> In my Daughters Eyes > by Fizzyberries302 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > To call my own > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The warm sun of the day faded away into the darkness of the night as the moon rose into the Equestrian Sky. Princess Luna of the Night finished her spell and nodded at her sister, Princess Celestia of the Day. Another day was over, to make way for the night. "Well done sister, another day is done." Celestia said. "Thanks Tia, I better go make sure the ponies dreams are swell." Luna replied, taking off into the sky. Celestia smiled and waved her sister goodbye, before retiring to the comfort of her bed. Luna's wings made no sound as the dark blue alicorn glided through the cool night air. Lights in the houses down below dimes into nothing as one by one, ponies turned into another night of sleep. Luna floated down into the streets and was about to cast her spell to enter the Dream Realm, when something caught her eye. A light was on in the window above a small watch shop. Curious, the alicorn flew up and peered into the open window. A sand coloured mare with light brown hair was tucking three foals into bed. The foals in general were two fillies and a colt around five, while his sisters looked eight. One of the fillies started to whine. "Mama, why do we have to sleep?" she asked. Her mother chuckled. "Well darling, every pony needs to rest for the new day. Sleep is also a time when you can enter a land where wishes come true. In your dreams, you can be anything." "But what about nightmares?" the colt asked. "Don't worry darling, Princess Luna won't let that happen. She'll watch over you tonight, as will I," Luna watched as the mare lit a small candle and placed it on the table in the corner of the nursery. "What's that for?" The second filly asked. "It's a light that mothers leave behind to guard her children." The mare explained. The foals smiled as she approached them. The mare tucked the blanket around the foals and planted a butterfly kiss on each forehead. "Goodnight my babies," she said, heading towards the window to close it. Luna speed off before she could be spotted. Her thoughts were muddled and she had a mixed emotion. She didn't exactly know how to manage the situation. Her heart felt warm and fuzzy and her mouth was curved into a small smile. The princess landed on the top of a hill, over looking the town and castle. She wasn't even thinking about dreams anymore, the only thing in her mind was the mare and her three children. She had seen many mothers in her life, including her own. Ever since her late teens, she had fantasied about raising a filly or colt of her own. Her own parents had passed away after she and her sister were crowned rulers of the Sun and Moon. When they passed, she was left in the care of her sister. Celestia became more of a mother to her, than her older sister. Secretly, Luna wished that she could care for somepony. Those fantasies hadn't happened up until now, when she saw the beautiful, heartwarming scene of a mothers love for her children. Luna wanted that, but she didn't exactly want a special somepony. Having a boyfriend, meant that he would be doing all the talking and touching. She wasn't ready for that yet. She was a Princess of Equestria, meaning that any stallion she dated would be forced to second place on her list. Equestria over Him. Yet her hunger for a precious little foal to love and raise was almost unbearable. A tear fell down her cheek and plopped onto the grass. Something caught her eye and she looked up at her beautiful night sky. Above her, a star was shining brighter then the others. The North Star, or Polaris as she knew him as. Legend has it, that over a hundred years ago, a mighty alicorn with a silver coat and golden mane lived in the area. He was a wise and caring alicorn who was sent down to earth by Faust, The One Who Writes the Stories. According to the legend, he raised and taught the unicorn wizard Starswirl the Bearded. Polaris ascended into the sky as the North Star when Starswirl had grown up. Luna once heard that Polaris had the power to bless those of pure heart with their dearest wish. Luna was an alicorn princess. She had been raised to be a true alicorn. Since her birth she showed compassion, charity, devotion, integrity, optimism and leadership of a true alicorn. It was worth a shot. Luna lifted her head and locked eyes with the star. "Lord Polaris, I don't know if you can hear me, but...if you can. Please know that I have seen many happy families over the years, all of them have on thing I don't have. I don't have a child to love and nurture. It is my dearest wish to become a mother. I don't know if you do have the ability to grant wishes, but I just thought I'd let you know, incase you do grant such things. I wish..I dream...I hope...I pray, that I will become a mother to a beautiful foal. Lord Polaris, hear my prayer." She finished her prayer and waited. Nothing happened, but just when Luna got up to leave the spot, a bright light appeared in the sky. Luna had to squint to see clearly, but she could make out a male alicorn with a silver coat and a golden mane. "Princess Luna," he spoke. Luna gasped as the image became clearer. "Lord Polaris?!" she gasped, not quite sure how to handle the situation. Polaris nodded. "Yes, I heard your prayer Luna. You are a pure hearted soul and I have decided to grant your wish." Luna could hardly believe her ears. "You...you mean it?" "Yes," Polaris lit up his horn and a silver star fruit appeared on the ground in front of him. He picked it up and gave it to Luna. "This is a rare and powerful fruit that can grant any wish. If you eat it that is," Luna raised an eyebrow. "But I thought it was you that could grant wishes?" Polaris let out a low chuckle. "In a way, I grow these fruits in my garden. But heed my words child, if you eat this fruit, your dearest wish will come true. But I can only spare one fruit, so treat her well." "Her?" Polaris started to fade away and his angelic voice echoed around the valley. "Be warned Princess, should you be drawn to a selfish thing, you'll be torn away from your child." Luna's eyes shot open. "Wait! What do you mean?!" But he was already gone and the night was calm and quiet once again. Luna looked at the fruit in her hooves. It looked more like a silver statue, then an actual fruit. The skin was shimmering like polished silver and there were beautiful light blue edges that sparkled. Luna gulped and bit into the fruit think only of her wish. "I wish to be a mother to a beautiful foal..." She chewed the fruit for a few seconds and her eyes widened at the taste. It tasted like sugar and love. Luna swallowed the fruit in her mouth and imminently felt her insides warm up and shiver slightly. Like the feeling you get when theres love in the air. Luna continued to eat the delicious fruit, until there was nothing left, not even a few seeds. Luna's stomach felt warm and fuzzy, like there was something stirring within. She shrugged it off and flew back in the direction of home. She didn't notice that her belly was now glowing white, but it quickly faded away before she could notice. Luna kicked off her shoes and placed her crown on the vanity and finally collapsed into her bed and pulled the teal covers over her body. She could see Polaris from her bedroom window. In her heart, she prayed that the fruit was not a fraud and her wish would come true, before blissful nothingness of sleep consumed her... > You're What! > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Luna woke up feeling sick to her stomach. Her head felt light and she felt like throwing up, even though she had nothing to chuck up. Celestia was the first to notice her baby sisters condition at breakfast, when Luna made a surprising request. "Could you bring me some cheddar cheese and jelly?" she asked the maid. Breakfast consisted of fluffy pancakes and Prench Toast, with a goblet of orange juice. The maid, who was an earth pony raised an eyebrow. "Your Highness, whatever for?" she asked. "Please?" The maid sighed. "As you wish Princess." Celestia stared at her sister in confusion. "Are you alright Lulu?" Luna stared down at her plate of pancakes and toast. "I just have a strange craving for pancakes, toast, jelly and cheddar cheese." The maid came back with a slab of cheddar cheese and a bowl of red jelly. Celestia and the maid gasped as Luna snatched the food and dumped it onto her perfectly normal breakfast and started to stuff it down her throat. "Lulu! Table manners!" Luna shot up and glared at her, with food covering her face. "What's the matter Tia?! Can't a mare eat in peace?!" she snapped with a mouth full of food. "Lulu!" Luna swallowed and wiped her mouth the back of her hoof. "I'm sorry Tia, I've been feeling strange this morning." "I noticed, you never showed up for the raising of the sun, I had to lower the moon for you. Other than you missing on lowering the moon and your peculiar appetite. How else have you been feeling strange?" "Well I woke up feeling nauseous, my head feels light and I've got a terrible cramp." "Maybe you're tired?" "I don't see how, I'm the Princess of the Night. I never get tired." Celestia was about to answer when Luna's cheeks puffed out and she brought a hoof to her mouth. "Oh Faust, I don't feel so good," Celestia summoned a bucket with her magic and immediently rushed over to her sisters side, just in time. Celestia held her mane back like any sister would as Luna emptied her stomach. The blue alicorn was shaking with the taste and smell of the sick. "You done?" she asked. Luna thought for a minute and nodded. Celestia levitated a napkin with her magic and wiped her sisters mouth. "Alright! That's it, I'm sending for the doctor. We'll see whats wrong with you in no time." "Pregnant?!" Celestia cried. "How can you be pregnant?!" Celestia glared at Luna, who was equally shocked. The blue alicorn put a hoof to her belly. "I'm...pregnant," The second her hoof touched her belly, she felt a sense of a growing life within her. It was almost as if she could sense the foal smiling at her. It was at that moment that she felt like crying. She knew at that intense, her dream was coming true and she loved the unborn filly or colt instantly. Her happy moment ended when she caught her sisters angry glare. "I can explain!" she gasped. "How could you be so foolish Luna? I thought Mom and Dad raised you better. I thought I raised you better!" Luna's expression turned from guilt, to anger. "Don't you dare bring Mom and Dad into this!" "I can't believe how careless you are Luna. When did this happen? Who's the stallion? Why didn't you tell me you were seeing someone? How long has this been going on?" Celestia shrieked. "TIA! SHUT UP AND LET ME EXPLAIN!" Luna snapped. Celestia sighed heavily and sat down. "You have five minutes," she said with her arms crossed. Luna breathed in deeply and locked eyes with her sister. "Ever since I can remember, I've always dreamed of being a mother. To have this perfect little foal to love and care for, would bring so much joy to my life. I hadn't had these thoughts until last night, when I watched a mother tuck her three children in bed. You had the privilege of tucking me in bed when Mom and Dad died. I never got that chance to know what it feels like to care for someone so small and helpless. So last night, I went into the hills and prayed to Polaris that he would bless me with a child. He agreed to grant my wish and gave me a rare fruit that can grant ones dearest wish. I ate the fruit...and...well it worked," Celestia stared wide eyed at Luna. "Sister, you saw Polaris?!" Luna nodded. "I did," "Lulu, I...I don't know how I feel about this. It's so sudden and...sweetie you can't have a child yet. You have your royal duties to tend to. Taking care of a baby is a huge responsibility. Are you sure your ready?" "Positive," Celestia sighed and turned away, a million thoughts in her head. "It's a lot to take in, one minute I'm caring for a sick sister and the next minute I learn that I'm going to be an aunt. I...I need sometime to think," Luna felt a twinge of panic. "Tia, please don't abandon me, I need you big sister!" "I'm sorry Lulu, but...I can't deal with this right now," Celestia marched out the door and slammed it shut. Luna collapsed into a crying heap, clutching her belly where the unborn foal was growing. "Celestia, I need you..." Celestia kept walking. she wasn't sure where she was going, but she needed to get away. Her baby sister was pregnant. She had no idea what to do. How does one handle her sisters sudden pregnancy. It was all too much for her. Celestia slumped down on a grassy hill. Little did she know, it was the same hill her sister had visited the previous night. It was all too much for the Sun Princess and she broken down into tears. "Mom, Dad. I don't know what to do! Luna's pregnant, I don't know what to do. I want to see her happy, but raising a child is a big responsibility. I wish you two were still here, I can't deal with this on my own." She gasped as a gust of wind blew her mane around. Celestia gasped as a male alicorn stood in front of her. "Princess Celestia of the Day," he began. "I understand your concerns for your sister." Celestia blinked, before she realised who this was. "You're Lord Polaris!" "I am, now tell me child, why are you out here and not with your sister?" "I...I just need some time to think, I'm not sure how to handle this!" "I know, but she's still your little sister and she needs your support. The child she's carrying will grow to be a great leader. But Luna still needs you. Help her raise the foal, like you cared for her." "I...I don't know," "Celestia, don't be afraid. Luna is just as scared as you, she's scared because her sister left her. It doesn't have to be this way Celestia. Go to her and support her in anyway you can." His voice echoed as he faded away. Celestia just sat there, staring at the spot where he once stood. Rising to her hooves, she spread her wings and flew in the direction of the castle. She knew what she needed to do. Luna gasped as her sister burst into her study. "Tia-oomph!" she choked as Celestia flung her arms around her in a tight hug. "What are you-" "I'm so sorry Luna, I didn't mean to make you think I abandoned you. I'm sorry, can you forgive me?" Luna smiled. "You're my big sister, how can i not forgive you?" Celestia wiped her eyes and the two sisters embraced. Celestia's hoof found Luna's stomach. "I can't believe I'm going to be an aunt." she said. "And I can't believe I'm going to be a mother," she removed her sisters hoof. "Tia, what made you change your mind?" Celestia chuckled. "I think you can probably guess who it was," she simply said. > A message to the public > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Luna, someone's gonna notice sooner or later." Celestia said. Luna stared at her, then down to her belly. She was now three months pregnant and starting to show. The sisters were standing behind a red curtain that lead onto a balcony. Down below, crowds of ponies were patiently waiting for their princesses. They had all been called to the palace to hear some important news. Luna felt her bottom lip quiver. "I'm scared Tia, what if the ponies get the wrong idea? I don't want to be hated for the rest of my life," she whimpered. "Hey, hey, I'll be right here with you." Celestia said, wrapping her wing over her sister. Luna gave her a warm smile. "Okay, I'm ready," Celestia smiled back and the sisters stepped out from behind the curtain and onto the balcony. Instantly, the crowd cheered as their Goddesses of Day and Night appeared for them. Celestia raised a hoof and the crowd was silenced. Celestia cleared her throat and spoke in the Canterlot Voice. "Citizens of Equestria! You have all been called here to hear of an exciting news. My sister, your Princess Luna, is going to be a mother." Down below there was a mix of whispers and the occasional booing. Luna shrank back and felt a tear fall down her cheek, as the words of the ponies reached her ears. "But she's not even married!" "How has she become pregnant? Who's the father?!" "Who ever the father is, he must have left in a hurry." Celestia saw this and was immediately filled with rage. "SILENCE!" she snapped. The crowd intently stopped and coward under their sun goddesses glare. "How dare you judge her without hearing the story. I was just as shocked as you are when I found out, but that's no excuse to not be happy for her," Her expression softened when several ponies looked down in shame. Celestia turned to her sister and nodded. "You can tell them," Luna breathed in deeply and looked over the silenced crowd. "Well...what my sister says is true...I haven't told you the whole truth. See...on a full moon night, three months ago I made a wish on the North Star Polaris. For those who don't know, Polaris was the teacher of Starswirl the Bearded before he became the powerful wizard we know of today. Polaris now resides in the North Star, granting wishes to those of pure heart. I made a wish to become a mother and he heard my prayer. He gave me a fruit that grants the wishes and...well," she touched her belly. "My wish is coming true," Down below, the ponies stared at her open mouthed. "For many years I have had this dream, a dream that I could have a foal of my own. I spent many years watching mothers raise their foals. Tia had the privilege of raising me when our parents died," The ponies hung their heads, remembering their beloved King and Queen. "I've always wanted a foal of my own and I couldn't be happier knowing that I will bring my own baby into the world in a few months. I know what it means for my body, but I'm willing to cope with it if it means I'll get what I've always wanted." Celestia stepped forward. "Thank you Luna," she turned to the crowd. "All we ask is that you all support myself and my sister in the hard months yet to come for her. All you mothers out there should understand what she's going through." Down below, several mares nodded. Celestia smiled. "Thank you all for your understanding. You may go now." The crowd slowly disappeared and the two sisters walked back indoors. Celestia wiped away the tears on her sisters face. "There there Lulu, that wasn't so bad." she cooed. Luna shrugged. "I suppose, but how do I know that there's not the occasional pony who isn't as understanding? And suppose I do want a stallion in my life someday, would could want a mare who's a mother?" Celestia gave her a solemn look. "I can't say that there aren't any ponies who would be like that, but they don't matter. Any stallion who doesn't want to be with you for who you are, then he's just a playcolt. Besides, we're the Princesses of Equestria, they have no choice but to listen to us." Luna let out a chuckle. "You're right Tia-" she was cut off when she felt something stir in her belly and she let out a squeak. She smiled warmly at her sister. "The foal just kicked." she said, putting her sisters hoof to her belly. Celestia smiled back. Celestia's hooves clopped along the marble floor as she carried a tray of hay, oats, pancakes and fruit juice to her sisters bed. Luna was now in her 10th month of pregnancy and was unable to leave her bed due to the massive bump. The night princess smiled and shifted into a sitting position, her back propped against a mountain of pillows. Using her magic, she levited the tray over to her lap. "Thanks Tia, gosh it's getting close and I'm nervous." "I know Lulu, but promise me that you'll try and start walking once the baby arrives, you've been in that bed for weeks, with the exception of bathroom breaks." Celestia replied. Luna took a sip of her juice. "You have no idea how badly I want to get out of this bed," she flinched slightly and looked at her loyal sister. "Tia, my back legs have gone numb again, could you?" "Sure," Celestia said, pulling back the blanket, exposing her sisters legs. Celestia started stretching the muscles in her legs and massaging them. Luna sighed and continued to eat her breakfast. "Thank you Tia," she said. Luna levied the now empty tray onto the bedside table. Celestia pulled the blanket over her sisters legs and walked over to the side. "So, what do you think it's gonna be, a girl or a boy?" Luna smiled and rubbed her swollen stomach, from both the food and the babe within. "I don't know, but whatever it is, I'll love it just the same." "Well you won't have long to wait, only one month to go and by the way, how do you feel about the birth, you know it's gonna be painful." Luna bit her lip and rolled onto her side so she was facing her sister. "I'm a little nervous, if not scared about the whole thing, but...Ow!" she shrieked as a wave of pain hit her in the back. "It'll almost be a relief to be honest, this kids pushing into my shine again." Celestia made her way around the other side of the bed and massaged her sisters back. "Is that better?" "Very much," Luna sighed. "Lulu, I actually have a surprise for you." Celestia said. Luna turned her head. "You do? What is it?" Celestia gave her a smirk. "If I did, it wouldn't be a surprise. But if you want to see it, you have to get out of bed." Luna rolled her eyes and groaned. She tried to stand up, but the weight of the foal proved to be too heavy for her small body. Celestia leaped over the bed and landed next to her, pulling Luna to her feet. The night princess wobbled for a bit but Celestia made sure she wasn't going to fall. She lifted one of her sisters arms around her shoulder and led her down the hallway. "Where are you taking me?" Luna asked. "Just a little further," Celestia said. "Okay stop," she said when they stopped in front of a white wooden door. "For this next bit, close your eyes." Celestia said. Luna slid them shut and once Celestia made sure she wasn't peaked, she opened the door fully. Celestia led her sister into the strange room and the door slammed shut. "Okay then, open," she piped. Luna opened her eyes and gasped at the room. The walls were a creamy colour and the floor was marble. But the room seemed to be filled with foal things. There was a fluffy blue carpet in the centre of the room, with curtains of the same colour but with silver dots that looked like stars. There was a box of toys for the foal sitting in the corner and propped up against the wall was a silver blue cradle with white and blue blankets hanging off the edges. The cushion was blue with a star and moon pattern and the pillow was lacy and white. Hanging above the cradle was a mobile of diamonds cut to the shape of stars. Luna put a hoof to her mouth. "Is that?" "Your old mobile, yes I figured that you didn't need it anymore, but I think Luna Junior would like it." Luna touched the blankets in the cradle with her hoof. They were so soft. She felt a tear fall down her cheek. "Tia, did you do all this?" Celestia nodded. "I knew you hadn't started a nursery yet, so I put one together for you, since that basically what I'm doing all the time, not that I'm complaining." Luna chuckled and wiped away a stray tear. "Thank you Tia, this is beautiful," Luna wrapped her arms around her sister and hugged her. Celestia hugged her back. "I love it." Celestia chuckled. "I knew you would like it, but I think your baby will love it." Luna gazed up into her sisters violet eyes. "I love you Tia," "I love you too Lulu," > Princess Songbird > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- WARNING! BIRTH SCENE AHEAD!!! Celestia paced back and forth in the hallway with worry for her sister. Luna was inside her room giving birth to her foal. Her water had broken in the morning and when on into the day. Then it was four o' clock in the afternoon, Celestia was supposed to lower the sun soon, but that wasn't even on her mind then. All she thought about was her little sister. One of the royal guards put a hoof on her shoulder. "It's going to be okay Princess, your sister will be fine. Hopefully, the midwives will come out and tell you the baby's okay." "I hope so," she sighed. "I just wish I could be there with her, why can't I be in there with my little sister?!" "I know how much you want to be in there with her, she's a strong mare," The guard said. "I'm sure she'll be fine," Celestia started to sob. "I can't lose her, I know that sometimes mares can die in childbirth. Lulu's all I have left, save for the foal. But if the foal dies, I'll have no pony left." "Don't worry," The guard said, patting her on the back. "She'll make it." The sun princess bit her lip. "I hope so, I can't lose my baby sister." One of the servant colts had his ear to the door. The guard saw this and snatched him away with his magic. "Look here son, don't even think of listening to whats going on in there. It's a private event and mind folks own business!" he snapped, dropping the colt on his head. The colt dusted himself off and trotted away. Celestia resumed her pacing. "Oh Luna..." Inside the room, Princess Luna's hooves dug into the bedsheets. She breathed to try and stay calm as her body filled with pain as she felt the contractions in her abdomen push. Her dark blue face was pale and she was sweating bullets. Marigold, the unicorn midwife, stood at the end of the bed, telling Luna to push, while her assistant, an earth pony named Honey, stood at her side dabbing the princesses forehead with a damp cloth. "You're doing well, Your Highness," Marigold said, "Just keep pushing," Luna did as as the midwife told her. She had been in labour for at least eighteen hours. She never knew childbirth would be this painful. In the back of her mind, she was in agony, but no matter how much pain she was in, she didn't regret a thing. After another contraction, she fell back into the pillows in exhaustion. "Keep pushing Luna!" Honey said. "You can't give up yet," "I...I'm...I'm...I'm so tired," she sighed, "Why can't Celestia come in here?" Marigold shook her head. "I'm sorry Princess, but childbirth is a private matter for the mother and child. But don't worry, your foal will be here soon," Luna jerked her head around and glared at her. "YOU SAID THAT TWO HOURS AGO!" she screamed. The two mares flinched slightly, but somehow remained professional. "We know Princess, but you have to keep going, do it for your sister, for your baby." Luna sighed and sat up again. "You're right," Thirty minutes passed and Luna kept pushing, suddenly she let out an ear-piercing shriek that was loud enough to make somepony's ears bleed. Celestia kept pacing faster and faster. She flinched when she heard her sister scream and a tear dripped down her cheek. "I haven't heard her scream this much since she found a rattlesnake in her bed. It kills me..." she shuddered at the thought of her sister in pain. Finally she snapped. "I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE! I NEED TO BE IN THERE WITH HER!" she tried to push past but the guard held her back. They stopped when Marigold came out and grabbed some more towels. She was about to ask if Luna was okay, when the door slammed in her face. One hour later... "There it is! I can see the head, you're almost there." Marigold announced cheerfully. Luna kept pushing, praying to Faust and Polaris that this would be over soon. She couldn't wait to hold her precious foal for the first time and seeing her sister meet her new niece or nephew. "Alright Luna, this is it! One, two, three, PUSH!" Marigold said. Luna sucked in a huge breath of air and pushed, biting her lip to hold in her scream, but something made her stop and her heart felt a flutter. The shrill cry of a newborn foal. Luna smiled and slumped back into the pillows, breathing heavily and smiling. She couldn't see the foal clearly as her vision became blurry with her tears. Marigold cleaned off the foal, cut the cord and wrapped the foal in a white swaddle blanket. She handed the baby off to Honey and helped deliver the placenta. Honey stepped foward, with the foal in the crook of her arm. "Congratulations Your Highness, It's a healthy baby filly." A Filly... Luna wiped away her tears. "Is...is my baby okay?" "Why don't you see for yourself," Honey said, handing the crying filly to it's mother. Luna held out her hooves and cradled her new daughter in her arms. She uttered a few words choked up by the never ending tears. "Oh my gosh...hi sweetie...oh my...oh my gosh you're so beautiful," she said, hugging the infant close to chest. She had done it. The long wait, the pain, the nausea, the cramps and the long painful labour. None of it mattered anymore if it meant that she got what she always wanted. Her own foal. Outside the room, Celestia could hear the cry of the foal. She was about to burst into the room when Marigold came out, smiling. "Princess Celestia, your sister has given birth to a healthy baby girl and they are both going to be fine." she explained. Celestia's expression asked her one question and Marigold chuckled. "You can go in now," Celestia didn't care about the room, or the midwives cleaning up. All she cared about was the dark blue mare lying in the bed, cradling the tiny white bundle in her hooves. "Tia, I did it. I did it Tia," "You certainly did Lulu," Celestia uttered, staring at the tiny pony in her sisters arms. "I'm so proud of you Lulu, you're a mother!" "I know, isn't she beautiful?" Celestia pulled back part of the blanket to expose the filly a bit more. She raised an eyebrow when she saw it. "Lulu? I'm confused. She looks nothing like you," The infant appeared to be a unicorn, horn no bigger then a pencil head, with a pearl white coat like Celestia's and a curl of shiny light blue hair on her head. She couldn't see her eyes, she was sleeping. But the newborn looked nothing like it's mother. Luna pulled the blanket back over her baby. "I know, but she's still mine." she said. "But...but how?" Luna shook her head. "I think I know why," she said. "The fruit I ate was the same colour as she is, her colour is due to the fruit know doubt." Celestia chuckled and felt something wet in her eyes, but she didn't wipe it away. Luna saw this and laughed. "Tia, are you crying?" "No, just a bit of dust in my eye...oh who am I kidding?! She's gorgeous!" Luna gazed lovingly at her new baby girl. "She is, y'know I might have to put a label on her or else every pony is gonna think that she's your baby and not mine." The sisters laughed. They stopped when the filly stirred and her eyes twitched. Luna gasped. "She's opening her eyes." The filly's eyes fluttered open and stared in wonder at the two majestic mares above her in wonder, especially the blue one. Luna gasped when she saw her daughters eyes. They were a beautiful blue that matched her mane and sparked like stars. "Tia, her eyes...they're like sparkling stars." "They do," Celestia said. "A pair of beautiful eyes for a beautiful baby unicorn." "Unicorn?" "Yeah, she's a unicorn right?" Luna smiled and shook her head. She pulled down the blanket, revealing a tiny pair of wings. "Beautiful eyes for a beautiful alicorn," "She's...she's an alicorn?!" Celestia sobbed. The unnamed baby alicorn reached out her soft, tiny hooves to her aunt. Luna smiled. "I think she wants you to hold her," Luna placed her baby in her sisters arms before she could say anything. Celestia hugged the tiny pony close in fear of dropping her. The sun princesses heart melted as the baby snuggled into her fur and let out a cute yawn. "Hello sweetie, I'm your Aunt Celestia, but you can call my Auntie Tia." Celestia turned to face her sister. "What are you gonna name her Lulu? We can't keep calling her 'Sweetie' or 'Baby' forever, can we? She needs a name." Luna pondered for a minute and looked out at the night sky. It would be close to the raising of the sun soon, but something caught her eye. "Tia! Look!" she pointed out at the window. In the night sky, a new star had formed. "There's a new star," she looked back at the baby. "You don't think?" "Anything can happen Lulu, she is the daughter of the Night. Maybe when she's older, you could train her to be the next Princess of the Night," Celestia said. "Maybe you could name her something to do with the night, how about 'Moonlight'?" Luna playfully slapped her shoulder. Celestia chuckled. "Yeah, pretty dumb. Maybe Starlight?" Luna shook her head. "No, let me name her, she's my daughter," She reached out her and took her baby back. "What should I name you?" The baby gurgled and pointed a tiny hoof to the star outside. "You want to be named 'Star'?" Luna questioned. The baby made a face as if to say 'No way Mom!'. Luna chuckled. "Okay, let me think," she pondered for a bit. Her eyes brightened when she came up with the perfect name. "I've got it! How about Princess Mi Estrella Songbird?" Celestia raised an eyebrow. "Songbird? Why that?" "I don't know, but I have the strangest feeling she'll grow up to be a singer." "Princess Mi Estrella Songbird," Celestia repeated. "Sounds good to me, but what about her?" "Well sweetie, do you like 'Mi Estrella Songbird'?" The infant gurgled happily and clapped her hooves. "That's a yes, but we'll call her 'Songbird' for short." Luna said, smiling. "Agreed," Celestia said. The sisters looked down to see Songbird sucking innocently on her hoof. "And I think Songbird agrees too." The goddess of Day and Night sat there, staring and awing at the new baby princess. Outside, a mighty alicorn watched from his star home. He smiled and looked at the newest star in the sky. "It was on this night, that a heroine was born to love and forgive us. Born to be an heiress of beauty and serenity. She will grow up to be a leader to all Ponies, her beauty will be known for miles and her voice will be the sweetest soprano melody the land has ever seen. She shall have the ability to calm and sooth those in need with her voice and may she obtain the ability to grant wishes as I do." He smiled and watched Luna cradle the newborn. "Goodnight, little Songbird," he said, before his form disappeared from sight. Down below, young fillies and colts stared out their bedroom windows at the new star. They had know way of knowing what it was for, but in their hearts, something told them that a hero was born that night. > Lullaby > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- A blue alicorn filly laughed as she and her sister raced through the trees, crushing the fallen leaves under their hooves. Their parents, Queen Galaxia and King Cosmos were standing on top of a hill, overlooking their kingdom. Their two daughters played in the day under their watchful eyes. They exchanged worried glances, knowing that this would possibly be the last time they would see their precious daughters. "Cosmos, why were we called so soon? Our daughters, they're so young," "I know, but it's either their lives or ours. You know the Cold Eclipse will only except an alicorn sacrifice." Galaxia let out a sob. "My baby girls, I can't leave them," Cosmos wrapped his wing around her and pulled her closer to him. "I know dearest, but it is the only way. The Cold Eclipse will come tonight when the stars aline. Celestia and Luna...they'll be fine," Truth be told, Celestia was fifteen, while Luna was only eight, far too young to be without her parents. But the Cold Eclipse was a cruel event, if an alicorn sacrifice wasn't given, then it would be free to plague the lands with it unnatural cold upon them, a cold winter greater then a Windigo Storm. It was the only way to protect their home and the sisters. Cosmos wiped away a tear and faced his beautiful wife. "Let's get them somewhere safe, so the Eclipse doesn't take them instead." The Cold Eclipse took the form of a white fog, that drifted down from space. The Eclipse brought destruction and death to the lands, but in order to keep it sealed away, was to give it a sacrifice. Not just any sacrifice, the sacrifice had to be a pure alicorn or else it will not except. This time, it was returning and the King and Queen of Equestria were to be the sacrifices. It was a deed that had to be done, once the stars alined, the Eclipse would come to claim it's prize and carry the souls away. "Celestia! Luna! Time to go home now!" Galaxia called. The girls groaned and cantered back to their home, their parents following them. Once the time came for the girls to go to sleep. Galaxia and Cosmos came to their room. Little did the girls know, that that was going to be the last time they would see their parents, alive. They looked at each other, knowing what they had to say. "Tia, Lulu, would you girls have a seat. There's something your mother and I need to tell you," Cosmos said in a shaky voice. The sisters shared a confused look and sat down on the rug in front of their parents. Galaxia and Cosmos sat down opposite them and gave them sad looks. "Mom? What's wrong?" Luna asked when she saw her mothers face. Galaxia gulped. Her precious Luna was so innocent to know the truth, but her eldest, her brave Celestia was old enough to understand. She sighed heavily. She had to do it. "Celestia, Luna, your father and I...are going away soon..." she said. Luna cocked an eyebrow. "Going away? You mean a holiday?" her eyes brightened and she got a big smile on her face. "Are we going on holiday?!" she asked. Galaxia almost chuckled at her daughters innocent mind, but she remained a straight face and continued with the hard conversation. "No sweetie, just your father and I." Luna's face fell. "Aww, will you come back?" Galaxia looked to her husband for support. "No honey, Mommy and Daddy are going away...for a long time," Luna gasped. "Why? Don't you love us anymore?" Galaxia wrapped her arm around her youngest. "No, no, sweetie, we love you both dearly. It's just that...we have to go, for you girls," Celestia meanwhile, knew exactly what they meant and she started crying. She may have taken up her mother in appearance, but she was a full on Daddy's Girl. Celestia flung her arms around her fathers neck and hugged him. Cosmos hugged his first born back and sobbed into her pink mane. Luna watched as her father and sister were crying. "Mommy? Why are Tia and Daddy crying?" she asked. "They're crying...because they're going to miss each other. Where we're going, we're not coming back darling." Luna felt her eyes hot with tears and snuggled under her mothers arm. Galaxia sobbed and pulled her family close into an embrace. "Why can't we go to, we're a family aren't we?" Luna asked. "We are, but you girls need to stay here. When we leave, you'll be the ones ruling Equestria." The sisters blinked in surprise. "Us?! Rule all of Equestria?!" they said. "Galaxia and Cosmos smiled at their daughters. "We know you girls will do just fine, I have made arrangements for Starswirl the Bearded to be your guardian when we're gone. But remember this girls," Cosmos said, choking out the sobs as he spoke. "You...you girls...will be just...fine, Celestia...please take care of...your sister...for us. Can you...do that for...us?" Celestia nodded. "Yes Daddy, I'll miss you," Galaxia and Cosmos embraced their eldest daughter, saying their last goodbyes. They turned to Luna. "Luna...sweetheart, be good...for your sister...and for us. Do you...understand Luna?" Galaxia said. Luna sobbed. "Yes Mommy, but what will happen to you?" "We'll be watching over you two, just as we always have been," They stood up and gave their daughters one last hug and kiss on either forehead. "We love you girls, so much..." they said, before closing the door to the bedroom. Celestia and Luna embraced each other in a sorrowful hug. "Tia, where are Mommy and Daddy going?' Celestia bit her lip, wondering if such a thing should be told to an eight year old. "They...they're going to save Equestria." "Save Equestria?" Luna asked. "Yes, but that is all I'm telling you," "Why?" "Lulu, your too young to know the rest," Luna was about to answer when a white light peaked in from outside. Celestia hugged her sister and tried to shut out the screams that were to come. She had forgotten that Luna was facing the window. Luna could see through the glass that there was some sort of weird, white fog in the sky. A lump formed in her throat when she saw that it was heading towards two figures of alicorns. Mom and Dad! her mind cried. Luna watched in horror as the fog swallowed up her parents and a shrill, painful cry reached her ears. Tears streamed down her face in rivers as she realised what had happened. "NO!" "No!" Luna cried as she bolted into a sitting position. She started hyperventilating as she remembered her daughter. Motherly instinct took over and she climbed out of bed and made her way to Songbird's nursery. The one month old filly was startled awake and started to cry. Luna released what she had done and picked her up, trying her best to console her baby. "Mi Bebe, mi dulce bebe," she murmured. Still her daughter wailed. Luna tried to think of a way to calm her little girl down. Suddenly she had a thought. "Maybe I'll sing you a lullaby, would you like that?" Songbird seemed to take interest in the offer and stopped crying, but instead let out quiet whimpers. Luna sat down in the rocking chair that she had added next to the cradle and began to rock her daughter. She tried to think of a lullaby off the top of her head. Unfortunately, she didn't know many baby songs and ran out of ideas after three rounds of 'Rock-a-Bye Baby' failed. Songbird still wailed louder then ever. "Please don't cry, you'll wake your aunt." Luna pleaded. Her sister had helped her out for the first week to get her settled into motherhood and now she needed her rest if she was to raise the sun the next day. Luna thought and just so happened to glance out at the window. Suddenly she had an idea. She gently rocked her daughter and started to sing the verse that came off the top of her head. Constant as the stars above Always know that you are loved And my love shining in you Will help you make your dreams come true Will help your dreams come true Songbird stopped crying and gazed in wonder, somewhat liking the song. Luna smiled as she continued her lullaby. The lamb lies down and rests it's head On it's mother's down in bed Dolphin plays in the moonlight's glow And butterfly dreams of a violet rose Dreams of a violet rose She started to cradle Songbird in her arms, holding her tiny figure close to her chest and the soft blanket tucked around her body. I'll cradle you in my arms tonight A sun embraces the moonlight The clouds will carry us off tonight Our dreams will run deep like the sea Our dreams will run deep like the sea Finally she lost herself in the song and started to sing more powerfully, but still quiet enough to not wake her sister or scare Songbird. Constant as the stars above Always know that you are loved And my love shining in you Will help you make your dreams come true Will help your dreams come true Songbird laughed and clapped her hooves, liking the song. Luna smiled and cuddled her close to her, resting Songbird's head under her chin and breathing in her scent. She rested Songbird back in her arms and the tiny white alicorn yawned and snuggled closer to the warmth of her mother. Luna smiled in awe at the filly sleeping in her arms. Careful not to wake or drop her, she got up from the chair and placed her back in her cradle, tucking her blanket around her tiny body and watched for a few minutes as she innocently sucked her hoof. She smiled and leaned down, planting a kiss on her head and stroking her soft mane. She quiet walked back to her room and climbed into bed, knowing that her daughter would wake her up in the next three hours. She didn't care, even if she was woken up every three minutes. Every minute she got to spend with that special little baby, was worth living. > First Word > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Celestia and Luna sat down in the mat in Songbird's nursery, talking. While the baby princess laughed as her toys were floating in the air, surrounded by a silver aura from her horn. She was now at least seven months old and starting to learn magic, but she was also at the age where most foals started talking. The only things that came out of Songbird's mouth were gurgles and laughs. Luna watched her daughter play with a glum look on her face. She turned her head to look at her sister. "Tia? I'm worried, Songbird's seven months old and she hasn't said a word." "She's just not ready yet, you didn't say your first word until you were 11 months," she chuckled as Songbird let out a cute gurgle. "If she's anything like you, then she'll talk when she's ready." Luna shrugged and stood up. "I suppose," she ignited her horn and levied her daughter over. "Come on monkey, nap time. You'll need your sleep if you're going to come with Mommy on her night flight." Celestia cocked an eyebrow as Luna placed Songbird in the cradle. "You're taking her on your night flight? Isn't she a bit young?" "Maybe, but I want to show her the night up close. How many times have we seen her point at the stars?" Celestia laughed. "Almost every day." Luna chuckled and stroked her daughters forehead. "Goodnight Birdie," The filly yawned and closed her eyes. Luna awed at her daughters cuteness and planted a kiss on her cheek. "What have I done to deserve a precious little filly like you?" Celestia smiled and the sisters left the room, closing the door behind them. "She's growing up so fast, seems only yesterday I cradled her in my arms for the first time." Luna said with a smile. "Well she won't stay a baby forever, she'll grow up and have kids of her own someday." Luna gave her a look and looked back at the door to the nursery. "I don't want that to happen, she's so precious." "Oh Luna, every mother must let there children go someday, but she'll always be your precious little filly." Luna shrugged. "I guess, those days are waaay off. Until then, she's all mine." Luna flipped through books on caring for foals and groaned. "Nothing of use in any of these," she said as she set the book down. She slumped down into the heavy armchair in the library and sighed. "I really don't know what to anymore. 'Useful Tips for Foals' says I should be spending more time with her while 'Caring for Fantastic Fillies' says I need to set a better example, I'm already doing that!" The frustrated princess set all the books back on the shelves with her magic. She glanced over at the Grandfather Clock and saw that it was almost lunch time. "Songbird's probably awake now, then I'll fix her some lunch." Songbird rubbed her eyes sleeping as her eyes adjusted to the sudden light in her room. Her small eyes caught sight of a familiar blue mare. Instantly she held out her hooves and squealed, but no words came out of her mouth. "Gabba Gabba!" she gurgled, holding out her tiny hooves. Luna grinned and picked her up with her magic and set her over her shoulder, holding her in her elbow. "Hello sweetie, did you have a good sleep?" "Gah!" Songbird replied as she blew a spit bubble. Luna chuckled. "Your so cute baby," she then took a sniff of the air and cringed. Songbird giggled. "But first, somepony needs a change." She set Songbird on the floor and brought out a fresh diaper and some damp cloth. Holding her nose she quickly put a fresh diaper on the baby and the dirty one and cloth in the trash. Songbird rolled around on floor, giggling. Luna smiled and grinned. "Oh Birdie," she said in a sing-song voice. "Here comes the raspberry," she pressed her lips to her belly and did a raspberry. Songbird squealed at delightful torture. Luna chuckled and her squealing filly. Songbird finally calmed down enough for Luna to pick her up again. "Let's get you some lunch," "Birdie, here comes the pegasus," Luna said, holding a spoonful of orange mush with her magic. Songbird squirmed in her wooden high chair, trying to get away from the spoon. "Come on sweetheart, eat your carrots." Luan said, slightly annoyed. Celestia watched from the opposite end of the table, trying to stifle a laugh. Luna turned to her sister. "Tia, she's not eating her food. Any ideas?" "Why don't you eat a bit to show her that it's yummy?" Celestia said, before going back to her salad. Luna's eyes brightened up. "Good idea!" She turned back to the squirming filly. "Birdie, look at Mommy," When Songbird was watching, she then put the spoon in her mouth and ate some of the mush. It tasted alright, like carrots. But the texture was what made it hard to swallow. Luna cringed slightly and eventually swallowed. "See, it's delicious," Songbird still wasn't exactly sure about it, but after seeing her mother eat the orange mush, she was a little more okay with the idea. She forced herself to open her mouth and her mother feed her a fresh spoonful. Her eyes widened at the sweet taste and squealed happily. Luna breathed a sigh of relief. "Thanks Tia," "Don't mention it," said Celestia Once Celestia and Luna had lowered the sun and raised the moon, Luna went and grabbed her daughter. She set Songbird on her back, between her wings and walked out onto the balcony. She turned her head towards her sister. "Lulu, are you sure she'll be alright?" "Positive, we're not going far, just into the village." Luna explained. Celestia shrugged. "Okay, but be careful, she is just a baby." "I will," Luna turned to look at the filly on her back. "Ready sweetie?" "Gah!" Songbird gurgled. "Well let's go then," Luna said, taking to the skies. Celestia smiled as her sister and niece disappeared into the night. 10 minutes later Luna and Songbird were resting on the hilltop overlooking the village. Songbird was cradled in her mothers arms, while both mother and daughter looked out at the stars, shining bright. Luna smiled as Songbird snuggled closer to her chest. Luna thought she must have been cold and summoned up a blanket with her magic and wrapped it around the filly. Songbird's eyes widened as she looked up at her mother, memorising those beautiful turquoise orbs. She reached out a tiny hoof from under the blanket and pointed at the sky. "Star!" Luna's eyes widened in shock. Did...did she just? Slowly she looked down at the smiling filly. "What was that sweetie?" she asked, wondering if what she heard was real or not. "Star!" Songbird piped up, pointing at the stars. Luna gasped and picked her up. "You just said your first word!" She couldn't believe it, but her ears were not denying her. Her baby girl just talked, for the first time. To Luna's disbelief, she felt like crying... "We gotta go tell your aunt!" Luna didn't bother to put Songbird on her back, instead she held her in her front hooves and flew all the way back to the palace. "Tia! Come quick!" she hollered when she landed in the throne room. Celestia came sprinting around the corner, startling the guards. "What is it?! What's wrong?!" she cried, still trying to catch her breath. Luna beamed like her sisters sun. "Songbird said her first word, 'Star'!" Celestias faced lit up, like a Hearths Warming Tree. "She did!" Luna was now holding Songbird in the crook of her arm. "Come on baby, say it again." "Star!" said Songbird, pointing to the stars outside. Celestia could not contain her joy. "My baby niece can talk!" she said, picking up Songbird and spinning her around. Songbird laughed as her aunt put her lips to her tummy and did a raspberry. Luna giggled and began to tickle her baby. Songbird squirmed under her mother and aunts touch. The filly then took her family by surprise and jumped on them, tickling them. Soon there was a family tickle fight against adults and a filly. The three princesses calmed down enough to finally talk. Celestia and Luna were beaming. "Lulu, I...I can't believe it," "Then start believing, because she's starting to talk, gosh I was so worried." "I can understand that, I'm so proud of her," "Me too," Luna said, snuggling the now asleep Songbird.