> Royal Guards in Training > by Foal Star > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Chapter 1: The Lightning Bolt > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- A young royal guard with his gold plated armor, white coat, dark blue mane, green blue eyes, and short cut tail, was now flying through the sky, sweating profusely as he landed in the middle of Ponyville. He was breathing heavily as he looked around the town and the ponies going about their business. He mumbled, “Did I I arrive in Ponyville? Am I too late for the Summer Sun Celebration?” “Private Cannon Feather, there you are!” He jumped into the air when he turned to see a gruff looking royal guard, that looked similar to him in every way. The guard known as Cannon Feather freaked out, jumped up and saluted,”P-private Cannon Feather reporting for duty!” The gruff looking stallion came up to him and looked him dead in the eyes. making the private sweat as he growled, “You're late.” Private Cannon Father meeped, and whimpered, “I’m sorry, Sergeant, I got lost flying here from Canterlot on such short notice. Then I forgot my helmet and then I…” The sergeant shouted, “Get ahold of yourself, Private! Now stand at attention!” Private Cannon Feather stood alert, as another royal guard came upon the two others. He looked similar yet older than the other two as he coughed and asked, “What are you two yelling about?” The sergeant spat as he pointed to the youngest of the trio and spat, “Private Cannon Feather here just arrived, and Princess Celestia is going to arrive anytime now!” The newcomer sighed, as he looked up with a bored expression, “Sergeant Bucket Bridle, stand down before I have you mopping the latrines all night!” Bucket Bridle grunted as he backed down from the private, who sighed in relief. He then looked up at the captain and said, “Thank you sir...I guess you’re Captain Bright Wing...That’s your name, right?” The captain lazily bowed his head, “Yeah, that’s right, and you're quite anxious for a royal guard.” Cannon Feather laughed as he scratched the back of his head, “Yeah, that's what my drill instructor said.” The sergeant spat and muttered, “We got a baby straight from training? Just wonderful.” Captain Bright Wing didn't seem to care, his bored expression didn't change as he continued in a monotone tone, “Princess Celestia would not assign him to us for no good reason. Now we better get going before the mayor nags me to death for being late.” He sighed as he left and headed to the town square. Sergeant Bucket Bridle and Private Cannon Feather followed suit, when Cannon Feather was smacked on the back by Bucket Bridle, as the two followed Bright Wing down the road. The Mayor was in the town square ordering ponies about, shouting at pegasus’s to lift a banner. The guards came up to the Mayor as she turned with a glare, “There you three are.” Captain Bright Wing bowed his head as he apologized, “Sorry for keeping you waiting, we had a late comer.” The Mayor pushed her glasses back on her nose as she continued, “Well you three, don't stand around, I need you to guard the back entrance just in case of intruders.” Bucket Bridle shouted back, “Wait a second! We’re just pulling sentry duty in the back?!” Bright Wing turned with irritation as he shouted, “Sergeant Bridle, stand down!” He muttered and looked at the ground. Bright Wing turned to the mayor and replied, “If you believe that is where we are needed, then I trust your judgment,” He bowed his head as he said to the private and the sergeant, ”Now you two better listen to my orders. I am the highest ranked here after all.” Private Cannon Feather gave a salute, “Yes sir!” Sergeant Bucket Bridle grunted, “Well, at least I get to see Princess Celestia. Maybe she’ll even notice me.” Bright Wing blinked a few times before replying, “I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear that. Now this is going to be simple, the three of us will pull the shift together. So even if one of us needs a break, two will be standing guard near the door. Just watch for suspicious ponies and make sure nothing ruins tonight's celebration. I’d rather give Captain Shining Armor a good report.” The two guards both saluted once more as the three went by the back door and stood guard while the mayor smiled at them, “These three do seem odd at first, but I think with them keeping guard nothing can possibly go wrong.” She thought. a few hours later.... Sergeant Bucket Bridle was muttering under his breath and grumbling about not being near Celestia, as Cannon Feather stood at attention, looking at everypony with intensity and muttering, “All seems well to me.” “Yeah, and why wouldn’t it?!” Pinkie Pie shouted as she came up to the guards. Sergeant Bridle shouted back,”What are you doing here?! We're on duty, now move along!” Pinkie Pie giggled and asked, “Why would I do that? You seem grouchy on a super spectacular Summer Sun Celebration!” She went up into his face as she shouted, “Well, maybe I can make you smile before the celebration begins.” “Yes, I recall from the briefing that Princess Celestia gave me, we are to smile and have some fun.” Cannon Feather smirked at Sergent Bridle. Bridle glared at him, “I out rank you, don’t forget that!” He then turned to Pinkie Pie and shouted, “We’re on duty! Now scram!” Pinkie just laughed, “Oh, now I get it, you're trying to impress Princess Celestia!” He blushed and backed up with a sheepish smile, “Uh, no that’s not it...I...I just.” Pinkie jumped and shouted, “I did it! I made you smile!” She jumped in glee as she bounced away. Cannon Feather laughed out loud, “Wow, she got you good.” “Who got who good?” Bright Wing yawned, as he came back in the large now crowded room and asked, “Anything to report?” Bucket Bridle muttered, “It was nothing sir, just a pink earth pony who started to annoy me.” Cannon Feather saluted as he replied, “Sir, nothing to report from my account. I think everypony seems normal and happy to see Princess Celestia, in fact the only ones who seems unhappy is Sergeant Bridle, and that purple coated unicorn over there. The one with that violet-red stripe in her mane.” Cannon Feather pointed through the crowd at the very unicorn he mentioned. Bright Wing in turn responded, “She just looks exhausted, and if that’s the only problem it’s smooth sailing from here,” He sighed and leaned back on the wall as he continued, “Princess Celestia should be here soon, she’ll raise the sun, and then I can spend the rest of the day sleeping.” Bucket Bridle eyes gleamed, “Yes, and I will be able to gaze upon her.” Cannon Feather stifled his giggles as Bright Wing rolled his eyes. That was when they heard a symphony of bird songs echo through the hall, and the mayor of Ponyville starting her speech. Cannon Feather suddenly started to get worried, as he whispered to Bright Wing, “Hey, let’s say something happens to Princess Celestia, whose orders do we follow? Bright Wing’s eyes lit up, “Good question…. I do believe the mayor is in charge if Princess Celestia is not around.” Sergeant Bridle muttered, “But nothing is going to happen to Princess Celestia. Not while I’m here.” “And now it is my great honor to introduce you to the ruler of our land. The very pony who gives us the sun and the moon each and every day. The good, the wise, the bringer of harmony in all of Equestria….Princess Celestia!” The mayor declared, as the curtains above the foyer were opened. But to everypony's surprise, Princess Celestia was nowhere to be seen!” Sergeant Bridle shouted, “The princess has been foal napped!” “M-maybe s-she got attacked on the w-way here!” Cannon Feather stuttered. Bright Wing opened one eye and mumbled, “Or she could just be running late.” That was when a strange alicorn like creature, with a strange blue ethereal mane blowing in the wind appeared before everypony. “My beloved subjects, it’s been so long since I’ve seen your precious sun loving faces….” Sergeant Bridle immediately shouted, “That’s it! We need to capture her and find out where she’s holding the princess! She has to be responsible for all of this!” Cannon Feather held him back, “Hold it, serge! We can't attack unless we’re ordered to!” “Private, you let me go, now!” Sergeant Bridle bellowed. Bright Wing got up and yawned. “Hold it, you two! Look at our mysterious unicorn.” They all watched as she stood up against Nightmare Moon. They couldn’t hear what was being said, but they did hear the last bit of Nightmare Moon’s speech. “The night, will last, forever!” As she laughed maniacally, with lightning and thunder clouds rolling around her. The mayor got up and angrily shouted, “Seize her, she knows where the princess is!” Cannon Feather shouted, “Now we can capture her!” And he and Sergeant Bridle flew into the air as Bright Wing mumbled “So much for an easy mission.” And followed suit. “Stand back you fools!” Was the last thing Bright Wing heard, before a lightning bolt hit him and he fell to the ground with a crash! Bright Wing woke to blackness surrounding him, with his ears ringing. He slowly got up as he heard the clank of metal falling around him and he muttered, “Wha happen wha's goin' on?” He looked around but something swiveled as he heard a toddler shout, “Why my awomw so big?! I can’t get this off!” He turned again when he heard, “Why the place is so big now!?” “I don't know, but can ya give me a hoof? This thing is stuck!” The other voice sounded like a toddler shouting. Bright Wing realised that the darkness must be his helmet. He threw it off as light hit his face. He blinked a few times, to see two other foals kicking off bits of their armor. He blinked a few times as he gasped at what he saw! The foals were white with little wisps of blue for manes, and were quite chubby, with all their excess foal fat bulging around them and their tiny wings flapped constantly, but they no longer had the ability to fly. Bright Wing turned to see that the more angry foal was looking at himself as he shouted, “What happen?! Why did we turn to foaws?!” The other one just giggled, poked Sergeant Bridle’s stubby fat body and babbled, “I dun know, but you gots to admit ya wook really cute now.” The angry foal tackled his comrade as he shouted, “Shut it Cannon, ya gots ta turn us back to nowmaw.” “Wht, ya tink I did this?” Cannon Feather asked, as he rolled around with his former sergeant. “Of couwse ya did! How elsw di we tuwn to foals?” Sergeant Bridle shouted as the two got up from their fight. Cannon Feather just looked around at his flanks as he replied,”I don 't know, bu it also looks like were bwank fwanks.” Sergeant Bridle looked at his flank and screamed in horror. “My awsome cutie mawk Is gone!” Cannon Feather just laughed out loud while clapping his tiny hooves. When Bright wing shouted, “Enough ya two!” The other two foals looked his way as he continued with a straight face, “Now if ya two fowgots, Pwincess Cewestia is still by that weird alicorn.” Sergeant Bridle got a serious face as he nodded in agreement, “Ya wight, we gots ta find her!" He waddled away as Cannon Feather quickly followed behind. Bright Wing sighed and tried to follow suit, only to stumble as pieces of his armor fell all over him! He suddenly felt tears come to his eyes as he began to cry a bit. Cannon Feather rushed back and helped pull Bright Wing up as he asked, “Are ya okay?” Bright Wing sniffled as he threw off his plates and mumbled, “Ya, I fine. Now wets get goin, we gots a pwincess ta save.” Soon the three were running out the door together in hopes they could find the missing Princess Celestia. The three toddler guards were now looking around in amazement at all the ponies that gathered outside. They looked up and saw Princess Celestia and the weird alicorn from earlier, but for some reason she seemed less menacing than before. The three foals turned down a street and watched her as Cannon Feather exclaimed, “Look, its the foawnappew!” “Yeah, but Cewestia is with her, and talking with those six ponies,” Bridle Bucket said, then pointed at a group of six ponies that included the pink mare from earlier and the mysterious unicorn. “There's that cwazy pink mawe with hew! I bet she’s hewpin the evil alicorn! Wet’s go get them!” Bucket Bridal plucked up the courage to waddle down the road, running at full speed with his stubby legs! Cannon Feather giggled and chased after him, as Bright Wing just mumbled something and followed them. Luna was just looking around a bit confused still after all that happened the previous night. She then heard, “We gonna save ya Princess Celestia, I commin!” She looked down, as a tiny white pegasus foal jumped onto one of her legs and started to suckle on it. She laughed as she cooed, “Hey, that tickles.” Celestia’s eyes went wide as she asked, “What in Equestria?!” That was when another small pegasus foal tackled Luna’s back left leg and tried tickling her with one of his feathers, making her start giggling, “Yeah, thats wight, even evil alicorns aren’t immune ta tickles!” He exclaimed. Luna couldn’t help it, as she fell to the ground laughing, and Cannon Feather crawled ontop of her. Then a more aggressive foal shouted, “Therlwe, we gots hew down!” He crawled over to Celestia and began tugging her hoof as he pleaded. “Come on, Princess Cewestia, we gots ta go before she get's up!” Everypony just laughed out loud, including Princess Celestia. Luna got up, cuddling the other foal, “Oh thowest are the cutest thing that these eyes have laid upon in over one thousand years.” The foal gurgled and cooed at the compliment, liking the attention. Luna then placed the foal besides the other. as the two foals gazed up at Princess Celestia with their big blue eyes. She bent down and said to them., “Now you all seem quite brave, but I think you should go back to your parents. Foals like you shouldn't be wandering about on your own,” She then looked at their tiny flanks and asked, “Also, are you potty trained yet?” Sergeant Bridle crossed his forehooves over his crotch and babbled, “Of course we potty trained, there's no way ya gonna make me wear a diapee,” He then sat down on his rump, “Also, we not foaws, we ya woyaw guawds.” This made the crowd laugh louder as Celestia smiled, “I'm sure you will be royal guards one day.” Cannon Feather looked up at her with his adorable blue eyes and replied in his lisp, “But is true, we are ya royal guards, I Cannon Feather.” Celestia gasped,”Cannon Feather?! That names does ring a bell.” All of a sudden her eyes lit up, as she turned and asked, “Where are the three royal guards I assigned for security?!” Bucket Bridle got flustered and shouted, “Where do ya tink?! I wight hewe!” He started bouncing up and down, as Celestia turned to the angry colt with a smile and asked, “So I’m guessing you’re Bucket Bridle?” He blushed and bowed his head as he mumbled, “Yeah, I Bucket Bridle, but ya can call me Bridle for short.” Princess Celestia then heard a toddler shout, “Princess Celestia!” She turned to see a toddler waddling down the path as he replied, “I so happy ya safe!” He gave her a big, adorable grin, making the crowd daww. Princess Celestia looked at the three foalified guards and asked, “But how did you three turn into foals?” The whole crowd gasping seeing the three royal guards now as foals. Even Twilight was stunned and replied, “Wait, I did see them get hit by Nightmare Moon’s lightning when they were trying to capture her. That’s probably what turned them into foals.” Celestia looked around and asked, “So they attacked Nightmare Moon, under whose orders?” The Mayor walked up and bowed as she replied, “Princess Celestia, it was I who gave the order. When Nightmare Moon appeared, I thought it best these three captured her to find you.” Princess Celestia looked at the mayor and softened her gaze upon the foals, “Very well. I see that you three were fulfilling your duties as part of the royal guard. It was foolish and stupid of you... but brave.” She then took the three into her magical embrace and gently put the colts on her back as Twilight suggested, “Wait, maybe I can turn them back using the Elements of Harmony?” Celestia pondered before she said in reply, “Maybe, but I’m not so sure. This may require further looking into,” She then turned and asked Luna, “Sister can you remember what spell you used on them to regress them?” Luna shook her head, “We do not recall the spell we used. In fact we do not recall much after Nightmare Moon took over,” She looked down and whispered, “We apologize for regressing your royal guards, this is all our fault.” Celestia nuzzled her sister, “It’s okay, I am sure we can get these three back to normal eventually. We are alicorns after all.” Luna cheered up a bit, as Princess Celestia turned to Twilight, “Now, I must be off to fix this little problem. I will await your first lesson of friendship.” Twilight bowed her head, “Of course.” Celestia smiled and walked off with her sister, back to the chariot. Celestia sat down and placed the foals into her lap. Her horn lit up and three plain white diapers were strapped around their rumps. Cannon Feather whimpered as he scrunched his diaper and asked, “Why did ya put diapees on us?” Celestia motherly cooed. “Because it's going to be a while before we get back to Canterlot, I'd rather not have you three have an accident on the way there and have to clean it up.” Bright Wing looked up at Celestia and asked “Alright, but can ya take them off when we get thewe? I promice to use the potty like a big pony.” Celestia nuzzled Bright Wing and cooed, “Of course I will. If you can prove you’re still potty trained then I’ll be glad to let you go without diapers,” She then turned to Bucket Bridle who was tugging at his diaper with his mouth, trying to take it off. She quickly shouted “Bucket Bridle, you stop it this instant or you’ll get a spanking!” Bridle Bucket looked down, blushing as he babbled, “Alwight Celestia, I’ll wear the diapee.” Celestia then levitated the guards towards her underbelly, where they all nuzzled deep into her fur, making her blush a bit as she whispered. “Now just relax you three, we’ll be back at the castle soon.” Bucket Bridle grasped at her fur as he cooed, “Ya so soft and warm, Tia.” He gasped at the nickname he just gave Celestia, which made Luna laugh out loud. “How hast thou learnest of that nickname?” She inquired Bucket Bridle looked up and apologized, “I sowie Tia, I mean Pwincess Cewestia.” Celestia smiled down at him and nuzzled him as she whispered, “It’s okay, you're a foal now. So I guess it’ll be easier for you three to call me Tia.” The three all nod in unison as the chariot took to the air. Cannon Feather then rolled over to Bright Wing, who grasping onto Celestia and asked, “Bright Wing, what's happenin again? Because I have no idea why that weiwd Wuna is good, why we foawa, and what are the Ewements of Hawmony?” “I dun know Cannon Fewther.” Bright Wing mumbled as he nuzzled deep into Celestia’s underbelly and in his padding until he fell into a deep sleep. > Chapter 2: Foal guards at a dinner party > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Celestia and Luna were sitting next to each other as their chariot moved across the sky as the three foals were sleeping contently in her lap. She watched them peacefully rolling around in their dreams when Luna asked, “Um Dearest sister can thy…” She turned her head away in embarrassment as Celestia with a small smile asked, “Sister what is it?” Luna turned her head again and asked, “Would thou allowst us to hold one of the foals?” Celestia levitated Bright Wing into Luna’s lap, as Luna smiled down at the sleeping foal snuggling into her underbelly. She took him into the cradle of her hooves as he kicked his back ,legs making his padding crinkle. She blushed as she whispered, “Wow, this feels weird.” She watched him grasp her fur as she gave him a motherly smile. Luna turned and asked, “So. thouset never had children?” Celestia turned and said with a sigh, “Sadly, no. I just never found the time or right stallion.” She continued to look over the foals as Luna turned her head, “We, did not mean to pry we were just curious.” Celestia turned her head, “It’s alright. You’re my sister, we used to talk about stuff like this all the time.” Luna looked back and asked, “Thouset still doesn't hold a grudge for what Nightmare Moon has done?” Celestia turned to her sister with a empathetic look and replied, “Of course not, I’m just happy that you're okay and back to normal.” Luna gave a small smile as she whispered, “Thank you.” She then heard a hissing sound, looked down and saw that Bright Wing’s diaper was filling up and turning yellow. She replied, “Um sister, thouest foal guard has umm wet himself.” Celestia turned and giggled, “Oh I didn’t think they would, it was just a precaution.” Luna asked, “Should we halt and change thy’s soaked undercloth?” Celestia shook her head, “No, not yet. I'll wait until we land, I'd rather not change a diaper midflight. I didn’t bring a diaper bag or any changing supplies.” Luna let the soggy foal cuddle into her as she dawwed and nuzzled him, “Well we do not have any problems that thy’s little colt soaked his swaddling clothes.” Celestia joked, “Oh Luna, I’ll have to teach you that ponies don’t talk like that anymore.” Luna didn’t seem to listen, as she was kissing and brushing the colt’s soft mane, as he put his mouth on her fur and began to suckle. Celestia herself felt the soft pucker of lips suckle on her fur, making her look down with a soft smile. She whispered, “Well I have to agree with you Luna, I don’t mind them at all.” “Time to wake up, little one.” Luna called. Bright Wing’s eyes fluttered open. He gazed up at Luna staring back at him, making him ask, “Luna, did we arrive yet?” Luna nodded and nuzzled him, “Yes little one, thouset made it to the castle.” He smiled as he kicked his back legs, feeling his squishy diaper. He gasped, looked back up at Luna, and whimpered, “Luna, did I make a wettie?” She smiled and whispered, “It is alright little one, we are going to get you all cleaned up,” She then lifted the tabs of his diaper and her horn lit up as wipes appeared and she wiped his exposed crotch, making him shiver. She whispered, “We apologize, arest these cold?” Bright Wing nodded and whimpered, “Yea, they cold, Luna. Also, umm.” He blushed and put a hoof in his mouth. Luna asked, “What does thouset want?” As she removed the soggy diaper from his rump. Bright Wing asked, “Um...well, I did a wetties in my sleep. But that doesn’t mean I not potty trained, right?” Luna gave the foal a bright smile, “Of course, thouest may still be toilet trained. A little night time accident happens to everypony, even adults sometimes.” “Really?” How do ya know?” Bright Wing asked. Luna gave him small smile as she helped him up, “Believe it or not, we used to be the princess of the night, and we went though the dreams of many a pony, and witnessed many nighttime accidents.” She then helped him down from the carriage with the rest of his comrades who were also having their diapers removed by Celestia. As she threw them away in a trash bin she lightly lectured the foals, “Now, I promise that for now you don’t have to wear diapers while in the castle. But if you have too many accidents, I will have to take proper precautions. So please tell me if you have to go.” The guards all nodded and saluted Celestia, “Yes Princess Celestia, we will use ta potty.” They promised. Celestia laughed and smiled down at them. “Okay then, a promise is a promise,” She looked at Bright Wing, waddling slowly up to the other gurads as she asked, “You doing okay, sweetie?” Bright Wing nodded his head, “I fine.” He said, while Luna winked at Celestia. Cannon Feather immediately asked, “Bright Wing, did somthing happen?” Bright Wing looked up and whimpered, too embarrassed to tell his comrades what had happened. Bucket Bridle looked across to Cannon Feather and told him, “He don wan talk about it, let’s just go and get back ta normal.” Celestia then led the three up the stairs. When they got to the throne room Celestia spotted Shining Armor giving orders to all the guards going about their duties. The three foals all gulped and ran behind Celestia. “What’s wrong?” Celestia asked the guards, careful to speak softly enough to avoid attracting attention. Bucket Bridle babbled, “We dun want Captin Shining Awmoa to see us wike this.” “Yeah, he’s gonna make fun of us, and tweat us like foals.” Cannon Feather mumbled. Celestia reassuringly cooed at the three, “Now now, I’ll give him specific instructions to watch you and keep you company, while Luna and I research what turned you three into foals. Somepony has to watch over you while Luna and I go about our duties, we certainly can’t bring you to day and night court like this,” And she added. “If Captain Armor does make fun of you, you can tell Luna or myself. I can imagine he won’t be laughing for long when he is put on probation for an entire month.” Bright Wing hugged her back leg and gave her puppy dog eyes as he asked, “Ya promice?” “I promise.” Celestia dawwed and nuzzled the three in the crocks of their necks. The guards all squealed in laughter, causing Shining Armor to turn and see Celestia kissing and nuzzling three foals. Shining eyed the scene as he came up to her. “Princess Celestia?” The young captain asked. She looked up with a sheepish smile, as the foals scurried behind her tail, “Oh Captain Shining Armor, thank goodness I found you.” Shining Armor turned to Luna, and then there foals quivering underneath Celestia’s tail as he bowed and with reverence in his tone he replied, “Princess Celestia it’s wonderful to see you're alright. With the lack of intel from Ponyville we were worried that something might have happened. It’s a relief to see that you weren’t harmed.” Celestia nodded, “It’s great to see you too, Shining Armor. I apologize for the delay in the sun rising, but I had a bit of, let’s just say ‘sudden family issue’ and leave it at that,” She then asked her captain of the guard. “I take it you had things under control while I was gone, correct?” Shining Armor looked up and replied, “Of course, Princess Celestia,”Hhe then turned to Luna and the foals quivering underneath Celestia’s tail, “Ummm, I didn’t expect we would have visitors. And just who are these unannounced guests anyway?” Celestia immediately toldd Shining Armor, “Well, it’s a long story. I’ll explain what happened in Ponyville in due time. But for now, I need to tell you about what happened to the guards we assigned for security at the Summer Sun Celebration. It’s urgent.” Shining growled slightly, “What happened, did they slack off or something?” He asked. Celestia shook her head as she replied, “Oh no, in fact they were quite loyal and brave...and were turned into foals because of it.” Shining’s eyes went wide as he nearly exclaimed, “Wait, what?!” Celestia lifted her tail, and Shining looked upon the quivering foals. He immediately asked upon noticing the familiar eyes, ”Wait, those three are the foalified guards?” Celestia nodded and whispered, “They’e a bit nervous,” She lowered her head and soothed them, as they gave their captain pouty faces. She cooed, “Tell him your names...it’s alright.” “I Seargeant Bucket Bridle!” The angry little foal shouted. The super excited foal squealed and put his hooves in his mouth, “I Private Cannon Feather.” The more lazy foal, still being moody over wetting himself whimpered, “I Captain Bwrght Wing.” Shining’s eyes were still wide open as he could only bring himself to mumble, “Wow, they really did turn to foals.” Celestia nodded as she continued in her tone of authority, “Now Shining, my sister and I need to research what spell was used that turned them to foals, and how to reverse it. So while we're away I need you to watch these three.” Shining Armor grimaced and groaned as he muttered, “Princess Celestia, I will do my best, but I’m the Captain of the Guard, not a foalsitter.” Celestia grew a bit stern, “Now Captain Shining, these guards risked their very lives for me, and you will care for them. Or I will find somepony who will and I will put you on probation for a month, how does that sound?” Shining looked up, gulped, and reluctantly said, “Very well, Princess Celestia. I will look after them if that’s what you want,” He then turned to the grayish blue coated alicorn and asked, “And you are?” Luna raised her wings and shouted in a deep ,powerful voice, ”We are Princess Celestia’s sister! The princess of the night! Princess Luna!” Shining Armor covered his ears, as the foals squealed and ran underneath Celestia’s tail again. Celestia asked, “Um, sister, please don’t use the Royal Canterlot voice inside the castle. And if you could, please stop speaking in the ‘Royal We’. It is no longer common royal conduct.” Luna blushed “We… er I mean… I apologize, sister.” Celestia giggled and turned to her sister ,”Luna, there is so much I have to catch you up on,” She then looked back at Shining and said to him, “Now, I’m afraid we must be off. There is much that Luna and I have to do.” She then lifted her tail once more, revealing the shivering foals. Luna felt a bit worried as she lowered herself to their level, “I apologize for scaring you.” The three looked up at Luna as she gave them a smile. They all smiled back and hugged her face, and she nuzzled them as Bucket Bridle and Cannon Feather ran off. But Bright Wing stayed and whispered, “Luna, can ya promice one more thing before ya go?” She gave him a loving smile and asked, “What does thouset desire?” He babbled as he hugged her muzzle, “Don't tell anypony I made wetties in my diapee. Please.” Her response was to nuzzle him, making him giggle, “I shall keep thy’s promise.” She then kissed him on the forehead making the two blush at the same time. Bright Wing kissed her on the muzzle, as he jumped off her face and he ran off with his friends. Celestia was smiling at her sister, as Luna blushed and asked, “What?” Celestia turned her head, seemingly displaying a faint smirk, “Nothing, sister, but don’t get too attached, they will hopefully be stallions again soon.” She replied. Luna turned to the foals all standing in front of Shining Armor wagging their tiny tails. She smiled and sighed, “Well, it was fun while it lasted.” The two alicorns soon left the throne room, with Shining looking at the foalified guards with pleading eyes, and not knowing what to do with them.. Shining turned to the three excited foals gazing at him as he reluctantly said, “Alright you three, I know that you’re foals now but um..do you still want to help?” The guards all shouted in excitement, “Yes sir, Captain!” Shining smiled, “Right. Okay then,” He turned to Bucket Bridle and instructed him as follows. “Sergeant Bucket Bridle, how about you go help with guarding the front entrance? With Princess Celestia busy, the Summer Sun celebration for the nobles is still ongoing in the palace garden. Just remain at your post and try not to cause a scene, I will send a royal guard to accompany you for protection and he will be your superior. So if you need to take a potty break, you let him know so he can cover for you, got it?” “Yes sir Captain Shining Armoer.” Bright Wing saluted and scampered off. Shining turned to Bright Wing, “Junior Captain Bright Wing, I want you to go help with looking after Princess Cadence. She’s in the garden drinking tea with some noble mares. She’s an expert foalsitter, so just ask her if you need anything.” “Yes sir, I on it!” Bright Wing gave a clumsy salute and waddled off. Shining Armor turned to Cannon Feather who was sucking on his hoof . He rubbed it on the floor as Shining sighed, “Cannon Feather was a nuisance before. Now, as a foal, I don’t know what he’s capable of. Probably best to keep a close eye on him until further notice.” Shining then spoke up and said to Cannon Feather, “Private Cannon Feather, you’re staying with me. You were the youngest member when I sent you to Ponyville, and that hasn’t changed now that you’re a foal.” Cannon Feather nodded, and waddled along with Shining Armor as the captain asked, “Now Cannon Feather, can you tell me what happened to you and the other guard members?” Cannon Feather babbled as he looked up at Shining with his bright eyes, “Is a long story. I landed in Ponyville and the Summer Sun party happend, Then this big, scary alicorn appeared, and we thought she foalnappie the princess. But we got hit by a lightning bolt, then we got turned ta fowls, and then I got snuggled by Luna. Then after tha Cewlstia took me into a chariot where she strapped us in diapees.” He blushed and hid his face with his hooves, realizing what he’d just said. Shining turned to the foal and he couldn’t help smirking as he asked, “You have a diaper, huh? Whatever for?” Cannon Feather crossed his forehooves, “Well I still potty trained, the diapees were just in case of an accident.” Shining mumbled, “Right.” In his mind he was thinking. “I didn’t even understand half the stuff he just said. The two soon came upon Prince Blueblood, walking down the hall and shouting to the servants trying to get out of his way, “I have an engagement, move aside!” He bellowed. Shining had to resist smirking as he came up to Blueblood, it was no secret that he couldn’t stand the prince. “Prince Blueblood, I see you're heading to the dinner party in the garden?” He asked. Blueblood sneered, “Yes, Captain Shining Armor, and why does that concern you? You're not invited are you?” Shining rolled his eyes, “No, but I see you have no escort.” Blueblood scoffed, “Escort? Please, Shining, I don’t need your disgusting, grimy guards to escort me anywhere.” Shining smirked, he had just the plan to make Blueblood see sense. “Well, Princess Celestia has assigned me one of the most trusted guards to keep you safe .” Shining then revealed Cannon Feather, giggling as the private shouted, “Do ya mean me?!” Blueblood recoiled in shock, “Shining, if you think you’re going to make me watch a foal, you're mistaken! Foalsitting is my adopted sister’s job, not mine!” Shining replied, “Okay then, I’ll just inform Celestia that you're refusing to obey her orders.” He then started to walk away. Blueblood, grinding his teeth, shouted, “Fine! I’ll let this little foal accompany me if it’s what Aun Celestia wants! But I’m not running a daycare center, this is the ONLY time I’m doing this! Make sure Aunt Celestia knows that!” “Of course,” Shining nodded. “And don’t worry, I’ll come back to check on you when the celebration is over. You can manage until then, or is the high and mighty Blueblood afraid that a foal has more manners than he does?” “Just shut up and give me the foal!” Blueblood snorted. “And I swear, if I have to change diapers, it’s your funeral!” Cannon Feather jumped into the air, like Captain Armor he really didn’t like Blueblood and longed for a chance to have some fun with him. “Yay. I get to foalsit Blueblood!” He cheered, as he hugged Blueblood’s back leg,the prince scooted to the side andcontinued to walk away as Cannon Feather waddled by his side. Shining sighed, “Now I can concentrate on security for the rest of the Summer Sun Celebration. Those three were stallions of the royal guard before, I'm sure they’ll be fine. Even Blueblood knows better than to make trouble for a foal.” He then trotted down the hall with a smile on his face. A part of him felt guilty for pawning the foalified guards off onto others, but he told himself he’d left them in capable hooves, more or less. Bucket Bridle came up to the royal unicorn guard with a guest list at the entrance of the garden. The nobles came in with their wives, while classical music echoed in the background. Bucket Bridle looked up seeing the adult chestnut coated unicorn guard and shouted, “Hey mista, I gots ta help ya!” The chestnut coated stallion looked down and laughed, “Sure, kid. Run along now, your parents are probably worried about you.” “Nah uh! I sewegant Bucket Bwdile, and Shinin Awmoa assigned me hewe,” Bucket Bridle cried, “I gots to prove, I a big stallion still.” The royal guard laughed, “Oh, you're the kid Shining told me about. Bucket Bridle, huh? I guess you can stay, but I must warn you that this is very boring.” The adult guard continued checking ponies off with a list with his magic. Bucket Bridle stood there for some time, but he soon got bored looking around at the sky, and gazing at the nobles who came by and had their names checked off. He tugged at the adult guard’s back leg and asked, “Hey, is this all we gots ta do?!” The guard laughed, “Yep, told you this was going to be boring.” He went back to checking off names on his list making Bucket Bridle groan. Bucket Bridle started gazing at the nobles with intense eyes, watching them closely. He then turned to see a noble stallion with a glass monocle in his left eye and a mare with a long horn and a slim body trotting up to the entrance. That was when he spotted a giant bag strapped around the mare’s back and he mumbled, “She looks suspicous.” Bucket Bridle ran at the mare and pounced on her bag as she turned and gasp, “My word!” Bucket Bridle, undettered, shouted, “Hold it, missy! I gots to check ya bag for contraband!” The mare and her husband laughed at this as she cooed, “Of course, I wouldn't want to bring anything illegal,” She lowered the foal to the ground, and laid the bag at his hooves. Bucket Bridle sniffed it, waddled in, and took out something soft and crinkly with his hooves. As he crawled out with a diaper in his mouth, he spat it out and asked, “Why ya bringing diapees?” The mare’s husband smirked, “My dear Fleur, did you bring your diaper bag to the party? You know your cousins are not visiting for a few days still.” “Oh, my mistake, Fancy Pants, darling,” Fleur chuckled. “When we left the house I must‘ve grabbed the wrong bag,” But she instantly took the foal and the diaper in her magic. “Now, I don’t think foals should be running around without proper padding.” She then slipped it through Bucket Bridle’s legs as he fought back! “Let me go, I potty trained!” Bucket Bridle protested. Fleur ignored him, then plopped Bucket Bridle onto her back as she cooed, “Now, how about we find your parents? They must be worried sick!” Suddenly, the chestnut colored adult unicorn stallion came up and asked Fleur, “Madam, are you alright?” “Yes, I’m most certainly fine.” Fleur smilied, as Bucket Bridle scrunched his cute white diaper. “I was just trying ta check for contraband!” Bucket Bridle complained. The guard sighed as he spotted the foal, “I apologize, madam. This little guy just popped up and he‘s been assigned under me.” Fleur picked up her diaper bag and asked, “But where are his parents? I’m sure that they’re worried.” “I don't need parents I a royal guard!” Bucket Bridle shouted, making the ponies laugh again, and causing Fleur to coo, “Oh look, he wants to play royal guard.” “Maybe, but I fear that I’ve been put in charge of him for the time being,” The guard replied. “Now please put him down.” Fleur cooed as she took him, nuzzled him, and kissed him on the cheek, making him groan and rub his face. “Alright.” She then drifted him to the ground. Bucket Bridle turned and asked, “Can ya take the diapee off?” “Are you sure you’re potty trained? You look a bit young for that.” Fleur commented. “For the last time, yes!” Bucket Bridal growled. Fleur untaped the diaper and slipped it off. “Alright dear, take care.” She called. She and her husband then continued through the party. The guard turned and looked down at the glaring foal in front of him, “Now Bucket Bridle all the guests have arrived. So we are to go to the party and make sure ponies have their tickets.” He told Bucket Bridal. “Really?! Ya want me going around the party with ya?!” Bucket Bridle asked. The guard sighed, “Yes, now come along. And try not to embarass me anymore if possible.” Bucket Bridle giggled and ran through the entrance to the garden, as the guard sighed and followed along. “Can’t believe the captain’s stuck me with foalsitting,” He thought to himself. “If this is his idea of a joke, it’s not funny.” Bright Wing found Princess Cadence talking to some other mares at a table in the garden. She was wearing a pink party dress, and laughing at a joke, when he ran up and nudged her leg. Cadence looked down and dawwed,” “Oh, I didn't know foals would be at this party. What’s your name, little one?” Bright Wing giggled and replied, “I Bright Wing, I a royal guard.” The mares dawwed, as Cadence lit up her horn, and placed him on her lap as she nuzzled him and cooed, “Are you playing royal guard?” “Well no, I was sent hewe by Captain Shining Aromor to watch ya.” Bright Wing told Cadence. “Oh really?” Cadence smirked, “Sounds like Shining is trying to get out of foalsitting, again. You’d think the Captain of the Royal Guard would be willing to change a diaper or two once in awhile.” That prompted the mares to giggle, and then Cadence asked Bright Wing. “How about you join in on the conversation?” Bright Wing nodded, “Okay, as long as I with ya.” He snuggled into her lap. One mare, a pale yellow coated unicorn with a brown, curly mane and tail, bright red eyes, and a cutie mark depicting what looked like a box of chocolates in the shape of a heart asked, “So, how did you join the royal guard at such a young age?” “Well, I was twasnfowmed to a fowl by the eviw Nightmawe Moon!” Bright Wing shouted with excitement, bouncing up and down. The mares laughed as a unicorn with a pure white coat, a light blue mane and tail with pink highlights, emerald eyes, and a cutie mark depicting a gemstone asked, “And were you trying to save a princess?” “Yeah, we were twying to save Celestia!” Bright Wing babbled. The mares laughed as the pale yellow coated one from earlier asked, “Oh, he has a wonderful imagination, don’t you think?” Bright Wing gasped, realizing that the mares were making fun of him. He got mad and shouted, “But I did, I was a big Royal Guard!” The mares laughed again as he got flustered, jumped off of Cadence’s lap and said to them, “I'll prove I a royal guard!” He ran off, making Cadence sigh. “I should go after him and make sure he doesn't get into trouble. Excuse me for a moment.” Cadence said to her guests, as she reluctantly got up from the table and went after the foal. Blueblood couldn’t help but feel embarrassed with a toddler at his side, babbling on and on, “Well I didn't have a great foalhood before, so this time I want to go to an amusement park! I never gots a chance to go to one and I weally want ta go on a carousel, eat cotton candy, and play games! I always wanted to ride a roller coaster!” Blueblood groaned, then he turned in time to see a young white coated unicorn mare with a lovely gold mane, blue eyes, and a lovely blue dress that covered her cutie mark approach to him as he smirked, “My dear, I’m Prince Bluebloo-” But the mare ignored him and went straight to the foal, “Oh, he’s so cute!” She hugged him, making him giggle as she asked. “Did I hear right that you wanted to go to an amusement park?” “Well yeah, but after I watch Blueblood,” Cannon Feather replied. “I still a royal guard after all.” That made the mare giggle, “Oh really? Watching the prince like a big pony?” Cannon Feather giggled and nodded, “Yeah, I want to prove I still a great royal guard.” Blueblood growled, “Excuse me, but aren’t you intre-” The mare looked up and asked Blueblood, “Is this foal yours?” Blueblood blushed, “No, he’s a cousin of mine.” “Really, and what’s his name?!” The mare exclaimed. “I Cwannon Featha!” The foal answered, as the mare smiled and ruffled his mane, “Oh, that’s a lovely name,” She turned to Blueblood and asked, “Well, I just love foals. Is it okay if I hang with you two for a while?” Blueblood gave a sly grin. “That’s fine, now come along Cannon weather.” “Is Cannon Feather!” Cannon Feather protested, but Blueblood ignored him, taking the mare in hoof as Cannon Feather followed them. The mare suddenly used her magic and placed Cannon Feather on her shoulders, “There. That’s better, huh?” She asked. “Yeah, if ya say so.” Cannon Feather hugged the mare’s mane as she followed Blueblood through the garden. Blueblood turned to the mare with a charming smile and asked, “Now, how about you get me something to eat?” “What?!” The mare asked, astonished at the prince’s rudeness! Blueblood turned to her with a glare “You heard me, I would like something to eat or didn’t I specifically say that?” Cannon Feather tugged at the mare’s mane and babbled politely, “I can go get him someting ta eat, I watching him anyways.” The mare dawwed as Blueblood rolled his eyes. She nuzzled the foal and whispered, “Okay, dear,” She looked back at Blueblood. “Um, we’ll go get you some food.” Blueblood rolled his eyes as he muttered, “Okay, just don't take forever. I’m famished!” The mare trotted along to the buffet table. Cannon Feather eyed the food on the platters and stuck his tongue out! “Ya eat that stuff?! It looks gross!” The mare nodded, “Yes, I’m afraid they usually serve this bland food at parties like this. But Blueblood probably won’t mind if we stray from his usual preferences. What do you suppose we should get for him?” Cannon Feather turned to a small stand where Donut Joe was shouting “Donuts! Get your donuts here! Finest donuts in all of Canterlot!” Cannon Feather bounced “lets get Bluebwood some doughnuts!” The mare smiled,”Sure, I’ll tell him it was your idea. And if he doesn’t like them, well it serves him right for using me as a delivery girl.” She hugged him as Cannon Feather babbled, “Than ya, missy.” Bucket Bridle was looking around as he tugged at mares and stallions asking for their tickets while the guard escorting him just smiled and chuckled. “Hey, mista!” He tugged at a stallion wearing a suit. As the disgruntled noble looked down at the foal, the foal looked up and said to him, “Ya gots ta show me ya ticket.” The noble stallion scoffed, unlike the previous stallion he no eye glass and his coat was a dark blue in color. The only thing that made him similar to the previous stallion, was that he was also a unicorn. “How outrageous, a foal giving orders!” He remarked. The escort guard shouted, “Hey, that royal guard just gave you an order!” The stallion gulped and quickly produced a ticket, making the foal nod. “Ya good, enjoy the party.” And he waddled away with the guard chuckling. They turned to see a mare with a foal on her back ordering doughnuts. The foal looked quite similar to Bucket Bridle and his older companion asked, “Hey, Bucket Bridle, do you know that foal?” Bucket Bridle looked up and shouted with excitement while bouncing up and down, “Yeah, that’s Cannon Feaather! What's he doing with that mare?” He ran at her and tugged at her dress, until she looked down at the foal who shouted, “Hey, missy!” The mare looked down at the foal and cooed, “Oh, another foal?” She asked. “Yeah I a fowl, mowe impowtant why ya gots Cannon Feather?” Bucket Bridle asked in return. Cannon Feather looked down, “Bucket Bridle? I thought ya was watching the front gate?” “I was but we done now and we checking ticwets!” Bucket Bridle shouted. This made the guard and the mare laugh. The guard came up to the mare and blushed, “I apologize ma’am, I’ve been ordered to watch him and-” The mare placed Bucket Bridle onto her back as well as she said with a big smile. “-It’s quite alright, I adore foals.” She sighed, looking across the grass to the impatient Prince Blueblood walking back and forth with his head in the air. She then turned to the guard, “I believe I was lied to by our prince. He told me Cannon Feather was his cousin, but I’m not seeing the resemblance.” The guard smirked, “Well, that’s Prince Blueblood for you. He hasn’t changed a bit.” The mare rolled her eyes as she replied, “Well, I’ll give him these donuts to him, then play with these foals. I’d rather do that then stay one more minute at this boring party.” ”Ma’am, could I assist you?” The guard asked. She turned, “Can you hold the donuts?” The guard turned to Donut Joe and a box filled with donuts, and he smiled, “Sure thing ma’am.” He took them in his teeth and the two went towards the grumpy Blueblood. Blueblood growled, turned to see the mare, and shouted, “It’s about time!” The mare eyed Blueblood and grumbled, “Here’s your doughnuts.”” The royal guard gave Blueblood a box of doughnuts who threw them aside with disgust, “Doughnuts?! You dumb mare, you think I’m an uncivilized swine?!” The mare became enraged, clencing her teeth! “Cannon Feather got those doughnuts for you, jerk! And for the record, I think you’re lying about him being your cousin, no way a spoiled brat like you is related to a little gentlecolt like him.” Blueblood turned to Cannon Feather, “Well, should’ve expected a little brat to have such disgusting tastes. Never send a foal to do a stallion’s job.” This made Cannon Feather bawl and, then the small group heard. “Ya hurt, Cannon Feathear’s feelings! Ya big meanie!” Blueblood turned to see Bright Wing throwing doughnuts at him. Bucket Bridle crawled over and shouted, “Yeah, ya big jerk, take this!” He threw a doughnut into Blueblood’s eyes. Blueblood retreated, and fled into the crowd of ponies knocking several guests aide, until he fell into the middle of the grass field, with Cadence flying up and putting a hoof to her mouth! Bright Wing came up shouted, “There, now ya believe me?! I stopped ta meanie from bullying my comrade!” The crowd laughed, as Blueblood got up, seething in rage! The foal crawled away as he roared, “You are in big trouble you little brat! Nopony makes a fool of me and gets away with it!” But before Blueblood could do anything, he was pulled into the magical grasp of his adopted sister, Cadence. And she was anything but pleased. “How dare you yell at a foal like that!” She scolded. “Picking on a defenseless foal, have you no shame?!” Blueblood turned with a “humpf” as he walked away. Cadence picked up Bright Wing,and cooed, “What happened?” “Well, I thought that stallion was picking on my friend ,Cannon Feather.” Bright Wing explained. He buried himself into Cadence who hushed him as she patted his rump. She kissed him and turned to the other foals who were crawling up to her asking “Is Bright Wing okay?” “He’s fine, but let the adults have their party,” Cadence kindly told them, “I’‘ll get you three somthing to eat.” She levitated them onto her back and carried them away as Bright Wing whimpered, “I am so gonna gets a spankie.” Canon Feather hugged him and said in reply, “Don worry, I’ll tell Celestia is my fault.” Bucket Bridle joined in the hug as they got carried away, all shivering at what celestia’s spanks would feel like. > Chapter 3: New Adjustments > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Celestia and Luna were sitting in a library, going over hundreds of books on age regression and dark spells. When Luna opened one book, she gazed through the book as she gulped and shouted “Sister, look!” Celestia came over and asked. “Sister, what is it?” Luna looked up with a worried look on her face as she explained. “We.. I mean...I...performed the Flash Regression Spell.” Celestia took the book (which was dark blue in color), looked at it and read outloud: “The Flash Regression Spell is a high powered curse created by a unknown unicorn. Notes from Starswirl the Bearded: The curse will turn its victims into foals, usually between the ages of two and three. It has mixed results. As there is little knowledge of the spell, it was only used once, and from the test results it seems the spell will regress its victim and they must restart their life from that age. Since a cure could not be found and seeing the dangerous affects of this spell, it is recommend not using this spell under any circumstances.” Luna groaned as she loudly exclaimed. “Oh no I hast turned your royal guards into foals forever.” Celestia looked up from the book and reassured her sister as she replied. “Maybe not. There is a chance we could still undo it Starswirl’s notes say he never had time to find a cure.” Luna nervously asked. “So thy believes a cure may still be possible?” Celestia nodded as she placed the book down. “Maybe, from my research the spell is at the moment irreversible. That means we must make the guards time as foals comfortable.” Luna smiled, she had always wanted children. “So what doest you have in mind?” She inquired of her sister. Celestia thought for a moment, tapping a hoof to her chin. “There's a spare room here from when Blueblood visited as a colt. I can spruce it up and get some things for them,” She then turned to see the sun was high in the sky, indicating around noon. She sighed as she added. “We’ve left those foals with Captain Shining for some time. I think we should go see how they’re doing.” Luna nodded and added with a smirk, “The book also said they are foals currently between the ages of two and three. I trust thy knows what that means?” Celestia turned as a blush grew on her face. “Dear sister, I don't think they would like being back in diapers.” Luna giggled and replied. “Surely thou knows that foals their age may not be fully toilet trained. They will need something to keep them from leaving messes all over the castle.” Celestia pondered this fact as she turned to her sister and suggested. “Well, toddlers their age could use training pants.” “What are training pants?” Luna asked, having never heard of the term before. Celestia laughed as she realized, “Oh right, those weren't invented a thousand years ago,” She the explained. “They’re kind of like diapers except they can be pulled down easily. They’re specifically designed to help foals in toilet training.” Luna happily replied. “What a wonderful invention! Foals a thousand years ago could’ve used those. Especially during the night.” Celestia nodded. “Yes, but I believe that nighttime diapers are designed for foals that wet the bed, not for foals in the midst of potty training. Training pants and pull-ups were specifically designed for that. And there are even these things called training potties, which are plastic bowl shaped objects in foal size. They often have bright colors.” Luna was amazed! “Wow, so much innovation for foals has occurred in my absence! I’ll go and search for these ‘training pants’ thou speakest of. I must see them for myself.” “If that is what you want,” Celestia replied. “You should find them at any foal care store, just mention you need something for foals two to three years old.” Luna nodded, as she quickly went out of the room, excited like a little filly! Two of the foal guards waited outside a bathroom in the castle hallways, with Cannon Feather whispering to Bright Wing. “Ya think he made it to ta potty?” “I hope he did,” Bright Wing whispered back. “Remember what Cewestia said. If we make too many accidents she'ww put diapees on us.” Cannon Feather nodded nervously as he whimpered, “Yeah, I remember. I gonna cross my hooves.” The bathroom door swung open. Cadence trotted out, helping Bucket Bridle, who waddled from the bathroom as the other foals asked together. “Did ya make it?!” He looked up and nervously said. “Um…I um…” Cadence quickly replied with a concern look. “Darlings, he doesn’t want to talk about it. Let's go eat.” They all continued down the hall, with the other two foals looking back at Bucket Bridle, who was looking at the ground, sniffling. Cannon Feather whispered “I dun think he made it.” Bright Wing, knowing how Bucket Bridle felt, went back to him and hugged him making him grumble. “Wha? Nothing happened.” He insisted “It’s okay,” Bright Wing insisted. “Ya know I made wetties in my diapee coming here?” Bucket Bridle softened his expression. “Really?” He asked. “Yeah, it’s okay. I think we forgot how ta use the potty.” Bright Wing whispered. Bucket Bridle then looked up and pleaded, “Bu I was so close when I peed on the floor. But I got most of it in ta potty.” Bright Wing replied with a shrug. “So, I guess we half potty trained?” “Maybe, bu I dun want to wear diapees!” Bucket Bridle grumbled. Before they could do anything else, Cadence shouted, “Alright you three, time for lunch!” Cadence had lead the three royal guards to the dining room, as she helped them get settled around the dining table. They jumped up and down in front of their plates of steamed vegetables. They were all groaning as they looked down, as Cadence stared at them. “Now, you better eat all your vegetables or no dessert.” She told them politely. They all mumbled, “Yes Cady,” They took up their plastic forks and began eating. Cadence then placed three sippy cups full of juice in front of them. Bright Wing giggled and said to Cadence, “Ya know we Royal Guards, right Cady?” She smiled and nuzzled him. “Even if you were a royal guard I can’t give you a real cup, you’ll spill your juice all over yourself.” She kissed him on the cheek, and he just smiled, “She really thinks we’re just foals pretending to be royal guards.” He thought, as he took the sippy cup and began to suckle on the tip. Cannon Feather was having fun munching on his food, he giggled in delight. Bucket Bridle was eating his steamed carrots, but was avoiding his peas as Cadence turned and asked “Bucket Bridle, are you avoiding your greens?” “They yucky, Cady! Can’t I just eat my carrots?!” He whined. Cadence gave him the glare. “You eat those greens right now, little one! Otherwise, no dessert!” Bright Wing turned and taunted Bucket Bridle, “Yeah, ya have to eat evewyting.” Bucket Bridle groaned and whimpered, as he sat back down with a humph and started to eat his greens, as Cadence came over and hugged him, “Well there’s always a picky eater. But it’s nice to know no dessert is still a valid threat these days.” The other two guards giggled as Bucket Bridle blushed. Shining Armor came upon the scene just a short time later, but when he saw Cadence he blushed and backed up, “Cadence?” He asked nervously. The foals turned and shouted in horror, “Captain Shining! They all ran behind Cadence. Cadence giggled, looked up at her colt friend, and asked him,”Shining, what is it?” Shining slowly regained his composure and replied, “I was told those three made quite a show at the garden party. I just wanted to know if they were alright.” They all looked up at him as Bright Wing asked, “Wait we not in twouble? Shining gazed at them with a downtrodden look as he mumbled “We’ll have to see. I will have to tell Princess Celestia what happened though. And I’m sure I’ll be in more trouble,” The guards all groaned and looked down. But Cadence looked up, and pointed her head towards them. Shining gulped and smiled, “But um...you three did a swell job at making Prince Blueblood look like the fool he is.” The guards all giggled and ran up to Shining, who blushed as they hugged him. He looked up at Cadence, who smiled and shrugged as she said to the guards,”Alright you three, get back to eating your food.” “Okay Cady.” They all said in unison, climbed back into their high chairs, and resumed their meals. Shining came up to Cadence and whispered, “I'm so sorry for leaving them with you. I didn't know…” She eyed him and kissed him, ”It's okay. I know how uncomfortable you are with foals,” She turned to the guards before looking back at Shining Armor as she asked. “Are they really royal guards?” Shining and Cadence both looked at them as he whispered. “Yeah, surprisingly they are. I didn't think that something like this would happen.” Cadence turned to her colt friend with concern and asked. “So, how long will they be like this?” Shining shrugged as he responded. “Who knows? I’ve heard that Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are working on a cure as we speak.” Cadence looked back at three foals, eating their food with little grins and bouncing up and down. She giggled. “Well I don't mind watching them, they're so well behaved for foals their age.” Shining scoffed slightly. “Well behaved?! They threw doughnuts at Blueblood, not that I think he didn’t deserve to be made a fool of..” Cadence turned back to her colt friend and growled slightly. “I saw the whole thing, Blueblood was picking on Cannon Feather for giving him doughnuts.” Shining gasped, he hadn’t heard the full story just the basic details from the complaining Blueblood covered in jelly and powder. “Really?!” He turned to Cannon Feather, who was currently sucking on his sippy cup. Shining came up to Cannon Feather and said to him. “Hey, Cannon Feather.” Cannon Feather looked up. “Hey Captain Shining. Whas wrong?” Shining hugged Cannon Feather and profusely apologized. “I'm so sorry for leaving you with Blueblood, I would never think he would've stooped so low as to bully foals.” Cannon Feather smiled and hugged Shining. “Is okay, I’m a royal guard.” Shining looked at him with concern. “You sure you’re okay?” He asked. “Yeah, I sure….I went through worse.” He looked up at his captain’s giant blue eyes as Shining ruffled his mane. “Well, I promise I’ll never leave you with Blueblood again.” Shining told him. Cannon Feather hugged him, as Shining held him close. Cadence dawwed at the scene, as Celestia and Luna came in. Celestia looked up at the foals as they all shouted “Cewestia!” The guards all ran up to her! She eyed them, making them all quiver as she said seriously, “I heard that you three made quite a mess at the party.” “We're really sorry.” They all whimpered. Celestia bent down and nudged them as she told them, “But, I won't spank any of you.” “You won’t?!” The three all asked in surprise. Celestia nodded, “Indeed I won’t. In fact the only one who's getting punished is Shining,” She turned to the captain, and as he backed up she replied, “I specifically asked you to watch the foals, not pawn them off onto others.” Shining bowed his head, “Yes, Princess Celestia. I understand. Guess I’m going on probation, huh?” But Celestia replied, “I won’t put you on probation, seeing as I don't feel like it. Besides I might need you to watch the foals later on. However, I think cleaning up the mess hall in the barracks after dinner time tonight should be punishment enough.” Shining bowed his head and nodded. “I accept your punishment.” Celestia smiled, “Good.” She then went to Cadence and they talked in hushed whispers. The three foals trembled even more, especially Bucket Bridle who whimpered, “Oh, Cewestia is gonna put me back in diapees.” Cadence went to the foals as she hugged the three of them and whispered, “I’ll see you three later. I'm going to get some stuff and then I’ll bring you dessert, okay?” “Okay!” The three shouted together. Shining then walked off with his mare friend as Celestia turned to the foals, and they all cowered before her gaze as she said to them., “Now, I know that you three were trying to help at the party. And I heard how Prince Blueblood was rude to you three.” Cannon Feather whimpered. “Yeah, I got him doughnuts and he yewwed at me. Bwight Wing just twied to hewp, is aww my fault.” Celestia dawwed and hugged Cannon Feather. “It’s okay, it’s not your fault,” He smiled as she added. “Now that we’ve got that out of the way, I want to tell you that my sister and I didn't find a cure just yet.” The foals all groaned as Bright Wing asked. “Bu wha tuwned us into foals?” Celestia continued. “The curse used on you was very powerful and complicated, it could take some more time before Luna and I can turn you three back to normal,” She then turned to Bucket Bridle who gulped as she said to him. “Now, I heard that you missed the potty,” Bucket Bridle blushed, as Celestia smiled and told him. “But, I don't think that you’ll have to wear diapers.” Bucket Bridle eyed her and asked. “So if we not going to wear diapees, wha are we wearing?” Celestia gave a motherly smile. “Follow me. Luna should be back soon with my little surprise.” The guards were now in Celestia’s room, where Luna laid out a package of unopened training pants. They all gasped “Training pants!” They exclaimed. Celestia nodded. “Yes, dears. I figured out that you three are around three years old. And we don't need anymore accidents, especially not on the castle floors.” They all sighed and grumbled, as Luna took up the package and opened it. She took out three pairs that were bright blue in color and made of a padded plastic material. She blushed as she asked. “Now, will thou turn thy rumps towards me?” They all reluctantly turned, and felt the plastic pants be pulled up around their rumps, and their tails threaded through the tail holes. Luna smiled. “Thouest are now protected from accidents.” They all turned and grumbled at their new blue padding now tied around their chubby waists. Bucket Bridle cried a bit. “Tia, I really sowwy for making a mess earlier? Can we not wear the training pants, pwease?” Celestia cooed. “This isn't a punishment. These are just to assist in your potty training. Once you start getting better at making it to the potty on time, then we can talk about taking them off,” They all still looked at their new little blue plastic pants in embarrassment. Celestia bent down and nuzzled them tenderly as she continued. “Also, I put training potties in every bathroom. So just ask an adult if you need to go, okay?” The guards all looked at each other, unsure about the new rule. At last, Bright Wing asked. “So, we can't go potty by ourselves?” Celestia continued with her tender tone, “You're really young, Bright Wing. And for us to see how you're doing, we need to have an adult assist you. I'm sorry, but this will help you three in potty training.” They all sighed, as Luna replied and offered. “Now that that's done how about I show thee to thy’s new room?” “New room?!” Bright Wing exclaimed. They were led down the hall across from Celestia’s room. Luna opened the door, revealing a room painted blue with clouds covering the walls, making it look like the sky. In the back of it was a large bed with three small white pillows, and a giant blue comforter. There was also a toy chest near the bed brimming with stuff, with some plastic objects poking out. And on the right side of the room, was a closet filled with stuffy suits and foal clothes made for young colts. Bright Wing asked. “So, we going to live here?” Celestia happily replied with a smile. “Of course. The cure may take some time so I thought we could get you settled in here for a while.” The guards all perked up a bit upon seeing the room, and then Cannon Feather squealed “Tis is awesome!” He climbed onto the bed and started to jump up and down! Bright Wing got onto the middle of the bed, and just snuggled on the sheets and began rolling around. Bucket Bridle growled. “But we ya royal guards we not wittwe cowts.” Celestia replied while trying to suppress a smile. “Yes, I know that. But from the fiasco at the party, I think it's safe to assume you can't perform your duties at the moment.” Bucket Bridle lowered his head. “I guess not. But you will get us back to normal, right?” Celestia sighed, but she didn’t dare reply truthfully. “I promise I'll do whatever i can to find a cure,” She lied, knowing full well that there was a good possibility no cure existed. She then hugged him and asked. “What did you like doing as a colt?” Bucket Bridle looked up. “Weww...I did wike pretending I was a royal guard when I was wittle.” He mumbled. Celestia went over to the toy chest and they all turned to see three sets of plastic gold colored armor come out. “Di you get us armor?!” The foals exclaimed to her! Celestia giggled. “Well, it's not real armor,” She then helped the foals put on the plastic armor. Bucket Bridle even smiled upon seeing himself in the gold armor, even if it was made of plastic gave him a sense of pride. Celestia dawwed. “Ohm now you are my cute little guards,” She took out three plastic helmets and set them on their little heads. Then they ran to a small mirror and looked at themselves in their toy armor. Celestia then cleared her throat as she announced. “Now that you’re colts, I have a few more rules that you must follow,” They all looked up at her as she said to them. “Now I’m going to be your caretaker for the most part, which means you're going to have to follow my rules. That includes going to bed when asked and eating what I put on your plates.” They all nod their heads in agreement. They then all came up to her as Bright Wing asked. “Wait, now that we're cowts, do we have to go to school?” Celestia smiled even as she shook her head. “No, I think you three are too young for that. You'll stay in the palace, and I'll find some ponies to keep you company and play with you. And I’ll sometimes have to get somepony to else to watch you while I attend to my royal duties.” They all nodded, as Cannon Feather blushed, rubbing his hoof on the ground “Umm...can...can we go to a amusement park?” He asked. “Maybe,” Celestia told him. “Tell you what? If you're a good little foal, then I'll see if we can.” Cannon Feather giggled and squealed happily! “Yes!” Celestia turned to the guards and she said to them. “Now, I have a lot to catch up on with my royal duties. Cadence will be by soon, but can you behave and play nicely by yourselves for a bit?” They all nodded, so she replied. “Good. I'll be back to tuck you in tonight.” Celestia left, and the guards all sighed. Bright Wing pouted. “Now, we'll never prove we’re royal guards.” Canon Feather happily replied! “So, didn't ya hear her?! We get to go to an amusement park if we behave ourselves!” Bucket Bridle growled at him. “Ya kiddin me, wight? Why ya acting wike such a foal?” Cannon Feather stuck his tongue out and muttered back. “Because we awe foals, we might as well enjoy ourselves.” Bright Wing replied. “I dun know, I think we can at least help out, even if Celestia thinks we can't.” Cannon Feather mumbled. “Wike what?” Bright Wing shrugged. Cannon Feather groaned as he held his plastic blue training pants and babbled “Howd that thought, I gots ta go to ta potty,” He waddled out the door and bumped into Cadence as he exclaimed. “Cady, ya back!” Cadence smiled. “I told you I would be, didn't I?” Then she noticed his training pants growing a little green as she asked. “Cannon Feather, do you need to use the potty?” He nodded, kicking his legs and bouncing up and down. Cadence quickly lead him to a bathroom across the room.“Come on, dear. You can make it.” She encouraged him. > Chapter 4: A Nighttime full of trouble > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shining Armor was wondering the halls of Canterlot palace mumbling, ”’Cadance has been gone all day. I hope those foals didn't knock her out.” He opened the door to their new room and peeked in seeing Cannon Feather, Bucket Bridle and Bright Wing climbing all over Cadence and laughing while doing it. Cannon Feather shouted, “We got the pink monster!” “Yeah I got her wings!” Bucket Bridle replied. Cadance playfully growled, “No, you can’t defeat the pink monster from the crystal empire!” “Na uh.” Bright Wing taunted as he held onto her neck making her fall on the ground with fits of laughter. They all clambered on top of her hugging her and shouting! “Yeah, we beat the monster!” She laughed and hugged them. “Oh, you three did it! You're still so great at protecting royalty.” Cannon Feather nuzzled her. “Tanks Cady, ya the best foal sitta ever!” She laughed and nuzzled him back, “And you three are the best little colts I've ever foalsat.” Cannon Feather’s smile turned to a frown as he whimpered, “No, I made wetties in my twaining pants. I the wowse colt ever.” Cadence gave him a tender smile and cooed, “Sweetie, you're still in potty training. I told you that accidents happen.” Cannon Feather cried some more as he ran off. Bright Wing and Bucket Bridle shrugged as she took them into her embrace and she kissed them. “Alright you two, I need to talk to Cannon Feather and see if he’s okay.” She came over to him sulking in a corner, and she called, “Hey, Cannon Feather?” Cannon Feather grunted and lowered his helmet she came over and hugged him. “Hey, what’s the matter?” “I hate potty twaining!” He grumbled. “Is so stupid, woyal guards dun wet themseves!” She replied in a motherly tone, “It’s not that bad, you're doing rather well, actually.” He looked up with a pout. “How do ya know?” Cadence explained, “I've helped potty train a lot of foals. and I have to say from my personal experience, you may have trouble holding your bladder. But you realize when you have to go. That’s the first step of potty training.” He turned and said, “Okay, ya got ta teach me to be potty twained fast! I got to show Cewestia I good colt, so I can go to the amusement park!” She laughed now realizing why he was so worried and replied, “Sweetie, even if you're not potty trained, I’m sure Celestia will take you to the amusement park.” Cannon Feather eyed her as he asked, “How do ya know so much?” She laughed and ruffled his mane. “Celestia’s my aunt, silly. Besides you got potty trained before, right? I’m sure you will be able to do it again in time.” He smiled and chirped, “Yeah, okay. Bu I stiww wanna be potty twained fast!” Cadence then heard Shining shout. “Princess Celestia!” “Captain Shining!” Celestia replied in a warm and motherly tone. Cadence turned and asked her coltfriend. “Um Shining, what’s going on?” Shining Armor entered the room with Celestia as the sun princess replied, “He was outside the door, probably scared by the pink monster and her heroes.” They all giggled as Shining grumbled. Cadence came up and said with a giggle, “Oh Shining, if you wanted to play, you could've just asked.” “Oh come on you two, you’re setting a bad example,” Shining mumbled. “They may be foals but they’re still technically royal guards. The only reason they’re not still on duty is because royal guards can’t take potty breaks every few minutes.” The mares laughed as Celestia then instructed, “Alright, you two can leave. I’ll care for the foals tonight.” Before they left Cadence whispered to Celestia, who nodded as Cannon Feather cried and went under the blanket as Bucket Bridle mumbled, “Ya think we in trouble? We aw made wetties in owa diapees.” Bright Wing blushed. “I made a witte messy, potty twaining is tough.” Celestia just smiled as she turned to her foals who were now all looking at her as she told them, “Now that I’ve got a full report from Cadance, you three seem to be making progress in potty training.” “Weawwy, bu we all made wetties ow messies.” They said in confusion. Celestia replied in a motherly, “You forget that you all noticed you felt the urge to use the potty, which means we're making progress. Knowing when you have to go is a good start,” They all smiled at this as she continued, “Now, how about I tuck you in?” They all squealed and raced to go under the blankets. Soon, they all snuggled under their blanket, as Celestia came over, put the sheets up to their chins, and snuggled them with her muzzle, “I’m so proud of you three.” She motherly cooed. Cannon Feather looked up. “Weawwy?” “Yes really,” She said, and kissed him on the forehead as she continued, “Besides, I will never forget how you three risked your very lives to save me. This is the least I can do to make up for it..” They all blushed as she continued, “How about a story then?” She took a book with a white cover in her magic. “Now I have a wonderful story about guards. It’s called ‘The Guard from Whiterun’.” “Whitewun? Whas tat?” They all asked together. “A far away place, one that you’ve probably never heard of,” Celestia told them. “Now, do you want to hear the story?” Cannon Feather happily shouted, “Yeah, wet’s hewe it!” Celestia nodded and obliged, “Alright you three, now lay down and relax as I tell you the tale.” She began to read the story, as the foals all snuggled in, listening. “Then he fought the falmers with his long sword, keeping them at bay as he rushed along the dark tunnels,” Celestia narrated. The foals were all shivering underneath their blanket when she added, “At last, he escaped, went up the elevator to the mountain, and sighed in content. ‘Yes, I made it!’ He said proudly!” The foals all shouted! “Yeah, he made it!” Celestia nodded and narrated. ”Yes, the brave adventurer had finally made it, but now he knew he must prove himself to the champions,” She then closed the book as she asked. “So, what do you think?” Cannon Feather replied, “He wowkin hawd and vewy bwave by goin in that scawy pwace aw awone.” Bright Wing nodded, “Yeah, he weally bwave. But I thought ya said he’s gwad not a adventurer?” Celestia giggled. “Oh, he will be eventually, but for now we’ll stop the story there,” She then bent down and kissed their heads, as she nuzzled each of them and whispered. “Now get some sleep my little guards,” She then began leaving the room, but when she had shut the light off she turned her head and added, “I’ll post a guard outside the room. If you need to go potty ask him, okay?” “Okay.” They all mumbled, as she gently closed the door behind her. In the darkness Bucket Bridle whispered, “Hey Bwight Wing, ya the smartest. Aw fawmas real?” Bright Wing shook his head. “I dun tink so, they fake.” Cannon Feather turned his head to Bright Wing and asked, “Bwight Wing, is evewyting in books weal?” Bucket Bridle retorted. “Na uh, have ya wead Dawing Do? Those books couwdn’t be weal.” Bright Wing whispered, “There’s wumors that Dawing Do is weal.” The foals gasped as Cannon Feather replied, “No way, ya mean thewe is weally monstews, twaps and aww tat stuff?!” Bright Wing shrugged, ”Tey wumors, but some ponies say Dawing Do is a weal pony and wha happened in her books actuawwy happen.” “How many did ya wead?” Cannon Feather asked. Bright Wing blushed a bit as he explained, “Weww, I wead every Dawing Do book when I knew how to wead.” ”Ten, awe fawmas weal?” Bucket Bridle asked in a worried tone. Bright Wing shook his head, “Tey not weal!” Cannon Feather laid back and babbled, “Bu you said Dawing Do might be weal. If fawmas are weal, then Cewestia is in trouble!” Bucket Bridle agreed and asked, ”Wight bu if they weal, why wouwd tey attack?” “Cause tey hate the sunwight and Cewestia contwols the sun! So if tey foawnap her the sun wiww be gone!” Cannon Feather squealed anxiously! Bucket Bridle nodded, “We got ta pwotect her!” But Bright Wing retorted. “I dun tink so! Fawmas awen’t weaw!” Unfortunately, neither Bucket Bridle or Feather Cannon listened. The two buried themselves under the blanket, shivering as Bucket Bridle asked. “Wha if fawmas attack the caswel whiwe we sweepin?!” Cannon Feather nodded. “As woyal guawds, we gots to protect the pwincess no matter what!” Bright Wing sighed and protested, “Bu, we gonna get in big twoube! She wans us in bed!” But Bucket Bridle firmly replied, “It doesn't matta! If monstas awe out thewe, we have to pwotect Tia!” The others giggled as Cannon Feather asked, “Why ya call Cewestia, Tia?” Bucket Bridle blushed and whispered, ”Is noting, now wet’s go!” He jumped out of bed, went to the toy closet, and began putting on his plastic armor. Cannon Feather also jumped out and began putting on his plastic armor. Bright Wing mumbled, “Weww, didn ya two hear? Thewe’s a guard outside. He won wet you two go.” Cannon Feather turned and said with a smile, “Weww, if ya dun want to get in trouble, then you go distwact the guawd by saying you got to go potty.” Bright Wing got up and grumbled, “Fine, bu I stiww tink this is a dumb idea.” He waddled out the bedroom door, and found the guard from the party that had escorted Bucket Bridle. The guard turned with a grin. “Hey little guy, need to use the potty?” He asked. Bright Wing smiled, “Yeah I do..was ya name?” The guard blushed and bowed, “I’m Battleheart, at you service young hero.” “Hewo? I no hewo.” Bright Wing babbled, humbly rubbing his hooves off the carpet. Battleheart shook his head. “Captain Shining Armor explained how the three of you risked your lives to save Princess Celestia’s life and got changed into foals as a result,” He bent down and nuzzled Bright Wing as he added, “Helping you to the potty is the least I can do.” Bright Wing hugged him and said, “Ya weally nice.” Battleheart ruffled his mane and smirked, “Always did have a soft spot for children. Now then, kid, let’s get you to the potty.” Bright Wing turned to see his training pants turning a bit green, and blushing he nodded, ”Yeah, wet's go.” They rushed off to the bathroom as Bucket Bridle and Cannon Feather snuck out the door and headed to Celestia’s bedroom. The two foals were now outside of Celestia’s room standing alert, pumping out their chubby chests and looking around for suspicious activity. Bucket Bridle turned and asked, “So the pwincess said they wook wike big, ugwy monkeys. Is tat twue?” “Yeah, tey sound scawy” Cannon Feather whimpered, “I bwave, bu I hope they dun come.” Bucket Bridle turned and said confidently. “Dun wowwy, we can hoof it Cannon Feathew, we woyal guards.” “Okay,” Cannon Feather whimpered as he rubbed his eyes trying to stay. They look around some more as Cannon Feather then replied, “I dun get one ting though, whewe is Skywim anyway? I neva heawd of it.” Bucket Bridle shrugged, “I dun know, bu it sounds wike the Fwozen Nowth. But it might be a pwace we haven't found yet.” Canon Feather replied, “Weww I dun want go there, they got dwagons, twolls and scawy wolves.” Bucket Bridle pufffed out his chest! “I not scawed of them!” He boasted!” I wiww go ta Skywim and defeat those meanie dwagons.” Cannon Feather laughed, “Well, we gots ta get back ta nowmal before tat, because no pony will take ya seriously in pwastic awmor and twaining pants.” Bucket Bridle growled, “Take tat back, piddwe pants!” He slammed into Cannon Feather! As they rolled around, they heard clopping comong from down the hall, and both stopped fighting and looked up in alarm. Cannon Feather whimpered, “Bucket Bwidle, sompony is coming down the hall.” Bucket Bridle whispered, “I’ww go check it out.” He slowly got off Cannon feather and waddled down the hall. As he turned the corner he saw a shadow reflecting on the wall by the light of moon. ”Who waks awound the caswle wate at night?” Cannon Feather asked in a whisper. Bucket Bridle whispered in reply. “Onwy te woyal guard, and I dun think tey have wings and howns.” “Wha about Woona?” Cannon Feather asked with concern. Bucket Bridled shrugged, “I dun know.” He replied as the shadow came closer. “It couwd be a monstew!” Cannon Feather exclaimed! “If it is, we bewwer get it before it eats Tia!” Bucket Bridle shouted! Cannon Feather began to shiver and felt his bladder leaking as the creature came closer. But Bucket Bridle fixed his helmet on his head and shouted, “Alwight we'll tackwe tis monster!” Cannon Feather whimpered, “I dun know, I scawed Bucket Bwidle.” He was going to cry, when Bucket Bridle hugged him. “Is okay, now I need your hewp.” They both nodded as they looked back at the createur and Bucket Bridle whispered, “On thwee we chawge, weady?” Cannon Feather whimpered as he nodded in agreement. Bucket Bridle whispered, “One…” Cannon Feather felt more urine leak and his legs shaking as he nodded again. Bucket Bridle continued “Two…” Cannon Feather was now shaking all over, he felt his training pants leaking as Bucket Bridle shouted, “Thwee! Charge!” Bucket Bridle ran forward, as Cannon Feather waddled behind but felt his sagging training pants. They caught the monster's forelegs and it came tumbling down! Then Bucket Bridle smiling, turned to Cannon Feather as he happily shouted! “We did it! We got ta monstew!” Cannon Feather waddled over, grumbling, “I made wetties in my twaining pants again.” That was when Bucket Bridle heard. “What be the meaning of this?” Bucket Bridle and Cannon Feather turned, gasping as they realized who they’d attacked “Woona!” Luna got up and eyed the two foals, “And why arest you two up?!” She demanded of them. Bucket Bridle gulped. “Um, we’re um just…” But before he could reply, another voice asked, “Yes, why are you two up?” The two guards turned and saw Celestia standing over them as Bucket Bridle groaned. “Oh tis isn good.” All three foals were now sitting on the bed in their room, as Cannon Feather and Bucket Bridle were crying with sore rumps (in clean training pants). “Now what in Equestria are you three doing up?!” Celestia demanded, sounding very serious and angry. “And why did you tackle Luna?!” Bucket Bridle cried. “We wewe wowwied about you, Tia. We scawed abou the monstews fwom the stowy.” “Yeah, we wew wowwied they wewe going ta eat you.” Cannon Feather cried. Luna came in and asked, “Wait, thouest were trying to pull night shifts?” Bucket Bridle nodded and whimpered, “Yeah, kind of.” Celestia sighed. “It's my fault,” She told her sister. “I read them an adventure book I came across, I think their overactive imaginations took hold.” But Luna replied. “It’s okay, I am quite amazed that these foals still see themselves as royal guards,” Celestia subtly glared at her sister who began to sweat and added “But thy should be still ashamed of thyselves for getting out of bed! Such an act would be punished severly one thousand years ago! A few spankings is mild compared to what parents used to use for dolling out punishment!” The guards all looked down in shame as Celestia told them in a gentler tone, “It’s okay you three, nopony got hurt. But now I want you all in bed, and no more getting up except if you have to use the potty,” They all nodded and sulked as they climbed back under the covers. Celestia came over to them and re-tucked them under the sheets as she added,, “Now i'd rather not catch you three up again until I raise the sun...do you understand?” They all nodded and Celestia told them, “Good, now get some sleep.” Luna turned and winked at the guards, making the foals all smile. She closed the door as Celestia commented with a sigh, “I should've known taking care of foals would be hard.” Battleheart looked up and bowed his head as he said, “Princess Celestia, I apologize. It’s my fault the foals were able to escape.” Celestia smiled, “It’s alright, you were just escorting Bright Wing to the bathroom, you couldn’t have known or done anything. I’ll assign another guard to help with keeping our foals safe. That way if they try this again, it will be much harder.” The guard nodded. “Yes, Princess Celestia.” Celestia walked off with her sister as Luna spoke up, “Well, you have to admit, they were just trying to protect thee.” “Yes, it seems they still truly believe they are royal guards despite their age regression,” Celestia commented, and a frown formed upon her face as with a reluctant sigh she added., “I must tell them that there is no cure, or find a cure rather quickly. Their confusion of what’s going on could cause trouble later on.” “What will happen if there is no cure?” Luna whispered in concern. Celestia continued, “If that is the case, I would...I would consider adopting them. But I don’t know how I could be their mother and support Equestria at the same time. Also, if their parents are around, they deserve to know what happened to them.” Luna bowed her head, “I see…” Celestia then continued with a smile,”Luna, I know you’ve grown quite attached to them. If you wish, you could play with the foals as much as you want. Just as long as it doesn’t interfere with your royal duties.” Luna sighed, “It will be quite difficult, being The Princess of The Night and all.” She dropped her head in dissapointment as Celestia continued, “Luna..” But Luna just walked off. Celestia wanted to comfort her sister but couldn’t think of anything that she could suggest. As the two sisters were walking away, Cannon Feather opened the door. Battleheart looked down and said to him, “Cannon Feather, unless you need to go potty, I don’t think you should be up.” Cannon Feather whimpered, “I know...but I fowgot to say sorry to Woona.” Battleheart smiled and sighed, “Alright, but let’s be quick about it.” Cannon Feather giggled, as Battleheart escorted him down the hall. Luna was laying in her bed in her room on the top floor of the palace. Looking at the night sky she wondered to herself, “Why, why did Nightmare Moon turn those guards to foals?!” She then heard something and turned her head to see Cannon Feather crawl up as she shouted, “Cannon Feather! What arest thou doing-” But then she saw that he had tears in his eyes as he ran to her hooves crying, “I’m sowwie… I’m sowwie for tacklwng you.” Luna hugged him close as she hushed him, “Hush now it’s alright,” She cooed, delighting in feeling how soft he was.” Cannon Feather looked up and whimpered, as she picked him up and hugged him back. “It should be we...I mean I… should be saying sorry for turning you and your friends into foals.” He looked up and asked, “So um..ya okay?” He then got off the bed and slowly crawled away as Luna replied, “Um, Cannon Feather?” He turned as she smiled and asked, “Would thou..would you like to stay up with me for a bit longer tonight?” Cannon Feather smiled, “I wouwd wove that!” He happily exclaimed, but then whimpered as he realized, “Bu Cewestia, wiww give me spankies if I don get back to bed.” Luna bent her head down and nuzzled him with her muzzle, “Not if i’m here with you.” She told him. He smiled and thought for a second before nodding his head “Otay.” He ran up to her and hugged her. And she let him nuzzle her chest making her laugh. She then laid him down in her lap, letting him nuzzle deep into her chest as she whispered, “There there.” He slowly put his hooves around her, making her tear up a bit as she looked down at him, and he drifted to sleep. Battleheart smiled as he turned and walked away. > Chapter 5: who's protecting who? > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Luna was watching Cannon Feather sleep peacefully in her lap. as she saw Celestia raise the sun. She sighed as she thought, “Dear sister that was beautiful, I’m also shocked that it’s morning already.” She looked down at Cannon Feather and gently brushed his skin and fur, touching it ever so slightly, feeling how soft and gentle it felt on her hoof, and realising how fragile the little foal was. The princess of the night still couldn’t believe she would ever hold a foal in her life, despite having the little guard sleep in her lap all night. He eventually started winking his eyes and he turned to her with a smile, “Hey Wuna. Is it mownin?” Luna giggled as she peered back at him, “Yes it is little one, you waking up?” He rubbed his eyes with his hooves as he smacked his lips and looked up at Luna. “Hey whew am I?” She giggled and continued, “Well you fell asleep in my lap last night, dear.” He gasped and cried! “Oh no, I gonna get spankies!” Luna hushed him and whispered, “It's completely fine, I'll explain to Celestia that I let you sleep with me.” He garbled while smacking his lips, “Ok Wuna, bu stiw seweepie.” Luna lowered her head and nuzzled him, making him groan as she cooed, “It's time to wake up sleepy head.” He giggled as he kicked about, she couldn't help but smile down at him some more. He then mumbled, “Okay Wuna I’ww get up.” She then gently laid him on the ground while patting his training pants with a hoof as she replied, “Looks like they’re dry.” He giggled and blushed as he looked back up at her, “Weally, they weally dwy?” Luna giggled and nodded with a smile “Yes, they’re dry.” He squealed, “Yeah!” He then jumped up and hugged Luna, making her smirk, “I changed him twice last night, but there’s no reason to tell him about that.” When he finally let go he asked excitedly, “So Wuna, what da ya wan ta do?” Luna thought for a few minutes tapping a hoof on her chin, she replied, ”So how about you and I go play in the garden for a bit? Does that sound like fun?” He nodded and chirped, “Yeah that sounds wike awot of fun!” He squealed and ran off shouting “I’w wace ya!” Luna laughed and galloped after him! “Oh no, thouest won’t beat me!” The two eventually arrived at the garden after running through the palace. Cannon Feather was trying to catch his breathe, as Luna came up to him still full of energy and asked “You okay?” He nodded and said. “I guess I not used to my new body, besides I beat ya!” Luna smirked. “Oh, did you? Well I guess I shall have to beat you next time.” He giggled. “Okay, do ya want ta pway hide and go seek now?” She gave him a gentle smile, “Yes, let's play hide and go seek, little one.” Luna then went to a tree and placed her hooves over her eyes as she counted, “One...two...three…” Cannon Feather quickly scurried into a bush and watched as Luna finished counting. “Eight...nine...ten! Thou is coming!” She looked around the garden and wandered about, while Cannon Feather, in his bush stifled his giggling by putting his hooves over his mouth. Luna peered over a few flower beds as she asked, “Where oh where is little Cannon Feather?” She came up to a random bush and was looking through it, when she heard Cannon Feather’s giggles. Trotting over to the bush the giggles were coming from, she shifted through it until she found him. But when she got close to him, he squealed and ran off, prompting Luna to shout, “Hey, get back here!” He nagged back, “Na uh! Ya can’t catch me!” Luna giggled and ran after him while shouting, “Oh, thouest can't escape from the Princess of the Night!” She flapped her wings as she chased after him. Cannon Feather tried flying himself, but his wings just flapped rapidly while his plump little body stayed where it was. Luna picked him up in her hooves and kissed the crock of his neck, making him squeal in laughter. She then turned over and complimented the little royal guard. “You’re such a good hider!” She told “Yeah and I guess ya a good seeka.” He babbled. She smiled, “Yes I arest a great seeker.” Cannon Feather gave her puppy dog eyes as he asked. “Wuna? Can we pway again?” Luna couldn't help but let a daww slip when she replied, “Maybe, but does thouest need to use the potty first?” Cannon Feather looked at his training pants to make sure they were dry and mumbled, “Yeah, wet's go! I don wan ta make anotha wettie.” Luna held him close with her right wing as she cooed. “Alright dear, I'll escort you to the potty.” He nuzzled her fur and followed along. Luna just blushed and continued to walk back into the palace. Celestia came down onto the town square where a few ponies were watching her. But she ignored them and flew back towards the palace, for some reason she just wanted to get back to the foals and see how they were doing. She quickly flew back to the palace, went up through the halls and slowly came through the door where the foals were sleeping. She looked up at Bright Wing who was already starting to wake up in the bed next to Bucket Bridle (who was sucking on his hoof with drool pouring down his chin). Celestia couldn’t help but daww at the two with a small smile forming on her face. Upon seeing her Bring Wing gave her a giant, loving smile, making Celestia’s heart stop. She whispered, “Morning you two.” Bright Wing ran out of bed and shouted, “Mownin Cewestia!” He ran into her and hugged her forelegs. She couldn’t help but hug him back and nuzzle him as she cooed, “How are you doing, Bright Wing?” Bright Wing giggled, “Gweat! I had a gweat sweep wast night!” Celestia replied with a smile, “That sounds wonderful,” Then she asked. “Did you wet the bed?” He blushed as she patted his rump, felt that it was quite damp, and cooed, “It’s alright, a child’s bladder can be unpredictable. How about I get you cleaned up?” Bucket Bridle mumbled “Wha’s goin on?” He rubbed his eyes and looked up at Celestia, he also smiled at her, making the princess’s heart flutter with maternal love. He then saw Bright Wing hugging Celestia and jumped off shouting, “Hey ,I wove ya too, Tia!” And ran up to hug her legs as she laughed. “Oh Bucket Bridle, I love you too.” He just nuzzled her leg making her laugh. “Alright, now I’m betting you're wet too.” She patted his damp training pants, as he blushed and turned his head in shame. She just smiled and said, ”It’s alright, it’s quite natural for foals your age to wet themselves overnight. Now let’s get you two cleaned up,” She then escorted the two to the bathroom as she turned her head and asked, “Wait, where’s Cannon Feather?” Bright Wing turned and explained, “Oh, I saw him weave, saying someting about saying sowwy to Wuna.” “Oh, did he?” Celestia asked, as she thought. “I was wondering where Luna was, I guess she has our missing foal.” Just then, Cannon Feather smiled, as he saw his friends being escorted by Celestia. He shouted. “Bucket Bwidwe! Bwight Wing!” They turned their heads as he ran into them, giving both of his fellow guards a hug as they giggled together. Bucket Bridle asked. “Whewe have ya been?” Celestia looked up at Luna who blushed and turned her head down. The princess of the sun came up to her sister and nuzzled her as Luna explained, “I’m sorry I was going to take Cann-” Celestia hugged her, interrupting her sister as she whispered. “It’s alright, I’m glad you spent time with Cannon Feather.” They both turn their heads to the foals all laughing and talking to each other. Celestia then whispered and asked, “Luna, do you feel something weird when you're around them?” Luna blushed. “Yes, dear sister. Thy can’t help but nurture them.” Celestia nodded her head. “I feel exactly the same. I almost have half a mind of taking today off and spending it with them.” Luna smiled, even though she was surprised. “Thou is a princess, can't she do just that?” She questioned. Celestia sighed. “There’s a few matters I need to take care of. As much I would love to spend time with them all day long, but I can’t.” Luna gave a yawn as she responded. “Yes thou feels the same. And I must rest soon.” Celestia continued, “Did he keep you busy last night?” Luna shook her head. “He wet himself twice but didn’t wake up.” Celestia laughed a bit. “Looks like all three of our foals have zero bladder control at night. Bucket Bridle and Bright Wing soaked their training pants and the sheets.” The two laughed together, while Bucket Bridle was the first to ask. “Cannon Feather, whew have ya been?” Cannon Feather blushed, “Oh I just swept in Wuna’s wap tat's all.” Bucket Bridle hugged him while shouting. “Why di ya do that?! Tia is gonna spank ya now!” Cannon Feather with a pout shouted, “Na uh! Wuna said, as wong as I with hew I get no spankies!” Bright Wing shouted back, “Na uh, she wying!” Celestia came over and said to the guards, “Alright you three stop fighting, no pony is going to get spanked,” She then bent down and whispered, “In fact I think all three of you should spend more time with my sister,” They all perked up as she asked, “Luna, would you like to feed them breakfast?” “Of course!” Luna immediately replied. She scooted them with her muzzle as she said theom. “Come on you three, time for some num nums!” Luna was now watching the three as they climbed onto the royal dining table, where three bowls of steaming porridge waited for them sprinkled with sugar and strawberries. Luna bowed her head and encouraged. “Go on, dig in.” They all began digging their spoons into the porridge, and ate their food happily. Bright Wing suddenly turned and asked. “Hey, Wuna, afta bweakfast, can we go pway with you?” But Bucket Bridle protested. “We can’t, we gots mownin dwill.” Luna just laughed. “Bucket Bridle, thouest no longer has to worry about morning drill,” Bucket Bridle grumbled and went back to his food, as Luna turned to Bright Wing and told him. “Yes dear, I would love to play with you three before I retire for the day. But you must eat all of your breakfast first.” Bright Wing and Cannon Feather started eating their porridge as fast as they could while Bucket Bridle reluctantly picked up his spoon and resumed his meal. Before long he looked up and asked. “Hey, Wuna, um... wha happen on the Summa Sun Cewebwation? How di ya tuwn good?” Luna smiled at him and replied. “Well that’s a long story and to tell you the truth I don’t remember much.” “Bu wha about those six ponies? The ones that Cewestia was talkin too? Who wewe they?” Bright Wing asked. Luna smiled as she continued. “Well, from what Celestia told me, they used the Elements of Harmony to purge the evil Nightmare Moon from me.” Bucket Bridled groaned. “Ya mean tose six mawes saved ya and Cewsta’s wife?” Luna nodded. “I believe so. It is likely that those six did indeed use the Elements of Harmony.” “Wha awe those?” Cannon Feather asked out of curiosity. Luna laughed. “Oh, such curious foals you are,” She then replied, “I don't know exactly. But my sister and I used to use them to keep Equestria safe from monsters. Unfortunately, my sister and I lost our connection to them when I became evil.” Bright Wing babbled. “So if the Ewememts of Hawmony awe back, does that mean we can't be woyal guawds?” Luna laughed again. “Oh no, dears. We still need royal guards to help keep the peace and maintain law within Equestria.” Bucket bridle sighed in relief. “Okay, at weast we stiw got a job when we get back ta nowmal.” Luna nodded, as Shining Armor came into the dining room, prompting the foals to all shout, “Mownin Shing Awmoa!” Shining blushed as he coughed and greeted. “Morning to you as well,” He then turned to Cannon Feather and asked. “Cannon Feather, can you come with me please?” His friends turned as Bright Wing asked. “Whas happenin? Is Cannon Fetah in twouble?” Shining shook his head and continued, “No, but from what Princess Celestia told me it’s a private matter.” Cannon Feather reluctantly got off his chair and waddled up to Shining as he shouted, “Wait, I gots to pway with Wuna though!” Luna dawwed as she came up to Cannon Feather and told him. “It’s okay, thouset must go and see what my sister needs of you, we shall play when you return.” Cannon Feather ran up and gave her a hug then he scampered off with Shining, following him down the hall. As the two walked together Cannon Feather looked up and asked, “So, um, Shining. Can ya tew me why Cewestia wants me?” Shining shrugged,”I don’t know,” He replied. “She just sent for you and that was it. She wouldn’t tell me anything else.” Cannon Feather nodded and mumbled. “Okay.” He started to shake a bit as Shining replied to him, “Hey, it’s okay, I don’t think you're in any trouble.” Cannon Feather gulped, “Ya suwe?” He asked. Shining smiled, “I’m sure, now come on, we don’t want to keep the princess waiting.” He continued on as he looked back at Cannon Feather. Perking up a bit Shining thought, “Cadance talked non stop about those three, I haven’t seen her so happy in a long time. I’d actually feel kind of sad if Celestia found a cure already.” The two finally came upon the throne room, where two pegasi stood before Princess Celestia. One was a blue coated pegasus stallion with gold eyes and a curly black mane. On the left was a pegasus mare in a simple blue dress. She had a white coat with a swirly blue mane, and blue eyes, Cannon Feather gasped, he recognized those two! “Auntie?! Uncwe?!” The two pegasi turned and smiled. “Hello Cannon Feather.” They greeted warmly. His aunt smiled at him as Cannon Feather shouted, “Why ya two hewe?!” His uncle growled a bit. “Well now, that’s not how you greet family.” He lightly scolded. Celestia, sitting on her throne, responded and asked. “So Cannon Feather are these two your uncle and aunt?” Cannon Feather nodded and stared at the ground as he growled. “Yeah, they my auntie and uncwe.” The stallion turned to Princess Celestia, “Thank you for caring for our nephew.” Celestia smiled and bowed her head, “It’s my pleasure,” She then continued, “Now, what can I do for you two?” The uncle continued, “Well, let me introduce myself. I’m Gold Feather, the uncle of Cannon Feather. Due to Cannon Father’s age regression and your inability to find a cure I oblige that we take Cannon Feather back under our wing.” Cannon Feather immediately shouted in protest, “No, I neva goin back with ya!” They both turned as Cannon Feather ran behind Shining, “I woyal guwad! Ya going to twy to make me into a noblw pony again!” Celestia cleared her throat and replied, “Gold Feather and…” The mare bowed, “Silver Wing.” She answered. Celestia smiled, “Gold Feather and Silver Wing, I do see that you are Cannon Father's family. But until I find a cure, he is still technically a stallion and can therefore make his own decisions.” Cannon Feather shouted happily, “Weally, Cewestia?!” He asked, to which she nodded. Gold Feather growled, “Clearly the royal guard didn't teach you any manners.” Celestia lost her patience and shouted, “Enough! As long as you're in my presence, I won’t hear such insolent remarks to the royal guard.” The noble stallion and mare bowed again as Celestia continued, “Now Cannon Feather do you want to stay with your aunt and uncle, or here in the palace?” “The pawace! I neva goin back with my auntie and uncle agwain!” He shouted. His uncle growled as his aunt gave a humpf. Celestia smiled, “It seems Cannon Feather made his decision, good day you two.” They both gave Cannon Feather angry looks as his uncle growled and warned, “When we do get you under our custody, you will be punished severely.” Cannon Feather stuck his tongue out at them. When they left Celestia, turned to Cannon Feather who ran up to her and hugged her making all the royal guards blush. Celestia tried not to smirk. “Cannon Feather, thank you for that.” Cannon Feather immediately asked, “Cewestia, can ya pwomice to neva give me back to my aunt and uncle?” Celestia grew a bit concerned. “Why? Did they abuse you as a foal?” She asked. Such incidents were rare but not unheard of. He looked down as he mumbled, “No, not weally, but they wanted to tuwn me into a noblw pony and I wantad be a woyal guwad.” Celestia cooed, “I see, well you don’t have to worry about them right now.” She then asked, “So you gave up being noble for being a royal guard. Why?” He smiled at her as he whispered, “Weww...um...becaswse of ya,” Celestia eyed him curiously as he continued, “Well it was a wong time ago..I was a colt and bein waised wike a noble, and I hated it.” He paused for a bit, before turning back and continuing his story, “It was a duwing a pawade, and I saw ya in ya chaiowt with ta woyal guawds all wined up. Ya told the ponies how greatful you awe and all that. But I wiked the pawt when ya named the woyal guawds that did the best. Ya towld us that they pwotect ya and help ya. And if somepony foawnapped ya, that would be awful. So I decided that I wanted to become a woyal guwad, and pwotect ya and Equestwia fwom monstas.” He giggled. Celestia cooed, “Oh, wow, that was a lot! You sure are a fast talker. But that was a good story, did you get your cutie mark that day?” She asked. Cannon Feather giggled and added, “Well ya! I got a cannon shooting feathers as a cutie mark,” He smirked, before turned to his blank rump and said, “Hopefuwwy I get it back one day.” Caelestia couldn't help but smile, before she turned to the long line of ponies lining up and reluctantly sighed, “Alright, I have work to do. Captain Armor, can you escort him back to Luna please?” “Oh...alwight.” Cannon Feather moaned, he really didn’t want to leave the princess. Shining smiled up at Cannon Feather, seeing him hugging Celestia as he thought to himself. “I always wondered what motivated him to become a royal guard? Now I see he just wanted to protect Celestia, and made that his goal in life.” Cannon Feather waddled away as Shining replied, “Cannon Feather, that was pretty brave of you.” Cannon Feather giggled. “Thanks, besides I gotta keep my pwomice ta Wuna befowe she goes ta bed!” He then ran off as Shining laughed. “Hey, wait up!” Luna was tiredly playing hide and go seek with the other two foals in the palace gardens. She lazily was looking around and yawning. “Come out, come out, wherever you are.” Suddenly she heard, “Wuna!” She turned to Cannon Feather rushing into her hooves. She smiled down at him and yawned, “Cannon Feather, it’s nice to see you. Is everything alright?” Cannon Feather looked up and said, “Yeah, evewythin is fine but ya wook tiwed.” Luna nodded as she mumbled, “Yes, I am a little. But I can still play a game of hide and seek.” “Otay! I’ww go hide!” Cannon Feather replied and rushed off! Luna she turned to Shining, and as he came up she asked, “Shining Armor that is thy’s name, correct?” Shining Armor nodded and replied, “Yes it is...you seem a bit tired. You should go get some sleep. I can watch the foals until Cadence arrives.” Luna yawned again, “I guess I am tired, but I promised Cannon Feather a game of hide and go seek, and I my keep thy’s promise.” Shining bowed, “Alright, princess, if that is what you wish.” Luna continued to the tree and yawned. “One...two...three...four...five..” She then swayed a bit and collapsed into the bushes, causing Shining and the foals to all gasp and rush to her side! ”Don't worry, I’ll get her to bed,” Shining offered, as he strained himself but still managed to pick her up in his magic, “How about you three play together while I tuck in the Princess of the Night?” He offered. “And if you have to go potty, well try to make it to a bathroom, but if you really can’t hold it in that long just go in one of the bushes. I don’t think anypony will notice, just be careful not to use any strange leaves for wiping.” The three foals all shouted together. “Otay, Captain Shining.” They gave their clumsy salutes. Shining saluted back to them and then he walked of with the snoring Luna, now having propped her upright . Bright Wing immediately asked once Shining Armor had left, “Cannon Featha, wha happen with ya and Cewestia?” Cannon Feather turned his head and said, “Wong stowie showt, my famiwy twied to take me, but I not weaving, I staying.” Bright Wing whispered, “Weally?” Bucket Bridle groaned. “Ya mean, they told owa families we tuwned ta fowls?!” He asked. Cannon Feather shrugged. “I guess so, but Cewestia said we can stay hewe untiw she finds a cuwe, and we can decide who to stay with.” Bucket Bridle blushed and whispered, “Weww, I hope my famiwy doesn come.” Bright Wing sighed, “My dad wouldn't cawe, I’m not too wowwied about him.” Changing the subject Cannon Feather asked, “So how about we pway tag ow somthin?” Bucket Bridle growled, “I onwy pwayed with Wuna becawse she’s a pwincess. I not gonna not twy be a foal all the time.” Cannon Feather poked Bucket Bridle’s chubby side and shouted. “Ya it!” He ran off as Bucket Bridle groaned, “I'm not gonna pway tag!” Bright Wing stuck his tongue out and shouted, “I bet ya can’t catch me!” Bucket Bridle shouted back, “Hey, come back hewe! No faiw getting a head stawt!” And he chased after Bright Wing with fierce determination. > Chapter 6: Shocking truths > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shining was walking back down the halls of the palace. He was panting a bit, as he was exhausted from carrying Luna. He eventually made it to the garden where he found the foals splashing each other in the fountain. Bright Wing was shouting “Mawco!” while Bucket Bridle and Cannon Feather were both shouting “Powo!” as he got closer to them. Bucket Bridle was getting cornered as he waded through the water close to the edge. Bright Wing could hear Bucket Bridle’s breathing and smiled, knowing he was getting closer to Bucket Bridle. He then shouted “Got ya!” and crashed into Bucket Bridle sending the both of them into the water, making Cannon Feather laugh out loud as Bucket Bridle shouted, “Ya cheated, I saw ya open ya eyes!” Bright Wing nagged, ”Na uh I won faiw and squea.” Cannon Feather splashed Bright Wing and shouted, “Ya fowgot about me, Bwight Wing, guess I win!” Bright Wing and Bucket Bridle glared at Cannon Feather who stepped back as they both started splashing him with water, as he laughed “Stop it!” Shining sighed and came upon the foals. “That’s enough you three, looks like you made quite the mess,” They all gasped upon seeing Shining and got out of the fountain, their training pants swelling around their rumps, making them all giggle. Shining burst out laughing making all the foals laugh before he said seriously, “Alright, let’s get you three inside and cleaned. Besides, I’ve got a surprise for you three.” A few minutes later, Shining was getting the foals dried up in one of the castle bathrooms, fluffing them up in a towel while he slipped new training pants over their rumps. He struggled a bit as he continued with Bright Wing’s rump. Bright Wing pondered to himself, “I haven’t really thought of my family since the transformation. If my dad did find out, he’ll probably only take me back if I promise to not go back into the royal guard. As for my mare friend, she’s probably on her way to give me a piece of her mind.” “Um Bright Wing, is something wrong?” Shining asked. Bright Wing, having been snapped out of his thoughts replied, “Um Shining, di ya tew owa famiwies we got tuwend ta foals?” All the foals looked up at Shining and he sweated a bit before he answered, “Well, yeah. Celestia gave the order this morning, and I had guards tell only those closest to you. We told them specifically that you will be cared for here until a cure be found.” Bright Wing sighed as he turned his head, “Oh boy, my mare friend is going to be ecstatic. She’s probably laughing her rump off at the fact that I’m practically back in diapers.” Bucket Bridle groaned, “Oh, my mommy is gonna rush over here and make me weaw diapees even if I dun wanna. Untiw I was thwee and a hawf years owd she awways made me wear them.” “Wait, are you guys worried about your parents?” Shining asked the trio. Cannon Feather bowed his head as Bright Wing shrugged, while Bucket Bridle whimpered, “A wittle, mostwy out of embewasment.” Shining smiled as best he could, “Hey, don’t worry, i’m sure things with your parents won’t be that bad. Now how about we go see your surprise?” He asked. They all perked up a bit as Shining lead them out of the bathroom and back to their room. They found foam swords on the bed, gasped, ran up to them, and started playing with them! Shining laughed, “Alright, don’t go crazy with them.” But all the same he saw how estatic they were in grabbing their foam swords, as they began walking at each other, shouting and laughing. Shining smiled as he thought to himself, “See Cadence, I can foalsit too. How hard can this be?” Hours later after Celestia her buisness in court. She decided to go back to her library to look over books on age regression in her library mumbling to herself, “This could be the cure, but it’s very difficult and a long shot. How can I test it?” A knocking disrupted her train of thought as she turned and asked, “Who is it?” “It’s Sergeant Battleheart.” A royal guard answered. Celestia marked the spell book and closed it as she said, “You can come in, Sergeant.” Sergeant Battleheart walked into the room and replied, “Sorry to disturb you, Princess Celestia, but Bucket Bridle's family has arrived.” Celestia smiled, ”Have they? Well, hopefully they’re nicer than Cannon Feather’s.” She got up and asked, “Can you get Bucket Bridle? I think he should be playing with Shining Armor right now.” “Yes Princess Celestia.” Battleheart bowed and ran off. Celestia got up with a yawn and giggled, “I can't believe Luna collapsed while playing, hopefully I won’t do the same.” She came out of the library and continued to the throne room, where she saw a pudgy white coated unicorn mare with giant blue eyes, and a pink puffy mane that swirled around her face. On her side was a saddle bag bursting with foal supplies. But what made Celestia’s eyes grow even wider was the mare’s cutie mark, it was a teddy bear! Still Celestia could only smile, “Don’t tell me this is Bucket Bridle’s mom.” She thought. She came up to the mare, who squealed with excitement and bowed, “Princess Celestia! It’s a pleasure.” Celestia continued to smile, “Yes, it’s a pleasure to see you as well,” The mare was still bowing when Celestia whispered. “Um...you can stand.” The mare stood up as she apologized, “Sorry about that, um..” She took out her hoof and said formally, “My name is Nanny Comfy Rump.” It took all of Celestia’s will power not to burst out laughing, as she bowed her head. “It’s good to meet you, Comfy Rump. Are you Bucket Bridle's mother?” Comfy laughed. “Surprised? Most ponies are when I tell them I’m Bucket Bridle's mother. His name was Padded Rump, but he didn’t like it.” Celestia snicked, “I can see why.” She thought, but outloud she replied, “Well he should be here soon.” Bucket Bridle came down the stairs with Battleheart. He groaned as his mother rushed up and hugged him! “Oh, I can’t believe you're a foal!” “Yeah yeah, is gweat ta see ya too, Mom.” Bucket Bridle mumbled. His mom kissed him and checked his training pants, making him shout, “Mom, I not a baby!” But Comfy only laughed, “From what Celestia has told me, you practically are dear.” He groaned, looking at his mother’s saddlebag and shouting. “Ya bwought youw fowl stuff, Mom?!” She smiled and cooed. “Of course I did, cutie, besides I did just get off work. I had so many foals to care for today.” Bucket Bridle then nervously whispered, “So wha about Dad, di he come?” “Oh no,” Comfy replied. “I’m sorry he’s-” But then they turned to the door as it opened, and a tall white coated earth pony stallion with yellow eyes came through the door. His saddle bags were full of balloons, his face was painted, and he wore a multi colored wig. The stallion immediately shouted, “Bucket Bridle!” As he ran through the hall, but since he was wearing his long clown shoes, he tripped and slid on the ground towards the group as Bucket Bridle groaned. “Oh Dad, why did ya not dwop off ya cwon stuff befowe ya came?” Celestia couldn't hold it back anymore and started to laugh out loud. Bucket Bridle’s dad got up and smiled, “Sorry about not coming earlier, I had three birthday parties to go to.” Celestia shook her head still giggling. “It’s alright.” The stallion came over and hugged his son. “Oh wow, you’re so small now! I’ve almost forgotten when you weren’t so tall! My, how long ago that seems!” Bucket Bridle sighed and hugged his dad back, “Hey dad, I gwad ya hewe now, bu I stiw can’t bewive ya came hewe dwess wike that! Ya embawassin me.” His dad just laughed, “Sorry, I would of but after my last birthday party, I came straight here to see you and I didn't even realise i was still wearing my clown costume until I tripped on my shoes.” Bucket Bridle was placed on the ground as he mumbled. “So whas going on? ya gonna take me home with ya?” His dad laughed and continued. “Well, only if you want to.” His mom nodded and added, “We’ll be fine if you decide you want to stay here at the palace though. With your father always so busy I’d have to take you with me to work every day.” Bucket Bridle looked up at his parents and said to them (after thinking for a moment), “Okay, well I tink I gonna stay. Hopefully Cewestia tuwns me back to a adwlt soon, and meanewhile I wana pway with Cannon Feather and Bright Wing a bit longer.” His mother ruffled his mane as she replied, “Very well, sweetie.” She then took out a purple stuffed rabbit which made Bucket Bridle blush. “Ya cawy tha awound?!” He asked. Comfy slipped it into his hooves as she cooed, “Of course, I wouldn't forget your Mr. Hopsy. You used to be unable to nap without him,” She then turned to Celestia and said, “I know you're the princess and all, but here’s a list of things you should know about my little Bucket Bridle when he was a foal.” She took out a scroll that quickly rolled down to the edge of the hall just revealing how long it was. She smiled and quickly rolled it back up as Bucket Bridle’s eyes went wide. “No Mom! She doesn't need to know aww of tat!” Comfy only replied. “Of course she does, sweetie. She needs to know how you like your baths, and what your favorites foods are, and what gives you diarrhea.” Celestia burst out laughing again as she replied, “Okay, Mrs.Comfy Rump, I'll be sure to read the list thoroughly.” Comfy then whispered, “I trust you will, but I'm serious about the diarrhea, don't ever give him too much milk, or any prune juice or raisins.” Celestia chuckled. “I'll definitely keep that in mind.” Bucket Bridle was just staring at the floor, beyond humiliated now, as his dad gave him a hug and a kiss, “We should be back tomorrow. Both your mom and I are doing a party for a newborn foal tonight. Be a good little foal for the princess, okay?” Bucket Bridle reluctantly mumbled, “Okay.” The parents waved goodbye as Celestia put the list away and asked Bucket Birdle. ”You sure you don't want to go with them?” Bucket Bridle smiled and looked up. “I'm suwe, as at weast fow now. They seem to wove embawassing me.” Celestia bowed her head, “Okay then,” Bucket Bridle squeezed his bunny and was placed on Celestia’s back as she then told him, “Bucket Bridle I ...I might have actually found a cure.” Bucket Bridle looked up with a happy expression. “Weally?! Why didn’t ya sawy so?!” He bounced around, shouting happily! “Yes! I gonna be a stawion again! Gonna be a stawion again!” Celestia continued, “Now hold on, I said I think I might have found a cure. That doesn't mean I did for sure.” Bucket Bridle stopped as he whispered, “Oh.” Celestia then explained, “Now, I’m going to try to use a reversal spell I found, on you. But I must tell you, that I’ve never used this spell before, and it might not work.” Bucket Bridle nodded, “Otay, I’w test ya spew.” Celestia escorted Bucket Brilde to the library, where she placed him on the ground and instructed, “Now, hold still.” He closed his eyes, hugging his stuffed rabbit tightly! Celestia shot a energy beam from her horn her and tendrils swirled around Bucket Bridle! Shining was now running down the halls. He looked behind him with a smile, “Good, I think I lost them.” He came around a corner and pressed himself against the wall. making him chuckle a bit as he turned to see to see if the foals were nearby. He looked down at the empty hall as he whispered, “Where did they go?” He felt foam hit his rump, making him turn to see the two foals with their foam swords in their mouths. “Hey, how did you two get here?!” He asked them. But he fell to the ground anyway, and they began crawling over him making him laugh as Bright Wing shouted, “We got ya!” Shining, still laughing, asked, “How do you two get here so fast?” Bright Wing replied with a smile, “We just wan awound and waited fow ya!” Cannon Feather just shrugged and smiled, before a guard approached them shouting, “Hey, Cannon Feather! Bright Wing!” The two foals looked up to see Bucket Bridle, but he was a stallion now grinning at them (also revealing his cutie mark a helmet with a sun on it). They both gasped, “Di Cewestia find a cuwe?!” Bucket Bridle nodded as they both shouted with glee and hugged him. Shining sighed as he got up and said, “Well, Sergent Bridle, you’re looking good.” Bucket Bridle saluted Shining Armor and replied, “Thank you, Captain Armor!” Shining saluted back as Cannon Feather sighed, “Wooks wike Bwight Wing and I should go see Pwincess Cewestia.” The two foals both looked back at Shining who told them, “Yes, come on, let’s not keep the princess waiting.” He lead the two back down the halls, as Bucket Bridle followed close behind. Celestia waited in the library, looking down deep in thought, with a small smile on her lips, “It was fun having those three as foals. But i'm more scared about this spell I used, if it doesn’t work. Then I don’t think there is a cure.” She turned to Shining and the now stallion Bucket Bridle escorting the two foals, with him. She smiled and said, “That will be all Captain Shining, you are dismissed.” Shining bowed and replied, “As you wish Princess Celestia.” He then left the room and left Celestia with the two foals and Bucket Bridle as she continued, “Now, I have to admit something to all three of you,” They all looked up at her as Celestia explained, “I don’t think there is a cure to your curse. I’ve been researching about your ailment over the greatest spell books I know, and found that this curse may not be curable.” Bucket Bridle eyed her and replied, “But I’m curious, I’m back to being a stallion.” Celestia smiled and continued, “Yes, for now.” Bucket Bridle eyed her suspiciously, “For now?” He asked. Celestia sighed, “Yes, for now. The spell I cast was the only reversal spell to the curse, but it could backfire and send you back to being foals again.” They all groaned as Cannon Feather asked, “So wha awe we gonna do afta ya cast ta spew?” Celestia replied and told them. “I want you three to remain in the castle until I can verify if the spell works for at least twenty four hours.” Bright Wing nodded, “Otay sounds goo.” Cannon Feather shrugged, “It dun sound bad ta me.” Celestia came over and pulled off their training pants, then she lit her horn as she instructed, “Now hold still while I cast the spell.” Tendrils of magic swirled around them and enveloped them in a bright burst of light. After the light died down, Bright Wing and Cannon Feather blinked as they looked upon their fully grown stallion bodies with smiles. Bright Wing laughed, “I didn’t think that I would miss seeing my old body again so much.” He turned to his rump showing two wings glowing over a spear. Cannon Feather looking back at his wings unfurling as he snickered .“Yeah it’s almost too good to be true.” Celestia looked at them with a smile as they both bowed and said together. “Thank you, Princess Celestia.” She cooed, “It was no problem at all.” They then heard the door open, and they turned to see a pegasus mare with a unkempt black mane that fell around her eyes, a light grey, coat, blue eyes, and a cutie mark depicting a rain cloud, enter. Bright Wing’s eyes went wide “Rain?” Bright Wing came up with a small smile, as she came up, slapped him across the face, and shouted, “Is this a joke?! I thought you were a foal!” Bright Wing turned with a smirk, “I was until a few moments ago, Celestia just turned me back into a stallion.” Celestia cleared her throat. “Um Bright Wing, who is this?” Bright Wing turned and said, “This is Rain, my special somepony.” Both Bucket Bridle and Cannon Feather laughed and dawwed making Bright Wing growl, “Shut up you two!” They both snickered as Bright Wing turned and said, “Princess Celestia, with your permission, I would like to go out with Rain.” Celestia bowed her head, “Of course, go right ahead. But don’t be too long." Bright Wing turned with a smile and asked, “So, Rain, want to go out with me?” Rain sighed and twirled her mane from her eyes, “Sure, let’s go.” A short time later, the couple was now sitting outside a restaurant. Bright Wing spoke up, “Rain, you're looking good.” “Shut up!” Rain shouted, “You left for a whole week without telling me where you were!” She growled. Bright Wing rolled his eyes, “Oh come on, I told you, I was going to do guard duty in Ponyville, and i’m sure Celestia didn’t want to alert everypony to the fact that I got turned into a foal.” The waiter came out with a pad and pencil and smiled at the two. “May I take your order?” He asked. Rain turned and mumbled, “Just get me a salad.” The waiter blinked and asked, “Um...what kind of salad?” Rain shrugged. “Whatever you think is good.” The waiter shrugged, wrote something down, and turned to Bright Wing, “And what can I get for you, sir?” Bright Wing sighed and mumbled, “Carrot sticks and a sippy cup of apple juice.” The waiter blinked a few times and asked, ”um…” Bright Wing sighed. “You heard me.” The waiter reluctantly wrote the order down and walked away as fast as he could. Rain turned her head and asked Bright Wing. “Still got foalish urges or something?” Bright Wing replied, “Kind of. The truth is, I have a feeling I'm going to turn back into a foal very soon. And I wanted to tell you that there is no cure.” Rain blinked a few times before she replied, “Wait, what?! But, you're a stallion here and now!” Bright Wing continued, “I want to explain to you I’m doing this in spite of that fact, just listen for a second,” Rain paused as Bright Wing explained, “I want to tell you before I turn back into a foal for a long time that I love you, but don’t wait for me. Find another stallion.” Rain threw back her head and laughed. “Oh come on, Bright Wing. You think I’ll just abandon you if you turn into a foal?” But Bright Wing responded, “Trust me, Rain, I’m not messing around. The curse placed on me and my friends is very powerful and mysterious. Even Princess Celestia doesn’t know anything about it.” “So you're just giving up?” Rain asked, glaring at Bright Wing. Bright Wing firmly replied, “Rain, this isn't how I wanted things to go, you know that.” Rain turned her head and asked, “So you turned back into a stallion knowing Celestia’s cure wouldn’t work, just so you can go on this date with me?” Bright Wing laughed, “You guessed it.” Rain tried to smile as she replied, “This is going to be the strangest dinner ever,” Bright Wing nodded as she then continued, “Look if you're going to turn back into a foal, then let me be your caretaker. I wouldn't mind.” Bright Wing looked up and said firmly, “No! I don’t want you caring for me, I won’t be a burden to you!” Rain cried, “Oh come on, I came all the way here from Cloudsdale to see you and now you're just going to tell me I can't care for you?!” Bright Wing replied, “How do you expect to support me and yourself alone? I won’t let you end up like my father.” Rain looked to the ground and grumbled. “I’ll think of something, I can find a good paying job. But if you turn back into a foal, how will we stay together?” Bright Wing looked at her and whispered, “I don’t know, but let’s take this slow and easy.” Rain reluctantly replied, “Fine, then…” But she was cut off by what she witnessed happening to Bright Wing. A bright light enveloped him as he shrank in his chair. Rain could only smile seeing her coltfriend now a toddler standing on his back legs ,trying to reach the table for support Rain dawwed as the waiter came back and gasped, seeing that the stallion from earlier had been replaced by a foal and asked, “Where..where did the stallion go? Who’s the foal?” Rain turned and said to the waiter, “What do you mean? He’s my son.” Bright Wing giggled and shouted, “Ya, I a a fowl, and ya got my sippy cup and food!” The waiter blinked a few times, as he placed a salad bowl by Rain and a plate of carrot sticks and a sippy cup of juice near the foal as he replied,” I swear you were a stallion.” Bright Wing looked at himself and gave his porky belly a few pats, “No, I suwe I a fowl. I not even potty twained yet.” This made Rain laugh out loud, as the waiter smiled, “Yes, it must've been a trick of the eyes...should I get you a foal seat?” Rain turned to the waiter, “Yes, that would be lovely. And if you can, bring a bib too, my son is such a messy eater.” Bright Wing bounced on his chair shouting, “Yeah, and huwwy! I weawwy hungwy!” The waiter bowed and ran off making Bright Wing and Rain laugh out loud. Cannon feather was walking back and forth in their room while Bucket Bridle was sitting on his end as Cannon Feather commented, “So we could turn back into foals at anytime?” Bucket Bridle sighed, “Yeah, it seems so.” Canon Feather laughed, “So how about we go get a beer before we can’t drink anymore?” Bucket Bridle rolled his eyes, “I would but…” Cannon Feather eyed him, “But?” He asked, hoping for more details. Bucket Bridle turned and replied, “I have to do something before I turn back,” He ran out of the room and down the halls to the dining hall where Princess Celestia was eating by herself. Bucket Bridle came up and asked, “Princess Celestia?” She turned and smiled, “Bucket Bridle, what brings you here?” Bucket Bridle sat down across from her as he said firmly, “Princess Celestia...I...I have to confess something,” Celestia stared at him as he cleared his throat and continued, “One day, while on guard duty a few years ago. I snuck into your room curious to see...um…” “Curious about what?” Celestia asked. Bucket Bridle gulped and confessed, ”You see rumors were, that you had a list of guards you had a crush on. So me being young and stupid, me and my fellow royal guards rolled dice to see who would sneak into your room and to find the list.” Celestia eyed him, “So you snuck into my room and invaded my privacy?” Bucket Bridle continued with bearing, “Yes I did and I..um...instead found your diary opened, and I read some of it, about how you and Luna played together as foals and ruled together as sisters,” She bowed her head as he sighed, “That's where I learned the nickname Tia. I never told anypony about what I saw and told the other guards that the list was a myth.” Celestia smiled as she stared at the ground, “That's why you called me Tia as a foal.” She realized. Bucket Bridle closed his eyes and started to shake all over as he continued, ”Yes and I’m truly sorry. If you wish to banish me then you can. I know I deserve it for disrespecting your privacy.” He cringed waiting for what Celestia’s punishment would be. But Celestia only laughed and said in a soothing tone, “Bucket Bridle, it’s quite alright,..just don’t tell anypony about what you read.” Bucket Bridle nodded, “Of course, I would never do something like that.” Celestia winked at him, making him blush. She then cleared her throat and asked, “So, how about some dinner? Hopefully you like your greens now.” Bucket Bridle gave a rapid nod as he replied,”I have to use the bathroom, I’ll be right back.” Bucket Bridle quickly left the table as Celestia smirked thinking. “He must’ve looked into my diary from the day before he said Tia to me on the chariot here. But it’s nice to see him speak up. He is loyal, and strong. It’s actually a bit surprising seeing his parents.” She smiled at the thought of Bucket Bridle as a clown, then she heard a toddler shout, “Tia...I...I missed the potty!” Celestia sighed, realizing her spell had failed as she shouted, “Don’t worry, Bucket Bridle, Tia is coming!” She then rushed to the bathroom to help little Bucket Bridle. Cannon Feather knocked on the door to Luna’s room until he heard a grumble, “Who dares wake the Princess of the Night?” Cannon Feather replied, “It’s me, Cannon Feather.” He then heard the door open and Luna stood over him with a smile, “Cannon Feather, you're a stallion again.” She observed. Cannon Feather bowed his head as he explained, “Yes, Princess Luna, it seems that your sister found a cure.” Luna waved him in. “Come in, tell thy everything.” Cannon Feather entered the room and gasped at its size, with the circular bed and the room decorated with a dark blue color. Luna sat on her bed and instructed, “Cannon Feather, come and sit,” Cannon Feather came over and sat down next to her as she apologized, “Sorry for not being able to finish our game of hide and seek.” Cannon Feather shook his head as he turned towards her, “No, it’s fine. Playing with you, even for the short time I was a foal, was one of the best times of my life.” Luna then asked, “Did my sister really found a cure?” Cannon Feather reluctantly explained, “I don’t know. She said it could backfire and I can become a foal again at anytime.” Luna looked down again with a downtrodden look in her eyes as she explained, “Cannon Feather, I have to admit, I think I know why Nightmare Moon turned you and your friends into foals,” He looked over as she continued, “Before Nightmare Moon took control of me and turned me eviI, looked over foals dreams for years and I wished to have one of my own,” She paused with tears forming in her eyes. Cannon Feather waited patiently as she then continued, “If Nightmare Moon is a manifestation of my jealousy from years ago, I must've also had a dark want to have foals of my own, so I cursed you and your friends to become my foals.” She burst into tears as Cannon Feather hushed her and whispered, “Luna, can I tell you something private?” She looked at him as he replied, “Luna, you gave me something nopony ever could’ve given me. You gave me a foal hood that my aunt and uncle took from me.” Luna smiled, before Cannon Feather’s body shuddered as he felt light envelop him, and he collapsed onto the bed seeing the room grow bigger around him. Luna gasped, “Cannon Feather?” He gazed back up at her with a grin, “I gwess I a fowl again, Wuna.” Luna teared up a bit as she whispered, “I’m so sorry C-” Before she could finish she felt Cannon Feather crawl into her lap and nuzzle into her fur. Luna choked up a bit more and held him close as he mumbled, “Is not ya fawlt, and I wove ya.” Luna whispered, “I love you too.” She then kissed him on the forehead and let him lay there for a bit. > Chapter 7: Jumping over the moon > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rain was now enjoying her salad, watching Bright Wing now strapped in his booster seat, with a blue bib tied around his chubby waist, while chewing on his carrot sticks. Rain cooed, “You are so adorable.” Bright Wing blushed, “Oh this so embewassin.” He put his hooves over his face making Rain smile, “If you don’t stop, you're going to kill me with your cuteness.” Bright Wing laughed, “I didn think ya would wike me bein a fowl.” Rain laughed back, “I don’t mind at all, it’s just…” She looked at the ground as Bright Wing asked, “How about ya stay hewe fow a while? We can have awot of fun stiw.” Rain replied, “Sure, after all I did take off a week from the weather factory.” She looked down with her mane falling over her eyes again. Bright Wing. not sure what else to do. just took up his sippy cup and began to suckle it loudly making Rain chuckle a bit. Then a waitress came out with a bright smile. “Aww, does our little guest like his food?” She asked. He giggled and shouted, “Yeah, ya cawot sticks awe weally yummy, and ta apple juice is yummy ta!” The waitress couldn't help but daww, “Oh thank you.” She began clearing the plates as she continued. “And for eating all of your food and being so well behaved, we thought that we would give you a cake.” “Thank ya, bu is not my biwthday, is it?” Bright Wing replied with a confused look. She smiled back at him, ”Oh it’s alright, we don’t get a lot of foals around here and it’s also an apology from that waiter for mistaking you as a big stallion earlier.” He giggled at the remark as Rain also smirked. He then babbled with a smile, “Is fine, what kind of cake is it?” “It’s vanilla, with a creamy frosting, and strawberries on top of it.” The waitress replied. She then took it out and slid it onto his tray with Bright Wing squealing, “Thank ya, missy!” She then took out the bill and laid it in front of Rain as she added, “You have an adorable son.” Rain replied, “Thanks.” as the waitress left. Bright Wing then turned to Rain and said, “I stiw got my savings I ca wepay y-” But Rain laughed, “It’s fine, I got it. You stop worrying about big pony stuff and enjoy your cake,” She took out a bag of bits, while Bright Wing chowed down on his cake giggling happily all the while. Rain looked up to see the cake gone and his face smeared with frosting while sucking his hoof. She laughed, “Oh, you got it all over you.” Bright Wing looked up and tried wiping his face, only succeeding in getting frosting all over his hooves. Rain came over, took up a napkin and wiped off his face and hooves as he whimpered, “I sowie I got all messy.” “Don’t worry, it’s quite alright,” Rain reassured him as she finished cleaning him up. She then picked him up and placed him on her back. He hugged her mane as she whispered, “Want to go back to the palace?” He nodded his head, and as she flew off into the sky Bright Wing asked her, “So whew ya goin to stay?” Rain shrugged, “I guess I’ll find a hotel around here.” Bright Wing replied, “Di ya bwing any wuggage?” Rain shook her head, “When I was told you were turned imto a foal I flew as fast as I could to get here.” Bright Wing then asked, “How many bits do ya got weft?” She blushed, “I think I just spent the rest I had on me.” Bright Wing groaned, “Wew, wets go to ta bank and get more.” She reluctantly flew to the bank, and while they were waiting in line Rain asked, ”Do you think you can get your bits as a foal?” Bright Wing growled. “They betta.” They came up to the teller, a unicorn mare with a snow white coat, a soft pink mane and tail cut short, and blue eyes, who smiled, “Oh hello, how may I help you today?” She asked. Bright Wing babled, “I hewe fow money, pwease.” The crowd around them laughed as the teller cooed,” “Oh that's adorable,” She then asked Rain. “Are you teaching your son about how a bank works?” Bright Wing shook his head, “I Bwight Wing and I gonna take some bits out.” The mare smiled and teased, “Oh, is your name Bright Wing?” Bright Wing nodded, “Ya my pin is um...one,” Then he whispered in Rain’s ear “Wha comes afta one?” Rain whispered in reply, “Two.” and Bright Wing then shouted, “Two!” Then he whispered, “Whas ta next ta numbas?” Rain whispered again, “Three and four.” And Bright Wing shouted, “Tats it, my pin is one ta thwee fow!” Rain laughed out loud. “Oh, that's adorable!” Bright Wing giggled, “Well it’s easy ta wememba.” The teller laughed as well. “Okay, Mr. Bright Wing, how many bits do you need?” “Wew acuatuawy can ya give my accownt ova to my mawefwiend Wain?” Bright Wing asked. “You sure that’s what you want?” The teller asked. Bright Wing nodded, “Wew if thewe’s no cuwe fow this, I can’t weawy use my money anymowe.” He babbled. Rain protested, “But Bright Wing..I only need a few bits for a hotel.” Bright shook his head and hugged her mane tighter, “Is okay, ya can use my money fow whateva ya want.” The teller smiled, before she cleared her throat and replied, “Um, Mr. Bright Wing, as much as I would love to do this for you, this does require some paperwork. And considering your age regression, can you still write?” Bright Wing nervously laughed “I don think so, when I wgwessed I fowgot awot of things wike that.” Rain laughed as she scooped up Bright Wing and said to the teller, “I could help him fill out the paperwork.” The teller blushed and nodded, “Um I guess that will be fine.” She then took out some papers and a quill and pot of ink. Rain took hold of the pen in her teeth and began signing some papers as Bright Wing told her what to write. After it was all done she turned to Bright Wing and asked, “So, I guess you're not twenty one anymore?” Bright Wing laughed, “If I wememba cowectwy, I pwobabwy about two and a hawf.” The teller took the papers and said to Rain, “Alright, Rain, all the money from Bright Wing’s account has been transferred to yours.” Rain nodded as she whispered, “Thanks,” She then took a sack of bits and as she left the bank she whispered, “Thank you Bright Wing...I...I don’t think you should of done that.” Bright Wing shook his head, “Is otay, ya need ta bits and I wove ya.” He hugged her even more as she giggled and said to him, ”Okay. Now how about I get you back to the palace before you mess all over my back?” He blushed realising he wasn't wearing anything around his rump. “Yeah, good idea.” Rain then flew across the sky to the palace, with him hugging her back and nuzzling deep into her mane. Celestia was now looking over Bucket Bridle and Cannon Feather in the their room as Bucket Bridle growled, “Whew di Bwight Wing go? Is alweady dawk.” Cannon Feather turned and said, “He’s with his mawe fwiend, pwoaby making out.” Bucket Bridle laughed. “Yeah, could ya imagine if he kissed hew when he twansfoms?!” Celestia giggled and said to the foals, “Alright you two, I’m sure he’ll be back soon, but you two need to go to bed.” The two groaned as they climbed into bed. As Celestia pulled the blanket up to their chins, Bucket Bridle looked around and began to wail, “Whew’s my Hopsey?!” Celestia cooed, “I have him right here.” She took it out with her magic as she slipped it into Bucket Bridle’s hooves who snuggle his bunny as he whispered, “Hopsey.” Celestia then told the foals, “Now, I need you two to get some rest. Now that we know you’ll be foals for good, we’re going to have to go to the doctors to make sure the age regression didn’t cause any health issues. Then we have to take care of some paper work tomorrow.” “Aww!” The two foals groaned, as Cannon Feather grumbled, “It sownds bowing.” Celestia smiled at the two and told them, “Yes, it’ll be a bit tedious but it’s very important that we get that stuff done.” Cannon Feather nervously asked, “So um..” But then he threw the covers over his head in embarrassment. Luna herself was coming down the hall hoping to help tuck the foals to bed when she heard, “Awe you going to adopt us?” Celestia paused, “I think we’ll discuss that later, don’t you worry Canon Feather, I’ll do everything in my power to make sure you won’t fall in your aunt and uncle’s hooves again.” Cannon Feather smiled and shouted, “Thank ya, Cewestia!” Luna stood outside with a smile, before she peeped in and asked, “So does thouest need any help from the Princess of the Night?” Celestia turned towards her sister and replied, “Yes. And Luna, you don’t have to tell ponies, you're the Princess of the Night all the time.” Luna blushed. “Right, still learning those new Equestrian customs.” She came up to the foals as Cannon Feather shouted, “Wuna, ya gonna tuck us in?!” She smiled as she came over. “Yes, thy will tuck you in.” She came over and kissed them on the foreheads, just as Rain flew into the room. She smiled at the two princesses and the foals all tucked in bed as she asked, “So, um ,I guess Bright Wing has to go to bed too?” Celestia turned to see Bright Wing snuggling into Rain then took him over to the bed, where she helped slip a pair of blue training pants over his rump, and helped him get him tucked in on the right side of Bucket Bridle who was still snuggling his bunny. She then whispered. “I’ll see you tomorrow” Bright Wing hugged her face and kissed her on the muzzle as she nuzzled him. She then looked at him one more time when he babbled, “Wuv ya, Wain.” Rain gave a solemn smile and nodded. “I love you too.” She then left the room. Luna came over to the bed, helped tuck the foals in underneath the sheets and kissed each of them on the forehead as Cannon Feather asked, “Can ya wead us a bedtime stowie?” Luna took a book down from a nearby shelf and said, “Yes, thy shall read you a story. This one’s called: The Little Cow Jumps Over The Moon.” They all groaned as Cannon Feather babled, “Wha about the coow one abou the aventuawa?” Celestia gave them an eye as she explained, “We'll get back to that story once I know you won’t get out of bed.” The foals all blushed remembering the previous night. Celestia then left the room she looked back at her sister who continued with the story and thought, “Have fun, Luna, you deserve it.” While the foals listened with peaked interest. Luna continued with her soft tone. “Once upon a time, there was a little cow all alone in a field.” Cannon Feather asked. “Whas the cow big?” Luna smiled as she replied. “No, the cow was small. He was a baby cow.” “Oh.” The foals all said together, as Luna continued with the story. “Now the cow was a very scared and nervous cow The cow looked up at the moon every night, happy that its glow kept the dark night at bay.” Wai, is ta cow weal? Di ya see ta cow?” Bright Wing asked. Bucket Bridle shook his head and babbled. “No way, tat cow gots ta be fake.” Luna laughed. “Of course the cow is fake, it's only a story.” Cannon Feather then asked. “Bu can cows weally jump ova moons?” Luna laughed out loud as as she shook her head. “No, nothing can jump over moons,” She then continued the story, narrating: “The cow loved the moon so much because of its light. And so it was that he asked himself: ‘What if I could jump over it?’” Bucket Bridle babbled. “He betta be caweful, ow he gonna faw and huwt himsewf.” Luna snickered as she turned the page. “The cow’s mom did tell him: ‘Dear, you can't jump over the moon. Now come over here, it's time for bed.’” Bright Wing whispered. “I bet my candy stash he gonna get in big twouble with his mommy.” Cannon Feather turned and babbled. “I bet my cookie stash his mommy is gonna wove him jumpin ova moons.” Luna then continued (while trying to maintain her patience). “The cow then decided to try and jump over the moon before he went to bed. He jumped, but didn’t get really far.” “Awwww.” The foals moaned together. Then Luna turned the page. “But the cow was determined. He turned to a puddle reflecting the moon, and tried to jump over one more time. He jumped and…” The foals all gasped, and Luna smiled as she read: “...He made it! He jumped over the puddle!” The foals all giggled as Luna continued the story. The cow ran back to his mom shouting: ‘Mommy, I jumped over the moon!’ The mother cow hugged her son and helped him nuzzle into her as she whispered: ‘I'm proud of you.’ And they both said: ‘I love you.’ The end.” Luna proceeded to close the book. The foals all groaned and Cannon Feather laughed “He didn jump ova ta moon though.” Luna replied with a smile. “Well he kind of did, didn't he?” She then went over to each foal, kissed them goodnight, and said to them. “Now go to bed. It's late.” She then went to the door and closed it as she whispered. “Goodnight.” The foals all babbled in unison “Night Wuna.”She then closed the door as they all snuggled in their blanket. Cannon Feather whispered, “Bwight Wing, ya owe me some candy.” Bright Wing grumbled. “Ta cow didn even jump ova ta moon.” That made all the foals laugh. Later the next day, the three foals were now in a doctor's office, where they were kicking their legs and waiting patiently. The doctor himself was old, he was a white coated unicorn with a flimsy red mane that starting to turn gray, and faded green eyes. With a cutie mark of a stethoscope on his rump. He began their checkup, while Celestia sat patiently waiting to hear the results. The doctor listen to the foals hearts, making them shiver as he placed his stethoscope on each colt’s chest. He then had them open their mouths, and he looked around. After the check ups he wrote something down on a pad with his magic, went back to Princess Celestia and told her, “I can tell you that all three foals are perfectly healthy. Celestia sighed but smiled. “That’s good, anything else?” The doctor replied, “As far as I can tell, as you said they were..um regressed. I believe without a doubt that all three are 2 years and 6 months old.” Celestia nodded, “Well I think I guessed that, but that’s still good to know for sure.” He continued, “I'm also quite surprised at how they’ve lost all signs of puberty, and that their adult teeth are now all back to developing baby teeth. I suggest that they only eat soft foods that have been boiled or steamed, nothing raw, and have them teeth on something once in awhile.” “Very well, I'll keep that in mind.” Celestia agreed. The doctor added. “Also, even for foals they are quite overweight, I don’t know why but it’s quite unhealthy. So I suggest you cut down on their snacks and fatty foods for awhile.” The foals all growled and mumbled under their breath as Celestia laughed, “Yes, I’ll make sure to feed them healthy foods.” The doctor smiled, and came back to the foals as he helped them off the bench. Then Bright Wing asked, “Um, docta?” “Yes child, what is it?” The doctor asked. Bright Wing whispered, “Can...can I tawk ta ya pwivatwy about somthin?” ”Is it somthing related to your private parts?” The doctor asked Bright Wing. Bright Wing nodded as he turned to Celestia who simply said, “Alright Bucket Bridle, Cannon Feather, let’s grant Bright Wing his privacy.” Cannon Feather and Bucket Bridle were both escorted away as Bright Wing turned back to the doctor and asked, “Docta, I hawe a mawefwiend ya see, and I gots ta ask...” He paused, now a little embarrassed. The doctor eyed him as he continued, “Wiw I be able to hawe fowls of my own stiw, when I get bigga?” The doctor smiled, “Well, do you remember how foals are made?” Bright Wing blushed as he replied, “A wittle, I wememba when a mawe and stawion wove each otha and all tat.” The doctor smiled, “Well your age regression did turn you into only a two and a half year old, which makes it almost impossible to see if you can make foals at the moment. So I won’t know if that affected your ability to have foals until you become an adult again.” Bright Wing nodded and mumbled, “Okay, thank ya anyways.” The doctor lead him back out to his friends as Celestia bowed her head, “Thank you for doing a check up on my foal guards.” She said to him. The doctor bowed, “It was no trouble, Princess. They were quite well behaved.” Cannon Feather asked, “So we got nothing wong with us, nothing weiwd wight?” “Nope, you're all perfectly healthy, except for your weight, so you better eat your greens, have plenty of exercise, and don't each too much cake.” The doctor adivised, and he turned to Celestia with a smile as the princess blushed. “I should keep my cravings in check around the foals.” She thought. Bucket Bridle waddled up to the doctor and asked, “So wha about my tummy, do I stiw gots the achies?” The doctor blinked a few, times confused on what Bucket Bridle had said. Then Celestia politely explained, “Um his mother told me that as a foal he had issues with digestion. Is that still true?” The doctor came up to Bucket Bridle, poked his stomach, and felt about, making Bucket Bridle giggle as he grew a smile on his face, “Hmmm. I can’t really tell, but if you had issues with digestion as a foal, I have no doubt you have those problems now.” The doctor answered. Bucket Bridle groaned, “Okay, wew at weast I know not ta have any pwunes ow waisins.” The doctor ruffled his mane as he got up and said with a laugh, “Yes, I would suggest the same thing to all of you. Only old ponies like me need prunes.” Celestia bowed her head, “Thank you for the advice.” The doctor chuckled. “No problem, have fun you three.” They all shouted “We will!” And ran off with Celestia. The foals were now in a bland legal office, sitting on Celestia’s lap before a mare in a chair typing stuff on a typewriter. The three were poking each other while giggling, “You’re it! No, you’re it!” over and over. The brown coated boring looking earth pony mare with thick glasses over her big yellow eyes, sat behind the desk and gave them a mean look. This made the foals stop as she then looked up with a look of disdain as she asked, “So Princess Celestia, are you going to be their legal guardian?” Celestia blushed as she replied, “No, I just want to change their legal age, and have the bits in their bank accounts stored until they become adults again.” The mare nodded as Bright Wing replied, “Uh, Cewestia, I um...gave my accownt ta Wain.” Celestia smiled and said, “Oh, how generous of you.” Bright Wing nodded and babbled, “Thank ya.” The mare grumbled, “Wery well, now do any of you remember how to write?” They all shook their heads as they babbled in unison, “No.” making Celestia laugh. The princess then cooed, “Don't worry, I'll help you out.” So as the mare explained the paperwork Celestia took the foal’s hooves with her own and helped write their signatures. Bright Wing gasped, “So, we weally goin ta be officawy two and a hawf?!” He asked the mare with the glasses. The mare replied, “Yes, from this day forth you will be officially foals. Your money will be transferred into safe accounts until you become of legal age.” Cannon Feather whispered “Bu who’s going ta cawe fow us?” The mare sighed, as she pointed to a paper on the table. “This explains that you are to be under Princess Celestia’s care until you’re officially adopted.” They all gasped, “Weally?!” They then all looked up at Celestia, who said happily, “Yes, of course. Now let's get it signed.” As she helped each of the foals write their names again on the parchment. The mare in the glasses took the papers and scrutinized them as she nodded her head. The foals began to poke each other again until Celestia gave them a glare. The mare muttered, “Well it looks like everything is good,” She then replied in a bored tone, “Princess Celestia, until further notice, you're the legal guardian of Cannon Feather, Bright Wing, and Bucket Bridle.” Celestia hugged the three foals with her hooves, nuzzling each of them as she took the papers into her magic and bowed to the baffled clerk, “Thank you so much,” She then took her foals and chirped. “Come on you three, let's go home!” She lead them out of the office and down a long hall when Cannon Feather shouted, “Finawwy, is ova! Can we go do somthin fun?” Celestia pondered for a second, “Well how about we go get some ice cream?” “Ice cweam!” The foals all squealed and began jumping up and down in excitement as Celestia laughed, “Now calm down, we’ll only get ice cream if you behave.” They all stood still and shouted, “Otay, Cewestia!” She then lead them to the chariot parked outside where they climbed in with her. At the ice cream parlor, Celestia helped them get seat at a table and she then said, “Now, you three stay here. What flavors do you want?” Cannon Feather pondered and then babbled, “I wan Vaniwa!” Bucket Bridle blushed looking up. “Can I get chocowate?” Bright Wing giggled and shouted,” Stwabeawy!” Celestia nodded and kissed Cannon Father's forehead, “I'll get a vanilla for you,” She kissed Bright Wing on the forehead next, “Strawberry for you,” She then came over and kissed Bucket Bridle as she cooed, “And chocolate for you.” She then went off to get them their ice cream, as the foals all looked at each other. Bucket Bridle sighed, “Wew, wooks wike we officawy fowls.” Cannon Feather nodded, “So now tat we fowls foa good, wha ya goin to miss ta most about bein a adwlt?” Bright Wing got sullen as he sunk in his seat, “I gonna miss weading, is going to be a whiwe befowe I can wead ta next Dawin Do book,” He then began to whimper as tears formed in his eyes, “I gonna miss Wain ta most though.” He began to wail as Cannon Feather asked, “Bu, isn she gonna staw hewe fow a whiwe?” Bright Wing Looked up and nodded as he babbled, “Yeah, I gwess so.” He rubbed his tears from his face. Bucket Bridle looked up. “Goin out wate at night dwinking wit my otha fwiends, bein abwe to tawk ta mawes without being dawwed at.” The other two foals giggled. Cannon Feather babled, “I tink I gonna miss being able to choose wha foods we get ta eat.” Celestia came over a short time later with their ice cream cones. The three foals squealed in delight as they began to lick their ice creams. Celestia turned to the three as they looked at her and she replied, “Now, I know this will be hard for you three coping with the idea that you're not adults anymore. So that’s why I delayed the adoption proceedings, because once we figure who will adopt you there won't be any going back,” They all nodded as she continued, “So, that’s why i’m leaving the decision to you three. We won’t discuss it now, just think it over and I want you three to think about who you want to be raised by, okay?” They all nodded again as she smiled and said to them, “Now go on, eat your ice cream. You deserve it for being such well behaved foals.” The foals all went back to eating their ice cream cones with sullen faces, unsure of what else to do. > Chapter 8: New Discoveries > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cannon Feather was groaning as he put his legs together, scrunching his training pants. He felt the pressure of wanting to go potty, as he got up from the bed and looked around. Frantically he shouted, “Wuna, I gots ta go potty!” Luna was in their room already and replied, “Come thou, lets get you to the potty.” She got up and rushed over to him, as she took him from the bed, helped him go through the door and towards the bathroom across the hall. While he waddled off with her he felt his pressure ease, and felt his urine soak into his training pants. As he began to waddle, he felt them sag around his legs. Luna quickly slipped them off from his rump. She then placed him on the training toilet and let him pee the rest into the bowl. After tinkling for a while, he looked up and mumbled,”I sowie..I..didn't...I...I” Luna hugged him as she cooed, “There there, it’s alright.” She then lifted him off the training toilet, and with a glow of her horn another pair of training pants appeared. She then slowly slipped them up over his rump and cooed, “That wasn't so bad, huh?” He whimpered, “Is fine, thank ya fow hewpin me get to ta potty.” Luna ruffled his mane and cooed, “It’s alright little one, I’m happy to help.” As she used her magic to lift up the training toilet and empty its contents in the big toilet, then flush it away. After setting the training toilet back down, she helped Cannon Feather onto a stool and helped wash his hooves in the sink. “Now, I saw in your dreams that you're scared of your aunt and uncle, is that true?” She asked him. He nodded and turned to Luna with a worried look, “Yeah, I am. I scawed tat they gonna take me now becawse wegawy I a fowl.” Luna hushed him and held him close, “It’s alright, you heard what thy sister said, we will never let them take you.” He looked up and babbled, “I beweive ya. Bu I gots ta ask.” Luna looked down and asked, “What is it?” Cannon Feather paused as he whispered, “Wuna, can ya be my mommy?” Luna paused for a long time, looking down at the foal while stroking his fur. At last she told him. “Yes, I would love to be your mommy.” “Weally?! Does that me I a pwince of ta night?!” Cannon Feather squealed. Luna laughed, “Somewhat. Thouest will have to sleep during the night. But I will play with you and teach you how to be a good prince.” Cannon Feather babbled, “I’ww do my best to be ya son.” He hugged her and snuggled her fur as Luna nuzzled him back and replied, “Alright, you need to get back to bed.” He nodded as she escorted him back to his room. There the other foals got up from the bed and Bright Wing asked, “Di ya make it!?” Cannon Feather shook his head, “I soaked my twinain pants.” The two other foals groaned, “Dawn.” Cannon Feather giggled as Luna ruffled his mane and added, “But you did get some of it in the potty, so I think you did a pretty good job.” Cannon Feather chirped, “Tanks Mommy Wuna, ya ta best!” Luna smiled, then turned to them and said, “Now, you three all should be going to sleep. it’s the middle of the night.” Cannon Feather waddled into his bed as her horn lit up. Suddenly small silver stars and moons appeared all over Cannon Feather’s training pants. He gasped, “Wow, what awe these fow?!” Luna replied, “They are special wetness indicators, they’ll light up if you have to use the potty. Hopefully they’ll wake you up.” Bright Wing and Bucket Bridle looked underneath their blanket, seeing the same indicators, and then they (along with Cannon Feather) shouted together, “Tanks Wuna, ya ta best!” Luna bowed, “Thank you,” They all snuggled under the bed but they all looked nervous, prompting Luna to ask, “What are you foals worried about?” Bright Wing sighed,”I gots ta go see my daddy tomowow, is scawy.” Bucket Bridle shivered, “I gots to go see my pawnets and see if they want ta adopt me.” Luna asked, “So, Bucket Bridle, you sure about what you want?” Bucket Bridle nodded and mumbled, “I sure, I made up my mind.” Luna nodded, “Okay, well I wish for each of you to have a good night’s sleep.” And they all shouted in reply, “Night, Wuna!” She smiled at all three foals, as she gave Cannon Feather a look of longing. He just looked back at her with his big blue eyes as she slowly walked out of the door. Bright Wing turned and asked, “Hey, Cannon Feathew, wha di Wuna ask ya about eariwer?” Cannon Feather whispered, “Nothin weally, she jus wana know if I was otay afer I had a nightmawe.” He whimpered a bit as he wiped his eyes. Bright Wing asked, “Awe ya otay?” Cannon Feather nodded as he buried himself in the sheets. “I fine, I jus wana go ni nis.” The other foals looked at each other with worried looks as they reluctantly buried themselves under the sheets as well. The next morning Celestia came back into the palace after raising the sun, and saw all three of the foals dressed in tiny suits with Luna fussing over their ties. Celestia smirked slightly, “So, you all ready to be adopted?” She asked them. Cannon Feather shouted. “Yeah, I gonna hawe Wuna be my mommy!” Luna blushed as she looked up at Celestia, who had tears form in her eyes as she laughed, “Well Luna, you sure?” Luna nodded, “Yes sister, I am sure.” Celestia smiled as she turned to the other foals. “Bucket Bridle, do you still wish to live with your parents?” He nodded and babbled, “Yeah, they fine, fow the most pawt.” Celestia turned to Bright Wing who shrugged, “I don know. I gots ta tawk to my pawents befowe I’w decide.” Celestia nodded and replied, “Ok. Just remember Bright Wing, you can still make the decision to stay with whoever you want. You don’t have to go back with your parents if you don’t want to.” He nodded as he replied, “Yeah, I’w wememba.” She looked down and asked, “Now, did you all eat breakfast?”’ “Yes!” The foals shouted. “Did you go potty?” She asked them.. “Yeah, bu not in the twaining potties.” The foals mumbled, knowing that they had been changed earlier. Celestia smiled, “It’s alright, you’re still learning,” She came over and nudged them as she then said, “Now, give me a hug before you go,” The foals all ran up to her, and she hugged them close to her chest as she kissed each of them on the forehead. “You all be good and behave,”, She told them. “We will!” They all shouted, as Shining Armor and Battleheart came into the room with a foal carriage. Celestia looked up and asked, “Shining, Battleheart, you ready?” Battleheart nodded, “Yes, Princess Celestia.” Celestia laughed. “Oh, Shining, why are you wearing your armor?” Shining firmly replied, “I'm the captain of the guard, I might as well look the part when I’m on duty.” Celestia just smiled, “Alright, did you pack the snacks and extra training pants?” Shining blushed and nodded, “Yes the foal supplies are all stored in the carriage.” The foals all giggle as Luna replied, “Oh, don’t you worry, Shining, I’ll tag along. I myself have to formally adopt Cannon Feather.” He giggled as he looked up at Luna. “Tat means I can caw ya Mommy, wight?” He asked. Luna laughed. “Yes, you can call me Mommy.” Cannon Feather hugged her legs, Luna lifted him up and hugged him close to her chest, as Celestia turned to Bucket Bridle and nuzzled him, “So you ready to be a Rump again?” He groaned,” Di my mommy tew ya my owd name?” Celestia laughed as she hugged Bucket Bridle close, “Yes she did, but to me you’ll always be Bucekt Bridle. I’m going to miss you.” He hugged her close as she nuzzled his fur, “I gonna miss ya too.” He told her, then kissed her on the cheek and waved goodbye to her as he ran back to his friends. They all waved to Celestia, and she waved back, while they walked out of the the palace. Celestia watched them leave until the doors closed behind them. She sadly walked to her throne with her eyes growing wet. She brushed her tears aside as she settled herself on her throne and looked forwards as she prepared for the day court to begin. Later that morning after Luna and Cannon Feather went back to the legal office, and Bright Wing was dropped off at his father’s, Shining Armor was escorting young Bucket Bridle through the streets up to a small house down the road. Bucket Bridle grumbled as he came up to the door, a bit amazed at how little the house has changed. Shining knocked on the door. Comfy Rump open the door with her saddle bags bursting with foal stuff as she squealed, “Bucket Bridle!” She picked him up and squeezed him with all her strength. Shining smiled, “So you're madam Comfy Rump?” She smiled at Shining, “Yes I am! Thank you for bringing my son back to me.” Then they heard a honk and a crash as a clown came bursting through the doorway shouting, “Bucket Bridle!” The foal smiled, “Hey dad.” He was hugged by the clown who whispered, “Good to see you too, pal. Feels like it’s been forever since I saw you in diapers.” Comfy Rump looked back at Shining and asked, “Want to come inside? I made breakfast earlier.” Shining shrugged and replied, “Sure, I don’t mind.” He trotted into a decent looking living room with nice looking furniture, with a stray diaper lying on the floor next to a balloon animal. Comfy Rump carried Bucket Bridle straight into a high chair where she already had a bowl of foal food on the tray with a rubber spoon. Bucket Bridle groaned, “I'm not a baby, Mama.” Comfy Rump cooed as she helped take off his suit and threw it aside. She then placed a blue bib around his neck. “Now Bucket Bridle, you eat your num nums and don’t make a fuss. Or do you want me to start calling you by your birth name again?” Bucket Bridle giggled as he babbled. “Alwight, Mama,” He took up the spoon and started to eat the foal food and his eyes lit up, “Pancakes and syrup?! Whew di ya find this stuff?!” Comfy Rump laughed, “Sweetie, I'm a nanny. I have every flavor of foal food stocked.” Her husband laughed. “Yeah, Id say she overstocked.” Comfy Rump was already seating Shining into a seat and sliding a plate of pancakes in front of him as she cooed, “Thank you for escorting my son here. He’s always been the little adventurer, he used to wander all over the place if I didn’t keep an eye on him.” Shining laughed nervously, “It’s fine, but this is too much.” She laughed. “Oh no, it’s fine. Now eat your food too. Big stallions need their nourishment.” Shining eyed her as he thought, “Does she treat everypony she meets like a foal?” Her husband came up and raised a hoof. “Well let me introduce myself, I'm Laughing Rump. Laugh for short.” Shining burst out laughing as he said, “Well, it's good to meet you. I think I remember you from one of my sister’s birthday parties, you were so silly,” He turned to Comfy Rump who sat down across from her husband, as they all began to dig into their pancakes. Shining cleared his throat and asked, “So, did you two sign the adoption papers yet?” Comfy Rump turned to her son, “Actually, we’ve been holding off on that.” Bucket Bridle looked up, “Why mama?” He asked. She sighed and turned to her husband who nodded. She turned back to Bucket Bridle and said, “Sweetie , there’s something your father and I need to tell you,” Bucket Bridle looked up as she explained, “Bucket Bridle... you were adopted.” Bucket Bridle’s spoon dropped from his mouth as he replied, “Wait, ya sayin ya not my mommy and daddy?!” Comfy Rump shook her head, prompting Bucket Bridle to ask, ”Wai, who’s my weal pawents? And why di ya wait untiw now ta tew me?” She replied, “We found you on our doorstep years ago. Your father and I looked and inquired about you for months, but to no avail.” Laughing Rump explained, “We never told you, because we don’t want to give you false hope. If your parents lived in Canterlot or were just visiting, we don't know. There was always the possibility that they might come back for you.” His wife added, “Quite right, darling. I know this is a lot take in but it's the truth. I’m sorry we didn’t tell you sooner.” Bucket Bridle paused for a few moments and said, “It doesn’ matta, ya both my pawents and I fine stayin hewe with ya.” Comfy Rump smiled, ”That's wonderful, dear, but are you sure?” Bucket Bridle nodded as he looked up with a big smile and his face covered in foal food, “Yeah ya two may be embewassin, bu ya awe my pawents and I wove ya both.” Comfy Rump dawwed as she came up and wiped his mouth with a rag, “Oh I love you too sweetheart.” She then hugged him, making him squeel, as Shining finished eating his pancakes with a smirk. He looked up at a clock mounted on the kitchen wall and sighed, “I’ve stayed here way too long, I best get going.” Comfy Rump nodded, “Right, I better get going too. In fact Bucket Bridle will have to accompany me while I do my rounds. Maybe you’ll get to meet some new friends, they’ll probably be in actual diapers instead of training pants.” Bucket Bridle grumbled, “Otay Mama.” She laughed as he picked him up and placed him on her back, “Alright, come on. We'll sign the adoption papers when we get back,” She and her husband then led Shining out of the house. She turned to Shining Armor and said to her, “Thank you so much for helping our son.” Shining scratched the back of his head, “It was no problem Mr. and Mrs. Rump.” Bucket Bridle waved bye to Shining as he waved bye back with a tear trailing down the captain's face. Bright Wing sat across from his dad, sitting at a small round table. The house they were in was small and a mess, with dirty dishes piled up in the sink and the table covered with trash and moldy food. Bright Wing looked up at his dad who looked identical to him with a stern look, “So you got turned into a foal. Can’t believe it.” His father remarked. Bright Wing mumbled, “So what?” His father grumbled, “I expected more from you. I thought you were going to become a scholar that would rival those stuck up unicorns.” Bright Wing muttered, “I wanted ta become a woyal guawd, ya know that.” His father responded with a sneer, “Yes, ever since you read about them you haven't stopped talking about them.” Bucket Bridle cried, “So I gwess ya don wan ta waise me again?” His father scoffed. “As if. I love you, but it seems both of us will just be fooling ourselves into thinking that we'll be happy if you live here.” “Yeah I gwess so. I’ll go find my mom.” Bright Wing babbled as he jumped down from his seat.. His father paused for a moment as he mumbled, “Funny you would say that, because she’s right here.” Bright Wing eyed his dad. “Wha ya tawkin about, I thought ya two got a devoice?” He then turned to see a familiar mare walk into the room and he mumbled, “Mama?” Luna was at the table of the office, sitting in front of the clerk typing away the final form Cannon Feather had to sign. When the clerk took it off, she laid it in front of them. Cannon Feather took the feathered quill and with Luna’s help he signed the paper. She then signed it as well and she asked, “So, does this parchment make me Cannon Feather’s mother?” The clerk nodded and replied, “Yes, Princess Luna. Cannon Feather is now your adopted son. I guess that makes you Prince Cannon Feather.” Cannon Feather happily shouted, “Mommy!” He jumped into Luna’s hooves, who hugged him close, “Yes darling, you're my little prince of the night.” And she kissed him on the forehead. The clerk smiled, “That’s wonderful, now two foals have been officially adopted.” Confused by the statement Luna asked, “Another foal was adopted today?” The clerk nodded, “Yes a mare came by with one of the foals to be adopted, I believe she went by the name Silver Wing and the foal was named Bright Wing.” “Wait my auntie adopted one of my fwiends?” Cannon Feather shouted! The mare nodded as she replied, “Yes, I was quite surprised myself. But it seems she had a son with another stallion and had the paperwork to confirm it.” Luna replied with concern, “Is there a way to stop the adoption?” The mare shook her head as she explained, “It can’t be done, the adoption papers are signed and sealed. The only way to undo it, is if you can figure out that Silver Wing was lying.” Luna turned to Cannon Feather and asked him, ”Did you know that Bright Wing was your cousin?” “No, I didn’t tink I was weltated to one of my fwiends,” Cannon Feather replied. “Bu we gots ta find a way to stop ta adoption, my famiwy is pwobaby jus usin him.” Luna nodded, “Right, this is most strange. But we should head back to the palace and inform my sister, she knows more about Equestrian law then I do.” Cannon Feather nodded, “Wight, wets go!” He jumped on Luna's back as she rushed out of the office. > Chapter 9: Crashing the Party > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Silver Wing was riding with Bright Wing in a fancy carriage, with him sitting across from his mom. He asked, “So Mommy, who di ya mawy now?” She smiled as she looked up, “His name is Gold Feather and he’s a very smart and rich stallion. He’ll make a wonderful father.” Bright Wing eyed her and asked, “So how wich awe ya?” Silver Wing laughed, “Very rich, you're going to be so happy now that I have more then enough bits to make your foalhood so much better than it was before.” Bright Wing looked down, still a bit unsure as he mumbled, “Otay, wew that’s fine and all.” Silver Wing looked at his suit and training pants a bit as she asked, “Darling, what are those?” He looked up with puppy dog eyes and mumbled, “They twaining pants, why do ya ask?” She blushed as she continued in a hushed tone, “Well, I’m sorry, swettie, but foals your age must be potty trained. I can’t have you wearing such garments.” Bright Wing scrunched his training pants and whined, “Bu I gots ta weaw my twaining pants, I stiww in potty twaining.” She sighed and grumbled, “Well, I’ll hire a qualified nanny and make sure we get that bit squared away as fast as possible. Until then we’ll get you something more...acceptable…” She looked over his small suit as well and added, “Such a horrible suit, I’ll have to get you new, presentable clothes for the party.” They stopped at a clothing store as he grumbled, “Pawty?” Silver Wing nodded. “Yes, darling. It’s not a foal’s party though, it’s a grown up party, and I need you looking your best. Now come on.” She helped him out of the carriage and carried him into the store as he looked up with a pout. Nanny Comfy Rump was walking down the street as she asked, “So Bucket Bridle, how did you like playing with other foals for a change?” He mumbled, “Is otay, they nice and happy bu I can’t tawk to them fow some weason. Pwobably a wesult of the speww.” Comfy Rump laughed, “Oh, I’m just happy that you're at least trying, I promise that i’ll find some foals your age to play with eventually.” Then all of a sudden a carriage came up to them and she looked at it with an odd look. The doors opened and a smug looking pegaus stallion came out with a grin, “Madam Comfy Rump I presume?” He asked her. “What do you want?” Comfy Rump asked. “In case you haven’t noticed, I have my little one to attend to at the moment, so please make it quick.” The stallion smirked and explained, “I wish of your services. I need you to help care for my newly required foal.” Nanny Comfy Rump sighed as she explained, “My schedule is quite full at the moment, but I’ll see about it. What is your foal’s name?” The stallion smirked, “Bright Wing, he’s two years old and we just adopted him. It's just that I heard you're one of the best nannies in Canterlot, and I’d love to have you care for him,” He wrote down his address on a piece of paper and hoofed it to her. As he continued, “If you're interested, here’s my address.” She took it and bowed, “I’ll come by if I have time, I promise.” He smiled, “Alright, if you're interested, then come by tomorrow, We're throwing a party to show off our new heir to our family.” He laughed out loud as he closed the carriage door and rode off. Comfy Rump shook her head, “I can't stand pompous fools like that. I feel sorry for the child he adopted.” Bucket Bridle spoke up, “Wait, di he just say tey adopted Wright Wing?” Comfy Rump gasped as she replied, “I thought that name sounded familiar! You don’t think he adopted one of your friends, do you?!” Bucket Bridle replied, “Yeah, I tink he di. And it gets wowse, he's Cannon Feathew’s mean uncwe!” “Then we must do somthing about it!” Comfy Rump concluded. “Bright Wing deserves a much better family than some stuffy uppercrusts, Prince Blueblood is the perfect example of what an upbringing like that will yield!” Bucket Bridle suggested, “Wets go see Pwincess Cewestia, she wiw know wha ta do!” Comfy Rump nodded in approval as she shouted, “Good idea, we’d better go right now! Hold on tight!” As she ran off at full speed down the road. Silver Wing was now sitting on a bench in a dressing room with Bright Wing in her lap, while combing his mane and humming to herself. Bright Wing whispered, “So Mama, wheew wewe ya aw this time?” She whispered back to him, “Darling, when I divorced your dad all those years ago, you have to understand that I couldn't take you with me at the time.” He looked up and asked her, ”Bu why, Mama?” She replied and explained, “At the time, I was getting remarried and I couldn’t have anything that would make me look unfavorable. I know it sounds selfish, but it’s true.” Bright Wing muttered, “I’m sowie, Mama. I didn mean ta make ya feew bad.” He hugged her close as she kissed him and said to him. “No, it’s my fault. I put my ambitions in front of your well being as a foal. And I promise I’ll never do it again.” Bright Wing then asked, “So, wha about this pwaty? Ya thowing it fow me ow ya sewf ‘cause you wan to spoil yasewf?” Silver Wing gasped, “Bright Wing, hold that tongue of yours! And of course O’m throwing it for you!” She then finished combing his mane and placed him down on the ground, he was in a small tuxedo made for foals with a bow tie, was and wearing a golden pair of training pants. She looked him over as he grumbled, “Is itchy.” “I'm sorry darling, but this is the most formal wear I could find for toddlers. But despite the itchiness, do they fit?” She asked him. He grumbled as he waddled about, “Kind of, but it’s at west comfy,” He then nervously commented. “Bu if I have a accident, they may weak.” “You better not wet them, I don’t want to start punishing you.” She grumbled, prompting Bright Wing to whimper, “Mama.” She sighed and tried to adopt a sweeter tone as she said, “Honey, just don't try to drink anything, please. I’d rather you not have an accident, these clothes are quite expensive,” She hugged him and whispered, “Please stay with me, alright?” Bright Wing sighed as he mumbled, “Otay Mama, I’w do my best.” Silver Wing kissed him on the cheek. “Thank you. Now let’s get, going the party starts soon and you don’t want to miss it, do you?” He nodded humbly as she led him out of the changing room. Luna and Celestia were both looking over books on family records in the palace library, while Cannon Feather was busy trying to read one of the books on the floor. All of a sudden, Celestia gasped, “Wait, I think I found something!” “What is it, sister?” Luna asked. She came over to Celestia’s side as they poured over a genealogy map, She then commented, “This is most odd. It seems all three of our foalafied guards were related in some way.” “Weally?!” Cannon Feather exclaimed. Celestia nodded, “The three of you are apparnetly part of a scared family sworn to the royal guard, the Feathers and the Wings. They were some of the oldest families in Canterlot, they boast a remarkable resemeblance of mostly white coated and blue eyed pegasi, and their genealogy dates back all the way to the founding of Equestria.” Cannon Feather gasped, “So, ya mean that evwy woyal guwad is a wealtive of mine?!” Celestia smiled, “Not every royal guard, but probably most of them. There are some that come from Ponyville, Cloudsdale, and other locations though, and only a hoofful of those are tied to the Feathers or the Wings.” Luna then asked, “But what about Cannon Feather’s family? What do they want with Bright Wing?” “They want to combine the families and make an heir to their fortune, that’s what I’m thinking,” Celestia realized and turned the page. When she examined it, something caught her eye. “Hm, this is strange.” “Wha is?” Cannon Feather asked. Celestia replied, “There’s a pony missing from the family tree. It says here that a mare and a stallion in the Wing family had a foal. But the three went missing years ago, and their names were not recorded.” ”Weird, so what about Bucket Bridle?” Luna asked. “It strikes me odd with his...parents.” Celestia was going to say something, when Comfy Rump suddenly burst into the room shouting, “Princess Celestia! A foal has been foal napped by royal fools!” Bucket Bridle shouted, “Ya cwazy Mama! Do you got any wespect fow thw pwincess of Equestwia?!” Celestia laughed, “Well it looks like you two are getting along just fine. And Bucket Bridle, you needen’t worry. I’ve had ponies interrupt me for far crazier reasons.” Comfy Rump looked back at the sun princess and blushed as she apologized, “I’m sorry, Princess Celestia, but I just learned from my son that a mean stallion has adopted one of his foal friends. I will not stand by while a helpless foal is adopted by such horrible parents!” Celestia nodded in agreement as she explained, “I’m aware of that, but from what I’ve learned I’m afraid that they are his family and the adoption is now legal. Unless we can prove they’re abusing or neglecting him, or get them to relinquish custody, there’s nothing wecan do.” ”Wait...I tink I gots an idea!” Cannon Feather shouted! Everypony looked down at him, while he closed a book and got up as he explained, “I was wowking at pictuas and if we were dwess up wike nobwe fowls, we can sneak in and get him out! Ten he can stay at the pawace untiw we figuwe out how to get him away fwom his mean pawnets!” “I can’t just have you sneak back in your Aunt and Uncle’s house, Cannon Feather,” Celestia protested. “They won’t just let you into the party. You’ll need a thorough disguise, something that’ll ensure they don’t suspect it’s you. Otherwise, they could take you and challenge Luna for custody of you in court.” Luna smiled as she replied, “I think I have an idea.” She lit up her horn, Cannon Feather’s fur turned black and his irises purple, as his mane became a light purple. He giggled and shouted, “Wow, now I weally am a pwince of ta night!” Celestia eyed Luna as she said, “I’ll turn him back, I promise! But for now it should be sufficent enough to foold Cannon Feather’s Aunt and Uncle.” Comfy Rump asked, “So, who will get them inside? And more importantly, who’s going to get them out?” But Celestia spoke up in protest as she said. “Woah, hold it! I can't just have foals pull escapades like this!” “But we not fowls, we woyal guwads!” The two foals shouted together. Celestia sighed, sensing that Cannon Feather and Bucket Bridle were not going to take no for an answer. She reluctantly said to them. “Alright, but you're going to have to dress like noble toddlers.” Cannon Feather nodded, “Wight, we gots to dwess in fancy cwothing.” Luna laughed, “That’s right, my little prince. And I think I have the perfect outfit in mind for you.” Battleheart was now riding in a carriage, with the two foal guards sitting with him. “Your mission is infiltrate the party, figure out the conspiracy of Silver Wing and Golden Feather, and get Bright Wing out of there. Is that correct?” He asked them. “Pwetty much!” The two foal guards shouted. They were dressed in poofy blue prince suits, with little golden shoulder pads and doubly thick white diapers that had little sun wetness indicators decorating the outside. Battleheart asked them. “So, why are you two wearing diapers?” Bucket Bridle grumbled, “Cannon Feather is sayin, since wew goin to be so busy twying ta save Bwight Wing, tat we won't have time ta go potty.” Cannon Feather giggled, ”Cewestia designed them just fow us. They so comfy.” He bounced in his padding with a giggle. Battleheart then asked, “So, um...why was I chosen to be the escort? And where are we going?” Bucket Bridle explained, “Ya goin ta be owa dada, and we gots ta have a mama.” That was when the carriage stopped, and a familiar mare from the summer sun celebration entered the carriage, with her blue dress, white mane, blue eyes, and golden mane and tail. She looked into the carriage and gasped, “Battleheart?” “Ma’am, you're beautiful.” Battleheart replied in awe. The mare blushed, “Stop it, you’re making me blush,” She walked into the carriage and dawwed upon seeing Bucket Bridle and Cannon Feather, “Oh, it's those foals from the garden party. How are you two little ones doing?” The two shouted together, “Gweat!” ”Well, it’s nice to see you two again,” She looked down at their diapered rumps and giggled, “Oh, you're not potty trained yet, huh?” They both shook their heads as Cannon Feather asked, “Wait wha ya name?” Battleheart turned as the mare said, “I’m Morning Dew, pleased to meet you.” Battleheart whispered, “Morning Dew, what a lovely name.” Morning Dew blushed again, “Thanks,” She turned back to the foals, “I was told that you three need me to fake being your caretaker.” Cannon Feather shouted, “Weally?! How ya gonna do tat?!” Morning Dew laughed, “Well. it will be more difficult more than I thought, but I was thinking you two could pass as my cousins.” Cannon Feather was delighred with the arrangement, “Otay, that’s gweat! We can go to ta pawty and save my fwiend!” The mare giggled as she continued, “Alright. And Battleheart is here to be my escort.” Battleheart gasped, “Really?! I mean..I knew I was going to be an escort, but I had no idea I would be escorting you. I didn’t expect to see you again so soon after what happened at the garden party.” She blushed as she cooed, “What, you missed me?” The foals all laughed as Battleheart turned in embarrassment. Their carriage soon arrived at a mansion. Bucket Bridle shouted to Cannon Feather, “Ya mean ya wived hewe?!” Cannon Feather turned his head as he mumbled, “Yeah, bu is no wha it seams.” Battleheart replied, “Yeah, this place seems dangerous, even from here.” Morning Dew sighed, “It’s just a mansion, not Sombra’s castle.” She got out and lead the foals down the line of noble stallions and mares all dressed nicely and talking amongst themselves. One fancy mare turned and gasped, “Morning Dew, is that you?” Morning Dew blushed as she replied, “Yes Fleur, it’s so good to see you again.” Fleur cooed as she turned her attention to Cannon Feather and Bucket Bridle, “Oh are these the big royal guards from the party?” She chuckled. Cannon Feather giggled as Bucket Bridle scrunched his diaper, trying to hide it. Fleur smirked, “Oh, don’t be ashamed, I had a feeling you weren’t potty trained,” She winked at him as he stepped back. Fleur then asked Morning Dew, “So, are you their mother?” Morning Dew blushed and shook her head, “No, they’re my cousins. I’m looking after them while their parents are on a trip.” Fleur dawwed, “Oh, how thoughtful of you. Ironically, I’m also caring for my younger cousins. But this party from what heard will rival that of the Grand Galloping Gala. So I had Fancy Pants stay behind to watch the little ones in my place.” Morning Dew laughed, “Oh wow, I never imagined Fancy Pants would be the one to care for foals.” Fleur smiled, ”Well, I’ll have to see how he does when I get back. Hopefully Fancy Pants can change a few diapers.,” She turned to Battleheart and asked, “So is this your coltfriend?” Morning Dew and Battleheart both shouted, “No!” They both looked back at each other then back at Fleur, as Battleheart got stern and said firmly. “I’m her escort for the evening, to keep her safe.” Fleur smiled with a smirk, “Right.” But she said nothing more. The group came upon the front doors, and butler with a guest list rolled out in front of him he looked over and asked, “Morning Dew is it? You're on the list...but…” He looked down at the foals, who started to shak. An audible hiss could be heard and their diapers began to turn yellow as the butler grimaced, “Um, your foals are not on the list.” Morning Dew winked at him “Really? But their my cousins, and I couldn’t find a nanny, and I’ll have to tell everypony in the kingdom why I missed this wonderful party.” The butler sighed, “Fine, but keep those foals in line. I’d better not have any messes to clean up from the likes of them.” Morning Dew nodded as she pushed the foals inside, “Of course, I’ll keep an eye on them.” She lead them inside the main hall where ponies stood about talking and laughing, with a large buffet table in the back, and some ponies dancing in the middle of the floor. Morning Dew looked around, suddenly she spotted Bright Wing standing next to Silver Wing and Golden Feather, who were talking to other noble ponies. Morning Dew whispered to the foals, “Alright, I’ll go talk to Silver Wing and her husband, and distract them. You two get to Bright Wing and try to talk some sense into him.” The foals both nodded, as Morning Dew came up to Silver Wing who smiled, “Morning Dew, it so good to see you. I was hoping you could make it.” Morning Dew blushed, “Silver Wing, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Silver Wing turned to Braveheart and asked, “Is that a member of the royal guard?” Morning Dew turned towards her escort, ”Yes he is, I paid him a fortune to keep me and my foals safe,” He blushed as she turned and continued, “So, while we’re talking, why not have our foals play?” Silver Wing scoffed, “They can converse, but no playing. I’d rather they not knock anything over or make a mess.” Bright Wing crawled towards his friends as they crawled away together. They all hugged each other, as Bright Wing nuzzled them both, until he heard audible squishing sounds. He looked down at their padded crotches (that were now yellow and sagging around their rumps) and gasped, “Cannon Feather, you wook weiwd! And you and Bucket Bwidle awe both awe weawing diapees! Why?!” They both giggled as Cannon Feather explained. “Wuna tuwned me wike this to sneak in. Bwight Wing, we wowe diapees becawse we dun gots time to go ta potty, we gots ta get ya out of hewe!” Bucket Bridle continued, “Yeah, we come hewe ta wescue ya!” Bright Wing shook his head, “Ya wasin ya time, Sivaw Wing is my mommy.” Cannon Feather cried, “Even if she is, she’s howibwe! She jus using ya to hawe an heiw to this money, she’ww take ya fowlhood away! She’ww twy to make suwe you neva become a woyal guawd!” Bright Wing looked down as he replied, “I dun know, I..I can’t jus weave hew, without me she wun have an heiw to hew money.” Cannon Feather shouted, “So what?! She cawes mowe abou money then ya! Surewy ya not happy bein’ with hew, wight?” Bright Wing replied, “Weww, I do hate some tings. This suit is itchy, the food tastes bad, and..and….” He blushed as he held his golden training pants, “These twianing pants awe vewy thin. I scawed If I hawe an accident, I’ww make a wetties on the fwoor.” Cannon Feather looked at the golden training pants and shuddered, “Twust me, ya dun want ta wet those, ow mess in tem. They pawt of the weason why I was in diapees untiw I was fuwwy potty twained at the age of five.” Bright Wing looked up, “Bu Cannon Feathaw, she...she’s my mommy. If she don adopt me, who wiw?” Cannon Feather replied, “Wuna adopted me..maybe one of ta pwincesses wiw adopt ya? Wike Cewestia ow Cadence?” Bright Wing sighed, as he turned to Silver Wing who was laughing, “Oh I know, we were so lucky to find him.” She boasted Bright Wing scowled, “Bu, she aweady signed the adoption papas.” Cannon Feather rolled his eyes, “Come on, ya tink Cewestia is jus gonna wet that cwazy mawe go, now tat we know she jus usin ya? She’ww see to it that she can’t keep ya.” Bright Wing grumbled, ”Fine, bu how do we get of hewe? Ta pwace is cwaing with noble ponies who awe wowkin fow hew. They’ww be suwe to stop you if you twy to weave with me.” Cannon Feather shouted. “We cwash ta pawty of cowuse!” He crawled off, laughing manically, as Bucket Bridle and Bright Wing shrugged and followed Cannon Feather. Silver Wing laughed again, “Yes, I still can’t believe that we adopted the brat. I thought that my first husband would’ve given him away. Luckily after the other brat, Cannon Feather, shouted at us in front of Princess Celestia, there was no way we could adopt him, so we had no choice, I hope you’re never cursed with foals. They cry all day and night, make messes all over your floors and furnitures, slobber on your belongings or flush them down the toilet, and they’re awfully stinky! Dear Celestia, their dirty diapers stink worse than sewer rats!” Morning Dew was disgusted by Silver Wing’s comments, but knew she couldn’t draw attention to herself, so she reluctantly coughed, “Well...um..ok.” That was when they heard a crash, and they all turned to Cannon Feather smashing the platters of food onto the ground shouting, “Cwush the nasty food! Thwow it aw away!” He giggled, about throwing the food to the ground, and at the noble stallions and mares who began to run away in terror. Then a loud crash echoed throughout the room, as the guests turned in horror to see Bucket Bridle smashing a violin shouting, “Wowk, I pwaying ta viowin!” Octavia (who had been invited to perform) grabbed her cello and sprinted down the hall in concern! Bucket Bridle chased after her shouting, “I wana pway ya cewwo too!” Strings and smashed wood trailing behind him. Bright Wing was giggling and dancing around, until Silver Wing shouted, “Bright Wing!” Bright Wing looked up as she came over, “You ungrateful wretched little brat!” Bright Wing in fear looked up at her as she came over, “After everything I did! After I took you in and gave you a life of luxury! This is how you repay me?!” Bright Wing was scared out of his mind as urine leaked through his golden training plants and poured onto the ground, Silver Wing shouted, “Now, you're pissing on my nice clean floor!” She came up to slap him, and when Morning Dew stood in front of her, she shouted, “Get out of the way!” But Morning Dew furiously replied, “You won't lay a hoof on him! Can’t you see how terrified he is?! You just told me that you have no care for foals, and you also told me you're just using him! In fact, I’d say I have every reason to get him out of your clutches! If this how you treat him, I shudder to imagine what an actual child of yours would have to suffer!” Silver Wing stared at Morning Dew and the other foals coming over to Bright Wing. Furiously, she shouted, “Fine! I’ll tear up those adoption papers and Bright Wing can become an orphan for all I care! My good friend Spoiled Rich was right, foals are nothing but trouble!” She then left with a humpf. Morning Dew picked up the three foals and placed them on her back. She grimaced a bit, feeling their soaked garments on her back as she sighed, “Alright you three, let's get you home.” Bright Wing looked to Golden Feather and Silver Wing, both of whom eyeing him angrily, as he turned his head, unsure of who would raise him now. > Chapter 10: Royal adoptions > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The three guards were lead back to their room in the castle by Morning Dew, waddling in their sagging diapers swaying between their legs, with pee leaking all over. Morning Dew giggled a bit each time she heard a squishing sound from the diapers. They eventually made it to their room where Comfy Rump stood with a smile “Oh, hello you three!” She came over and hugged each of them kissing and nuzzling them. She then patted their rumps and gasped! “Oh dear, you three are soaked! Come on, let's get those diapers changed.” They waddled to their bed and laid down, grumbling all the while. Morning Dew whispered, “Well I best get going, I just wanted to make sure these three got home all right.” Comfy Rump hugged her, “Thank you for escorting the foals.” She then kissed Morning Dew on the cheek as Comfy Rump turned to the toddlers and began stripping off their soaked diapers. Morning Dew asked, “So I guess you do this often?” Comfy Rump laughed. “Yes, I’ve changed hundreds of diapers before. Trust me I’ve seen and smelled worse, especially from my own son when he was in diapers. For a while I actually didn’t think he’d ever be potty trained,” She then came across the golden training pants around Bright Wing’s rump and mumbled, “I hate when nobles dress their foals in these, they’re extremly prone to leaking and not very comfortable. You’d have to have a tiny bladder not to soak it through.” As she took them off Bucket Bridle asked, “Ya not gonna put us back in diapees?” Comfy Rump cooed as she replied, “Oh, don’t you worry. I’m going to get you all cleaned and back in regular training pants.” She then began wiping down their crotches and rumps with foal wipes. Morning Dew smiled at them as Battleheart entered the room. He asked, “So is everyone doing okay?” Morning Dew nodded and mumbled, “Yeah, everything seems to be fine now.” Battleheart held her close as he whispered, “You were very brave back at the mansion, standing up a noble like that.” Morning Dew blushed as she replied, “It...it was nothing.” Battleheart shook his head, “No you're one of the bravest ponies I've ever met. Believe me, not a lot of ponies would’ve done what you did. Most would’ve been silent.” Comfy Rump finished pulling up the training pants on Bright Wing, who looked at them as they crinkled. They had little stars and moons on them and he whispered, “I didn’t tink I would miss my twainin pwants so much.” He began walking around in them as Comfy Rump smiled down at them and cooed, “Oh those training pants fit perfectly, and I love those wetness indicators, very creative.” “I'm so happy their nanny has approved of them, I created them,” Luna cooed and explained as she entered the room. The ponies all gasped and bowed as Luna replied, “It’s alright,” As the ponies rose she heard, “Mommy!” and watched as Cannon Feather rushed into her legs. She blushed as he hugged her legs and Luna held him close. She kissed him on the forehead and snuggled him, “My little prince of the night, are you doing alright?” She asked him. Cannon Feather bounced up and down in excitement as he shouted, “I doin gweat, Mama! We went ta the pawty, ten we thewe ta nasty food away, and ten I saved Bwight Wing fwom my eviw Uncwe and Auntie!” Luna nuzzled him again as she whispered, “Sounds like one great adventure, you’ll have to tell me everything later. But for now, let's get you and your friends to bed.” Bucket Bridle was going to go to the bed when he turned to Comfy Rump and asked, “Can I sweep hewe fow ta night?” Comfy Rump came over and kissed him, “Of course you can, sweetie. I think after what you three did, you deserve it.” He smiled at her and waddled away, as Luna helped them back onto the bed and pulled the covers over them. She kissed each foal on the forehead as Bright Wing babbled, “Wuna, di ya weally adopt Cannon Feather?” Luna smiled, “Yes I did, he’s officially my son now.” Bright Wing then asked, “Does ta mean ya ow Cewetsia can adopt me too?” Luna smiled once again, “Of course, but we can discuss that later. You just get some sleep, okay?” “Otay,” He babbled. He laid back down on his pillow and curled up under the sheets, but then he suddenly cried, “Whews my Hopsey?!” Luna poofed the purple bunny with her magic and placed it into Bucket Bridle’s hooves. He snuggled his rabbit, as Comfy Rump smiled down at him and left with Morning Dew and Battleheart. Luna stood by as she watched the foals drift to sleep, curling up and feeling comforted and safe. Bright Wing woke up to the sun’s rays streaming through the window. He looked at the other foals still deep asleep underneath their blankets, as he looked out at the sun rising up through the window. Bright Wing slowly got out of bed and slowly fell to the ground. He checked his training pants, smiling supn eeing that they were only slightly wet. He whispered to himself, “Tanks Wuna, tese twaining pants awe ta best,” He then slowly walked out of the room and saw that no guard was posted, he looked around suspiciously but shrugged it off when he figured Celestia and Luna had forgotten to post one in the excitement of last evening’s rescue mission. He waddled down the hall with the crinkling sound echoing everywhere. Looking back at the training pants, Bright Wing whispered, “Oh I neva goin to eva take these off.” He then looked up and saw Shining Armor walking down the hall. Bright Wing ran after him as Shining turned and smiled, “Oh hello, Bright Wing. What are you doing out of bed so early?” Bright Wing giggled, “I was twying ta sneak up on ya.” Shining eyed him, “Oh really, crinklebutt? I heard those crinkles from a mile away.” Bright Wing squealed, “Bu I wove tem, and I went ta the potty awot wast night and I made onwy a wittwe accident.” Shining ruffled his mane and said with a smile, “That's wonderful, I'm so happy for you, champ. Looks like you’re making good progress with your potty training.” Bright Wing smiled, before he then asked. “Shining, can I tawk to ya abowt somthin?” Shining nodded and with an assuring smile he whispered, “Sure, what is it?” Bright Wing explained, “I...I don know who I want ta be my famiwy. In fac...I...I don know if anypony wants me. I know I can’t go back to Cannon Feathew’s Aunt and Uncwe though, tey once fwushed him down the toiwet fow fwushing an expensive piece of jewewry. Fow months aftewawd he says he couwdn’t go neaw ta bathwoom fow feaw he’d get fwushed again,” He shivered, as he added. “I don wanna end up in anothew bad famiwy. I wucky Bucket Bwide and Cannon Feathew wescued me when tey did, I’d have pwobaby gotten a ton of spankies fow weaking on the fwoor.” Shining asked Bright Wing, “What about Morning Dew, she seemed nice.” “She is, she weawwy nice...bu...bu I awso do want ta weave my fwiends,” Bright Wing added. “And Cannon Featha has awweady adopwted by Wuna.” He babbled. Shining scratched his chin, “That is a problem. You want to be adopted by a loving family, but you also don’t want to be seperated from your friends. But why are you telling me this?” Bright Wing asked Shining, “Can ya hewp me, pwease? I pwomice to awways use ta potty if you foawsit me.” Shining pondered, before he said to Bright Wing. “Well, that’s very sweet of you to offer...but I don't know if I can help you. This is something you have to figure out for yourself.” Bright Wing sighed, “Wew Shiny, I weawwy wikwed it when ya pwayed with us, and I awso wiked pwaying with Cady...and...and I weawwy wove Cady.” Shining asked, “So you love me and Cadence?” “ Yeah, I do. Ya both weawwy nice.” Bright Wing replied with a blush. Shining whispered, “Well..to be honest, I've grown attached to you as well. You and your little friends may be troublemakers, but I can’t deny I see a little of myself in you all.” Bright Wing looked up and asked, “So um..” Shining blushed and turned his head as Bright Wing asked, “Shiny...can..can ya adopt me?” Shining Armor paused for a few moments, before he turned back towards Bright Wing and said, “I would love to, and I’m sure Cadence will agree. She’s got plenty of foalsitting experience and I’m sure she’d love a chance to get back in touch with her skills.” He came up and hugged Bright Wing who snuggled into Shining’s fur as he whispered, “Does tat mean ya my daddy now?” Shining ruffled his mane and cooed, “Yes it does, my little royal guard,” And hugged Bright Wing close to his chest as he asked, “Now do you need to go potty?” Bright Wing nodded as he scrunched his training pants and ran off with Shining following close behind. “Hey, wait for me, champ.” Celestia stepped onto the castle balcony, having finished raising the sun. As she entered the throne room and came close to her throne, she was surprised to see Comfy Rump was there, waiting for her. ”Comfy Rump, you’re here early?” Celestia asked her. Comfy Rump turned to Celestia and said to the princess, “Oh, I'm sorry. I just wanted to come by to talk to you about..some..things.” Celestia eyed Comfy and asked her, “What things?” Comfy Rump looked up and said, “Bucket Bridle has always admired you, even as a colt he talked about you all the time.” Celestia blushed and hoped Comfy wouldn’t notice too much. “Really?” She commented. Comfy Rump nodded continued, “Not only that, I fear I may be.well..embarrassing at times, and with my busy schedule I never really gave notice to his desire to become part of the royal guard,” Celestia stood by as she took a breathe and said to Celestia, I think you should adopt Bucket Bridle.” Celestia nervously replied, “Um..Comfy Rump…” But Comfy Rump interrupted and said. “I know it sounds crazy, but he loves you, and it’ll mean the world to him if he could live with you. I promise I'll come by anytime you need and watch him and his friends.” She offered. Celestia smiled, “Comfy Rump, you're a wonderful nanny and a loving mother, and I’m sure you’d do a fine job raising your son again. As much as I’m touched that you would give him to me, I think that this is a decision that should be left to Bucket Bridle to decide.” Comfy Rump wiped the tears from her eyes, “Yes, that sounds fine to me.” She then walked out of the throne room with Celestia staring at her, wondering what could prompt Comfy Rump to reconsider raising her son by herself again (she suspected Laughing Rump’s job prevented him from having a lot of time to devote to taking care of a foal). Celestia then looked over, as Bucket Bridle waddled into the throne room and he looked up at Celestia with a bright smile. “Good morning Bucket Bridle.” She greeted “Mownin Tia!” Bucket Bridle replied, as he ran up to her and jumped into her lap. She checked his training pants and felt them with her hoof, feeling that their were only a little damp she asked, “So, did you make it to the potty?” “Yeah, I did! I tink I onwy made a wittwe accident.” Bucket Bridle babbled. Celestia giggled and smiled, “That's nice, and I’m so happy that you made it all by yourself.” Bucket Bridle snuggled her as he said, “Tank ya, Tia.” Celestia then looked down at him as she asked him, “So, has your mother told you that you can decide who you wish to be raised by?” Bucket Bridle looked down as he nodded, “I wovve my mama, bu I neva had any sibwings ow fwiends when I was a fowl,” He said to Celestia. “I scawed tat if I weave, I’w neva see Bwight Wing ow Cannon Featha again, tey alweady been adopted.” Celestia smiled and asked, “So, who did Bright Wing get adopted by?” Bucket Bridle mumbled, “By Shiny.” Celestia gasped, “Really?!” “Yeah I tink Shining’s going to adopt him today.” Bucket Bridle explained. Celestia bowed her head as he whispered to her, “Tia, I wove my fosta mama awot..bu...I wove my fwiends and I wove ya...so..c..can ya be my mommy?” Celestia kissed him on the forehead, “I thought you would never ask. Of course I’ll adopt you.” Bucket Bridle giggled and asked, ”So wha, does tat make me a pwince too?” Celestia smiled and cooed. “After I sign the adoption papers, you’ll be officially be known as Prince Bucket Bridle.” He smiled and hugged her fur. Celestia hugged him back with tears streaming down her face. A short time later, Celestia had all three foals with her in her bedroom. They were sitting on her bed as she smiled at them, while they talked amongst each other. Bright Wing shouted, “Shining adopted me! Can ya bewieve it?! And since Cady’s his mawefwiend, she gonna pway with me evewy day!” Bucket Bridle was bouncing on the bed, “Wew Tia jus adopted me, and now I a pwince!” Celestia giggled, “Alright you three, calm down,” They all looked up at her as she continued, “Now, I know that last few days have been rough and you’ve already been through a lot. But I want you all to know something,” They all looked up as she explained, “Years ago, a scroll was taken from this palace. A scroll that contained unfinished spells from many powerful unicorns, all of which had been collected by Starswirl the Bearded. I sent a few of my most trusted royal guards at the time to go find the scroll, but I lost contact with them,” The foals looked at her, as she looked right back at Bright Wing, “Your mother was a part of the first group I sent. After I lost all contact with her, your father left the royal guard after that, he blamed himself and eventually he disappeared to parts unknown,” Next she turned to Cannon Feather and added, “Both of your parents were involved as well I’m afraid,” And then she turned to Bucket Bridle,”So were your parents,” She sighed as her eyes grew wet, “I am the reason for all of your misfortunes. I am truly sorry. I felt you all deserved to know now that you’ve decided who you’ll be living with.” The foals all looked each other and whispered amongst themselves. Then they looked back and Cannon Feather smiled and said, “Is not ya fawlt, Cewestia!” She looked up as Cannon Feather continued, “Ya see we wew wiwwing to give owa wives fow ya and so whew owa pawents. We woyal guawds, is what we do. And fow aww we know, they might be stiw awive, wookin fow ya scwoll! Tey just might have gone undewcovew ow someting.” Celestia smiled back at them and whispered, “Perhaps, we never got any sort of ransom demands or found anything to suggest they were killed or had died. But how could you forgive me so quickly? Because of me, two of you had terrible childhoods. One of you had to be raised by an abusive aunt and uncle, and another spent it raised by a father that was barely there for him. Even Bucket Bridle grew up not knowing what had happened to the family he was born into, and raised by a foster family that loved him but couldn’t spend much time with him.” Bucket Bridle then shouted, “Because we wove ya, Mommy tia!” he ran up to her and hugged her fore leg as Bright wing got up and hugged her leg too, Cannon Father got up and joined the hug as well. Celestia nuzzled all three of the foals, kissing them on the foreheads, “You all are so amazing! So how about, now that you're all officially adopted, we throw you a big party?!” Cannon Feather asked, “Actuwway, can we go to ta cawnival?” Celestia laughed, “How about we bring the carnival here instead?” "Yeah!” Cannon Feather squealed, prompting Celestia to giggle. “Alright.” (One week later…) Pinkie Pie shouted in excitement! “Oh wow, this is the Palace of Canterlot?! It looks so cool, and there’s so much room for the best party ever!” Rarity with her eyes all aglow exclaimed, “The palace is even more beautiful than I had imagined! And better yet, Prince Blueblood is sure to be here!” Fluttershy looked around nervously as she whimpered, “I..i just want to go see the gardens.” Rainbow Dash looked around shouting, “Where are the Wonderbolts! I thought they would be here by now!” She flew all over the throne, room eyeing the royal guards. Twilight followed a short time later, and Applejack was the last of the ponies to enter, dragging a wagon packed full of apple pies and fritters. Twilight sighed and shook her head as she said, “We're all here, willing to help you know. Remember what happened last time?” Applejack grunted, “I told ya, I'm fine! This ain’t Applebuck Season and this time I know what I’m doin’!” She dropped the wagon and looked around and asked, “Where are the little ones, shouldn't they be here for their own party?” Twilight looked around and added, “Yeah, they should be. In fact Luna, and Celestia, Cadance and Shining, shouldn’t they all should be here?” Just then Shining laughed, “Well if isn't my little sister! Long time no see, Twily!” Twilight smiled, seeing her big brother coming down the stairs with her new nephew, Cannon Feather, with him. Meanwhile, up in her bedroom, Celestia was sitting on her bed combing Bucket Bridle’s mane as she cooed, “Your mane is so soft, did you know that?” Bucket Bridle giggled and babbled, “Wha does soft, mean Tia?” She smiled, seeing how much of a toddler her adopted son had become. He was kicking his legs, making slight crinkling noises with his training pants, and looking around the room with childlike curiosity. She finished combing out his tangles as she cooed, “Well it just means that it feels nice, like the carpet or your fur.” She brushed his hoof along his fur as he asked, “So my fuw is soft?” Celestia kissed him on the cheek and whispered, “Yes, it's perfect and soft, like a cloud,” She then checked his training pants and asked, “Do you need to go potty?” Bucket Bridle shook his head. “No, I fine. You just took me ta potty a few minutes ago,” He replied honestly. Celestia giggled, “Oh, right, I’m just making sure.” She let him slide off her lap as he asked, “So, can I weaw my awmomw?” Celestia nodded, “Of course, come on,” She helped Bucket Bridle into his plastic armor. As he put on his helmet she asked him, “Now, what’s your mission for tonight?” Bucket Bridle shouted, “Pway! Have fun! And go to ta potty when I need to!” Celestia laughed and ruffled his mane, “That's right, now come on. The rest of your friends should be downstairs already.” She lead him through the halls and down the steps where the rest of his friends were wearing the their plastic armor too. Shining hugged Bright Wing closed while Twilight was nuzzling him, “So, you're my nephew, huh?” She asked him. “Funny, I feel like I should know you from somewhere, but for the life of me I can’t figure out where. Bright Wing wasn’t sure if Twilight would believe him if he told her about who he used to be, so he just shrugged and said. “I must wemind ya of somepony ewse. Bu awe ya otay with a pegasus in youw famiwy? Evewypony in youw famiwy twee’s a unicown.” Twilight laughed, “Of course I’m okay with it. I’ve always wondered what it would be like to be a pegasus and have wings” “Yeah! Totally! Having wings is like the best thing ever!” Rainbow Dash shouted as she slammed to the ground. The other foals gathered around her as she picked herself up and commented, “Looks like you three need some help learning how to fly again.” Bucket Bridle gasped and ran down to Rainbow Dash shouting, “You ca teach us how to fwy?!” Twilight turned to Rainbow Dash and whispered, “Rainbow Dash they’re only foals. I don thin-” Rainbow Dash laughed interrupting Twilight and boasted, “Twilight, you don’t know anything about flying! The younger the better, I say!” Bucket Bridle shouted, “Yeah, tat sounds gweat Miss… uh… wha ya name?!” Rainbow Dash shouted with a smug grin,“I’m Rainbow Dash, little guy!” “I Buckewt Bwidle.” The foal guard babbled back. Rainbow Dash threw him on his back and shouted, “Alright little Bucket Bridle, I’ll get you flying or my name isn’t Rainbow Dash, which it is!” Celestia laughed as she came down from the stairs, “Now Rainbow Dash, be careful. I don’t want Bucket Bridle hurting himself,” The mane six and Shining all bowed as she shook her head and explained, “Please you don’t have to bow every time I come into a room.” As everypony rose Rainbow Dash asked, “Um… Princess Celestia, is it alright if I to teach Bucket Bridle how to fly for a bit? I promise I’ll be with him the whole time.” Bucket Bridle pleaded with his best pair of puppet dog eyes. “Pwetty pwease, Mommy?” Celestia gave him a motherly smile, “Alright, but only because you called me ‘Mommy’.” Bucket Bridle squeeled shouting happily, “I gonna weawn how ta fwy!” Rarity then asked, “Um... Princess Celestia, will Prince Blueblood be around tonight?” Celestia shook her head as she explained, “My nephew will not be attending, I’m sorry. He’s not exactly good with foals, or children for that matter.” Rarity sighed, “It’s alright, I suppose not everypony has what it takes to put up with the demands a foal brings. Goodness knows how much I ran myself ragged caring for Sweetie Belle as a foal.” Cannon Feather, upon seeing Pinkie Pie, went over to her and shouted, “Hey, ya the funny pink mawe fwom ta Summa Sun cewebwation!” Pinkie Pie shouted, “Yepiree, I’m Pinkie Pie!” “Nice ta meet ya, I Cannon Feathaw.” Cannon Feather babbled. Pinkie squeeled, “What a cute little name! I guess you're one of the royal guards who’s turned super cute!” She then pinched his cheeks and kissed him on the forehead. Cannon Feather asked, “Yeah, but now tat we know each othas names, does tat make us fwiends?” Pinkie shouted back, “Of course! Now how about you and I go have some fun?!” Cannon Feather responded with a smile, “Yeah, wets go to ta cawniva.” Pinkie Pie picked him up by the waistband of his training pants, threw him onto her back and ran off happily. Bright Wing turned to Shining and asked, “So Daddy, can I go pway with Auntie Twily?” Shining set Bringht Wing on the ground, nuzzled him, and said, “Of course, I still have to do my rounds anyway. But you have to promise to listen to her, and stay out of trouble. And you have to make sure to tell her if you have to go potty.” “Otay Daddy, I’w wisten to hew, I’w be a good colt,” Bring Wing promised, he hugged Shining’s legs as the captain of the guard bent down and kissed him on the forehead. Bright Wing kissed him back as waddled over to Twilight as he shouted, “Bye Daddy!” Shining blushed and waved his hoof, “Bye son, be a good little colt for your Auntie Twilight.” Twilight couldn't help but daww, as Bright Wing asked, “Auntie Twily, can ya pway with me at ta cawnivaw?” Twilight nuzzled him and even checked his training pants as she cooed, “Of course, come on.” She then lead him outside to the palace gardens where tents and games had been set up. Cannon Feather and Pinkie Pie were already playing games as Rainbow Dash went over to a flying competition shouting, “Come on, Bucket Bridle! I'm gonna get you flying in no time!” Fluttershy, and Rarity both groaned a bit, seeing that only stallions, mares, and their foals were playing among the games. For Fluttershy she was looking around and saw that all the animals were gone due to the amount of ponies playing. Applejack had already set up her stand. She was sorting her assorted apple products and shouting, “Get your apple pies, apple fritters, and all things apples, right here! Made from Sweet Apple Acres apples.” Rarity sighed, she didn’t particularly mind foals but she was firmly in the belief that she would much prefer to spoil them, rather than raise them. ”Well, I’ll just go talk to the noble ladies. Maybe they’ll know some things about Prince Blueblood.” She thought, and left Fluttershy who began looking around for the animals. As much as the pegasus liked children and foals, she was always more comfortable with animals. Animals made less noise and were easier to keep track of. > Chapter 11: An Arrow in the knee > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rainbow Dash was looking over her new student puffing out his chest as she shouted, “You ready to fly?!” Yeah, I weady!” The little foal got into a stance and shouted. Rainbow Dash looked him over one more time before shouting, “Alright, spread those wings!” He stretched his tiny wings to their fullest extent as Rainbow Dash added, “Now flap those wings!” Bucket Bridle flapped his wings as hard as he could, grunting and sweating. Rainbow Dash shouted, “Harder!” His wings flapped a lot more, until they became a blur. He levitated an inch off the ground as he shouted, “Wook, Wainbow Dashie, I fwying!” Rainbow Dash with a smile encouraged him, “I knew you could do it, champ!” He dropped to the ground with a plop on his training pants as he grumbled, “Aww, I didn fwy.” Rainbow Dash came over and hugged him and said, “Hey, you did a good job for your first try.” “Naw I didn, I bewy got off the gwound.” Bucket Bridle whined. Rainbow Dash came up to the foal, scooped him into her hooves, and hugged him close. “Hey, that was pretty good for a two year old.” Bucket Bridle grumbled, “I two and a hawf.” Rainbow Dash continued, “Okay, but still you did...um...pretty good. I’m sure you’ll get the hang of it.” Bucket Bridle looked back at his small stubby wings and grumbled, “My wings awe so small tough.” Rainbow Dash laughed and nuzzled him, “It doesn't matter ,all pegasi eventually learn how to fly.” Bucket Bridle gasped and babbled, “Ya weawwy tink so?” Rainbow Dash scoffed, “Think so? I know so,” She then got up on all fours and said to him “How about, when your wings are a bit bigger, I teach you how to fly properly?” Bucket Bridle sucked on his right front hoof, thinking over the proposal and then he shouted, “Otay, that sownds fine!” Bucket Bridle grumbled as he got up. Rainbow Dash helped brush the dust of his training pants and patted his rump a bit making him giggle. Rainbow Dash sighed, “Well don't tell anypony about this, but I think you look super adorable in those training pants. I wish they’d had stuff like that when I was your age, but all I got were those annoying and uncomfortable plastic pants.” He blushed as he looked at them, “Wew I gwess so….I wike tem to keep me fwom makin acciwents, bu they stiw embewassin.” Rainbow Dash placed him onto her back, “Alright crinkle butt, want to see me race?” Bucket Bridle squealed, “Yeah, I can’t wait!” As she flew back into the air. Bright Wing and Twilight were walking together through the rows of games and booths, when Bright Wing whinnied at the sight off a book booth filled with Daring Do books. He waddled down the booth and started to jump up and down shouting while pointing the book on the far right end, “Wow, is tat the newest one?!” The mare behind the booth smiled and said, “Yes it is, are you a fan?” He sighed as he opened one book and realised that the words no longer made sense and mumbled, “I was.” Twilight came by as she asked, “Bright Wing, you can read?” He looked down and whimpered, “Not anymowe.” Twilight came to the mare and placed a sack of bits on the counter, as she picked up a stack of Daring Do books, and placed them in a saddle bag on her back. Bright Wing looked up with amazement and whispered, “Twilie, it's otay. I can’t wead.” Twilight smiled, “That’s fine, my brother or I can read to you.” She picked up the foal with the book in his hooves and trotted out of the booth. He giggled and asked, “Ya wike Dawin Do too?” Twilight nodded and said to her nephew, “Of course, I’m not a huge fan, but I do read them from time to time.” “That’s gweat!” Bright Wing exclaimed. “I wove Dawin Do! I wove it when she goes into ta pyawmids and ta tempwes, an she gots ta sowve ta puzzwes ta get ta awtifacts.” Twilight laughed, “You like the puzzles?” “Yeah, ta puzzwes awe ta best pawts!” Bright Wing shouted. Twilight laughed, “I’m glad you like them, I think those are my favorite parts too.” Bright Wing asked, “So Auntie Twilie, do ya got wots of books?” Twilight replied by saying, “Well I do live in and run a library, so of course I have a lot of books.” Bright Wing gasped and babbled. “Weawwy? Ya weawwy gots a wot of books?” Twilight nodded and said to him, “Yeah, I’d say I do.” “Can I go and see it someday?” Bright Wing pondered, before he suggested. “Maybe Daddy can take me?” Twilight laughed, “Yes it would be nice for Shining to visit Ponyville once in awhile. And I would love you to visit too. I’d especially love for you to meet your Uncle Spike.” “Otay, wew I wiw twy ta get Daddy ta visit ya.” Bright Wing promised. Twilight giggled and whispered, “Alright, Bright Wing, I hope you succeed.” Cannon Feather was stuffing his face with fried doughnuts and drinking a sippy cup full of chocolate milk, while Pinkie Pie sat across from him asking, “So, how do you like the food?” “ “ It’s gweat! Ta food tastes so good!” Cannon Feather chirped. Pinkie ruffled his mane and cooed, ”I’m so happy for you.” Cannon Feather smirked with a big grin on his face, “Tank ya Pinkie Pie, ya gweat.” Pinkie Pie dawwed, “Oh, no problem, you're just too cute,” Cannon Feather giggled as she then asked, “So, what do you want to do next?” He pondered and then asked, “Can we go thwow baws at one of ta booths? I want anotha stuffed animaw.” Pinkie laughed and said, “Yeah, but don’t you think you're doing great so far? Do you really need yet another stuffed animal when you’ve already got so many?” He turned to a pile of stuffed animals near them he shouted, “Yeah, I tink I got awot of stuffed animaws, bu I wants a wabbit wike Bucket Bwidwe!” Pinkie laughed, “Well, come on then. Let's win you a stuffed rabbit.” Cannon Feather shouted, “Yeah, otay!” He quickly gobbled up his food, and let Pinkie grab him and his stuffed animals. She came to a booth where there was a bunch of bottles and baseballs. Cannon Feather shouted, “I want ta twy tat game!” Pinkie smiled, “Sure, let’s play.” She set him down, and he took up the baseballs and began throwing them, but they only plopped a few feet in front of him as he groaned, “Oh, so cwose.” Pinkie then came up, helped pick up one of the baseballs and threw it, the ball hitting its mark! Cannon Feather leaped up in joy, “We got one!” Pinkie Pie nuzzled him cooing, “Yeah we did, good job.” Bright Wing looked up at the stallion running the booth, who hoofed him a stuffed rabbit. He hugged it close as he looked up at Pinkie Pie, “Tank ya!” “No problem, kiddo.” Pinkie Pie replied, as she ruffled his mane. Celestia was sitting on her throne, when she saw Rain slowly walking up to the throne, shaking all over. Celestia became concerned and asked, “Rain, is something wrong?” Rain looked up with a small smile and shook her head, “No...I just came by to ask about Bright Wing. That’s okay with you, right?” Celestia smiled and replied, “Of course,” She turned to the gathered nobles and said to them, “Can you all please leave? The court is now close for the day,” She then got up and lead Rain down the hall and asked, “So, what’s on your mind?” Rain sighed and asked under her breath, “Did Bright Wing get adopted?” Celestia nodded and replied, “Yes he did, by Captain Shining Armor.” Rain smiled at this news and whispered, “That's wonderful.” Celestia nodded and responded cheerfully, “It is, I am more then happy for him and his well being. Now, is there anything I can do for you?” Rain shook her head and said, “No, not at the moment anyway.” Celestia eyed the pegasus mare and asked her, “Not at the moment?” Rain responded with a reluctant sigh, “Look, I’m not rich, and neither should I ask favors of you.” Celestia smiled and said, “Rain, I don’t care if you're rich or poor. You're a citizen of Equestria. Speak, what do you request of me?” Rain looked up and said to Celestia, “I...I want to be turned back to a foal.” Celestia eyes went wide, “Really?!” Rain continued, “Yeah, I don’t know if it’s a good idea. But, he and I were very close.” Celestia became solemn and replied, “Rain, I could do this, but the spell performed on Bright Wing is highly advanced and dangerous. If it works there will be no going back.” Rain continued, “Princess Celestia, if I go through with this I don't wish to be turned back to normal. I want to grow up with Bright Wing so we can reunite later on in life.” Celestia reluctantly nodded and said, “Well, I think you should talk to Bright Wing and see if he still has feelings. Also consider the fact if you do turn into a foal, it could be hard on your family.” Rain sighed, “I know, I guess I’m just angry and frustrated that my colt friend’s a foal. I mean we're going to get married soon and now..I ..I don’t know what to do.” Celestia looked at the distraught pegasus and whispered, “Just talk to him and see how he feels. If you still wish to be turned into a foal after that, then I’ll do it.” Rain turned with a smile, “Okay, thank you Princess Celestia.” She bowed her head and left the hall in haste. The day went by as all the girls and foal meet up back at the palace, eating dinner. The foals laughing and discussing about their day as Rarity grumbled under her breathe, being somewhat moody (not finding Prince Blueblood and learning he had a very bad reputation was some of the worst news she could’ve ever received) while Fluttershy was nowhere to be seen. Twilight looked around and asked. ”Where’s Fluttershy?” Pinkie Pie replied, “Oh, I think she’s still looking for animals, I’m sure she’ll be back soon.” Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash boasted, “Well, I won the flying competition in front of The Wonderbolts!” Bucket Bridle babbled, “Yeah, it’s aw twue! Wainbow Dashie won! And watwa we gots ice cweam, and she even taught me a bit on fwying!” He rose off his chair while flapping his wings as fast as possible, but he just plopped back down making every pony laugh. Pinkie Pie then boasted, “Well me and Cannon Feather beat every game in the carnival, and won a ton of stuffed animals!” Cannon Feather shouted proudly, “I got a wabbit now, and I named him poofy!” Bright Wing blushed and added, “Auntie Twile and I wead aw day.” Twilight cooed, and hugged him, “Yes we did and I loved every second of it.” Shining Armor came up to the table, smiling at Twilight and hugging his adopted son as he asked, “So Twilight, did Bright Wing behave himself?” Twilight turned and nodded. “Yes he did, he even went potty with zero accidents.” “Yeawh, I didn even make a wittwe wettie, and I maded poopies in my potty.” Everypony dawwed, even Shining Armor who cooed, “Come here, champ,” Bright Wing ran across the room and Shining Armor hugged the toddler close to his chest. Shining asked, “So, did you had fun?” Bright Wing nodded and babbled, “Yeah I had wots of fun, we pwayed games, ate candy and cake, and we wead fow the west of the day.” Rain then entered the dining room as Bright Wing shouted in excitement, “Wain, yeah hewe too?!” He got up and waddled over to her, as she scooped him into her embrace and she whispered, “Bright Wing, are you doing okay?” He looked up and babbled, “Yeah, I doin fine.” She brushed his mane and she grew distant and with a solemn expression she asked, “Bright Wing can we talk?” Bright Wing turned his head towards Shining Armor who nudged him, “Go ahead. This is between you and her.” Bright Wing nodded slowly and waddled off with Rain. They walked side by side through the halls of the palace, with only the crinkles of Bright Wing’s training pants. At last, Rain finally spoke up, “Bright Wing, I have a question.” “Yeah?” Bright Wing whispered. Rain paused for a second as she looked down and asked, ”Do...do you still love me?” Bright Wing with a giggle replied, “Tat’s a funny qwestion, of course I do.” Rain then asked, “So if I was turned into a foal would you still love me when we became adults again?” Bright Wing hugged her fore legs he then looked up and said, “Wain, I know that I got tuwned to a fowl, and we wove each otha. Bu if ya tuwn to a fowl fow me, you wose awot. Ya wiw wose ya job, ya famiwy, and ya otha fwiends. You’ww be in diapees and make wetties and poopies in tem untiw you weady to use a pwastic potty. You wun be able to enjoy aww the gweat aduwt tings, and you won be abwe to wead. I got tuwned into a fowl against my wiw. I dun want ya to be a foal, I dun want ya to deaw with these things.” Rain looked away in tears as she whispered, “I would turn back to a foal for you...you know that.” Bright Wing hugged her leg hard as he whimpered, “I wove you awot too.. Tink about it and tawk with ya fwiends and famiwy befowe ya do anythin, otay?” Rain nodded, “Yeah, you're right. Even if I don’t become a foal...you’ll always be in my heart.” She bent down, kissed him on the forehead, and ruffled his mane. As she ran down the hall in tears Bright Wing turned to Shining coming up to him, and his new dad asked, ”Hey, you doing okay?” Bright Wing’s eyes flooded with tears as he waddled into Shining’s embrace. Shining hugged him close, while his adopted son cried into his chest. The six mares were now at the train station with Fluttershy being held by Rainbow Dash and Applejack while shouting, “Let me go! Those animals are going to come out eventually!” Applejack grumbled, “Fluttershy come on, they're just animals!” Pinkie Pie continued, “Yeah, we got a ton at home!” “I didn’t get to see them! I wanted to see a monkey!” Fluttershy shouted. All the while Rarity was crying dramatically, “I came to Canterlot in hopes of marrying my true love, but alas, I didn't even get a chance to see my Prince Blueblood!” Cannon Feather watched in wonder and asked, ”Awe they goin’ to be fine?” Twilight nodded and mumbled, ”I’m sure they’ll be fine eventually.” She ruffled his mane as she turned to see Shining came down with a whimpering Bright Wing on his back. The foal jumped off and ran to Twilight and hugged her. He hugged her close and whimpered, “Wiw ya be back, Twilie?” Twilight smiled and hugged him back, “We will, I promise.” Shining then replied, ”We could come to visit you in Ponyville, if you're not too busy saving Equestria that is.” Twilight smirked, “Okay, well good luck potty training Bright Wing. Sounds like he’s already getting the hang of it though, just be careful not to let him near the toilet, or you know what will happen.” Bright Wing giggled as Shining blushed. Twilight then walked into the train car with the rest of her friends, all waving goodbye to the foals. As the foals watched the train puff down the rails, Cannon Feather babbled, “I goin ta miss them.” Shining sighed, “Yeah me too. Now come on, let's get you all ready for bed.” The foals groaned and reluctantly followed Shining down the road. Celestia was busy looking over notes and maps in her study when Luna walked in and asked, “Sister?” Celestia sighed and looked over as she mumbled, “You may come in, Luna.” Luna looked over the stuff on her sister’s desk, “Are these about the mission on the missing scroll?” She asked. Celestia continued, “Yes, but I can’t find out where the foals families are.” Luna looked down at the maps and asked, “Any leads?” Celestia frustratingly replied, “No, I sent them years ago and I haven’t received word of where they’ve gone. The last I heard they were in Saddle Arabia, but they went undercover and the Saddle Arabians have no clue where they went from there.” Luna whispered, “The scroll was that powerful?” “Yes it was, it could alter things in the past and change the future. In fact, I'm surprised the thief hasn't used the scroll yet.” Celestia mumbled. Luna whispered, “There must be clues.” But Celestia shook her head, “Not really, if I had any clues I would be rescuing them myself.” Luna realized her sister was stressed and whispered, “Come on, Shining has the foals and is getting them ready for bed. We should probably check on our sons.” Celestia nodded, “Indeed, stressing myself over the past won’t do any good, as much as it did,” Luna watched her sister get up from her desk and asked, “I have one question, why didn't you tell the foals about their parents earlier?” Celestia sighed and explained, “I didn't want them to think they were dead, Luna. I’m still lingering on the hope that they’re fine, but the thief, whoever it was, was incredibly powerful. And it seems like because of me, those three foals lost their parents forever,” She burst into tears again as Luna hushed her, “It’s okay...I’m sure that things will be fine.” Celestia smiled and whispered, “I’m not a foal, Luna.” Luna smirked, “You do sure act like one sometimes, Tia.” Celestia nuzzled her sister, thinking of all the fun times they’d had as foals. How long ago those memories seemed, yet they could remember them as if they were yesterday. As they continued down the hall towards the two came upon the foals running down the hallway. Celestia scooped them into her hooves and hugged them close as she asked, “You all ready for bed?” “Yeah!” They all shouted together. She looked up at Shining who replied, “I gave them baths, had them brush their teeth, changed their training pants, and got them to use the potty. No accidents to report.” They all laughed again as Celestia cooed, “Looks like Shiny’s a foalsitter, just like Cadence.” Cannon Feather then went over, hugged Luna, and asked her, “Mama, can ya tuck me in?” Luna bent down and kissed him, “Of course, now get your crinkle butt moving.” He squealed and waddled off. Bright Wing came over and nuzzled Shining Armor’s legs who hugged him as Bright Wing asked, “Daddy, can ya tuck me in?” Shining nuzzled him and whispered, “Sure, come on.” They all laughed as the three adults herded the foals to their, room where Celestia saw the back of the room had a tower of stuffed animals. Cannon Feather looked up at Luna and asked , “Mama, can I sweep with aw of them?” Luna shook her head and said, “You can sleep with only one.” Cannon Feather giggled, “Otay mama.” He picked up his white bunny as Bright Wing asked, “Can I have one of ya stuffed animaws?” Cannon Feather laughed, “Of cowse.” Bright Wing took a purple dragon plushie from the stack, then the three crawled into their bed and got comfortable under the sheets. After getting goodnight kisses from the adult ponies Bright Wing asked, “Can ya finish ta stowie about ta guawd?” Celestia smirked, “Sure, but nopony better get out of bed tonight.” She then continued her story of the hero while Shining and Luna left the room. Luna asked, “So Shining… are you planning to have Bright Wing live with you soon?” Shining nodded, “Yeah, now that Cadence and I are going steady, Cadence is getting a room ready for him right now. She would be here now if it weren't for her making sure the room was perfect. She’s gonna be a big help in keeping Bright Wing in line.” Luna then asked, “Did you talk to him yet?” Shining shook his head, “Not yet, but I’m planning to talk to him later. He was really shaken up about his marefriend Rain.” Luna nodded and replied, “Yes, I heard about that. I hope things turn out well for the two.” Shining nodded and whispered, “Me too.” They both turned when they heard Cannon Feather shout. “Wow! He got mawied?!” Celestia replied, “Yes he did.” “Bu wha abou his advntuaws?” Bright Wing asked. Bucket Bridle added, “An wha abow his pwomice to ta thane?” Celestia replied with a smile, ”He fufilled his promise and got his axe back, he’s done. And that's why when he finished his story. he ended the tale with: ‘I used to be an adventurer like you, but then I took an arrow in the knee.’” The foals all shouted, “Ohhh!” Bright Wing whispered, “I don wan a awwo in ta knee though.” Celestia laughed, “It’s a figure of speech,” And she kissed Bright Wing on the forehead. Then she gently cooed, “Now get some sleep,” She crept out of the room, shut the lights off, and headed out into the hallway. As the royal parents all left together Celestia spoke, “Luna, Shining, I have a favor to ask of you,” The two looked at her as she continued, “I’m going to tell you some things, but you must stay quiet.” They both nodded as she continued, “I believe that these royal guards were turned imto foals by whoever has the scroll.” They both gasped as Luna replied, “But it was Nightmare Moon who turned them into foals!” Celestia responded, “It may have seemed that way, but I don’t think she would've turn them into foals without a reason. A scroll with the power to control time could've altered things to make that happen.” Shining (who was confused) asked ,”But with that power, why would a mage turn ponies into foals?” Celestia shook her head still bewildered as well and continued, “I don’t know, but we must stay alert, as I fear they may not be the only victims.” Shining saluted and said firmly, “I will stay on high alert for any suspicious activity, I won’t let you down.” Luna nodded and agreed, “Right, we must stay vigilant with this danger still out there. Hopefully if this is true, there also could be a chance to reverse the spell.” Celestia nodded and concluded, “Right. As for now this stays between the three of us. But I’ll tell Twilight about what I’ve discovered as well. I fear she and her friends could also be targets.” Shining asked, “Should I send guards to keep her safe? We’ve got some fine new recruits waiting for their first assignment.” Celestia shook her head and said, “Twilight is very capable, and I trust her judgment. Besides, I think if we have any more royal guards trying to fight powerful evil mages, we’ll have more foals in potty training.” Then as if right on cue they all heard Cannon Feather run down the hallway babbling, “Mama, I gots to go poopies!” Luna dawwed and ran up to her foal. “Okay dear, come on.” She quickly came over and helped him towards the bathroom as he heard Bright Wing shout, “Daddy, I gots to go potty too!” Shining smirked and said, “Better go check on Bright wing and make sure he’s okay.” Then Celestia laughed when she heard Bucket Bridle shout, “Mommy I gots ta go pee!” Celestia quickly followed suit into the foals room. Soon the three adult ponies were escorting their foals to the bathroom across the hall.