The first night

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I sighed as I sat in the carriage beside Mommy and my BDBBBFF, that's short for Best Dragon Big Brother Best Friend Forever, as we flew over the land. "Mommy I'm bored!" I stated as I laid my chin on her forehoof, "And how come Daddy couldn't come with us?"

Mommy sighed and gently began to rub between my wings. "I know you're bored baby," she stated softly, "And you know why Daddy couldn't come with us, he has to work after all, and Auntie Spitfire couldn't cover for him anymore."

I sighed again and just lay there my BDBBBFF, Spike, smiled. "Hey cheer up BPLSBFF maybe when we get to," he looked at the letter he held again, "Ponyville, there'll be fillies and colts your own age to play with."

I gave him big watery puppy dog eyes, "But but," I sniffled, "Don't you like playing with me BDBBBFF?" I did my best to look absolutely pitiful. Spike started to sputter and blush trying to come up with something to say causing Mommy to laugh.

"Now Stryker," she stated using my nickname, "What have I told you about using the puppy dog eyes on your big brother?" I immediately stopped tormenting Spike, and this time I really did pout.

"You told me not to." I stated while still pouting. Spike chuckled and walked over to hug me. I looked up at him, "But do you really not like playing with me anymore Spike?" He shook his head.

"There is no way on Eques that I'd ever stop playing with you." he stated while gently running his claw over my mane, "But you need to start making some friends," he smirked, "You don't want to turn out like Mom do you?" That prompted a loud 'Hey' from Mommy, and a giggle from me.

I would have said something back, about how Mommy had friends like Daddy and Aunt Spitfire, but the carriage landed with a ruffish thump on the ground.

"Thank you kind sirs," Mommy said, "Do you think you could drop my bags and my daughter off at the library? I'd feel much safer if I knew she was there, with how little she is."

I 'hmmfed' "I'm not that little," I mumbled as I ruffled my over sized wings. I then pouted again, "Mommy why can't I come with you and Spike?" Spike only chuckled.

"Trust me kiddo," he stated rubbing my mane again, "You don't want to come, it's not going to be nearly as exciting as you think it is."

Mommy just smiled, "I'm sorry baby, but you are still so small for your age, even your wings are to big for you." she leaned down and nuzzled me, "Just go to the library, for me."

I sighed again and nodded, "Okay Mommy," was all I said, then I waved goodbye to her as the carriage pulled away, heading for the library with me on board.

When the carriage stopped again I looked up at the large Oak tree that stood in front of us. "Welcome to Golden Oaks Library Miss Jade," one of the two Pegasus guards states. "Would you like some help carrying your things inside?" I looked back at where my teddy bear and saddle bags sat beside Mommy's bags, and nodded.

The other guard smiled and gently scooped me up onto his back, while the other grabbed all of our bags, he then used his wing to hand me the soft pink stuffed bear. "Come on, let's get you inside." They sat me down on one of the over stuffed couches, with my saddle bags in reach, before taking Mommy's bag up to the loft bedroom/living area.

Just before they left the guard who'd carried me in stopped and knelt down to my eye level, "Now we're gonna go so you be a good girl until your Mama get's back okay?" I nodded and he smiled, "Do you need anything before we go?" I shook my head, "Then come over here and give your Uncle Storm Chaser a hug." I did just that and hugged him around the neck while he nuzzled my mane and part of my back and wings. Then he pulled away and they both left closing the door behind them.

I sat on the couch for all of five seconds before I hopped down and looked out a window to make sure they were gone, when I was sure they'd left I trotted over to the door and opened it, my teddy bear clutched under my wing, and ventured out into the strange new town. I looked around, then turned and pulled the door closed behind me.

I took a deep breath then started out into this colorful town, hoping to find Mommy, Spike, and maybe some new friends along the way. As I moved down the street looking around at everything I didn't notice the bouncing pink mare heading my way, that is until she bumped into me.

"Oh my gosh are you okay?!" she squealed as she scooped me up in a bone crushing hug, this caused me to drop my teddy bear, and I whimpered. When she noticed she bent down and scooped it up and handed it back to me, "There you go."

"Thank you." I murmured then looked up at her, "Um who are you?"

She face hoofed, "Oh my gosh I forgot to tell you my name," she smiled, "Hi I'm Pinkie Pie."

I smiled back, "Hi Pinkie Pie, I'm Jade Stryke. Have you seen my Mommy?" I gave her hopeful eyes, "She's hard to miss, she's got this really pretty purple coat, a unicorns horn, a deep blue mane with a pink and purple stripe, oh and her cutie mark is a pink six pointed star with five smaller white ones!" Pinkie seemed to stop and think, then nodded really really fast.

"Ya she went that way," she pointed, "Towards Sweet Apple Acres!" I hopped down, taking my teddy bear with me.

"Thank you!" I called over my shoulder as I raced off in the direction she'd pointed. I was still running when I reached the farm, and wound up running into a yellow filly with a red mane and pink bow who looked to be about my age, but was twice my size.

I fell backwards on my rump startled, with my teddy bear clutched to my chest in my wings. "Oh my gosh are you okay?" the other filly asked as she rushed forward to help me up.

"Apple Bloom what's goin' on out there?" an older voice asked as a orange mare with a blond mane trotted out the gates behind the filly. "Well now," she stopped shocked as she looked at the filly, Apple Bloom, who was helping me up, "Who's this?"

I looked up and grew nerves. "Hi, I'm Jade Stryke." I stated softly, "Have you seen my Mommy? She's hard to miss, she's got this really pretty purple coat, a unicorns horn, a deep blue mane with a pink and purple stripe, oh and her cutie mark is a pink six pointed star with five smaller white ones!"

The older mare looked taken aback for a second, but Apple Bloom just beamed at me, "You mean you're Miss Twilight's daughter?" I nodded, "What about Spike?'

I giggled, "Oh he's my BDBBBFF!" she blinked, "Best Dragon Big Brother Best Friend Forever." she made an 'oh' sound then smiled again before turning to the older mare.

"Hey Applejack can I help her find her Ma? Please!?" the mare, Applejack, seemed to stop and think about that for a second before nodding. Apple Bloom cheered, "Thanks Big sis!" then she started leading me back towards town, "Come on we'll find your Ma in no time!"

Tucking my teddy bear back under my wing I happily raced after Apple Bloom with a quick call of "Thank you Miss Applejack!" over my shoulder. Apple Bloom and I ran in tandem the whole way back to town, though I thank that she had to slow down for me. But when we got to town all we found was a rainbow maned Pegasus mare lying on the ground laughing.

"Howdy Ms. Rainbow," Apple Bloom stated, "What's so funny?"

The mare sat up and wiped her eyes, "Oh hey Bloom," she tilted her head and looked at me, "Who's the squirt?"

"Hi, I'm Jade Stryke." I stated as I waved, "Have you seen my Mommy? She's hard to miss, she's got this really pretty purple coat, a unicorns horn, a deep blue mane with a pink and purple stripe, oh and her cutie mark is a pink six pointed star with five smaller white ones!" I blinked, this was getting old fast.

The rainbow maned mare blinked, "Wait that unicorn from Canterlot is your mom?" I nodded.

"Do you know where she went?" Apple Bloom asked.

She nodded, "She went to see Rarity, she might still be there if you-" she never got to finish as Apple Bloom and I ran for this 'Rarity's'. I stuck close to Apple Bloom when we reached the town hall. I poked my head in and promptly started to pout, Mommy wasn't there.

"Howdy Miss Rarity," Apple Bloom said with a smile, "This here's Jade Stryke," she motioned towards me, "And we're looking for her Ma, have you seen her?"

'Miss Rarity' as it turns out was a white unicorn with a light purple mane beautifully curled and styled. She hummed in thought, "Well I don't know darlings," she bent down to my level, "Can you describe her dear?"

"Well she's hard to miss," I stated with a giggle "She's got this really pretty purple coat, she's a unicorn, has a deep blue mane with a pink and purple stripe," I paused for a second "Oh and her cutie mark is a pink six pointed star with five smaller white ones!" Rarity's eye started to twitch slightly, "Mommy's eye does that sometimes too!" I stated with a giggle.

Rarity smiled softly and laughed herself before leaning down to nuzzle me, "Does it now?' she smiled when I nodded, "Well I'm sorry dear, but your mother left not to long ago."

My ears fell and I sniffled, "Thank you any way." I mumbled as I walked outside with Apple Bloom.

"Hey maybe she," I cut Apple Bloom off.

"Can," I sniffled, "Can you just take me to the library?" I asked as a tear slipped slowly down my cheek. Apple Bloom nodded and led the way back to the library when we heard a sudden cry of my name.

"STRYKER!" it was Mommy. I'd finally had enough, and I started crying as I ran towards her.

"MOMMY!" I leaped up and clung to her, burying my face in the fur of her chest and just sobbed. Spike was quick to come up to my back and hug me.

"It's okay Jayjay, we're here." he murmured as he and Mommy held me, "We're here."

Endless night

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I whimpered as yet another crash of thunder scared me back into the cover of purple and green scales clad in a light blue blanket. Spike chuckled, "Hey now," he murmured as he gently stroked my mane, "It's not that bad out."

I glared at him, "It's supposed to be noon," I pointed out, then pointed my hoof towards the window, "And it looks like midnight." I yelped again when lightning flashed illuminating the inside of the library in creepy shadows, "And I want my daddy!" I cried as tears slipped down my cheeks.

Spikes heart broke as he wrapped his arms even tighter around the sobbing filly in his arms, after all she was his BPLSBFF. Not to mention you'd have to be truly heartless for the image of the tiny sobbing red and purple maned filly clutching a plush pink teddy bear in her hooves not to break your heart.

"Aw come on Jadey," he cooed as I sniffled and clung even tighter to my teddy bear, "Don't cry, please Celestia, don't cry." I whimpered again and nuzzled into his chest. "Your BDBBBFF is here, and I promise, on my dragon's honor, that I won't let anything happen to you."

It was right about then that Mommy came galloping in like her tail was on fire. "Spike! Stryker!" she yelled out looking around wildly.

"Mommy!" I wailed as I flung myself at her and clung onto her neck for dear life. I sniffled and buried my face in her mane while she hugged me in return. "What's going on?" I asked as I sniffled, "Is Auntie Tia mad about something?"

Mommy's ears flattened against her skull, and she'd just put me down on the floor in enough time for me to avoid the same fate of being flattened to the floor by the rainbow maned mare from yesterday as well.

"Alright you-" she stopped mid sentence as her eyes landed on me, still clutching my teddy bear to my chest and sniffling, where I sat in front of Mommy. My eyes were slightly brimming with tears, and mother nature, who was a very big meany pants, chose that moment to let loose yet another round of thunder and lightning.

"Oh darling," the white unicorn with the purple mane I recognized as 'Ms. Rarity' cooed as she scooped up my cowering form into her forehooves, "Don't worry the nasty storm can't get you here." she turned an icy cold glare on the Pegasus still sitting on Mommy, "However I'm half tempted just to throw you out there into it Rainbow Dash, I mean really!"

'Rainbow Dash's only reply was, "But she knows what happened to the Princess!" I sniffled and looked at Mommy.

"Mommy," I sniffled again, "What happened to Auntie Tia? And why isn't the sun out any more?" all I got in the way of an answer was, "It's grownup stuff honey, why don't you and Spike go own up stairs and take a nap?"

I huffed as Spike urged me up the stairs with gentle promises of a new gem necklace and a cool bedtime story, I paused on the stairs for one last parting comment, "Mommy when is Daddy finally gonna get here?"

There was a long pause for a second then there was a sigh and a, "Soon honey, hopefully very very soon."

Rise of a Wonderbolt wannabe

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I giggled as I caught the up draft on my open wings from the two Pegasus mares flying under me. "That's it Stryker!" Aunt Dashie called out as she started flapping faster to give me more height, "Just like Aunt Dashie showed you!" I giggled again at the funny looks we were getting but happily obeyed.

Ever since Mommy and the others came back from their 'grownup business' on the day/night of the summer sun celebration all five of the other mares had insisted I call them Aunt or Auntie. "Am I doing it right?" I asked as I angled my feathers to catch the wind and start me on a gliding path towards the library and Mommy's watchful gaze.

"That's it sweetie!" Auntie ShyShy cheered, though it wasn't very loud she also wasn't very far away. I laughed happily as most of her birds flew along side me chirping and singing out sounds of encouragement and praise. I was so happy that I was doing it right that when a streak of blue came tearing towards me I couldn't see it until it was too late.

"JADE ANDROMIDA STRYKE SPARKLE NIMBUS WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING!" a male voice screamed as the blue blur snatched me out of mid air and crushed me against a familiar blue coated chest.

I couldn't help it I knew that all of my names being used like that meant that I was in trouble, though I don't know what it was I'd done wrong, I still couldn't help the squeal of glee I let loose or the happy cry of "Daddy!" I wanted to start chattering and telling him everything that had happened so for here in Ponyville, but Mommy's unamused face when we landed stopped me short.

"Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy could the two of you take Stryker over to Rarity's to get her bear for me please?" she called out her horn lighting up so that she could talk normally and still be heard by my two 'aunts'. "I have to talk to her father about something very important."

"You got it Twi!" Aunt Dashie called out unable to copy Mommy's spell, "You two go on inside, we'll pick the kiddo up on our way past and take her on over!" Mommy nodded once firmly before clamping Daddy's ear in her mouth and dragging him towards the door, which had just slammed shut when Aunt Dashie and Auntie ShyShy got there to pick me up.

"Come on Kiddo," Aunt Dashie said as she scooped me up into her forehooves, "Let's go see Auntie Rarity." I squealed in joy as I was carried through the air by my overly excitable 'aunt'.

"Don't go too fast with her Rainbow Dash!" Auntie ShyShy scolded when Aunt Dashie had done a quick loop-de-loop with me still in her hooves, "She's still so little after all!"

I pouted while Aunt Dashie laughed, "Aw Shy you know she hates it when you remind her how widdle and cute she is." she went into a babyish voice there at the end to try and make me laugh, it didn't, it made me mad instead.

"Rainbow Dash!" it was Auntie Rarity's voice, "What have we told you about picking on her?" I was suddenly held aloft by light blue magic, and then swiftly pulled into white, neatly kept, hooves. "I don't care how funny you think it is," she started in on Aunt Dashie again, "But poor Jadey is very self conchies about her size, even if she is adorable." I rolled my eyes, then pulled the puppy dog pout.

"Auntie Rarity is my teddy bear finished?" I asked as I got used to the feeling of being, not quite, crushed to her chest as she held me.

Auntie Rarity smiled, "But of course it is darling." she cooed as she set me on her back with her magic and trotted inside with Aunt Dashie and Aunt ShyShy. "Actually I was expecting to see your mother with you, your dresses for the gala are finally done."

I promptly shivered as I remembered the past two weeks of pure chaotic problems. "Is it like what you wanted to begin with?" I asked meekly, also remembering Mommy's ideas of what my dress should look like.

Auntie Rarity shivered, probably from the same memory, "But of course darling," she smiled, "And just as I promised, no pink." I giggled, and a few minutes later Mommy came walking in by herself.

"Mommy?" I asked as I walked over and nuzzled her, "Where's Daddy?"

Mommy sniffled, "Daddy," her voice trembled, "Daddy had to go back to Canterlot honey, but we'll see him at the Gala." I looked up at my Mommy's tear stained face and all I could say is, "Okay."

At the gala

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I giggled as I stood on my hind legs to look out the carriage window. It was amazing to see all of these new sights, after all the last time Mommy, Spike and I'd went from Canterlot to Ponyville we'd been in the air.

"Stryker get down from there please," Mommy stated, "Otherwise you'll ruin that pretty yellow dress Auntie Rarity made for you." I looked down at the dress in question. It was a pale golden yellow just a few shade's darker then Auntie ShyShy with small clusters of yellow topaz and gold chunks sewn into the fabric. My slippers were made of a soft gold fabric and the ribbon wound half way up my leg to tie at the back with a slightly trailing bow.

I giggled again, "I look like a little fire ball!" I stated as one of the glittering jewel groups cought a hint of my red fur and reflected it back as a redish glow around that area.

Auntie Rarity smirked at Mommy, "I know you told her to stay by one of us or her Father at all times darling, but I know how curious children can be so I took the liberty of making sure we'd be able to spot her from any given point in the room, or in dear Fluttershy's case out in the gardens."

Mommy smiled at me as I sat there trying to make other jewel clusters glow as well. "Thanks Rarity that means a lot to me. As a matter of fact thank all of you girls," she let a tear slip down her cheek thinking I couldn't see it, "Since her father couldn't come with us to Ponyville, and since he and I aren't currently seeing eye to eye I just," she sniffled, "I just need you girls more then ever."

"Not a problem Twi," Aunt Jackie stated, "I mean really, y'all's practically family now," she snickered, "An' Bloom just adores lil' ole' Jayjay."

Aunt Dashie nodded, "So who's her dad anyway? I couldn't get a real good look at him when he tackled her out of the sky during our flying lesson, but with how fast he was it's clear to see she's going to be a natural."

Mommy looked like she was going to answer but before she could the carriage stopped, "We're here!" I squealed as Spike opened the door to let us out, smiling as he used my extended wing to lead me down the steps like Auntie ShyShy had taught him.

"Doing great Jadey." he whispered as I went passed making me blush.

I smiled as I waited for Mommy and the others, "I can't believe we're finally here," Mommy stated, "And with everything we've been hoping for this is sure to be the best night ever!"

Auntie ShyShy took a small step forward and started to sing, "At the Gala, in the garden

I'm going to see them all

All the creatures

I'll befriend them at the Gala

All the birdies, and the critters

They will love me big and small

We'll become good friends forever

Right here at the Gala"

I was a little freaked when other ponies started in singing too, "All our dreams will come true

Right here at the Gala

At the gala"

Then it was Aunt Jackie "At the Gala

I will sell them

All my appletastic treats!

Hungry ponies

They will buy them

Caramel Apples, apple sweets!

And then earn a lot of money

For the Apple Family"

Then yet more ponies "All our dreams and our hopes from now until here after

All that we've been wishing for will happen at the Gala

At the Gala"

Auntie Rarity's part kinda slowed things down a bit "At the gala, all the royals

They will meet fair Rarity

They will see

I'm just as regal at the Gala

I will find him, my prince charming

And how gallant he will be

He will treat me like a lady

Tonight at the Gala"

Then even more ponies "This is what we've been waiting for

To have the best night ever

Each of us will live our dreams

Tonight at the Gala

At the Gala"

"Okay what is it with ponies and singing?" I muttered to Spike before Aunt Dashie's rather exciting musical number.

"Been dreaming, I've been waiting

To fly with those great ponies

The Wonderbolts, their daring tricks

Spinning 'round and having kicks

Perform for crowds of thousands

They'll shower us with diamonds

The Wonderbolts will see me right here

At the Gala"

Yet even more ponies who I didn't know "All we've longed, for all we've dreamed, our happy ever-after

Finally will all come true

Right here at the Grand Gala!

At the Gala!"

Then started Aunt Pinkie's childish toon, "I'm here at the Grand Gala

For it is the best party

But the one thing it was missing

Was a pony named Pinkie

For I am the best at parties

All the ponies will agree

Ponies playing, ponies dancing

With me at the Grand Gala!"

Yet more unknown ponies! "Happiness and laughter at the Gala

At the Gala!"

Finally it was Mommy's turn. "At the Gala, (At the Gala) with the princess (with the princess)

Is where I'm going to be (She will be)

We will talk all about magic

And what I've learned and seen. (She will see)

It is going to be so special

As she takes time just for me!"

I thought I would get a chance to sing, but they skipped right over me and Spike and just did one giant group. "This will be the best night ever

Into the Gala we must go

We're ready now, we're all a glow

Into the Gala, let's go in

And have the best night ever

Into the Gala, now's the time

We're ready and we look divine

Into the Gala

Meet new friends

Into the Gala

Sell some Apples

Into the Gala

Find my prince

Prove I'm great

As a Wonderbolt is

To meet

To sell

To find

To prove

To woo

To talk

Into the Gala

And we'll have the best night ever
At the Gala"

I blinked when we were finally all inside, and started to vibrate visibly with joy. I looked around at everyone, and promptly deflated, "I'm the only filly here." I mumbled, yelping slightly when a golden magic aura picked me up.

"Yes but you're the cutest little filly ever," a familiar voice teased, "Why I bet you'll be the belle of the ball." I giggled as I wiggled enough to turn around.

"Auntie Tia!" I squealed as I hugged her.

Several of the aristocrats were astonished as they watched me hug her, she merely giggled "Oh Jadey you've gotten so big!" she cooed as she cuddled me.

Spike smirked, "She's still a squirt."

I stuck my tongue out at him. Then I looked at Auntie Tia, "Auntie Tia can I go play with Fluffy?" I asked sweetly, she giggled then nodded. I squealed then ran off for the courtyard, only to stop and yelp when I accidentally ran into a dark figure.

I started shaking with fear, and I was halfway tempted to just turn tail and run, only to be stopped by a soothing voice. "Hold little one, We mean The no harm." I stopped blinked and tilted my head, then I started giggling. "What amuses you young on-" I cut her off by pouncing on her.

"You're Luna!" I squealed as I cuddled up to her, "You're my Auntie Tia's little sister, and Mommy's new friend!" she blinked down at me in shock.

"And prey-tail," she said raising an eyebrow, "Who is thine mother child?" I giggled again then smiled.

"My Mommy's Twilight Sparkle!" I stated proudly, only to watch the Princess of the night to fall flat on her face. "Um Princess Luna?" I asked gently nuzzling her, "Are you all right?"

The Princess sat up again slowly, "Yes We are, I mean I am fine young one."

I pouted, "My name isn't young one, it's Jade Stryke!" she blinked then giggled.

"Well Jade Stryke, would tough, I mean you, like to join us for a night stroll around the courtyard? We, I mean I, was just going down to see-"

There was a loud bark and I was suddenly being covered by slobbery dog kisses. "Fluffy get down!" I squealed as he finally backed off to show that he was a pitch black dog with blood red eyes.

"Y-you know my pet?" Luna asked startled.

"Ugh hugh, Auntie Tia lets me play with him all the time." I stated with a smile.

Luna paused to think about this for a moment before she said, "Wanna go outside and play with him?' she asked smiling. I squealed and we were both off like rockets. It was hard telling which one of us acted more like a little filly, that is until there was a very loud crash from inside the castle.

Luna and I stopped to look at each other, then at the same time we both said, "Ugh oh." I could see Mommy and the others running out and I pouted, "Aw I gotta leave."

Mommy looked around frantically and called out Stryker honey were are you?!" I trotted over to Mommy and the others. "Oh there you are sweetie." she nuzzled me, "How would you like to go to Doughnut Joe's for a bite to eat?" I nodded and she laughed,

It was a short time later and we were all sitting at a table at the small time sweet shop, Spike had told me all about what had happened making me giggle and laugh, when Auntie Tia showed up. She smiled and nuzzled me again, "Thank you Jadey," she murmured, "Luna said she had a wonderful time," she smiled, "And she said to pass along a message to you, she says to tell you to call her Auntie Lulu from now on." she winked at me then went on to talk to Mommy and the others. i tried to listen in, but slowly my eyes started to close until I was fast asleep.