Windless explained what a special somepony is and I got it this time. Windless is handsome, and strong, and kind. He even gave me a wing hug and snuggled with me, which means he likes me too.” She put her chin on top of Windless’ head. “I want to marry him like Mommy married you, when I’m old enough.”

Bonsmara fought to keep from laughing, as Windless’ expression shifted from confusion, to embarrassment, and then to a silent plea for help, while Labra spoke. “I thought Cobalt was your special somepony.”

“He’s my brother, so he can’t be my special somepony. It would keep him from being a brother to Pyrite too.”

“That is very thoughtful of you,” she praised, "but not true."

Fierce corrected, “He would become Pyrite’s brother in law, but would still be a kind of brother to him.”

“Oh.” Her ears fell. "It doesn’t matter anyway. He likes Care.”

“I’m a rebound then,” Windless said, with a touch of annoyance in his voice.

“I don’t know what that means, but it doesn’t sound very nice. I didn’t mean anything nasty, I promise.” She nuzzled the top of his head, making his ears splay in different directions and him to blush. “I hadn’t met you yet and didn’t know the rules. You’re a wonderful pony. I can tell.”

Freight, with a mischievous grin, turned to Bonsmara and Fierce. “You can’t fight logic like that, and my son is the best.”

“Mom, come on. Stop teasing. I can’t be her special somepony.”

“You don’t like me?” Labra’s heartbroken voice shook. “You gave me a wing hug and everything. Miss Muffins says ponies only give wing hugs to someone they care about.”

“Of course I like you.” Windless turned his head to look at her. “I can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t.” He lowered himself to the floor. “But I think you have the wrong idea. Let’s talk about this.”

She shook her head sending tears through the air in glistening arcs. “No!” She slid from his back and took a couple of steps towards Bonsmara. "I get it." She sniffed. "You don’t want to be my special somepony either.”

“Please, please, come back and talk with me,” Windless begged, as he sat back on his haunches.

Labra stopped and looked back to him, appearing conflicted. 

“Please,” he pleaded his voice hitching. Labra moved to Windless with slow steps, and he took her into his forelegs. "If you want me to be, I'll be your practice special somepony, till you find someone better than me. I’ll write to you and everything.”

Puca put a hoof over her mouth. “Oh, Windless.”

“You’re crying!” Labra put her head against his chest and hugged him with all her strength. “I didn’t mean to make you cry!”

Windless wrapped Labra in his wings. “It's not what you did. The thought of hurting you was just too much for me with everything else I’ve got running around in my head. You remember all that serious stuff you told me not to talk about?”

She looked up him. “Yeah.”

“It’s still eating at me, and I don’t want to hurt you by saying yes to being your special somepony and then leave you.” He sniffed and rested his cheek on the top of her head. “I’m too old for you too, even as a practice special somepony. I know what it’s like to have a crush on someone that’s older.”

Gauze wiped tears from her eyes. “If you are that concerned for her, I don’t think she’s got much to worry about.”

“Would you let me go for a second?” Labra asked.

“Sure,” Windless said and let her free of his wings and forelegs.

Labra took a step make and motioned for him to lower himself to her level. He did so, and she wiped away his tears and stroked the bridge of his nose. “I don’t care if you’re old and far away, we could still we be practice special someponies.”

Windless chuckled. “I’m not old old.”

“Then would you be my practice special somepony?”

“I would be honored to be your practice special somepony.” 

Labra leaned in as if to kiss Windless, but he stopped her by putting a hoof on her nose.”

“Whad u do at or?” she asked, looking cross-eyed at his hoof and sounding like he had hurt her feelings.

“You should save your kisses for your future special somepony,” Windless told her, as he took his hoof from her nose. 

She huffed. “Then how I’m I going to get any practice?”

“What if we nuzzle? That’s close, and it wouldn’t be weird for us to do. We don’t want to give any potential special someponies the wrong idea.”

Her tail wagged, and she nodded. She gave him a quick nuzzle and then settled into a curled up position in the space between his outstretched forelegs, her back to his chest and her chin resting on his left foreleg.

Bonsmara smiled and gave Fierce a look.

“What have I done to deserve such an expression?”

“I was just thinking she takes after her father too. We could have an issue later on, if she is as loyal to him as you are to me.”

Gauze joined Windless and Labra on the floor. “You be good to him, and follow the rules you two set for each other,” Gauze said to Labra. “Follow the rules your parents set for you too."

“I will.”

“Windless, be good to her and follow the rules too.”

“I promise.” He gave her a smile. "I will ask you about what to do, if I get into any trouble. You were such a great practice somepony for me; I doubt I will have to ask much.”

“Thank you.” She gave him a light boop on the nose.

Labra looked at the plushie on the kitchen table, and her ears perked. “Why is Cobalt’s Care here?”

“I wanted to show Freight how well Cobalt took care of her,” Mosaic said.

“Are they going to be special someponies?”

“We’re not sure,” Freight said.

“Why not?”

“They're scared,” Gauze said. “They have been friends for a long time. We think they think ponies won’t take their relationship seriously or they have nothing more than crushes on each other.” She smiled and stroked Labra’s head with a hoof. “They aren’t as brave as you and Windless are about their feelings, and are dancing around the issue rather than talking about it.”

“But they hold hooves and everything.” She looked toward Freight and Mosaic. "Can’t you tell them to be special someponies?”

Mosaic gave her a smile. “No, we can’t do that.”

“It might make them so skittish of each other they would head apart, rather than together, if we tired,” Freight said. "It would make it easier, in one since, if we could," she joked.

Edge looked to Field. “Notice how we stallions have been relegated to the sidelines in this discussion.”

Amore bumped into Edge with her shoulder. “That’s not what is happening.”

“Do you have an idea, Mister Edge?” Labra asked.

“An idea?” He looked down at her as if curious. "What do you mean?”

“How they can get brave enough to talk to each other?”

“I don’t, and I would be a bad source for help on this kind of issue.” He looked toward Amore and gave her a tender smile. “I was so scared about what would happen if I confessed to loving Amore so much I nearly lost my chance to."

“But you’re big and tough!"

“Not when it comes to Amore.” Edge put a foreleg around Amore and drew her to his side. "I cared for her so much that I was so worried about hurting her by making my love for her known to the world and said nothing.”

“I think Cobalt is going through something similar,” Field said. "He is afraid that he would hurt Care, if he says anything either by wounding her heart or making their relationship seem like a school age crush."

“Can you help them, Daddy?” Labra asked.

“I had no qualms about announcing my intentions towards your mother, but not all are as bold as I.”

Bonsmara snorted. “Few are, I would agree. They lack your dogged persistence.”

“It is one of my best traits, I would like to think,” Fierce said.

“He gave me lots of encouragement with Puca; I hate to see him have trouble with his own crush,” Stone said.

“It’s more than a crush,” Windless said. “Care shares her letters from Cobalt with me, and I share mine with her. The stuff they write about is nothing like what he and I write about. You should see the two of them when they are together and they don’t think anypony else is around. They, act sweet with each other, play like foals, and talk without about anything without any reservations. I know they could be together for the long haul.” He looked at Gauze with eyes that were tinged with a touch of sadness. “Somepony taught me that is how you can tell you love somepony. When there are no barriers or secrets and you would support them through anything."

“I did so wrong by you,” Gauze said. "I let you down and hurt you on so many levels. I wanted to protect your feelings, when I came up with the idea of being practice special someponies. I didn't mean to crush them."

“You didn’t. You taught me what I needed to know to be a good stallion with relationships.” He put on a grin and used his free hoof to scratch Labra’s ear. “Thanks to you, I also know how to help others with communication problems.”

Labra looked up at him, while leaning into his hoof. “Are you going to help Care and Cobalt then?”

“I gave them both a prod, before we came here. I’ll give them another prod, before I leave, if they need it.”

“What if that doesn’t work?”

“Then we’ll just have to set a good example for them how great being special someponies can be and hope they get together. If they aren’t together by the end of university, then we’ll use our super-secret weapon.”

She looked at him with excitement. “What is that?”

“We’ll write to Princess Cadance.”
> Cheerful Flights, Magic Blends, and Interruptions
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Care? I need to see Momma.”

Care stirred and looked toward her right wing. “I’m sorry, little guy. I have you all wrapped up.” She let him free of her wing. “There you go.”

“Thank you,” he told her and scampered off towards the kitchen.

Cobalt lifted his head and looked to his left side. “It looks like we lost Labra and Windless.”

“I bet Windless went back for another cupcake and took Labra with him,” Care said.

Cobalt looked out the den window. “We must have been out for at least an hour. The sun’s getting ready to set.” He chuckled. “Pony piles tend to have that effect.” He looked at Care. “Did you get any rest? You seemed almost as tense as Windless.”

She nodded. “I dozed off after a few minutes.”

“I see they are still in the pile,” Bonsmara said, as she carried Pyrite down the hallway.

“I don’t think it can be called a pile if it’s just two ponies,” Freight said. She stepped into the den and walked to where Care and Cobalt were on the floor. “We need to get your stuff over to Stone and Puca’s before it gets too dark. Bonsmara and her pack are about to head home too.”

Cobalt shifted as if to give Care space without being rude. “I’ll help,” Cobalt offered.

“Stay and visit. You’ve done enough for us today.”

“I can help you unload,” Cobalt suggested.

“Care and I aren’t made of glass.” 

“I know, but I would still like to help. I see Amore and Edge almost every day. I don’t get to see you guys near enough.”

Labra led Fierce, Mosaic, and Windless into the den. “I told you! See?! They’re still together.”

Mosaic looked at the small space between Care and Cobalt. “Not quite. I doubt I could get my hoof between them, though.”

“I was comfortable; Cobalt didn’t move so I wouldn’t fall over,” Care explained.

“He looked comfortable too, when we left,” Windless said.

“Says the pony that slept against his other side and snored,” Care said with a smug smile.

“Cobalt being there was nice, but I slept so well because I had my practice special somepony with me.”

Care stared at him. “Practice special somepony?”

Windless asked Labra, “Or would you liked to be called my practice special somedoggy?”

Labra smiled, and her tail wagged. “I like that.”

“Then practice special somedoggy it is.”

“Wait, what?!” Cobalt looked to Freight. “Is he joking?”

“Nope, a lot happened while you were asleep.”

Cobalt got to his hooves. “Sounds like it.” He offered a hoof to Care. “It’s my turn to help you up.”

Care took his hoof. “Thank you.” As she stood, Care warned Labra, “I hope you know what you are getting yourself into.” She gave her Windless a look. “My brother can be a hoofful.”

Labra patted Windless on his shoulder. “He and I will behave. We promised Miss Gauze we would follow the rules.”

“Whoa. Things did happen while we were asleep.”

“There are rules?” Cobalt asked.

“Gauze set them up for her and Windless. She and he were the first ‘practice’ special someponies.”

Cobalt grinned at Windless. “So you weren’t kidding when you said you and Gauze were special someponies for a while.”

“I grew out of it, and she let me go.”

Labra hugged Windless’ leg. “No looking like that.”

Windless looked down at her and smiled. “You’re right.” He gave her nose a boop. “I have my practice special somedoggy with me, so I shouldn’t be anything but happy.”

Bonsmara returned, carrying Pyrite. “Come on, Labra. We need to head home.”

“Could we go with them to Stone’s house first?” she asked, hugging Windless tighter.

She smiled. “A nice walk to help dinner settle does not sound like a bad idea. I do not think your father would object.”

Cobalt led everyone outside and to the back of the house. Labra and Pyrite climbed into the back the wagon. As Freight and Mosaic helped Cobalt into the harness, Windless pulled Bonsmara and Care to the side.

“What is that son of mine up to?” Freight asked. “He has that grin he gets when he’s about to stir up trouble.”

Fierce rounded the corner of the house. “There you rascals are. Puca and Stone asked me to tell you that will be right behind.” He walked to the wagon and scratched Labra and Pyrites heads. “I hope you are behaving for Miss Mosaic and Miss Freight.”

“We are,” Pyrite assured.

“I am not sure about my son, however,” Freight said. She patted Cobalt on the shoulder and asked, “Everything good?”

“Everything feels fine.”

“We have an issue,” Windless said, as he returned to the wagon. “With such high value cargo, we will need an escort.”

Fierce raised an eyebrow. “I assume you are about to ask for a pair lookouts?”

“If that would be okay with you, we could use them.”

Fierce looked towards Bonsmara. “Dear, what say you?”

“If they can survive what Grayson does to them, I cannot see why not.”

Pyrite’s tail wagged into a blur. “Can we fly?!”

“Somedoggy likes being in the air,” Care said.

“I love it!” Pyrite bounced up and down.

“Easy there. If you want to fly with me, you will have to be very good and be still.”

Pyrite nodded. “I will, I promise.”

“You don’t seem so enthusiastic,” Windless bumped his nose to Labra’s. “I thought it would be a nice surprise.”

“I’m sorry.” Her ears drooped. “I like flying, but I had tummy troubles up last time.”

“Grayson did acrobatics with them the last time he took them flying,” Fierce explained. “Labra got air sick.”

Windless put his side against the wagon. “Climb on.”

Labra hesitated.

“I will take it easy. You won’t have any troubles this time.”

“You promise?”

“I promise.”

Labra climbed onto Windless’ back as Pyrite settled on Care’s.

“Fierce, you’re spotter for Windless. Bonsmara, you’re Care’s,” Freight said. “I’ll keep an eye on both, but the more looking up the better.”

“Behave yourselves,” Bonsmara said. “They are being nice to do this for you.” She looked to Care and Windless. “If they give you any trouble, come right back down.”

Labra rubbed Windless’ neck with a paw. “We’ll behave.”

“Ready, Care?” Windless asked.

Care nodded. “Ready.”

“One, two, three, up!” Freight smiled as the siblings took to the air with their passengers. “Good, smooth takeoffs.” She laughed as Pyrite whooped in excitement. “He does like flying.”

“If we don’t get going they won’t have anything to escort,” Mosaic said. “Ready, Cobalt?”

“Is everyone clear of the wheels?” Cobalt asked.

“All hooves and paws are out of the way,” Bonsmara reported.

Cobalt leaned into the harness and got the wagon moving. Once he guided the cart to the road, his attention went skywards.

“They fly so gracefully,” Mosaic said, looking up. “Don’t they?”

“They do.” Cobalt smiled.

“I’ve never thought about it before, but their techniques are so different than how pegasi fly.”

“Membranes versus wings, the mechanics on how they fly are different.”

Freight poked Cobalt in the side. “So you’ve been studying up on us.”

“It’s been part of my training.” He smiled and looked up again. “That my best friends are bat ponies add to my curiosity too, I’ll admit.”

“I hope they have never made you feel left out,” Freight said.

“Never, they have offered not to fly, when I’ve been around them before. It would terrible for them and for me if they didn’t. I could watch them for hours.”

“The left turn’s coming up,” Mosaic cautioned.

“Thanks." Cobalt returned his attention to the road.

“I’ll get them to come down. If I remember right, we’re almost there.” Freight used a wing to signal to Care and Windless. 

The siblings spiraled down in graceful circles. They landed with light hooves a distance down the road as Cobalt pulled the wagon in from of Puca and Stone’s house.

“Good takeoffs and landings,” Freight praised, as the twins approached.

“Did our darlings behave themselves?” Freight asked.

“They both did very well,” Windless reported.

“What do you say when someone does something nice for you?” Bonsmara prompted.

Pyrite slid from Care’s back. “Thank you! That was fun!” He hugged one of her forelegs. “Thank you!”

Care patted his back. “You’re welcome.”

Labra hugged Windless around the neck and put her head against the back of his. “You’re the best practice special somepony ever. My tummy doesn’t feel funny at all.”

Windless blushed. “I’m glad.”

Fierce reached for Labra. “Come on, my little lady.”

“She’s fine,” Windless told him.

“Being possessive of her so soon?” Fierce asked. He grinned and gave Windless a wink. “I may have to watch you after all.”

“Dear, do not tease him,” Bonsmara said, scooping up Pyrite. “He is being kind to our daughter.” She looked down at Pyrite and then to Freight with a bitter sweet smile. “They grow up so fast, we have to make the most of the times like these that we have.”

“You are right, Love.” Fierce moved to Bonsmara and gave her a kiss. He looked at Pyrite, with a smile that seemed to hide his thoughts and scratched one of Pyrite's ears. “These are to be treasured moments.”

Labra looked to Mosaic. “Miss Mosaic, did I make my Mommy and Daddy sad?”

“No, dear, you didn’t.” She gestured for Windless to come closer. Mosaic kissed the top of Labra’s head, when she was close enough to the pup. “They know you are growing up, which is what you are supposed to do.” She patted Cobalt’s shoulder and leaned against him. “I’m glad my colt has grown up big, strong, and intelligent, but there are times I would like to shrink him down and hold him in my forelegs again.”

Cobalt leaned his head against Mosaic’s. “Mom, if you ever need a hug, you just ask.”

“I know. But it’s so different now you are the one hugging me rather than the other way around.”

“Let’s get you out of the harness,” Freight said. She reached for a strap. “Care, would you get the buckles on other side of him?”

“I can help with that,” Mosaic said. “I’m right here.”

“You will be helping.” Freight said, giving her a scheming look. “Somepony has to unlock the door. We don’t have the key.”

Mosaic smiled back. “That is more practical, I’ll admit.”

Care got the other side of Cobalt and undid the harness’ buckles.

“Just how strong are you?” Freight patted Cobalt’s side getting a solid sound from his ribs.

“He’s strong,” Care said. “He carried me and Windless and the pups like we we’re nothing.”

He looked towards Care. “You and Windless flying with a passenger is much more impressive. That has to be exhausting.”

“All that training is not just to keep up our physiques.” Windless struck a pose. “Though, you have to admit, we look good.”

Labra patted his head. “You are a pretty pony.”

Windless gave a slight wince. “You might be a little biased, but thank you,” Windless said, as Bonsmara and Care laughed.

“Did I say something wrong?”

“Ignore them. You were being nice.”

“Handsome, is the word I think you were looking for," Fierce offered. “Colts and stallions are called handsome and mares are referred to as being pretty.”

“Oh.” Labra patted Windless on the head and told him, “You are a handsome pony.”

“I would be pretty for you, if you want me to be.”

“Makeover!” Care cheered.

Windless looked aghast at his sister. “That is not what I meant, and you know it!”

“I guess you’re still mad at me about painting your hooves that one time.”

“I was asleep, and you used pink!”

“I like pink!” Labra said, with a pout.

Windless craned his neck so he could look at her. “I have nothing against pink. I like pink just fine. It makes for wonderful dawn and twilight scenes and pretty flowers.” He held out a hoof for her to examine. “It doesn’t work well with my coat. Had she used a nice purple, I would not have put up such a fuss. It didn’t match the neighpony style she had done my mane in either.”

“When did this happen?” Cobalt asked.

“A few years ago, back when he was into those neighpony comics, and getting him to look like one of the characters was the only way I could convince him to let me given him a makeover. He fell asleep while I was doing his mane, so I painted his hooves while I had the chance.”

“Let it not be said I never make sacrifices for my sister,” Windless said.

“What I want to know is did he look good as that character?” Stone asked, as he and Puca approached.

“I have to give Care credit. I was the best Neighbunaga since the original, despite the pink hooves.”

Freight nodded. “He looked authentic. I have the pictures to prove it.”

“Let’s not get the family album involved in this,” Windless said.

“We’re safe, it’s back home,” Care assured.

Freight gave her a fiendish smile. “I’ll just bring it next time”

“Oh, Luna, please no!” Windless pleaded towards the sky.

“Don’t worry, I’ll share our album so you won’t be embarrassed alone,” Mosaic said, as she returned to the cart’s side. “Where shall we start?”

“Can we help?” Labra asked. “We helped with Windless’ stuff.”

“Thanks for the offer, but some of the bags are bigger than you are,” Windless pointed out.

“We can get the small stuff.” She looked to Pyrite. “Right?”

Pyrite nodded.

“Since it’s Care’s stuff, she should decide.”

“It’s fine with me, if your Mom and Dad agree,” Care said.

One of Bonsmara’s ears folded back. “It is getting close to their bed time.”

“There is not much here,” Fierce said. “If they help, it will not take long.”

Bonsmara sighed and smiled. “You want to help?” she asked Pyrite.

He nodded. “She let me fly, which was a nice thing. If I help, I will give her a nice thing back. Miss Mosaic said that is what everyone is supposed to do.”

“I cannot very well argue with that.” She put Pyrite down. “Miss Mosaic is a kind and wise pony.”

“She’s a great mom too,” Stone said, giving Mosaic a hug from the side.

“Yep,” Cobalt said, hugging Mosaic on her other side.

“You two saps,” she sniffed. “Come on, you’re going to make me cry, and we have work to do.”

“Yes, Mrs. Foremare,” Stone teased. “We can’t have anypony thinking you’ve gone soft.”

“Where are we taking her stuff?” Windless asked. 

“I’ll show you where their rooms will be,” Puca said. “Grab something and follow me.”

Freight gave a smaller bag to Labra and gave Windless a strap to another bag to carry in his mouth.

Windless followed Puca into the house and to the guest bedroom. After putting the bag down on the bed, he lowered himself to the floor. 

Labra slid from his back and rubbed the bridge of Windless’ nose with a paw. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

“You two are so cute,” Puca said. “Come on. We have more stuff to get.”

With everyone pitching in, the unloading of the wagon took little time. Care stood in the middle of the room, after the last item had been settled, and looked around. “I still think I brought too much stuff. I have no idea where I will end up, and moving it all again will be a pain for everyone. If I end up in the dorms, it will be too much.”

“We have something more serious to worry about.” Windless looked around at Care’s bags and belongings. “There’s been something off since we left home.”

Care gave her brother a look. “Windless, what are you talking about?”

“I think there was a Stowaway in with your stuff.”

Care glanced toward Cobalt, who had his head just inside the doorway.

“Does that look like a guilty expression to you?” he asked the pups, who nodded. “We have to find him.” Windless poked a bag with a hoof as if searching for something. “You know how Mom feels about stowaways getting in with cargo.”

“This is not ‘cargo’! This is my stuff!”

“Care, was Stowaway packaged safely for the trip?” Freight asked.

“Mom!” Care protested.

“I’m confused,” Pyrite said. He looked to windless. “Stowaway sounds like someone’s name, but there’s no one in her stuff.”

Windless asked, “How can you tell?”

“I can’t smell anyone.”

“That’s how you knew!” Bonsmara said to someone unseen in the hallway. “I should have known. That bit about the ‘extra ingredient’ and I still missed it!”

“You have to admit, it was a good hint,” Fierce responded to Bonsmara. “It was subtle, but still enough to work with.”

“You could tell I was going to have an egg by my smell?!” Puca yelped, from somewhere further down the hall.

“Without confirmation, it would have been remiss of me to say anything.”

“What are they talking about?” Pyrite asked Labra.

“I don’t know. Grownups are weird like that sometimes.” She looked to Windless. “Is there a stowaway or not?”

“Let’s ask the pony most likely to know.” Windless looked to Care, with a grin. “Care, dear sister mine, did you smuggle a certain huggable, miniature, stuffed somepony here?”

Care closed her eyes and sighed. “I did.”

“Where have you hidden him?” 

Care dropped her head and, without looking, pointed towards a Lunar Guard hooflocker at the foot of the bed.

“Will you bring the rapscallion out or will I have to get Mom to tell you to?”

“I’ll get him out.” 

“Everyone, gather round and prepare yourselves!” Windless said, motioning for the pups to get on the bed. He moved to make room for everyone. “We might have to subdue the vile criminal!”

“Dramatic much?” Care grumbled, as she worked the hooflocker’s combination lock.

“Cobalt, brace yourself. If the knave is who I suspect it is you are in for a shock.”

“What in Equestria are you talking about?” Cobalt asked, as he and Mosaic moved into the room and gave space for the others to enter from the hallway.

Care opened the hooflocker and withdrew a sturdy box. Care giggled, as she looked at the pups, who had peered so far over the edge of the bed it looked they might fall into the hooflocker. “Would you two give me space to put this down?” The pups gave her enough room to put the box down on the bed, and leaned over the box once Care placed it on the foot of the bed. “You two are just too precious.” She scratched an ear of both the pups. “You’re going to be disappointed, when I show you what’s in the box.”

“Care, you’re stalling,” Freight said.

“So you’re on Windless’ side?”

She gave Care a mock serious look. “In regards to stowaways, yes I am.”

“I guess I don’t’ have a choice then,” Care said, with a feigned look of resolve. 

Care opened the box, and Labra gasped: “It’s Cobalt!”

“No, it’s Stowaway.” Care picked up the plushie and showed Labra its cutie mark of a cargo box with holes in it sides. “See? They don’t have the same cutie mark.”

“I thought he was supposed to be Freight’s thank you from Rarity for letting you two be her models,” Mosaic said.

“She swapped me her Amore plush for him,” Freight explained.

Care blushed as she met Cobalt’s eye.

“It is Cobalt!” Labra insisted. “It looks just like him! The only thing different is the cutie mark and his mane cut.”

“I modeled for the plushie, like they did for theirs,” Cobalt explained. “Rarity thought it would be cute to change the cutie mark for Freight, due to a certain series of events that led to me stowing away on Freight’s airship.”

Pyrite’s eyes widened. “You stowed away on an airship?!”

“Don’t’ get the wrong idea. I only did it because Princess Twilight told me to and Mom helped get the box ready so I would be safe.”

“You’re making up stories,” Pyrite said. He looked to Mosaic. “Isn’t he?”

“It’s a long story,” Mosaic said, “but that sums up that part.”

Pyrite looked towards Cobalt as if seeing him for the first time.

“His nose fuzz is flat,” Labra said. “Just like Care’s.”

There was a long second’s worth of silence. “Can I see him?” Mosaic asked.  

Care gave the plushie to Mosaic, who tucked it against her with a practiced motion.

“I remember when he was this little.” Mosaic touched a hoof to the plushie’s nose and seemed to lose herself in thought.

“Do you have a plushie too?” Pyrite asked Windless.

Windless nodded. “I do.”

“Is it Miss Gauze?”

“No, it’s Fluttershy.”

“Miss Fluttershy?!” Pyrite’s ears went up. “The mare with long, pink mane?”

“That would be her.”

“She lives here. She’s very nice. She lets us pet her animal friends.”

“We’re going to be seeing her tomorrow,” Labra said. “Would you like to come with us?”

“Thank you, but I wouldn’t want to show up uninvited.”

“She likes it when visitors come to see her animals.” Labra’s smile lessened a touch. “We could spend more time together that way too.”

Windless covered his eyes with a foreleg and looked away from her. “Giving me the sad, puppy eyes is not fair!”

“She’s your practice special somedoggy, so you better get used to it,” Freight teased.

He peeked from under his foreleg towards Labra. “If I can get some things done, first the in the morning, I’ll do my best to make it.”

“Speaking of tomorrow morning, we need to get you two home and in bed,” Bonsmara said.

Pyrite crawled on the bed closer to Bonsmara and held his arms up. She scooped him up and gave him a nuzzle. “You are still tired after yesterday, it would seem.”

“It was fun. We found a lot of gems.” He put his head against her. “Thanks for carrying me, Momma.”

She kissed the top of his head.

“I guess this is goodnight,” Windless said to Labra. He stepped towards her and offered his nose. “Can I get a good night nuzzle?”

Labra gave him a nuzzle on the nose. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” She rubbed the bridge of his muzzle with a paw. “Right?”

“If can join us,” Bonsmara said. “I am sure Fluttershy would be happy to see him again.”

“I thought of something. What kind of practice special somepony would I be if I didn’t walk you home?” He smiled, as she perked up and her paw paused on his nose. “That way I know where to meet you before we go over to Fluttershy’s.”

“You mean it?!”

“If it’s all right with your Mom and Dad, remember, we have to follow the rules.”

She hugged him around the muzzle and looked towards Bonsmara and Fierce. “Can he walk with us?”

“He can accompany us home,” Fierce said.

“Hop on.” Windless put his side to the edge of the bed. “Or would you rather walk with me?”

Labra looked to the bedspread. “Could we walk, so I can hold your hoof? Mommy and Daddy do it all the time.”

“I would be delighted to hold your paw,” Windless said to Labra. He helped her down from the bed.

“See dear, we set a good example for our daughter when I am afforded the honor to hold your hand,” Fierce teased.

Bonsmara gave him a glance. “You make it sound like I do not let you hold my hand that often.”

“Not as often I would like.”

Bonsmara leaned and gave Fierce a kiss on the temple. She glanced down at Pyrite and shook her head. “Even after a pony pile, he is out like a light.”

Fierce rubbed Pyrite’s shoulder with a paw. “He is growing so fast it is wearing him out.”

“I know.”

Mosaic and Freight looked at their respective foals.

Stone shielded himself from Mosaic’s gaze with his hooves. “Don’t give me that look. I didn’t grow up on purpose.”

“I didn’t either,” Cobalt said, taking Mosaic in a hug. “Now I get to hug you, so it’s not all bad.”

Mosaic hugged him back and patted his back.

Labra ran up to Mosaic and hugged her from the side. “No sniffles!”

“At least you and Pyrite are still small.” Mosaic let go of Cobalt and hugged Labra. “Thank you.”

“You’ve got a grandchangeling coming soon too,” Freight reminded her.

“Trust me, I haven’t forgotten.”

“Care, get the other side,” Windless said.

“Go it.”

“What are you two doing?” Freight said, with a raised eyebrow.

“Mom sandwich!” Windless declared as he and Care leaned against Freight and put their heads against hers.

“You two are crazy.” Freight gave them both a nuzzle. “You two haven’t done that in a long time. Thank you.” She looked to Puca. “I get the spoil the little one too, I thought I’d let you know.”

Puca smiled. “You are welcome to any time.”

“We’ve got to get them on the road, or we’ll be here all night.” Freight prodded Windless on the shoulder. “You’re on escort duty, so get going.”

“Yes, Mom.” He looked to Labra. “Ready to go?”

“Ready!” Labra snuck in a hug to Puca. “I’m so happy you have an egg coming.”

“So am I,” Puca said, giving her a quick hug in return.

“Come on little one,” Fierce called from down the hall. “You cannot keep your practice special somepony waiting.”

“Coming!” Labra called and hurried out of the room.

“We should go too,” Mosaic said. “You all have had a busy day,” She smiled at Puca and Stone, “and have surprises to talk about. I expect everypony over for breakfast, nice and early.”

“Sounds great,” Field said. “Cobalt, I get a hug before you go.” Cobalt gave her a hug, and she patted him on the shoulder. “Thanks for hauling our stuff around.”

“I’m glad I could help.”

Freight let go of him. “Care, you owe him a hug too, since it was your stuff he was toting.”

Care nodded and gave Cobalt a warm hug. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

Mosaic hugged Stowaway to her chest.

Freight she glanced at the plushie and then met Mosaic’s eye. “You better be careful, Care, looks like Mosaic here has an aim to keep Stowaway.” She grinned. “Maybe you could trade him for Cobalt?”

“I am not trading my son for a plushie!” Mosaic said, laughing.

“I don’t know. You’re holding Stowaway close. She’s holding Cobalt like she isn’t meaning to let go too.”

“Mom!” Care let go of Cobalt, who took a second to let her go.

“I better return Stowaway to you,” Mosaic said, offering the plushie to Care. “I can tell he means a lot to you.”

“He does.” Care hugged Stowaway and nuzzled the top of his head. “He’s helped me through a lot.”

“Care has for me too,” Cobalt said.

“You need to clarify there: my Care or yours?” Freight asked.

“Both. Her letters helped me when I was having my troubles.”

Care looked up to him and smiled. “I’m glad I could do something for you, even as far away from you as I was.”

Puca smothered the start of a gasp and snapped her attention to the floor. “Excuse me; I need to step away from a moment.”

“Are you okay?” Care asked, sounding concerned.

“I'm fine, I just need a second.” Puca darted out of the room.

Care looked to Stone. “I did I say something wrong?”

“Not a thing. I’ll go check on her to make sure she’s okay.” Stone grinned at Cobalt. “I don’t think you did anything, to tell the truth.”

As Stone left the room, all three mares looked to Cobalt.

Cobalt gave them a nervous grin. “I didn’t do anything! I just stood here!”

Care’s eyes widened, as she looked at Cobalt. She smiled a relieved smile and held Stowaway closer. “We know.”

Stone walked back into the room, appearing distracted. “She’s fine. She’s sensitive to emotion right now and got a bit too much.”

Care nodded. “I understand. I’m full of enough emotional energy I’m having trouble handling it all myself. It must be horrible for her.”

“We might not want to stay here tonight,” Freight said. “We’re all bundles of nerves right now.

“You can sleep in my bed,” Cobalt offered. “Care could have Stone’s, if he doesn’t mind.”

“Not at all,” Stone said.

Mosaic asked, “What do we do with Windless?”

“He can have the couch,” Cobalt said. “I’ll take the floor.”

Care shook her head. “You can’t sleep on the floor because of us.”

“We took a nap on the floor this afternoon.”

“That was different.” She put her head on top of Stowaway’s. “You will be alone and cold.”

“Our house isn’t cold, and I’ll wrap up in a blanket.”

Mosaic looked to Cobalt. “I feel bad putting you on the floor too.”

“Don’t worry. I like sleeping on the floor. I do it all the time.”

“He does,” Mosaic confirmed. “He and the pups do almost every time they come over, after they wear each other out playing.”

“Puca should be better tomorrow,” Stone said. “She’s been hit with a lot today, with everyone’s feelings and the news of the egg coming.”

“We understand,” Freight said. “Take care of her for us.”

“I will.”


*****


Freight looked out the kitchen window. “Where is that son of mine?”   

Looking down into his tea, Cobalt smiled. “I would bet he’s been ponynapped by at least one pup. I’m sure he’s being shown their rooms and their favorite toys.” He looked up towards Care. “I had an idea. Would you mind stopping by Rarity’s with me, before we start looking for a place for you?”

“Sounds great, but what’s the idea?”

“Labra needs a Windless plushie and Windless needs a Labra plushie.”

“That’s perfect!” Her brief enthusiasm fell, as did her expression. “They have to be expensive, though. Rarity is one of the best fashion designer’s in Equestria.”

“Don’t worry about that. I have gems I can trade for them.”

“That’s sweet, but gems don’t grow on trees.”

“True, but mine come from rockmoss.”

Care stared at him for a moment. “You’re kidding.”

“I promise I’m not. We have some in the basement.”

“Which has become his garden,” Mosaic said. “That’s why there’s the new shed out back.”

“Growing and feeding the moss is part of his training,” Amore explained. “The gems he grows are attuned to him from the moment they form. We didn’t know rockmoss grew in this region, but Rarity and Spike found some during their gem excursions.” 

“I could show you, if you would like,” Cobalt offered.

Care nodded. “I would love to see it.”

Cobalt looked to Freight. “Would you like to come?”

“I’ll see them later, if you don’t mind.” She patted the side of her tea cup. “I need to finish this before it gets cold. It’s one of the best cups of tea I’ve had.”

“Thank you,” Field said.

“Give me a hug, before you two head down there,” Amore said. “We might head out, before you get back.”

Cobalt gave Amore her requested hug.

“That will be fifty extra pushups next training session,” Edge declared.

Amore gave him an amused look. “If I give you a kiss, will you forgive him?”

“I might. He was the one that brought you back, after all.”

Amore kissed Edge’s nose. “Are you going to make Care do pushups, if I ask her for a hug?”

“If it gets me another kiss, I will.”

“You’re terrible.” Amore turned and motioned for Care to come close. “Ignore the possessive grump.” She gave Care a hug, when she approached. “I’m so glad you’re joining us here at Ponyville University.”

Care hugged her back. “I am too. It feels like I’m visiting family rather than moving to a new school.” She let go of Amore and looked at Edge. “The next training session is a day after tomorrow, right?”

Edge raised an eyebrow. “That’s right.”

“I’ll be there. I’ll do the pushups then.”

Edge grinned and nodded to her. “I’ll hold you to that, or Cobalt will do triple the pushups.” After Cobalt and Care left the room and the front door opened and closed he chuckled. “He's choosing a fire brand or she’s choosing him. I’m not sure which I would put my bits on.”

“That’s my daughter you’re talking about,” Freight said, her voice even but her hackles raised.

Edge held up a hoof. “I don’t think there is anything wrong for a mare to have a fire in her belly and take charge of a stallion.” He kissed Amore’s nose, when she turned to look at him. “In fact, I fell in love with a princess with a fire inside her who liked ordering me around.” He waggled his eyebrows at Amore. “She still knows how to get me to stand at attention whenever she likes.”

“Edge!” Amore hit him on the shoulder.


*****


Cobalt opened the swing door. “Let me go down first and light the lamp. It should only take me a second.”

“I’ll be right here.” She leaned forward and watched him descend the stairs. She pulled back, when a pale light flared. “Are you okay?”

“It’s just the lamp warming up. The light will get stronger, after a little bit. Come on down.”

Care walked down the stairs and into the basement. “Oh wow!” She looked around at the various planters, which appeared to have a rock planted in them. Each rock had gems growing from stalks from its main body. “You grew these?”

“Most of them, after Mend taught me how to get them started.” Cobalt hung the lantern on a hook on the wall. “They are touchy at first, but once they get established they manage themselves. They grow in cave like spots. That’s why they’re down here.” 

Care examined the lantern. “I didn’t even notice. It’s a gem giving off the light.”

“Oh, yeah, it’s one of mine. Silver Coil made the wire frame for it. I reused one of Dad’s old broken lanterns.”

“How long will it last?”

“I’m not sure. It holds a charge pretty well, but I can tell each charge isn’t lasting as long and it’s getting tougher for me to give it a charge.”

Care looked back to the rockmoss planters. “This is amazing.”

“Want to help me gather some of the gems?”

“Sure. What do I have to do?”

“It’s easy.” Cobalt got two baskets from a nearby shelf and gave one to. “All you have to do is give one a light tap. If it releases from the stem, it’s ready.” He looked over the nearest rock moss. “Look for gems about this size.” He tapped one of the larger gems, to no effect. “Not quite there.” He tried another, and had to catch it as it released from its stem. “That’s all there is to it.”

“I can do that.” She started at one edge of the planters and worked her way towards Cobalt, as he worked towards her.

“What do you feed them to get them to give off gems?”

“Magic, I come down here and mediate and they absorb the magic that’s stirred up.” He nodded towards the floor. “That’s why the circle of quartz is in the floor. It helps the magic flow.”

“These are all you.” She said looking around.

“Stone helps. The rockmoss on your left is his. When he first tried to give it energy, nothing happened. It turns out my brother’s magic is like a battery charge and stores up. Once he got things going, the third time he tired, he gave the moss a huge dose all at once." Cobalt laughed. "I was getting smaller gems off the moss every other day for two weeks after that, then the bigger ones formed.”

“Do the colors mean anything?”

“I don’t think so. The gems are random in their colors, even from the same clumps of rockmoss.”

“Can I try feeding them?” She looked at her basket. “I know it will be tough for me, since I’m not an earth pony, but I’d like to try.”

“There might be a way I can help. It’s going to be intense, though.”

“That’s fine.”

Cobalt blushed. “It’s also something that crystal ponies do only if they trust each other.”

“I trust you. What do you need me to do?”

He took her basket and set it beside his outside the circle. “See those smaller planters over there on the shelf? Those are just getting going. Out of those, pick the rockmoss that appeals to you the most. Don’t think about it too much; just choose the one that gives you the best first impression.”

She looked at the various planters. “That one, please.” She pointed a hoof at one, and Stone placed it in the circle.

“Sit down beside me and put your hooves so they touch it like this.”

Care followed Cobalt’s example. “Is this right?”

“Perfect.”

“I’m worried this won’t work.”

“It will.” He bowed his head towards the rockmoss and closed his eyes. “Put your head beside mine and close your eyes. Match your breathing with me. Slow in for five seconds, hold for eight, and then let out slow for seven. While you do, picture a light source in your favorite color. I’ll do the rest.”

“I can do that.” She matched her breathing with his. 

They remained still for a few cycles of breath. A soft glow formed around them and faded.

“That’s got it.” He raised his head and smiled. “You were great.”

She looked up at him. “I saw a cluster of green lights come close to mine. They looked like they were fireflies. Did you see it too?”

“Those were mine. I have trouble holding the image of a single, static light so I think of a bunch of little lights swarming together. I saw a purple light in a lantern and knew it was you.” 

Care’s eyes lit up. “You saw it!”

“Our magic flowed together, once the lights got close to each other, and the rockmoss drank it all up.” He gave her an affectionate, appreciative smile. “It was amazing, thank you.”

“Why are you thanking me?”

“This was so different than when I do this by myself or with Stone. Your magic was calming, warm, and made me feel protected.” He blushed and looked towards the rockmoss. “It was like when you gave me that winghug when we first met.”

“I think we gave each other the magical equivalent of a winghug. I felt your magic like a caring, encompassing, supportive strength.” She tilted her head. “I never have given you another wing hug since then, have I?”

“No. You tackled me when I saw you in the Crystal Empire, though.”

“I need to fix that.” She got to her hooves. “Don’t move. You’re at just the right height.” She leaned towards him and unfolded her wings.

“Cobalt, Windless is here!” Amore called down the stairwell, as a set of hooves descended the stairs. “He wanted to see the garden too. I’ll admit I’m curious to see how it is fairing.”

“Sneaking my sister down into your secret lair are you?” Windless poked his head from the stairwell. His ears snapped back, when Care and Cobalt turned to look at him. “We interrupted something, didn’t we?”

Care sat down, and muttered something impolite in Old Ponish.

Cobalt leaned and patted the side of a basket. “It’s all right. We’re through harvesting the gems.” 

“That’s not what the look I’m getting from my sister is telling me.” Windless looked around the basement. “Whoa, this is so cool! I thought your room was awesome, but this has it beat.” When Windless looked back at Care, his ears returned to being folded. “Sis, I’m sorry. I can tell you’re upset.”

Care snorted and shook her head. “Come here.” She stood up and hugged him, when he approached her. “I’m annoyed at the timing, not you or what you did.”

Amore walked into the basement. “Are you two okay?”

“We’re fine. We’re having a twin moment.”

“A good one or a bad one?”

“A good one,” Care said, while booping Windless’ nose.

Windless all but stuck his nose in a basket. “That’s a lot of gems. If they come fast, you must be swimming in them.” 

“That’s two months’ worth of growth, and not all of them are usable. I’ll need to go through them to see which ones I can work with.”

“What do you do with the ones you can’t use?”

“Stone and Spike eat the flawed or opaque ones. I trade the others.”

“If you can grow gems, why do you go looking for them?” Care asked.

“The wild gems have different magical properties.” Cobalt nodded toward the rockmoss planters. “These can be light sources or for minor aches and pains, but not too much else. For more powerful effects, you have to use wild gems or pour a lot magic into this kind of gem. Even then, they lose their ability to hold a magic charge quick.”

Amore looked to the planter on the floor. “That one is just starting, it looks like.”

“We gave it the first magical feeding to get it going,” Care said.

“We? What do you-?” Her eyes widened as she looked to Cobalt.

Cobalt blushed. “It went well.”

“You merged magic?” Windless asked. “It worked?!”

“Windless calm down,” Care said. “You’re wings are up. You’re going to scrape them on the roof.”

“Thanks for the warning.” He folded his wings back to his side and hugged Care. “That’s great!” Windless grinned at Cobalt. “How did you talk her into trying?”

“I didn’t. She wanted to see if she could feed the rockmoss, and I agreed.”

“And everything went well from there?”

Care poked Windless in the chest with a hoof. “Why are you so excited about it?”

“I believe Windless may be misconstruing a crystal pony tradition.” Amore offered to Windless, “I could teach you what I know about the meanings of merging magic, if you would like.”

“That would be great! I am about to move there. I don’t want to commit a faux pas right as I get there, particularly with the subject involved.”

“I’ll be glad to tell you what I know, but Edge is be the expert on the subject. He and I have merged magic occasionally, and he was the one that introduced me to its importance to crystal ponies.”

“I would like to hear from both of you, in that case, if he wouldn’t mind.”

“I’m sure he would be happy to.” She motioned for Windless to follow her and led him up the stairs. “Another time though, it’s getting late. Everypony has had a busy day, and it seems like everypony will have a busy one tomorrow too.”

“We should get ready for bed too.” Care looked towards the planter. “We should see the gems we fed should show up in a couple of months?”

“That’s usually what happens. I’m not sure about this time.” He picked up the planter and put it back on the shelf. “The rockmoss took our magic so well I don’t know what will happen.” He smiled. “Whatever it does, I’m sure it will be spectacular.”
> Sharing Fears and Support
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mosaic adjusted Windless’ blanket. “Are you comfy?”

“Very comfy, thank you.”

“It’s wonderful having two colts back in the house. I’ve missed being able to tuck in both my boys.”

“I don’t think I’m big enough to substitute for Stone, but I’ll try.”

“I’m glad you’re here as Windless and nopony else.” She kissed the top of his head. “Sleep well.”

“I will. Thank you.”

Mosaic looked at Cobalt. “Are you sure you will be all right down there?”

“I have a blanket over me, a blanket under me, and a pillow. Everything is great.”

She moved to him and kissed the top of his head. “You sleep well too.”

“I will. Thanks, Mom.”

Mosaic turned off the lights, as she walked out of the den. The moon light coming through the binds gave the room a comfortable semidarkness. Quiet minutes passed.

“You’re mom’s great, just in case you didn’t know,” Windless whispered. 

“Trust me, I know. How did you know I was still awake?”

“You were holding too still and not breathing like you were asleep. I hate to get up, after your mom tucked me in, but we need to talk about Care.” Windless left the couch and sat in front of Cobalt. “You mixed magic with my sister.”

“Yes, I did.” Cobalt sat up. “I didn’t plan it. She asked to help with rockmoss and I said it would be okay for us to try. If you want to hit me, go ahead.”

“Just remember, you asked for it.” Windless gave Cobalt a congratulatory punch on the shoulder and a brotherly hug. “You have no clue how relieved I am.”

Cobalt patted Windless on the back. “I’m glad and confused.”

“I need you to look after her. Knowing you two are compatible on that level takes a lot of weight off my mind.” Windless let go of Cobalt. “This is the first time in our lives I will be away from her. She doesn’t need protecting, but she’s still my twin sister and I will miss her and worry about her.”

“Stone’s not my twin, but I understand the feeling. When he went off to college, it was rough for a while. It threw off our routines and little things made it sting again when we weren’t expecting it. I will take care of her, while she is here. We all will.”

Windless gave him a grin. “Will you take care of her as well as you take care of plushie Care?”

“Even better.”

“You’ll give her nuzzles too?”

“If she wants them, I will.”

“From what I saw, nuzzles are well within the realm of possibility.”

“I need you to answer something for me.”

Windless grinned. “I can do that.”

“If I ask her to be my special somepony, would that make things weird?”

“For us or for her?”

“Both.”

“Between us, there’s no way. You dating my sister would be a good thing. There are not too many upstanding stallions in this world. Even if you two fall out, which I doubt would ever happen, we’d still be friends.”

“Will she freak out if I ask her?”

“Only the happy kind of freak out, she didn’t keep Stowaway for nothing. You helped our parents, and have supported each other through some rough stuff for a long time. You’ve both been building up affection for each other for years, so it’s no surprise you two may move beyond the friend level soon.”

“The timing feels off, if I ask right now.” Cobalt ran a hoof over his mane in a worried manner. “She’s vulnerable, with the move and all the changes. I don’t want to add to that.”

“One reason she chose here over the Lunar Academy is that she felt she had friends that would look out for her rather than jerks that would make fun of her. We bat ponies are a close knit community, for better and worse, and having tight connections with ponies we care about is important. If you ask before too long, it would be a boost to her.”

“Thanks. That helps a lot.”

“Let’s make things official” Windless put a hoof on Cobalt’s shoulder. “I, Windless Night, decree that if you wish to be my twin sister’s special somepony you have my blessing. However, if you hurt her, I will pound you in the dirt to the best of my ability along with whatever help I can muster, including Gauze and my parents, because I would need all the help I could get and they would be furious with you too.”

Cobalt chuckled. “Thanks. I feel the same way with you with Labra. She’s my honorary little sister, but that doesn’t’ matter to me with how much I care for her.”

“Watch me and her close. I mean it. Tell me to end the practice special pony thing between me and her if you think I will end up hurting her.”

“Are you all right?”

“Cobalt, if Gauze walked through that door right now and asked me to marry her, I would. It would be stupid for her and me both, I know that. That doesn’t change the fact I love her and I would.” 

Cobalt took a moment before responding: “I don’t even know what to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything. This is my issue. I want you to know what’s going on in my head so you can look out for Labra.” Windless took a deep breath. “I offered to be Labra’s practice special somepony because I didn’t want to see her cry. Gauze did the same thing to spare my feelings after we had such a good time at the celebration here and I asked her to be my special pony. Labra’s and my situation is different because of the larger age gap and the distance that will be between us. I know that, but I’m worried that Labra is going end up like I am with Gauze. I want you to tell me to end it with her before it’s too late.”

“You make it sound you were going to do something horrible to her.”

“I could be.”

“Is what you’re feeling about Gauze that bad?”

“Yes!” 

Cobalt jumped at the strength of Windless’ answer, though it was said in not much more than a whisper.

“It’s so bad I’m jealous of you and my sister!” Windless thumped Cobalt in the chest. “You like her, she likes you.” Thump. “You’re going to be close together.” Thump. “You have been friends since we were starting high school.” Thump. “You two are compatible down to your magic.” Thump. “Because I’m a hopeless romantic idiot, I thought I could have that with Gauze even when right from the start she said it could not and never would happen!”

Cobalt caught Windless’ hoof. “Windless, do I need to get Freight?”

Windless sniffed. “Gauze discussed the ‘practice’ special somepony idea with my parents. My parents thought it was crazy on one level but a good learning experience, so they set the rules with her and me. I messed it all up by falling for her. When I realized what I had happened, I told her we needed to stop. It about killed her that she had hurt me trying to be kind. We're still friends, but it's been weird between us ever since. I don’t want to do that to Labra.” Windless put his head in his hooves and sniffed again. “Luna, I’m such a mule for falling apart like this right now!”

“What is going on?” Care asked in a concerned whisper, as she entered the den from the hallway. “I could hear you talking from Stone’s room.”

“He’s having a panic attack about how he might hurt Labra being her practice special somepony.”

“I’ll go outside and suck it up,” Windless said and then sniffed. “I shouldn’t bother anypony else with this.”

“Get where Cobalt was on the floor.”

“I just need a min-”

Care stepped up to Windless and stared him in the eye. “Get on the floor or I’ll get Mom and Mosaic.”

“That’s low. Don’t bring Cobalt’s mom into this. She’s too nice to put up with my self-pity party.” He froze as Cobalt put a hoof on his shoulder. He turned to look at Cobalt’s hoof and then up at him. “I never thought of you as being intimidating till right now.”

Cobalt patted Windless’ shoulder. “Come on, let’s get on the floor.”

“So, you’re her muscle now.”

“No, I’m your friend. You need this.”

“I don’t mean to sound like a jerk, but how would you know?”

“Because I ask others to get into pony and puppy piles with me to keep me from going insane, it’s about the only thing that works.”

Windless’ ears fell. “The village.”

Cobalt nodded. “Hound’s Run. That was its name.”

“Okay, I’ll get on the floor.” 

Windless got into Cobalt’s previous position on the floor. Care and Cobalt got on either side of him. They curled around him so that Windless was in a pocket between them, with his head on Care’s shoulder and Cobalt’s chin resting just behind Windless’ shoulder blades.

Care used her free hoof to stroke Windless’ neck. “Breathe in. Hold it. Then slowly let it out. Relax with each exhale.”
“Cobalt, what happened at the village? Care told me some of it, but she didn’t tell me too much.”

Care looked at Cobalt with worry.

“It’s okay, I need to talk about. It hurts, but it helps.” Cobalt told them:

Hounds Run was a mining town that had just started in the MacIntosh Hills, on the western side of the Badland’s west mountain range. They were doing well, digging in areas that others hadn’t in a long time. Due to the changelings being pushed back and our being on good terms with the dragons they built the village where they thought they could get the most ore and gems. Since no one that lived in the region for so long, nopony knew there was a very rare kind of fungus called fire spore caps that grew in the deeper caves in the region. They dug into some chambers with the mushrooms in them and the fungus released its spores in response to being disturbed. The spores didn’t do much more than irritate them like regular dust would, so they kept going. They would wait for the spores to die down, sweep them out as best they could, and dig again. Everything was okay, and would have been all right, but they dug into a chamber linked to their water supply and the spores contaminated the water.

Cobalt paused and took a breath.

Care leaned and rubbed the bridge of his nose with her hoof. “You don’t have to keep going if you don’t want to.”

“No, he needs to know so he understands why Labra and Pyrite are so special to us, beyond being the wonderful doggies they are.” Cobalt continued:

When the spores got into the water, they started their growth cycle to get ready to colonize another cavern by using the water to travel there. The spores are very poisonous when they are in that stage. The diamond dog miners, who would drink the water in the cave, got sick first. By the time the village realized that something was wrong, most of the diamond dogs and ponies had drunk the tainted water. They sent for help, through a pegasus carrier, but he got sick too and didn’t even make it to Dodge City. When somepony found him and reported what was going on, Dodge City sent what aid they could, and called on Ponyville for help too. 

I volunteered to go with Amore and Mend, when they said they were going. There were just over a hundred diamond dogs and ponies in the village before the spores got into the water. There were eight when it was over. Pyrite made it because he was not weaned yet and his mother’s body kept most of the poison. Labra was very lucky. She had gone with her dad and uncle to Baltimare to deliver a shipment of gems. They got back just before the village figured out that the water was making everyone sick. Labra also drank a lot of fruit juices and milk rather than water and didn’t get a lethal dose of the spores. Her parents and uncle didn’t make it. Bonsmara and Fierce adopted them, after finding out about what had happened.

Cobalt shuddered. “All we could do for most of them was make them comfortable as best we could.” He paused and closed his eye. “I still have nightmares about all the graves and the rows of dogs and ponies dying with nothing we could do.”

“Care, we’re swapping,” Windless said, getting to his hooves and moving out of the way.

“Come here.” Care guided Cobalt to her. “Hold me so it's comfortable for you.” Her eyes widened as he tucked her against his chest with her head under his chin without effort. She snuggled against him and wrapped her forelegs around his barrel.

Windless positioned himself at Cobalt’s back in the same manner Cobalt had with him. “You’re almost too big for this to work.” He looked over Cobalt’s shoulder and chuckled. “From here, it looks like you’ve got a bigger Care plushie than usual.”

“I’m glad you’ve back to cracking jokes,” Cobalt said.

“Hearing what you went through made me realize how little I have to whine about.”

“You both are recovering from different traumas. You can’t compare the two and they are both horrible.” She reached up and stroked Cobalt’s mane. “You didn’t tell him about how you about killed yourself pouring your energy into healing Labra and Pyrite.”

“There’s nothing much to say. We had lost so many others; I wasn’t going to let them die too.”

“Why didn’t you write about to me about all this like you did her?” Windless said.

“For the same reason I didn’t know you loved Gauze.”

“Got it, it’s tough to talk about something with some ponies but not with others.” He reached over Cobalt and rubbed Care on the shoulder. “Sorry you have to put up with us saps.”

“It’s only fair. You two helped me when I was getting bullied for looking too coltish.”

“I still want their names and addresses,” Windless said. “Cobalt and I will take care of the rest.”

“I don’t want that, even though the thought’s tempting.” She put her forehead on Cobalt’s chest. “I’m just glad you two encouraged me to keep being who I am and stick with Mercy’s training, even if it made my build look like a colt’s.”

“Buck them and what they want you to look like. You’re happier, you’re healthier, and you have always been beautiful.” Cobalt tensed as Care looked up towards him.

“Wait, did you cuss?” Windless asked. “I’ve never heard you cuss. I guess you needed the right inspiration.”

“You think I’m beautiful?” Care asked.

“Now you’ve done it.” Care gave Windless a light smack on the nose. “Ouch!”

“Don’t think about what those idiots said. You’re perfect, inside and out.”

“She is wonderful, but you’re stretching it there,” Windless said.

“No I’m not. I’ve seen her magic. She is beautiful all the way through.”

Windless chuckled. “I’ll take your word on that.”

“Could we see Windless’ magic too?” Care asked Cobalt.

“I know that there are teams of crystal ponies that work together to grow their buildings, but I don’t know if I could act as the anchor for us in something like that.”

“Can we try? Since we’re twins, his magic will be like mine. With how well our magic mixed, his should work too.” She glanced up at Windless. “What’s that look for?”

“Maybe the magic sharing thing should be just between you and him.”

“Please, try it with us.”

Windless patted Cobalt’s ribs. “I like this big guy, but I don’t know if I want to bare what amounts to part of my soul to him.”

“Isn’t that what we’ve been doing with each other tonight?”

“Touché.”

“We’ll try tomorrow, in the evening, if you’re up for it,” Cobalt said. “We need to get some sleep, though. Tomorrow’s going to be a busy day for all of us.”

“All right, we’ll try tomorrow.” Windless turned his head so that his ear and cheek rested on Cobalt. “Just bump me, if I snore.”


*****


Mosaic patted Freight’s shoulder and titled her head indicating they should move back down the hall. When Freight entered Stone’s old room, Mosaic put a foreleg around her shoulders and guided her onward.

Field led them to the back bedroom door and let the mares pass. He followed them in and shut the door without a sound.

Freight sniffed and rubbed the tears from her face. “How can a pony you’re size move like that?”

Mosaic hugged Freight. “You okay?”

“Am I a terrible mother?”

“Celestia above, no!”

“I’m not sure. Look what I helped happen to my son.”

“Look what happened to ours,” Field said. “We could have stopped him from going, but we didn’t.”

“You’re not at fault.”

“You’re not either. You wanted to help your son grow, and you did. You made it as safe as you could for him, but life takes us down paths we never would have expected. Letting them grow hurts them and us, but the best we can do is shield them from the worst.”

“You’re right, but I still feel horrible.”

“I think we should follow their example,” said Mosaic, looking towards the bed.

“I can’t.”

Mosaic looked back to Field, seeming surprised. “Why not?”

“I know I seem like I’m a free spirit, but I don’t feel right sharing a bed with a stallion that is not my husband.”

“Don’t worry about me. You’re pretty, but my wife has you beat.” When Freight puffed up in indignation, Field grinned. “Just to make sure I don’t get roving hooves, she can be my little spoon and you can be hers and out of my reach. There’s nothing wrong with two mare’s holding each other.”

“Typical stallion,” Freight shot back, smiling, “trying to get two mares in a bed.”

Mosaic let go of Freight. “I didn’t mean to make things awkward, but I didn’t think you would want to sleep alone after what we saw. If you want to go back to Stone’s room, we’ll understand.”

Freight shook her head. “Your son is holding my daughter like she is the most precious thing in the world, and my son is using yours as a body pillow. I should be able to sleep next to two of my best friends.”


*****


A ray of morning sun made its way through a gap in the blinds and onto Windless' face. Windless opened his eyes and sighed. “When he finds out I drooled on him, he’s going to kill me,” he whispered to himself. With careful and quiet movements, Windless got up from the floor and left the still sleeping pair. He went into the hall, just as Mosaic and Freight were leaving the far bedroom door. “Mom?” he whispered.

Freight paused and then gave him a neutral look. “Yes?”

Windless looked at her with a confused expression. “I thought you were in Stone’s room.”

“I was, but they invited me to join them in their bed, and I agreed. I was held by this lovely mare most of the night.” She grinned and hugged Mosaic across the shoulders. “It was one of the best nights I’ve ever had without your father in bed with me.”

“What?”

Field poked his head into the hallway. “Good morning, Windless. We did our best to make your mother feel loved last night, I promise.”

“What?!”

“Field is a real gentlecolt. He made sure Mosaic and I were well cared for, before we went to sleep.” Letting Mosaic go, Freight reached and rubbed Field’s nose. “Next time, maybe Starless can join us too. That way I can release all my tensions without feeling guilty.”

Windless put his hooves over his ears. “Oh Luna, I am not hearing this!”

“You two are horrible.” Mosaic left Freight’s side and hugged Windless. “We heard what you, Care, and Cobalt were talking about last night. It bothered us, so we got into a pile of our own, nothing more.”

“Spoilsport,” Freight said. “That’s what he gets for thinking dirty things about his mother and her friends.”

“Thank the Sisters.” Windless gave Mosaic a relieved hug. “Things would have gotten weird, if Care and Cobalt got together after you three gotten together. Not to mention what it would do to Dad.”

“Other way around, what we would have done to your father,” Freight whispered. “You know I would never leave him, so he would have to join us.” She put a hoof to her chin. “Now I think about it, having two handsome, strong stallions and a lovely mare in the bedroom doesn’t sound so bad. You’re the Crystal Empire expert. Are herds still legal up there? We might need to make a trip.”

“Mom!”


*****


“I can’t believe my mother,” Care said fuming. 

“I deserved it.”

“You did not. You held me and I held you. We were out on the den floor for everypony to see, for Luna’s sake!”

“Which she pointed out,” Cobalt reminded her. “I’ve never been accused of being an exhibitionist before.”

“Bringing Windless into it too was just wrong. She had already scarred him for life with that joke about her and your parents.”

Cobalt shook his head as if trying to rid himself of a thought. “She created so many unwanted images for me this morning I 
don’t know if I’ll ever get them all out of my head.”

After a few steps, Care giggled.

“What?”

“It’s nothing. I’ve been reading too many of those Neighponi comics of Windless’.”

“Now you’ve got to share.”

“It’s the start of a cheesy storyline; you, the wounded healer, sensitive and kind finding yourself sharing the floor with my brother, who is suffering from his love being out of reach and falling for each other after sharing an embrace and banishing me to the couch.”

Cobalt stopped. “Nope, that’s too much for me this morning, I’m turning around and going back home.”

“I’m kidding! I’m kidding! Besides, Mom’s still there.”

“You’re right; I don’t think I can face her teasing me again.” He walked at Care’s side again.

“That and you’ve still got to show me where I’m going today. You can’t just leave me here in the middle of town.”

“Ponyville is a friendly place. Somepony would have given you directions.”

She bumped her shoulder into his. “You’re horrible!”

He chuckled. “Next right and we’re there.”

“Something smells good, which is something since we had breakfast not too long ago.”

“That would be the Grazing Meadow. It’s great and not too bad with the prices. We could stop there for lunch, if you’d like.”

“Let’s see how the place hunting goes first. If things go well, we can make it a celebratory lunch.”

They made their way to Rarity’s boutique front door. When Cobalt reached for the handle the door opened before his hoof could touch it.

“I’ll be right back!” Sweetie Belle pulled up just short of running into Cobalt. “Oh, hey Cobalt!”

“Hello Sweetie.”

Care's coat bristled as Sweetie gave Cobalt a quick hug.

“I haven’t seen you since graduation," Sweetie said. "I take it you’ve busy with your training?”

“Pretty much,” Cobalt said, moving a respectful distance back from her.

“I’m glad you’re going to Twilight’s university too. It will be nice to have somepony there I know. You should join me and the girls for lunch before we get too busy with school again.”

Care took a deliberate step towards Cobalt.

Sweetie looked at Care with curiosity and asked, “Cobalt, who is this?”

“This is Care Package, my friend and pen pal I told you about. Care, this is Sweetie Belle.”

Sweetie’s expression brightened and she smiled. “I remember you now! You were at the celebration after the Nightmares were sent back to the moon!” She hugged Care, who looked to Cobalt with confusion. “Thank you for helping him. We we’re all worried about the big guy, there for a while. Talking about you or how well the puppies were doing was about the only thing that cheered him up.”

“I did what I could.”

“You did a lot.” Sweetie let go of Care and winked at Cobalt. “You were right, her coat is soft.”

Cobalt blushed and played Sweetie’s words off. “She will be attending Ponyville University too. Would you mind if she joined us for lunch?”

“I wouldn’t mind at all. I’m sure the girls wouldn’t either. We’ll have to keep it low key, so Diamond Tiara doesn’t get wind of you joining us.”

“Why would she have a problem with me?” Care asked, “I don’t think I’ve ever met her.”

“Diamond is a good friend of mine and the girls, but she can be jealous and possessive. She won’t like it, if she sees you with Cobalt. I don’t think any of us want to start our college career with the kind of drama she might stir up.”

“What do you mean?”

“She’s had her eye on Cobalt, but she never could get his attention. And trust me, she’s tried. There’s been this mystery mare he keeps writing to that seems to be more interesting to him, and it has infuriated her no end.”

“Sweetie, who are you talking to?”

“Cobalt and Care, Sis.”

“Did you say Cobalt and Care?!”

“That’s my cue to leave, or I’ll be late for my crusading,” Sweetie said. She made her way past Cobalt and Care and onto the path leading from Carousel Boutique. “It was nice to see you again, Cobalt. You too, Care.”

“There you are! Come in!” Rarity said, from just inside the boutique. “You must have gems for me. Your timing couldn’t be any more perfect. I got a rush order that could use them.” She smiled, as Care walked in. “If Sweetie hadn’t mentioned your name, I wouldn’t have recognized you as the same filly that posed for those plushies.”

“I’m surprised you remember that,” Care said.

“I remember, dear. Those plushies were something special. Do you know how many ponies have asked for them?”

“I got the impression you got a few requests, but I didn’t know how many.”

“I don’t know how many requests there have been, but there were enough I couldn’t keep up with trying to make them and run my shops. I’ve had to outsource their creation to a friend a mine.” Rarity looked to Cobalt. “I assume that you are still taking care of the first ones.”

“Yes, Miss Rarity.”

“There’s no need to be so formal, darling, or am I making you nervous bringing them up? You do tend to be more formal when you’re flustered.” Rarity gave him a look. “She knows you kept them right?”

“She does.”

Rarity turned to Care. “You should have seen him when I told him he could have them. It was like he was getting Hearths Warming early.” She looked over Care from hooves to ear tufts. “You were cute then, you are quite the mare now, I must say.”

“We keep telling her she is pretty, but she doesn’t believe any of us,” Cobalt said.

“Why ever not?” Rarity asked, as she looked back to Care. “You have a wonderful mane, enviable physique, and such good posture and poise. You don’t have what would be considered the classic figure, but you are quite attractive in an athletic, healthy way, which is very much in vogue.”

“You would have her as a model, wouldn’t you?” Cobalt asked, gaining him a shocked look from Care.

“I would jump at the opportunity!” Rarity smiled at him. “In fact, that would be a wonderful idea. She’ll be living here in Ponyville, right? If I could get her to model for me every now and then, I would be more than happy to help her with her rent. I’ve been trying to break into the bat pony fashion market, but without a proper model to work off of, I didn’t feel I could give it a proper go.” She looked to Care with concern. “Dear, are you crying?”

“Do you mean it? This isn’t something you two set up?”

“Of course not, dear! I’ve been out of town for the last bit and haven’t seen Cobalt for two months now. He and I haggled over some gems then, and that was all. Well, besides sharing jasmine tea, but we did not conspire to do anything to or for anypony.” Rarity put a hoof on Care’s shoulder. “There’s something more going on here, isn’t there dear?”

“She was teased she looked like a colt because she’s in such good shape,” Cobalt said.

Rarity gasped. “What terrible, horrible ponies!” She gave Care a comforting look. “Just give me their names and addresses. Pinkie and Rainbow always need new ponies to prank.”

Care sniffed and laughed. “You and my brother think a lot alike. Thank you for the offer, but it wouldn’t be worth it if they got into trouble for it.”

“You are quite the lady to let such an insult go.” Rarity gave Care an understanding smile. “There is somepony else I know who has been told something of the sort. You wouldn’t happy to know Applejack, would you?”

Care’s ears shot up. “Miss Applejack, from Sweet Apple acres?! I course I know her, her family grows the best apples in the world!”

Rarity smiled. “That they do. Yes, Applejack gets nasty remarks about her figure from jealous mares all the time.”

“But she’s gorgeous!”

“So are you.” Cobalt blushed, as Care looked at him. “I hope you will believe me and everypony else when we tell you how wonderful you look, now you’ve gotten the opinion of a professional.”

Care rushed Cobalt and hugged him with such enthusiasm he sat down and his saddlebags slid off his back. “You swear that you didn’t set this up.”

“I Pinkie promise.” He hugged her back. “Rarity wouldn’t offer you a modeling job if she didn’t think you qualified for it.”

“You could have bribed her with gems.” 

“I didn’t, and she’s too professional to accept a bribe. I would have given her every gem I had to make you feel better, if she would have.”

“Thank you for the complement, dear.” Rarity levitated a measuring tape from the back of the boutique. “What colors were you thinking of?”

Care tilted her head. “Colors?”

“I assume you two would like matching outfits for the opening ceremonies for the start of the school year. With how well your coats work together, I could give you a variety of suggestions I'm sure you’ll love, if you haven't settled on a color scheme already.”

Care and Cobalt looked at each other and blushed. “Thanks for the offer, but that’s not why we came,” Cobalt said.

Rarity stared at them. “But, you are special someponies, are you not?”

Cobalt turned a deeper shade of red. “No, ma’am.”

Rarity covered her mouth with a hoof. “I’m sorry. It seems I have jumped to conclusions. You two bringing the gems, the compliments you have given her, and the hug she gave you gave me the impression that you were.”

“We’re here due to my brother becoming practice special ponies with somedoggy,” Care said. “We were wondering if we could place an order for a diamond dog plushie of Labra, for an updated Windless plushie, and for another Amore plushie.”

Rarity paused for a moment, shook her head, and then smiled. “Let me go put a kettle on for some tea. I suspect that there is a story behind this and I must hear it before I agree to anything.”


*****


Windless paused in scrubbing the dish he had in his hooves and blinked at Care. “She did what now?”

“Rarity offered me a part time modeling job.”

Windless grinned ear to ear. “That’s great! I would give you a hug, but I’m up to my canons in suds.”

“I can though.” Freight gave Cobalt the dish she had finished drying, put down her towel, and hugged Care. “I kept telling you, you were my beautiful filly.”

“I know I should have listened to you. By the way, Windless, Rarity wanted to see you before you headed for the Empire.”
Windless tilted his head back as if in a show. “Maybe she’ll think I’m handsome and ask me to model too.”

“If she’s looking to get into the market, she might.”

Windless paused in his washing. “I wouldn’t be able to, even if she offered. I’ll be away.” He put on a smile and finished the plate he had been scrubbing on. “She’ll just have to find another handsome stallion.”

“Are you sure you want to go up there?” Cobalt asked. “It seems to dig at you every time you think about it.”

“I’m sure. It was just nerves and the thought of missing you guys getting to me for a second. Besides, I’m sure you would get sick of me, if I were around all the time.”

“Not a chance.” Cobalt gave him a dry towel. “I think that was the last of it.”

“I still don’t know if I like guests helping with cleaning up,” Field said.

“You have feed us, given us a place to sleep, and have put up with our drama. The least we can do is clean up after ourselves.”

“We invited you here, and your children ended up sleep on the floor. I’m not sure what that says of us as hosts.”

“That you are the best kind,” Windless said. “You’ve made us so comfortable that we can sleep anywhere.”

Field chuckled. “Including on my son, it would seem.”

“While drooling on him,” Freight added.

Windless dropped his head towards the floor. “Thanks, Mom.”

Puca giggled. “It shows what good friends you are.”

“He makes a good pillow,” Stone said. “I think that's why Labra and Pyrite pull him into pony piles all the time. They like it when they get together and he curls around them.”

“They will have to fight for that space from now on, judging how he was holding Care,” Freight said. She waited for a moment and smiled at her daughter. “You’re not even going to respond?”

“And draw more teasing from you or Windless? No thank you. I’ll suffer quietly with what dignity I have left.”

“I’m sorry about last night and for still being so wired,” Puca said. “I was hoping it would pass, but I even had trouble at work with it today and had to take a break for. That I was worried about not being able to change added to it, I’ll admit. Davenport didn’t mind, though.”

“I told you he wouldn’t,” Stone said. “You’re Puca. That’s all that anypony who knows you cares about.”

“Did anypony give you a hard time?” Cobalt asked.

“Not at all.” She smiled. “There was a little filly I thought would have trouble with me, but she ended up asking me questions about being a changeling for almost half an hour while her mother picked out the sofa she wanted. I think the anxiety I was getting from her right at first was because she was nervous to ask her first question rather than what I am. After that, she was nothing but adorable curiosity.”

“Speaking of things adorable and curious, how did things go with the pups?” Stone asked Windless.

“It went well. I even got another hug from Fluttershy. She couldn’t believe how much I’ve grown since the last time I saw her. When it was time for Labra and Pyrite’s nap, we took them back to their place. They would pull me into a puppy pile, but Bonsmara shooed me away and told me to run my errands while she and Fierce got in the pile.”

“What errands did you need to run?” Puca asked.

“Getting official seals on the paperwork for school and getting it all sent off. Miss Mosaic guided me around town, while she ran her own errands. I helped her carry things when I could.”

“You were a great help, thank you.” Mosaic patted Windless on the shoulder. “I should borrow you more often.”

“Any time you’d like. It was great to see more of where Care is going to live, even if she doesn’t know where.”

Care groaned and threw her head back. “Don’t remind me. We looked at six different places. They were all too expensive or rat holes.”

“That’s why we came early,” Freight said, “to give you plenty of time to look.”

“Where were you, Mom?” Windless asked. "We kind of lost you."

“At the palace, getting parts of Care’s paperwork sorted out.” She smiled. “I snuck in and visited Amore and Mend too. That reminds me.” She turned to Cobalt and Care. “They want a sample gem from the ones you started, if you can spare one. Mend wants to ‘give the filly who’s mixing magic with my student’ a good look over’.” She grinned. “Cobalt, you’re blushing a lovely shade of red. What could you be embarrassed about?”

“Don’t answer that,” Care warned. “She knows the answer already, I’m sure, and the teasing would be relentless.”

“If it’s anything like what she did with me and Field, it’s thorough,” Mosaic said. “Mend’s examinations are like getting a physical and psychological evaluation at the same time.”

“Speaking of mixing magic, are you two ready to try?” Care asked.

Windless’ eyes widened and he signaled for Care to stop with a slight movement of a hoof.

“We can go check on the moss, if you would like,” Cobalt said. “I don’t think we’ll be able to see anything yet, but I’ve been wrong before.”

“Could I come with you?” Freight said. “I’m curious to see what you have done.”

“Sure,” Cobalt said. “There’s not that much to see, but you’re more than welcome to join us.”

Freight looked to Windless. “You’re not so enthusiastic about me coming, nor is Care. What did you three have planned that I’m interrupting?”

“I’m going to help Cobalt with the rockmoss,” Windless said.

Freight sighed, but gave him an encouraging smile. “Just be careful. I don't want to see you hurt.”

Windless hugged her. “Thanks Mom. I’ll come get you when we’re through. I promise.”
> Confessions and Shared Insights
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The gem lamp’s light shone from the basement. “Come on down,” Cobalt said.

Windless looked down the stairwell as if it were the maw of a hydra. “I think I may have changed my mind.”

“No matter what happens, we’re right here and ready to help.”

“Care, Windless, you’ve got to see this!” Cobalt called to them.

“Come on,” Care said, taking Windless’ hoof. “As excited as he sounds, it has to be something good.” She led him down the stairs and towards Cobalt. “What is it?”

“Look!” He pointed a hoof at the rockmoss he and Care had given magic to. “It’s budding!”

“You said it could be a week to do something like that,” Care said.

“You two must have given it an extra strong dose like Stone did,” Windless said.

“I’ll move it away from the circle, to be safe. If it has that much energy to work with, I don’t want to give it another dose on accident.” Cobalt moved the planter closer to the basement’s exit, making sure it was away from any potential light.

“You two mix well,” Windless said. “Let’s see if adding me to the mix sours things.”

Cobalt returned to them and put his hoof on Windless’ shoulder. “What’s eating you?”

“I’ll tell both of you after we give this a try. What do I need to do?”

“Pick one of the starter planters.” 

“That one,” Windless said, pointing a hoof towards one planter.

Cobalt took Windless’ chosen planter from the shelf and put it in the circle.

“Try it with him first,” Care urged Windless. “I’ll stay outside the circle.”

“Cobalt, if this doesn’t work, please don’t hold it against me,” Windless said, as he stepped into the circle.

“You’re going to make me snuggle you again, aren’t you?”

Windless looked at Cobalt as if his friend had lost his mind.

“You need to relax, or this won’t work,” Cobalt told Windless. “Think about it as if you were getting fed by someone else. Do you want somepony who is upset or angry being that close to you and using a spoon to feed you?”

“I wouldn’t.”

“That is what the moss will pick up, if you don’t relax. The last time you seemed yourself is when we were goofing around in my room.”

Windless smiled. “I remember you goofing around, and me being picked up like a rag doll and protesting a lot.”

“That’s it!” Cobalt patted Cobalt’s shoulder. “This is you; happy, clever, and ready to tell a joke, even if you’re the center of it, to make others feel better. Relax, hold on to that, and everything will be fine.”

Windless nodded. “Let’s do this.”

“Stand with your hoof touching the planter. That’s it, now put the other here.” Cobalt shifted his position and assumed a mirroring position. “Put your head over the rockmoss, and match your breathing to mine. In for five, hold for eight, and then let it out for seven. While were breathing, close your eyes and picture a source of light in your favorite color. The light doesn’t have to be holding still, if that helps.”

Care put her hoof over her mouth and, with silent words, prayed to Luna. Several cycles of breath passed and Windless shook his head. “Nothing.”

“I got something,” Cobalt said, after taking a deep breath. “I couldn’t tell what it was. The image seemed out of focus.”

Windless leaned towards him. “What did you see?”

“Blue and green glowing ribbons, if that makes any sense.”

“Close enough. I'm not saying anything until after we try again.” He turned to Care. “You’re up.”

“Now I’m worried. Wouldn’t adding me to the mix make things too complicated?”

“No, it would help me. I know it.” He stepped out of the circle and hugged her. “Cobalt is my friend. You are my twin sister. I like him. I love you. If there is anyone that can make a connection between us it’s you.”

“How can you be so sweet and put so much pressure on me at the same time?”

“No pressure. Cobalt has done more than enough to make me feel a lot better.” He touched his nose to hers. “If this works, I will go to go to Sugar Cube Corner tomorrow and get you the biggest apple pie they have and that only has Sweet Apple Acres apples in it.”

She grinned. “I thought you said no pressure. You know how much I love those pies.”

“I’ll go get you one, even if it doesn’t work, how about that?”

“That sounds great.”

The Windless led Care into the circle and looked down at the planter. “We’re all supposed to be touching this at the same time?”

“I know, it will take some positioning, but we can do it.” After working the logistics out, the three got into their new spots and bowed their heads towards the rock moss. “Breathe with me,” Cobalt said.


*****


Puca’s ears went straight up and she looked towards the floor as if trying to see through it.”

Freight got to her hooves. “Puca, what are you getting?”

Mosaic put a foreleg across Freight’s shoulders. “Easy.”

“I don’t know, but something must have happened,” Puca said. “I got some strong emotions all jumbled together for a second and then almost nothing.”

“I’m going down there,” Freight said.

“Give them time.” Mosaic said. “If they are meditating like Cobalt does, they won’t be giving off much in the way of emotion. This could be a good sign.”

Puca closed her eyes, and they waited. After a short while, Puca smiled. “There they are: relief, giddiness, and happy exhaustion.”

“I’m still going down there.”

“None of them are hurt or I would have picked up concern or distress. They care for each other too much for anything else to be possible. Right now their connections are shifting and being tested. They need to sort this out for themselves.”

Freight nodded and sat back down. “I know I’m being too protective, but they are so vulnerable with all the changes they are facing.” She leaned against Mosaic, who hugged her around the shoulders. “How in the world did you not go insane when Cobalt and Stone went with us to stop the Nightmares?”

“Field was my pillar. He, after freaking out himself when I first told him what was going on, held me together and assured me that Cobalt and Stone could take on anything that Equestria could throw at them.”

Field smiled. “I did what I could, but she didn’t require much support. In fact, she kept me from worrying much more than I did for her. Miss Foremare here is the real source of strength for our family.”

“Seeing how you have been the steadying personalities in what’s been going on the last couple of day, I think you both are very strong ponies.” Freight shifted in Mosaic’s hold and returned her hug. “Thank you both.”

“It’s the least we can do, after all you did to protect our boys and save Equestria.”

“They saved all of us, I was the pilot.”

“You did more than that. You encouraged Stone, kept Cobalt out of the fray, and fought Windigos and Nightmares.”

“All right, I did more than pilot the ship, but don’t make me out as some hero.” She smiled. “They helped me, and I helped them. Isn’t that what friends are for?”


*****


Windless lay on the floor and grinned like a mad pony. “I don’t know what happened, but I think it worked.”

“Our magic pooled together.” Care raised her head. “It was beautiful.”

“I'm going to paint it, when we get home. The scene looked like something out of a fairy tale. The glow of a magic lantern attracting fireflies that danced around while it sat under the northern aurora.”

“Cobalt?” Care asked, putting a hoof on his shoulder.

“It worked,” he muttered as if half conscious.

“Did it hurt you?”

He shook his head as if to clear it. “I had to use a lot of my magic to funnel yours towards the rock moss. I’m drained, but I’m okay.”

“Aha! Now’s my chance, while the behemoth is weakened!” Windless got to his hooves, walked over to Cobalt and hugged him. Tears of relief ran down his face. “Thank you.”

Steadying himself with one foreleg, Cobalt used the other to hug and pat Windless on the shoulder. “I’m glad I could help. To be honest, I think the thing that made everything work is that you two are twins and your magic worked so well together.”

“Don’t give me that! I saw your magic dancing with Care’s. My bond with her was not the only one you were working off of.”

“Windless, not-” Windless tapped a hoof against Cobalt’s nose, cutting him off.

“I’ll tell the two of you what was worrying me, and then you tell her about what this kind of magic work can mean between crystal ponies.”

Care gave a huff. “Windless, I’m not a filly. I know that when ponies have magic that can work together like his and mine they are compatible on the magical, personality, and romantic levels. I didn’t want to make a big deal about with other ponies around.”

“You spoiled it! He was supposed to make a dramatic confession, after revealing he manipulated you to help with the rockmoss, while I sagely sit by and say ‘I knew it’ and then scold you two for not talking to each other in a direct manner.”

Care snorted. “You and the word sagely do not go together. Dramatic, yes. Sagely, no.”

Windless put a hoof to his chest. “You wound me, dear sister.”

“Did you ever consider that I asked to help with the rockmoss knowing what it could indicate according to crystal pony traditions?”

Windless made a show of narrowing his eyes at her. “You read my books.”

“The ones you left lying around. I was curious what Cobalt was getting training in.”

“That’s why it went so well. We’re compatible, and you knew the basics before we tried.” Cobalt studied her. “You were so interested that you read up on what I was doing?”

“Like you’ve read up on bat pony history and traits, because of Windless and me,” she said and put her hooves on his shoulders. “Sit down. You’re about to collapse.” She glanced at Windless. “I believe somepony owes us an explanation.”

Windless nodded. “As you both know, I’ve liked the Crystal Empire for a while. I fell in love with it when we went to Puca and Stone’s wedding.” He looked at Care and asked, “Do you remember that I was tired the last day of the trip and slept the whole time while we were on the train back?”

Care nodded. “I do. Mom seemed to keep an eye on you more than usual that day.”

“She caught me on our room’s balcony the night before, watching the aurora and drawing the cityscape. I was trying to make the most I could out of the last night there.”

“I’ve wondered why Mom kept telling me to let you sleep. That’s one of your best works if it’s the one in the hall I’m thinking about.”

“It is. When I got my acceptance letter to the Crystal Empire’s University, I was elated and sick to my stomach. I wanted to go, but I there was a part of me that didn’t want to leave you and worried that I would never fit in there. Since their entire culture revolves around earth pony magic and the Crystal Heart’s powers, I thought I would never experience their traditions or their magic without one of the yearly festivals when they use the Crystal Heart’s power to grant everypony access to the Empire’s magic.”

“This was your test to see if you could be a part of the Empire on a deeper level,” Care said. “That’s why you were so wound up about it.”

Windless nodded. “When I applied for the University, it was a long shot and I knew it. I didn’t want to study the old masters; I wanted to learn from them. The University would have given me the opportunity to do that, but I didn’t want to be a complete outsider, unable to take part in daily life there.”

“You might be sensitive to the Crystal Heart’s power,” Cobalt said. “There are several earth and non-earth ponies that are and are drawn to it. That you can connect with earth pony magic may be a part of what's going on.”

“There is something special about the Empire for me, whether or not that’s it.”

“If it is, Amore and Twilight might want to study the connection you have. They’re working on some kind of project that involves the Crystal Heart’s magic and its effects on ponies.”

“I wouldn’t mind that at all.”

“He thinks the mares in the Empire are something special too,” Care said. “Judging by all the sketches he does.”

“Classical beauties, every one,” Windless said, with a smile. “That was the other thing. I needed to know. Would it be possible for me to court a mare using their traditions, if one were to come along that I liked, and if she liked me.” He chuckled. “It’s strange, now I think about it, that my friend, who is a colt, is the one that might have given me the thing that allows me to find the mare of my heart.”

“It’s not too strange,” Care said. “Look at the pairs around us and how they came together. Except for Cobalt’s parents, you can’t say any of our friends got together the typical way.”

“Too true,” Windless agreed and looked to Cobalt. “What do we do with him? We can’t carry him out.”

“I’ll be fine in a few minutes. The same thing happened when Stone’s magic got away from us.”

“I’ll look over him,” Care said, rubbing Cobalt’s shoulder with a hoof. “Why don’t you go tell Mom and the other’s what happened. I’m sure Mom’s about to freak out.”

Windless raised an eyebrow and gave his sister a grin. “I don’t know, Sis. Leaving you two alone unsupervised doesn’t seem like that good of an idea.”

“Windless, go talk to Mom,” Care ordered.

“All right, I’ll go buy you some time.” Windless paused at the stairwell. “You two know Mom and Mosaic are sure to come down here, so don’t get too involved in anything you don’t want interrupted.”

Care face hoofed and sighed. “Windless, just go, please.”

With a parting grin, Windless went up the stairwell.

“If you’re angry with me, I understand,” Cobalt told Care and braced himself.

“Why would I be angry with you?”

“I didn’t know whether to say anything about what mixing our magic could mean or not,” Cobalt said, looking towards the floor. “If I told you, it might have given the wrong impression. If I didn’t, I risked looking like I had lured you into something. Since you asked, I thought I would leave it alone and go with what you wanted.”

“You did nothing wrong. Do you feel I should have told you I knew?”

He shook his head.

“I asked to help and you let me. We didn’t have to complicate things, which worked out for the best. If you feel you manipulated me, consider my actions as manipulative and that we’re equally innocent or guilty and have no reason to be upset with each other.”

He looked up at her and smiled. “Thanks.”

“Sit up a bit more for me, please.”

“I can do that.” Cobalt sat up straighter.

“Perfect.” Sliding towards him, she put hooves around his barrel and hugged him. She wrapped her wings around him. “I’ve wanted to do this for so long. Stowaway is great, but he’s not you.” She giggled. “You’re too cute. You froze the first time I gave you a wing hug too.”

“Getting a hug from a mare does that to us colts.”

She giggled. “You’re supposed to hug back, remember?” 

“I do.” He raised his hooves as if to hug her around the shoulders.

“Around my barrel, please, under my forelegs and wings.”

Cobalt blushed. “Care, if anypony comes down here and sees us…”

“I will tell them I told you to do it and that you were a perfect gentlecolt.” 

He hugged her around her barrel, intertwining their forelegs. “Is this all right?” 

“Perfect.” She gave him a smirk. “Now, I take you to the floor.”

“What?!”

She leaned and shifted their position to the floor so they were three quarters lying down. “There, that’s perfect. Puca has to be about as charged as she was last night when she had to bolt from everypony.”

Cobalt tensed.

“I have a strong suspicion she left because she didn’t want to let on that she sensed you had a shift in feelings for me, but it was too late.”

“You knew. You knew what happened.”

“So did our moms, I’m sure. What did I do for things to change?”

“When you told me you were glad you could help me, that’s what pushed me over the edge. Up till that point, I’d kept what I felt a crush, a strong one, but still a crush.” 

She put a hoof to his cheek. “I’m sorry you felt you needed to keep it a crush. Did I do something to make you feel you should?”

“I thought it would make things uncomfortable for you and between us and Windless, and that everyone would think I was still carrying a colt’s crush. When you told me you would be moving here, it got worse. I don’t know if you feel the same, or would even be interested, but if you would give me a chance I’ll do all I can to earn your love.”

“Why in Equestria would you think I don’t love you?” She closed the distance between them, and gave him a tender kiss that teased the edges of turning passionate. She broke the kiss and smiled at him. “You look like I rearranged your entire world.”

“I think you did.” He smiled at her in elation. “You love me?”

“I love you.”

“Why?” His ears went askew and he looked befuddled. “When?!”

“You’re handsome, intelligent, kind, supportive, and have been my friend since we were foals.”

“I would have thought last one would have worked against me.”

“You and I seem to have had the same worries. I thought nopony would take me seriously if I said I was interested in you. I thought if I told you I had a crush on you while settling in here that it would make things weird.”

“I talked about that with Windless last night, before you came in. He said it would help you, if I asked you to be my special somepony.”

“You asked Windless about it?”

“It came up when I offered to let him hit me for mixing magic with you.” Cobalt gave her a vulnerable look. “Now I know why, when?”

“Last night, when we were having tea after we got back. I think knowing you loved me allowed my emotional walls to drop. Things went a lot deeper for me real fast when you suggested we get plushies for Labra and Windless.”

He tilted his head. “But that was a spur of the moment thing. It’s wasn’t anything big either.”

“I know how much Stowaway has meant for me, so you thinking of giving Windless a plushie of Labra touched me. This is the first time Windless and I will be separated. I knew I would have you and your family watching over me. He will not have anypony looking out for him.” 

“I’ve been worried about him too. Before he merged magic with us, he was an emotional wreck. I think we gave him hope.”

“I can understand why he was so worried about not being able to mix magic while up in the Empire and with the mare he liked. I was scared that I could never see what you see when you use your magic. Now that I have, I don’t know if I could even think of not being able to do that with you again.”

“We can do that whenever you would like. I’m sure the rockmoss would enjoy it too.”

“You will need to get more rockmoss going.”

“You gave me another idea that might help Windless, but I need to know something first.”

“What?”

“How good is he with plants?”


*****


Stone kissed the top of Puca’s head. “You seem more relaxed. Is everything calming down in the basement?”

“I think so.” She gave a contented sigh. “Thanks for holding me.”

Windless’ eyes kept returning to Puca and Stone.

“Windless, talk to us,” Puca said. “You’re an emotional knot.”

“You’re not playing fair.”

“And you’re not talking about what you are feeling when you need to be.”

He gave her a self-deprecating smile. “It’s kinda tough talking about the stuff running through my head with one of my heroes, while another of my heroes is holding her and who would be justified in smashing me into the floor if he heard the word ‘jealous’ anywhere in the conversation.”

“From what Freight told me, while you were in the basement, your Mom got in bed with my parents last night," Stone said. "After that shock, I think I can handle whatever you throw out.” 

Windless groaned and put his head down on the table. “Mom, please don’t spread that around.”

Stone smiled. “Freight, herds are still legal in both Equestria and the Empire. Starlight, Sunburst, and Trixie formed one with the blessing of Cadance herself about a year ago.”

“Nope, nope, I’m not hearing this and definitely not having mental images I would like erased!” Windless raised his head, as the house’s front door opened. “They’re back?”

Field’s ears went up. “Sounds like Cobalt’s worn himself out again, judging by his hoofsteps.” He raised his chin towards the doorway and asked, “You all right, Son?”

“I’m okay,” Cobalt answered in a less than convincing volume. 

“I’m spotting him,” Care said, backing into view and past the kitchen doorway. “Do you want to go to your room?”

“Is everypony still in the kitchen?”

“We are, but we’re moving to the den,” Mosaic said, “which is where you’ll be going.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Cobalt said.

“I’ll get the blankets,” Stone said.

“I think they’re still on the floor,” Cobalt said. “I had a feeling I would be sleeping there tonight and left them.”

“Whoa there,” Care said, steadying Cobalt with a hoof.  

Mosaic trotted from the table and braced Cobalt. “You about pushed it too far again didn’t you?”

“It was close,” Cobalt confessed.

Care’s ears folded back in a sign of concern. “What happens if he pushes it too far?”

“After he sleeps for about twelve hours, Mend chews his ears off, and he’s a zombie for a couple of days.”

“Being that tired is bad, having Mend lecture me is ten times worse.” Cobalt used Mosaic’s help to settle himself on the blankets on the den’s floor. “Thanks, Mom.”

“Shouldn’t you be on the couch?” Freight said, as she and everypony else walked into the den.

“Being on the ground helps me get my magic back.” He looked up at Care. “Thank you for spotting me.”

“I did nothing. If you had collapsed, all I could have done was gotten help.”

Mosaic got on the floor beside Cobalt. “You sure you’re okay?”

“I pushed it, but after I get some sleep I’ll be fine.”

Freight settled on the floor on Cobalt’s other side. “Lean on me.”

Cobalt glanced to her and then to Care and Windless.

“Your Mom tucked me in last night,” Windless said. "My mom can fuss over you."

Care smiled at him. “You’ve never been sick when Mom’s been around have you?”

“Not that I remember.” Cobalt blushed as Freight extended a wing across his back and added pressure to his side to prompt him to lean into her, which he did.

“Miss Mosaic, do you have any chamomile tea?” Care asked.

“We do. It’s on the top shelf, in the cabinets just above and to the left of the sink.”

“He’ll need cinnamon toast too,” Freight said.

“Got it, Mom,” Windless said.

“You two are the best,” Freight said, as the twins left the den.

“Put your head down.” Cobalt complied. Freight used her free hoof to stroke his head and neck. “I don’t know whether to thank you for what you did or scold you.”

“Windless needed help.”

She tapped him on the nose. “But you exhausted yourself in the process.” 

He smiled leaned his head against her foreleg. “It was worth it.” Cobalt chuckled. “Windless’ magic is wild. It took a lot to direct his and Care’s combined magic to where it needed to be. Care was right; their magic was so similar they fed off of each other’s.”

“They are twins,” Stone pointed out, as he and Puca settled on the couch. 

“I think we gave the rockmoss about the same dose you gave yours that first try we did,” Cobalt said.

“Rarity will be thrilled. She liked those smaller gems.”

His eyes not focused on anything in the room, Cobalt smiled at some internal image. “Windless is planning to paint what we saw. I can’t wait to see what he does.”

“Cobalt, stay with us till Care and Windless come back,” Field said. “Getting a little snack in you will help you rest.”

“You’re right, Dad. Training’s tomorrow. Care owes edge push-ups. I’m going to do them with her.” 

“We might have to wright you a note,” Mosaic said.

For a second, Cobalt’s sparked. “Care and Windless are going tomorrow. I can’t miss it.”

“Don't get yourself hurt because of us,” Windless said, as he put a plate of cinnamon toast down in front of Cobalt.

“I won’t get hurt. I'll get some sleep and I’ll be fine for tomorrow.” Cobalt leaned up and tried a bite of the toast. “This is great, thanks.”

“No son of mine is going off to school without knowing how to care for himself.” Freight smiled at Windless. “Besides, mares like stallions that know how to take care of themselves.” She looked past Windless, “Isn’t that right, Care?”

“It is.” Care put a cup of tea besides the plate of cinnamon toast.

Cobalt smiled at her. “Thank you.”

“What’s the plan for tomorrow, after training?” Puca asked.

“A good breakfast,” Mosaic said.

Puca looked up at Stone. “I can train. Changelings can pretty much anything they want till close to the time for the egg to come.”

“I’m sorry that you felt that,” Stone said. “I’m getting protective and it's only the first day we've known.”

Puca kissed him. “You shouldn't feel sorry for anything. If you hadn’t felt something like that, I would have wondered what was wrong.” She turned to Windless and smiled. “Ask.”

“You’re not playing fair again.”

“You’re not talking again. Ask, please.”

“Stone, what is like, with her being able to sense what you’re feeling?” Windless asked. “That has to be… different.”

“I took a little time to adjust, I’ll admit. At first, I about drove myself nuts trying not to do, think, or feel anything I thought would annoy or upset her. That didn’t work, because my trying to suppress or not do things I thought would bother her led doing and feeling things that upset her.” He leaned into Puca as she leaned into him. “She has taught me to be open with my emotions, even the bad ones, with her. We talk, we share, and we disagree without things turning into a fight. After I learned to feel what I felt and not worry about it and to be open both in giving and receiving, everything got a lot easier.” 

Puca snorted and smiled. “He makes it sound like it was a big deal and all on his side of things. It took a bit, but we talked, experimented with different solutions, and worked through things together. I worried that if he wasn’t feeling fine it was something I had done or something I could help with and I smothered him trying to fix things that had nothing to do with us, were irritating parts of life, or had no solutions.” 

Stone kissed the side of Puca's head. “When I feel love and warmth for her, I tell her. When I need a hug, I ask for one. When I think she’s not feeling good, I offer to help. We’re friends, we’re lovers, and she’s everything to me.” He looked towards her stomach. “Now she’s going to be the mother of our child. I hope I can as open a relationship with our little one as I do with her, because I know I will love them too.”

“That was a hay of a answer. Thanks.”

Puca got off the couch and hugged Windless, who seemed shocked by the contact. “You’re a good stallion. You’ll find your special mare, or she’ll find you.”

Freight sighed. “I keep telling him that, but he won’t listen to his mother.”

“You can hug her back,” Stone said, with a chuckle. “She’ll be hurt if you don’t.”

Windless returned Puca’s hug. “You’ve given me a lot to think about. Thank you both.”

Field took the clean plate and empty from Cobalt. “Feeling better?”

“I am, but I’m not sure how much longer I will be awake.” He put his head back on the floor. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s not your fault.” Puca and Windless separated. “Mom has that effect on ponies when she wants them to feel better.”

“We should all get rest,” Puca said. “We’re all tired with as wild as the day has been.”

“You’re kind of an emotional barometer aren’t you?” Windless said.

“I never thought of it that way, but I guess so.”

“He’s out like a light,” Mosaic said, looking at Cobalt and sighing.

“Will he be all right?” Care asked. “I’m starting to feel worried.”

“He’s going to not be his best in the morning, but he’ll be fine.” Mosaic took a deep breath. “You should have seen him when he came back from Hound’s Run.” She closed her eyes. “No. No, I’m glad you didn’t see him.”

Field hugged Mosaic to his side and kissed her head.


*****


Windless’ pencil scratched across the paper. He studied Cobalt for a moment then added more details to the illustration.

“You couldn’t sleep either,” Care said in a whisper.

“It’s strange. I’m feeling better, but my mind is racing on other things now.”

Care watched Cobalt sleeping. “I know the feeling.”

Windless put his sketch pad on the couch’s arm and patted the cushion next to him.

Care took a seat next to Windless and leaned against him.

Windless put a foreleg around her shoulders. “You were down there with him for a while. Did you talk?”

“We did. We’re special someponies now.”

“Good.”

She gave a light snort. “You’re calm about it.”

“He’s a good stallion. If I were a mare, you would have competition.”

Care looked to Windless.

“No, my barn door doesn’t swing that way at all, despite the rumors about us artists.”

“I know that you goof. I’m just surprised you said it so casually.”

“It’s working under the moon when it’s quiet that’s got me like this. That and I’ve been thinking about what Puca and Stone said. If I had talked with Gauze more, we might have avoided the awkward situation we're in.”

“Just be careful about being too open.” She looked at the drawing he had been working on. “How do you keep getting better and better?”

“Practice and using it like a kind of meditation. Cobalt makes his gems; I make my pieces of art.”

Care sighed. “I don’t make anything, now I think about it.”

Windless gave her a light squeeze. “You make other ponies happy.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“You will be helping Cobalt make more gems, if I had to bet.”

“He's already said I could help.”

“I would too. What we did was amazing.”

“I’m sure you could help too, if you asked.”

“No, we’re not compatible on that level. It was great to help, but it cost him, and I don’t want to do that to him again.” He chuckled. “Speaking of creating things, you two were down there for a while. You aren’t expecting a delivery of your own now are you?”

“Windless!” she hissed at him while giving a meaningful glance towards Cobalt.

“You’re not answering.”

“We hugged each other. You saw how worn out he was.”

“I know, but that does not mean he had to be too involved. I thought you were about to take him to the floor yesterday, so I thought you might have succeeded this time. Wait, two days ago now, I think. Never mind, you know what I mean.”

“You’re horrible. I was going to give him a wing hug, since he mentioned that was what it felt like when we mixed our magic.”

“Poor guy, not even a kiss.”

“We did kiss,” Care admitted. "Nothing else."

“You started it, didn’t you?”

She nodded.

“Thought so, he’s a little like Stone was with Puca, worried that he will push things too far too soon.”  
Cobalt fidgeted in his sleep, drawing their attention.

“Do you see how he’s holding the blanket in his forelegs?”

Care nodded.

“There is a Care plushie that’s supposed to be right there, if I had to bet. The only problem is that she is in his room on a shelf.” He put a hoof to his chin. “I wonder if there is something we could use as a substitute.”

“Should I?”

“Do you want to?”

“Yes.”

“I’m sure he wouldn’t mind.”

“Why don’t you do that with the Fluttershy plushie Rarity made for you?”

“I tried, but it doesn’t work for me. Holding it made me feel the same as when I drew her when she was looking sad, like I was taking advantage of somepony I didn’t even know.” He patted her shoulder. “Go on.” 

Care got off the couch and approached Cobalt. She dropped her head close to this. “Cobalt?”

Cobalt stirred, but did not wake.

“You really are exhausted.” She stroked his mane with a hoof. “Maybe I should just let you sleep.”

With a sleepy swipe, one of Cobalt’s hooves caught hers. Cobalt opened his eyes and looked up at her. “Care?”

“I’m sorry to wake you up, but I couldn’t settle down. I can sleep in here?”

Cobalt smiled. “Sure. Let me scoot over.” Cobalt moved and adjusted the blankets. “Here you go.”

“Thank you.” She settled down beside him.

Cobalt blushed. “Would you like me to hold you again?”

“I liked that, but since you got to hold me last time, can I hold you this time?”

“That sounds great. What do you need me to do?”

“Hold still for a second.” Care lay down beside him and guided him so that his head was tucked under her chin and she hugged him under his forelegs.  She extended her free wing over his shoulders and back. “Comfy?”

“Very.” Cobalt raised his head and kissed her. Her ears snapped up and her wing rose from his side. “I’ve wanted to do that for a while.” He put his head back on her chest. 

She returned her wing to his shoulders and rested her check against his head. “You have no idea how happy I am to hear that.”

Before long, Care and Cobalt were both asleep. Cobalt smiled, shook his head, and whispered to himself, “I might as well have not been in the room.” He picked his sketch pad up and flipped to a fresh page.
> Sketches, Messes, and Eventful Mornings
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Freight raised her head from the pillow and looked around. “That’s right, I’m not at home.” She sat up on the bed. “There’s not much here. No art, nothing on the shelves.” She put a hoof to her temple and closed her eyes. “You’re talking to yourself. Not a good sign.” 

She made the bed and stepped out into the hallway. After looking towards Field’s and Mosaic’s door, Freight walked into the den.

“The blankets are put away too.” She sighed. “I hope Cobalt doesn’t overdo it.” She tilted her head, as she looked towards the couch. “Is that Windless’ drawing pad?” She walked to the couch and picked up a note that had been addressed “To Mom” in Old Ponish.

“What are you up to this time?” Freight opened the note and read:

Hello Mom,

(My mom, not Cobalt’s and Stone’s, though if you are reading this Miss Mosaic, good morning. I didn’t know you could read Old Ponish.)

I wanted to give you a status report as to our mutual concern. If you flip to page 26, you will see that things are going well. Look at page 25 first; to see what led up to page 26. You can look over any of the other pages in the sketch book. Be warned, the ones I have paper clipped together have art that a son’s mother might not want to know her son is drawing. I leave it to your discretion if you wish to see such material.

(Miss Mosaic, I would be embarrassed if you looked at the paper clipped artwork, but if you want to I cannot and would not stop you. However, if you look at them, I would like your critique later, even if I cannot look you in the eye while you deliver it.)

Love,

Windless

She shook her head. “Windless, what am I going to do with you?” She flipped to the twenty fifth page of the sketch pad. “Fantastic work, but that bunch of blanket clutched to him makes it seem almost sad.” She flipped the next page. “Care?!”


*****


After shutting off his alarm clock, Field reached over and pulled Mosaic to him. “Time to wake up,” he whispered to her.

She rolled over to face him and hid her face against his chest. “Five more minutes.”

“If you take five, I want at least fifteen.” He caught one of her ears with his mouth and gave it a gentle nibble.

“Field!” She leaned back from him. When she tried to give him a stern look, he kissed her nose. “We have guests!”

“I can be quiet. I can’t guarantee you’ll be able to with what I have in mind.”

“Field!” She gave him a light swat to the chest. 

He reached up and cupped her cheek. “You’re right. I’ll be patient.”

She relaxed, letting her body rest against his and kissed him. Breaking the kiss, she told him, “Those were my five.” She nuzzled his neck. “I’m tempted to give you your fifteen.”

Field looked toward the bedroom door. “I think Freight is up. I heard Stone’s door.”

“Tell her good morning for me. I need to jump in the shower before everyone comes over.”

He put his nose to her chest and took a deep breath. “You smell wonderful just as you are.”

She giggled. “Go check on her, before I drag you into the shower with me.”

Both of their heads turned towards the door. “Did you hear her say something?” Mosaic asked.

“I did. She sounded surprised too.” Field helped Mosaic out of their bed and led the way into the hall. “Freight, did something happen?”

“No, everything’s fine.”

“Something is up,” Mosaic said, “I can hear it in her voice.” She poked Field in the flank with a hoof. “Go on.”

Field moved down the hall, Mosaic close behind him. “Are you okay?” he asked.

“Yes, no, sort of? I don’t know.” As Field entered the den, Freight held up Windless’ note. “Windless left me a note. Can either of you read Old Ponish?”

“We can, to an extent. Some of the founding architectural manuscripts are in Old Ponish, so we had to learn it to a functional level.”

“Then you’ll have no trouble with this.” She gave the note to Mosaic. “I think you tucking him in the last couple of nights has impacted him.”

Field and Freight watched Mosaic’s expression as she read. She smiled, seemed perplexed, gave a light laugh, and then returned to looking puzzled as she gave the note to Field. “He left you sketches? When did he have time to draw them?”

Freight nodded. “He can be a night owl. He does his best work on quiet evenings. It looks like he was inspired last night.”

She gave Windless’ sketch pad to Mosaic. “Start with page twenty five.”

Mosaic flipped through the sketch book. “He’s good.” She gave a coo, as she found the right page. “There’s my Cobalt.” She touched a hoof to paper. “He’s about to enter college and he’s still my little boy.”

“The next page may change your outlook on that a little.”

After giving Freight a glance, Mosaic flipped to the next page and gasped. “That’s Care!”

Field rumbled a deep laugh. “Looks like her.” He grinned at Freight. “So that’s what you were startled by.”

“That would be it.”

Field put a foreleg around Mosaic and drew her close. “It looks like they’re comfy.”

Mosaic looked up at him. “That’s all you're going to say?”

“It’s not as if it’s a surprise.” He kissed the top of her nose. “Windless did a great job capturing them. Maybe we can ask him for a copy of both of the drawings?”

“Should we say anything to them?”

“Nah, if they had wanted to let everypony know, they would have said something to us last night.”

“I agree with him,” Freight said. “I think Windless left this here for me to find to give me some peace of mind, not to make what’s going on between Care and Cobalt known to everypony. We should let them tell us when they are ready.” She took a breath in and smiled.

“What’s wrong?”

“The idea they’re leaving has been eating on me. It bothered me again last night, while I was trying to get to sleep. When I woke up this morning, the room seemed so empty and it hammered me again.” She sniffed. “Our home will be that way.”

Mosaic put a hoof on Freight’s shoulder. “Can I recommend something that might help that will sound strange?”

“Sure.” 

“Hug Field. If he can’t help you feel better, I don’t know who can.”

Field wiped away her tears and nodded. She stepped into Field’s hug. After a few seconds, she laughed. “It’s like hugging a larger version of Cobalt.” She eased into the hug. “He feels comforting and protective.”

“Puca said something like that, when we first met her. That Cobalt and he were similar and that Stone and I were alike.”

“I can see that.” She stepped back and smiled at Field. “Thank you. I feel better.”

Mosaic gave Windless’ sketch pad back to Freight. “Let’s get some coffee in you. That will help too.”

There was a knock on the front door.

Mosaic grinned. “This will be better than coffee, if it’s who I think it is.” She went to the door and opened it. “Good morning.”

“Good morning!” two pups greeted her in chorus.

“Can I ask you two to do me a favor?”

“Sure,” Labra said.

“Can you two give Miss Freight a hug? She needs one.”

“Where is she?!”

“She’s in the den.”

“Come on, Pyrite, we’ve got hugs to deliver!””

Freight smiled as the two pups raced towards her. She put the sketch pad down on the couch as the pups hugged her. She hugged them back and told them, “Good morning to you too.” She gave them both a kiss on the head. “Not that I’m not glad to see you, but what are you doing here so early?”

“We eat breakfast with everypony, before we go to school on days that Mister Edge trains them,” Labra told her.

“Mommy and Daddy take turns going,” Pyrite added. “It was Mommy’s turn today.”

“Bonsmara helps train the guard,” Fierce said, as he followed Mosaic into the den. “She is skilled as an instructor.”

“She’s good at everything,” Labra said.

“Would you two like to help me get the pancakes going?” Mosaic asked.

“Sure!” Labra said and followed her.

Pyrite stopped, leaned towards the couch’s arm, and sniffed. “What did Windless leave?”

“It’s his sketch pad,” Freight said.

“He said he likes to draw yesterday,” Pyrite told her. He stood on the tips of his paws to look at the pad. “It smells good.”

“What does it smell like?” Fierce said. “Take a good sniff and tell us.”

Pyrite closed his eyes and took in a deep sniff. “Paper, charcoal, eraser, metal, pencil lead, Windless, Freight, Care, and somepony I don’t know.”

“Very good!” Fierce knelt to the floor and gave Pyrite a pat on the shoulder. “You’re learning to use your sniffer quiet well.”

“What makes it smell good to you?” Freight asked.

“I don’t know. It’s like the smell that a good blanket has or someone’s favorite spot to sit.” Pyrite looked back toward the arm of the couch and the sketch pad. “Can I see?”

“I’ll let him show you later,” Freight said. “I’m not sure which pictures he would like to share.”

Pyrite seemed disappointed. “Okay.”

“Pyrite, come on!” Labra said, from the den door. “We’re waiting on you.”

“Coming!” Pyrite hurried towards the kitchen.

“He’s precious,” Freight said.

“He and his sister are the lights of our lives.” Fierce sighed and smiled in a sad way. “I only wish they had joined us in a less traumatic fashion.”

She put a hoof on his shoulder. “Things could have gone smoother, but you were there when they needed you, which shows how much you care for them. When they get older I’m sure they will appreciate that.”

His smile turned to one of appreciation. He took her hoof from his shoulder and gave it a kiss. “You are wonderful soul. Thank you.”


*****


“Mercy’s done well with both of you,” Edge said. “Please send her my complements. For you two to drop into the level of training we were doing and have little to no trouble is impressive.”

“Thank you,” Care said. “I’m sure she will be thrilled to hear we didn’t let her down,” she looked at Cobalt, “even if we can’t wrestle your student to the floor yet.”

Bonsmara gave Windless, who had been staring at her, a smile. “Is there something you would like to ask of me?”

“She’s impressive, isn’t she?” Edge said.

“Yes,” Windless said in a tone carrying hero worship. “She’s inspiring.”

“Windless, be careful,” Care said. “She could toss you like a bean bag.” 

“I know! She tossed me during training! That’s part of why I’m so impressed. Her tactical instructions against bipedal opponents were great too. Miss Bonsmara, can I ask you a favor?”

“Here it comes,” Care said.

Windless ignored Care. “May I draw you? I’ve never sketched a minotaur in person before.”

“You may. I am flattered you would ask.”

Windless added a prance to his step. “Thank you!”

Bonsara laughed and scratched Windless’ head. “I only ask that I get to shower and dry off first. What if I stop by this afternoon after I pick the pups up from school? I’m sure they would love to see you work.”

“That sounds great.”

“Speaking of showers, who’s going first?”

“I check the rockmoss after training, so I’ll be last,” Cobalt said. “I say we let the ladies go first, since we have showers in both bathrooms.”

“Ever the gentlecolt,” Bonsmara praised.

“I’ll hose off, thank you,” Edge said. “I’ll be doing more training at the university later, so I will get dirty and sweaty again.”

When they got close to Cobalt’s house, Care giggled. “Windless, it looks like there is somedoggy happy to see you.”

Windless waved towards the kitchen window. “Looks like she could use a shower too, she’s half covered in flour.”

Bonsmara sighed. “She can take one with me.”

Edge chuckled. “She’s left the window. I would expect a furry projectile incoming soon.”

The front door of the house opened and Labra raced towards them. She hugged herself to Windless, getting a generous dusting of flour on his coat. “Good morning!”

“Good morning to you.” He scratched one of her ears. “Is someone trying to turn you into a dumpling?”

“We’re making pancakes!”

“I fear for the state of the kitchen,” Bonsmara said. “Where is your father?”

“He’s helping too.”

Fierce, who had flour coloring him from the waist down, came out of the house, carrying Pyrite who had flour from his ears to his paws. “We had an incident with a bag of flour.”

“They can shower with me,” Bonsmara said shaking her head. “What happened? It looks like you were caught up in it too.”

“A seam on the flour bag split while I was moving it. The little ones got it the worst, since they were at the right height for the flour to pour on them.” Fierce looked at the group. "We seem to be absent a three of our members."

"Amore, Stone, and Puca were asked to the castle this morning," Edge said. "I believe Mend and Princess Twilight were interested in talking to them."

"One does not turn down such an invitation," Fierce said, with a chuckle. "I hope Puca and Stone do not suffer too many indignations at the hooves of those two. Brilliant though they may be, they often lack tact and social grace."

Pyrite sneezed, which caused a cloud of flour to leave his fur. “Flour doesn’t taste too good.”

“Not by itself. That is why cook it with other things.” Bonsmara took Pyrite from Fierce and kissed his temple. She looked to Labra. “Come on, little lady. We need to get you cleaned up.”

Labra’s ears fell and she clung to Windless. “But I’ve already had a bath this morning.”

“What have your mother and I said about whining?” Fierce said in a father’s tone.

“That good doggies don’t whine,” Labra said, sounding miserable. “Sorry Daddy.”

“I was planning to draw your mom this afternoon. I could draw you too. If you shower, you would look nice for the sketch.”

Labra looked up at Windless. “You want to draw me?”

“Sure, but you don’t want your fur covered by the flour for it do you?”

Labra shook her head.

“I could get you too, little guy,” Windless said to Pyrite.

“Okay,” he responded. “Could I watch you draw Momma and Sis?”

“Sure. You might get bored, though.”

“Come on, my little one. Let’s get that shower.” Bonsmara said and held out a hand toward Labra.

Windless nudged her. “Get the shower over with. Then we can eat a quick breakfast together.”

“Can I have one nuzzle, please?” Labra asked him.

Windless gave her a quick nuzzle. “Once you’re done with your shower, and if you behave for your mom, I’ll give you another one.”

Labra took Bonsmara’s hand and walked with her into the house.

“Thank you, Windless. She can be a challenge to get into the tub.” Fierce chuckled. “When I was that age, I did not care for baths either. We diamond dogs are creatures of smell. Bathing takes so many scents from us it is like being wiped clean of what you have done and experienced.”

“I’m glad I could help.”

“I better hop in the shower too,” Care said. “Take care of the rockmoss for me.”

“I will,” Cobalt assured.

Fierce patted Cobalt on the shoulder, as Care went into the house. “She’s quite the mare, is she not?”

“I’d say so.” Edge chuckled. “She did fifty pushups and then fifty wing ups to make up for hugging Amore. Cobalt did the same number of pushups then fifty buckies right beside her.”

“I hugged Amore too,” Cobalt explained. “I should face the same penalty, even if she kissed you to get me off the hook.”

“I’ll go check on Mom and your mom,” Windless said. “They may need help in the kitchen cleaning up.”

Edged motioned for Fierce to follow him. “Come on Fierce, you can hose off with me.” 

Cobalt tapped Windless on the shoulder. “Before you go inside, I want to show you something.” 
As Cobalt led him into the basement, Windless said, “You wanted to get sweaty with my sister, that’s why you did all those pushups with her.”

“I wanted to support her.” Cobalt got the gem lantern from off the wall.

Windless looked up. “Hear the water running through the pipes? Just think, she’s in the shower, her coat and mane wet, with suds all over.”

“Windless, I’m trying to concentrate to get the lamp going!”

“Ah ha, I knew it! You’re one of those stallions that likes an active mare to get dirty and clean with.”

“You’re talking about your own sister. Doesn’t that bother you?”

“Not at all, you should have heard some of the things she’s said about me and Gauze, when we were practice special someponies. This is my way of getting even.” He leaned so he was in the center of Cobalt’s line of sight on the other side of the lantern. “She’s told me about what she wants to do with the stallion of her dreams. Who I have to assume is you. I hope you’re flexible and have lots of stamina or she will break you.”

The lantern’s gem flashed for an instant then went back out. “Windless!”

“Get that going again. Some of the rockmoss looks different.”

“I’m trying, but you keep distracting me.”

“No, my sister is distracting you and she’s not even here. I guess sleeping with your head on a mare’s chest will make you vulnerable to that.”

“I’m not sure if that was a mistake or not.”

“What do you mean? You both liked it, from what I could tell.”

“Now I understand what Stone said about him and Puca. That he doesn’t sleep as well without her being close so he can hear her breathing or her heart beat. I will want to hold her every night from now on.”

“I didn’t know your brother was such a romantic. You, I had pegged.”

The lantern flared to life.

“Whoa! Cobalt, look!” Windless paused, when Cobalt did not respond, and followed Cobalt’s gaze to a planter. “Is that yours and Care’s?”

Cobalt reached out a hoof towards the planter as if he were scared it would disappear when he touched it. “The gems are spectacular. Most of them are ready to harvest too.”

“Rarity would pay a fortune for them, I bet.”

“No. Not these. These are too special for me to sell.” Cobalt touched a hoof to the side of the planter. “I will keep every one of these that Care doesn’t want.”

“They would make wonderful jewelry,” Windless said, leaning close to the planter. “They need to be put in something light, maybe even in just a wire setting, so that the gem catches the eye rather than the metal work.”

“Would Care would like something like that?”

“She’d love it. If you put one on a silver chain, she would never take it off.”

“Let’s check on yours. It got a big dose. I’m kinda worried we may have overdone it.”

“Mine? Don’t you mean ours?”

“Care and I agreed that it’s yours, even if we helped it get going.”

“Thanks. So, mine’s not out?”

“We put it in a safe spot.” Cobalt led him to a box that sat under the shelves holding the planters. He slid the box out and stepped away. “You should do the honors.”

Field opened the box’s lid and grinned. “It’s budding!”

“That’s a good sign it’s fine. The first of the smaller gems should come in soon, if it acts like Stone’s.”

“Why is it in a box? Do you think it will contaminate the others with something?”

“We packed it so you could take it with you.”

Windless looked up at Cobalt. “But I can’t feed it on my own.”

“I can charge feeding crystals for you to take with you. They’re not as good at providing magic to the moss, but they should do the trick till I can get up there with a resupply.” Cobalt grinned. “Then again, maybe you’ll find a nice mare who wants to know more about a bat pony that can help make gems and make sure his rockmoss doesn’t wilt on him.”

“You’re a devious genius.”

“I’m sure they will have groups about crystal growth at the University you can get involved with. You caring for the rockmoss would be an excellent conversation starter.”  

Windless grinned. “That’s perfect. I’ll dive right in and watch how ponies react. If they find out about this, they will either be excited or put off. All I have to do is find ponies up for something new and willing to put up with me.” 

“I don’t think that will be much of a problem.”

Windless bumped shoulders with Cobalt. “I’ll go help our Moms. If there is that much flour to be cleaned up, I’m sure they will need it.”

“I won’t be long.” Cobalt looked to the planters on the wall. “I have to check to see if some of these are ready or not.”

“Well hello dear sister.” Windless stepped down from the first stair. “That was a quick shower.”

“I took a cold shower so the pups could have the hot water. I got out as soon as I could.”

“You may not want to come down here.”

“Why is that?”

“You’ll give Cobalt a heart attack, with your mane still damp like that.” Windless looked in Cobalt’s direction and grinned.

“He’s blushing just thinking about it.”

“Move over, you goof. I wanted to see how the rockmoss came out too.”

“It did well, I promise.” Windless touched his forehead to hers. “Thank you for rockmoss. I think it will act like a bridge between home and there for me.” 

“That’s what we had hoped,” Care gave him a nuzzle. “You better go up there. If Labra gets out of the shower and you’re not there she’ll not be a thrilled puppy.”

One of Windless’ ears folded back. "Is she that attached to me this fast?"

Care put a hoof to Windless’ nose. “You did the right thing. She was hurting. You were kind and helped her. I think she thinks it’s a kind of game, like we did when we played house at her age.” She smiled and gave his nose a light tap. “You didn’t end up marrying me, did you?”

“No I didn’t.” He blew a raspberry on her frog, making her laugh and pull her hoof away. “Just don’t go playing doctor with Cobalt, Mom’s likely to come down here and check on you two.”

Care swatted Windless’ flank as he went past her and up the stairs, gaining a whinny from him. She moved to Cobalt and gave a small gasp. She leaned towards the planter. “Is this ours?” 

“It’s ours.”

“It shouldn’t be this far along, should it?”

“No, but I think our mixture of magic was perfect for it.” He got a basket from the basement’s corner. “I’ll hold the basket. You should pick the first ones.”

Care took the formed gems from the rock moss. A scant few were left, after she was done.

Cobalt held out the basket to Care. “If I could have two them, you can have the rest.”

Care took the basket. “We’ll go through them together and split them.” She smiled at him, and flipped a strand of wet mane from her face. “Would you like help checking the others? Looks like they might need another round of harvesting, after what we did to them last night.”

“I would love it.”

“You’re blushing again.”

“It was just a silly thought.”

She bumped her nose to his. “You need to share.”

“I like your mane is like this.”

She raised an eyebrow. “I hear a ‘but’ in there.”

“I want to help you brush it and dry it out.”

“It wouldn’t be worth the effort; my mane’s not even shoulder length.”

He reached a hoof up and touched her mane. “It would be for me, just to share something like that with you.”

She gave him a kiss on the nose. “How about we wait till Mom and Windless aren’t around.”

“I’m looking forward to it.”


*****


Windless made his way out of the basement, into the house, and to the kitchen. He looked at the floor, which still had a good dusting of flour across it. “That must have been a lot of flour!”

“A ten pound bags worth,” Mosaic said, with a sigh. “At least we saved some of it.” She continued to stir the pancake batter. “Field will be back in a second, he was getting washcloths for me and Freight so we can get some of the flour off.”

Freight looked down at her legs. “It’s not too bad, but I’ll stay off the carpets till I get cleaned up.”

“Mom, you can fly,” Windless pointed out.

“Not down the hall I can’t. I’d worry about knocking into something.”

Field stepped into the kitchen with washcloths and towels balanced on his back. “Here you go.”

“Since I'm going to shower, I’ll get the rest of the flour off the floor,” Windless said. “Where can I get the mop?”

“Don’t worry about that till after we eat,” Mosaic said, as she dampened the washcloths in the sink. “With the little ones, I’m sure we are about to add crumbs and syrup to the flour on the floor. No need to clean up twice.” She passed a washcloth to Freight. “Here you go.”

“Thanks.”

“Want me to help?” Field asked Mosaic.

She smiled and raised her eyebrow at him. “You promise to behave?”

“It’s flour, so I’ll be good. Had it been powdered sugar, I would have taken a nibble or two.” He waggled his eyebrows at her.

“Guests,” she reminded him, with a blush, as she gave him a cloth.

“I would leave them alone. They are desserts for somepony else.” He took one of her hooves, kissed it, and then wiped the flour from her foreleg. “You’re the treat I want.”

“I thought Dad was bad with Mom,” Windless said. He turned his head toward the hall. “It sounds like we’re about to have the pups back.”

Pyrite poked his head around the kitchen’s door frame. “Is it okay to come in? Momma didn’t want me to get in the flour again.”

“The floor’s been swept, but there’s still flour,” Mosaic said. “We’ll need to mop a little later.”

“I’ve got you.” Windless went to Pyrite and lowered himself to the floor. “Hop on.”

Pyrite shook his head. “You’re Sis’s.”

“I’m not your sister’s, I’m mine. She has to share.”

“No you’re not yours, you’re mine, even as big as you are,” Freight said. “You’re still dirty, so it wouldn’t be a good idea for him to get on you. Since only my hooves and legs got any flour, I’m taking him.”

Freight took over Windless’ spot and Pyrite got on her back. 

“Thank you, Miss Bat.” Pyrite said and hugged himself to the back of her neck. “I didn’t want to get in trouble with Momma or Sis.”

“Thank you.” Freight looked over her shoulder at Pyrite. “Where is your sister?”

“She and Momma are still getting dry.” He turned towards the front door as it opened. “Hi Daddy.”

“Are you clean now?” Fierce asked as he approached.

Pyrite nodded.

“That’s my good boy.” Fierce scratched one of Pyrite’s ears. “I take it your sister and mom are still in the bathroom?”

“They’re drying off.”

“They should just hose off and shake dry like your father and I did,” Edge said, from just outside the house. “It’s much more efficient.” He came into the house and shut the door. 

“Labra will be in school,” Mosaic reminded Edge. “She needs more than that.” 

“Speaking of the pup,” Fierce said, while looking down the hall.

Labra padded down the hall and reached for Windless. “Mommy said I can’t give you a hug, since I’m still a wet. I still can give you a nuzzle, though, right?”

"Right." Windless lowered his head and gave Labra a nuzzle as she scratched one of his ears and rubbed the bridge of his nose.

“I tried to get Mommy to let us stay, but she said we have to go to school or she and I would get into trouble.”

“She’s right.” Windless bumped his nose to Labra’s. “Besides, you need to go to school to learn and see your friends.”

Labra’s ears folded back. “But you’ll be leaving.”

“Not for a bit.”

Bonsmara stepped into the hall and shook her head. “Labra, dear, you need to let him go so we can eat.”

Labra gave Windless a quick nuzzle and let him go.

“Had to sneak another nuzzle in, didn’t’ you?” Windless asked, while Labra giggled at his surprised expression. “You could have just asked for one.” Windless glanced over his shoulder, as Care and Cobalt came into the house. “There you are. I was wondering if we needed to send Mom in after you.”

“How is the rockmoss getting along?” Fierce asked.

“It’s doing well,” Cobalt answered. 

“I get to see them next time,” Freight stated. She smiled at the pups. “That will have to happen later, though. We have pancakes to devour now, right?”

“Right!” the pups answered together.


*****


“Thanks for helping with the cleanup,” Mosaic said to Windless. 

“You’re welcome.” He looked up from his mopping and smiled. “For pancakes like those, I’d clean the whole house. I don’t think I’ve ever had homemade syrup before. It was delicious too. With the two combined, those may have been the best pancakes I’ve had in my life.”

“Don’t let Mom hear you say that, you’ll hurt her feelings.” Care pushed a gem towards Cobalt’s pile. “I saw that. Don’t try and get sneaky with me.”

“Mom may have been bested in pancakes, but she will always be the queen of waffles.”

“She does make great waffles,” Cobalt said, while concentrating on the gems on the table.

Mosaic put a hoof to her chest and put the back of her other front hoof to her forehead. “I can’t believe it; betrayed by my son!”

Cobalt looked up at Mosaic. “No, Mom, it’s not like that! Freight makes chocolate waffles. It’s an different style!”

“I’m kidding.” Mosaic grinned as the put her hooves back on the floor. “Chocolate waffles? Sounds like you’re eating dessert for breakfast.”

“That sums it up,” Windless said.

“I’ll finish cleaning the floor,” Field offered. “Jump in the shower. You guys will have to be heading out soon.”

“Thanks.” Windless paused as he passed by the kitchen table. “Why are you holding your hoof over them like that?”

“I’m trying to see which ones I can work with.”

“How’s it going?”

“I can work with most of them, which is becoming a point of contention. She wants me to give me the ones I can work with from both shares, which wouldn’t leave her with that many.”

“I’d rather you use them than me have them. It would be special for me to know you are using them to help other ponies.”

“What can you use them for?” Windless asked.

“They’re perfect for healing.”

“Amethyst and malachite together would be good at that.”

Cobalt looked up from the gems. “You think that's her stone?”

“I’d bet every bit I’ve got in my saddlebags it is. She is defensive and supportive of others. She likes to help others feel calm and at peace.” Windless gave Care an appreciative smile. “I can vouch for that, after all the help she’s given me.”

“I couldn’t have my brother, and partner in crime, moping around all the time could I?”

Windless nodded towards the gems. “Pick your favorite of the purple ones and of the greens. Cobalt, you do the same. Pick from each other’s piles, if you have to.”

Care and Cobalt glanced at each other and then did as Windless asked. They slid their selected gems away from the others and towards Windless.

“Thank you. Leave them right there.”

“What are you up to?” Care asked.

“I’ve been inspired. You'll have to wait and see what I have in mind.” He paused again at the doorway, before walking out of the kitchen. “Mom, you may want dry your mane a bit more, before you come into the kitchen.”

“Why? It’s almost dry as it is.” Freight said, from further down the hall.

“Cobalt has a thing for mares with wet manes. You’ll make him blush.”

“Windless, I’m close to three times his age!”

Field chuckled and stage whispered: “He inherited that from me. Mosaic having a wet mane when we met is part of why she caught my eye. We were working on a project together, but for different businesses and with different specialties. I had just sat down to wring out my work vest and the next thing I knew she was standing in front of me and telling me to ‘get up off your lazy flank’ and to go file my time sheets since ‘we don’t pay you to just sit around, even if it is too wet to work the site’. Seeing her in a hard hat and work vest, drenched, and still pushing to get the most out of me lit my fire and it hasn’t gone out for her since.”

“Field, I’m warning you,” Mosaic threatened, poking him in the shoulder. “Not another word.”

Freight stepped into the kitchen and swatted Windless on the flank, prompting him to trot from the room. “Get in the shower and quit stirring up trouble.” 

“That’s the second time my flank’s been swatted this morning!”

“I’m sure you deserved it the first time too.” Mosaic looked toward the table and drew in a breath. “My goodness, those are pretty.”

“They are from our rockmoss,” Care said. “His magic and mine blended well and the moss produced gems already.”

“You can have some of mine, if you’d like,” Cobalt offered.

Freight shook her head. “No, these are special, since they are from your first mixing. Keep them. I expect a couple out of the next batch, though.” She touched a hoof to the purple gem that Care had picked as her favorite. “These purple and green ones are stunning.”

“The greens took the color of Cobalt’s magic and the purples have the color of mine,” Care said. “At least, that’s what I think.”

“Why don’t you two show me where you have been blending magic while Windless is in the shower?”

Cobalt ears went up. “Sure! There isn’t that much to show, so we should be done about the time he is.”

“Something interesting has to be down there or you wouldn’t be sneaking my foals down there every opportunity you get.”
Cobalt looked to his parents. “Would you like to come with us?”

“We’ll go down with you later,” Mosaic said. “If we all go down there it would be a little crowded. We’ll send Windless after you.”

“Thanks, Mom.” Cobalt led Care and Freight out of the kitchen. 

“We should think about getting ready for our day too,” Mosaic said to Field.

“About that...” Field grinned as Mosaic gave him a searching look.

“What have you done?”

“I told Chipped that we would take today and tomorrow off.”

“But we have the new contract bid to look over!”

“We have two weeks till the deadline to respond, which is more than enough time.” He touched his nose to hers. “We deserve down time, after all the work we’ve been doing. We’re not hurting for bits either.”

Mosaic sighed and seemed lost in her own thoughts.

“Miss Foremare, we have no major projects going on. Our coworkers are competent, and they know if they don’t do what they need to you will have their tails eventually.” He kissed her nose. “As your partner in business and life, I recommend that you take these days off so you can be in top form when you get back on the site.”

Windless made a polite noise. “Sorry to interrupt. I’ll just be a moment.” He took Care’s and Cobalt’s chosen gems and put them in different pouches in his saddle bags.

“What are you up to?” Field asked. 

“Returning a favor to Cobalt is all. You wouldn’t know where they went would you?”

“The basement. Freight wanted to see where you had been doing all the magic mixing.”

“I better get down there.”

“You going to save them from her teasing?” Field asked.

Windless grinned. “No sir. I'm joining in.”

Field chuckled. “Don’t give them too hard a time.”

Mosaic motioned for Windless to come close. “Give me a hug. I have to get as many out of you as I can, before you head off on your adventure up north.” 

Windless nodded and smiled as he gave her a hug. “Thanks again for the pancakes. They were delicious. With them and you tucking me in every night, I’m feeling spoiled.”

“Better watch where he puts his hooves, dear.”

Mosaic and Windless turned to him, both looking confused.

“We saw he likes to draw crystal and earth pony mares in varying states of repose earlier. He might want to ‘appreciate’ one firsthoof.”

Windless’ fell open in shock. He looked to Mosaic and turned a vivid red. “Miss Mosaic, I promise that didn’t even cross my mind.”

“Miss?” Field shook his head. “I don’t think he’s being sincere. He’s using honorifics and offering denials.”

“I wanted to thank her!”

“So you don’t think my wife is attractive?”

Getting her grin under control, Mosaic folded her ears down and looked at him with a sad frown and vulnerable eyes.

“She’s beautiful!” Windless slapped a hoof to his mouth. “Oh Luna, I made things worse.”

“You’re right, she is beautiful.” Field stepped to Mosaic’s side and hugged her around the shoulders. “Don’t worry. It’s just payback for thinking I would do something dastardly to your mother.”

Windless slumped and gave a relieved sigh.

“Thank you for the note, by the way,” Mosaic said. “The drawings of Care and Cobalt were wonderful. We would like a copy of them, if you wouldn’t mind.”

“I wouldn’t mind at all. I’m glad you liked them. Out of curiosity, when did you learn to read Old Ponish?”

“Field and I had to pick it up in engineering school.”

Windless closed his eyes and tilted his head back. “To study the old masters’ texts, I should have known!”

“Why were most those drawings crystal and earth ponies mares?” Mosaic tilted her head. “What about us is so appealing to you?”

Windless looked to the floor. After a second, he smiled and raised his eyes. “It’s not just earth ponies mares, thought they are the jewels of the tribe, crystal and earth ponies overall are special for me. Bat pony colonies are cliquish and can be cruel, even to their own members. Look what happen to Care, as an example.”

“There are pegasi and unicorns too. Why put earth ponies on a pedestal?”

“They are what all ponies should strive to be.” Windless tapped a hoof on the stone floor. “You and Field built this house together and filled it with family and love. The Cakes built their shop to be their home, support each other, and to make sweets to share with everypony. They took Pinkie in to help her fulfill her dreams with no kinship to her and added her to their family. The Apples, the Harvests, and so many other earth pony families supply Equestria with what we need and put family, friends, and honest work above all else.”

“I think you’re giving us too much credit,” Field said. “There are rivalries amongst us too. The Apples and the Pears fought for years, before the pears moved.”

“True, but that seems to be the exception and not the rule with earth ponies.” Windless looked to Field. “I hope to find a mare like Miss Mosaic and have the relationship with that mare you do with her. I want to share my life with somepony kind, loving, and wise who will allow me to work by her side and make something greater than the both of us. That is the earth pony way, and it something I want more than I can put into words.”

Field smiled. “I don’t mean to argue, but you did a good job with what you said.”

“Tilt your head down,” Mosaic ordered. After Windless did, she kissed him on his forehead and gave him a hug. “Whoever that mare turns out to be will be a very lucky mare.”

Windless gave her a return hug. “I hope I’m as good to her as Field is to you.”

“I know you will be,” Field said and patted Windless on the shoulder. 

“Thanks.” Windless pulled back from Mosaic and grinned. “I better get going or your husband will get jealous again and Cobalt and my sister will have gone without support against my mother for way too long.” 

Field shook his head as Windless made the turn from the kitchen and went out of sight. “He’s a mess.”

“So am I.” Mosaic looked down at herself and sighed. “I hope I didn’t get too much flour on him.”

“I could help with that. I recall you saying you were tempted to drag me into the shower, when we woke up.” Field nuzzled and then kissed her ear. “I hope you are still tempted, because I am fighting the urge to get the leftover syrup and savor you as an after breakfast treat.”

Mosaic giggled, turned and gave him a kiss. “We can bring the syrup with us. No sense in having to mop the floor twice in one morning.”

Field ducked under Mosaic and stood, lifting her on his back. He looked over his shoulder at her. “You’re all the sweetness I need. Besides, I have to keep trim if I'm competing with colts like him for your affections.”

She wrapped her forelegs around his neck and leaned her head against his. “You don’t have to worry about anypony tempting me from you.” She caught one of his ears in her mouth and gave it a nibble. “Grab the syrup. I’m not going to let it go to waste.”
> Unexpected Meetings
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Freight patted Cobalt on the shoulder. “This is impressive.”

He gave a slight bow. “Thank you.”  

“Will you be able to keep these going when school starts?”

“It shouldn’t be a problem. They don't need much attention.” 

“You could have fooled me. As often as you and my foals have been down here I thought they needed a lot of attention.”

“The last couple of days have been out of the ordinary.”

“I'll be helping him too,” Care said.

Freight gave her a smile. “I take it you liked blending magic with him.” 

“I did.” She titled her head, seemed to think about things for a second, and smiled. “It’s like meditating or having a lucid dream. It’s relaxing. That something good comes out it makes it even better.”

“Where’s Windless’ rockmoss?” Freight asked.

“It’s in there,” Care said nodding towards the box that had Windless’ rockmoss in it.

Freight smirked. “What did it do to deserve a timeout?”

“We packed it up so he could take it with him,” Care explained, after she stopped giggling.

“I’m just in time!” Windless declared, as he entered the basement. “I get to show off my rockmoss.”

Windless opened the top of the box and smiled with pride. “It’s not as far along as theirs, but it’s getting there.”

Freight looked into the box and smiled. “I’m no expert, but it looks like it’s doing well.” She hugged Windless. “I hope it makes you feel more at home up there.” She booped his nose. “I see a problem. How are you going to feed it?”

“I’m going to give him a couple of gems that will keep things going,” Cobalt said.

“I've got to find somepony to help me with it after that,” Windless said.

“You devious thing, you’re using it as a lure.”

Windless pointed a hoof towards Cobalt. “It was his idea.”

Freight gave Cobalt a look. “It seems to have worked well enough with you two.”

Cobalt blushed. “We should get going. We'll be late, if we stay too much longer.”

Freight chuckled. “You’re not getting off that easy. We can talk and walk.”

“Mom, he’s been very nice to share this with us,” Care said. “He hasn’t lured us into anything.”

Windless leaned to Freight and whispered, “I don’t know. I think he has enchanted her. She’s even defending him.”

Care shook her head. “Come on, Cobalt. We don’t have to stand here and take this.” She nudged him with her shoulder. “We have to go past Quills and Sofa’s to get where we’re going, right?”

“You got it.” He led her to the stairs and then stepped aside to let her ascend first. “Before long, you’ll know every spot in town.”

“If he enchanted her, he’s being very nice about it,” Freight said.

“Don’t let the kind, polite act fool you,” Windless said. “He wants to look at her flanks as she goes up the stairs.” 

“You’re both horrible!” Care shouted to them, from the top of the stairs.

“I may be horrible, but I’m not wrong, judging by the blush.” Windless said. “You should have seen him when I mentioned you were all sudsy and wet in the shower.”

“Windless!” Care called from the top of the stair.

“I’m sorry I missed that.” Freight laughed. “He’s blushing great just thinking about it right now.”


*****


Care rested her forehead on the edge of the town square’s fountain. “We’re at the end of the list, aren’t we?”

“Afraid so,” Freight said.

“I’m not being too picky, am I?”

“Not at all. Considering what they have been asking, you should be getting a lot more for your bits.”

“With the University opening, rent has been going up,” Cobalt said. “The rates are getting close to Canterlot levels.”

Care sighed. “I’ll go back over the list and my notes again, but it looks like the dorms will be my best option.”

“Hey guys!” Stone called to them from across the square. “I thought I would have to search for you.” Stone’s ears folded as he approached. “I take it things aren’t going well.”

“I’m getting a harsh lesson in the basics of supply, demand, and pricing,” Care said looking up to him.

“Yeah. Things have gotten tight around here with the University opening. It has helped our business, though. There’s lots of new construction going on.”

“With some of the rent rates, I might as well build a place.”

“That bad?”

Care quoted him a price.

Stone winced. “Ouch.”

“I know.” She shook her head. “Let’s change the subject to something a little less disheartening. How did things with the princess go?”

“Well enough, I guess. Mend and Twilight couldn’t contain themselves and invited us to the castle to congratulate Puca and me.” His tail tucked. “There was an examination too, but let's not go into details.”

“I take it they still have Puca.” Freight said. “Do we need to mount a rescue?”

“She’s fine. Amore showed up with Edge and things got less medical and scientific and became more social.”

“How did you escape?” Windless said.

“I didn’t. They gave me tasks to accomplish.” He smiled. “I have things I need to pick up and a warning to give to my folks.”  

Cobalt’s ears perked. “What is going on now?”

“I have been Pinkie Promised to secrecy.”

“Speaking of Pinkie, that reminds me, I owe my sister a Sweet Apple Acres pie,” Windless said. 

“You don't need Pinkie for that. You need to see Applejack.” Stone pointed a hoof toward the open air market. “She sells them fresh at her stand. You better hurry, though. She sells out quick.”

Windless’ eyes widened. “She’s selling them?”

“Windless, your wings,” Care said, hiding her face behind a hoof.

“Sorry.” Windless said and folded his wings down. “I haven’t seen an Element since I was here last time.”

“Don’t get too excited,” Stone warned Windless. “Her brother, Big Mac could be the one at their stall, or her sister Apple Bloom.”

“There’s only one way to find out.” Windless looked toward the market stalls. “Point me in the right direction.”

“I'll do better than that. I’ll take you there. I need to pick up apples myself.”

“Don’t let him make a fool of himself,” Freight said.

“I’ll do my best,” Stone said. “Where were you planning to have lunch? Pick a place quick, before they all close up for their afternoon breaks.”

“I was thinking the Grazing Meadow, if we can get a table,” Cobalt said.

“I’ll send Windless there, after we’re through,” Stone said. “It shouldn’t take too long.” Stone led Windless toward the market stalls.

Care sighed. “He’ll be asking to draw her next.”

“If he does, he does,” Freight said. “I hope he keeps in mind we are leaving soon.”

Care’s ears and tail drooped a little. “I’m going to miss you guys.”

Freight bumped her head against Care’s. “No sad faces from my filly. This will be a good thing for you.”

“I know, but it still stings when I think how far away you're going to be.”

“The thought of you not being at the house bothers me too. Remember, we’re a train ride away.” Freight looked to Cobalt. “Let’s get some food in her. That will help.”

“Follow me.” Cobalt guided them to the Grazing Meadow. He waved at the serving pony. “Hey Cuisine!”

“Table for three?” Cuisine asked, in a professional tone.

“Five, please. We have two more who should join us soon.”

“Fantastic. Please, follow me.” Cuisine showed them to a table and took their drink orders. “I shall be back with your refreshments.” He gave them a slight bow and headed towards the cafe’s kitchen.

After Cuisine was out of ear shot, Freight muttered, “Who shoved the broomstick under his tail?”

“Don’t take it personally. He’s a good guy,” Cobalt said. “He used to work at a fancy restaurant in Canterlot and some of the habits he learned there haven’t gone away.” He looked over the menu. “Everything I have had here has been good, so pick whatever strikes your fancy.”

“There’s Windless,” Care said. She waved. “We’re here!” 

Windless made his way around the rope barricades and to the table. “Applejack wasn’t there, but the pie was.” He took a pie sized box and put it under the table. 

“Thank you,” Care said. “You didn’t have to do that.”

“I keep my word.” Windless gave her sly smile. “Besides, I plan on getting a slice. You and Mom may want to visit the Apple’s stall. The stallion that’s running it, Big MacIntosh, lives up to his name. He’s even bigger than Field.”

“Speaking of large ponies, where is Stone?” Freight asked.

“He had apples to drop off and secret missions to accomplish.”

“Wait, I caught what you said. Where are you and Cobalt going to be if you’re not with us?”

“We have secret business of our own to conduct.”

Cobalt stared at him. “We do?”

Windless feigned a serious expression and told him, “It was so secret you didn’t even know about it.”

Cuisine returned to the table and served their drinks. “What would you care for, young sir?” He asked.

“Water and the daffodil sandwich special, please,” Windless told him.

Cuisine took the rest of their orders, gathered the menus, and headed to the kitchen.

“He didn’t write anything down,” Windless said.

“He doesn’t need to,” Cobalt said. “It’s part of their training in Canterlot. They don’t use notepads to keep track of the orders.”

Scootaloo skidded to a halt just at the cafe’s rope barrier. “Hello, Cobalt.”

“Hello, Scoots.”

Scootaloo looked at the ponies with him. “Big Mac wasn’t kidding. He did see a bat pony.”

Windless raised a hoof. “That would have been me. My name’s Windless.”

Scootaloo tilted her head. “That name sounds familiar.”

“He’s one of my pen-pal friends I’ve told you about,” Cobalt supplied.

“That’s right! You were at the celebration after the Nightmare’s went back to the moon too.” She looked at Freight and Care. “Are these your sisters? Cobalt didn’t say you had two.”

“Thank you, young mare,” Freight said. “I am his mother.” She pointed a hoof to Care. “Care is his sister.”

“So you do exist,” Scootallo said. “There were rumors going around he made you up to keep Diamond off his back.”

Care smiled. “I’m real.”

Windless stood and approached the barrier. “Let me introduce myself. I am Windless Night.” He gave her a grin. “While ‘Scoots’ is nice, I have the impression it’s not your full name.”

One of Scootaloo’s eyebrows rose. “It’s Scootaloo.”

“Would you like to join us?” He made an inviting gesture towards their table’s empty chair. “You seem interested in us bat ponies.” He gave her an exaggerated smile. “As you can see, despite the rumors about us, we don’t have fangs and we don’t bite.”

Scootaloo chuckled. “I wish I could, but I’ve got training with Dash in-”

“Cobalt!” A pink earth pony mare with a purple mane trotted up and stood beside Scootaloo. “Sorry to interrupt, Scootaloo, but I saw you talking with this stallion and then saw Cobalt.”

Scootaloo gave the newcomer a look. “I noticed whose name you called out first.”

The mare blushed. “Sorry.”

“It’s all right, I was just telling them I’ve to go anyhow. Dash will have my tail if I’m not there on time.” Scootaloo walked a space from the rope barrier. “See you guys later.”

“Do you know where Cobalt’s house is?” Freight asked.

Scootaloo paused. “Yes, ma’am.”

“We’re staying with him. If you’d like, you can come by after you’re done training. We’d be glad to talk with you again.”

Scootaloo glanced at Windless. “I try to swing by after practice, but I don't know what Rainbow has planned. Cobalt, tell your folks hello for me.”

“I will.”

“Train well!” The mare called, as Scootaloo took to the air. She turned to Windless and gave him a cautious smile. “Hello. Sorry for interrupting.”

“It’s fine.” Windless put on a polite smile.

“I’m Diamond Tiara,” she said. After a second’s hesitation, she extended her hoof. “I still feel bad. I can tell she wanted to talk to you and you wanted to talk to her.”

Windless smiled warmed. “It’s all right. I’m Windless.” He took her hoof and bowed over it. “It is a pleasure to meet you.”

Diamond’s blush returned.

Windless’ raised back to standing. “Cobalt’s written about you. You went to the same school. Right?.”

“We were in the same class for years.” She looked towards Cobalt and gave him a smile. Her eyes then went to Care and her smile faded a little. “Who is sitting with you?”

“My mother, Freight, and my sister, Care.”

Diamond seemed to have an internal debate, until Windless asked, “Would you like to join us?”

“Have you ordered?”

“We have.”

“Then I better not. I ate not long ago and I don’t want to cause Cuisine any trouble.”

“Come sit with us,” Freight said and patted the back of the empty seat. “If you don’t want something to eat, I’m sure a cup of tea wouldn’t cause Cuisine too much trouble.”

“I don’t don’t want to make things,” she glanced towards Care and Cobalt, “awkward.”

“Mom invited you, so it’s more than fine. You forgot something too.”

She looked up at him.

Windless grinned at her. “I still have hold of your hoof.” She smiled as he led her around the rope barricade in a courtly manner. 

When they arrived at the table, Windless pulled Diamond’s chair out for her. “I hope I wasn’t rough in my coercing you.”

“Not at all. That was a very pleasant coercing.”

“Thank you. I would hate to get the reputation as a brute.”

“Sit down, you goof,” Freight said, patting Windless’ shoulder. “So, Diamond, what are we distracting you from doing?”

“I was heading to the University to get the last of my enrollment paperwork done.” Diamond grimaced. "I hope it's not as bad as I think it's going to be."

“It’s not too bad,” Care said. “They have you take a personality type test, that’s what takes the most time.”

“I didn’t realize they did that,” Diamond said.

Cuisine returned to the table with their meals. After he placed the plates before their respective pony, he asked Diamond, “Would you care to order anything Miss Diamond?”

“Yes, please. I would love fennel tea, if you have any.”

“We do. I will be happy to prepare some for you.”

“Thank you.”

After Cuisine left them, Diamond said to Care, “So you’re coming here.”

“I am.” She sighed. “Finding a place is proving more of a challenge than I thought it would be. It looks like I will be in the dorms.”

“There have been a lot of new ponies coming into town, since the school opened. While it’s helped my Dad’s business, it’s made Ponyville seem crowded.” She looked to Cobalt. “I hope your parents and Stone aren’t working as hard as they were there for a while.”

“Things have slowed down a little. There were a lot of rush projects to get businesses ready for the university’s opening. Now that the university is open, there hasn’t been such a manic push.”

“So Care’s the pen pal you’ve been writing to,” Diamond asked.

“She and her brother both,” Cobalt said.

“Though the letters I get are a page shorter on average,” Windless said, before taking a sip of his drink.

“Playing favorites is not nice,” Diamond teased Cobalt.

“It’s difficult to respond to what amounts to ‘school’s good’ and ‘training’s good’,” Cobalt said.

“Writing is not my medium,” Windless said put a hoof his chest and raising his nose in the air. “I express myself better through my art.”

Care snorted. “No argument here.”

Diamond asked Windless, “What kind of art do you make?” 

Windless grinned. “I draw and paint.”

Freight met eyes with Care. “Windless to the rescue with his art talk,” she said with silent words.

Care nodded and smiled.


******


“You didn’t have to pick up my check,” Diamond protested, as Cobalt paid Cuisine for the meal.

“You were our guest,” he explained.

Her ears drooped. “No, I was an intruder.” She looked towards Windless. “I was rude too.”

“You were not rude, you were enthusiastic at seeing at friend.” He smiled. “You did better than Care, she tackles Cobalt.”

“Windless!” Care hid her face behind her hooves. “That happened one time and it was an accident!”

“A running to gliding pounce is no accident.”

“She had good form,” Freight said. “I don’t think he minded the result either way.”

Diamond giggled then smiled at Cobalt. “I can understand the urge just to tackle him.” She got up from her chair. “I hate to eat and run, but I need to head to the university before the admissions office closes.”

“Thank you for joining us,” Freight said. “It was nice to meet one of Cobalt’s friends. It gives us a different perspective on him.”

“He’s a sweet colt no matter how you look at him,” Diamond said. “Even if he is too reserved.”

Windless stood and gave Diamond a smile. “He is too polite for his own good sometimes.”

“Says mister tall, dark, and charming.” She stepped up to Windless and gave him a quick kiss on the nose She giggled as Windless wings snapped up. “That’s for being so kind after I ran off Scootaloo.” She made a point of inspecting his wings. “You have a very nice pair of wings.” 

“Thank you,” Windless said in a quiet, surprised tone.

Diamond looked towards the table. “See, Cobalt, you can react when a mare is nice to you without getting into trouble.” After giving a flick of her tail, she walked around the rope barrier and towards Twilight’s castle.

“Windless, you can quit staring and put your wings down,” Freight told him.

Windless snapped his wings back to his side. “What just happened? I feel like I was flirted with and used in the same moment.”

“She was rewarding you for being nice and making her intentions towards Cobalt well known.” Freight looked to Cobalt. “From your expression, I can tell she’s done this kind of thing before.”

Cobalt closed his eyes and rubbed the bridge of his nose with a hoof.“Minus kissing somepony’s nose, that was something new, she has made passes at me in pubic several times.” 

“Why haven’t you two become special someponies?”

“For a long time, she and another filly were the school bullies and were nasty to everypony. Since she became friends with the Cutie Mark Crusaders, she’s improved a lot, but she can still act a spoiled brat. Between her being a pain in the flank in the past and her still somewhat self-centered and pushy personality I’ll never be interested in her.”

“Ah, I see what’s going on.” Freight grinned. “You’ve made yourself into something she can’t get hold of and increased her interest. Goes with the territory of being a good stallion.”

Windless glanced at the cafe’s clock. “I hate to break this up,” he said, “but I need Cobalt for what I have in mind.”

“Up to something again, are we?” Freight asked, getting a nod as a response. “We’ll meet you back at Cobalt’s then.” Freight looked towards Care. “Want to swing by the Apple’s stand before we head back?”

Care gave Freight a look. “Why?”

“So we can take in the scenery and we can see just how juicy this famed Apple is.”

Care groaned. “Mom, that was terrible. It seems wrong for us to go out of our way to stare at somepony we don’t know.”

“You’re a single, young mare. Don’t tell me you aren’t curious.” Freight grinned. “I’ll even buy you some apples from the Apple, so we’re not just ogling him. Speaking of apples, why don’t you give me the pie, Windless? I can carry it back to the house.”

“Thanks, Mom.” Windless ducked under the table, retrieved the pie, and gave it to Freight. “I hate to do this, but we need to get moving. Our secret mission is on a time crunch.”

“You two go on, then. We’ll see you back at Field and Mosaic’s.”

Windless patted Cobalt’s shoulder. “Come on, big guy. We’ve got ground to cover.”

“We’ll see you back home, I guess,” Cobalt said, getting to his hooves. He looked at Care and Freight. “Are you staying?”

“I wanted Care to  finish her tea,” Freight explained.

Care smiled at him and turned her tea cup in her hooves. “Go on, before Windless drags you off by the tail.”

“I feel like I’m being rude leaving you,” Cobalt said.

Freight waved him on. “You’re not being rude at all. You’re being dragged off.” She smiled. “Besides, I’ve been wanting mother and daughter time with Care.”

Cobalt nodded and smiled. “I’ll pay for dessert, if you want to stay longer.”

“They are welcome to stay as long as they like.” Cuisine refilled Freight’s then Care’s cups. After putting a trivet down, he put a fresh pot of tea on the table. “Is there anything I can get you?”

“No, thank you.” Freight smiled at him. “You have been wonderful to us enough as it is.”

“We want only the best for our guests.” He bowed his head to her. “If you need anything, please let me know,” he told them, before moving to another table.

“Come on, Cobalt.” Windless gestured for him to follow, from the other side of the rope barrier. “We’ve lots to do and little time to do it in.”

“I’m coming.”

Freight shook her head, as she watched the pair leave. “I don’t know if it’s a good idea to let them wander off without adult supervision.” She took a sip of her tea and then smiled over the rim of the cup. “I’m glad Diamond joined us.”

Care’s ears went askew. “Why?”

“So I could read Cobalt’s and your reactions to her.”

“I hope I wasn’t rude,” Care said.

“You weren’t.” She put her cup down and looked to Care’s left, were Cobalt had been sitting. “He didn’t like you and her were sitting so close to one another.”

“I wasn’t all that thrilled with it either,” Care confessed.

“I could tell.”

Care looked down into her tea cup.

“I’m the one reading tea leaves," Freight teased. "He cares about you. He wanted to put himself between you and Diamond. He still thinks she could be the bully she was if she sees something she wants.”

Care looked up into her mother’s eyes. “She wasn’t subtle about what she wants.”

“There’s the spark I wanted to see.” Freight smiled. “You handled her exit well.” Before Care’s eyes could go back to the table top, Freight asked, “Why are you worried again?”

“Why did you complement me like that?”

Freight offered a hoof, which Care took. “Care, we’ve talked about you liking him. Sometimes in a roundabout way, but I realize how serious this could be.”

“You don’t think there’s a foals’ crush between us?”

“I don’t.” Freight gave her hoof a squeeze. “No pony else does either.”

Care’s ears went up. “They know?”

“You two light up when the other comes in the room or when your names are mentioned.” She smiled. “There was magic between you two before you even shared magic, we all could see it.”

“Would they approve?”

“They’ve invited us into their home. They’ve fed us. They’ve given up their beds for us.” She laughed. “We’ve slept with them, for Luna’s sake. Speaking from the viewpoint of us parents, we found our sons and daughters curled up in a ball together and joked about it. You don’t do those sorts of things with someone you don’t approve of.”

Care smiled. “You’re right.”

Freight looked past Care. For a second, her face showed shock, then delight. “We’re about to have company.” She put her free hoof on top of Care’s and pressed, in a whisper, “You have my permission to pursue him, or be pursued by him.”

“Thank you.”

“This is looking serious, should we come later?” Stone asked Freight.

“No, it’s fine.”

A foreleg wrapped itself around Care’s shoulder. “Is something bothering my girl?”

For a second, Care froze. She turned and looked up. “Dad?!” She hugged Starless and put her head on his chest.

Starless wrapped Care in his wings and kissed the top of her head. “I’m glad you’re so glad to see me.”

She gave him a squeeze. “I’m always glad to see you.”

“How has the place hunting been going?”

Care’s ears pinned back, as she looked up at him. “Not too hot. The only good thing I can say about it so far is that I’ve gotten to know Ponyville better.”

“I heard things were tight with the rentals here.” He let her free of his wings. “Have you been taking lots of notes?”

“I have. They’re in my saddle bag.”

Starless looked across the table and smiled with affection. “Hello, love.” He made his way around the table, wrapped Freight in a hug and shielded them from the eyes of other ponies with his wings. When his wings dropped, he was grinning and Freight was blushing and smiling. He shifted his wings and wrapped her in them. “I missed you.”

“I can tell.” Freight kissed his nose. “How did you manage this lovely surprise?”

“To be honest, I’m not sure. At the end of my rotation last night Bitter walked up and informed me I was to be on a train in an hour. He gave me an envelope with a ticket and some cryptic instructions, Stone was at the station to greet me, and now I’m here.”

One of Freight’s ears folded and she tilted her head. “What kind of cryptic instructions?”

“I will be inspected this evening, at Princess Twilight’s castle. I don’t know by whom or why, but I am not to be in uniform during the inspection.”

Freight made a show of being sorry about something. “Dear, I have a confession to make. I wanted you to hear it from me before anypony else.” 

Starless gave her a curious, lopsided grin. “This should be good. What has my dear wife done this time?”

“I slept with a mare the other night.”

Care covered her mouth to hide her smile at the same moment Stone’s jaw fell open.

“That wasn’t what I expected to hear," Starless said. "Anypony I know?”

Freight pointed a hoof at Stone. “His mother.”

Stone’s ears shot up. “What?!” 

Freight put a hoof on Starless’ chest and drew lazy circles in his coat. “Don’t worry, Stone, it was a onetime thing.” Freight smiled and ran her hoof from Starless’ chest, up his neck, to his cheek. “Your mother was tender and caring,” she touched her nose to his, “but she’s not my Starless.”

“Mom, you’re getting attention,” Care warned.

“Drat, I was hoping I could keep things going.” Freight turned and grinned at Stone. “Don’t worry. Your parents and I formed a pony pile of our own to help me settle down the other night. Nothing extracurricular was involved.”

Stone let out a breath of relief. He asked Starless, “How did you know she was kidding around?”

“I have known this mare a long time. I can tell when she’s joking.” Starless kissed Freight’s forehead. “I hate I wasn’t there to help you. What did you need calming down about?”

“Me and Windless,” Care said. “We were talking about some stuff with Cobalt, and she and Cobalt’s parents heard us.”

“You must have been talking about something unpleasant,” Starless said.

“We were.”

“Are you three okay?”

“We’re fine.” Care gave Starless a sad smile. “We needed to help each other through some things.”

“Speaking of helping others, I need to go save Puca. There’s no telling what Amore, Mend, and Twilight are doing to her.” Stone nodded to Starless. “It’s great to see you again.”

“You too,” Starless responded. He sat down beside Freight and smiled at Care. “Did you tackle Cobalt again this time?”

“No,” Care huffed. “I didn’t tackle him.”

“You should have. I think you both enjoyed it, and it's a fond memory for him, you, and us.”

“She slept with him, though,” Freight said.

“Mom!”

“Windless did too,” Freight added before taking a sip of her tea.

“Really?” Starless said. “Cobalt’s got stamina then.” He grinned at Care. “Did he treat you two right?”

Care blushed. “He was perfect. He held me tucked against his chest like I was a doll.”

“So you did sleep with him.”

“Windless and I slept with him on the floor the other night in a pony pile.” Care giggled. “Windless drooled on his back, while he was asleep.”

Starless chuckled. “I hope they’re still talking to each other.”

“They are.” Care gave him a cautious look. “You’re not upset about me sleeping with him?”

“You’re mother seems fine with it, and Windless was right there.” He smiled. “I would like to ask some questions, though.”

Care nodded. “Sure.”

“I'll start with what is a pony pile and how did you two end up in them?”


*****


“Bonsmara,” Cobalt named in a wheeze, tapping her arm with a hoof. “I need to breathe.”

“Sorry.” She loosened her hug. “They are just too adorable.”

Windless was settled on den floor sketching Labra, who was sitting on a pillow close to him working on her homework. Pyrite lay on his belly, leaned against Windless and watching him sketch. Pyrite’s tail would wag when Windless would explain the techniques he was using.

Puca smiled and nuzzled Stone. “I think I’m close to being impaired,” she told him, her words coming out with a slight slur. “There’s so many good emotions in the air.”

Stone adjusted his position on the couch to allow Puca to snuggle into him. “That’s what having family and good friends being around does.”

“Everyone’s so happy in so many ways right now.” Mosaic said, from where she and Field were sharing a blanket on the floor. “I’m not a changeling and I’m feeling it.”

Field chuckled. “There seems to be a glow around you both.”

“You did quite a lot to contribute.” Mosaic leaned against her husband. “Thank you for the day off. I needed it more than I realized.”

“I’ve enjoyed it too,” Field said. “We should take days off more often.”

Puca, Labra, and Pyrite looked towards the front door at the same time. A second later, someone knocked. 

“That was kinda freaky,” Windless said.  

“What do you mean?” Labra asked.

“Please don’t take it the wrong way. It was cool when you three turned like that, but it made the hair on the back of my neck stand up.”

“Momma says the same thing when Daddy, Labra, and me do it,” Pyrite said.

“I’ll get it.” Cobalt looked up to Bonsmara.  “I’ll be right back.”

“I will hold you to that,” she said as she let him go.

Puca’s wings fluttered and she grinned. “So they pulled it off.”

“What is it?” Pyrite asked, 

“Can you tell how many ponies are at the door?” She asked.

“I think I heard two, but I’m not sure,” Labra said.

“Me too.” Pyrite got to his paws. “They were quiet, so it’s hard to tell.”

After the front door opened, a series of hushed words filtered into the room.

Pyrite raised to three paws and went on point towards the den’s entryway. “There’s a stranger at the door.”

“You can’t get up,” Windless protested as Labra stood and turned towards the den’s entry. “I’m almost done!”

Pyrite took a deep breath through his nose. “It’s the pony from Windless’ sketch book.”

Windless gave Pyrite an amused and curious look. “What do you mean?”

Cobalt poked his head around the doorframe. “We have some a surprise guest that's come to visit.”

“It’s a Stone sized bat pony!” Labra said, as Starless stepped into the den.

“Dad!” Windless hopped to his hooves, rushed to Starless, and gave him a hug. “What are you doing here?!”

“I’m not sure myself, but I’m here on royal orders.” Starless returned the hug and patted Windless on the back. “Have you been behaving yourself?”

“As much as I can.”

Starless let Windless go and grinned at Puca and Stone. “Congratulations you two, I look forward to meeting the new comer.”

“Thank you,” Puca said. She glanced towards Pyrite, who was creeping towards Starless and sniffing. “There is a pair of newcomers you can meet right now.”

Starless smiled at Pyrite and extended a hoof. “Hello. My name is Starless Night. What’s yours?”

“Pyrite, sir,” he answered, and sniffed Starless’ hoof. “You are the pony from Windless’ sketch book.”

“Pyrite, you should shake when somepony offers their hoof to you, not sniff them,” Bonsmara prompted through a suppressed laugh.

Pyrite shook Starless’ hoof. “It’s nice to meet you, Mister Bat.”

Starless chuckled. “Just call me Starless, please.” He looked towards Labra. “Hello there.”

Labra, her ears down, approached Starless with less enthusiasm than Pyrite had. “Hello. My name is Labradorite, but everyone calls me Labra for short.”

“Your full name is pretty, but it is a mouthful.” Starless gave her a kind smile. “You seem nervous. Is something wrong?”

“I’m Windless’ practice special somedoggy,” Labra said as if making a confession. She shuffled towards Windless till she touched him and then pressed herself to his side.

“Really now? How did a nice lady like you get involved with a rascal like my son?”

“He’s not a rascal,” she told Starless, stroking Windless’ back like he was a cat. “He’s a good pony.” When Starless raised an eyebrow, she added, “Sir.”

Windless put a comforting foreleg around Labra. “Be nice, Dad, please. We didn't plan for it to happen.” He nuzzled the top of Labra’s head. “I’m glad it did, though.”

Starless laughed. “Care and Freight were right. You two are precious.” He grinned, as Labra’s tail wagged hard enough to pat against Windless’ back. “I was just thinking you didn’t have to call me ‘sir’, since you’re my boy’s special somedoggy.”

“I think I still need to call you, sir, sir,” Labra looked towards Bonsmara. “Mommy’s always telling us we should say it to older ponies.”

One of Starless’ ears fell, and he made an amused face. “I’m not that old.”

Bonsmara sighed. “Adult ponies, dear. You say ‘adult’ to be polite.”

“I thought I recognized your scent, Starless,” Fierce said as stepped into the room. “Good to see you again, my friend.” Labra and Pyrite ran to him and gave him a hug. “I am glad to see you too.”

“Pyrite knew who I was from my smell too.” Starless gave himself a sniff under a foreleg. “I don’t smell bad, do I? It was packed on the train.”

“Don’t worry, you smell fine,” Puca told him. “Their noses are keen. Fierce could tell that I was expecting a delivery by my scent.”

“Impressive,” Starless said.

Care entered the room with Freight, scooped up Pyrite, and cuddled him. “There’s my watchdog. How was school?”

“It was okay,” he said, snuggling into her.

Labra scampered to Freight, who held her hooves out for a hug. 

Freight hugged Labra and nuzzled the top of her head. “Has Windless drawn you yet?”

“He was almost through, till you four showed up,” Windless mock complained. “Can I have my model, and practice special somepony, back now?”

“Go on.” Freight nudged Labra towards Windless. “He gets fussy if doesn’t get to finish a drawing.”

Labra veered towards Windless, on the way back to her spot. She gave him a hug and put her forehead against him.

“Are you okay?” Windless asked, looking down at her.

“Can we get in a pony pile with Miss Mosaic and Mister Field after you’re through?”

Windless looked to the couple who were the pony pile spot. “I’m game if they are.”

Mosaic smiled and told him, “You’re welcome to join us.”

“Getting a little clingy to him aren’t you?” Freight said.

Labra tightened her hold on Windless. “I have to get my snuggles and nuzzles before he’s gone.”

Care smiled at Cobalt, who smiled back and nodded.

Puca giggled and then put a hoof over her mouth. “Sorry. That just came out.”

“What, pray tell, caused that?” Fierce asked.

“Those two are up to something,” Puca said. “It tickled. I’m still having trouble with controlling emotional feedback.”

Windless gave Care a look. “Dear sister, are you conspiring without me?” He raised an eyebrow. “Or are you conspiring against me.”

“Cobalt and I are conspiring, but not against you,” Care said.

“You seem to have been doing a lot of conspiring the last couple of days,” Windless said to Cobalt. He nuzzled the top of Labra’s head. “When I’m gone, stick to my sister. She’s less trouble than Cobalt.”

“You need to finish your homework, and Windless should sketch with a purpose,” Fierce said. He nodded to Cobalt. "Thanks again for letting me slip in."

Starless smiled. “So you’re the contact.”

Fierce smiled. “No, but someone has informed me who is. I was asked to make sure you were all gathered together.”

“Daddy’s great at herding things,” Labra said. “He helps Miss Applejack with her cows a lot.”

Fierce chuckled. “While I would not have used the same approach, the purpose of what they asked me to do is much the same.”

“Hello, is anypony here?” a voice from the front asked. “I would knock, but the door’s open.”

Cobalt called, “Come on in, we’re in the den!”

Scootaloo came to a full halt, when she stepped into the den’s doorway. “Whoa!” She looked around the room. “Maybe I should come back later.”

Pyrite’s ears shot up and his tail beat against Care’s ribs. “Scootaloo!”

“Hang on, little guy, I almost dropped you.” Care put the wiggling Pyrite down.

As soon as Pyrite’s paws touched the floor, he raced to Scootaloo and gave her a hug.

“Hello to you too,” Scootaloo said and hugged Pyrite back. “How’s my flying buddy doing?”

“Great!” He looked up at her, his tail wagging. “I didn’t know you were coming over too.”

“I didn’t know I was either, till a bit ago.”

“Did you train with Rainbow Dash again?”

“I did, and it was awesome.”

“I missed it!” Pyrite pouted.

“You can see me train anytime. You can’t hang out with new ponies every day.”

“This is my Dad,” Windless said, “Starless Night.”

“Nice to meet you,” Scootaloo said, seeming awed at Starless' size.

Starless grinned. “Likewise.”

“Windless was letting me watch him draw Labra,” Pyrite told her.

“Speaking of that,” Windless looked down at Labra. “You ready to be my model again?”

Labra nodded and went back to her spot. Windless followed behind her, returning to his position on the floor.

Scootaloo gave Cobalt a teasing grin. “Did Diamond behave?”

Cobalt sighed. “Mostly, except when she took another pass at me.”

“I hate I missed it.” Scootaloo looked to Care. “You have no idea how much you have put a bur under Diamond’s saddle. That there was a mare out there that could interest Cobalt more than her, by writing to him, when she was right here has almost driven her nuts.” She grinned. “She keeps raising the bar with her flirting and teasing, and he keeps ignoring her. It’s been great to watch.”

“It hasn’t been all that great for me,” Cobalt grumbled.

“You turned down a special somepony over writing with Care?” Starless asked Cobalt. 

“Diamond and he have a history,” Care said. “She was the school bully, when they were growing up.”

Starless gave Care an inquisitive look. “Do you know if he has he dated anypony else?”

“I don’t think so. He didn’t mention it in his writing.”

“He hasn’t,” Scootaloo confirmed, giving Starless a smile.

“Thanks, Scoots,” Cobalt hissed through clenched teeth.

“You’re welcome,” Scootaloo gave him a mischievous grin.

“I’ve been very busy with school and my training,” Cobalt told Starless. “I didn’t want to date somepony and not be able to spend time with them.”

“Understandable.” Starless gave Care a grin. “You’ve only dated that one colt, now I think about it. What was his name?”

“Whispered Nothings,” Care named in a polite, strained tone. “I let him take me to one festival as a favor for a ‘friend,’ that was all, and it was nothing like it thought it would be.”

“I take it he lived up to his name,” Scootaloo said.

“He ended up with my friend by the end of the night. I found out later that her parents didn’t like him so she used me as a smokescreen to get him to go to the dance with her.”

Scootaloo winced. “Ouch. That’s just wrong.”

“I got to dance with other ponies and a nice dinner out, so it wasn’t too bad. Night Chill, the friend of mine I did the favor for, made up for it later too. I have to admit, even though he ditched me, Whispered was sweet when he was with me.” 

“You don’t have to worry about that kind of thing with this guy, if you two go that route.” Scootaloo patted Cobalt on the shoulder. “We could tell when he got a letter from you. He would walk around with a grin on his face for days.”

Pyrite gave one of Scootaloo’s hooves a tug. “Come watch Windless with me. He’s close to finishing, and I don’t want to miss it.”

“Okay. But you’re in the middle. I feel like making a puppy sandwich.”

Pyrite nodded and moved to settle at Windless’ side. Scootaloo got on the floor next to Pyrite’s free side and leaned so he was gently pressed between her and Windless. “That’s perfect.” She leaned in with Pyrite and smiled. “Wow, you’re good.”

Windless smiled and adjusted the pencil in his mouth. “Thanks.”

“Speaking of sandwiches,” Starless turned to Mosaic and Field, “I hate to impose, but could I make a quick snack of my own? I didn’t get to grab lunch, and I think I need something to tide me over till whatever happens happens.”

“Sure,” Mosaic said.

Starless turned to Cobalt and Care. “You two, and my lovely wife, should come with me. I need somepony to show me where everything is and I would like to know more about you two 'mixing magic' the other night.”

Scootaloo’s ear’s perked and one rotated towards Care and Cobalt. She turned her head, as the four left the den.

“Are Cobalt and Puca in trouble?” Pyrite asked, looking up to Windless.

Windless grinned and shrugged. “I doubt, but with Dad, there is no telling what he's planning.”

Pyrite’s ears folded back. He gave a worried look toward the kitchen.

“They’ll be fine.” Scootaloo scooped Pyrite against her side with a wing. “Cobalt’s faced much worse than this, and I’m sure Care is not without a few tricks for getting out of trouble with her dad.” Scootaloo scooched over so that Pyrite was snug between her and Windless again. 

Windless blushed as Scootaloo’s feathers brushed against his wing.  

“You comfy?” she asked, looking at Pyrite.

“Yes,” Pyrite and Windless answered, drawing laughs from around the room.

“Hey!” Labra protested. “She’s my practice special somepony! You can’t have him until he’s sent me letters! You can have Pyrite till then; he likes you because you take him flying!”

Scootaloo’s ears angled in confusion. “What in Equestria is a practice special somepony?”

Windless put his forehead on the floor and sighed. “Princess Luna, if you could teleport me out of here I would appreciate it.”
> Discussions and Permissions
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Freight led Care, Cobalt, and Stone into the kitchen. “Before you sit down, Cobalt, get some of the gems you and Care fed.”

Cobalt nodded. “I’ll be right back.”

Starless stated with mock seriousness, “He seems nervous.”

“You’re intimidating,” Care said. “You and Mercy beat the stuffing out of Stone, so he fears you on that level too.”

“Mercy was the one that drew blood. Stone and I just rough housed with each other.” Windless’ ears fell a little. “The pup was right, though. I am getting old. If Stone pushed it, I doubt I could win against him.”

Care gave Starless a hug. “You will never have to.”

He hugged Care back and whispered in her ear, “Have you completed your mission?”

“The information I have gathered has been promising, but have not progressed as far as I would have liked in achieving my objective.”

Starless drew back from Care. “What kind of answer is that?”

“You didn’t want a sandwich did you?” Freight asked Starless.

“I’ll confess, I wanted a status update on a mission Care was undertaking.” Starless booped his daughter’s nose with a hoof. “So far, I am not overwhelmed by her response.”

Freight gave her husband an unamused look. “What kind of mission are you talking about?” 

Cobalt came back into the kitchen and placed a pouch on the table. “What did he do to deserve that look?” he asked Freight. “That’s the same one you give to Windless, when he’s up to something.”

“Like Father like son,” Freight said. “I don’t know what he’s done, which is worrying me a little.”

Starless pointed to Care and Cobalt. “You two, opposite side of the table, sit.” While Care and Cobalt took their seats, Starless gave Freight a small bow. “Would you like to help me with the debriefing of our daughter and the subsequent interrogation of Cobalt?”

Freight sighed. “You’re up to something again.”

“Life would be dull if I didn’t spring things like this every now and then.”

Starless took Freight’s hoof, guided her to the table, helped her with her seat, and then sat beside her. 

“How concerned should we be?” Cobalt whispered to care.

“Very concerned,” Care responded.

Starless looked at Care. “I would like a clearer answer than what you gave me, dear daughter of mine. Did you find the intelligence you needed?”

“I did. The pony of interest keeps the original bat pony plushie of me over his bed and nuzzles it often.”

“A good sign of what you were looking for.”

“To confuse the issue, he does the same for Windless’ plushie, but does not nuzzle it.”

Starless snorted a laugh. “Has he shown any other special treatment to you?”

“He allowed me to help him with the feeding of magic to his rockmoss, but he did the same with Windless so I am not sure if it counts.”

“Any physical displays of affection from the pony of interest?”

“He has given me hugs and held me as we slept together for two nights.” 

Starless made a show of scrutinizing Cobalt, who swallowed and gave Starless a sheepish look.

Care giggled and added, “Windless was in the room both nights, and drooled on Cobalt in his sleep during the first.”

“During the pony pile I assume,” Starless said.

Care nodded. “The second night, I had him to myself, on the den floor, while Windless slept on the couch.”

“Have you two reached an agreement, since the signs are favorable, as you were hoping?”

“The pony of interest and I have reached a mutual understanding of sorts.”

Cobalt’s eyes widened and turned to look at Care.

“I think I see where this is going now,” Freight said, with a smile. 

Starless smirked, but did not respond to Freight. “That concludes the debriefing. Now for the interrogation.” He turned to Cobalt. “I have learned that you have been taking my foals into the basement of this house.”

“I have,” Cobalt croaked.

“What did you and my daughter do in the basement?”

“We shared magic, sir.”

“Is that a euphemism of some sort?”

Cobalt blushed. “No, sir. We fed rockmoss our magic so it could grow gems.”

Starless looked to the pouch. “I assume that there are some of the gems in the bag.”

Cobalt gave a nod, opened the pouch, and poured the gems on the table. “They formed much faster than usual and are much higher quality than the ones I get working alone.”

Starless picked one of the purple gems up and smiled. “This is her favorite color.” He glanced back down at the gems. “I take it the green ones are from you.”

“Yes, sir.”

“And the others?”

“The gems are random in color, most of the time. I think our magic influenced the number of green and purple gems.”

“What happened with the gems you fed with Windless?”

“It’s early to tell, but they seem to be forming fast thanks to the amount of magic the three of us poured into it.”

Starless gave Cobalt a quizzical look. “Three of you?”

“Care was the one that got everything to work. She connected Windless and me so I could direct the magic.”

“So your connection to Care is stronger than with Windless?”

“Are magics are more compatible,” Cobalt said with caution.

Starless grunted. “That was a polite but pitiful answer. Let’s try another question. When you slept with our foals, who held who?”

“I held Care the first night. She held me the second.”

“That clarifies one thing.” Starless grinned. “I’ll admit, hearing some of the things Care and Freight have said, I thought you might be interested in both my foals.”

“Starless!” Freight gave her husband a teasing shove. She looked towards Cobalt and studied him. “You are interested in Care, right?”

“I am.”

Freight asked Care, “What was that you said about coming to a ‘mutual understanding?”

“We talked about what we felt for each other.”

“Now you’re giving pitiful answers. This won’t do.” Starless leaned towards Freight and whispered something in her ear. Freight nodded and left the kitchen. “Since you are both being difficult, we must use more advanced techniques.”

Care’s ear flicked. “Dad, this is going a little far.” She glanced at Cobalt, then back to her father. “We don’t need to bring anypony else into this.”

“Your mother and I disagree.”

Starless turned his head. A moment later, Mosaic stepped into the kitchen. “Thank you for taking care of everypony,” he told her.

Mosaic smiled. “It’s been fun. The house hasn’t been this lively in a while.”

“If you want things to stay so lively, Freight and I talked about what happened the other night and I agree with the arrangement.”

Mosaic tilted her head. “What arrangement?”

“A herd. I would hate for you two to be pulled apart after spending a night together.” He waggled his eyebrows. “We also agreed that she has to share.”

“Dad!” Care put a hoof to her face. “Behave!”

Mosaic laughed. “How about I make you two even? I only hugged her, so let me hug you.”

Starless accepted Mosaic’s offered hug and acted wounded, “So, no herding?”

“You’re both wonderful ponies, but,” she bopped his nose with a hoof, “no herding.” 

Starless gave a theatrical sigh. “It’s for the best. Freight is all the mare I can handle. It would make things awkward for our children, considering what’s developed between them, if we formed a herd.”

Mosaic’s eyes lit up. She turned to Care and Cobalt.

A deep chuckle came from the doorway. “Dare I ask what drama unfolding here?” Field leaned against the kitchen’s door frame and crossed his forelegs over his chest.

“My daughter and husband are up to something, but I’m not sure what.” Freight moved past Field and returned to her seat beside Starless.

Starless explained: “Care came to me with some concerns she had about moving here and with one pony in particular. After hearing her concerns, I put her on a mission and promised her I would help if needed. She is being less that forthcoming about the outcome of her mission, and I would like assistance in pulling the information from her.”

Mosaic sat at the end of the table close to Care and Freight. “What was the mission?”

Care’s ears pinned back, and she looked towards Starless.

“When faced with something you’re worried about, confront it head on,” Starless encouraged.

Care nodded to Starless and then answered Mosaic, “I was to determine if Cobalt was interested in me as more than a friend.”

Mosaic gave a light snort of a laugh and then composed herself. “What did you find out?”

“That he does.”

“No surprise here.” Mosaic put a hoof on Care’s shoulder. “Was that was you wanted?”

Care smiled and nodded.

“What do you feel for my daughter?” Freight asked Cobalt.

“I love her,” Cobalt said with conviction.

Field laughed. “You never have lacked for boldness.”

“You love her?” Starless asked, with one ear cocked and a raised eyebrow. “You two have been friends since you were small, but what kind of connection could you have formed with her considering the distance between you?”

Cobalt swallowed. “Her letters have helped me through some of the roughest parts of my life. I’ve opened myself up to her in ways I have for no pony else.”

“Including your parents?”

“Especially my parents,” Cobalt said, which gained him a look from Field and Mosaic.  “There are things I have talked about with her and shared in our letters I haven’t even talked with Stone and Puca about. I think her being away strengthened our bond, in a way. We connected on the emotional and mental levels without being close. Being apart also is what made each time we met and we able to spend time together so special and made her letters to me even more important.” 

“That’s she’s cute as a button has nothing to do with it,” Field joked.

“I’ll admit that’s a plus.” Cobalt grinned at Care. “Her greetings have always been great too. The first time I got a full wing hug from her and the second time she tackled me. It’s kind of hard not to think about a filly after she does things like that to you.”

Care sighed and dropped her head. “I’m never going to live that down, am I?”

Cobalt looked back to Starless. “I’m sure I have habits that will annoy her, and vise-verse, but as long as talk to each other and remain friends, I know we can work through things.”

“I have a question for you, Care,” Field said. “Why did you want to know whether Cobalt was interested in you as more than a friend before you got here?”

Care’s ears pinned back and she looked to the table.

“Tell him.” Starless said. “Tell them why. They should know.”

Cobalt leaned until his side touched Care’s. “If you’re not comfortable talking about it, you don’t have to answer. I’m sure Dad will understand.”

Care smiled and leaned into him. “I need to do this.” She raised her head and bumped his chin with her nose. “I’d like you to know what what going through my head too.” She turned to address Field. “I wanted to know so I could determine what the best way would be to make him my special somepony, if I had any chance.”

Field laughed as Cobalt stared at Care with his mouth hanging open.

Freight closed her eyes and rubbed her temple with a hoof. “I take it my advice of letting things play out at their own pace was a little too slow.”

Care gave Freight an impish smile. “I followed your advice, and we became special ponies. I asked Dad to help me with a back up strategy, in case I needed it.”

Mosaic rested her forelegs on the table. “Do I want to know what the back up strategy was?”

“It wasn’t anything sinister,” Care assured. “I would learn as much about Cobalt as I could from you, Field, Stone, Puca, and anyone else I could get information from. I would find what interests he and I shared in common and then get myself involved in those activities. I knew I couldn’t force him to have affection for me, but I wanted to provide as much opportunity for that to happen while doing something we both enjoyed.”

“You came prepared,” Field said.

“Your brother and mother talked to us about you thinking we would see you two as having foal’s crush for each other the other night,” Mosaic said. “What did you plan to do if Field and I didn’t approve of you two trying to become a couple?”

“I would work to show you it was more than a crush but not quite love yet and that I wanted to see if we could make a deeper bond.” Care paused and one of her ears fell. “I don’t have your official approval yet, though.”

Every eye turned towards Mosaic. 

Mosaic glanced around at the others. “What?”

“They’re waiting for your response,” Field said.

Mosaic smirked and narrowed her eyes at her husband. “Wait a second; you’re supposed to be with me on this!”

Field moved and sat beside Mosaic. He hugged her to his side with a foreleg and nuzzled the top of her head. “Since you were the one she singled out I thought I would let you respond, but I guess I’ll go first.” He looked to Care. “It’s fine with me. I hope you know what you’re getting into. He wanders off on adventures from time to time.”

Care patted Cobalt’s shoulder. “I’ll do my best to help him.”

“You two have my approval,” Starless said, raising his hoof. He slumped and sighed. “Though, I am disappointed that I won’t be able to see you put our full plans into action.”

“That’s two of four,” Field said. He turned to Mosaic. “Your vote?”

“What was your backup plan, if Cobalt showed no interest in you?” Mosaic said, weighing Care with her eyes.

“I would remain friends with him and even see if he could help me find someone he trusted to have a relationship with.” Care gave Mosaic a sad smile. “If they were good friends with him, and had his approval, that I thought was as good as I would get in a partner other than him.”

“You’re putting him on a pedestal.” Mosaic leaned back. “I don’t know if I like that.”

“Mom-” Cobalt started.

Mosaic cut him off. “I don’t want you two to hurt each other.”

“I don’t know if I like the sound of it either,” Freight said.

“I’m not putting him on a pedestal, I’m valuing him for who he is. He puts himself into danger to help others, has brought a wonderful group of friends together, prodded Puca and Stone to get together, and has helped Labra and Pyrite live as normal a life as possible.” Care paused, seemed to decide something, and confessed, “To tell the truth, one reason I was worried that he wouldn’t be interested in me is that I felt inadequate compared to the heroes, mentors, and princesses he interacts with all the time.”

“What are you talking about? You’re my hero.” Cobalt touched his nose to Care’s, when she turned to him. “You got me get through the darkest parts of my recovery because you understood me and reached me. You gave me the hope and strength I needed to get back on my hooves and not give up on the thing I loved just because it had painful parts.” 

Care smiled, keeping her nose against his. “I’m glad I could help.”

Cobalt looked to Freight. “If you’re worried she’s putting me on a pedestal, I’ve done more than that with her. I put her on my shelf. Every time I needed help, I wrote to Care. I lay on my bed and held Care’s plushie while I cried when thing got to be too much, like she told me to in her letters. She saved me and she wasn’t even here.”

Mosaic nodded to Freight in affirmation. “When I would check on him, I found him holding that doll against his chest several times.”

Cobalt returned to leaning against Care. “She will always be my friend and I will always love her, even if she decides I’m not the stallion for her.”

A smile came to Freight’s face, cracking her serious facade. “You’re both so sure.”

“Look at the gems we fed.” Cobalt slid a gem towards Freight. “This was our first time working together, and this is what we could do. We couldn’t have done this if there wasn’t a connection between us.”

Freight made raised her hoof. “Fine, you’ve convinced me. You two can give it a shot.”

Every eye turned to Mosaic again. She smiled and nodded. “You have my vote, but I have conditions. First, you two are to focus on getting through school and keeping up your training.”

“We can do that,” Care said. “The contest between the three of us on our grades is about to start back up, and we still have to beat Windless.”

“Second, there are to be no ‘deliveries’ soon.” Mosaic met Cobalt’s eye, and he blushed crimson. “As cute and wonderful as having a miniature combination of you two would be, having three little ones around for the next little bit will be wild enough.”

“I think it’s best we limit their shows of affection to short hugs, quick kisses, and limited nuzzles,” Freight said. 

“Sounds like you can’t go pouncing Cobalt in public, Care,” Starless said.

Freight waved a dismissive hoof at Starless’ words. “No, she still can. Pouncing falls under the category of hugs.”

Starless grinned as he looked at Stone. “You seem to want to say something. Do you not like being pounced?”

“When she or the pups do it, it’s great.”

“So that’s what you were wanting to protest.”

“I would like to plead for one more activity we can do.”

Mosaic crossed her forelegs over her chest and asked, “That being?”

“Snuggling together or in pony piles.”

“Pony piles, I think we can agree on,” Field said through his efforts not to laugh. “It would break the pups’ hearts if we kept you two from getting in piles with them. I’m not too sure about snuggling. It leads to ‘deliveries,’ if you’re not careful.”

Freight looked over at him. “Speaking from the position of experience I take it.”

Field grinned. “Snuggling prompted the events that led up to both Stone and Cobalt.”

“What if someone supervises our snuggling?” Care offered.

“That seems like it would be awkward for you and the suprervisor,” Freight said.

Starless’ mouth showed a slight smile as Cobalt’s ears fell. “Why is snuggling with her so important to you?”

“He’s always loved to hug and snuggled,” Freight said. “This seems to have more weight to it.”

“Since we got back from Hound’s Run, I’ve had trouble sleeping. Unless I’m in a pony pile or holding Care’s plushie, I have horrible nightmares about what happened. The last couple of nights I’ve slept the best I have in a long time.”

“You think it was because of Care?” Starless asked.

Cobalt nodded. “The first night, I thought it was because Care and Windless were in a pile with me. After the second night, when it was her and me on the floor, I realized what was going on.”

Care looked up at him as if waiting for his words.

“Instead of me holding a substitute, she was there. With my head on her chest, I could hear her breathing and her wings around me made feel loved and safe.”

Starless raised an eyebrow. “So, you’re not asking to snuggle with her, you’re asking to sleep with her.”

Cobalt shook his head. “I want to hold her when we mix magic. Earth pony magic is channeled and enhanced through direct contact.” He gestured toward the gems. “This is what we can do without either of us touching each other. I’m sure that if I hold her, or she holds me, we can do so much more.”

“That was a poor way of phrasing that last bit, considering the whole of the situation you’re in,” Field said chuckling.

“I won’t lie; holding her would not be for magical purposes alone,” Cobalt said, “but I wasn’t planning on taking things any further than that.”

“You may not be.” Freight looked towards Care. “My daughter comes from a long line of stallion pouncers, and if she does to you what I did to Starless you won’t have a chance.”

Starless glanced towards Freight. “So you’re the one who taught her to pounce like that. I thought the form looked familiar.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Freight said, feigning ignorance. “It comes naturally to the mare’s in my family.”

“I know some of the tricks you used on me had to be taught. You’ve passed them down to our daughter haven’t you?”

Freight grinned. “I had to keep the tradition going.”

Starless shook his head. “Cobalt, she’s right, you wouldn’t have a chance.”

A knock on the front door drew everypony’s attention.

“That would be my summons, if I had to bet,” Starless said. “We must put on hold this discussion about who you two get to hold.”

“Dad, that was horrible.”

“I’ve got it,” Field announced so all could hear.

“I’ve never been through an inspection without being in armor or formal uniform. This will be interesting.”

“Mend is nothing but meticulous in her inspections," Freight warned him. "She gave me one the other day, and she checked things on me I didn’t even know I had.”

“Good evening everypony,” Edge greeted them as he stepped into the kitchen. He paused and looked at the gems on the table then raised his eyes to Cobalt and Care. He moved closer to the table. “May I?”

“Sure,” Cobalt said.

Edge picked up a small selection of the gems and studied them. “You two fed these?”

Care nodded. “We did.”

“Was this your first time sharing magic?”

Care nodded again.

“You two better be ready,” he told Care and Cobalt. “When certain parties see these, things will get interesting.”

“Edge, brace yourself!” Bonsmara called from the den. “You have incoming!”

Edge grinned and turned towards the door. “I’m ready!” As soon as he sat down, Labra and Pyrite raced into the kitchen and gave him an enthusiastic hug. “There are my pups.” 

Labra nuzzled into him. “Uncle Edge, we missed you!”

“I’m glad to see you too.” He picked them both up. “Have you two been getting into trouble?”

“No sir,” Pyrite said.

Edge shook his head. “We must fix that. I’ll see what kind of trouble we can come up with soon.” He bumped his nose to each of theirs. “Tonight, however, we will need to be on our best behavior.”

The pups’ ears perked up. 

“Why Uncle Edge?” Pyrite asked.

“Because we have been summoned to Princess Twilight’s castle.” He nodded towards Starless. “I have orders to escort him to the castle, along with everyone else that was here.”

“Did Mister Bat do something wrong?” Pyrite asked.

Edge chuckled. “Mister Bat did nothing wrong. Mend wanted to give him a physical and magical inspection.” He gave Labra a light nuzzle. “I felt you tense up. No, he’s not sick. She wants to know more about him.” 

Edge looked up from the pups and smiled, as a figure stopped into the doorway. “Well now, how did you get mixed up in all of this, Scootaloo?”

“I ran into Miss Freight, Care, and, Stone, and Windless while they were at lunch. I wanted to see them again, so Miss Freight invited me over to visit.”

Edge made a show of looking towards Care, Stone, and Freight and then turning back to Scootaloo. “You were ‘visiting’ with only one, from what I can tell. Is there something we should know about?”

Scootaloo blinked. “What?”

“They moved into the kitchen to talk about things, and we stayed in the den.” Windless appeared and stood beside Scootaloo. “She watched me draw Labra and asked me about the kinds of training I did.”

“Gain any useful tidbits you could use?” Edge asked Scootaloo.

“A couple, but I’m not sure how well they will work with me.” She extended a wing. “Our wings are so different I don’t know if I’ll be able to mimic everything he described.”

“You’re welcome to come with us,” Edge told her. “I’m sure Twilight would be glad to see you.”

Scootaloo shook her head. “I’ve got a feeling I would be the fifth wheel on the cart. Besides, I’m supposed to be meeting up with Featherweight and the girls for dinner soon.”

“Miss Scootaloo?” Labra said, her ears down.

“Yes?”

“I wanted to say I’m sorry again, for thinking you were trying to steal Windless.”

Scootaloo smiled and held her hooves out. “Come here.” 

Edge put Labra down, and she went to Scootaloo with her tail tucked. 

Scootaloo hugged Labra and touched her nose to the pup’s nose. “I told you, no hard feelings. I don’t have them for you, so you shouldn’t have them for yourself.”

Labra tucked her head and put it against Scootaloo. “Thank you.”

Scootaloo rubbed Labra’s back with a hoof. “Besides, you’re too cute for him to leave you for me.”

“He’s supposed to leave me. We’re practice special somedoggy and somepony. I thought you might take him before we could even send letters like Cobalt and Care did and got upset.”

“Don’t worry; I won't steal him. He’s nice, but he’s no Featherweight.”

“I’m standing right here,” Windless reminded her.

“You better give this little guy a hug too, before you go.” Edge put Pyrite down. “He’s getting wiggly for one.”

“Come here.” As soon as he dashed to her, Scootaloo gave Pyrite a hug. “I’ll be there to pick you up the day after tomorrow. Same time as usual.”

Pyrite nodded and his tail wagged into a blur.

“What’s got you so happy?” Freight said.

Not letting go of Scootaloo, Pyrite turned his head towards Freight. “Scootaloo trains with Rainbow Dash in the afternoons. Scootaloo takes me, lets me watch, and lets me fly with her.”

“I can’t leave out my number one fan can I?” Scootaloo scratched Pyrite’s ear, and he leaned into the contact.

“Pyrite, you need to let her go,” Mosaic said. “If you need more cuddles, come here.”

Pyrite gave Scootaloo a parting squeeze and then went to Mosaic.

Mosaic scooped Pyrite up and nuzzled him. “You’re more than welcome here any time,” she said to Scootaloo.

“Thanks.” Scootaloo looked towards the gems on the table then towards Care and Cobalt. “You guys negotiating marriage terms or something? I didn’t know ponies outside the Crystal Empire still that.”

Cobalt stammered, as Care explained, “These are the gems that formed after we shared magic and gave it to the rockmoss he’s growing in the basement.”

Scootaloo grinned at Care. “Looks like you two ‘shared’ pretty well. From how flustered he is, I can tell there’s something else going on.”

“We were establishing ground rules for their courtship,” Starless said.

“That’s great!” Scootaloo grimaced. “I hate to bring it up, Cobalt, but have you told Diamond yet?”

“I haven’t had the chance,” Cobalt said.

“Be ready for water works, when you do. Then again, knowing her, she'll play it off and double her efforts.” She pointed a hoof towards Cobalt and told Care: “If he gives you any trouble, come see me. Between me and the girls we’ll set him straight.”

“I don’t think there will be a problem,” Care said.

As Scootaloo turned to go she paused smiled at Windless. “Thanks for inviting me. It was cool, getting to see you draw. Thanks for the training tips too.”

Windless gave her a bow. “You’re more than welcome.”

She examined the tufts on Windless’ ears, which were at her eye level. “Labra, do you mind if try one thing?”

Labra tilted her head. “What?”

“Are the tufts on his ears as soft as I think they are?”

Labra smiled and nodded. “If he’ll let you, try them!”

“Sure, go ahead.” Windless held still as Scootaloo ran a hoof over the tufts of his ears. “Are they up to your expectations?”

“They are soft.” Scootaloo ran her hoof over one of Windless’ ear tufts again and again.

“That’s enough!” Labra protested. “He’s blushing!”

“Sorry. It’s kinda addictive.” She booped Labra’s nose. “Thanks for sharing him with me this afternoon.”

“You’re welcome.” Labra scooted over to Windless and leaned against his side.

“Good night, everypony and thanks again,” Scootaloo said as she left them.

“What did you think of our future Wonderbolt?” Edged asked Windless.

“She’s nice.” Windless tucked Labra to his side and touched his nose to hers when she looked up at him. “She’s no Labra, though.”

Labra grinned and rubbed one of his ear tufts with a paw and hugged him around the neck.
> Royal Summons, Invitations, and Revelations
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“You two ready?” Fierce said. “Remember, be sure of your target before you pounce.” 

Labra and Pyrite nodded and got into pouncing positions. Their tails wagged in anticipation.

“I want to see good form from both of you,” Fierce said and knocked on the door to Twilight’s castle. 

After a short wait, Spike opened the castle’s door. “Hey Fierce! Is everybody else- argh?!”

Labra and Pyrite cut Spike’s short by tackeling him.

“We got you!” Pyrite declared.

“That’s not fair! You’re supposed to behave when you’re going to someone’s for dinner.” Spike tried to get back to his feet only to collapse as the pups changed their tactics for keeping him pinned. “Ha ha ha! No tickling!”

“Hello Spike.” Bonsmara said, giving each of the pups a pat on the shoulder signaling for them to let Spike up. “Thank you for greeting us.”

Spike, still sprawled on the ground, snorted a puff of smoke. “I thought you were on my side.”

Bonsmara smiled. “It is always good to see they have progressed in their skills.”

Spike sat up and scanned the group at castle door. “Whoa! It’s a whole herd!”

“I promised I would gather everyone,” Fierce said, as he helped Spike to his feet. “Though, I cannot take much credit since they were in one spot when I found them.”

“Come on in,” Spike said. “Everypony is waiting.” Spike led them toward the library. “Now I see why Twilight wanted to meet in the library. I don’t think we’ve got another room with enough space.”

The pups walked with him, one at each side. “Who’s here?” Labra asked.

Spike smiled. “Twilight said I couldn’t tell. It’s supposed to be a surprise.” Spike turned to Pyrite, who was sniffing at him. “What are you doing?”

“Granny, Twilight, Amore,” named Pyrite. He took another sniff. “There’s four more I don’t know.”

“That’s cheating!” Spike grinned. “It’s cool, though.”

As they approached, the library’s main door opened. “Good evening everyone,” a bat pony in full Lunar Guard armor greeted them. He gestured them to continue into the library. “We have been expecting you.” 

The pups stopped and looked up at the guard. 

He gave them a friendly smile. “Hello.”

“Are you here for Mister Bat?” Pyrite asked. “I thought he didn’t do anything wrong.”

“Mister Bat?” The guard looked at the group behind the pups. “Oh, that Mister Bat. No, I’m not here for him.”

“Bitter!” Care dashed out of the group and gave Bitter a hug. She paused and looked at him. “If your here then-”

Bitter booped her nose with a hoof. “Don’t spoil it.”

The moment they stepped into the library, Labra and Pyrite froze.

“Good evening little ones,” Luna greeted them. She laughed as the pups continued to stare. “Is my presence so shocking?”

“It’s a real princess,” Pyrite said to Labra. He looked to Luna’s right, where Cadance was sitting with Flurry, and corrected himself, “Three real princesses!”

Twilight sighed. “I keep forgetting I’m not a ‘real’ princess.”

“You’re a princess, but you’re our friend!” Pyrite told her. “That comes first.”

Twilight giggled. “That beats being a princess, most of the time. Thank you.”

“We’re supposed to bow,” Labra said, bowing to the princesses. 

Pyrite followed her example as the rest of the group bowed.

“Please rise,” Luna said. “We are not holding court, nor is this a formal occasion.”

Flurry whispered to Cadance, who smiled and nodded. Flurry left her seat and approached Labra and Pyrite.

“She’s an our size princess,” Pyrite commented to Labra, as Flurry approached them.

“Are you the puppies that were so sick?” Flurry asked.

“Cobalt, Gandma, and Amore helped us get better,” Pyrite said. “I’m Pyrite, and this is my sister Labra.”

Flurry hugged the siblings, wrapping them in her wings. “I was so worried about you, when Mom told me about what happened.”

“When I said I was coming to visit Twilight, Flurry insisted on coming with me to check on you. She’s wanted to meet you.” Cadance smiled at Flurry. “You can let them go now. You’re making Pyrite blush.”

Flurry giggled at Pyrite. “Why are you blushing? It was just a hug.”

“I’ve never been wing hugged by a princess before. You smell nice too.”

“Pyrite!” Bonsmara closed her eyes and rubbed her forehead. “You do not say something like that to a lady you just met, much less a princess.”

Labra whispered to Pyrite, through clenched teeth, “She could have you thrown in the dungeon!”

Pyrite’s tail tucked as he shrunk down and whimpered.

“I would never do that! He was being sweet and honest!” Flurry moved to stand by Pyrite’s side, put a wing around him. “My name is Flurry Heart, Princess Cadence is my mom. Shining Armor is my dad.”

“You’re Twilight’s niece?” Labra asked.

Flurry nodded. “And Spike’s my uncle.”

“She and I get into all kinds of stuff in the Empire,” Spike said. “Wanna see what we can get into before dinner?”

Labra and Pyrite answered together, “Sure!”

“Can I ask a favor?” Flurry said.

Spike nodded. “Sure.”

“Can we go to see the twins?”

“Sure. They’ll be thrilled to see you.” Spike gave Flurry a teasing elbow. “Pound’s been asking how you’ve been.” 

Flurry blushed. “I’ve been thinking about him and Pumpkin too.” She turned to Cadence. “Mom, can we go to Sugar Cube Corner?”

“Sure. Tell the Cakes hello and be sure to give a hug to Pinkie for me.”

“I will.”

“Guard Bitter, approach,” Luna ordered.

Bitter neared Luna and bowed. “Yes, my princess.”

“Escort the little ones to their destination. Be sure they do not cause mischief or stray too far. We expect them to join us for dinner.”

“I would be happy to, my Princess.”

“Bitter.” Bitter looked up, and Luna put a hoof to his nose. “They are not to overindulge in sweets.”

Bitter gave her a mischievous look. “So they may nibble on something small, then?”

Four pairs of excited, young eyes looked to Luna.

Luna removed her hoof from Bitter’s nose and nodded. “They may partake of something small.”

“As you wish, my Princess,” said Bitter as he gave Luna another bow.

Luna waved Bitter closer, as he stood again. When he was close enough, Luna kissed him on the nose.

He blushed and touched his nose to hers. “Thank you, my princess.” He turned to the youths. “Shall we?”

“Let’s,” Flurry said. She, the pups, and Spike followed Bitter out of the library.

Luna glanced at Cadence, with one of her ears at an angle. “Why are you looking at me so?”

“I’m enjoying that you two are still so in love.”

“He is more precious to me than I can put to words.” Luna looked toward Twilight. “There now remains but one princess who has not taken a lover, which is causing my sister some concern.”

“Let’s focus on the matter at hoof,” Twilight redirected. Twilight lit her horn, and the library’s furniture arranged itself in a wide circle so all could sit and face each other. In the center of the circle she placed a table. 

“First, I’ll escort Starless to Mend. Then, we can discuss the disturbance in our research.” Twilight left her seat and approached Starless. “It’s nice to see you again.”

“Likewise, Princess,” Starless responded.

“Please, follow me, and I’ll show you where the examination room is.”

Amore giggled as Twilight and Starless disappeared from sight. “Mend will have a field day with him.”

“You three youths, gather at the table,” Luna said, using a wing to indicate she was speaking to Care, Cobalt, and Windless. “All others, please, be seated.” Luna waited a moment for all to comply with her order and then regarded the trio at the table with a mischievous gleam in her eye. “You have drawn the eye of all four princesses with your machinations. That is an uncommon feat.”

Windless bowed his head. “You honor us with your attention.”

Luna smirked. “Speak not with such haste. You know not why we turned our gaze to you. We could be vexed at your conduct.” Luna made a point of looking Care, Cobalt, and Windless each in the eye. “One wonders what actions you have taken and scandalous secrets you keep.”

“Be nice, Luna,” Amore chided. “You’re making them nervous.”

“I am not the one they need be concerned with.” Luna looked to Candace. “A certain somepony has shown an almost predatory focus as to the recent events that have disturbed our work.”

“Princess Cadance is looking at us pretty hard,” Windless whispered to Care and Cobalt. “Just how much trouble are we in?”

“You who turned down your offer to enroll in our academy,” Luna said. “I would not fret about their fates, but look toward my own.” 

“Been nice knowing you,” Care whispered.

“As least he made the attempt,” Luna stated. “Do not look at me with such astonishment, Care Package. Your family has caught my eye. There is little about you I do not know.”

“Speaking of things catching others attention, we noticed that somepony was mixing magic the other night to great effect,” Amore said. “We were told, by a certain source, that the ponies involved were ponies we knew.”

Edge approached Amore. “Your source was right. They have been mixing magic. They have brought samples of what they could accomplish.”

Amore stood and moved towards the table. “Please, show me.”

Cobalt pulled his pouch of gems from his saddle bags and gave it to Amore. “Here are some of the gems that Care and I fed.”

Amore opened the pouch and poured its contents on the table. “My word!” Using her magic, she lifted a gem to inspect it. “These formed so fast and with such quality.” She closed her eyes and dipped her head.

After a few silent seconds, Windless asked. “Are you all right?”

“I’m fine.” She smiled and opened her eyes. “I believe you should examine the properties of this gem, Cadance.”

Cadance took the gem and assumed a posture similar to the one Amore had held.

Amore hugged Cobalt. “Congratulations.”

Cobalt hugged her back. “Thank you, but I’m not sure what I did.”

Amore released Cobalt and hugged Care. “Congratulations to both of you.”

Cadance’s eyes snapped open. “There is something in Cobalt’s saddlebags that is responding to the gem and my magic.”

Cobalt turned so that Windless could access the side pouch of his saddlebags. “I think you should be the one to show them.”

Windless nodded and took a box from Cobalt’s saddlebags. He put the box on the table, opened it, and then removed a rockmoss planter from the box. “This is what we were able to do. The gems are not as large, but I’ve had to harvest several of them already.”

Cadance beamed. “You did it! This is what we needed to prove our theory!”

Windless gave Cadance a slight bow. “I’m glad we could make you so happy.”

“You think I’m happy? Twilight‘s going to flip!”

“Flip about what?” Twilight asked, as she re-entered the room. Her eyes went to the table. “What are those?”

“The gems crafted by Care and Cobalt and the rockmoss the three of them fed,” Amore said.

Twilight’s eyes lit up. She levitated a few of the gems to her and inspected them. “They are reacting to…” She looked to the rockmoss on the table. She returned the gems to the table and stepped closer to the rockmoss. “These are different, but they have similar magical qualities to the ones on the table.”

“It’s because I helped them feed the rock moss,” Windless said. He took a step back, when Twilight turned her intense gaze to him.

“You helped?”

“I added my magic to theirs thanks to urk-!”

Twilight grabbed Windless in a bear hug. “Our research was right!”

“Remember your strength,” Luna cautioned. “You forced the air from him.”

Twilight eased her hold on Windless. “Sorry, but I was so excited!”

Windless drew in a quick, hissing breath. “It’s fine,” he wheezed.

“Do you have any clue what this means?!” Twilight asked, touching her nose to Windless’.

“No, Princess, I don’t,” he confessed, blushing.

“We can power the Sphere like the ponies in the Empire power the Crystal Heart!”

“That’s great!” Windless smiled at her. “But I have no clue what you are talking about.”

“Oh, that’s right. No pony knows about the Sphere yet.” Twilight glanced at her forelegs, blushed, and released Windless. “Sorry, sorry, sorry! I got excited.”

“What’s all the commotion about?” Mend led Starless into the library. “We could hear you down the hall.”

“These are why I was so excited.” Twilight pointed towards the gems and rockmoss on the table. “Look at them and tell me what you think.”

Mend picked up a pair of the gems on the table and examined them. “Seems that we found the source of magic that disrupted our trials the other day.” She looked at Care and Windless. “If my memory’s still working, I believe we have met before.”

“These are my children, Mend,” Freight said. “You met them years ago.”

“Ah, now I remember.” She turned back to the rockmoss and touched it with a hoof. “There were three sources with this one? No wonder the moss is overfilled with magic.”

“I tried to direct the overflow to the other rockmoss planters, but the surge was more than I could control and it got a heavy dose,” Cobalt explained.

Mend tapped Cobalt’s chest with a hoof. “What prompted you three to try something like this?”

“He was helping me, ma’am,” Windless said. “If you’re going to scold anypony for what happened to the rockmoss, scold me.”

Mend turned towards Windless and waved him closer. “Come here.” After Windless approached, Mend bopped his nose. “That was for telling a half-truth. Try again.”

“He was helping me make sure I could mix magic with somepony, ma’am.”

“Better.” She looked Windless over and smiled. “You turned out to be handsome like your father.”

“Thank you.”

“Hold still.” Mend put her hoof on Windless’ chest and closed her eyes. “Why did you want to know if you could mix magic with others?”

“I’m going to the Empire to study and I wanted to know if could mix magic at all.”

She opened her eyes and smiled. “I should give you another bop for telling me another half-truth, but I liked the part of your answer about going to the Empire so I’ll spare you.” 

Windless put his hoof over Mend’s. “What can you feel?”

“That you have mixed magic with both Cobalt and somepony else.” Mend put her free hoof on top of the one he was using to hold hers. “I can feel you’re heart beating like a bird’s wings too.”

“I’m scared I won’t fit in there.”

Mend chuckled. “You should be more worried about having to fight off mares and stallions with a stick. You’re going to be exotic to them and you being able to mix magic will make you even more attractive. You read and write Old Ponish?”

“Yes ma’am.”

“Then quit worrying and enjoy it up there. If the Empire calls you, the best thing to do is see what it wants with you.” Mend patted Windless’ shoulder. “I would like to see your sister now.”

“Thank you, Miss Mend.” Windless gave her a cautious hug around the shoulders.

“I’m old, not fragile.” She returned the hug with enough strength to make Windless grunt. “It’s my back that gives me trouble every now and then, not my shoulders.”

After giving Mend a proper hug, Windless moved so that Care could take his place.

Care settled down in front of Mend, looking apprehensive.

“Cobalt was right. You turned into a beauty.”

Care looked down and blushed. “Thank you.”

“Why are you nervous?”

“Cobalt said you look over every pony you work with and who’s associated with them.”

“Why is that worrying you?”

“You’re special to him. You’re opinion goes a long way.”

“Dear, look at me.” 

Care looked up at Mend.

“Are you asking to know what I think about you so soon?”

Care nodded. “Yes.”

Mend cut her eyes towards Cobalt. “What have you been telling this filly about me that has made her so scared of me?”

“That you and Amore have changed his world and that you are one of the most important ponies he has in his life,” Care told Mend.

Mend looked back to Care with a grin. “You’re off to a good start.” She put a hoof on Care’s chest and closed her eyes. After a few seconds, Mend chuckled. “Remember to breathe. It’s difficult to do this with a pony that’s passed out.”

Care took an audible breath. “Sorry.”

“Cobalt, you too, breathe.”

“Yes ma’am.”

Mend opened her eyes. “There’s no doubt you’re the one I felt using magic with him. I haven’t felt two ponies’ magic flow together like that since my husband, Tea Cozy, and I first mixed magic charging my crystals.”

Care, in a tender tone, asked, “Is he gone?”

“No, he’s up in the Crystal Empire helping our daughter, her husband, and our granddaughter establish a new patch of crystal berry bushes.” Mend removed her hoof from Care’s chest and patted her shoulder. “If you think your magic blends well now, just wait till you get more practice with him.”

Care’s ears perked up.

“Yes, I approve of you two. Not that it would have mattered anyway. The way he’s talked about you, I’m certain he’d walk to the ends of Equestria and beyond for you.” She motioned for Care to lean close and whispered to her. Care’s face turned red and she shook her head. 

Mend looked at Care in disbelief. “Why in Equestria not?”

“We just became special someponies tonight!” Care blurted.

“You blended magic like that and you haven’t…” Mend looked at Cobalt with a wicked grin. “You, me, Cozy and Cobalt need to have a little chat on the some of the finer points of blending magics soon.”

Cobalt blushed to the tips of his ears.

Mend looked over at Twilight, who was taking notes on the exchange. “You’re invited to come too. The Sisters know you need all the help you can get.”

Twilight’s pen halted half way across the page. “What?”

“Not what, who.” Mend pointed a hoof at Windless. “He would serve well for your first experiments. Besides, you wanted to know how his magic had mixed so well with Cobalt’s and his sister’s. Nothing like first hoof experimentation.” She asked Windless, “When are you supposed to be going back?”

“Three days from now.”

“More than enough time, you two can start tonight.”

“He’s at least ten year’s younger I am!” Twilight protested. “I don’t know him that well either!”

“You didn’t seem to mind when you were crushing the air out of him and rubbing noses with him,” Cadance teased.

“I wasn’t thinking!” Twilight yelped. “He got me excited!”

“He can do that again, I’m sure,” Mend said. “It will be in a different context, but he sure looks like he should be able to get a mare’s magic going.”

“Neither of us are earth ponies!” Twilight argued, her blush deepening. “We couldn’t interact with a crystal or rockmoss!”

Mend snorted. “You’re an alicorn, remember? You have all three forms of magic running through you.”

“Oh, yeah,” Twilight rubbed the back of her neck with a hoof, “I keep forgetting about that.”

Windless shook his head. “Even if she could channel our magic, I can’t help.”

“What do you mean you can’t?” Mend asked.

“Princess, I am sorry.” Windless bowed to Twilight. “Had circumstances been different, I would have been honored to help your studies. However, I have a practice special somedoggy’s feelings to consider. If I blended magic with you, it would hurt her feelings.”

“I need to do a full evaluation to find out what’s wrong with this one,” Mend said. “I think he’s lost his marbles.”

Cadance giggled. “I don’t think so, Mend. I can tell there he has affection for someone, but it’s not the romantic kind.”

“You need not apologize,” Twilight said. “You’re a great practice special somepony for thinking of her.”

“It must be catching,” Mend said. “Now she’s talking nonsense.”

“He can explain what’s going on later,” Twilight said. “First, I want to tell everyone why we wanted them to join us.” She turned to the table, dipped her head, and used her magic to make a faceted crystal sphere appear on the table. “This is what we have been working on. It’s the Ponyville equivalent to the Crystal Heart.”

“With all the wild stuff that goes on around here, we sure could use it,” Mosaic said.

“The Everfree being so close, it will be nice to know we have another form of protection from whatever is crawling around in there,” Bonsmara added.

“Those are the reasons for the creation of this artifact,” Luna said. “With the return of the Empire and its archives, we have worked to create this facsimile of the Crystal Heart. While it functions as it should, maintaining its power was confounding us.”

We’ve proven it will work, when fueled with enough magic, to get it started, but we weren’t sure if we could keep it going without more crystal ponies being involved.”

“You three have inadvertently shown that we do not need as many crystal ponies to focus power as we had thought,” Cadance said. “With ponies like you and Care acting as anchors and guides, we can gather magic from the whole population of Ponyville.”

“Windless was the one that made it possible,” Cobalt said. “If he hadn’t have asked us to try, we wouldn’t have found out it could be done.”

“I will be sure he returns here for the Ponyville Crystalings so he can help.” Cadance patted the unoccupied cushion beside her. “Come sit, Windless. I would like to get to know you, since you will be in the Empire.”

Windless nodded, seeming at a loss for words, and sat beside Cadence.

“Be careful,” Cobalt said. “Shining threatened to put me the Empire’s dungeon for being too friendly with her.”

“I have half a mind to put him in a dungeon for refusing my Academy,” Luna muttered.

Cadance smirked. “The Empire has much to offer a good stallion.” 

“So does the Academy,” Luna stated with conviction.

“I wonder what caused him to choose my Empire over home too. Let’s hear it straight from the horse’s mouth.”

“The ponies there, Princess,” Windless told her. “When I visited the Empire, a few years ago, meeting the Crystal ponies touched something in me. They share a connection each other through their community and their magic I want to be a part of.” He looked toward Care and Cobalt. “I didn’t think I had a chance until they helped me.”

“He has a thing for Crystal pony mares too,” Starless supplied.

Windless dropped his head. “Thanks, Dad.”

“Tell them about that last night in the Emipire,” Care said, “and about the painting you did of that night.”

Luna locked eyes with Windless, as he raised his head. “What painting does she speak of?”

“When my family and I went to see Puca and Stone’s wedding, during the last night of the trip I stayed up and made a painting of the city. That night was one of the reasons I fell in love with the Empire. It was the most beautiful night I had ever seen.”

“It’s one of his best works, Princess,” Freight said. “You inspired him that night.”

“I would see this painting,” Luna stated in a manner that allowed for no argument.

“It’s back home,” Windless told her.

Luna left her seat and strode to Windless. “That shall not prove a hindrance.”

Cadance waved at the two as if they were about to depart. “Bring it back with you, please. I want to see it too.”

“Bring it back?” His head snapped toward Luna, as she put a hoof on his shoulder. “Princess, what-?!” A hum of magic and a flash of light cut his words off as he and Luna vanished.

Twilight blinked at the space where Luna and Windless had been. “I didn’t expect that.”

“I did,” Cadance said. “Once she gets a thought in her head, you might as well step aside and let her charge on with whatever it is.”

Twilight knocked her forehooves together. “This is awkward. Do I keep explaining or do I wait for them to get back.”

“Since we don’t know how long they will be, keep going,” Mend said. “We can catch Windless up later.”

Twilight nodded and took a seat. “To make things short, we were hoping to have the ponies with experience with the Crystal Empire’s magic guide the rest of Ponyville’s citizen’s magic during the initial charging of the Sphere and during any Crystallings afterward in a network of power similar to what Luna did during the shared dream when Ponyville helped fend off the tanabus. We were about to start tests to see if were even possible to gather magic from ponies that were not earth ponies, but Care, Cobalt, and Windless have already shown that it can be done.”

“Would you two be interested in serving as examples of how it’s done?” Amore asked Care and Cobalt.

Care’s wings fluttered against her sides. “I’d love to!”

Cobalt nodded and answered, “Me too.”

“Good, it will be part of your training,” Mend told them.

One of Care’s ears tilted. “You mean his training, right?”

“No. I meant what I said.” Mend gestured towards the table. “You two work beautiful magic. I want to see what you can do after some pointers.”

“But, I can’t feed magic to anything on my own.”

“You won’t be able to at first. There are ways around that we’ll introduce you to.”

A flash of light and a pop announced Luna’s and Windless’ return.

Windless swayed on his hooves, “I don’t think teleportation is for me.”

Luna steadied Windless with a wing. “Forgive me. I forget most do not fare well with long distance teleporting, and you have suffered it twice.”

“You forgot the painting too,” Cadance pointed out.

“So I did.” Luna patted Windless shoulders with her wing. “He carries enough for you to amuse yourself with till I return. Start with the green one in the left pouch. You will find it most interesting.” Luna lit her horn and teleported away.

Using her magic, Cadace lifted Windless’ saddlebags from his back. “I’ll hold onto these.”

“Thank you, Princess,” Windless said. He leaned against the table, and closed his eyes. “I thought the first time was rough. I was wrong.”

Cadance opened the saddlebag’s left pouch and peered into it. “What have we here? Oh, sketch books!” She withdrew a green sketchbook from the pouch. “

Windless’ ears snapped up. “Let’s not start with that one, please,” Windless begged, as Cadance flipped opened the book.

Cadance smiled and raised an eyebrow. “I see you like figure drawing.”

Windless blushed and nodded. “That’s when I was studying classical paintings and trying to copy the ponies in them.”

“I have to say, these are good. You have a good eye for earth pony anatomy and your pegasi.” She flipped another page. “You’re not bad with Unicorns too. It looks like you end to spend more time on your mares than your stallions.”

“What are you doing?” Care asked, as Windless sunk to the floor.

“I’m going to hide for few minutes.” Windless slid himself under the table. “I didn’t want to bring that one. Princess Luna insisted that I did, after she looked through it.”

Care ducked her head under the edge of the table. “Windless, please tell me that’s not the one I think it is.”

“Why do you think I’m hiding?”

“Alicorns too?” Cadance asked, through a giggle. “I’ve see the original of this. You did Celestia proud.”

Windless admitted, “I based the pose off of Feather Touch’s Matriarch in Repose Amongst Clouds.”


Twilight gasped. “You copied that painting?!”

“Oh, Luna above!” Freight said, hiding her face in her hooves.

Cadance turn a page and returned the book to upright. “You were right, Frieight, Luna’s here too.”

“Beauty Emerging from Evening Waters by More Neigh,” Windless credited.

“Did she like the drawing?”

“Yes,” Windless answered Cadance, sliding backwards and further under the table.

Cadance turned another page and paused for a moment. “Windless, come out from under there or I’ll go under there after you.”

“I apologize, Princess.” Windless came out from under the table and kept his eyes one the floor. “I should not have copied such an intimate moment.”

“It’s beautiful.” She put her hoof to the edge of the sketch. “My little girl, there are days I wish she were this size again.” 

Cadance turned the sketchbook so all could see. The drawing showed Cadance holding Flurry nestled against her chest while in a bed.

“It’s the announcement picture from Flurry’s birth,” Twilight cooed. “That photographer did such a good job, but this seems to capture the emotions of the moment more. It’s like you put your feelings into the lines.”

“Thank you,” Windless said. “I saw how happy she was holding Flurry and wanted to capture it in my own way.”

Cadance passed the sketchbook to Twilight. “I want copies,” she told Windless.

“I’ll be glad to provide you with however many you want.”

“You’ll be making them in the Empire’s dungeon,” Care said. “You left out Shining Armor from the picture, it I remember it right.”

“Thanks for pointing that out Sis,” Windless grumbled.

Two pops and two corresponding flashes of light signaled the return of Luna and the arrival of Celestia.

“If anyone needs me, I’ll be back under the table.”

Luna caught Windless in her magic, before he could slink out of sight, and levitated him in front of Celestia. “Dear Sister, here is the talented, but somewhat traitorous, artist I spoke of.”

Windless curled up as if he were a kitten being carried by the scruff of the neck. “Hello Princess Celestia.” He gave a weak wave. “I would bow, but I can’t at the moment.”

“Luna tells me you have the makings of a prodigy.” Celestia gave him a too sweet smile. “She also says you have an appreciation for classical paintings.”

Cadance offered Celestia Windless’ sketchbook. “He appreciates you and Luna.”

Celestia took the sketchbook and flipped through its pages. She studied one drawing. “I remember this. It took Feather Touch wooing me for days before I agreed to pose for him.”

“Wooing?” Twilight asked.

“Oh yes. He had quite the silver tongue. He said he wanted to capture my beauty to allow all of Equestria to see me as a mare and not a political figurehead.” She looked to Windless. “Why did you choose this piece? There are more famous, and far less revealing, works with me in them.”

“In the painting, you’re relaxed and without your regalia,” Windless said, looking to the floor. “In most of the pictures of you, you’re in a formal pose or you’re statuesque. You’re pretty in them, but your emotions seem locked inside yourself. This reveals your radiance on all levels.”

A touch of red came to Celestia’s cheeks. “Thank you.” She turned another page and her eyebrows rose. “I believe More Neigh painted this.”

“It was him, Princess,” Windless answered.

“Tell us why you chose this piece. After hearing your reasoning for the last drawing, I am curious why it caught your eye.”

“I chose it because of the impact it had on me when I first saw it,” Windless offered.

After waiting for a moment, Luna used her magic to give Windless a light shake. “We would have more details.”

Windless curled into a ball and offered no response.

“Windless,” Cadance said, drawing his worry filled eyes. “If needed, I will provide you sanctuary in the Empire, but give her a whole and honest answer.”

Windless looked back to Luna. “Your wet mane trailing into the water mixed with the stars reflected in the water, the steam rising from your coat, the look in your eye, they overwhelmed me. It felt like the image of you in the painting was inviting me to swim into the lake so you could use your powers to guide me from there into your sea of stars.”

“So you are both an artist and a poet,” Luna said.

“That painting was part of the inspiration my painting of the Crystal Empire.”

“Which I would like to see,” Cadance hinted.

Luna turned her head. The glow around her horn brightened for a moment, and Windless’ painting appeared in the air beside her.

Twilight gave Luna a look. “You didn’t go to get the painting did you?”

“I did. While returning to Windless’ home to retrieve it, it occurred to me that Sister might wish to join us. I went on a frolic to invite her, which delayed my return.” Luna looked to the painting. “I would hear as to the creation of this piece.”

Cobalt told Luna: “It was the last night we would be in the Crystal Empire. I wasn’t going to see Cobalt and his family for a while, and it was the last night I would be in a guest suite of the palace. I couldn’t sleep with those thoughts running around in my head. I went out on the balcony of our room and I saw the Empire at night and inspiration struck. I couldn’t help but draw the city.”

“He about gave me a heart attack,” Freight said. “I think his getting up set off my maternal instincts. I woke up, went to check on him and Care, and he was missing from his bed. I was about to go ask a guard whether they had seen him, when a cool breath of air made me notice the balcony door hadn’t been shut all the way.”

“I didn’t want to wake Care, if it made noise shutting,” Windless explained.

“I walked on the balcony and found him wrapped in blankets, with his sketchbook, drawing away and lost to the rest of the world.” Freight looked at Windless and sighed. “He begged me to let him stay and finish. The sketch was shaping up so well, and he wanted to finish it so badly, I didn’t have the heart to tell him no. I made sure I wrapped him up as best I could, and went back to bed.”

“Cadance, are you okay?” Twilight asked and poked Cadance with a hoof.

Cadance continued to stare at the painting. “You turned a sketch into this?”

Windless nodded. “I had some of my color pencils with me, so I tried to get samples of the colors, before the dawn came, and then worked from memory on the painting when I got home.”

Cadance beamed at him. “This is what the nights at home look like!”

“When I went on the balcony, I had to draw what I was seeing. The few lights of the city and the shapes of the buildings looked like they were stretching up trying to be a part of the night sky. With Luna’s pale silver moon hanging between the city and the stars, the aurora’s ribbons of color seemed like Luna was using her magic to form a path for the city lights to travel up to join the stars. It felt similar to looking at Beauty Emerging from Evening Waters, but the feeling was that she was inviting the city to join the wonders of the night sky.”

The sound of young voices and small paws and hooves could be heard from the hallway.

“I wondered where Flurry and the others were.” Celestia smiled at the returning young ones, as they entered the library. “Good evening everyone.”

“Aunt Celestia!” Flurry rushed into the room and gave Celestia a hug. “I didn’t know you would be here.”

“Luna insisted that I see art by an up and coming talent.” Celestia returned the hug and kissed the top of Flurry’s head. “Day Court was not as busy as usual, so I was able come at the last moment.”

“Who is the artist?” Flurry asked.

Windless held up his hoof. “That would be me. I mentioned that I did a painting of the Empire’s sky at night, and Luna took things from there.”

Flurry looked to Luna. “Why are you holding him in your magic like that?”

“The way he speaks of my nights, and his skill at capturing them, I am tempted to order him to serve as my royal artist and end this talk of him traipsing to the Empire.”

“No!” Labra sprinted towards Luna and Windless. Bonsmara sprang to her feet. “Labra!”

Celestia held out a wing and stopped Labra’s advance. “Hold on little one.” Celestia scooped Labra up and held her to her chest. “Why are you so upset?”

“She can’t take my practice special somepony! I don’t care if she’s a princess! “He needs to go to the Empire!”

“Labra, it’s okay!” Windless assured Labra. “She’s kidding!” He glanced at Luna, who raised an eyebrow and gave him a predatory smile. “I think she’s kidding, anyway,” Windless amended.

“You’re the biggest princess!” Labra pleaded to Celestia, “Tell her she can’t have him, please!”

Celestia smothered a laugh. “That is not quite how it works. We are much like you and your brother. I can only influence her so much without being mean.”

“She can’t just take him!”

“While she can’t order him to,” Luna gave a snort at Celestia’s words, “she can offer Windless a deal for his services.”

“I assure you, he would not languish in some cage,” Luna told Labra. “I would pay him handsomely for the pieces he creates for me. I would grant him the best education in Equestria at my Academy as well.”

Cadance, Celestia, and Twilight gave Luna a scathing look.

“But he wouldn’t be happy,” Labra said.

“Are you certain?”

“He wants to learn from the old artists there too.”

“I can arrange so he, and others interested, could study under the returned masters. In fact, such plans have been put into place.”

“True,” Cadance said. “We were planning to do a rotation with some of our instructor’s visiting Equestrain schools while instructors from here visited the Empire’s.”

“He has to find his special somepony there,” Labra added. 

Cadance’s ears raised to their fullest height.

Twilight sighed. “You’ve done it now.”

“Why does his special somepony have to come from the Empire?” Candance asked.

“That’s the only way he can use magic the way he wants.”

“She doesn’t have to be from the Empire,” Windless said, in a sheepish tone. “To tell the truth, I would rather have real love than magic.”

“Mom, you’re getting that look again,” Flurry warned. “You need to calm down.”

“He’s looking for his special somepony. As the Princess of Love, it is my duty to help him.”

“I served as the princess of love, before you usurped by title,” Luna teased. “My knowledge of the magics of the north surpass yours. I am sure I help him find a suitable special somepony, crystalline or otherwise, and allow him to wield the magic he seeks, if he were to attend my Academy.”

“He’s registered to attend the Empire’s University already, and I know the ponies of the Empire,” Cadance countered. “If he is looking for love with one our citizens, I will be the one to help him.” 

As the princesses continued to banter, the ears of the bat ponies and diamond dogs in the room went up. A second later there was a knock from the front of the castle.

Fierce chuckled. “This could prove to be a problem. It would seem that dinner and the last of the guests have arrived, and the table is not set.”

“You get the door, we’ve got this,” Bitter said. “Psst, you three, come here.” Bitter waved Flurry, Pyrite, and Spike close and whispered to them. “Got it?”

All three nodded and said, “Got it.”

Flurry and Pyrite approached Luna and bowed. Spike drew the attention of Amore, Edge, and Mend, and led them out of the room. 

Flurry said to Luna: “Aunt Luna, Pyrite would like to ask a boon of you.”

Luna gave her a knowing smile. “Bitter has made you his agent, has he not?”

“Yes, but for a good cause.” Flurry patted Pyrite on the back with a wing. “Go on.”

Pyrite stepped forward. “Please, Princess, let Windless go. Mister Guard Bat said if I asked nicely and offered you a hug and to let you hold me you would let him go so we can eat.”

“His sister is wonderful to hold,” Celestia said, giving Labra a pat on the back. “I think receiving the hug and some cuddles would be a fair trade for Windless’ release.”

“Let us see.” Luna put Windless down and released him from her magic. “Wander not too far; I would still have words with you.” 

“Yes, Princess,” Windless said and rejoined Care and Cobalt at the table.

Luna held out her forelegs to Pyrite. “I would have my hug.”

Pyrite’s tail wagged as he scampered towards Luna. Luna picked Pyrite up, tucked him in the crook of a foreleg, and nuzzled him. “I know not when I last held a pup, diamond dog or otherwise.” Luna teared up and sniffed. “However long ago it was, it has been far too long.”

Pyrite looked at her in horrified shock. “Princesses aren’t supposed to cry!” He shifted in Luna’s hold so he could hug her around her neck and buried his nose in her mane. “You can hug me whenever you want, just please don’t cry!”

“I shall hold you to your promise.” Luna gave Pyrite a light squeeze and put her cheek on the top of his head. “Sister was right; you are a delight to hold.”

“I’ll take that from you,” Twilight offered, looking toward the painting. 

After getting a nod from Luna, Twilight took the painting in her magic and set aside in a safe spot. 

Fierce stepped through the doorway. “The last of our guests, and dinner, has arrived.” Making a grand motion, he bowed and slid from in front of the doorway.”

“There is no need to announce us. We do not mean to cause a fuss.” Zecora paused and smiled, after stepping into the room. “So many friends I see. I hope we have enough to feed everypony.”

“Zecora!” Twilight trotted to the zebra hugged her. “I’m glad you could make it.”

“Gauze didn’t give us much of a choice,” Grayson said. “She intercepted us at the train station and insisted that we drop our stuff off at home and then follow her.” 

“She was most kind and helped us out,” Zecora said.” “With as much luggage as she carried, it is clear she is stout.”

“Speaking of boxes, Fierce, could you help me get these boxes off my back? A couple of them are cooking me.”

“I thought I smelled roasting duck and singed cat hair,” Fierce jabbed, moving to help Grayson.

“Ha, ha. Just get the ones on my haunches first.”

Labra waved. “Hello, Uncle Grayson and Aunt Zecora!”

“We’re glad you’re back!” Pyrite told them.

“Hello to you two too.” Grayson tilted his head. “How did you end up being held by the princesses of Equestria?”

“Celestia stopped me from rescuing Windless,” Labra told him. “Then she picked me up and hugged me.”

“I gave Princess Luna a hug so she would let Windless go.” Pyrite puffed up with pride. “It worked, and it made the princess feel better too!”

Grayson glanced at Windless. “What did you do to need saving?”

“Let us discuss things as we feast,” Luna said. “Now that the food has arrived, my appetite has made itself known.”

“We’re going to need another table,” Spike pointed out.

There was a flurry of activity as everyone hurried to rearrange the room , serve the food, and find their place.

Luna stood and addressed everyone: “Before we sup, I wish to tell you why I have gathered you all here. There were three motivations for this illustrious gathering. The first being that those of us working on the Sphere wish to invite you all to attended the first Crystalling of Ponyville as guests of honor for your contributions to Equestria and the parts you played in the Sphere’s creation.”


Thanks and other appreciative words were given from the many creatures gathered. Luna held up a hoof, and room returned to silence.

“The second is that I would like your help making sure that all is ready for the event. We ask that you contribute a small measure of your time for the last of our experiments and testing to ensure that the Sphere will function as it should when we hold the first Crystaling.”

A flurry volunteering and enthusiastic nods answered Luna’s words. She paused till the room calmed. “Now we come to the final motivation.” Luna’s smiled changed as she turned her gaze to Puca and Stone. “Lady Puca and Sir Stone, my friends, please stand.”

Puca and Stone glanced at each other and then got to their hooves.

“We wish to ask a favor of you.”

“We will do whatever we can to help,” Puca said.

Stone nodded. “What do you need, Princess?” 

“We wish your foal to be the catalyst for the first Ponyville Crystaling.” 

Puca gasped and put a hoof to her mouth.

Luna’s smile brightened as she asked, “Will you do us the honor of allowing your foal to be first to serve as the focus for the Crystaling?”

“Princess, I am sorry,” Puca said. “We will have to decline.”

Luna’s expression changed to one of pure shock. “Why?!”

“We are having a nymph, not a foal,” Stone told Luna.

Luna’s expression softened and she gave them an understanding smile. “The nature of your child is of no consequence. So long as the nymph is loved, the Crystalling can be performed.” She looked to Cadance. “If memory serves, a variety of creatures have contributed to the Crystal Heart’s powers through Crystallings.”

Cadance nodded. “Diamond Dogs, yaks, griffins, hippogriffs, a whole list of creatures have helped with Crystallings. Such events were held in celebration of births of foreign dignitarie‘s childeren, but anyone could have a Crystalling celebration if they wanted. Crystal ponies love sharing their magic with others and celebrating new life coming into the world.”

Puca’s smile returned. “Then we would be honored for our nymph to take part.” 

Stone smiled, hugged Puca to his side, and kissed her head.

“Then all is set.” Luna made a grand gesture towards the food on the tables. “Let us feast.”

“Neigh, Luna, we cannot begin.” Celestia stood and gave Luna a wicked grin. “First, you must speak of our backup plan, had they refused.”

A blush came to Luna’s face. “No, Sister, now would not be an appropriate time. This night is for them, as thanks for all they have done and will allow us to accomplish. It would be remiss of me to take attention from that.”

“You won’t detract from anything,” Grayson insisted. He looked towards Flurry, Labra, Pyrite, and Spike with a look that invited mischief. “Right?!”

“Right!” they answered Grayson in chorus.

“Luna, you are among admirers and the dearest of friends,” Amore said. “Your joy will bring us all joy.”

Bitter stepped toward Luna. “I would like permission to speak freely.”

“I believe we’ve been off shift since about the time you came back with the little ones and I brought Grayson and Zecora,” Gauze said.

“She speaks true.” Luna lit her horn, and Bitter’s armor vanished. “Now, speak unburdened by the trappings of your duty, but as my love.”

“Whoa!” Pyrite stood in his chair and put his front paws on the table. “She can do that?!”

Flurry wrapped a wing around Pyrite’s shoulder and guided him into sitting down again. “Aunt Luna can do a lot of cool stuff.” She whispered to him, “Let’s keep quiet though, Miss Bonsmara and Mom are giving us looks.”

Pyrite, blushing, whispered back, “Yes, Princess.”

Luna hid her smile and turned her attention back to Bitter. “Please, speak your mind.”

“If I had to choose any group outside the castle to tell, this would be the group I would choose. They are the ones that allowed us to meet and encouraged me to approach you.”

“You infer that had they not been involved our courting may not have happened?”

“That’s along the lines of what I was thinking.” He grinned and shrugged. “Besides, what can it hurt? The news will get out eventually.”

“You speak true. We are among friends and somepony will notice as I wax to resemble my full moon.” Luna drew Bitter against her side with a wing and revealed, “The secondary plan was to use Bitter’s and my foal as the catalyst for the first Crystalling.”
> Friendly Gatherings
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pyrite looked up from his coloring book. “Spike, could you pass me a green…?” He paused and gave a full yawn.

“Whoa!” Flurry leaned forward and stared into Pyrite’s open mouth. “Your teeth are cool!”

After closing his mouth, Pyrite grinned. “Thanks.”

Bonsmara approached the foal sized table and knelt down. “Getting tired little one?”

Pyrite shook his head. “Not too much.”

“It is getting close to your bedtime.” Bonsmara rubbed Pyrite’s back using gentle circles of her hand.
“Perhaps we should head home.”

Pyrite’s ears folded down. “Can we stay a little longer, please? We haven’t gotten to play with Spike in a while, and Flurry will be leaving tomorrow.”

“I’ll come back, or you can come visit me.” Flurry grinned. “If I need to, I can have Mom write a royal invitation. That way you have to come.”

“Momma.” Pyrite looked up at Bonsmara. “You can fix anything, right?”

Bonsmara scratched one of Pyrite's ears. “Not quite, but I try to do what I can. Is something wrong?”

“Flurry’s thinking too much like Cobalt does.”

Bonsmara looked to Flurry, who would not meet her eye. “Flurry, is there something I can help with?”

Not looking up from the table, Flurry shook her head.

“Don’t lie to Mommy, she gets cross when you do that,” Labra warned.

“I’m not lying,” Flurry said, her ears pinning back. “She can’t help with my problem.”

Bonsmara sat down cross-legged at the table. “I can try. Please tell me what is bothering you.”

“I want to ask Aunt Luna something.”

“Is it about the foal?”

Flurry nodded. “It’s not important, so I shouldn’t ask.”

“If it is bothering you enough for Pyrite to pick up on it then it has significance to you.”

“Flurry, you’re going to turn into Twilight, if you keep worrying about stuff,” Spike teased.

Flurry gave Spike a look. “I’m not that bad.”  

“Ask Luna, whatever it is.” Bonsmara patted Flurry on the shoulder. “I am sure she will answer you.”

“What if she gets upset?”

“If you ask in a polite way, she will respond in kind.” Bonsmara nodded toward where Luna was sitting and talking with Mosaic and Freight. “She seems in good spirits. Now would be a good time to ask.”

Flurry got up from her seat. “Thanks, Miss Bonsmara.” She took a calming breath while touching her chest with a hoof. As she exhaled, she extended her foreleg. “I’ve got this.” She nodded to herself and walked away from the table.

“I wonder what is going through her mind to trouble her so,” Bonsmara said. She looked to Spike. “Do you have any ideas?”

“I’m not sure. Cadence said something has been bothering Flurry, but she couldn’t get out of her what it was. Cadance asked me to keep an ear out for any hints about what it might be. Pyrite, how did you-” Spike glanced around. “Where did he go?”

Bonsmara looked at where Pyrite had been sitting and shook her head. “For one that can be so rowdy, he is good at not being noticed when he wants.”

“He’s following Flurry!” Labra said. She pointed. “Look, he’s going under the table close to Daddy.”

Pyrite crawled into an unoccupied chair beside Fierce. He stood up in the chair, looked over its backrest, and watched Flurry make her way to Luna. 

Bonsmara sighed. “My little boy, what are you up to now?”


*****


“Hello, Flurry,” Freight greeted, as Flurry made her way to the edge of the semicircle of mares with cautious, slow steps.

“I’m sorry to interrupt, but I would like to ask Aunt Luna something.”

“You seem to bear heavy thoughts.” Luna motioned for Flurry to come closer. “Ask of me what you will.”

Flurry reached out her hoof towards Luna. When her hoof was about to touch Luna’s coat, she stopped.

“There is no chance of harm to the foal or me from a mere touch.” Luna took Flurry’s hoof with hers and put it on her stomach. “There is nothing to feel as yet, but the foal grows.”

Flurry looked up at Luna with hopeful eyes. “Will the foal be an alicorn?”

“So that has been weighing on you.” Luna stroked Flurry’s mane.  “I know not what my child will be. My previous foals have been of all three tribes. I did not think bearing an alicorn foal possible, till you came to us. We shall both have to wait and see as to this one.”

“I hope it is an alicorn.” Flurry stared at Luna’s belly. “That way I won’t-” Her ears folded back and she swallowed. She looked back up at Luna, put her ears up and put on a smile. “I’m so happy for you.”

With a subtle motion, Fierce gestured to Pyrite and caught his attention. Fierce gave a few quick gestures more and a nod.

Pyrite nodded in understanding and slid from the chair and under the table.

Bonsmara raised an eyebrow as she met eyes with Fierce.

Fierce grinned and shrugged.

Luna looked over Flurry’s shoulder and smiled. “You need not sneak to join us, young one. All are welcome.”

Mosaic looked down at Pyrite, who had paused at her side, and gave a slight start. “Pyrite, what are you doing?”

“Flurry’s been thinking too much like Cobalt.” Pyrite turned his head to Mosaic and asked, “Are the rules with her the same as with him?”

One of Flurry’s ears titled with curiosity. “What rules?” she asked. 

“Whenever Cobalt thinks too much and gets sad, we’re supposed to give him a hug,” Pyrite explained. “You looked like he does sometimes, when we were coloring and when you were talking with Luna.” He lowered his belly closer to the floor and his ears folded back. “I’ll give you a hug, if it would make you feel better.”

Flurry sniffed and nodded. 

Pyrite’s tail wagged, as he approached Flurry.

When he was close enough, Flurry hugged Pyrite to her, wrapped him in her wings, and nuzzled the top of his head. “Thank you.”

“He a delight to hold,” Luna said. “He retains his puppy fur and smell.”

Mosaic gave Flurry an understanding smile. “Being the only alicorn your age has to be tough.”

Flurry nodded.

“I’m glad you’re our age and our size,” Pyrite told her. “Your our princess.”

Flurry rested her check on Pyrite’s head. “Thank you.”

The sound of trotting hooves drew Flurry’s eyes.

“Flurry, are you okay?” Cadance asked, with concern in her eyes.

“She’s not feeling good,” Pyrite said. “I’m trying to make her feel better.”

“Honey, what’s wrong?” Cadance put a hoof on Flurry’s shoulder. “Are you sick?”

“She feels the weight of being the only one of our kind at her age,” Luna said. “She asked if I bear another alicorn.”

“So that’s what’s been eating at you.” Cadance kissed Flurry on her head and hugged her from the side. “You should have come talked to me. I remember what it was like growing up as the youngest alicorn. I could have helped.”

“You and Dad are busy taking care of the Empire’s real problems. It wasn’t important enough to bother you with.”

“You’re supposed to talk with your friends and family about things,” Pyrite told Flurry. “If you don’t talk to anyone, you can’t get help. Mama, Mosaic, and Twilight have been telling Labra and me that for a long time.”

Flurry giggled. “You’re right. Twilight would be very disappointed with me if I didn’t follow her lessons in friendship.”

“Are you lonely, being the only princess our size?” Pyrite asked.

“No, I have wonderful ponies around me all the time. But it’s different for me at school since I have to take lessons for all three tribes, and being a princess can make things tough for making new friends. Ponies try to get close for the wrong reasons or are scared of talking with me.”

Pyrite looked up into Flurry’s eyes. “I’m your friend, right?”

“Right.”

“So’s Labra, right?”

“Right.”

“Was it hard making friends with us?”

Flurry grinned. “Nope.”

Pyrite smiled back at her. “Then we have to find more creatures and ponies like us that like you for being you rather than worrying about you being a princess.”

“I think she is feeling better,” Fierce said. “You can let her go now.”

“I have him, Mister Fierce, not the other way around.” Flurry gave Pyrite a light squeeze. “He’s so sweet and cute I don’t want to let him go.”

“If I can’t keep Windless, you can’t keep Pyrite,” Luna stated.

Labra and Spike moved to stand at the edge of the semi-circle.

“What if we borrow him and Labra both for a little bit?” Spike offered. “We could have a sleepover.”

Flurry looked to Cadance.

“We’re in somepony’s home as guests. We would have to clear it with Twilight first.” Cadance booped Flurry on the nose. “Then, you would have to get permission from Mister Fierce and Miss Bonsmara to have Labra and Pyrite over.”

“We’ve got this,” Spike assured Flurry. “Come on you guys, let’s go talk with Twilight!”

Fierce shook his head as the young foursome headed towards Twilight. “You sure you want to have those four together? Our two are about all Bonsmara and I can manage.”

“Spike is an adult, despite his size,” Cadance reminded Fierce. “Flurry is mature for her age, and compared to raising an alicorn foal that can fly and use magic instinctively your pups will be no trouble.”

“As fair warning, Pyrite does not sleep for long at a stretch unless he is in a pony pile.”

Cadance tilted her head. “Pony pile?”


*****


Windless sighed and whispered to himself, “You won’t let me sleep will you?”

He glanced over the edge of the couch, where Care and Cobalt were sleeping on the floor.

“They, on the other hoof, look like they could sleep through a hurricane.”

Without making noise, Windless got up from the couch and into the kitchen. He glanced at the clock. “It’s about time for everypony to get up.” He looked around the kitchen and grinned. “If I can’t sleep, at lease I can be productive.”

Windless put on a pot of coffee and gathered the ingredients to fix breakfast. He searched the drawers and grumbled, “Where’s the whisk?”

“Second drawer on the left from the sink,” Mosaic whispered from the kitchen door.

Windless started at her voice. “Thanks. You’re quiet.”

“You learn how to be quiet when you’re raising foals.”

“I’m sorry I woke you up.”

Mosaic tapped the side of her nose with a hoof.

“You didn’t, the coffee brewing did.” 

“All the same, I’m sorry.”

“No one should apologize for making coffee, unless it’s bad coffee.”

Windless grinned. “I hope it’s up to your standards. We’ll have to wait to find out.”

“I take it you couldn’t sleep?”

Windless shook his head. “I thought I would do something productive, since I was awake.”

“ You should hold off on starting on cooking or breakfast will be cold by the time they get here.” 

Windless deflated a little. 

“True.”

Mosaic looked over the items that he had gotten out. 

“We can have everything out and ready to go while we wait for our coffee though.”

Windless perked back up. 

“That sounds good,” he told her.

Freight and Windless pulled what they needed together and did a few preparatory tasks. They finished as the coffee finished perking.

“How do you take your coffee?” Windless asked.

“We’re not having coffee right this moment.”

“Why not?”

“I think another reason I woke up is that some part of me could tell somepony needed help.”

“I’m okay. My mind won’t shut down is all that’s going on.”

“After everything that happened last night, I can understand that.” She held out her forelegs. “Come here.”

“Don’t take this the wrong way, but how can somepony with the nickname ‘Foremare’ be so warm and fuzzy?” Windless asked her.

“I’m like this most of the time. The ‘Foremare’ is a persona I put on at work to keep ponies motivated.”

“That figures. You’re the one that told Labra and Pyrite to hug anyone who was having a rough time.”

Mosaic booped Windless on the nose. 

“Giving hugs helps ponies too,” she told him. 

He hesitated, as he reached up. “Can I ask a favor?”

“Sure. What is it?”

“Can I give you a wing hug?”

“Of course, to be honest, I’ve been curious as to what one feels like.” 

She gave an appreciative hum, after Windless wrapped her in his wings. 

“Very nice, now I see what all the fuss is about.”

“Thank you for sharing Cobalt with us, for having us here, for introducing us to the pups, for letting Care and Cobalt give things between them a try.”

Windless looked down from her eyes. 

“My mind’s still racing, but being here and you talking has made me feel so much better about going to the University.”

Mosaic kissed Windless’ forehead. 

“I should be the one thanking you. You and Care kept my son from losing himself. This is the least my husband and I can do. You are welcome here any time. I think of you like a son of my own.”

“Which is a good thing, or else your husband might think that yet another member of our family is making a move on you,” Starless teased as he walked into the kitchen. “You two are up early.”

Mosaic let go of Windless as he let go of her and folded his wings to his sides.

“When he started the coffee, the smell woke me up,” Mosaic said. “Since he couldn’t sleep, I thought he needed a little T.L.C. and a hug.”

Starless walked over and patted Windless on the shoulder. 

“You okay, Son?”

“I’m okay. Miss Mosaic helped me a lot.”

“You two sit down. I’ll get the coffee ready.” After asking Mosaic how she took hers, Starless poured and prepared three cups of coffee. “I noticed a certain pair cuddled up on the floor again,” he said as he put Mosaic’s and Windless’ cups in front of them.

Windless held up a hoof. 

“That’s my fault. Cobalt started muttering things and fidgeting in his sleep. When he bunched his blanket into a ball and held it against his chest, I had to do something. I went to his room to get the Care plushie and Care caught me.”

Starless put the coffee on the table. “She asked you what you were doing, you answered, and she ended up with Cobalt on the floor again.”

Windless nodded. “That’s it in a nutshell.”

“Should we help them set a date for the wedding or should we encourage them to elope?” Starless asked Mosaic.

“It’s a bit early to think something like that,” Mosaic said. After taking a sip from her cup, she praised, “Good coffee.”

Windless drew himself up in an exaggerated show of pride. “Thank you.”

“You’re not going to get another hug out of her by puffing up like that,” Starless teased.

“You’re just jealous that I got a hug from her.”

“Don’t sass your father,” Mosaic scolded.

Windless ducked his head in mock shame. “Yes, ma’am.” Windless looked up and grinned at her. “You said that just like Mom! Is there some secret school that all moms go to learn that kind of stuff?”

“I wasn’t invited to it, if there is one. I think it comes with the territory.” Mosaic pointed a hoof at Starless, causing him to freeze. “Before you sit down,” she walked around the table and gave Starless a hug, “thanks for the coffee.”

Starless chuckled. “You’re welcome,” he told her and gave her a one foreleg hug.

Windless shook his head. “Come on, Dad. I gave her a better hug than that.”

Freight walked into the kitchen, took in the scene, and shook her head. 

“Give her a real hug, Starless. Field was kind enough to let me hug him when I was feeling blue, you can give her a thank you hug.”

She sat down at the table across from Windless. “Then, if I could have whatever coffee is left I would appreciate it.”

“Yes, ma’am, Captain,” he said with a laugh. Starless hugged Mosaic with both forelegs. “Thank you for letting us stay here.”

“You’re all welcome here whenever you like,” Mosaic said.

The sound of the front door’s lock being worked and then the door opening caused everyone to pause and look toward the kitchen doorway.

“Hello?” Stone poked his head around the kitchen door’s frame. “Good morning everpony.” He tilted his head at Mosaic. “Do I want to know why you two are hugging like that?”

“He was giving me a thank you hug for letting them stay the night and I was giving him a hug for finishing the coffee for us is all.” Mosaic let Starless go. “Speaking of staying the night, did Grayson and Zecora head back already?”

“They informed us that if we didn’t visit for breakfast you would come and drag us out of the Everfree by our tails.” Grayson made his way around Stone and into the kitchen. “Hello, everypony.”

“Good morning,” Freight and Starless replied.

“I didn’t realize how big you were, when we at the castle,” Windless said looking up to Grayson in awe. “You’re huge.”

“I’m not that big, by griffin standards.”

Zecora said and stepped into the kitchen. “Griffins judge looks most often by size. Most would consider him quite the prize.” 

Puca, who had joined Stone in the doorway, giggled. “Why are you so excited, Windless?”

“I realized that I will have had breakfast with all the heroes of the Nightmare Invasion, in the house of two of the hero’s, during this trip!”

Zecora smiled at Windless and shook her head. “I am no hero. What I contributed was all but zero.”

“You helped unlock Cobalt’s talent!” Cobalt pointed out. “Without you helping him, Mom and the others may not have found the Nightmares in time.”

“Speaking of Cobalt, where is he?” Grayson asked. “It seems odd he wouldn’t be here with all of you up.”

“He’s in the den cuddled up with Care on the floor,” Windless said. “We’re secondary compared to her.”

Puca’s wings hummed with fast, light flutters. “They’re on the floor again?!”

Grayson snorted. “Poor guy never had a chance did he?”

Zecora bumped shoulders with Grayson. “This I would like to see. I wonder if Cobalt is as cute with Care as Grayson is with me.”

Grayson puffed up in indignation. “I won’t deny you are my tender spot, but I am not cute!”

“I remember hearing about someone wearing a bow around his tail for days to not hurt a certain somepony’s feelings,” Mosaic teased. “When you wore the same ribbon during the celebration, that  was precious.”

Grayson gave Mosaic an unamused look. “That was a unique prolonged moment of weakness due to my appreciation for those skilled in the healer’s craft.”

Zecora bumped her shoulder against Grayson’s again. “Put your feline pride aside. You have nothing to hide. We all have seen you and the pups play. You can be cute, no matter what you say.”

Puca walked up to Grayson and took his talon with a hoof. “Come on. You know you want to see too.”

Grayson muttered under his breath about his wounded dignity and allowed Puca to lead him, Stone, and Zecora out of the kitchen.

A moment later, Field walked into the kitchen looking confused. “Why is there a crowd gathered at the den doorway?”

“They are looking at Care and Cobalt, who are on the floor asleep again,” Freight said. She got up from her seat and gave Field a hug. “Good morning.”

Field looked down at her, his ears at odd angles. “Good morning to you too, though, I don’t think you’re awake yet. Your husband is over there.”

Freight told Field, “Your wife hugged my husband good morning, so I get to hug hers.”

“I guess that’s fair,” Field said.

“Hug her back,” Starless said. “If you don’t give a proper hug back, ponies around here will hold it against you.”

“Mom, you have to give him a wing hug,” Windless said. “I gave Miss Mosaic one this morning, so give one to Mister Field to make things even.”

Freight glanced at Starless.

Starless gave her a teasing smiled. “You slept with him already. A wing hug isn’t a big deal compared to that.”

Freight snorted with good humor. “You’re horrible.”

“You don’t have to give me a wing hug, if you don’t feel comfortable about it,” Field said. “This is nice enough as it is.”

“Lift your forelegs,” Freight commanded. 

After Field complied, Freight wrapped her forelegs and wings around Field. “Yep, you’re a bigger version of Cobalt.”

“Quit standing there looking shocked,” Mosaic said. “Give her a good hug back.”

Field hugged Freight just as Grayson, Stone, Puca and Zecora returned.

“So you are forming a herd,” Stone teased.

“This is the first I have heard your families were considering a herd,” Zecora said, looking at the hugging pair.

“We’re not!” Field said. “This isn’t what it looks like!”

“Looks like you’re hugging a mare, who’s not your wife, with her husband and your wife sitting and having coffee in the same room,” Grayson ribbed.

Field sighed. “I can’t talk myself out of this one am I?”

“Nope, so don’t try. It would just make things worse.” Freight let go of Field and turned to Grayson. “I am glad you two took up their offer to stay the night and come over. I didn’t know if we would see you again.”

Zecora smiled. “The Everfree may be our home, but at night it is no place to roam. It is good to see you. I am sure you have much to tell.”

“Good morning everypony,” Cobalt said, as he and Care entered the kitchen. “Sorry about sleeping in.”

Zecora told Cobalt, “From where we stood at the door, you two looked cozy on the floor.”

“We never finished our negotiations on snuggling did we?” Starless said, grinning over his coffee. “While we help get breakfast ready strikes me as a good time to address that.”

Grayson chucked. “I wasn’t expecting breakfast theater. This should be good.”


*****


Windless all but pranced down the street, just ahead of Care and Cobalt.

“He’s being insufferable,” Care muttered to Cobalt. “Look at him, puffed up like a pegasus doing a plumage display and wearing that smug smile.”

“You have your tail in a knot because you lost the coin flip,” He glanced over his shoulder at Care. “You can’t stand I surprised you too, even with Cobalt being involved.”

“Take a right,” Cobalt directed. “I couldn’t give away anything. You made me wait outside the store when you made the order.”

“That was the point of you staying outside. She would have used horrible methods like snuggling you or giving you wing hugs and nuzzles to get the information out of you. As your friend, I had to ensure that you didn’t suffer such horrible things by keeping the details of my plan from you.”

Cobalt chuckled. “You’ll get your comeuppance.”

“You’re just miffed because I kept you from being interrogated.” Windless led them to Rarity’s Carousel Boutique. He checked his reflection in the shop’s door’s window.

“You look fine, you vain thing,” Care teased.

“We’re about to meet with an Element, I have to look my best.”

Care poked Windless in the shoulder. “Just open the door you goof.”

Windless opened the door, which caused the shop’s bell to ring, and led them into the boutique.

“Oh, wow.” Windless looked around the storefront.

“Why are you acting so stunned?” Care asked. “It’s not like we didn’t see it when we were foals.”

“When I little I couldn’t appreciate the work that went into this like I can now.” He walked over to a dress and touched it with a hoof. “Having studied architecture and fashions a little to better my art skills, it makes me appreciate her talent all the more.”

“That is quite the compliment.” Rarity stepped from the back of the shop. “Welcome to Carousel Boutique. How can I help you, good sir?”

“To be honest, I’m not sure.”

Rarity raised an eyebrow. “You’re not sure?”

“I’m with them.” Windless pointed a hoof towards Care and Cobalt.

Rarity glanced at Care and Cobalt. Her ears perked up in recognition and she turned back to Windless.

“Oh, it’s you, Windless!” Rarity looked him over from hoof to ear tufts and smiled. “My word, you have grown up.”

Blushing, Windless replied, “Thank you.” He watched her with an expression of confusion, as she walked around him. “Is something wrong?”

“Just checking things, darling,” Rarity said. “You’re sister was good with her descriptions of you, but I wanted to make sure I didn’t miss any details or get your build wrong. I can’t have you walk out of here with something that’s not you. Think what it would do for my reputation!”

Windless looked over at Care, who smiled at him.

After Rarity made a full circle and stopped, Windless put a hoof to his chest and gave her an apologetic bow. “Miss Rarity, I am sure I would look stunning in whatever dress you made, but I’m afraid I could not wear it with enough grace and poise for it not to be wasted on me.”

Care groaned, “Windless!”

“Are you sure?” Rarity teased. “We could take it on as a challenge. If you’re willing to work with me, I could make you the stallion of the ball or gala of your choosing.”

“If Cobalt agrees to the same and Care joins us in a suit, I’ll do it,” Windless said in an honest, shameless tone. “The three of us would be sure to get your work noticed, and I promise I would sashay my best to draw every eye in the room to your design.”

“You wouldn’t go along with that, would you?” Care asked Cobalt.

Cobalt looked to Care and grinned. “I don’t know how I’d look in a dress, but I’m game if you are.”

Care stared at Cobalt opened mouthed.

Rarity patted Windless on the shoulder. “While I appreciate your willingness to help get my designs noticed, they didn’t get you a dress.” Rarity giggled, as Windless made a show of being disappointed, and gave him a hug. “It’s good to see you again.”

After a moment spent frozen in place, Windless returned the hug. “It’s good to see you too.”

“Your coat is just as soft now as it was then.” Rarity let go of him and smiled at his blush. “I take it they didn’t give you a hint at what they came up with.”

“No, Miss Rarity, they didn’t.”

“You seem to have the same affliction as Cobalt. When you get flustered the ‘miss’ comes out.”

“In his defense, when the Element of Generosity, who we have heard stories about growing up, is giving you attention and a hug it’s hard not to get flustered,” Cobalt said.

“You’re too kind. Windless, if you wouldn’t mind staying here for a moment, I’ll get what they ordered for you.”

After Rarity left the room, Windless asked, “What have you two done?”

Care grinned. “You’ll have to wait a minute or two more to find out.”

“Would you have worn a dress to a big event?” Cobalt asked.

“Rarity is one of my heroes, and I’ll never forget her introducing me to Fluttershy. If she made me a hoof sewn dress, I’d wear it to an audience with the princesses if she asked me to.”

Rarity stepped back into the storefront holding a ribbon wrapped hat box aloft in her magic. “Be careful of what you say, dear. I wasn’t joking when I made my offer and I might hold you to your word. It would be worth it to see the princess’ faces.” She levitated the box to Windless. “Here you go.”

Windless accepted the hat box. “Thank you.” He studied the box for a moment.

“Well, go on, darling,” she urged. “Open it.”

With careful hooves, Windless undid the bow on the top of the box, folded the ribbon, and put it to the side. He lifted the top of the box and peeked in. “It’s Labra!” He took the lid off the box and stared at the Labra plushie with an amazed expression.

Care took the box’s lid. “Do you like her?”

Windless smiled like a foal on Hearths Warming. “She’s wonderful!” He picked up the Labra plushie and gave her a tender hug. “Thank you.” He looked to Care and Cobalt and asked, “What in the world inspired this?”

“We thought you and Labra could have your own little routines when you write to each other like I did with the Care and Windless plushies when I wrote to you,” Cobalt explained. “Rarity made a plushie of you for you to give to Labra too.”

Windless turned back to Rarity, looking worried. “You know she and I are practice special somedoggy and somepony then.”

“I do,” Rarity said. “I also know you're conflicted about whether the whole thing is a good idea for you and her.”

Windless nodded. “I know what it’s like to have someone you like be out of reach. I don’t her to go through something like that.”

“I have had a similar relationship with someone for years now. He’s been so good to me, and I have tried to be just as kind with him. Keeping the balance between letting him show his affection and returning it while not letting things get too serious has been a balancing act for both of us.”

“So I’m not doing something nasty to her trying to be kind?” Windless asked.

“Not at all, but relationships like this are not always easy. There is always a chance of one or both of you getting hurt. Sometimes my admirer and I have stung each other with actions or words, but we always made up and have remained friends. We love each other in our own unconventional way. I cannot say it is a romantic love from my side of things, but I love him nonetheless. I have often wondered whether I should end the little game between him and me, even at the cost of his friendship, if it would save him from a greater hurt down the road.”

Windless dropped his chin to the top of the plushie Labra’s head. “I know that feeling.”

“For what little it’s worth, I think you did a kind thing and are being noble to see it through.” Rarity put a hoof to Windless’s cheek. “Care and Cobalt shared a little about what happened to you and why you are so worried about this. If you ever need advice or somepony to talk to, come see me or write. I will do what I can to help.”

“Thank you.”

Rarity turned to Care and Cobalt. 

“Let me get the other two so you can see...” Rarity paused and tilted her head. “I can’t believe I didn’t notice you wearing those before. Those are lovely necklaces and the gems are stunning.”

“Thank you,” Care, Cobalt, and Windless said.

Rarity moved towards Care, her eye not leaving the necklace around Care’s neck. “I like the design. It’s elegant without being overwrought.” She leaned towards the necklace. “It gives the impression that the gems are holding each other using by using the wires like roots of trees that become enmeshed.” 

Care took her necklace off and offered it to Rarity. “Would you like a closer look?”

“Yes, please.” Rarity took the necklace in her magic and levitated it so she could inspect it. She rotated the necklace and hummed an approving note. “It’s delicate looking, but the way the wires hold the gems I’m sure they won’t go bouncing off on their own.”

“Windless was the one who made the design.”

Rarity’s eyebrows rose. “Really?”

Cobalt told her, “Silver Wire did the wire-work and made some changes to the design so I can’t take all credit.”

“I thought the wire work seemed familiar. You two make a good team. Perhaps you two could get a side business going?”

Windless beamed at the praise. “Thank you. I can’t take all the credit, though. They made the gems.”

The necklace paused in its rotation. “Excuse me, but did you say they ‘made’ the gems?” Rarity said.

“We sort of made them,” Care said. “Cobalt and I shared magic while feeding his rockmoss and the gems formed later.”

“You shared magic?” Rarity looked at the necklace around Cobalt’s neck and then back to the one she held in her magic. “Does this signify what I think it does?”

Windless grinned and nodded.

“Hold this for me, darling.” Rarity floated Care’s necklace to Cobalt. 

“Sure,” Cobalt said, seeming confused as he took the necklace.

She squealed in delight and hugged Care. “Congratulations!”

“Thank you.” Care returned Rarity’s hug. “I take it you approve.”

Rarity giggled and let Care go. “I do! He’s admired you for a long time. When you two visited, it was clear that you adored him too. Have you set a date yet?”

Care’s ears angled in confusion. “Set a date?”

“For the wedding, dear,” Rarity said. “I would be happy to make your gown, if you would like. Or are you planning to elope? If you are, I have known Major Mare to ceremonies on short notice and, if needed, with the utmost discretion.”

Care blushed and waved a hoof. “We haven’t gotten that far!”

“Our parents would have our tails too,” Cobalt said. “We had to negotiate just to snuggle together. If we got married in secret, when they found out we would have to move to Griffinstone.”

“The necklaces are to celebrate them making things official,” Windless said. “After they helped me prove that I could feed magic to some of Cobalt’s rockmoss, I wanted to do something nice for them in return.”

Rarity told Care, “You should realize that you will have about half the mare’s your age in this town jealous of you.”

“Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle warned me about that.”

Rarity gave her a worried look before asking, “Did they mention Diamond Tiara?”

“They did,” Care said. “We had lunch with Diamond, and she made it clear she was after Cobalt.”

“She’s part of the inspiration for the necklaces,” Windless said. “When they wear them Diamond and everypony else will know they are together and to back off.”

“I almost feel sorry for the poor dear,” Rarity said.

“If she takes the news hard, we’ll tie Windless up with a ribbon, put a bow on him, and give him to her.” Care looked at Windless and grinned. “He’s already gotten a kiss on the nose from her.”

Rarity’s ears perked up, and she asked, “What prompted this?”

“He invited her to lunch, after she interrupted him flirting with Scootaloo.”

Windless put his nose in the air. “I wasn’t flirting with Scootaloo. I was being friendly to her, as an ambassador of bat ponies everywhere. Remember, she was curious about you and Mom too.”

“Okay, you didn’t flirt with Scootaloo,” Care said in an unconvinced tone. “You can’t deny that you flirted with Diamond, though.”

Windless put on a mock innocent smile. “There might have been a little flirting to cheer her up. When she saw you at the table with Cobalt, she looked like her day was ruined.”

Rarity turned to Cobalt and Care. “Speaking of Scootaloo, let me get the other plushies.”

As Rarity headed toward the back of the shop, the shop’s door opened. 

“Rarity, you won’t believe what I just found...” Sweetie Belle froze on seeing Care, Cobalt, and Windless in the shop.

“Sharing gossip again?” Cobalt teased.

Sweetie Belle blushed. “Maybe.” She pointed a hoof at Windless. “That is adorable!”

“I try for handsome, but adorable works,” Windless said. “Thank you for the complement.”

“Not you, the Labra plushie!”

Windless’ folded his ears back. He turned the Labra plushie so that it faced him and said to her, “At least you think I’m a pretty pony.”

“I’m not even going to ask,” Sweetie said. She approached Windless and held out a hoof. “Let’s try this again. My name is-”

“Sweetie Belle!” Rarity named, as she returned. “I wasn’t expecting you.”

“My name is Windless,” he said and shook Sweetie Belle’s hoof. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“You’re Cobalt’s other mystery pony!” Sweetie said.

“Care is Cobalt’s mystery pony. I am Labra’s practice special mystery pony now.”

Sweetie blinked at him. “What?”

Windless smiled, as he looked at one of the plushies that Rarity held in in her magic. “That’s Scootaloo! Who is she for?”

“Pyrite, if I had to bet.” Sweetie said. “He’s her biggest fan.” 

“We thought about getting him a Amore plushie, but Rarity suggested Scoots instead,” Cobalt said.

Sweetie looked back to Windless. “Must be the pony who invited Scoots to lunch yesterday.”

“That would be me. She took the time to hunt me down, after hearing about a bat pony being in town, so I thought I would spend time with her.”

Rarity floated the Windless plush so it hovered at Windless’ side. “What do you think?”

Windless sat down and assumed the same posture and happy expression as the plushie.

Sweetie Belle giggled. “It looks like a perfect copy.”

“I have Care to thank for that,” Rarity said.

“I keep telling her she has an artist’s eye, but she won’t pick up a pencil or a brush no matter how much I prod her,” Windless said.

“She sounds like Applebloom,” Sweetie Belle said. “She won’t draw or paint pictures, but she’ll pick up a roller and paint a barn or shed in a heartbeat.”

“Aren’t you and the girls meeting for lunch today?” Rarity asked.

“I almost forgot!”

Sweetie Belle turned and then paused. “Would you like to come?” she asked Rarity. “You haven’t joined us for lunch in a while.”

“I would love to, but I’ve got orders I need to finish up,” Rarity said. “Give them my love for me.”

“I will.” Sweetie Belle turned to Windless. “Would you like to come? Since you didn’t get to have lunch with Scoots yesterday, this could make up for it.”

Windless’ ears perked up. “Sure, if I wouldn’t be intruding.”

“Not at all,” Sweetie Belle assured. “I’m sure Applebloom would like to meet you too.”

“Be on your best behavior with them, Windless,” Cobalt warned. “Anything you say or do will be known about throughout Ponyville by the end of the day.”

Sweetie Belle gave Cobalt a look. “We’re not that bad.”

Cobalt snorted. “What were you going to tell Rarity, before we distracted you?”

Sweetie Belle blushed and confessed, “That I had run into Scootaloo, and she told me she had spent time with Windless yesterday at your place and saw the three of you leaving Silver Wire’s shop this morning during her morning weather inspection flight.”

“I rest my case,” Cobalt said.

Sweetie Belle made a point of not looking at Cobalt as she asked, “Care, would you Cobalt like to come too?”

“I would love to, but we’ve got to drop off the plushies and then check out one last place I found out about before I throw in the towel,” Care answered.

Sweetie Belle looked back to Windless. “It looks like it’s just you, me, and the girls.”

“I’m sure he’s not enjoying that idea,” Care teased.

“I’m ignoring you, dear sister mine.” Windless said. “Cobalt, could you take care of Labra for me?”

“I’d be glad to.” Cobalt took the plushie from Windless. “Don’t let them get you into anything you can’t get out of,” he warned.

Sweetie Belle put a hoof to her chest. “Cobalt, are you insinuating that we are trouble makers?”

Cobalt raised an eyebrow. “Gabby Gums, love poisons, the Summer Wrap-up crafts tent fiasco, countless incidents of property damage. Should I go on?”

Sweetie Belle narrowed her eyes at him. “We were fillies. Getting into things while trying to find where they belong in the world is what fillies do.”

“Love poisons?” Windless asked, looking disturbed. “Who in the world would make something like that?”

“It was an accident,” Sweetie Belle explained. “We were trying to help Big Mac Miss Cheerilee fall in love for Hearts and Hooves Day.”

“This I’ve got to hear,” Windless said.

“She and girls can tell you the tale over lunch.” Rarity made a shooing motion towards them. “You two run along or you will be late.”

Sweetie Belle gave Rarity a hug. “See you later, Sis.”

Rarity returned the hug and kissed Sweetie Belle’s temple. She smiled and said, “Don’t get him covered in tree sap either.”

“Rarity!”
> Changes and Departures
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“I am sure they are just fine,” Fierce said. “They are known all over town. If something had happened, somepony would have come seen us. Besides, neither Scootaloo nor Windless would let them come to harm.”

Bonsmara smiled at Fierce. “I know, but there is some part of me that worries about them when they are not in line of sight.”

“I know which part that is.” Fierce raised Bonsmara’s hand in his and kissed the back of it. “It is the part that makes you a caring soul and wonderful mother.”

Bonsmara and Fierce made their way to Cobalt’s home. Letting go of Bonsmara’s hand, Fierce knocked on the door. He took a couple of sniffs and nodded.

“They are here. Their scents are fresh.”

After shifting the basket she was carrying to one hand, Bonsmara tapped Fierce’s nose with a finger. “You are cheating again.”

“I consider it using my natural abilities to their fullest.”

The door opened, and they were greeted by Field’s smile. 

“Good afternoon,” Field said.

Fierce gave him a slight bow. “Good afternoon to you. Would you happen to know where a couple of pups are? They were borrowed earlier in the day. We hoped this is where they ended up.”

“They were in the den, the last time I saw them.” Field looked at the basket in Bonsmara’s hands. “Would you like me to take that for you?”

“I have it, thank you,” Bonsmara assured.

“I will take it, Love.” Fierce said, taking the basket. “I will put it in the kitchen with the other vittles. You can go see the little ones”

“You didn’t have to bring anything,” Field said to him.

“For all the attention and care you have been giving Labra and Pyrite, you deserve far more than this.” Fierce followed Bonsmara and Field into the house. “I only hope we brought enough. There are a couple of scents I was not expecting.”

“We have more than enough,” Field assured. “Puca and Stone brought food with them and so did the Apple sisters. With all that we have now, it looks like we’re going to have a small feast.”

Fierce turned into the kitchen, following Field, as Bonsmara moved into the den. She glanced around the room and smiled. 

Pyrite was leaned against Windless. His tail wagged in a comfortable, constant rhythm as Windless drew and explained to the pup what details he was trying to capture from his models.

Not far from them, sitting on pillows on the floor, were Apple Bloom and Applejack. Apple Bloom held still in a pose that suggested that she was brushing her sister’s mane. 

Applejack had taken off both her maneband and tailband.  Her golden mane cascaded down her shoulders and shone in the afternoon sunlight coming through the window. Her tail flowed out onto the floor and looked as if somepony had arranged it to catch the light so that it seemed a pool of gold rather than strands of hair.

Care was seated on the couch, chatting with the Apples.

Cobalt and Freight shared several blankets arranged on the floor. Cobalt was leaned against Freight, who had one of her wings around him, with his head on a throw pillow borrowed from the couch.

“Is he all right?” Bonsmara asked, in a soft voice, as she approached where Cobalt and Freight were on the floor.

“He’s completely zonked,” Windless said. “With Mom building a nest for him and her wrapping in him a wing the poor guy never had a chance.”

Freight gave Cobalt’s head a soft nuzzle. “He was still tired from helping Windless the other day. He needed to rest, and I am making sure he does.”

“Don’t get too close,” Windless warned. “Mother bat ponies, particularly those of the Freight variety, are known to become territorial when caring for infirm family members and close friends.”

Freight snorted. “I’m not that bad.” She looked to Care. “Am I?”

“I don’t remember you ever biting anyone,” Care teased, “but there have been cases of growling and threats of physical violence every now and then if someone was not letting your patient rest.”

“Sounds quite reasonable to me,” Bonsmara said. “Where’s Labra?”

“She’s here,” Mosaic said, as she and Labra entered the room. She held up a rectangular wooden box. “She and I were getting my coat and mane brush set.”

“I’m going to brush Miss Mosaic!” Labra said with enthusiasm. She ran up to Bonsmara and hugged her around her legs. “Hello, Momma.”

“Hello, to you too.” Bonsmara stooped and returned her the hug. “I trust you behaved yourself for Windless and Miss Apple Bloom?”

“I did,” Labra assured. “We delivered the apples to Miss Muffins and Dinky and Miss Rarity.” 

“How is Miss Muffins?”

“She’s doing well. She cried and gave us all wing hugs. Dinky was with her. She hugged us too and told me to tell you hello and give you hug.”

“They are both so sweet. Was Time Turner with them?”

Labra shook her head. “Miss Muffins told us he was at his shop.”

“I was wondering; how did you know about Muffins, Windless?” Mosaic asked.

“Cobalt wrote about always being happy to see her because she was a wonderful pony and because she was the one that brought Care’s and my letters to him and made sure that we got his.” He paused in his work and smiled at Mosaic. “I can see why Cobalt is so fond of her, just being around her made me smile.”

Labra stepped back from Bonsmara, pouted, and crossed her arms in front of her chest. “I’m cross at Miss Rarity.”

Bonsmara almost suppressed a smirk. “I see you have pick a word from your father. Why in Equestria would you be cross with her?”

“She kissed Windless’ cheek, when he gave her the apples!”

“He turned as red as the apples when she did too,” Apple Bloom said. 

“Getting a good bushel of apples from a handsome fella will make a mare happy and appreciative,” Applejack said. “You shouldn’ think nothin’ of it, Labra.”

“I can’t give him kisses, why can she? She’s not even his practice special somepony.” Labra’s ears snapped up. She looked at Windless and asked, “You aren’t going to be special someponies with her are you?”

“No, I’m not.” Windless paused in his drawing and smiled at Labra. “Rarity is a very nice lady, but she’s not the mare for me.”

“She has a special somepony all ready too,” Mosaic said, as she set out her brushes and combs. “A quick kiss on the cheek for doing something nice for somepony is not that uncommon and doesn’t necessarily mean anything romantic.”

“What about kisses on the nose?”

“About the same thing, but it would depend on the situation.” Mosaic paused. “Why do you ask?”

“Flurry gave Pyrite a kiss on the nose before she and Princess Cadance left this morning.”

Windless looked at Pyrite with a grin. “You got a kiss from a Princess?”

Pyrites nodded. “She said it was for helping her feel better and letting her snuggle me when we got in a pony pile with Princess Cadance and Spike.”

“Sounds like a case of puppy love to me,” Windless teased.

“Since you’re lookin’ for a nice mare, how about hard working farmers with blonde manes that catch your eye?” Apple Bloom asked Windless.

“Apple Bloom!” Applejack scolded. “I’m near old enough to be his mother!”

“The way he was lookin’ at you in the market, I don’t think he minds somethin’ like that.”

Care asked, “Could we get reduced prices on Sweet Apple Acres’ apples and pastries, if we give him to her?”

“You’d have to ask Mac about that one,” Apple Bloom said. “I know he gives his special somepony a deal for them, but I don’t know if that extends to any of her family.”

“I’m not sure I appreciate the fact that I’m being bartered over apples,” Windless told Care.

“Don’t be like that! You’re being bartered over the best apples in the world!” Care said.

“Thank you kindly,” Applejack said. 

“First you want to gift wrap and give me Diamond, now you want to trade me for a discount on apples and pastries. I’m getting the sense you want to give me away to any mare that will take me.”

“Would you really mind bein’ traded to my sister so much?” Apple Bloom asked.

Windless met Applejack’s amused and teasing eyes and blushed.

“Don’t answer that, it’s a trap,” Freight warned. “Just keep blushing and drawing.”

“I think I’ll do just that,” Windless said. “Miss Applejack will have to turn back and quit giving me that look so I can, though.”

“We would have to ask Labra about trades too, since she is his practice special somedoggy,” Bonsmara pointed out. She looked to her daughter. “What do you think?”

Labra shook her head. “Miss Applejack is a very nice mare, but if Windless can’t be my special somepony because he’s old, Miss Applejack can’t be a special somepony with him either since she’s really old.”

Apple Bloom doubled over laughing.

“You can’t move yet either!” Windless scolded. “Give me a few more minutes, then you can both move.”

“Don’t be such a grouchy old stallion,” she teased. “I’ll get back like I was.”

Bonsmara kept a straight face and let out a breath. “Labra, what I have told you about having tact?”

“I have to be honest, it’s Miss Applejack!” Labra protested. “She’ll know if I’m lying!”

Applejack looked to Bonsmara and shrugged. “You can’t really scold her for tellin’ the truth.”


*****


“I can’t believe you’re going to be leaving tomorrow,” Puca said. Her ears fell. “It seems like you just got here.”

“We’ll be back soon enough,” Freight said. “We have to bring Care back and get her situated in the dorms.”

Starless nuzzled the side of Freight’s head. “How are you doing?”

Freight leaned against him. “I’m okay. I’m still wrestling with the thought, but it’s not as bad as it was.”

“What though?” Puca asked.

“That we’re going to have an empty home,” Freight said.

One of Starless’ ears panned as if listening for something. “We’ll manage for a bit.” He whispered something in her ear and she shook her head. “I see.”

“Now’s not quite the time,” she responded. “They have enough changes to deal with.”

Starless looked to the edge of the couch, where Pyrite was peeking at them. “You are a quiet thing, but not quite enough for bat pony ears.”

“What are you doing in here?” Freight asked the pup. “I thought you were going to say goodbye.”

“I did,” Pyrite said. “I don’t like goodbyes, so I came to see you, Puca, and Mister Bat.”

“Do you need hugs?” Puca asked.

Pyrite came from behind the couch and nodded. “I could tell everyone is getting sad, and it made me sad. Miss Puca had to leave because it was getting so bad.”

“We can help with that,” Freight said. He scooted from Freight, keeping his wing over her back. “We seem to have a puppy sized gap between us that could use you.”

Pyrite tilted his head as he looked at Starless. “You snuggle?”

“Of course I do.”

“But you’re a Lunar Guard.”

“So is Freight,” Starless pointed out. “She snuggles, right?”

Pyrite nodded. “She’s good at it.”

“I may not be as good as she is, but I try,” Starless said.

“Before you go snuggle, I get a nuzzle.” Puca leaned over the couch are and nuzzled nose to nose with Pyrite.

“Bring her with you,” Starless said. “She needs some snuggles too, with all the down emotions floating around. We have the room, and a good blanket nest should never go to waste.”

Pyrite nodded and took Puca by the hoof. He guided her from her seat to Freight and Starless. “Where does she go?”

“She can be on my other side,” Freight told Pyrite. “You’re going between me and Starless.”

Pyrite let go of Puca’s hoof and nestled between Freight and Starless. 

Freight smiled as Pyrite tried to maximize his contact with them by assuming different positions. “You silly thing, what are you doing?”

“I want to make things even,” Pyrite said.

“What if I wrap you in a wing?” Starless offered. “Then Freight can move over a bit and we’ll make a puppy sandwich.”

Pyrite looked up at Starless. “You’d do that?”

“Of course, so long as you’re careful with my wing.”

Pyrite looked up at Starless and promised, “I’ll be careful.”

Starless wrapped Pyrite in his wing and moved him so the pup was against his side. “There we go. Nice warm, and snug.”

Puca hummed a happy note. “Sorry, but you both enjoyed that so much.”

Starless adjusted his wing so that Pyrite could put his nose and eyes from under his wing. “Some of my happiest memories are when I had my foals tucked on either side of me.”

Puca settled down in the nest of blankets, put her side against Freight, and leaned so their heads touched. “You can come and visit our little one any time you need.”

“You felt that?” Freight asked, as she put her wing around Puca.

“I would change to give you something more comfortable to snuggle with, if I could.”

“I am comfortable, and you’re just fine the way you are.”

“I have to feel weird against your membrane.”

“It’s different, but not unpleasant.” Freight moved her wing as if testing Puca’s chitin’s texture. “You’re warm and smooth.” She gave Puca a light squeeze with her wing. “It kinda reminds me of Spike, when I managed to get a hug from him last night, but less scalie, if that makes any sense.” 

“Having changed into a young dragon, I think I know what you mean.”

“You’re very nice to have next to me,” Freight assured.

“Thank you,” Puca said.

“We lost our friend here,” Starless said. “He’s out like a light.”

Puca leaned so she could see around Freight. “I don’t think he’s had a nap all day. I had a feeling he wouldn’t last long, but I didn’t expect him to fall asleep so quickly.” 

“Starless has that affect on little ones. There’s something about having a strong stallion holding them safe in a wing that puts them right out.”

Starless kissed Freight’s nose. “Works on a certain mare I know too.” 

Windless walked into the den, with Labra riding on his back. He smiled, as he looked at Pyrite. “So that’s where he snuck off too.”

Fierce followed Windless into the den. He chuckled, when he saw Pyrite’s nose sticking out from under Starless’ wing. “The lad has an innate sense for snuggling creatures.” 

Bonsmara stood at Fierce’s side, after entering the room. “I hate to disturb him, but we will need to get home before too long.”

“Oh Luna, they’re so cute!” Care said, as she walked into the room.

Puca’s ears went up. “You’re excited about something.”

“Right before she and Apple Jack headed off, I was talking to Apple Bloom about my lack of luck in finding a place. Apple Bloom said that she, Scootaloo, and Sweetie were going to get a four room suite in the dorms together and needed another roommate to fill the last room. She was going to have to clear it with the others, but she said she would be happy if their last roommate was me. It would help me and keep them from playing favorites with ponies they have grown up with as to who would get the last room.”

“I think they would be thrilled to have you,” Puca said.

Care hugged Windless around the neck. “I have this goof to thank for it. If it weren’t for him flirting with Applejack, the opportunity wouldn’t have come up.”

Windless returned the hug with a foreleg. “I didn’t flirt. I answered her questions honestly.”

Labra patted Windless on the head. “He’s a good pony.”

“I try.”

Bonsmara approached Starless and knelt down. “May I have my boy?”

“Of course you can,” Starless said.

Pyrite stirred and sniffed. “Momma?”

“I’m here.”

Pyrite looked up at Bonsmara, his eyes still touched with sleep. “Is it time to go home?”

“It is. You have school tomorrow, the Stones have work, and Starless and his family have to leave in the morning.”

Pyrite rested his head against Starless. “Can we keep them? They’re really nice and they like pony piles.”

Bonsmara smiled at Pyrite. “No, we cannot keep them. They have homes and jobs to go home to, just like your Father and I have.”

“I’ll be coming back soon,” Care said.

“Windless won’t be,” Labra said and put her head on the back of his.

“Think of me as being down the train tracks a bit,” Windless suggested.

“Okay.” Labra sniffed and hugged Windless around the neck. “I’ll try.”

“Sis, you’re making him cry,” Pyrite said, as he crawled out from under Starless’ wing.

Labra slid from Windless’ back and stood in front of him. She pointed a finger at him. “You’re not supposed to cry!”

“If you’re crying, I can cry too,” Windless said. “I’m going to miss my family, my friends, and my practice special somedoggy, when I go up there.” He hugged Labra and put his nose on top of her head. “I wasn’t supposed to make you cry. I’m a bad practice special somepony. I’m sorry.”

“You’re not a bad practice special somepony, I promise.” Labra hugged Windless a little tighter. “You’ve got to go to school just like I do. I’m going to miss you, though. You should find a special somepony as soon as you get up there. That way you won’t miss me as much.”

“That’s not the way this works,” Windless said. “I’m going to miss you whether I have a special somepony or not.” He looked up and smiled at Pyrite, as the pup snuck towards them. “Come here,” Windless told him. “We both could use a hug.”

Pyrite nodded, rushed to them, and gave Labra and Windless a hug.

“I’m going to miss you too,” Windless told Pyrite.

“When you visit, you have to bring her, to make up for it,” Pyrite said.

“Bring her?” Pyrite asked.

“You’re special somepony,” Pyrite clarified. “That way we have a new friend and Labra gets to see if she’s a good enough mare for you.”

“What if Labra says she’s not good enough,” Windless asked.

“She can still be our friend; she just can’t be your special somepony.”

Labra nodded in agreement.

“Okay, but if she finds a special somedoggy or somepony, then I get to do the same.”

Care looked past the hugging trio to where Cobalt was making giving gestures to her from the den’s doorway and nodded. “You three stay right there. Cobalt and I will be right back.”

Mosaic and Field entered the den and sat on the couch, while Fierce made his way to Bonsmara and put his arm around her.

Stone paused in the doorway and smiled at Puca. “Looks like somepony borrowed my cuddle bug.”

Puca blushed. “Something like that.”

“She needed a little pick me up, with all the sad feelings everyone was feeling,” Freight said.

“Thank you for looking out for her,” Stone said.

“I was lucky that I had a free side and a wing for her, but I can’t take credit for her being here.” Freight nodded towards Pyrite. “He was the one who suggested it. He could tell that she was feeling down.”

Stone looked to Pyrite. “Thank you for looking out for her.”

Pyrite’s tail wagged. “You’re welcome.”

“Are you sure you’re not part changeling?” Windless asked. “You seem to know whenever someone is feeling down.”

Pyrite looked up to Windless with serious eyes. “I try to be like Cobalt, when someone is not feeling good. He hugged Labra and me till we got better.”

“He did a bit more than that,” Bonsmara said in a sad tone.

“I know he did his magic stuff too, but him getting into piles with us is really what made me feel better.” Pyrite leaned against Windless, put his cheek against his friend’s chest, and looked regretful. “We made him really sick when he did, though.”

“I made myself sick,” Cobalt said, as he and Care returned to the den, each carrying a box. “I would do it again, to make sure you got better, so don’t worry about it.”

“What are those?” Pyrite asked, peeking around Windless.

“These are for you and Labra,” he said.

Pyrite’s ears perked up. “Really?!”

“Really,” Cobalt said, smiling. He sat down and held out his box. “This one is for you.”

Windless gave Pyrite a pat on the back. “Go on.”

Pyrite let go of Windless and approached Stone.

“This one is for you, Labra,” Care said.

Labra looked at the box, took a sniff, and bit her bottom lip. “That’s from Rarity’s, isn’t it?”

“It is.” Care gave her a worried look. “Is something the matter?”

“Rarity’s stuff costs a lot and is really special,” she said, sounding guilty. “Daddy’s vest is from Rarity’s. He says it’s one of nicest things he’s ever gotten.”

“The cost was not as much as you would think,” Bonsara said. “Rarity gave me a ‘hero of Equestria’ discount.”

“That is was made by Rarity does make it special, in a way, but it is because your mother had it made for me as a gift that it is near to my heart,” Fierce said, putting a paw on his vest. 

Cobalt smiled at Labra. “I just happen to get the same discount,” he told her and gave her a wink. “You’re mom and dad helped me get it. Remember?”

Labra’s smile returned and her tail wagged. “I remember.”

“With my ‘brings me very nice gems’ discount it didn’t cost much at all.” Cobalt gave his box to Pyrite. “I hope that you will think they are special, though.”

“Thank you!” Pyrite said.

Labra took her box from Care.

“Ready?” Pyrite asked Labra.

Labra nodded. “Ready.”

“On three,” Care said, “one, two, three!”

Labra carefully undid the bow holding the box closed, while Pyrite worked at a much faster pace. 

Pyrite took off the top of his box and gasped. “It’s Scootaloo!” He took the plushie from out of the box and hugged it tight. “Thank you!”

“Rarity thought that you would like her,” Care said. “Since you’re her special practice somepony, we thought so too.”

“I love her!” He nuzzled the plushie’s head. “I can’t wait to show Scootaloo I have a plushie of her even before she becomes a Wonderbolt!”

Labra opened her box and froze in place.

“Labra, are you all right?” Fierce asked.

Labra reached down and picked up her plushie from the box. “It’s Windless.” She hugged the plushie to her chest as tears ran down her face. “Thank you.”

“Cobalt, could you go get the last one?” Windless asked.

Cobalt nodded. “Sure,” he said, and trotted from the room.

Care stroked Labra’s cheek with a hoof. “He’s not supposed to make you cry. Did we mess up?”

Labra looked up and smiled. “No, he’s perfect.”

Windless wrapped Labra in his wings and hugged her from behind. “Care and Cobalt are the ones who set things up. They wanted us to have something like they did when they were pen pals.”

Cobalt walked into the room with the Labra plushie on his back. “I want you to be honest with me. Is having a Windless plushie going to make you miss him more or is it going to help?”

Labra pulled the plushie to her as if she needed to defend it. “Please don’t take him back. I’ll quit crying, I promise.”

“Nopony is going to take him, he’s yours, and you can cry if you need,” Cobalt said. “I just didn’t want having a plushie of him to hurt you. I was going to offer to put him on the shelf with mine, until you wanted him back.”

Care took the Labra plushie from Cobalt’s back and held it out. “We got this one for Windless.” She looked back and forth between the real Labra and the plushie. “I think she looks just like you.” Care turned the plushie to face Labra. “What do you think?”

Labra smiled. “It’s just like me.”

Pyrite took a sniff and smiled. “Windless has been holding her too.”

“Of course I have,” Windless said as if he had been offended. “How could I not cuddle somepuppy that I care about?” Using a wing, he scooped Pyrite into his hug with Labra. “I’m going to miss you two. I expect lots of letters from both of you.”

“But you’re her practice special somepony,” Pyrite said.
“You can still write to me,” Windless said. “I’m going to be writing to you.”

Labra’s eyes lit with inspiration. “Flurry Heart!” She turned to Pyrite. “You can write Flurry Heart!” She grinned at her brother. “That way you and I can both have a friend in the Empire we write to.”

“Sure! I really liked her.” Pyrite’s ears fell. “But I don’t know her address.”

“You could try addressing it to ‘Princess Flurry, who lives with Princess Cadance and Captain Shining Armor in the huge castle at the end of Main Street,’” Windless suggested. “I think the post office would get the idea.”

“Don’t tell him that,” Care mock scolded. “If a letter is going to the castle, and to a princess, it should be properly addressed.” Care shook her hoof at Windless. “Doubly so since it’s coming from the house of two foreign dignitaries.”

Bonsmara nodded. “She is right, one must follow proper form for such things.”

Cobalt suggested, “I bet Spike or Twilight would be happy to give her address to you.”

“We can visit them tomorrow and find out,” Fierce said. “Tonight, we need to get the little ones home and to bed.”

Labra sniffed and buried her face in Windless’ coat. “I won’t be able to see you in the morning, so travel safe.” 

“I’ll write to you two as soon as I get situated up there and know what dorm room I’m in so you can write back,” Windless told her and put his cheek on top of her head.

Pyrite leaned so that he could look around Windless. “Mister and Miss Bat, can we borrow Windless and Care tonight?”

Starless grinned. “I can’t see why not, if your parents agree and they want to go.”

“Sounds good to me,” Freight said.

Pyrite stood on the tips of toes, while Windless ducked down for him, looked over Windless’ shoulder and asked,“Uncle Field, Aunt Mosaic, can we borrow Cobalt for tonight?”

Field nodded. “You can borrow Cobalt.”

“Don’t forget that the train leaves pretty early, so you have to let them come back about the time that you two are heading off to school,” Mosaic said.

“We will,” Pyrite promised. 

Labra and Pyrite both looked at Bonsmara with pleading eyes.

Bonsmara chuckled. “It would be fine with me, so long as you to get to bed on time.” She looked to Fierce. “What do you think?”

“Since they were so good about going to school after having a sleep over last night, I cannot see why not.” Fierce raised an eyebrow and gave the pups a look. “You two have to be just as good about going to school tomorrow, or you will not have anyone over or go anywhere for the night for a while.”

“We will,” Labra promised.

Windless lowered himself to the floor. “Want me to carry you?”

“I get a puppy,” Care insisted. She pointed a hoof at Pyrite. “I want that one.”

Pyrite’s tail wagged. “I can get a ride too?”

“Of course you can.” Care joined Windless on the floor.

“I’ll hold Scootaloo for you,” Cobalt offered.

Pyrite nuzzled the plushie and then held it out to Cobalt. “Be careful with her.”

“I will,” Cobalt vowed. He put the plushie on his back. “Want me to take Windless for you?” He asked Labra.

Labra nodded. “Please.”

“Looks like he’s carrying some very special cargo again,” Windless said. He looked to Care and asked, “Think he’ll need escorting this time?”

Care giggled, as Pyrite’s tail ran across her back as it wagged. “He might.”

“I will take point,” Fierce said, “and guide the way.”

“I will be right behind you,” Bonsmara told them, as Fierce lead the trio of ponies out of the den. She turned to Mosaic and Field. “Thank you for having us tonight and for taking care of our little ones.”

“You are welcome,” Mosaic said. “It is always wonderful, having you and the pups over.”

Bonsmara looked to Freight and Starless. “I hope that your trip goes well. We will be looking forward to your next visit.”

“We’ll be back soon, we have to get Care situated,” Starless said.

Bonsmara smiled. “Thank all of you for letting the pups borrow your children tonight. We will try to return them in the state in which they came.”

“They can handle themselves,” Mosaic said. “I’m more worried about them keeping the little ones up too long.”

“I would not worry about that. Pyrite got a bit of a boost from the excitement of being able to have them over and being able to fly again, but he and Labra both will be asleep in no time once Labra gets them all into a pony pile.”

Stone left his spot and gave Bonsmara a hug. “Be careful going home.”

Bonsmara hugged Stone and nuzzled the top of his head. “I will. You take care of our mother to be for us.”

“I will, I promise.”

Bonmara let Stone go, bid everyone good night, and then left the den with Stone following close behind her.

At the sound of the door closing, Freight drew Puca closer with her wing.

Starless extended a wing so it stretched over Freight’s and Puca’s shoulders. He snuggled closer to Freight and kissed her temple. “Is there something that I can do to help?”

Freight sniffed, shook her head, and leaned against Starless. “I knew they would grow up and leave us one day. It’s what’s supposed to happen.” 

Puca leaned against Freight and gave her a comforting nuzzle. “Knowing that doesn’t make it easy.”

“Them leaving made me think of them leaving, and it stung.” Freight closed her eyes and sniffed. “Forgive me. I’m being foalish. I’ll be alright in a minute.”

Stone walked into the den, saw Freight’s condition, and his ears fell. After a moment, a small smile came to his face. “Are the quilts still in the front closest?” he asked Mosaic.

Mosaic gave him a knowing smile and a nod.

“Bring at least three,” Field said, as Stone trotted further down the hallway.

Freight rose up from leaning against Starless. “Belay that!”

“Sorry, Captain, Mom and Dad run this ship,” Stone replied, in a tone that made it clear he was not sorry in the least. “I’m just a sailor that has to follow orders or be keelhauled for mutiny.”

Field got off the couch and offered his hoof to Mosaic. “I believe your arranging talents are called for.”

“Thank you,” Mosaic said, as she took Field’s hoof.  She looked at the trio on the floor and tilted her head. “This could be a bit difficult as there are five of us sharing one Freight.”

“I’ve got the quilts,” Stone said, walking back into the den. “Where should I put them?”

“Put one at the front of her.” Mosiac tapped a hoof against her chin and narrowed her eyes. “The irregularity of the shapes involved is making this an interesting puzzle.”

Stone put a quilt down in front of Freight. “Give her just a second, and she’ll have this figured out.”

“I’ve got it,” Mosaic announced.

“Told you,” Stone said.

“Stone, you’re curling around Puca with your hip touching Frieght’s,” Mosaic said. “Move the quilt you just put down a bit to her left a bit, put one right next to it then use the last for yourself.”

Stone arranged the quilts and then settled himself as instructed. He gave Puca a kiss on the cheek. “Comfy?”

“Very,” Puca said.

Mosaic patted Field on the shoulder and pointed a hoof at Puca. “You’re curling around Puca too, towards her front. Make a little contact with Freight, if you can.”

“Yes ma’am.” Field kissed Mosaic’s ear tip, causing her ear to twitch out of the way and her to blush.

As Field joined the group on the floor, Freight looked to the unoccupied quilt and then to Mosaic. “Wait a minute.”

“You got it. I’m your and Starless’ pillow. Do you want to rest your head on my shoulder or my hip?”

“What a conundrum to have,” Starless joked.

“Hush you,” Freight chided.

“You must be the one that taught Labra her pony arranging skills,” Starless said to Mosaic.

“I am,” Mosaic said with pride. “She and I do lots of puzzles and arts and crafts. Arranging ponies in a good pile is just another puzzle.”

“I’ll take your hip, please,” Freight said.

Mosaic lay down on the quilt in front of Field. She put her head down and leaned against Starless. 

Field put his head down on the side of Mosaic’s outward hip and leaned his head against her side.

Freight put her head on Mosaic’s back.

“Your husband’s being difficult,” Mosaic said.

“I don’t know why, but this feels awkward,” Starless confessed.

Mosaic picked her head up and looked at Starless. “You gave me a full wing hug earlier and you were cracking jokes about Freight making her choice about which way I was going to be turned just a minute ago.”

“Putting my head on you is a bit different on both counts.”

“Put your head down,” Freight said. “She held me the other night. You can put your head on her. You don’t want to hurt her feelings.”

With a tentative expression, Starless rested his head on Mosaic’s shoulder. 

“There we go.” Mosaic put her head back down and leaned it against Starless. “We’re friends. There is no reason to be worried about a little physical contact.”

Freight giggled. “She might think otherwise if you drool on her in your sleep, though.”

Starless snorted. “I’ll do my best not to follow the example of my son.”

Puca cozied up against Freight a little more and gave a soft hum. “I’m glad you’re feeling better.”

“I would be hard pressed not to, with all of you taking care of me.”

“We will always be glad to help,” Field said. “You and your family are welcome whenever you like.”

“Don’t say that, I might end up on your doorstep one night, when Starless has to be away for a bit.”

“You can come see us too, if you need,” Stone offered.

There was a pause before Freight responded in a shaky voice, “Thank you.”

Stone lifted his head. “What did I say wrong?”

“Not a thing,” Freight told him.

“I hurt you, I can tell. Please, tell me what I did wrong.”

Freight raised her head, leaned over Puca, and kissed Stone on his forehead. “You didn’t do a thing wrong. Now hush, please. I don’t want to have emotions that would bother Puca. We’ve put her through enough the last few days

“I’m fine,” Puca assured. “I won’t be if you don’t tell us what is bothering you. Freight, we love you, please let us help.”

Freight put her head back on Mosaic’s hip. “Don’t worry about it. It’s silly. I’m having a bit of trouble with the idea that our home is going to be quiet again is all.”

“Love, don’t play it down, when the house gets quiet you look like you’re about ready to cry.” Starless gave her a tender kiss. “It hurts me to see the mare I love look so heartbroken.”

“I’ll just renew my tour with the Guard and keep busy. My current tour is about to be done in four months away.”

“May I suggest something along the same lines, but with a slight change in attack angle?” Starless asked.

“What do you mean?”

“I was asked to keep this hush-hush by Princess Twilight, but considering the circumstances, and whom I'm sharing it with I think she would understand. I’ve been offered a transfer for a new post.”

“You’re kidding.”

“I’m not. With the University about to fully start up, the population rise in Ponyville, and Ponyville’s penchant for having all kinds of trouble, the Celestial Sisters are planning to station Royal and Lunar Guards here in Ponyville. They are working things out with Mayor Mare about the details on how it will all play out, but the plans are underway. They wanted me to head the Lunar Guard forces here.”

Field chuckled.  “If I had to bet, the contracts we are about to bid on are a part of that plan.”

“That would make sense,” Mosaic said. “The sites are close to the castle and don’t seem to be the typical design requests that we get for buildings around here.

“I had heard a couple of rumors that there were going to be new supply routes, but I didn’t even think about Ponyville needing guards now that it’s gotten as big as it has,” Freight said. “I was keeping an ear out for anything official so I could help Star Chart get a route as a full captain of a ship, not focusing on where the routes were going.”

Puca rolled on her side and hugged Mosaic. “You’re always looking out for and caring for others, just like Mosaic and Field.”

“Them being similar souls is one of the many reasons we are such good friends,” Field said.

“I think we’re all close friends,” Starless said. “I can’t think of anypony else we get into pony piles with.”

“You’re doing better, but there’s something else on your mind,” Puca said to Freight.

“I don’t want an empty house,” Freight told her. “Quiet is good, silence for long stretches is a bit too much for me now.”

“Having our foals gone is going to change our lives,” Starless said and nuzzled Mosaic. “We loved raising Care and Windless. Neither of us likes the idea of not having somepony with us, but she’s having a harder time with the thought.”

“Take the transfer, and move here,” Field said. “I know helping with the pups has helped Bonsmara, Fierce, and us in various ways. They adore you two and I’m sure they would love for you to live closer.”

“We’re about to have our new addition too,” Stone said. “As new parents, could use all the help we can get.”

“The nice thing about helping with other ponies’ foals is that you can have fun with them, spoil them a little, and then send them home when you need time to yourself,” Mosaic said.

“He may have been invited, but I don’t know if I can get a transfer here,” Mosaic said. “I’m sure the competition to come here is going to be fierce, and I’m not as young as I used to be. While I love the thought, I don’t want to leave my crew just yet.” She nuzzled the top of Puca’s head. “You can quit squeezing me; I’ll see what I can do. I might have to suffer a quiet house, but I’m not going to leave my ship and crew in the hooves of some stranger.”

Starless chuckled and kissed the back of Freight’s head. “What if you brought them with you or, as an alternative, left them in the hooves of Star Chart?”

“We’ll see.”


*****


“I can’t believe how sweet Pyrite was.” Care put a hoof to her cheek. “I expected him to ask for a hug, but the smooch on the cheek surprised me.”

“I can’t believe that little bundle of trouble of a practice special somedoggy of mine,” Windless grumbled.

“She was precious!” Care moved to alongside Windless and put her wing over his back. “I’ll never forget the look on your face. I didn’t know your ears could go that high.”

“The blush was great too,” Cobalt 

“I wasn’t expecting it!” Windless protested.

“She set you up so well,” Care teased. “Asking you to get on the ground so she could hug you was perfect.”

“In her defense, she did hug him,” Cobalt pointed out.

Windless huffed in mock annoyance. “She didn’t mention she was planning on grabbing me by the cheeks and kissing my nose!” 

Care released Windless from her wing. “I hope Bonsmara and Fierce don’t scold her too badly.”

“They won’t,” Cobalt assured. “They can’t, really, since they were laughing so much.”

“At least neither of the pups cried,” Windless said. His ears fell, as he said, “I don’t think I could have taken that. I would have cried to.”

“You softie, I’m right there with you.” Care nuzzled Windless. “It’s amazing how much they mean to us. We’ve only known them a few days.”

“I not surprised. Look what happened to Puca and Stone,” Cobalt said. “They knew each other less than a week and they fell in love.”

“Just as a reminder, we’re trying to avoid that with me and Labra,” Windless said.

“I know,” Cobalt said. “Don’t worry, I think there’s a colt here that has likes her and she likes too. He just hasn’t quite gotten over the ‘fillies are icky’ stage yet.”

“Bass Clef,” Care named.

Cobalt titled his head at her. “How could you tell?”

“The way they talked to each other when we visited the school. Fillies don’t argue with and boss colts around that they don’t like.”

“How did you know he liked her?” Windless asked Cobalt.

“Bonsmara picked up on it first and told us about it and how cute she thought it was. Clef has come by the house a couple of times looking for Labra and Pryite, when they weren’t’ at their place too. Sometimes he comes by with friends to invite her to join them, but he’s been by on his own several times.”

“If I had to bet, if she and Pyrite were at your house, he got to come in and join them,” Care said.

“Of course,” Cobalt said. “He’s rambunctious and gets into things, but he’s a good colt.” Cobalt led them to the front door. When it tried to open it, it remained closed. “That’s weird. The door’s still locked.”

“Do you have a key?” Windless asked.

“There’s one hidden in the basement. I’ll be right back.”

Windless chuckled. “Sis, it’s not nice to look at him like that when he’s walking away.”

“He looked at my tail as I was going up the stairs; I get to admire the view too.”

“I’m not going to have to worry about becoming an uncle while I’m in the Empire am I?”

“No.”

“You’re not going to sneak off to Mayor Mare either, right?”

“I take it Mom told you about that.”

“You’re dodging the question.”

“No, silly pony, we’re not going to elope.”

“If you change your minds, you better let me in on it.”

“We will.”

Windless gave his sister a look, just as Cobalt rounded the corner of the house.

“I’m going to ask for a favor,” Cobalt said, forming his words around the key in his mouth. “Could you two help me harvest gems before you go?”

“Sure,” Windless said. “That shouldn’t take too long.”

“This time it’s going to. The dose of magic that we gave the rockmoss was a lot more than what I thought.” Cobalt took the key from his mouth and unlocked the front door with careful, quiet motions. “Let’s be quiet, they may still be asleep.”

“That will be the day,” Windless said. “If your parents are like mine, they are up at the crack of dawn.”

Careful not to make noise, the trio made their way into the house. Care smothered a gleeful sound with her a hoof, when she looked in the den.

“Look!” Care whispered, prancing in place.

“Please tell me you have a camera somewhere close,” Windless said to Cobalt.

“Better, I have a couple of memory stones in my room. I’ll be right back.”

“Come here.” Care hugged Windless and nuzzled his mane. “It’s too precious!”

“I have them,” Cobalt whispered, as he returned.

“You two do the honors,” Windless said. “I want one of the stones to take with me, though.”

“Thinking about doing another drawing?” Care asked, as she took a memory stone from Cobalt.

Windless grinned. “The thought crossed my mind.”


*****


“You take care of yourself,” Freight told Cobalt, as she gave him a hug. “We’ll be back before too long.”

“Most of you will,” Mosaic said, as she hugged Windless. “I know you’re going to do great at the academy.”

Windless returned Mosaic’s hug. “Look out for Care for me.”

“You don’t have to worry about that,” Field said and patted Windless on the shoulder. “Don’t get into any trouble up there you can’t get out of.”

“I’ll do my best.” Windless blushed as Mosaic gave him a kiss on the forehead.

Care gave Field, Mosaic, Puca, and Stone hugs. “I know I’m going to be back soon, but I’m going to miss you guys.”

Windless hugged Cobalt. “Thanks for the gems.”
“You don’t have to thank me for anything. Without you, there wouldn’t be any gems. After all you spent on Care, me, and the apples, I’m sure they’ll be of use.” Cobalt patted Windless’ back. “You’re going to need lots of stamps and writing supplies too.”

“Look out for my practice special somedoggy for me too,” Windless said and chuckled. “I would never have guessed in a thousand years that was a request that I would ever have to make.” He let go of Cobalt and turned to Care. “Quit giving me that look, he’s all yours now.”

“Thank you.” Care hugged Cobalt and put her head on his shoulder. “Take care of yourself. No wild adventures till I get back and can help. You promise?”

“I promise I will do my best to avoid anything of the sort, to the best of my ablities.” Cobalt hugged Care and gave her a nuzzle. “Travel safe.” He leaned close to her ear and whispered, “I love you.”

“I love you too,” Care whispered back. She gave him a sultry smile, raised her wings to shield them from sight, and gave him a fiery kiss.

“Whoa,” Puca said, grinning. “That was impressive and tasty.”

Care dropped her wings and smiled at Puca. “I’m glad you enjoyed it too.”

“He certainly did,” Starless said. “Good technique with the wings, by the way.”

Care grinned at her father. “I learned from the best.”

“The train will be leaving in one minute!” the conductor shouted.

“We’ve got to go,” Starless said, and waved them towards the train with a wing.

“One second,” Puca said. “Come here, Windless.” When Windless approached her, she gave him a hug. “Here is an old Changeling blessing for you: May your hunt for love be bountiful, enjoyable, and filling.” She kissed Windless’ cheek. “Good luck in all you set out to do up there.”

“Thank you.” He gave her a hug back. “I hope everything with you and the egg goes well.”

“We’ll write you when it comes, I promise,” Puca said and let him go. “Hurry now or you’ll end up flying home.”

Mosaic hugged Field. “I’m going to miss them,” she said, waving towards the train.

Field chuckled and kissed her head. “We need to get working on those bids.”

“Yes we do.”

“All aboard!” the conductor shouted.

Puca rubbed Cobalt’s shoulder. “She’ll be back.”

“I know.” He put a hoof over his necklace. “I’ll dig more into my studies and training so I don’t miss her too much.” He waved at his friends, who were waving at them from the rail car’s window, as the train rolled away from the station.

Stone stopped waving at the train and bumped shoulders with Cobalt. “Speaking of that, if we don’t hoof it we’re going to be late. I don’t relish the idea of extra pushups.”

“Give me your necklace, Cobalt,” Mosaic said. “I would hate for anything to happen to it.”

Cobalt took off his necklace and gave it to Mosaic. “Thanks Mom.”

“You two better catch up!” Puca said and bolted towards town. “I’m not going to be doing any extra pushups.”

“That’s cheating!” Cobalt cried and raced after her.

Stone shook his head. “She keeps assuring me that she and the egg are fine, but I still worry that she might be doing too much.”

“You remember your mother when she was having Cobalt,” Field said. “She didn’t slow down till right near the time he came and they both turned out fine.”

“It’s a bit different when it’s your own, isn’t it sweetie?” Mosaic said.

“It is.” Stone gave Mosaic a hug. “I’ll see you at work.”

Field mussed Stone’s mane. “You better get going, or you will be doing extra pushups.”

Stone gave Field a quick hug and then ran after Cobalt and Puca. “I just gave them a bit of a head start,” he called over his shoulder. 

“Crazy colt, he thinks he’s all grown up.” Field looked to Mosaic, who was studying Cobalt’s necklace. “Love, are you okay?”

“I was just thinking they are grown up.” Mosaic sighed. “Cobalt will be leaving us before too long.”

“We’re going to have a grand changeling to fuss over. That will help.” Field kissed Mosaic’s nose. “I’ve got a feeling we’re going to get a least one more grandchangeling or grandfoal from them before it’s all over too.”

“We may be getting one from Care and Cobalt before Puca and Stone’s second one, if they aren’t careful,” Mosaic said, putting Cobalt’s necklace around her neck.

“That wouldn’t be too awful. Except for we might have to wrestle with Freight to get to see the tyke, if she decides to follow through on her promise.”

Mosaic grinned and whispered, “If they’re here, it wouldn’t matter so much.” She kissed him and took his hoof with hers. “Let’s go and do our best to make sure that happens.”
> Epilogue
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Labra held onto Bonsmara’s hand and looked around at the ponies moving on the platform. “I don’t see him.”

“Everypony is just getting off the train. He will find us.” Bonsmara smiled and looked down at Labra. “I am taller than most on the platform.”

Care giggled. “Pyrite, your tail is tickling my back.”

“Sorry, I can’t get it to stop wagging.” He pointed into the crowd of ponies. “Is that a Crystal Guard?”

“That would be one of them,” Bonsmara said. “Remember, Windless will still be on duty for a few minutes before we can see him.”

Care pointed a hoof to a point further down the platform. “There’s Edge and the Twilight Guard, so it won’t be too long now.”

Labra stood on the tips of her toes. “Momma, I can’t see. What’s going on?”

“Edge and Shining are saluting each other. Now, they are shaking hooves.”

Shining’s voice could be heard over the noise of the platform: “Crystal Guards and Cadets, you may stand down! The Twilight Guard has assumed guard duty!”

Fierce patted Pyrite on his shoulder. “Princess Candance and Flurry just got off the train.”

“I’m kinda nervous.” Pyrtie slid from Care’s back. His tail tucked a little. “I hope Flurry really liked my letters and wasn’t just being nice.”

Flurry pointed a hoof. “I see them!”

“You’re about to find out,” Care said. “Here she comes.”

“Flurry, slow down!” Cadance called.

Flurry wove through the throng of ponies, dodging legs and luggage alike. 

“She is remarkably nimble,” Fierce said.

“Pyrite!” Flurry rushed up to the pup and hugged him. “Thank you for all your letters!”

Pyrite blushed and hugged her back. “I’m glad you liked them. I didn’t know if you would.”

“They were great!” She gave him a nuzzle. “Nopony, or doggy, sends me letters except you!” She paused and stared at him. “You’ve gotten bigger.”

He held up one of his paws. “Daddy says if I grow into my paws, I will be at least as big as he is.”

“You can’t!” Flurry booped Pyrite’s nose with a hoof. “You have to stay this size so I can hug you right!”

“Him getting bigger won’t be all bad,” Care said. “I can tell you from personal experience it’s nice having someone that can give you hugs who’s bigger than you are.”

Flurry looked at Care and seemed to mull the idea over. “I guess that would be okay.” She renewed her hug with Pyrite and wrapped her wings around him. “I’ll have to hug him a lot while I’m here so I can remember him my size.”

“I’m so sorry,” Cadance said as she walked up to the group. “She’s been so excited about the trip and seeing everypony again.”

Flurry let go of Pyrite and gave Labra a hug. “It’s good to see you too!”

Labra returned the hug. “Looks like I’m your height now.”

“Then you have to stop growing too,” Flurry mock scolded.

“Or you’ll have to get as big as Celestia or Luna,” Cadance said.

Flurry asked Labra, “Have you seen him yet?”

Labra shook her head, and her ears fell. “No.”

Shining armor approached the group.

“That was pretty cool, Flurry,” Shining said. “You didn’t bump into anything or anypony!”
Cadance gave Shining a disapproving look. “We do not encourage such behavior.”

“Sorry, you’re right.” Shining scolded Flurry in a voice that lacked conviction: “You should have waited on your mother and remained calm.” He broke his act with a grin. “I can’t wait to see your next run on the obstacle course, though. Looks like you’ve improved a lot.”

Cadance, with a suffering smile, sighed. “And the opportunity is lost.”

“I can understand her enthusiasm; I’m just not so agile,” a voice said.

Labra’s ears snapped up, and she looked around. “Windless?!”

Windless made his way around the last of the ponies impeding his way and joined the group. He took off his helmet and put it by his side. “Princess Flurry, can I see my practice special somedoggy?”

“Sure!” Flurry said and let go of Labra.

Labra smiled and sniffed as tears came to her eyes. “But I’m not your practice special somedoggy anymore.”

“You’re still my practice special somedoggy till we find your special someone” Windless told her. “That’s how the rules go, remember?” 

Labra ran to Windless and jumped into the air. Windless caught her and pulled her in for a hug.
“I missed you,” Windless told her.

“I missed you too,” Labra told him and put her head on his shoulder.

“Dad, you’ve got some ‘liquid pride’ on your cheeks,” Flurry teased.

“I’m proud of my cadet, that’s all,” Shining said, and wiped away his tears. “That was a good catch.”

“Quit hogging my brother,” Care said and took both Labra and Windless in a wing hug. “I’m glad you’re here.”

“I’m glad I’m here too.”

Labra rubbed the bridge of Windless’ nose. “We’ve got to get to Puca and Stone’s house. They’re waiting on us.”
Windless smiled and bumped noses with her. “Sounds like a plan to me.”

“Would you like to come too?” Pyrite asked Flurry. “Puca and Stone said you, Princess Cadence, and Shining were all invited.”

Flurry glanced towards Cadance. “Can I go with them, please?”

Cadance smiled. “You can go, but be on your best behavior.”

“Looks like we will need two lookouts again,” Windless said. He pulled his helmet back on. “We have royalty to escort.”


*****


Flurry, Windless, and Care landed on the path to Puca and Stone’s house.

“I’m impressed,” Care told Windless. “You did that flight in scout armor, carrying your bags, and with Labra on your back.”

“I’ll pay for it in the morning, though,” Windless confessed.

The front door of the house opened, and Mosaic trotted out. “Windless! Flurry!” She hugged Windless around the neck. “I’m so glad you’re back.”

Using a foreleg, Windless returned the hug. “I’m glad to be back too.” 

Flurry looked unsure what to do for a second.

“I get a hug from you too,” Mosaic said and held her forelegs out to Flurry. 

Flurry smiled and gave Mosaic a hug.

“You’re getting prettier by the day,” Mosaic told Furry.

“There is a part of me that doesn’t want to admit it, but you look good in that armor,” Starless said as he walked out the front door.

“Thanks Dad,” Windless said and gave Starless a hug.

Starless hugged Windless and patted his shoulder. “I’m glad they haven’t frozen your wings off yet.”

“Inside the dome is fine; outside the dome is a whole different story.” Windless shivered, despite it being a comfortable, warm morning. “When we did our cold climate survival training, it was nasty.” 

“Just be sure not to get frostbitten wings. I can tell you from personal experience it’s not fun.”

Windless glanced over his shoulder. “Speaking of keeping warm, did you know they taught us about pony piles in the Guard?”

Labra’s ears perked up. “Really?!”

“They sure did. Pony piles are one of the best ways to keep warm and safe when you’re in trouble in the snow. We even had to practice. We could have used you in organizing us. We were a mess trying to get everypony where they needed to be.”

“Speaking of pony piles, your mother is in one right now with the little one,” Starless said.

“I’m not surprised.” Windless looked past Starless and his jaw dropped. “Puca, is that you?!”

Puca paused just outside the house. “Oh, that’s right; you haven’t seen me since I metamorphosed. Puca twirled in place, showing off her green carapace and purple wing covers. “I wasn’t sure if I liked it or not, at first. It’s been growing on me.”

“If you decide you don’t like it, you can always change back,” Windless joked. 

“She lost her fangs, though,” Pyrite said, his ears drooping.

“I thought you didn’t like her fangs,” Windless said.

“They scared me, when I was little.”

Windless suppressed his laugh. “What about now?”

“My fangs are coming in, so I can’t be scared of hers.” Pyrite showed his teeth and pointed to where the tips of his fangs could be seen. “But they came in too late and now I can’t have fangs with her.”

“I’ll change back now and then for you,” Puca promised. “Come on in, everyone.”

“I get a hug first!” Mosaic said as she took Labra from Windless’ back and gave her a hug.

“Go on,” Starless said, as he helped Pyrite from Care’s back. “We’ll catch up.”

“Why don’t you take off your armor?” Puca suggested. She led him into the house and down the hall. “You can use the guest room to put your stuff in.”

“Thank you. Who all is here?”

“Besides everypony in the front yard, there’s: Cobalt, Field, your mom, Mend and Tea Cozy.”
“Perfect.”

Puca glanced back at Windless. “You’re up to something.”

“Just a little something.” He patted his saddlebags. “I have deliveries I wanted to make and this would be the perfect time.”
Puca opened the guest room door for Windless.

Windless gave Puca a surprised look when she followed him into the room.

“Puca?”

“Let me help you with the armor. Stone has a bit of trouble getting out of his by himself.”

As she helped him with the armor’s straps, Windless said, “I don’t have to be a changeling to tell something’s on your mind.”

“I wanted to tell you Siofra will look a little different from most foals, before you see her. She’s in her pupa stage right now.”

“Cobalt mentioned that in his letters. I got curious and read about changelings’ life cycles in the library. I think having clear stages in life is cool. Sometimes I feel like an oversized colt rather than an adult.”  Windless took off his helmet and set it on the guest bed. “Did you think I’d freak out or something?”

“Her appearance has shocked some ponies, to be honest.” Puca’s ears folded back. “They were expecting a little filly, not a pupa.”

“Their names and addresses, please.”

“No!” Puca tapped Windless on the nose. “Bad Windless.”

“Why am I not surprised to hear Windless is misbehaving again?” Cobalt asked, as he poked his head in the doorway. “You brought your armor! Cool!”

“I had to, we came here as part of an escort mission.  All the cadets have a couple of days off, then we will go to classes here for the next fortnight as part of the student exchange program that’s going on.”

“That’s great news! We get to have you for longer than I thought!” Cobalt grabbed Windless in a bear hug. “It’s good to see you.”

“It’s good to see you too,” Windless said. He hugged Cobalt and tapped on his shoulder. “You can put me down now.”
Cobalt put Windless back on his hooves. “What was he doing to get himself in trouble this time?” he asked Puca.
“Asking for the names and address of the ponies who didn’t react well to Siofra’s appearance,” Care said.

Cobalt grunted. “I know who it was. I promise you, they’re not worth the time. Speaking of Siofra, come up and see her.”

“If he can,” Puca joked. “Right now Siofra’s in the middle of a pony pile of Freight, Stone, and Field.” 

“Thank you!” Puca took the pouch and hugged Windless. “We only had a couple left.” She led them out of the room, up the stairs, and into the nursery.

“Well, hello there young stallion,” Tea Cozy greeted Windless. “I haven’t seen you in a while. It’s good to see you.”

“It’s great to see you too!” Windless grinned. “I brought what you asked for, but I didn’t know you would be here. I’ll go back down and get my saddlebags.”

Mend gave Cozy a look. “You two have only met twice and you’re plotting things?”

Tea cozy smiled and shrugged. “What can I say? We’re kindred spirits.”

“I’ll go get your bags,” Cobalt said. “If you don’t say hello to your mom, she’ll have your tail.”

“He’s right,” Freight said. She shifted her position with delicate movements and then stood up.
A soft noise came from between Field and Stone.

“I’m sorry, little one, but I have to see my little one.” Freight approached Cobalt and hugged him. She sniffed and said, 

“Though he’s not so little anymore.”

“Hello, Mom.” Windless hugged Freight back bumped noses with her.

Two sets of soft foot pads made their way into the room. Without announcing themselves, Labra and Pyrite hugged Freight.
“Are you okay, Aunt Bat?” Pyrite asked.

“I’m fine, I’m just happy seeing Windless.” Freight nuzzled the top of Pyrite’s head. “Thank you for asking.”

Another soft noise came from the cloth nest.

“She wants to meet you, Windless,” Stone said. “She can pick up that there is a new pony around by their emotions.” 

Puca smiled and looked toward the nursery’s door. “You can see her too, Flurry.”

Flurry’s ears went up. After a second, she nodded and followed behind Windless.

As Windless and Flurry approached the blanket nest, Siofra’s cooing increased in volume.

“Here, let me shift over,” Field said. He moved his body so Windless and Flurry could see Siofra.
Windless grinned. “She’s adorable! She looks like she came wearing her own set of pajamas.”

Siofra smiled up at Windless  and reached out to him with her forelegs.

“You’re getting the full treatment,” Stone said. “Hold her or she’ll get fussy.”

“Can I?” Windless asked, looking concerned.

Cobalt returned to the room, carrying Windless’ saddlebags, leading Care,  Bonsmara, and Windless into the room. “Looks we have good timing. I would have hated to miss this.” 

“She won’t break, I promise.” Stone sat up, picked up Siofra, and transferred her to Windless’ forelegs.
Siofra reached up and grabbed Windless’ nose in her hooves.

“Hello to you too.” Windless leaned and touched his nose to Siofra’s. “We’ve met before. You were in an egg, but you were cute then too. I’m one of your uncle’s good friends.”

“She’s precious,” Flurry said. “I’m glad she’s safe.”

Puca, looking concerned, hugged Flurry. “What do you mean?”

“When the changelings took Ponyville, I thought they might have taken you and Stone too.” Flurry swallowed and admitted, “I didn’t know what they would do to you and Stone and it scared me. Aunt Luna had to visit me in my sleep the next couple of nights.”

Siofra fussed and reached out to Flurry.

“She’s like Pyrite and Cobalt,” Labra said. “She does not want anyone to be sad or worried.”

“Would you like to hold her?” Puca asked Flurry.

Flurry nodded. She took Siofra from Windless as if a wrong touch would shatter the nymph. “She’s pretty. Her eyes are just like yours.”

“Thank you.” 

“I’ve told Puca the same thing,” Stone said. “Now I have two living jewels in my life.”

Puca hugged Flurry around the shoulders. “We were lucky with the invasion. Celestia arranged for us to meet with the changeling and mare couple in Canterlot and their foal. We were there, with Siofra’s egg, when the changelings took Ponyville.”

“Did they have a nymph too?” Flurry asked.

“They have an adorable colt. He was excited there would be another foal like him.” She grinned. “You should have seen him with the egg. He was curious and cautious and had a whole mixture of emotions.”

“Let me take those for you,” Windless said to Cobalt, as he took the saddlebags from him. “Thanks for getting them.” 

“Thank you!” Puca hugged Windless

Pyrite sniffed at the bags. “What’s in them?”

“Surprises,” Windless told Pyrite. He pulled a pouch from out of his saddlebags and gave it Puca. “I brought you and Stone some memory stones. Cobalt mentioned that you were running low on them and sent me some gems to trade for them.”
Windless patted one pouch. “Not this one.” He patted the pouch on the opposite side. “There they are. I have some special treats for everyone. Would you and Labra like to help me pass them out?”  

“Sure!”

Windless undid the pouch’s strap and pulled out a jar filled with a jam. “There’s one for Puca and Stone, Mosaic and Field, Mom and Dad, Care and Cobalt, and Mend and Cozy.” He gave the first of the jars to Labra and Pyrite. “Could you pass these out real quick?”

In quick time, Labra and Pyrite gave out the jars to the ponies around the room.

“You two get one too,” Windless said, giving Labra the last jar.

“These look familiar,” Mend said, while examining the jar in her hooves.

Pyrite sniffed at the jar in Labra’s paws. “I can’t tell what’s in it.”

Labra looked to Windless. “Can I open it?”

“Sure. I don’t have any spoons for you to taste it, though.”

Labra tried to open the jar. She grunted and shook her head. “I can’t get the lid off.”

“Let me,” Field said. He took the jar from Labra and broke the seal on the jar with a twist of his hoof.

“Wow, thank you.” Labra took the jar back from him. She looked at her paw and then at his hoof. “How did you do that with no fingers?”
“Magic,” Field explained. “Earth ponies have a good bit in our hooves. We can use it to hold on to things we touch.”
Labra took the lid off the jar and she and Pyrite took a good sniff.

“That smells great!” Pyrite said. He reached a paw toward the jar.

Labra moved the jar out of his reach and put the lid back on it. “We can’t put our paws in the jam. We don’t want to get dirt in it.”

“But, I wanted a little taste,” Pyrite pouted.

Siofra made an unhappy noise.

“Sorry, Siofra,” Pyrite said.

“I’ll fix you two some toast to try it out on,” Windless said. “What do you think it is, now you can smell it?”

“There’s a berry in it I’ve never smelled before,” Pyrite said.

“Sugar,” Labra named.

“Lemon juice,” Pyrite said, his nose scrunching up a little.

“You’ve got the ingredients,” Windless said. “It’s crystal berry jam. Those are the berries you smelled.”
“Whoa, that’s neat!” Pyrite said. “I don’t think we’ve had crystal berry jam before.”

“It’s great,” Flurry assured him.

“I helped the ponies that grow the berries harvest them and make the jam.” Windless nodded towards Tea Cozy. “Mister Cozy was the one that showed me where I could pick the berries myself, for a reduced price, and introduced me to his daughter, her husband, and his granddaughter.”

“So that’s why the jar looked familiar,” Mend said. “It is the same type Snowmelt and Tilled Ground use.”

“There’s something else that goes into the jam you can’t smell,” Windless said. “Do you know how Cobalt helps his rockmoss grow gems with magic?”

Both Labra and Pyrite nodded.

“They do the same thing with their crystal berry bushes. They have lots of different colored berries, just like the rockmoss has lots of different color gems, depending on the magic they focus into them.”

Pyrite’s tail wagged. “Are they as nice as Mend and Cozy?”

“They are. When Cozy told them about me, they invited me to dinner, told me about the best spots in the Empire, and said if I needed anything I could come see them and they would help.”

“She’s your special somepony isn’t she?” Labra asked.

“Missus Snowmelt is a wonderful mare, but I think it would upset her husband.”

“Not her,” Labra said, through her giggling, “their granddaughter.”

Windless nodded. “She is.”

Mend pointed a hoof at Windless. “You’re Snowberry’s special somepony?!”

“I am,” Windless said with a bright smile.

“Hold on!” a voice from the stairwell said. “I thought I heard something about a special somepony.”

Flurry turned her head toward the door. “Mom? I thought you went to see Aunt Twilight.”

“We did, and she wanted us to come here. She’s talking with Shining, and Starless,” Cadance said as she entered the room. 

“I had to come see the new addition.” She smiled at Flurry. “I see where she ended up.”

Siofra’s giggled and looked towards Cadance.

“Hello, little one.” Cadance moved to Flurry’s side and touched Siofra’s cheek with a hoof. “You’re precious.” She smiled at Flurry. “This is a reversal for you. When you were little, Thorax loved to hold you.”

“Do you want to hold her?” Flurry asked.

“She seems comfy where she is. I can wait my turn.” Cadance looked to Care and told her, “Congratulations again.”

“This time, it was all her,” Puca said. “I did my part last time.”

Cadance smiled at Stone. “Have you two been able to spend much time with her? I get the impression she gets ‘borrowed’ often.”

“She does, but we’ve been getting into lots of pony piles with her,” Stone said. “They help everyone share their cuddly moments with her.”

“Speaking of cuddles,” Cadance said and looked to Labra and Pyrite. She sat down, grinned at them, and spread her wings a little. “Come here, you two.” 

The pups bounded to Cadance. The three exchanged hugs, and then Cadance tucked Labra and Pyrite against her sides with her wings. “Were you talking to Windless about him having a special somepony?”

“He’s got a special somepony in the Crystal Empire,” Pyrite said.

Cadance raised an eyebrow. “Really? He hasn’t mentioned that to me and I see him at least once a week.”
“He hasn’t mentioned having a special somepony to a lot of ponies,” Freight said, giving Windless a critical look, “including his mother.”

Windless held his hooves up. “We’ve been keeping it quiet, but I had to let my practice special somedoggy and my penpal know.”

“Why are you being so secretive about it?”

“Our class at the academy is a small class. We agreed to keep it quiet to avoid drama. We figured telling as few ponies, or doggies, as possible would be for the best.”

“Does anypony else know?” Cadance asked.

“Her parents, they figured it out.”

Mend asked Windless, “How did she rope you into helping with the farm?”

“She helped me keep my rockmoss going, so it was only fair I helped her with the berry bushes. Which reminds me, I’m not through giving out goodies.”

Windless opened a pouch on his saddlebags and pulled out a folded blanket. He unfolded the blanket, revealing four small pouches.

“This one’s for you,” Windless said, giving Labra a pouch. “This one is for you,” he said, giving Pyrite a pouch. “These are from Snowberry. I’ve told her all about you two. When I showed her one of my drawings of you, she said you two were the cutest things she had seen.”

“Oh, wow,” Labra said, as she pulled a necklace from the pouch. “It’s me!” She held up the necklace for all to see. “It’s a labradorite!”

“It’s me too!” Pyrite held up his necklace, a cube of pyrite held by a copper wire.

“When she heard you were named after minerals, she knew what she wanted to send you. It’s good luck to wear the stones you are named after in the Crystal Empire.”

“Cool,” Pyrite said, as he slipped his necklace on. “Tell her thank you for us, please.”

“I will.” He picked up another of the pouches and approached Care and Cobalt. “Snowberry wanted me to give you two this rockmoss fertilizer that a friend of hers specializes in. She told me to tell you that mixing a teaspoon of the powder in a cup of water per plant lasts two months.” Windless hugged them. “She also wanted me to hug you both and tell you congratulations and that you have the wildest engagement story she’s ever heard.”

“What story?” Flurry asked.

“I’ll let one of them tell it,” Windless said. “It’s their story, and I got my information second hoof.”

“I’ll tell you the part I was awake for,” Care said. “The day the changelings invaded, I was walking around Ponyville, looking for Cobalt. He was supposed to have met me for lunch, but he didn’t show, which he never does. I was getting worried. Nopony I asked knew where he was or had seen him. I was heading back to his house to see if he was in the basement working with the rockmoss, when a weird green flash hit me and I blacked out.”

Flurry held Siofra a little closer and cooed at her when the nymph made an unhappy noise. “Sorry, I was just worried for my friend.” She looked to Puca. “Why would they take somepony nice like you?”

“Because she was asking around about Cobalt,” Puca explained. “It’s standard protocol for somepony looking for somepony to be nabbed as soon as possible. If ponies realize that somepony, or several someponies, went missing, it could ruin the whole operation.”

“Since we’re talking about the old changelings, can we pause for a moment so I can ask something?” Windless asked.

“Might was well, since you asked something,” Cobalt joked.

“Har, har.” Windless looked sheepish and tapped his hooves together. “Puca, please don’t take this the wrong way, she’s cute as she can be, but does Siofra look like the old changelings because you laid her egg before you changed into the new you?”

“There’s nothing wrong with that question at all. The reason she looks like the ‘old’ changelings is because she hasn’t grown up to where she can metamorphose like I did. Right now she lives on love and has to pull in as much as she can. When she gets older and develops to the point she understands what love is and that she can give it to others she’ll be able to change.”

“From what I understand, all the nymphs at Thorax’s colony are the same as Siofra,” Cadance said. “Being able to give love seems to be the last stage in their development.”

“That’s cool.” Windless gave a slight bow to Care and Cobalt. “Sorry about the interruption. Please finish your story.”

“I’ll tell the next part,” Cobalt said. “That morning, I was just shutting and locking the basement door, when I got hit with the same light Care described. The next thing I knew, Dad and Fierce were pulling me out of a changeling pod. After they told me what happened, I helped them find Bonsmara, Pyrite and Labra, but we couldn’t find Care. We found helped other ponies out of their pods, but we couldn’t find Care. I wish I could say that I kept my cool, but the more we helped ponies out of the pods and didn’t find Care the more frantic I got.”

Siofra fussed and wriggled. Flurry bounced and bumped noses with her. “It will be fine, I promise. The story has to have a happy ending, they're right here.”

“For me, it was almost like something out of a storybook,” Care said. “I thought I heard somepony calling my name, and then Cobalt pulled me from my pod. I wasn’t all way awake when he rocked me in his forelegs. He told me he had been so worried and asked me to say something to let him know I was all right. When I said his name and told him I was fine, he told me that the thought of losing me made him had nearly caused him to go crazy, he kissed me, and then asked me to marry him.”

Flurry nuzzled Siofra, who giggled and hugged Flurry’s nose. “See? Everything turned out just fine.”

“He asked her in front of practically the whole town,” Mosaic said. “They got applause and everything.”

“That is quite a story to beat,” Cozy said.

“Have you decided who will do the service yet and when it will be held?” Cadance hinted, “I would be happy to, if you haven’t.”

“We have been informed by Princess Luna that she would officiate the ceremony,” Care told Cadance. “She said Cobalt had used her dream realm to help Princess Amore and start the whole chain of events that led to him meeting one of her bat ponies and that if anypony objected that they risked her ‘considerable ire’.”

Flurry giggled. “That sounds like Aunt Luna.”

Cobalt looked to the pouch that remained on the blanket. One of his ears twitched as if trying to catch a faint noise.

“Do you like the blanket?” Windless patted the blanked. “It’s for Siofra. It’s made of crystal ewe wool. It’s supposed to keep a pony at the perfect temperature for them thanks to a natural magic that the ewes have. I could get you one if you’d like.”

“Windless,” Cozy said, “if you do not reveal what’s in that pouch, my beloved wife will have a conniption.”

“We don’t want that,” Windless said, picking up the pouch. “These are for you and Cobalt.” He walked to where Cozy and Mend were sitting. “One for you,” he took a gem from the pouch and gave it to Mend. “And one for you,” Windless said, giving Cozy a gem.

Cozy held up his gem. “Quite a good specimen, wouldn’t you say, Dear? It reminds me of an opal, with the layers and veins of colors running through it.”

Mend stared at her gem, not responding.

Windless gave the last of the gems to Cobalt. “This one is yours.” 

“Thank you.” Cobalt closed his eyes in concentration. After a second, he chuckled. “So that’s what you meant when you said she ‘helped me keep my rockmoss going’.”

Windless put a hoof on Cobalt’s shoulder. “I owe you a whole bag of gems more. If it weren’t for you, this wouldn’t have been possible.”

Care’s attention snapped from the gem to Windless’ face. “Is this what I think it is?!”

“You and Snowberry blended magic,” Mend said. 

Windless turned to her. “Yes ma’am, we did.”

“You two blended well too.”

“Thank you. We’re not producing Care and Cobalt quality gems yet, but it’s hard to compete with two ponies that have been friends and had crushes on each other since they were little.”

“You love her, don’t you?” Cozy asked.

“Yes sir, I do,” Windless said with conviction and without hesitation.

Cozy grinned. “I’m glad. She’s needed and wanted somepony like you.”

Windless hugged Cozy. “Thank you for introducing us. I owe you and Cobalt more than I can ever repay.”

“You don’t owe me a thing. If I had to ask for anything, I would ask that you be good to her.”
“I will, sir, I swear.”

Cozy chuckled. “To be honest, when I took you to the farm, I thought you needed someplace where you could feel would be like home. The thought you two would become more than friends didn’t even cross my mind till I saw you two talking together.”

“What does she look like?” Pyrite asked Windless, his tail wagging.

“She’s beautiful. She has a pearl white coat and leaf green eyes, mane, and tail.”

“What’s her Cutie Mark?” Labra asked.

“A cluster of Crystal berries in a glass jar,” Windless said.

“Not that he’s studied her flank or anything,” Care said. 

Windless raised an eyebrow. “What kind of artist would I be if I didn’t study the details of a masterpiece?”

“Can I see?” Care asked Cobalt, looking at the gem he held.

“Sure.” Cobalt passed Care the gem. “If you don’t mind me asking, and you don’t think she would mind, what’s her magic like?”

“She thought you would ask and said it would be fine if I shared. Her magic looks like clusters of three colors that fade in and out while dancing to a music you can’t hear.”

“That sounds like her,” Mend said. “She told me, a while ago, when we were walking on the farm on a breezy day, that she loved when the wind blew through the berry patches. She said it made it look like the berries were dancing and shining in the sunlight. How does your magic interact with hers?”

“Her magic draws mine closer to the ground, letting my ribbons of the aurora’s colors dance with her lights.” 

“Oh wow,” Care said. “I wish I could see that.”

“Don’t worry, I’ve already starting a painting of what we see.”

“So you two have shared magic several times,” Cobalt said.

“We haven’t shared magic all that much, to be honest.” Windless closed his eyes and smiled. “We’re getting better though.”

Cobalt hugged Care from the side and leaned his head against hers. “If it’s anything like Care and I have been able to do, it gets better every time.”

Siofra giggled and squirmed.

Windless opened his eyes and smiled at Siofra. “Yes, I love her, and thinking about her makes me happy. She told me she loves me, and I try to make her happy too. It’s a wonderful thing I hope lasts for a very long time.”

“You realize I will have to do a very detailed examination of you before you two officially make it a ‘very long time’,” Mend half teased.

Windless sighed. “For her, it would be worth it.”

Freight tapped the side of her jar with a hoof. “If she can help you with your rockmoss, can you help her with the berries?”

“I can! The new patch they started has unofficially become our project.”

“So your magic is in the jam?” Labra asked, looking down at the jar she held.

Windless shook his head. “The new patch is still growing and hasn’t produced berries yet. All the jam has lots of Snowberry’s and her family’s magic, though.”

“How is it doing?” Cozy asked.

“So far so good,” Windless said and grinned. “We’ll have to see how they do next season.”

“You sound so happy.” Freight hugged Windless and wrapped him in her wings. “I’m glad you found your spot in the world, even if it’s not close.”

“I’m just in the Empire,” Windless said. “It’s not like I’m in Prance.”

“I know.” Freight kissed Windless’ forehead. “Even if you were on the other side of town, it would be too far.”

“Have you been holding him all this time?” Starless asked from the doorway.

“No, I needed to hug my boy for a second,” Freight said.

“What did he do to prompt a hug?”

“He’s setting roots in the Empire.”

Starless chuckled. “Found yourself a special somepony didn’t you?”

“The best mare in the Empire,” Windless assured.

“She certainly is, she’s our granddaughter,” Mend said.

“Mom’s the best mare in the Empire,” Flurry said, acting offended.

Windless bowed his head to Flurry. “My apologies, I misspoke. Snowberry is the best eligible mare in the Empire.”

“Thank you,” Flurry said, as Siofra giggled.

“Stone, you have a package that you need to sign for, from the Empire,” Starless said. “It’s a big box. Muffins had to haul it with a wagon.”

“It’s here!” Windless cheered.

“I take it the box is from you,” Starless said.

“It’s the art I owed everyone,” Windless said. “I got the last of the pieces done and wanted to ship them all at the same time.” He paused and tilted his head. “I thought I gave them Mom and Dad’s address.”

“Muffins has a way of finding where mail needs to go.” Stone got to his hooves and approached Flurry. “Flurry, can I Siofra? I don’t think Muffins has seen her yet.”

“Sure.” Flurry gave Siofra to Stone.

Siofra cuddled against Stone’s chest and cooed.

Stone kissed Siofra’s head and told her, “I love you too, my little jewel.” He looked to Puca. “Are you coming?”

“I’ll be right behind you,” Puca said and gave him a silent message with her expression.

Stone kissed her and Siofra gave a happy cry. Stone smiled and looked down at her. “Yes, I love your mother lots and lots too.”

Field teased, “My son the adventurer turned into a softie by a little one.” 

“I come by it honestly. I remember a big, tough sompony turning into a big softie when Cobalt got here.”
Field grinned. “I was the same with you. It’s great, isn’t it?”

“It is.” Stone nuzzled Siofra, as he carried her from the room. “Come on, little one. We can’t keep Muffins waiting. I’m sure she has other deliveries to make.”

“I guess that means I have to let you go,” Freight said to Windless. “If Muffins finds out you were here and didn’t see her, she’ll be hurt.”

“I’ll tell her hello for you,” Windless said and then trotted out of the room.

“Can we go see Miss Muffins?” Pyrite asked Bonsmara.

“Give her hugs for us,” Bonsmara told him.

“We will,” Labra said.

Cadance released Labra and Pyrite. “Give her hugs for me too.”

Labra scampered out of the room. “Come on, Pyrite!”

“I’ll be right there,” Pyrite said, but did not make a move.

Flurry gave Pyrite a curious look. “Are you okay?”

“Do you want to come too?” Pyrite asked, in a shy voice. “Miss Muffins is great. I’m sure Windless’ art is going to be neat too.”

Flurry smiled and nodded. “That’s the second time you’ve invited me to do something.”

“You’re our friend. I don’t want you to be left out of anything.”

Flurry moved to Pyrite and bumped her nose to his, making the pup blush.  “Thank you for looking out for me.”

Pyrites ears folded and his blush intensified. “I’m trying to be a good guard dog like Dad.”

“You’ve been a great one to me every time I’ve gotten to see you. When you grow up, you’re going to be the best guard dog there is!” Flurry gave Pyrite a hug. “Maybe you could be my guard dog one day.”

Bonsmara’s eye went wide.

Pyrite smiled and his tail wagged in a speedy rhythm. “Do they let diamond dogs be guards in the Empire?”

“I’m not sure,” Cadance said, in a mock serious tone. “I don’t think there are any rules against it. Shining would be the one to ask since he’s the Captain of the Guard. You can ask him after you see Muffins.”

“Come on, Pyrite!” Labra called from the stairs. “Bring Flurry too! Miss Muffins will love her!”

“We’re coming!” Flurry said and let go of Pyrite. The young pair dashed out of the room.

Bonsmara put a hand to her mouth as she stared at the empty door frame.

“You seemed concerned,” Cadance said, giving a Bonsmara a look. “What are you thinking?”

“He’s not Fierce’s blood kin, but he looks up to him and has taken after him so much.” Bonsmara looked to Cadance with worry in her eyes. “The other day Pyrite asked Fierce when he could start training to be like him. Fierce, being the hound that he is, asked why Pyrite wanted to go through with all that hard work. Pyrite told him, ‘I want to be able to protect everyone I care about’.”

“That’s so cute,” Cadance said. “He sounds like my Shining.”

“Sounds like my Fierce too.” Bonsmara drew in a slow, thoughtful breath. “He is always so excited when he gets a letter from Flurry. If he is following in Fierce’s paw prints, I think he might-”

“Be developing a crush on Flurry?” Cadance asked, smiling.

“It would pain me to do so, but if you ask it of me, I will get him to stop sending her letters.” 

“No! Please don’t. I cannot tell you the good that his letters do her. I do my best to support Flurry, but her growing up as the only pony born an alicorn and the pressure she puts on herself for being Shining’s and my daughter of the has made things tough for her.”

“What do you mean?”

“I don’t know if it is due to her being born and alicorn or the advanced training she has received, but she thinks in ways that are atypical for a filly her age. When she asks me or Shining for help, she thinks she has failed some aspect of being the daughter of the Empire’s Captain and Empress. She needs Pyrite’s letters. Pyrite is the one creature she can be herself with and express herself to without reservation.”

“There is a tendency for the ruling mares of the Empire to fall for their guards,” Mend pointed out. “If the pup follows through, what are you going to do if she follows your and Amore’s example?”

Cadance grinned and pointed a hoof at Care and Cobalt, “I plan to do what we did with these two and let things play out as they will, just as Luna suggested.”

Care and Cobalt looked at each other.

“Luna had you two pegged from the start,” Cadance told them. “I’m sure that’s another reason why she wanted to officiate your wedding. Have you two decided on a date?”

“Not till after we’re out of school is what we’ve agreed on,” Cobalt said. “We’ll need our hooves on the ground before we start a life together.”

Freight’s and Mosaic’s ears perked. 

“Are you speaking figuratively or literally?” Field asked, glancing towards Field and Mosaic.

Mend gave a snort. “Judging by the questions they have asked me and Cozy about the more advanced ways of sharing magic, both.”


*****


“Thank you,” Fierce said to Mosaic, as she refilled his teacup. “You have a touch with this blend that makes it hard to resist.”

“Field is actually the one who mixes the tea,” Mosaic informed him. “He gets the leaves from that lovely store near the market.”

Fierce looked to Field and raised his cup. “You, sir, are a stallion of many talents.”

“Coffee or tea before you go?” Mosaic asked Shining.

“I’m fine thank you.” Shining nuzzled Cadance. “How about you?”

“I’m fine.”

“Anything for you?” Mosaic asked Twilight.

Twilight shook her head. “No thanks. I’ve got to go to bed, when we get back to the castle. I’ve got a big couple of days ahead of me, with the transfer students coming in.” 

Bonsmara dipped her head to Shining. “Thank you for answering Pyrite’s question the way you did. You made his day.”
“If he is anything like his parents, he would make a great addition to the Guard. We’ll just have to wait and see how things go.”

“Speaking of waiting on things, how is Luna doing?” Mend asked.

“She’s very…” Cadance started.

“Affectionate,” Shining finished. “When Bitter is not around, she’s been grabbing guards and castle staff at random and using them like stuffed animals. The last time she visited, we almost had to pry Flurry from her before she got on the train to Canterlot.”

Freight raised her chin. “She’s like us bat ponies when we are nesting. We turn loving and protective.”

Starless smiled. “From what I understand, Mercy is assigning an extra guard in any area that Luna is to be in as the ‘designated snuggle option’ for Luna.”

“What a terrible fate for a guard,” Fierce joked, “to be snuggled by the princess.”

“Not all are as open to public displays of affection as you are,” Bonsmara said and scratched one of his ears.
Fierce leaned into the scratch and smiled. “Poor sods, they are missing out.”

“Excuse me, Princess.” Windless stepped into the kitchen and bowed. “I regret to report I could not accomplish my task.”

Cadance smiled. “Flurry gave you those puppy eyes of her’s didn’t she? They work on Shining all the time.”

Shining puffed up in a show of indignation. “Not ‘all the time.’ Most of the time I’ll admit to.”

Windless raised his head. “Field intervened and said I was not to disturb the princess. He asked me to invite you to see why.”

“If I had to put bits on it, I would guess that Labra was involved.” Fierce stood and offered his paw to Bonsmara. “There are two things that Labra loves: story time and getting into pony piles. If she can combine the two she will do so.”

Twilight’s ears perked up. “Story time?”

“Puca loves reading to the pups,” Mosaic explained. “She uses her abilities to do all the character’s voices. This is about the time she would read to them to get them ready for bed so that would fit with Fierce’s guess.”

Starless grinned and turned to Freight. “With that nest available, I bet she has everypony in a pile.”

Windless smiled. “Pretty close.”

Windless led them from the kitchen to the nursery’s door. Cozy, Field, and Mend were sitting on the side of the room having a whispered conversation. They paused and smiled at the newcomers. Field put a hoof to his lips and then motioned for them to enter.

Stone was leaned against the nursery wall. Leaned against him was Puca, who was smiling contentedly. Siofra slept against Puca’s chest. Labra was snuggled against Siofra, with a paw holding onto one of her hooves. Flurry had leaned against Labra’s back and had Pyrite tucked against her side with a wing. Pyrite slept with his head against Flurry’s, with one of his paws on top of her foreleg.  Facing each other, and with their heads on each other’s shoulders, Care and Cobalt formed the outer edges of the pile, enclosing the little ones in protection and warmth.

“Oh Shining!” Cadance exclaimed, in a whisper, and pulled him into a hug.

Field stood and approached the royal couple. “May we have the honor of having Flurry over for the night? I would hate to disturb them.”

“I will stand guard over them all, if you wish me to,” Windless offered.

“That won’t be needed,” Cadance said. “Flurry can manage herself and we have a collection of some of the best Equestria has here. I have another request though.”

Windless bowed his head. “You have but to name it.”

“Could you do one of your drawings of them? Pictures and memory stones are nice, but the way that you capture moments is something special.”

Windless smiled and nodded. “I would be glad to.”