> Kitzumi the fox pony. Book Two.
>  by KittyrinnAiko
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> The fall of Discord
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------



“Good morning,” Celestia said with great cheer to Luna. Princess Luna muttered back a halfhearted ‘morning’ in response.  Luna picked up a pineapple and took a big bite out of it. “Hard night was it?”

“Night court was fun.” Luna offered sitting down.

“How so? Oh, and Cadence is here. She made some pancakes...” Celestia was about to warn Princess Luna not to eat the pancakes Cadence had made when Cadence came in with a stack and delivered them to Princess Luna.

“Morning Auntie Loo.” Cadence offered.

“Did you make your Sweet and sour sauce?” Luna asked.

“Sure did,” Cadence replied. 

“She puts chilies in her pancakes, how can you eat that?” Celestia asked perplexed.

“Unlike those bland things you make, I can taste them.” Luna offered. After a thousand years on the moon, Luna’s taste buds were all but shot. “Cadence, what brings you to Canterlot?” Luna looked about, put a quantity of butter on her pancake stack, and then located the pitcher that had the sweet and sour sauce in it.

“Flurry is having issues at school,” Cadence replied. I’ve decided that I’m going to start picking random days to sit in with her. Just to keep her on her hooves.”

“Oh, speaking of troubled youth… or in this case, elders...” Luna began.

“Oh don’t tell me...” Celestia interjected.

“Constable brought him into court last night,” Luna replied. “He was being belligerent, so I had him put in the lock-up to sober up.”

“Who? Anyone I know?” Cadence asked curious.

“Star Swirl. Star Swirl the drunkard they are starting to call him now. He was absolutely plastered,” Luna offered. Celestia just let out a sigh.  

“Star Swirl?” Cadence asked shocked.

“Drunk as a Lord,” Luna informed them. “From last night’s tirade, I gather that part of the reason is he’s figured out that Sombra had used his transformation spell.”

“So he’s blaming himself for everything that happened.” Celestia surmised.

“Pretty much,” Luna replied with an air of defeat. “He also voiced his concerns about Discord.” “As in I suspect Discord may well be the author behind Star Swirl’s newfound past time.”

“Discord is reformed now.”

“Tia, I’m not entirely sure he is.” Luna offered. “I don’t think he treats Fluttershy very nice either.”

“Has Discord done something?” Celestia asked.

“Unfortunately nothing I can point a hoof at, and say that it was definitely discord. Let us not forget that he sided with Tirek until Tirek took his powers. Nor should we ignore the many incidents at Twilight’s school.”

“He did end up helping us with Tirek.” Celestia offered.

“Not helping us essentially meant a death sentence for him. Without his magic, without our magic we are mortal. No different than any other with a normal ordinary life expectancy. He was conspicuously missing during the Storm King’s invasion, and a good deal of the complaints coming into the night court are very suspicious. When it comes right down to it, I doubt very much if he’s truly reformed. Oh, he makes the effort to behave when we’re watching, but he is sorely lacking in any integrity.”

“Seems I’d better look over the transcripts.” Celestia offered.

“I also fear that if it becomes necessary to move against him, we’ll get no cooperation out of Fluttershy. And her counterpart required to use the elements of harmony, Mage Meadowbrook, is off on a humanitarian mission.”

“And the one pony who can help us come up with an alternate solution is in the drunk tank. Great, just great.” Celestia grumbled.





Kitzumi woke with a start. She looked about and let out a sigh. She was in her room in Twilight’s castle. Not the room she’d used growing up, but the room she now called home. At least when she was staying at the castle of Harmony. It didn’t feel like home though as it was lacking in many of her things. Things she’d lost when she went back in time, and waiting for updates on her favorite books was going to take a long time. To be honest she felt more at home in Princess Luna’s apartments. At least there, there were things familiar from before her unplanned trip back in time. It was late afternoon, the shadows were growing long, and she was hungry. Princess Celestia was no doubt putting the sun to rest for the night. Kitzu got up, she was feeling better, and headed down to the bath where she washed and dried her face. She looked at herself in the mirror for a bit wondering if what her mother had said was true or if it was just meant to make her feel better. From there she decided to head downstairs to see if anyone was about. When she was about halfway down the stairs Kitzu could hear what sounded like a very heated debate going on in the map room.

“Discord, please ‽” Came Twilight’s voice from the room. Kitzu hurried down the stairs and headed down the hallway to the map room, the fur on her back lifting. She’d learned about Discord but had yet to encounter him for some reason. Granted the charms she put up could have had something to do with it, but she’d yet to activate any of them. She already knew she didn’t like him from the sort of things her father had told her. Discord was a creature universally feared and despised in Equestria. It seemed the only means ponies had to counter the whims of Discord had been the elements of harmony, and they had been returned to the tree of harmony. No matter, she was prepared for this challenge.

“Oh, I just don’t know… I always thought I was family?” Offered the serpent-like mismatched creature that was discord. “I just know my not being invited had to be some kind of oversight.” His tone had changed to one of anger.

“I’m sorry. The wedding is going to be family, close relatives, and members of the wedding party. You just aren’t on the list.” Twilight said. Her tone and body language was that of an employee being bullied by a boss who might at any moment fire her. In short, Twilight was very much afraid of him. It’d been Lady Aiko, Matriarch of the Dakiniten, of the fox pony kingdom, who’d specifically requested that Discord be omitted, barred even, but Twilight couldn't bring herself to shift responsibility from herself.

“Then put me on the list, and then everything will be fine.” His demeanor seemed cordial, but his tone was menacing.

“You aren’t invited,” Kitzu announced in a strong voice as she entered the room.

“I’m what? Not invited?”

“Kitzu, stay out of this please?” There was a hint of panic in Twilight’s voice. “Now please, what would Fluttershy think?” The peace they had with Discord hinged on whether or not he wished to remain on friendly terms with the ponies, and it was a bit like walking a very frayed tightrope. Discord’s whims were constantly having to be appeased, and dealing with him was like having to deal with a very spoiled child who quite literally had the power to turn a pony inside out with the snap of his talons. Twilight also knew much of the history of Equestria, the mayhem and carnage which had been visited upon Equestria at the whims of Discord. Freeing him was perhaps the one act of Celestia’s that Twilight was adamantly opposed to. Discord was a living natural disaster waiting to happen. Just having Discord about was like living in the eye of a perpetual hurricane.

“I’m not afraid of him,” Kitzu announced as she maneuvered about the room.

“Oh really...” Discord said in a low undertone as he moved from his present position to close the gap between himself and Kitzu. He raised himself up off the floor and slid along a cushion of air, silently slithering ever so slowly.

“Discord, please. Leave her alone she’s just a filly. For friendship's sake, for Fluttershy’s sake, won’t you please listen to reason?”

“Fluttershy‽ This isn't about Fluttershy. This is about me. Me! Fluttershy?! She’s replaceable. Why I can make all the Fluttershys I want,” Discord said in a mocking tone. “Why I could make a whole village of them, with little huts in the forest if I wanted, and make sport of hunting them day after day, just me and Opaline Arcana. Pitty she went and got herself banished, she was fun.”

“Discord you can’t mean that? Fluttershy is your friend. You can’t be serious?” Twilight pleaded with discord. She'd read about Opaline Arcana as well and if half of what had been recorded was true... Whatever it was Kitzu was doing wasn’t helping calm Discord either.

“Oh, but I am. I’m afraid I’ve grown weary of that diversion,” Discord admitted. His tone had switched to that of a person who’d just been playing a game of lawn bowling, his eyes watching Kitzu.

Twilight was at a loss as she too watched Kitzu her mind reeling. “Kitzu what are you doing‽” That familiar mist that heralded the advent of the mystic fox fire had formed about Kitzu’s hooves as she muttered some incantation known only to fox ponies, followed by the mist swirling, and spreading outwards in what seemed to be random directions.

“Attend to me oh spirits of divine heaven,” Kitzu spoke loud and clear as she stalked Discord. “Attend to me oh spirits of the sacred earth,” Kitzu spoke her words in a sing-song pattern as she maneuvered around, the mist of the foxfire billowing out. A swirl of blue flame rose up about Kitzu’s hooves, her agitation reaching a fevered pitch. “Attend to me oh myriad of divine spirits. Hear my modest words. Humbly, reverently I beseech thee. Cleans me of all impurities.” “Cleans this place of all that is of decay, and purify this place.”

“What? What is that? What is she doing?” Discord asked. His manner showed a level of astonishment that only helped fuel his anger.

“Attend to me oh spirits of divine heaven. Attend to me oh spirits of the earth. Descend upon this place from the heavens, from the waters, and from the land, and grant us thy divine protection.”

“Kitzu?” Twilight whispered as her panic rose. “Please don’t. You’ll just make him angry.”

“She can’t be serious?” Discord asked and began to laugh. I do believe she’s actually trying to challenge me.” He laughed a manic laugh. “Me‽ Discord! God of chaos!”

“Bless this place that the land shall prosper under the protection of the sun and the moon following in the ways of divine nature so that this place may know peace and stability.” Kitzu then stopped, sat on her hunches, and clapped her front hooves.

Discord dropped heavy onto the floor with a thud.

“What just happened?” Twilight asked truly baffled.

“Oh, just a little prank.” Kitzu offered as a delighted smile took hold of her face. “It’s really just a foal-level spell. It’s how fox ponies manage to live in the Everfree. They write it all over the place in their ancient script.”

“A prank?” Discord asked. His tone was that of astonished bewilderment.

“I’ve written it all over the castle. This castle was created by the combined magic of friendship and harmony. Fox magic, while wild and chaotic, is the magic of new life, and harmonizes with the magic of the castle.”

“A prank you say,” Discord said slowly rising to his feet. His anger began to boil. “Let us see how you would like a prank?” He snapped his talons. Nothing. Snapped them again. Still nothing.

“The castle is amplifying the spell, and negating all discordant magic.” Kitzu offered with a smile while getting up. “Just a little something I discovered in my studies.” Truth be told the credit wasn’t all hers, but Discord didn’t need to know that. “I must say it does seem to be working quite well.” Kitzu couldn't resist a little dance.

“Why you little shit!” Discord growled and lunged for her.

“No, don’t hurt her!” Twilight shouted, fear clouding her thoughts. Kitzu on the other hoof had no trouble dodging the now absurdly gamely assault. As Discord went sailing past Kitzumi, Twilight hit him with the most powerful stunning spell she had. Discord sprawled across the floor and slid along the hard tile surface coming to an abrupt stop on hitting the wall. “Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no!!” Twilight looked about as pale as a violet pony could possibly be.

“You have no power over me!” Kitzu announced triumphantly and then stomped her hooves.

“He’s not moving,” Twilight said in a hushed tone.

“Who’s not moving?” Luna asked entering. “What’s going on?”

“Discord!” Twilight announced. “He’ll kill us all.”

“Dis . . . Discord‽”

“Who-hoo! It worked!!!” Kitzu shouted triumphantly oblivious to Twilight and Luna’s moment of utter frozen panic. “Dad told me what to do, and it worked!”

“He what?!” Twilight asked stunned.

“Discord has no defense against fox magic, and my spells have him powerless, and he’s out cold!” 

“He’s out cold?” Luna said a gasp. A thought struck her like a slap across the face with a fish. “Quick, into the portal with him!”

“What?” Twilight asked shocked.

“Look, Discord does not deserve our compassion,” Luna said lifting him up with her magic.

“But he’s reformed now?” Twilight asked halfheartedly not half believing herself. It was just, that giving ponies another chance was what Princess Celestia always emphasized. But then, how often had Discord been given that second chance? Even with demonstrating that they could fight back, would he behave? Could he? And if so for how long?

“Only so long as it amuses him, and he’ll be furious when he wakes up. Twilight, the portal.” Luna implored. “Now is our chance to be rid of him once and for all! With any luck, he won’t have any power over there. And he’ll have the opportunity to reform for real.”

“Alright,” Twilight said and hurried out of the room into the hall. “If for no other reason then he’ll just take his anger out on some poor innocent. Or worse yet, take it out on Kitzu the first opportunity he gets.”

Off they went to the room that housed the mirror portal. Twilight put the book in, and then took hold of Discord with her magic. A moment later the two alicorns tumbled through along with Discord.



💫💫💫💫💫💫



“Well, this is different,” Luna muttered. The three were tangled together.

“Get him off me!” Twilight protested. Nearby a student who’d been attending a late afternoon club activity looked, and screamed. For whatever reason, discord, having emerged as human, was now completely naked from his head to his toes. He’d not a thing covering his body, not even hair. Unlike Twilight and Luna who’d emerged wearing whatever their counterparts had been wearing that day. A moment later School Resource Officers rushed over to them, grabbed naked bald human Discord, cuffed him, and drugged him off to their office to await the police, while Twilight and Luna’s names were being called by staff and students alike. Only Luna was addressed as Vice Principle Luna.

“What’s a vice principle?” Luna asked Twilight.

“Oh dear, you must have hit your head mighty hard.” A member of the staff said.

“It’s OK, we’re fine.” Twilight offered, as she and Luna were helped to their feet. “Twilight then grabbed hold of Luna to help steady her. The two were then escorted to the school’s infirmary. Both were showing signs of stress.

“I’m OK, I’m OK!” Twilight protested as she was being prompted to sit down.

“No, you’re not.” Nurse Redheart countered. “You are shaking like a leaf.”

“What’s going on? I was told Luna and Twilight had been attacked?” Principle Celestia asked entering the infirmary followed by Vice Principle Luna. “Oh my?!”

“Twilight!” Shouted another Twilight as she burst into the room. Applejack, Scootaloo, Rarity, Sweetie Belle, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie, Fluttershy, and Apple Bloom followed close behind. “What happened?! Are you alright!?” A moment later the two Twilights had embraced.

“Wow.” The human world Luna said. “Didn’t know I had a twin.” Pinkie quickly brought Vice Principle Luna, up to speed regarding her double.

“That man who went after us...” Twilight began.

“If it is within your power, lock him up in the deepest darkest dungeon, and throw away the key.” Princess Luna beseeched them.

“I’m terribly sorry about bringing him here.” Twilight offered. “I’m hoping he won’t have any magic here. I pray to everything I hold dear that he has no magic here. Even without his magic, he’s as likely to go after you all if he gets free.”

“The school went into lockdown.” Principal Celestia offered. “I’m going to assume this was an issue with the magical world?”

“We can’t tell the police about them About our doubles.” VP Luna offered, adding an amendment on seeing the panicked look in the eyes of the two from Equestria. “So I’ll just tell the police that the naked man attacked me.”

“I’ll do the same.” offered the human world’s Twilight.

“You’ll do that for us?” Luna asked. “It is our fervent hope he won’t be able to use magic here.”

“Only one way to know for sure, and that’s to wait till he comes to.” Twilight offered.

“No.” Apple Jack countered. “You two get back through that portal and close it. Close it for good.”

“But how will we know?” Twilight asked.

“The book silly.” Pinkie offered. “It still offers a link.”

“Alright,” Twilight replied. “Just one thing...”

“Watch him, and if he shows any sign of having magical power, destroy the book.” Luna requested.

“Alright.” The human world Twilight offered. “As much as I hate to do that, I’ll do it.”

“I’m going too,” Scootaloo announced.

“Wait, what?” Twilight asked as the two Twilight’s separated. “But this is your home.”

“Are you sure you want to do that?” Principle Celestia asked.

“I’m living in hiding,” Scootaloo informed Princess Twilight and Princess Luna. “Ever since that bastard of a father of mine told the immigration people my birth certificate was a fake!”

“What?” Twilight asked stunned.

“I don’t understand?” Princess Luna asked. “Birth certificate?”

“A despicable man by the name of Amos Anon, Louis's father, in order to get out of providing support, signed an affidavit claiming Louise wasn’t born in this country, and in order for her to be able to stay, she needs to have proof, and right now the only proof she has is a photocopy of her birth certificate we have on file. There’s no copy at the courthouse, it vanished, and immigration took the one they had at the foster home.”

“Maybe if I let them ship me off to some foreign land I might find my mother, but I think the chances of that are mighty slim.” Scootaloo offered. “I know I have a half-sister in Equestria, and Sunset Shimmer is practically a second mother to me. So I’d rather take the chance at being stuck there.”

“All right. If that’s what you want,” Princess Twilight replied.

“We should get going,” Princess Luna prompted.

“And we’ll gather up the students who saw anything, and make sure everyone has their story straight.” Principal Celestia offered.



❇❇❇❇❇❇❇❇❇❇❇❇❇



Back at the castle Kitzu presently had Spike in a headlock as she waited. “What’s going on?” Starlight Glimmer asked entering the room.

“Twilight might need me, and she won’t let me go through the mirror.” Spike protested.

“Spike, she doesn't need you. You’d be nothing more than a hindrance. When are you going to understand that you can’t go rushing to her side every time there is something going on?!” Kitzu rebuked.

“Let me go!” Spike shouted in frustration.

“No! Don’t force me to use my magic on you! I’m so agitated right now I might blast you all the way into next Tuesday!”

“What’s going on?”

“I cast a spell that deprived Discord of magic. He was furious. He lunged at me, hit his head against the wall, and was knocked out cold. Twilight hit him with a stun spell as well. My two moms took him to the human world in hopes that he’ll not be able to use magic there.”

“Let me go!” Spike protested.

Kitzu was not about to let Spike go through that portal shouting her answer in return to his demand. “N0!!!”

To the relief of everyone present, Twilight, and Luna, plus Scottaloo emerged through the mirror. Twilight used her magic to retrieve the book from the apparatus that opened the portal, Luna turned, faced the portal, and vaporized the mirror with her magic.

“What? What have you done?” Glimmer asked in shock.

“Closing the portal for good,” Luna replied. “With any luck, Discord will be powerless over there.”

“And if he’s not?” Glimmer asked as fear crept into her.

“The book is still connected,” Twilight announced. “The police have arrived, and they are dragging Discord out to their car. He’s kicking, and screaming, and raving like a lunatic.” Twilight quickly penned something. “Oh good, they are all hiding inside. He can’t see them. They tased him? What does that mean?”

“It’s a device that emits a powerful electric shock,” Scootaloo announced.

“Oh, and he’s down for the count!” Twilight announced joyfully. “No magic, and we’ll never be plagued by him again!” Twilight and Luna hug.

“Let me go!” protested Spike.”

“Sorry,” Kitzu offered as she let him go.

“Twilight!” Spike called rushing to her and hugging her front right leg. “I’m so sorry. I wanted to help, to do something – I couldn't move, and then, and then you took Discord through the mirror. I wanted to help, but I couldn't move, and then when you went through the portal I just knew I had to follow. I... Kitzu grabbed me and prevented me from...”

“Spike!” Twilight scolded. “There are going to be times when you can’t help me. At least Kitzu understands that.” Had you followed me through, and I not knowing; you could have been trapped there. As a dog! Forever! Now let go.”

“I’m sorry Twilight. I’m sorry.” Spike let go and began to cry. “I was so scared.”

“Mom… He does think of you as his mother.” Kitzu offered quietly in the stunned silence. “Kind of makes him my big brother. My big little brother.”

Twilight let out a sigh, dropped to the floor, and gave Spike a hug. “I’m sorry Spike. That was a bit harsh, but it’s over now. It’s finally over.” Her words were echoed by the sound of a small pony running through the hall calling. A moment later Apple Bloom burst into the room and announced that there was a fire out at Fluttershy’s place.
> Gone, but not forgotten.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------



It was just one crisis after another that day. First Kitzu going missing the night before, then Kitzu somehow managed what no pony had ever done, and now this. Twilight, Luna, and Starlight Glimmer rushed out to Fluttershy’s cabin amid the gathering gloom of night to find her place under attack by Timber wolves, and one enraged Flutterbat flying about a flaming timber monstrosity followed by swarms of bats, and animals going every which way just beyond a row a burning piles of wood. Luna, and Twilight immediately set to driving back the magical beasts with their magic not sure what to do about the fact that many of them were presently on fire.

“Wait! Twilight, Princess Luna!” Starlight called. “Lure them closer to town!”

“Are you insane!?” Twilight called. She had only been momentarily distracted when a timber wolf lunged for her. For the second time that day she saw her life pass before her eyes, and yet, just at the last moment, something hit the beast with a loud crack with enough force to send half it’s timbered skull scattering into splinters. Twilight lifted up into the air as the beast tumbled to the ground, and every time it tried to get up again, another projectile would strike it. Luna flew up to Twilight as Twilight looked about to see what was going on.

“Kitzumi! Sweetie Belle! I told you to stay at the castle!” Twilight shouted.

“No one told me nothing!” Sweetie Belle shouted back launching a stone. Her stone struck a timber wolf sending it sprawling, but hadn’t done the damage as the one a moment ago.

“Yes! Feel the hate my padawan.” Kitzu shouted launching a stone. “Over power that lifting spell!” Kitzu’s stone struck home like it’d been fired out of a cannon.

“Twilight, I think those burning piles are timber wolves!” Glimmer shouted. She blasted one of the wolves and retreated.

“Retreat!” Kitzu shouted firing off another stone. The two fillies turned and ran back to where Little Scoot, and Apple Bloom were waiting.

“Dang it Glimmer!” Sweetie Belle shouted chasing after Kitzu. Glimmer caught up with the fillies, erected a shielding spell while Twilight flew at a frantic pace to try to cut off several timber wolves now hot in pursuit of Glimmer.

“Run fillies, faster!” Glimmer shouted only to be horrified at the site of Kitzu followed by Sweetie Belle stopping to fire off more stones. Twilight dived down, and set up a shield of her own, only to be amazed yet again that day as the charging beasts collapsed as though hitting a trip line. She stood there for a moment waiting, watching the fire burn.

“What in tar-nation is wrong with you four!” Applejack shouted at the fillies. A sizable crowd had gathered but had been thwarted at getting any closer.

Twilight looked back at the four. “Kitzumi Nightfoal, get back to the castle and stay put. Now! Louise, you too.”

“Yes Mother,” Kitzu replied, turned, and trotted back in the direction of the castle momentarily followed by little Scootaloo.

“Apple Bloom, get back to the house. Now!” Big Mac shouted.

“Sweetie Bell, you too, go with Kitzu,” Twilight growled. “I’m in no mood for this.”

“Hang on Apple Bloom,” Applejack called. “I’d rather you go with them too.”

“AJ?” Big Mac asked.

“Big Mac, I’m going to go with them.” AJ offered. “Make sure they get there. Being we can’t do a whole lot about this here fire being it’s Timber wolves… maybe you best go back, and check on Granny?” Big Mac looked at her for a moment, realization set in, he turned and ran back to the farm just as quickly as he could go.



🏵🏵🏵🏵🏵🏵



 When Twilight returned to the castle later that evening she found Sweetie Bell, Apple Bloom, and Little Scoots gathered together in a pile of blankets and mattresses sound asleep. Apple Jack was waiting up, and Kitzu was reading a book. Twilight went over to Kitzu got in really close - “I don’t know whether to praise you or give you the paddling of your life?”

“Discord is told he’s not invited to the wedding, takes his frustration out on Fluttershy by setting lose Timber wolves on her place. Lots of ponies get hurt when they go to help. He was being good though. I thought surely... He seemed like he really had reformed, and my warding charm was really only to see if I could do it. He was so angry.” Kitzu looks up from the book. “How’s Fluttershy? Is she alright?”

"She's OK. Fires are still going. Remaining Timberwolves took off into the forest,” Twilight replied going to a chair and sitting down with a heavy thud. “Her place has burned to the ground. That’s not quite right either, a good deal of what’s left is floating in air, and we don’t know if any of her animals got out. Fluttershy seems to be OK, but she’s devastated. Luna is with her now.”

“I’m sorry Mom,” Kitzu said quietly. “At least I kept Sweetie Bell from getting hurt.”

“You kept Sweetie Bell from getting hurt?!” AJ protested. Twilight raised a hoof to indicate she wanted AJ to hold her tongue. “Alright, I need an explanation.”

“She’s from a different timeline slash dimension,” Twilight replied looking up at the ceiling. “I’m going to assume something like this already happened where she’s from. And she’s my daughter in that world.”

“She’s what?! I thought she was Princess Luna’s foal? What’s she doing here then?”

“It’s complicated, and there’s no way to get her back do to the time difference. We can’t take her back with out ending up in her past, and there’s no way to get her back to the future she belongs in.” Twilight knew what she’d said wasn’t quite accurate so far as she knew, but she didn’t care. She didn’t want to tell Applejack that Kitzu was her own daughter from the future.

“Well if that ain’t the most messed up thing I’ve ever heard. And I suppose she knew Discord was going to blow his top?”

“I thought maybe it wasn’t going to happen. I thought I’d prevented it from happening. The range of the amplified warding spell didn’t go far enough.” Kitzu protested. “Fluttershy’s place getting destroyed.” She then got up, put the book back on the shelf, and headed for the exit. “Must be a fixed point.” The last came out as a mutter.

“Kitzu?” Twilight asked.

“My room to take a nap.”

“Not joining the others?” AJ asked.

“I have a cold. Wouldn't want them to catch it.” Kitzu offered as she exited the room.

“Fine. So what of Discord then? How can you just sit there so calm when Discord is on the rampage again?”

“Discord isn’t going to be a problem.” Twilight offered closing her eyes. “Not for the foreseeable future. Just remnants of his magic.”

“What exactly is that supposed to mean?” AJ asked dumbfounded.

“We banished him to the human world. He’s got no powers there. And we destroyed the portal.”

AJ began to protest, but gave up seeing Twilight was now asleep. “What did you do Twilight Sparkle? What did you do?”

AJ sat there for a while longer, got up, and headed for home with only the light of the moon to guide her way. When she arrived she found nothing out of the ordinary.

“What is going on?” Granny asked opening the door.

“Where’s Big Mac?”

“I told him to go back and help Fluttershy. I can handle myself thank you.”

“Timber wolves went after Fluttershy. A fire got started. I’m going to get a lantern, and see if there’s anything I can do.”

AJ arrived at what looked like a battle zone pulling a small cart behind her. There were fires everywhere, the biggest one lined up as though they’d hit some kind of invisible barrier. Fluttershy was still in werebat mode as she looked for her animals.

“Why? Why did he do this? We are friends. Aren’t we?” Fluttershy was saying while gathering up an animal in her front legs as she sat down. “It’s not my fault he wasn’t invited. Why would he do this?”

“Is that Angel?” AJ asked cautiously.

“Yes,” Fluttershy said in a soft barely audible voice.

“Hey little one. You can quit playing possum now.” Luna said in nearly as soft a voice. She nuzzled the little rabbit who then rolled over to hug Fluttershy.

“He’s alright. He’s alright.” Fluttershy said hugging the rabbit. The three ponies remained silent for a bit listening to the sound of fires burning, and ponies looking for whatever they could salvage along with the few animals that could be found. “Did Twilight follow the Timber Wolves?”

“She went back to check on the fillies.” Luna offered.

“Afraid she’s at her limit.” AJ offered. “She all but fell into a chair and went to sleep shortly after getting back.”

“She’s asleep? How can she sleep at a time like this?” Fluttershy protested.

“She took on Discord.” Luna offered in reply. Her tone was steady, revealing no emotion. “She’s exhausted. I told her to go get some rest.”

Fluttershy’s eyes widened on hearing Twilight had taken on Discord. “She what? And by herself? When did this happen?” Fluttershy asked with fear, trepidation, and a slightly accusing tone.

“All I can tell you is after Discord left here, he went to the castle and had it out with Twilight,” Luna explained.

“And she fought Discord all by herself?!” Fluttershy asked horrified.

“Not exactly,” Luna replied.

“Well, you were there, right?” AJ asked.

“Not exactly,” Luna replied.

“What? But Twilight said…?” AJ began, but couldn't bring herself to finish the sentence.

“I heard shouting, I went to investigate, and by the time I got there, it was already over.”

“Twilight took Discord on all by herself?” Fluttershy asked. It didn’t make sense, when did Twilight get that kind of power?

“Not exactly,” Luna replied, and this time a hint of a smile formed on her lips. AJ and Fluttershy looked at her wondering what or who could have helped Twilight fight Discord. “It was Kitzu. She used fox magic against him.” At hearing this AJ and Fluttershy said Kitzu’s name. “Apparently, she used a simple warding spell known to fox ponies. She cast it over the castle while she was staying there, but left the activation till later. She activated it when she discovered Discord having it out with Twilight, and effectively negated his magic. That’s why the Timber wolves collapsed the moment they tried to go past the bridge into town.”

“Kitzu did all that?” AJ asked astonished.

“Pity the range didn’t reach a little further,” Fluttershy said sounding dejected.

“So, how did the fire start anyway?” AJ asked cautiously.

“We’d gotten into a bit of a shouting match. Discord had turned everything topsy-turvy, and moments after he left we were set upon by timber wolves,” Fluttershy explained. “They were trying to claw their way in, so I took hold of a poker for the fire, and used it as a weapon to drive them off. It sort of worked… except… the branches the timber wolves are made out of ignited. The poker wasn’t even hot. It’s all Discord’s doing. At that point I kind of lost my head and transformed. Everything is kind of a blur after that.”

Luna thought for a moment, and then admitted that Kitzu’s spell might not have helped much if the range had been greater… “..although.” She added after thinking a bit. “Had the Timber wolves dropped in place before the fire spread it might have spared you a lot of grief. Can’t really be sure though, as there was a bit of time between discord setting the timber wolves on you, and Kitzu activating that warding spell.”

“So was there anything salvageable in the house?” AJ asked.

“Afraid no one can go near the house,” Luna replied.

“What do you mean...” AJ began, turned to look at the house. “Oh. Oh right, Twilight said...” To AJ’s horror much of what remained of the house was literally hanging in the air.

“So where is Discord now?” Fluttershy asked. “I don’t know if it’ll do any good, but I’d like to try to talk to him.”

“We, Twilight and I,” Luna responded making sure they understood she wasn’t dropping back into the old royal we. “Marooned him in the human world. He’s got no power there, and the local guard force took him into custody. Maybe in time, he’ll learn how to be a decent caring individual, but if it’s within my power, I will see to it that he never returns again. Yes, his magic still exists, but it’s like a limb that’s been cut off. Thrashing about with no direction. I wonder if Kitzu can teach me her spell?”



🗞🗞🗞🗞🗞🗞🗞🗞



“Twilight!!! She’s hitting me!!!” Spike yelled running to Twilight while being chased by a thick roll of parchment. Kitzu was close behind, and she was in a rage. It’d been two days since the incident with Discord. Two days since he’d been banished.

“Look at what he’s got in his grubby little claws!” Kitzu shouted. “He’s pulling down the wards I used to generate my spell! Did Discord tell you to do that!?” Kitzu stopped a few paces away as Spike ducked behind Twilight.

“She’s been plastering these all over the castle!” Spike announced as he triumphantly displayed them to Twilight. “Discord…? Oh no. I didn’t know, I... But he said...”

“I’m lucky the spell worked at all.” Kitzu spat. “Give those back, and they better not be damaged. It took me months to set that up, the whole time I was here, and you nearly ruined it! We could all be dead! Or worse! Now give them back!”

“OK, what’s all the yelling about?!” Prince Reynard asked crossly, entering the room. He’d come down to personally check on Twilight and Kitzu. He was also going to escort both up to Canterlot.

“Apparently Discord knew what Kitzu was up to, and tried to use Spike to sabotage her efforts.” Twilight offered the color having drained from her face. He went over to her, steadied her, and helped her sit down.

“Spike, hoof them over,” Reynard ordered. Spike reluctantly surrendered the slips of paper he had. Reynard looked them over. “Spike, has no one ever told you not to mess with things you don’t understand? Quite clever these. Kitzu, who showed you this trick?”

“Well… technically, you did,” Kitzu replied her anger subsiding.

“Spike, how many more did you take down?” Reynard asked giving Kitzu a critical once over. He had to remind himself that out there somewhere was another version of himself she’d called father.

“About two dozen, maybe more? I don’t know?!” Spike admitted and then watched in trepidation as Kitzu’s fur stood on end. “What’s worse than dying anyway?”

“It’s Discord! Think of something! Think of the most horrible thing you can imagine, and multiply that over and over!” Kitzu stammered out.

“Well, you did at least write down the location where each one went.” Reynard offered, tossed them into the air where they held suspended in air for a brief moment, and then raced out of the room, and split off in various directions. “Now Spike, go get the rest or so help me I’ll turn you into a hand bag.” Reynard’s voice was soft, and kind in tone, but the message was loud and clear.

“Yes sir!” Spike replied with a gulp and took off down the hall.

“Mom, Twilight Mom… you alright?” Kitzu asked.

“She’ll be fine.” Reynard offered. “We’ve been setting up wards like those all over Equestria in an effort to thwart Discord’s little bouts of mischief. Never occurred to us to use crystals before. Now that you’ve cut the head off the snake many of those wards are being put to the test. Twilight, you’ve got a very clever daughter to have come up with the idea of using the crystal this castle is made out of to amplify the spell.”

“You really think so,” Twilight asked.

“I know so. I’m glad to have her as a daughter. Even if she’s not technically mine.” He gave Kitzu a wink.

Spike returned a short time later, and one look at the size of the bundle he carried made her tail bristle out like a bottle brush. “Spike!” Kitzu said in a voice all but deprived of air.

“How many did you put up?” Twilight asked.

“Three hundred on the first floor, five hundred on the second, and seventy-eight on the third,” Kitzu replied. “Arranged to form a three-dimensional mandala. Mostly in places Spike can’t reach. Discovered him with a ladder of all things. If things hadn’t happened when they did...”

“No doubt he’d have turned us all inside out.” Twilight offered. “Three hundred...”

“Five hundred seventy-eight.” Reynard finished. “Lucky number three, five, seven, and eight. That’s quite a lot too. Right off-hand, I’d say Spike barely scratched the surface. Still though, spike, If I may?” Spike gave the slips of paper to him, he then carefully sorted, and stacked them on a table. When he’d finished sorting, he picked up a stack, and as before the slips of paper flew out the doorway. He did this with each stack, some of the slips even finding locations to hide right there in that very room until all had been redistributed.

“Wish I could do that,” Kitzu said wistfully. “I had to place each, and every one personally.”

“I’ve reinforced them with some of my own fox magic,” Reynard said.

“Any chance you could teach me that?” Twilight asked.

“Afraid not.” It’s the specific type of magic that matters most. I’m sure you could do the spell, but it’d be useless against discordant magic. Unicorn magic is, well, too refined to be able to counter it, and alicorn magic is too similar. It might be possible for you to use harmony magic though… wonder how you might achieve that?”

“Teach me the basics,” Twilight said brightening up again.

“This castle was created by harmony magic.” Kitzu reminded.

“It was, wasn’t it.” He said as though he’d had an epiphany. “Of course, it’s not just the crystal amplifying the spell, it’s crystal charged with harmony magic. That’s why the big difference, and likely why Discord didn’t take you very seriously. You see, we’ve used that charm many times before, but never with such dramatic results. Twilight, dear, any chance you could recreate that spell on a small scale? The one that created this castle? If we could place charged harmony crystals throughout the kingdom and beyond, even if Discord were to somehow make it back here...”

“We could effectively shut him down for good.” Twilight proclaimed springing up. “Celestia will be interested in this as well. I’ll need to pack some books, and my notes on Harmony magic. Come on Spike, we’ve more packing to do. And if you’ve any more of Kitzu’s wards, better pony them up.”

“More books?” Reynard asked sure he’d be the one who’d end up carrying them.

“More books.” Twilight repeated.

“That’s our Twilight.” Reynard said watching Twilight as she busied herself looking for the books she wanted.

Twilight had amassed a nice stack when Rainbow Dash came charging in. “Twilight, you gata see this! Ya, I know you’re getting ready to go, but you’ve got to come see this.”

“Se what?” Twilight asked as she pulled a notebook from the desk.

“It’s the Everfree. It’s like something just pushed it back. Did you do anything in here?”

“Prince Reynard helped me fine-tune the spell I’d cast.” Kitzu offered up quickly.

“Pity that spell wasn’t up, and running before Fluttershy’s house got demolished,” Dash said giving Kitzu a quizzical look. “Pity no one knew what you were doing.”

"I didn't think I was going to need it. Pudding and Mr Smith knew. They helped me with a bunch of the setup.” Kitzu countered. “Considering I was setting a trap for Discord in case he started acting up, I kind of needed to keep it quiet. No telling what he might have done had he known.”

“All right, I get it. Come on Twilight, you’ll want to see this from the air.” Dash then rushed to the door. “Well, are you coming or not?”

“I’m coming,” Twilight said giving Kitzu a quick look as she followed.

“Why’d you cover for me?” Spike asked astonished.

“Pretty sure Dash will forgive me.” Kitzu offered. “No point in telling anyone outside the family you got played. What say we go have a look-see ourselves.”

What they found when they got there was nothing short of astonishing. Not only had the forest been pushed back, but they could now see the remains of buildings that had been hidden by the forest. Spike looked at it, looked at the charred remains of Fluttershy’s house, turned, and quietly walked back with his head hung low. He like many others had gone out to gawk at the floating debris. Nothing was floating now.

“Imagine you’ve seen all this before,” Reynard stated in a voice only meant for Kitzu.

“Nope. All this was before my time.” Kitzu replied watching Spike go. “Fluttershy is staying with the Apple family right now and still hasn't found all her animals. I hate to say it but some may have been trapped inside. I can’t really say from my perspective, I just don’t know.” Kitzu paused for a few moments. “We might want to take Spike with us. I just don’t feel right about leaving him behind.” A moment later Twilight and Dash landed nearby.

“Hey, where's Spike going?” Dash asked. “I’d have thought he’d be eating this stuff up?”

“I’m going to go pack,” Kitzu said following after Spike.

“But you don’t have anything to pack do you?” Twilight asked.

“She’s going to help Spike pack.” Reynard offered.

“But he… Oh, alright.” Twilight said spotting Spike. “Probably a bad idea to leave him by himself.”

“What? Spike can take care of himself.” Dash said.

“Dash, can you see to getting some pegasus guards real quick?” Twilight asked.

“Kind of looks like Spike is taking that shortcoming of Kitzu’s spell thing worse than Kitzu is?” Dash commented in a soft tone.

“Dash. Let it go. I want guards out here as quick as you can fetch them.” Twilight implored. “I don’t want any ponies wandering around in those buildings until they’ve been checked. Dash?”

“Right… I’m on it.” Dash watched Spike and Kitzu a bit longer. “Fine tuning was it?”

“Fine-tuning,” Reynard replied.

“Good, because I’d hate to think Spike did something, and then didn’t own up to it when he’d the chance.” With that said, Dash lept up into the air, and sped away.

“We have a train to catch,” Reynard said watching her go. “Will Scoots be alright? That was her name, wasn’t it? Or was it Louise?”

“Scootaloo, but two Scootaloos who are nearly identical just gets confusing so we’re going to be using her proper given name.” Twilight offered. “Yes, she’s been staying with the Apple family, but she’ll be coming with us now. Let's go back to the castle. We’re taking Sweetie Bell with us as well, and by the time we gather up everything we need it’ll be time to board the train.”



🌲🌲🌲🌳



“You going to be OK?” Kitzu asked Spike shortly after catching up with him.

“Why do you care?”

“Because you are the closest thing I have to a big brother. That and I know what it’s like to screw up big time. I screwed up my whole world.”

“You’re doing all right now.”

“I am at that. Anyway, I’m inviting you to come with us.”

“Afraid I might screw things up?”

“No. Being in a castle by yourself after you just screwed up can be mighty lonely. Trust me, I know. You’ll get to see Luna’s apartments. You haven't been yet have you?” They continued along in silence for a while. “You know it might not have made any difference had you not taken down any of my scripts. Range wise that is. Dad added some of his magic.”

“And I’m going to go the rest of my life wondering.” Spike acknowledged. “He tricked me. He tricked a lot of ponies. After hearing what happened to Fluttershy I know now he was never truly reformed. Not if all it took was not getting invited to a wedding...” There was a bitterness to his voice.

“I suspect not inviting him was for his benefit as well.”

“Benefit?” Spike spat out stopping.

“He tricked you into pulling down my scripts. Relied on you even.”

“Relied on me?”

“Think about how surprised he was. I mean, why didn’t he disable my spell, and then let you take the blame?”

“Are you suggesting he couldn't do it himself?”

“Fox magic is directly apposed to his own.” Kitzu offered as the two started walking again. “It’s entirely possible he couldn't touch them. Fox magic is akin to the magic of harmony and order. His magic is the magic of chaos and entropy. Now think about who Discord likes to play with the most. Other races don’t seem to have problems with him. I’m just a filly, and I’d bet the adult fox ponies could likely give him a real run for his money. Granted I’d hate to see the wedding turned into a war zone.”

“Ha. Knowing Discord he’d do something, and then all Tartarus would break lose.”

The two continued on in silence until they returned to the castle. Kitzu followed Spike down to the lower level where Spike preferred to have his room. “Bet you’ve never seen the like?”

“Modern nerd? Seen it. Knew your room was down here, but don’t come down uninvited.”

“Oh, OK. You’re not really interested in that sort of thing are you?”

“It’s not a matter of not being interested, I’m just not interested in decorating it. That and I lost everything I own. Every comic you own, and will own for the next seven years I've already read."

“Oh. Ya, I didn’t think about that.”

“Say, are those crystals the same as what the castle is made out of?” Kitzu asks spotting a pile of crystals.

“Um, ya. Leftover from when Ember pigged out on the castle. Why?” Spike asked getting out a small suitcase.

“Can I have some for charms? There are these trees that glow in the Moon viewing hall in Muma’s apartments. If we were to hang a bunch from the limbs, I think we’d be able to set up another safe zone. It wouldn't be as big as this one, but it’d be something.” Spike looked at her for a moment and then pulled out another suitcase.
> Return to Canterlot
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


The trip on board the train to Canterlot had been a quiet one save for the occasional polite interchange. The words ‘because you’re her responsibility’ hung heavy in the air. When Twilight, Reynard, Kitzu, and Spike went to pick up Sweetie Belle, she’d been in a heated argument with her parents. Well, the ponies Sweetie Belle had thought were her parents. When Rarity heard about what had happened regarding Discord and Fluttershy, her first reaction was to insist that Sweetie Belle join her in Canterlot. Rarity not yet having all the facts truly believed Sweetie would be safer with her. “Why does Rarity get to decide?” Sweetie had shouted only to be answered with the words because you’re her responsibility. The silence that followed was deafening. Sweetie stood there for what seemed like an eternity, and then quietly packed up as much as she could in a couple of suitcases, and left with Twilight and the others.

They’d met Louise, the human world Scootaloo now a permanent resident of Equestria at the station.  Applejack and Apple Bloom were there to see them off and had provided Louise with a few necessities in a small saddle bag. The silence didn’t help Louise. After the first day living in Equestria, she’d decided to just use Louise instead of her nickname of Scootaloo to avoid confusion. This was her half-sister’s world after all.

“Did you know?” Sweetie asked Kitzu as they approached Canterlot station.

“I might have heard rumors.” Kitzu offered unwilling to admit she’d known all along. “I usually ignore gossip. Not my place to say anything anyway.”

“Ya, same here. Rumors about you.”

“It’s complicated.” Kitzu offered as the train pulled into the station. “I’ll try to explain my situation later. Let's just say my situation is similar to Louise's."

“Fair enough – I guess,” Sweetie replied. Louise glanced at Kitzu for a moment and then turned back to look out the window while ignoring the conversation. She’d no idea what had happened, and didn’t feel it was right for her to butt in. The site of the massed herd at the station wasn't going to help.

“What in Equestria?” Twilight asked looking out the window. Palace Guards were presently doing crowd control keeping everyone off the platform who didn’t have a valid reason to be there.

“Rumors running rampant no doubt.” Reynard offered.

“Mind if I teleport myself up to the palace?” Kitzu asked glad she had a cloak on to hide her wings.

“You think you can do that without ending up in a different dimension?” Twilight asked. “Better not try it.”

“Different dimension?” Sweetie Belle asked. “And here I thought the only hazard of teleporting was ending up inside a wall?”

“Come on then, let’s get this over with,” Reynard offered while leading the way.

Moments after disembarking the train, ponies in the crowd started yelling trying to get Twilight’s attention. “Sounds like they’ve heard about Discord’s little temper tantrum,” Reynard said as he looked about.

“I see reporters,” Twilight said. “I should say something.”

“Allow me, I’ve a little more experience in handling, or rather, dealing with reporters. And then we move on.”

“Alright,” Twilight replied. Reynard went over to a gaggle of reporters, all of whom insisted they wanted to talk to Twilight.

“You’ll listen to me and like it!” Reynard said in a commanding tone. He waited for them to quiet down. “Some of what you’ve heard may or may not be true. Regarding Discord, he’s off in a huff. Not expected back any time soon.” He let that sink in for a moment. Nor was he about to announce that Discord had been successfully banished as the last thing he wanted was to dish out a heaping helping of hope only to have Discord find his way back somehow. All it would take was for Discord to find one of the old gates that’d been used by fox ponies so long ago. “One pony in Ponyville lost their house to a fire. It was a regrettable unfortunate occurrence. Regarding the report of other houses being damaged, these are houses that were discovered in the Evergreen forest. I’m sure there will be a press briefing as soon as more is known, and don’t be pestering Princess Twilight or myself right off the train. We’ve been out of the loop for the duration of the trip, and you will just have to ask the Palace. Oh if any of you are wondering about the upcoming wedding, we are all looking forward to it. Thank you.” At that, he turned and walked away. Granted that wasn’t going to satisfy the majority of the reporters, a few of whom were curious about the fillies. Fortunately for Twilight, Kitzu, Sweetie Bell, Louise, and Spike – Commander Spitfire was there to provide an escort. A short time later their luggage had been collected, and they were away in a rather plain-looking box cart with the curtains closed their entry into which had been carefully concealed.

“Just wait till we are away from the station,” Kitzu commented. “I’m guessing they distracted the press with one of the flying carts.”

“Oh, you’re good,” Spitfire said. “One would almost think you’ve done this drill before.”

“That would be confidential information,” Kitzu replied with a wink. “That and I saw the cart take off as we were getting in. Spitfire gave Kitzu a quizzical look.

“So who’s filly are you?”

“Ours.” Reynard replied for Kizu. “She’s the result of a collaboration between Princess Luna, Princess Twilight, and myself. Magic was involved.”

“I don’t think I want to know,” Spitfire replied dryly. Twilight couldn't help but smile at Reynard’s explanation.

“She’s a baby alicorn.” Reynard offered. “Go on sweetheart, show her your wings.”

“She’s a wha… oh my.”

“A pony would think you’d never seen a set of wings before.” Sweetie Belle commented.

“You’re not hiding a set of wings too are you?” Spitfire asked. “And what about this Scootaloo double?”

“Nope, just an ordinary unicorn.” Sweetie Belle offered.

“Just an ordinary pegasus,” Louise added. “Name’s Louise Shimmer. Scootaloo is my sister.”

“Oh, OK,” Spitfire replied. “But hey, a brand new alicorn is a big deal. I mean if alicorns were to start popping up all over the place, why I might even start to believe our Miss Patrol was a real alicorn.”

“Patrol?” Twilight asked.

“Not Dawn Patrol?” Kitzu asked.

“Yes. We put her in the flying chariot figuring ponies would see her cutie mark, and think she was Princess Celestia.”

“She’s got a sun cutie mark I gather?” Twilight asked with a knowing smile.

“Indeed she does. Ponies often mistake her for Princess Celestia. Which is kind of odd being they look nothing alike.”

“We know her.” Kitzu offered with a smile.
“Back way?” Kitzu asked a short time later peeking out through a curtain.

“You have done this before haven't you?” Spitfire asked.

“I’m a student at the academy. Been coming and going for a while without any pony noticing.”

“Um, who’s estate did we just drive into?” Reynard asked looking through the curtain.

“The estate's a front.” Kitzu offered. “It’s normally used for special guests but gives royals a way in and out without being observed. I understand it’s been here a long time, and few know of the underground passage to the palace.”

“I guess you have been here,” Spitfire replied as the cart came to a halt. “OK, every pony out.”

“Wow, this place is awesome.” Sweetie Belle said as she got out. Twilight kept quiet so as not to betray the fact that she’d never been there.

“Well come on then,” Reynard said getting out of the cart. “Which way?”

“Front door.” Kitzu offered as she and Twilight got out followed by Spitfire, Louise, and Spike.

On their way up they were met by none other than Scootaloo. “Welcome to my humble abode.” Scootaloo offered with a flamboyant bow. Kitzu rushed up to her and gave the front of her mane a tussle.

“Ooh, that’s quite the lump you are getting there.” Kitzu offered.

“Lump?” Sweetie Belle asked going up and giving Scootaloo a hug.

“Ya, I’m the same as Kitzu,” Scootaloo replied. “Why aren’t you in Ponyville?” Her eyes spotted Louise. “Scootaloo?”

“Apparently, Rarity wanted me here.” Sweetie Belle offered.

“I’ll explain later.” Louise offered. “I’m going with Louise.”

“It’s probably safer in Ponyville than anywhere else right now.” Kitzu offered and then lifted up her wing to show off her cutie mark. “Whoop, there it is.”

“Cool cutie mark. What’s it for?” Scootaloo said. “And how is Ponyville any safer than anywhere else with Discord on a rampage?”

“Teleportation.” Kitzu offered. “I’m really good at it.”

“And really bad at the same time. Discord is not on a rampage,” Twilight stated as she came up to the four. “That and Kitzu figured out how to short out his powers. And then we jettisoned him into another dimension where he’s not likely to gain his power back any time soon. He’s gone. Hopefully for good.”

“Wait, if he’s gone, what’s been happening around Equestria?” Spitfire asked astonished. “And don’t tell me that’s why my twin is here?”

“Body of the snake thrashing about.” Reynard offered. “We have a way to deal with that as well, but it’s going to take a lot of work.”

“No more Discord? No more living day to day wondering if this will be the day he turns every pony’s life upside down?” Spitfire asked sounding as if she didn’t dare to believe it. She was also trying to ignore the fact that the ‘twins’ seemed to have the exact same name.

“And by the time we are done, he’ll be completely powerless should he ever return.” Twilight offered with a gleam in her eye. “He’ll have no choice but to behave. Come on, let's go see Princess Celestia so I can tell her what we have planned.”

“And we should probably keep quiet about what’s become of Discord,” Spike added with an edge to his voice.

“Why didn’t you fly here?” Spitfire asked of Twilight as they continued into the house.

“And give the public the impression of urgency?” Reynard offered. “That and Princess Luna should already have informed Princess Celestia regarding Discord’s disposition. Plus Kitzu needs to get back to school, and I didn’t want to send her by herself. Not with every pony in a panic. Add to that Sweetie Belle and Louise who needed to come to Canterlot. Though to be honest I’m not so sure Sweetie needed to be uprooted quite so soon.”

“This way!” Kitzu called leading the way. “Scootaloo, you come too, I did invite you over after all, and you’re going to want to catch up with your sister. Do we have all our stuff?”

“Hey now hold on, I’m in charge here!?” Spitfire protested as servants came out and gathered up the luggage. All but one which Spike insisted on carrying himself. “And she’s supposed to stay here, she’s on detail!”

“I think you’ve been outranked.” Twilight offered following the three fillies with Spike at her side.

“Alright, fine,” Spitfire said as she hurried along to catch up with Kitzumi so it’d at least look like she was still in control. Once inside they descended to the basement where they found a passage hidden in the back of a wine cellar. Reynard couldn't resist a jibe about how convenient that must be. There they found a cart on rails that they loaded into.

“So how does this work?” Twilight asked as the luggage was loaded.

“Clockwork,” Spitfire replied as she climbed in, two servants joined them, but the remainder stayed behind.

“Oh, right, right.” Twilight offered realizing her natural inquisitiveness had just betrayed her. Once they were all seated, Spitfire released a latch from a long handle which she pulled to release the break. A moment later they were propelled forward.

“The other lever is a gear shift for changing directions.” Kitzu offered as though talking to Sweetie Belle, Louise, and Scootaloo.

The tunnel led to a large underground dry cavern in which many crates had been stacked, plus it was the end of the line for the cart. They pulled their luggage out of the cart and set out to find their way. “So what’s in all these crates?” Sweetie Bell asked carrying her bags as she walked along a marked path that hugged the wall.

“No idea,” Kitzu admitted while helping Spike with one of his bags. Twilight levitated the bulk of hers with Reynard helping with a bag, and the remaining servants helping with bags. “Nothing’s trying to attack us so I’d say whatever it is, it hasn’t been infected with Discord’s magic. Probably just stuff no one was using, but didn’t want to dispose of.”

“So how big is this place?” Scootaloo asked as they climbed a staircase that curved up along a curve in the wall. “It’s too dark to see the other side.”

“Never even tried to explore it myself. Leastways not beyond where the light shines.” Kitzu offered. “We’ve only the lights along the main path. There are other lights, you might be able to see the cables suspending them, but I don’t know if they can even be illuminated.”

They stopped for a moment at the top of the stairs, crossed a catwalk, and then into a tunnel that brought them to a large elevator with a cage surrounding it. Spitfire escorted the others onto the hanging cage, closed the gate, moved a lever, and away it went upwards till they found themselves in the lower kitchen area that provided catering to the various halls and living quarters below the keep where two guards stood watch. There was also a pony standing by with a cart for the luggage. Spike garnered some curious glances when he insisted on carrying that one suitcase.  From there they crossed through what was mostly food storage, and prep areas, through a long passage to where they found another elevator. This one was smaller, but still plenty large enough to accommodate up to four food carts. Up they went until they arrived at the kitchen inside the keep itself where a couple of guards stood watch.

“If you could take everything up to the night wing please?” Twilight asked of the servants. “Spike.”

“I’m carrying this.” Spike insisted.

“Princess Celestia asked I bring you straight up to her.” Spitfire offered. “You’ll be carrying that for a while.”

“I’m good,” Spike replied.

“Back hall, or do we risk being seen by tourists?” Kitzu asked.

“Back hall?” Spitfire asked as though she'd just been asked to do the impossible.

“OK, never mind,” Kitzu replied. “I’d have...”

“I know where it is… I just get lost, that’s all.” Spitfire sheepishly admitted.

Kitzu looked at Spitfire, back at the way they’d come, and back at Spitfire.

“And don’t you two say anything either,” Spitfire said eyeballing the two guards. “Come on,” Spitfire said leading off through the kitchen. She stopped a couple of times confused as to which doorway to take where Kitzu decided to take the lead, and walked through a door to the stair landing she’d brought the fillies from school through. From there they passed the dining halls, through the door where two guards stood watch, and ran smack into a tour group.

“I’m so terribly sorry, but we’ve got a meeting to keep with Princess Celestia.” Twilight offered as they made their way up the stairs. Kitzu seeing the very tour group leader that had given her class such a hard time couldn't resist flipping her a wing as they went by.

“Don’t be rude,” Spitfire whispered climbing the stairs.

“I suppose I should be thanking her,” Kitzu whispered. “If I hadn’t ended up down in Ponyville when I did things might have gotten ugly.”

“Do tell?” Spitfire asked.

“It was a simple spell, Discord knew what I’d been doing, and was actively trying to sabotage it, but he underestimated it. I’d put in a bunch of redundancy. A sort of magical web just waiting to be activated.”

“Ah, like a trap you mean,” Spitfire replied with a smile as they reached the first landing.

“The portal was Princess Luna’s Idea.” Kitzu offered as she ascended to the next flight. “They took him through, Princess Luna and Twilight, to be sure he wasn’t going to be able to just pop himself right back, came back, and destroyed the portal. Closed it for good. He’s got no power where he is, and hopefully no way back.”

“Let us hope so.” Spitfire offered as they came to the top of the stairs. There ahead of them was a large door on which was carving of a large emblazoned sun warming all of Equestria, and on either side stood a guard as though the supporters for a great heraldic shield. “Princess Celestia is expecting us,” Spitfire announced going up to the guards.

“Hi guys, I’m back,” Kitzu said with a smile for them. The guards gave them a calculated look. “I think Spitfire just wanted to make you guys open the doors.”

“We normally come in the back way.” Spike offered to Spitfire. “They probably think we are Changelings.”

Kitzu waited a moment more, went up to the door, and levitated her moon amulet up to a small moon that was just over the horizon in the far right of the carved landscape on the door.

“They can’t actually open the door.” Kitzu offered. A moment later there came the sound of a click followed by the massive doors swinging outward.

“They really can’t open the door, but you can?” Spitfire asked.

“Princess Celestia will open the doors if she is expecting a student, states pony, or some other pony who would need to come this way.” Twilight offered.

“And my little moon will work so long as Princess Celestia isn’t mad at her sister.” Kitzu offered while stepping back from the doors and retrieving her amulet. “Though I can’t think of one time that I can recall that she has ever gone this way?” Beyond the doors was a grand entry leading to another grand though smaller set of stairs.

“Ugh, more stairs,” Spike muttered.

“After you,” Kitzu said to Commander Spitfire. When the doors had closed it was all the two guards could do to keep their composure.

“So how did you know your little moon worked on those doors?” Twilight asked as they ascended the stairs.

“Just going around placing it on any little moon I found. Especially once I discovered it’d open things.”

“Makes sense to me.” Scootaloo offered.

At the top of the stairs was Celestia’s grand foyer where she often entertained dignitaries. “Wow.” Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle said as they looked at the room. The room stretched to either side of the wing with stained glass in the windows depicting important events and had a lofted ceiling. As such it also meant that there was no floor above, only attic space.

“Have to admit I was impressed too when I first saw it.” Twilight offered pausing for a moment. “Still am. Just not awed by it anymore.”

“Heck, I grew up here,” Spike informed. “Moving to Ponyville was a bit of a shock.” Twilight had to admit that it had been for her as well. What with having to live in what was essentially nothing more than a small library no bigger than Princess Celestia’s boudoir? If not for the friends she’d made, it would have been difficult to bear.

From there they moved on to the next chamber which while smaller in size was equally lavish. They found Celestia entertaining Rarity, and Sunset Shimmer in the third chamber. Philomena the phoenix bird was perched on Sunset’s shoulders.

“Sweetie Belle!” Rarity called getting up and going to greet her. Sweetie walked right past and sat down by Sunset. “Um, what just happened?”

“One too many things got said back home.” Twilight offered.

“One too many… oh dear.” Rarity said. “Sweetie...” Rarity went to Sweetie Belle.

“I have nothing to say to you. Mom.” Sweetie replied in a scathing tone.

“Mom?” Scootaloo, and Sunset echo. Louise just sort of looked curious.

“I was going to tell you… eventually.” Rarity pleaded.

“Well, this is starting out rather awkward.” Celestia mused. “Captain Spitfire, your fliers set Sunset down right in the middle of a bunch of tourists.”

“Sunset, but her name is Dawn Patrol? Not sunset?” Spitfire said feeling as though she’d just been hit by an unexpected updraft.

“Sunset Shimmer.” Sunset offered. “Dock knew. Sorry, I deceived you. And I see you’ve delivered Louise.”

“And Philomena betrayed me as well,” Celestia said continuing.

“Once every pony got a good look at me they knew I wasn’t Celestia, and then Philomena flew down and landed on my shoulder, and started getting all affectionate. So thinking fast I give a rousing speech about how we are going to kick Discord’s tail.”

“You’re still relearning everything you forgot,” Twilight said in a scolding manner. “It’s just a good thing he’s not around anymore.”

“He’s not?” Sunset asked. "But there have been reports..."

“No guarantees he won’t find his way back, he just won’t be returning via the route we sent him.” Twilight offered. “You probably were left out of the loop, but it’s part of why Louise is here. We dumped Discord in the human world. He has no power there, and we closed the portal permanently to keep him from ever coming back that way. As for reports of things happening, it's remnants of his magic going haywire without him."

“I see,” Sunset replied. “And regarding Louise, I understood she had to get out because of immigration issues back home. She’s here permanently then. Not just an ill-timed visit.”

“Lieutenant Spitfire, that will be all, and be sure to close the door on your way out.” Princess Celestia said to Spitfire not wishing her to hear any more of the conversation.

“Yes Mam, Princess Celestia.” Spitfire replied getting nervous. She saluted and retreated the way she’d come before Princess Celestia could demote her down another rank.

“Well don’t just stand there come sit down. Spike, why are you lugging that suitcase around?” Celestia said once Spitfire was gone.

“Shall we show her now?” Kitzu asked. Spike brought forward the suitcase, placed it on the coffee table, and opened it revealing the Chrystal shards.

“Leftover from when Ember decided to eat a sizable portion of the castle,” Spike announced.

“Fortunately the castle grows back,” Twilight interjected. "And we've already sent out word to trusted allies to look for this specific type of crystal, and start making the enhanced charm."

“And we need more. A lot more.” Kitzu announced as they all found a place to sit.

“I’m going to assume these gem shards have something to do with what you accomplished down in Ponyville,” Celestia said not sure what to think. "And that we can use them to calm Equestria?"

“I’m going to see if I can duplicate what I did in Ponyville, in the moon viewing hall.” Kitzu offered. “I can’t be certain of the range, but it’ll provide an area where Discord’s magic will be greatly reduced. Plus we can create small portable charms if we can duplicate the charged gems.”

"We may have rid ourselves of Discord, but we mustn't assume he can't find his way back," Twilight explained.

“I see. Though I wish I'd known what you had intended. As is I knew nothing until Luna informed me of the facts of this matter," Celestia said and then cast a glance at Scootaloo. “Cadet, why didn’t you go with Spitfire?” Celestia’s patience had been worn thin that day and threatened to take her frustrations out on Scootaloo.

“She’s my daughter,” Sunset replied. “You’ve met.”

“Are you going to banish her again?” Scootaloo dared to ask.

“Banish?” Louise asked.

“My understanding is the portal to the human world is closed.” Celestia offered. “And no, given the circumstances, sending her anywhere would be a tactical error. With everything that’s happened concerning Discord, the ponies of Equestria need to know that we are being proactive and that there are forces aligning to protect my little ponies. From this point forward Sunset Shimmer will be known as Princess Dawn Shimmer. Now, be a good cadet and go catch up with your captain. And not a word about the crystals. We need to keep that secret.”

“You’re making her a princess?” Scootaloo said standing. “Oh wow! Wait, what about me and Louise?”

“Louise is an ordinary pegasus so far as we can tell, and you have a lot of maturing to do.” Twilight offered. “And Discord has no power in the human world. The only magic that seems to work there is harmony magic. Which he can’t use. The authorities have declared him criminally insane, and sent him to a mental hospital where he can be cared for.”

“I am still curious about why Louise is here. Shouldn't she be at home? I mean, what happened? How did things get so bad that she decided to take a one-way trip through the portal? Why would immigration be an issue, she was born there?” Shimmer asked.

“Her paperwork allowing her to stay where she was had all vanished, and that so and so of a father of hers told immigration her paperwork was all forgeries,” Twilight explained. “She took the opportunity, and came to Equestria to stay.”

“Louise, are you going to be alright here, living as a pony?” Shimmer asked.

“I’m good.” Louise offered. “Don’t have much choice now anyway.”

“And what about every pony in Ponyville?” Sunset asked. “There have been some interesting rumors going around.”

“It’s safer in Ponyville than anywhere else in Equestria right now.” Reynard offered.

“I’m so sorry Sweetie Belle, I guess I didn’t need to uproot you after all.” Rarity offered.

“I’d better go report in,” Scootaloo said and started for the door. She stopped. “Do I still stay in the dormitory?”

“You’re a cadet, that’s where cadets stay.” Celestia quipped. "Unless assigned elsewhere."

“Oh, alright. It’s just, that I don’t think I’ll be able to hide my horn much longer.”

“Well figure something out if and when we need to.” Shimmer offered. “Now you’d better get going.”

“Yes, mam,” Scootaloo replied and trotted out of the room.

“She has a horn,” Celestia stated looking in the direction Scootaloo had gone.

“Now that she has access to her mother, it’s growing.” Twilight offered.

“We’ll have to see to it her contact is never broken ever again then,” Celestia assured the fillies. “I must confess that things are happening far faster than I’d prefer. I’ve addressed Commander Spitfire by the wrong title as well. Oh well, we’ll just let her stew for a bit.”

“Well, it wasn’t my idea to get thrown into the limelight like that.” Sunset offered. “They were supposed to set down here in the private courtyard.”

“Well, that was the plan wasn’t it.” Celestia offered. “Even with Discord gone, I wouldn't be a bit surprised if that wasn’t his influence. Planted little seeds. Now, as Cadet Scootaloo is presently on detail at the estate linked to the tunnel, why don’t you take up residence there? We’ll let you call it home for the sake of Louise. Give her a place to call home, and make it easier for you to come and go without anyone seeing you. No point in setting you up in Cloudsdale until I know if Louise can fly or not. Can you? Fly that is?”

“I...” Louise began. “I don’t actually know, I haven't even tried.”

“Well then, we’ll just have to find out as soon as we can, won’t we?” Celestia offered with a smile. “Your plumage does look mature enough, so it doesn’t look like you’ve been hit with the alicorn curse.”

“Curse?” Louise asked.

“The long life that an alicorn can expect, sets us apart from every pony else.” Celestia offered. “I, myself have outlived far too many good friends. Far too many.”



✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴



Scootaloo emerged outside the doors, waited for them to close, and asked if they’d seen which direction her Lieutenant had gone. “Wait, she went from Commander down to Lieutenant?” One asked.

“Princess Celestia called her Lieutenant, and told her she could go.” Scootaloo offered. “I think there might be a shuffle coming up. Speculation on my part, but it might have something to do with my mom being an alicorn. And some pony screwed up blindsiding Princess Celestia. Princess Celestia has declared My mom a princess, and she’s to be known to the public as Dawn Shimmer.”

“Spitfire will likely have returned to her office, best go report back to your unit then.” They offered not bothering to mention that Spitfire was just as likely to have gone somewhere to drown her sorrows.

“Thanks, I’m presently on detail at the estate,” she offered and made her way back the way she’d come. I figure that might be the best way to go. However once at the base of the stairs, the guards stopped her. Scootaloo quickly explained the situation. Spitfire hadn’t been that way, but being Scootaloo had come by the back way, they decided it best to provide her an escort back the way she’d come so she could be seen leaving the estate rather than emerging at the palace. Bad enough Spitfire had done it, but then she was high enough up that no pony would remark on seeing her leave the palace.

“So, um, where’s Commander Spitfire?” Rainbow Dash asked Scootaloo as she was being delivered by palace guards.

“No idea.” Scootaloo offered. “I, well… seems every pony knows about mom. Or enough that it’s Forced Princess Celestia’s hoof. I gather the detail screwed up, which revealed Mom to the public. I’m now the daughter of Princess Dawn Shimmer.”

“I leave Canterlot for one day,” Rainbow said under her breath. Rainbow had been down to Ponyville to check on her friends, had rushed back to get an emergency team of fliers to keep ponies out of the abandoned buildings, and then shuffled to the very detail Scootaloo had been assigned to.

“So now what?” Rainbow asked.

“Let me guess, they sent you here not knowing what was going on?” Scootaloo asked.

“About it.” Rainbow offered.

“We’re to pose as a family visiting the estate.” A lieutenant offered as he approached. “Miss Scootaloo, myself, and a few others. Slick moves taking off with the Princess Cadet. Also, go pick out an upstairs room. I just got word you are to call this place home for the foreseeable future. How exactly did you swing that anyway?”

“Her mother’s an alicorn,” Rainbow informed in a deadpan tone.

“Dawn. Our Miss Dawn?”

“She’d been using a spell to hide her horn.” Scootaloo offered.

“She going to teach you that spell?” Rainbow asked.

“Why, is it showing?”

"Wait, what? What's showing?"

"Her horn," Dash offered. "And ya, it kind of is. But then again, I already knew it was there."

"Horn?" the lieutenant asked, his eyes zeroed in on the protrusion sticking out of Scootaloo's mane, and promptly fainted.
> Meeting the family.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Shortly after returning to the palace, Kitzumi set to devising a network of charms in the Moon Viewing hall and below. Granted that her classmates were delighted to have her back, but the calculations she was doing to set up her mega ward were well beyond anything any of them could begin to comprehend.

“It’s not really all that difficult when it’s broken up into its elements,” Kitzu explained. Mrs Inkwell was still impressed and had Kitzu explain the basics of the spell. The spell itself was at its core just a simple warding charm written on a talisman of some sort. In order to boost the warding properties the talismans could be stacked, but simply stacking them was inefficient. Granted a person could simply arrange them in a circle around a community, but that left the center exposed. Therefore, Kitzu explained, we arrange the talismans in a geometric pattern. Further, by using the talismans to create a mandala, the pattern enhances the spell. The final step was boosting them with a certain type of crystal, but Kitzu decided it best not to mention the crystals due to the possibility that the wrong sort might find out. She wasn’t worried so much about ponies trying to stop them, but of the possibility of ponies hoarding the crystals they needed.

Two days later, Kitzumi with the help of Prince Reynard, and Nova, had finished placing the needed crystals and scripts in the Moon viewing hall just in time for a reception with Prince Reynard’s parents for a meet and greet gathering. Whether or not it would make any difference in the immediate vicinity was unknown, but it did add a delightful extra touch to the room with each shard glistening like pale blue stars suspended among the branches. The scripts that powered the spell were presently plastered to the branches. Nova gave Kitzu a hug delighted at what they’d accomplished. The two had become very close, and being separated was not pleasant for Nova who now treated Kitzu as a litter mate. Nova had been beside herself with worry when Kitzu hadn’t turned up right away.

“You’ve outdone yourselves,” Twilight said just as the first guest arrived.

“A fairly common stone.” Offered a matronly pony on entering. She was a fox pony with seven tails who didn’t bother with camouflaging that fact.

“Are they, Grandmother?” Reynard asked. “That’s actually a good thing. Twilight, this is my Grandmother, Safak Swift, and the lovely lady with her is my mother, Lady Morning Dew. The Gentlecolt is my father, Reynard Silvermane senior.”

“Lady Safak. Lady Morning Dew. Lord Silvermane.” Twilight offered with a polite curtsy. Kitzu echoed Twilight.

“Thank you for welcoming us into your home. Something tells me those gems are not just for decoration.” Reynard Swift Senior asked. “How’d you get them to light up like that?”

“It just so happens that my daughter is from another world...” Reynard began.

“Yes, you did make that claim didn’t you?” Lady Safak drawled. “Next you’ll be using that claim for Miss Nova. Miss Sparkle, has he told you about Miss Nova?”

“We’ve had that talk.” Twilight offered hoping there wasn’t going to be a problem. “Where pray tell is her mother though?” Getting along with this mare was going to be difficult, and Twilight just couldn't resist a dig. “We will be officially adopting both fillies regardless of their alleged parentage.”

“Making someone a princess just because...” Safak began.

“Mother-in-law.” Reynard Senior growled.

“As I was saying.” Prince Reynard offered. “Miss Kitzumi discovered a way to use the crystals to amplify a spell that negates negative energies. Specifically discordant.”

“Is it working?” Lady Safak asked irritably.

“Apparently not,” Kitzu muttered and started looking for a stone that was out of place. Not that it should have mattered, but she was sure the spell was not working as intended. “Maybe the stones aren’t close enough to the scripts?”

“Kitzu, Grandmother Safak is just...” Nova began explaining in a whisper… “..a bitch.”

“You mean there are ponies who are like that naturally?” Kitzu asked while adjusting slips of script. She’d decided to roll each one and suspend it directly under a crystal shard making the combination look like a small floating candle. As she did each lit up significantly. “It’s one thing to have an off day, but to completely forget all social decorum isn’t normal.”

“I’m so terribly sorry I’m late,” Luna said entering from the apartments. Granted she wasn’t technically late as the trio had arrived a bit early. Twilight cast a glance at Lady Safak expecting some off comment, but discovered the mare was now completely frozen in place.

“Grandmother?” Reynard asked looking at her.

“By the gods she’s speechless. What miracle could be next?” Reynard senior asked in a dry tone.

“Mother?” Lady Morning Dew said wondering what could be wrong with her.

“Kitzu… it’s affecting her.” Nova said quietly.

“Then I was right,” Kitzu said triumphantly as she used her magic to roll up another script. “The Safak Swift I knew was much nicer, and I simply could not bring myself to believe that this world’s Safak Swift was the pony we just saw.” Kitzu quickly went from one script to the other, pealing, rolling, and re-positioning each directly under a crystal.

“Let me help you with those.” Reynard offered going over to the trees.

“A tight roll, and a spell to bind them to their respective shards.” Kitzu offered.

“Can I help?” Night Light Sparkle asked as he and Twilight Velvet entered.

“Sorry, but it takes fox magic to make them work.” Twilight offered as she went over to give the two a hug.

“It bothers me that the scripts by themselves aren’t enough,” Reynard said as he rolled one of the paper scripts.

“Maybe they just act as deterrents by themselves?” Kitzu offered as she placed another roll. “Grandmother Safak isn’t a bad person either, and I suspect she got infected with discordant magic, Seeds of Discord no doubt a real thing. The wards were just making her irritable.”

“And we needed the crystals to neutralize the energy.” Reynard mused “Makes a lot of sense being Safak is only extra irritable when she’s near wards. Granted I hadn’t put two and two together till just now.”

“Oh my gosh?! What was I just saying?!” Safak exclaimed genuinely mortified by her own behavior.

“Mother? Are you alright?” Morning Dew asked her.

“Well, I’ll be...” Reynard senior said softly. “The very seeds of Discord.”

“It hadn’t occurred to me a pony could be affected like that. I think that deep down I’d just assumed fox ponies would have an immunity to discordant magic. Would you like to start again?” Twilight offered giving Safak a curious glance. Another round of introductions took place, this time more cordial than the first. Princess Celestia arrived a moment later with Rarity, and Sweetie Belle in tow.

“I’m so sorry, we were unavoidably detained.” Celestia offered followed by another round of introductions. She like Luna had been informed that Lord Reynard had arrived early, and had to rush on over to greet the guests. A moment later servants brought in some refreshments and appetizers, or as they were sometimes called, the horse d’oeuvres.

“Oh dear me, Miss Kitzu, were you not finished with your little project?” Celestia asked once they’d all been properly introduced.

“On conferring with my elders, I’ve learned that they work better if the paper with the spell on it is touching the gem.” Kitzu offered. Lady Safak dropped her head a little with her ears back but smiled realizing Kitzu was sparing her further embarrassment. “They kind of look like little candles like this too.”

“Oh?” Celestia asked suspicious that something must have happened.

“And they make nice decorative lights.” Reynard Senior offered while having a look at one of the scripts. When he was done he rolled it up and placed it under a crystal. “I plan on making some large ones and placing them inside of ornamental lamps for the wedding. The crystal is actually fairly common along the edge of the Luna Sea, and can be found in abundance in the Crystal Mountains.”

“That’s wonderful,” Luna said with an extra touch of enthusiasm. “If we can set these up all over Equestria, we need never fear Discord again.”

“And if we have them in the procession, then there will be a desire for the common ponies to have one as a keepsake of the event.” Reynard Senior offered.

“Will you be selling them?” Princess Celestia asked.

“I think I’ll give one each to the members of the wedding party, and invited guests. After that, I figure on selling at say ten percent above cost.” Reynard Senior offered. “On the one hand, we’d like to get as many out in the public as we can, but on the other hand, I don’t want to go broke in the process. I also think it’d be best to only tell the public that they are good luck charms.”

“Keeping the true nature of the charms a secret may be a good idea.” Prince Reynard offered.

“But couldn't some pony just read the script?” Sweetie asked looking at one. Her expression turned to confusion.

“It’s a stylized form of character sets known as Kana,” Kitzu explained taking the script from her. “The fox kingdom has several types of scrips that were brought over from the old world they emigrated from, including Roman which strikingly mimics the Equestrian alphabet and a type of runic inscription that looks much like old ponish.” Kitzu then went into a long dissertation about different syllabic alphabets and how each character could have more than one use and/or meaning.

“So, where’s Spike, and how come Dawn Shimmer isn’t here?” Sweetie asked Kitzu the first chance she got.

“Shimmer isn’t a close relative, she’ll be along later with a few other guests, and Spike is in his room.” Kitzu offered as she placed another roll under a gem. “Just hang tight for a bit. Ponies were given different times to give the new in-laws a chance to talk first before any pony else arrived.”

“Oh, OK. Which room did Spike take?” Sweetie asked. “I haven't really had an opportunity to explore yet. Everything just happened so fast. That and you and Nova having different sleeping schedules plus school, has left me with little to do but read.”

“Down below us. What? He likes dark places. He’s in one of the old bat pony guard quarters. Can you teleport yet? The climb back up is a killer.” Meanwhile, Rarity was reciting how she and Celestia had become more than just good friends.

“I was sitting by myself in a coffee shop before going back to my hotel.” Rarity offered having just explained they started getting together for coffee after bumping into each other following a fashion show. “I’m sitting there drinking tea, trying to unwind when some pony sits down next to me, and rudely tells me to move over.”

“Well, you were in our booth.” Luna offered with a smile. “We did give you a bit of a fright though, didn’t we? And the look on your face when you looked up and recognized me.”

“I must say, my mind was going a mile a minute.” Rarity offered. “I thought sure a pair of hooligans had decided to do Celestia knows what to me.”

“I won’t tell if you don’t.” Celestia teased. “Though I probably should have been a little more sensitive when I sat down next to her. Poor thing scrunched herself up against the window. She’d been so lost in thought she’d no idea who’d sat down with her.”

“And that’s when I heard Princess Luna call my name.” Rarity offered. “I looked up to see that the hoodie-clad ruffian across from me was Princess Luna. I then dared to hazard a look at who was sitting next to me only to discover Princess Celestia.”

“So relieved was she, she embraced me.” Celestia offered. “Ben a long time since some pony embraced me quite like that.”

“You put your wing around me.” Rarity said softly to Celestia.

“You were trembling,” Celestia replied.

“You still make me tremble.” Rarity whispered with a wink.

“Say, Sweetie Belle, why don’t I show you to Spike’s room? I’ve some charms down there that need adjusting as well.” Kitzu offered, and a moment later the two made good their escape being neither could stand Rarity and Princess Celestia being all lovey dovey.

“Not going with them?” Reynard asked Nova in a whisper. Nova was also resetting scripts.

“I’ve seen the room Spike has fixed up for himself so I’ll wait for Princess Dawn Shimmer and the twins. We don’t have too many left to go either.”

“Miss Nova, wasn’t it?” Night Light asked approaching.

“Minister Sparkle,” Nova said stopping what she was doing to make a polite bow.

“I was rather hoping to try to make amends with you, and your sister.” Night light offered. “I was a bit harsh in my tone when the two of you snuck into my back office.”

“I understand, you were having an off day.” Nova offered. “Seems to have been a bit contagious that day as well. You have to understand that Kitzu was the apple of her grandfather’s eye, and suddenly she’s thrust into a world where her Grandfather doesn’t know who she is.”

“What she said, it’s true then, and she’s...” Night Light said softly.

“I’m to understand that Kitzu’s mother is, shall we say more mature, and very beautiful.” Reynard offered. “I’m told her plumage is similar to Miss Shimmer’s, or I mean Princess Dawn, and Miss Scootaloo's. Only in shades of violet and deep purple.”

“Twilight hasn’t had a full molt yet.” Night Light offered as he glanced back towards his daughter. “I’m to understand the more mature plumage can be quite stunning for those pegasus lucky enough to get the fancy plumage. Princess Luna has the fancy plumage as well, but it’s so dark it’s hard to make out.”

“You haven't seen Our Princess Shimmer yet I gather?” Reynard asked with a grin. “She’s like a bird of paradise.”

“Not planning on adding her to the harem are you?” Night Light asked with a wink.

“And disrupt the perfect symmetry between Luna and Twilight?” Reynard replied with a smile. “Heaven’s no. Such a thing could lead to disaster. That and I picture our new princess as being a one-mate mare. She’s been hurt too from what I understand. She’ll need some pony who can be devoted to her.”

A short time later saw the arrival of the ponies chosen to be the bridesmaids. Well, the rest of the bridesmaids as Rarity had been asked, along with Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie, and Fluttershy. Followed by more introductions, and then more introductions as several aunts, and uncles arrived including the mysterious Lady Aiko who arrived accompanied by none other than Sunset Shimmer and the two Scootaloo girls. Scootaloo wore a dress cadet uniform, while Little Scoots, Louise, had on an elegant princess dress. Louise, despite being every bit as energetic as her older twin was presently presenting herself as a timid coquettish young girl, make that filly, owing to her unfamiliarity with living in a world where everybody was a pony. Except Spike who was now a dragon as opposed to being a dog. Which was indeed strange being that there were indeed dogs in Equestria. Little Scoots wasn’t the only pony being quiet, as Fluttershy still hadn’t fully recovered from the incident that had cost her the home she loved, and presumably a number of animals that still hadn’t been accounted for.

“Fluttershy, you didn’t have to come,” Twilight whispered as she gave Fluttershy a hug.

“She, um, didn’t want to stay behind.” Applejack offered casting a glance over at Rarity. “Things have kind of changed relationship-wise too.”

“Oh?” Twilight asked.

“Fluttershy and I – well, we’ve been kind of inseparable the past few days.” Applejack offered as a blush flashed across her cheeks.

“Well then, congratulations.” Twilight offered.

“I...” Fluttershy began in a soft timid voice that was reminiscent of when Twilight had first met the pegasus. “Rarity?”

“Oh don’t worry about Rarity.” Twilight offered. “Applejack was a little too slow to catch that ship.”

“Pardon?” Applejack asked.

“While you were trying to get up the nerve to bump your relationship up with Rarity, Rarity was dating Celestia.” Twilight offered as Cadence and Shining Armor arrived. “Oh sorry, I need to go greet Cadence.” Twilight offered and trotted off leaving Applejack with a rather bemused look.

Meanwhile, Scootaloo and Louise had found the smorgasbord.

“Sushi?!” Louise said with an air of excitement and proceeded to load up a plate.

“What, what are those?” Scootaloo asked.

“Mostly raw fish,” Louise answered and then gobbled one down. “May not be a hamburger, but it’ll do in a pinch.”

“Hamburger, what’s a hamburger?” Scootaloo asked.

“You probably don’t want to know.” Sunset offered breaking momentarily from a conversation.

“Interesting she likes sushi.” Offered the pony Sunset had been talking to. “She can even pronounce the name.”

“Itadakimasu,” Louise announced triumphantly having remembered the phrase and then scarfed down another morsel.

“You know the language of the noble ancestors of the royal family?” Nova asked approaching the table.

“Noble ancestors? If you mean by that Japanese, I only know a few words, and phrases.” Louise offered.

“She’s from the human world.” Sunset offered quietly, not sure she wanted to say anything, but knowing that fox ponies knew of the human world. “She followed after me. The fillies are half-sisters.” Sunset thought for a moment about the unsaid question. “Louise's mother and I were very much alike and very close. I miss her a great deal. Not so much their father though.”

“So um, where’s Miss Kitzu?” Asked Cadet Scootaloo.

“Downstairs.” Nova offered.

“Please do fetch the hime-sama, there are relatives who’d like to meet her.” offered the uncle who’d been talking with Sunset.

“Hime-sama?” Louise asked with a smile. “I know what that means. But aren’t all the princesses here?”

“Miss Kitzu isn’t here.” Nova offered. “Pretty sure, that’s who Uncle is referring to. I’ll go fetch her.” Nova offered taking a bite of sushi.

“Mind if I tag along?” Night Light asked.

“No, you may if you’d like, but there are a lot of stairs.” Nova offered and then gobbled down the sushi she’d taken.

“Stairs?” Cadet Scootaloo asked.

“You’ll see.” Nova offered with a smile. Nova went to the door that opened to the stairs that spiraled down the tower followed by Night Light, and both Scootaloos.

“Princess Dawn” Uncle began.

“Call me Sunset. Well, that is my name. Dawn is just a title.”

“I see. Not like that sort of thing never happened before. Public face versus private. Louise, any chance her mother was a fox?”

“Fairly sure she was human. The girls are related via their father, who was also human. Yes, she does have a pension for meat, though I can’t really explain it other than humans eat meat. Now if she was my filly I might think she could be a throwback to a distant ancestor of mine... Were your ancestors able to take on human form?”

“Legend says they could. There is a spell that can make it possible, but only a handful know it these days.”

“I owe my coloration to an ancestor who was said to be unlike other ponies.” Sunset offered. “Wonder if my counterpart had similar ancestry?”


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“Wow, this is so cool,” Scoot said as they looked out into the void of the column of the tower. They were presently on the first landing below the Moon viewing hall, and the entire place had been illuminated by Kitzu’s crystal candles spiraling downwards.

“Did you think maybe she ran away so she wouldn't have to talk to you?” Nova asked Night Light.

“Not like the thought hadn’t occurred to me.” Night Light offered. “I see she’s been busy. This is where the Shadowbolts lived.”

“It is?! Awesome!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she came down the stairs.

“So you decided to join us.” Night Light offered as he continued down the stairs. “Most pones think of the Shadowbolts as Nightmare Moon’s personal guard, but that would be a mistake. They were an elite team of night fliers. They were held to the same standards as Princess Celestia’s Wonder bolts – only they did their flying at night.”

“At night?!” Cadet Scootaloo exclaimed. “But how could they see where they are flying?”

“Afraid I can’t really answer that.” Night Light offered as the others followed after him. “Though legend says they could see in the dark.”

“Like bat ponies.” Rainbow Dash offered.

“Or fox ponies,” Nova suggested.

They found Sweetie Belle, and Kitzu with Spike quietly reading comics in the topmost quarters.

“Hi, guys.” Rainbow Dash offered.

“Oh hey.” Sweetie Belle offered not bothering to look up.

“Hi, guys.” Spike offered also not bothering to look up. Kitzu looked up.

“Minister Sparkle,” Kitzu said, her tone that of acknowledgment only.

“Don’t I get a high?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“I’m sorry, where are my manners?” Kitzu then put down her comic, got up, and went over and gave Rainbow a hug, then Nova, followed by the two Scootaloo sisters.

“This is just a guess on my part, but I’d bet Miss Kitzu is mad at some pony.” Sweetie Belle commented looking up from her comic.

“I suppose we didn’t exactly get off on the right hoof the other day.” Night Light offered. “Kitzumi, what say we give this another go? How about a little forgiveness for an old stallion? And for that matter you did surprise me while I was working on a day I should have had off.”

“You know if I had to work on my day off...” Rainbow suggested.

“You have, and you get rather grumpy too.” Cadet Scootaloo informed.

“Well, I never thought being a Wonderbolt meant so many responsibilities.” Dash offered.

“Alright.” Kitzu offered, went over to Night Light, and gave him a hug.

“Welcome to the family.” Night Light offered. “Now, how about coming upstairs? You’ve relatives who’d like to meet the Hime-sama.” Hearing herself be called Hime-sama was perhaps a bit too much for Kitzu. It was like something inside of her had broken after all those months of doing her best. Kitzu proceeded to hug him tighter and started to cry. “Kitzu?”

“Kitzumi, did your original grandfather call you Hime-sama?” Nova inquired softly. Kitzu indicated that he had.

“I’ve only just heard the term.” Night Light offered.

“Of course you have,” Kitzu said in realization. “It’s just that everything is so similar, and… I never realized such a subtle difference could be such a big deal to me. I’m out of sequence – I haven't even been born yet in this world. Ponies treat me like an illegitimate foal.”

“You want me to get Luna?” Dash offered. “And if anyone isn’t being nice to you, you let me know, and I’ll straighten them out.”

“I’ll be alright.” Kitzu offered as Louise gave her another hug. “The whole illegitimate thing is partly my own fault as well. Not like we can tell everyone the truth.”

“Kind of know what it’s like,” Scoots said quietly going to her. “I’m, I’m all out of sorts myself. It’s really weird, everyone knows me. Every pony. I don’t really know anyone, but I do. Only it’s not me, it’s Scootaloo they know, but I’m Scootaloo in my home, only I’m not here.”

“You don’t want to go back do you?” Scootaloo asked concern in her tone.

“I don’t really have a place to go back to. Not a safe place.” Louise offered.

“How about, when we get a chance we can talk to Twilight about it.” Nova offered. “Maybe she can open a new portal?”

“And risk Discord finding it?” Kitzu offered.

“I was living in hiding there.” Louise offered. “At least here I don’t have to live in hiding. And no, I wouldn't want to risk Discord finding the portal. I saw how upset Twilight and Pr-princes Luna were.”

“In an odd sort of way, I’m in the same category.” Sweetie Belle offered. “I was content to live in Ponyville where most of my friends are. Suddenly my world gets turned upside down, the pony I thought was my sister is my mother, we live with Princess Celestia now, who by the looks of their relationship I may be calling mother before too long, and I have to behave like a proper princess. I hate having to act like a princess, it’s bucking boring.” Night Light cleared his throat at Sweetie Belle’s profanity. “Sorry.”

“Ya, I can see where that last part would be difficult.” Both Scootaloos said in tandem. They looked at each other and smiled.

“Well, Hime sama...” Night Light began. He pulled out a handkerchief and wiped Kitzu’s face. “You ready to plunge into the fox den?”

“I was born into a fox den,” Kitzu replied with a smile.



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In another world, far far away, in a large building a white room with black curtains where nurses roam the halls, sits a middle-aged man who is quite bald. He sits there looking out a window, strapped to a wheelchair, and gag in his mouth, fuming and plotting. He knows a way. But first, he's just going to have to play nice. Oh yes, he's just going to have to play nice with these dirty stinking humans.