Cadence, feeling sorry for all the orphans in her empire, founds an orphanage for them.
Cadence, feeling sorry for all the orphans in her empire founds an orphanage for them and has all of them open the orphanage right alongside her when the big day finally rolls around.
It's a sunny day outside when Cadance goes on a stroll through the streets of the Crystal Empire. As she walks through the streets, she peers down the alleys and sees nothing but tiny heads popping out from old boxes and raggy blankets. "How sad? Why are there so many orphans here? I should set up an orphanage." Says Cadance to herself as she walks back to the castle. Once back at the palace, Cadance calls a meeting in the main hall of the castle.
"Why are we here, princess?" Asks one of the Crystal Empire council members.
"We're going to found an orphanage for all the orphans who live on the streets and alleys of our empire," replies Cadence.
"Okay," responds the council mare. "Where do you want it built, Princess?"
"In the plot up the road from my castle," responds Cadence with a smile. "And I plan on overseeing everything."
"Sure thing, Princess," responds the council mare.
A few days later, they begin building on the orphanage out of the finest crystal and other building supplies. As she promised, Cadance oversees every single part of it. "Good, good, keep it up everypony!" Says Cadance with a smile. "We need close to two hundred bunks across all the rooms. There are a lot of orphans in this empire after all!"
"Yes, Princess, we know," responds the crystal builder pony somewhat annoyed. Cadance, seeing him displeased with her, slips back off to the castle to watch the royal guard training for the day under her husband.
After several hours, Cadance returns to the worksite and checks up on the progress one last time before dinner. As she looks at the progress, she can't help but smile. She remembers when she used to be an orphan and knows she's doing them a great service. Soon, they'll be in a building and no longer on the dangerous streets of the empire. Soon, they'll be able to sleep warmly at night. Soon, they'll never go hungry again. For Cadance, that's the most exciting feeling in the world right now.
The next day, Cadance is out and about the Crystal Empire once again when some little colts and fillies come and gather around her. "We heard you're building us an orphanage," say the foals in unison. "We're so thankful."
"You're welcome," responds Cadance with a smile, "did you know I used to be an orphan too?"
"Really?" Say the children curiously.
"Yes," responds Cadance. The children then embrace her in a hug and run off. Cadance then smiles and flies back to the castle to spend some time with her daughter and husband.
Back at the castle, Cadance goes into the nursery and plays on the floor, playing dolls and bears, with her daughter. As they continue to play, Cadance continues to think about the orphans she met a few minutes before. "I should have them help me cut the ribbon when the orphanage finally opens up," whispers Cadance to herself before getting back to playing bears with her daughter.
A few days later, Cadance sees the same orphans again and this time, stops to get their names and asks them to help her cut the ribbon when the orphanage finally opens to which they happily agree. She also asks them another simple question: "how many of you are there?"
"About two thousand," responds a young colt named Gadry.
"Okay," responds Cadance. "Thanks." Cadance then embraces them all in a hug and then flies to the building site. There Cadance tells them they need another five hundred bunk beds and one more room extension to which they agree, semi-reluctantly.
"That'll be an extra year until opening," says the builder pony.
"Any way you can make it seven months?" Asks Cadance.
"We can try but no guarantees," responds the builder pony.
"Thanks," responds Cadance. She then flies back to the castle and gives the break down to the rest of the council. After that, they all depart for the night to get back together for another meeting in two months time. Cadance just can't wait to get the orphanage built because after all, she knows their pain and loneliness way too well.
Two months later, Cadance and the council meet once again. "So, they've started the expansion," states Cadance, "and it may end up taking closer to a year than the seven months I asked for."
"We realize this, Princess, but the orphans need shelter soon as it's almost winter time."
"For now, then, we'll let them live in the main room and spare room," responds Cadance.
A few weeks later, just before winter fully hits, they let the orphan children into the castle and into the two selected rooms. The fillies into the main room and the colts into the spare room of the palace. Cadance then goes around herself and gives all the foals food and pillows and blankets. She then sits down and talks and even plays games with them. All the while, both Cadance and the orphans wear a smile across their faces.
Meanwhile, elsewhere, the builder ponies continue away on the continued building of the orphanage. As they continue to put up walls and then pipes and concrete, they whistle to themselves. They work on the extra expansion for several hours before taking a small lunch break then finally getting back to work. They then work until about midnight before finally returning home to their families.
Back at the castle, Cadance goes and tucks in Flurry Heart after making sure all the orphans are sleeping peacefully. Cadance then turns in for the night herself. All the while, she dreams about cutting the ribbon of the new orphanage alongside the local orphans. She really can't wait for it to open. She's just sad she has to wait an entire year for that to happen. Nonetheless, at least she's doing something about the orphan issue in the empire. Her aunt and mother would be so proud if they were alive. That, alone, gives Cadance great comfort indeed.
Five months later, Cadance checks up on the orphanage once again and the process is going perfectly. She couldn't be more happy. "Everything is perfect. I love how it's all turning out. All coming along." Says Cadance as her eyes well up in tears. She embraces the builders in a hug before flying back to the castle to check on the orphans. Once back at the castle, she goes into the main hall and is soon flooded in hugs by all the orphans. "Hey, little ones," says Cadance with a smile. "How's your day been so far?"
"Good," responds the orphans.
Then Cadance takes a look around and notices an orphan is missing. "Where's Josiah?" Asks Cadance.
"He's in one of the bedrooms. He got in an accident and broke his hoof," responds Sweetheart Jewel. Cadance then runs to the room and checks on Josiah, who is being treated by the Royal nurses and doctors.
"Hey Josiah, are you okay?" Asks Cadance concerned.
"Yeah, fine. Just in a bit of pain is all," he responds in pain.
"Ok, just rest," responds Cadance as she leaves the room and goes back to the large room to check on the rest of the orphans before going out to see if there are any new orphans out on the streets.
Back on the streets, Cadance soon finds a pair of orphans, a brother and sister in a box in an alley, both little foals still. She then picks them up and sticks them on her back before going off in search of more orphans. A few hours later, a hundred more orphans accompany Cadance back to the palace. She then gets them settled in and goes out in search of more.
After five more hours, Cadance returns with another twenty five orphans in tow. She then gets them settled in. She then goes to another room of the castle to begin interviewing ponies to work in the orphanage including a fairly young nurse, the niece of Nurse Red Heart, Crosslin. First off, however, she starts with a pony named Angel Heart. "Angel Heart," asks Cadance, "why do you think you'll be a good fit for my orphanage?"
"Well, as the oldest of twelve, I've always had a knack for raising younger foals. Momma and daddy passed when I was twelve, so after that, it was my job to raise my younger siblings. With that experience, I know I'd be perfect for this job."
"Thank you," responds Cadance. "You can go wait outside now." Angel Heart nods and leaves the room. Next, Crosslin enters.
"Hello," says Crosslin shyly, "I'm Crosslin, Red Heart's niece."
"Welcome, Crosslin," responds Cadance with a warm smile. "Please take a seat and tell me why you want to work at my orphanage if you don't mind." Crosslin nods and sits down. She then begins to explain why she'd be good for the job.
"Growing up, I was always around the hospital as I usually spent the weekends with my aunt. She'd always take me to work with her and I always enjoyed it. When I got older, I decided I wanted to be a nurse just like her and she was thrilled. She payed my way through med school. I was at the top of my class in every class. I've also always had a heart for children because that's what most of my patients were once I got to finally work in the hospital alongside my aunt. Being a nurse in your orphanage just seems to be the next logical step to me. I hope you understand."
"Yes, I do," responds Cadance, "so I'll tell you right now, you're hired." The two then share a hug and Crosslin leaves the room with a smile on her face. Cadance then interviews a few other ponies and gives jobs to ten of them including Angel Heart. Cadance couldn't be more happy. She has a staff for when the orphanage finally opens up including a nurse that she trusts. Now, all she has to do is wait seven more months for opening day. Surely it can't be too bad. Right?
A few months later, just in time for the grand opening of the new orphanage, Josiah is all healed up and out of his cast. Meanwhile at the orphanage, Cadance is getting things ready for the orphanage. In a few hours, she'll have the orphans help her cut the ribbon. First, however, it's time for her to officially meet her staff that she hired several months back.
"I can't believe it's been a year," sighs Cadance with a smile. "But the outcome was well worth the wait."
"Well, we're glad to be along for the ride," responds Crosslin with a smile.
A few hours later, Cadance returns with all the orphans in tow. They then cut the ribbon together and officially open the orphanage. The orphans then rush in excitedly with smiles on their faces and tears in their eyes. Soon, more orphans come out of the woodworks and rush in along with the rest.
Once inside, all the orphans look around stunned. "This place is wonderful!" Says a young filly named Eclaire.
"It sure is," agrees Josiah.
"We finally have a place to call home," says Eclaire turning to Princess Cadance and giving her a hug, "thank you."
"You're welcome," responds Cadance with a smile. "After being an orphan on the streets myself, I didn't want you to suffer the same way I did."
"Well, thanks for that," responds Eclaire along with the rest of the orphans. She then lets go of the princess and runs off with the other orphans to explore the rest of the orphanage. The staff, after thanking Cadance for helping the foals and giving them a second chance, run off to their positions throughout the orphanage with Crosslin going to the orphanage hospital wing.
"Auntie will be so proud of me," says Crosslin with a smile. She then sits down a minute and writes a letter to her aunt and sends it out in the afternoon mail.
The next morning, Red Heart gets and reads the letter from her niece. "Dear auntie Red," reads Red Heart, "I'm a nurse at the new Crystal Kingdom Orphanage that Princess Cadance founded. Aren't you proud of me, auntie? Wouldn't mother be proud? I'm so glad to have this chance. All the orphans are so sweet and Cadance is like an angel on earth to them. Remember when I used to come to work with you and how it inspired me to be a nurse, now I'm one in my own right and have my dream job by far. I wish mom was here to see me now. I miss you, auntie. Sincerely, your niece, Crosslin." Red Heart smiles and tears begin to fill her eyes. She misses her sister too, but alas, she can't bring her back. At least, she knows she'd be so proud of Crosslin. Honestly, that's all that matters.
Meanwhile back at the orphanage, the colts and fillies are happily playing on the orphanage playground. Meanwhile, the caregivers and Cadance watch from the benches along the side of the playground. They spend the entire afternoon outside since it was so absolutely beautiful. Cadance is just glad the orphans are happy. To her, that's all that matters.
That night, the foals climb into their beds for the first time. They then begin to chatter. "This is so nice and warm," sighs Sweetheart Jewel. "I've never had a bed of my own until now."
"Me neither," responds Eclaire, "and I love it!"
"Here! Here!" Agrees Josiah.
"At least, we now have somewhere to call home," adds a filly named Star Gazer.
"Uh huh," agrees her brother Star Blazer.
"Now, everything is gonna change for the better, for good, and that's the best part," adds Caramel Shake.
"Yeah, thank goodness," agrees Paisley.
A few hours later, all the colts and fillies fall fast asleep. They had a busy and exciting day after all.
Meanwhile, back at the palace, Cadance sings Flurry Heart to sleep. "Flurry Heart, my little sweetie, my little filly, look how much you've grown. I wanna let you know, I'm so proud of you. You've been so patient with me as I've done all this lately. Flurry Heart, my little angel, the apple of my eye, the heart that's part of mine, you mean so much to me. You mean so much, you mean everything to, everything to me." She then kisses the sleeping filly and leaves the room. She then goes and climbs into bed with Shining Armor herself and falls fast asleep. She's so worn out from just everything from founding the orphanage to just being a mom. As she sleeps, she continues to think about the orphans that she's given a second chance to and that makes her smile like nothing else has ever before.
Over the next few days after opening, another twenty orphans move into the orphanage. There were fifteen fillies and five colts, one not even out of diapers. They are soon greeted by Cadance and Angel Heart. "Hello foals," says Cadance, "what are your names?"
"Rosada Lily," says one of the fillies.
"Blue Skies," says another.
"Pink Sunrise," says yet another.
"Sunflower Field," says a fourth.
"Day Sky," says a fifth.
"Angel Dreamer," says a sixth.
"Harmony Ray," says a seventh.
"Glorious Sunset," says an eighth.
"Marigold," says a ninth.
"Lucky Clover," says a tenth.
"Miracle Heart," says an eleventh.
"Rose Petal," says a twelfth.
"Rose Bud," says a thirteenth.
"Rose Blossom," says a fourteenth.
"And I'm Rainbow Spark," says the fifteenth filly.
"And I'm Trail Blazer, that's Charcoal, Sammy, and Cordan," says Trail Blazer. He then looks down at the infant colt in his hooves. "And this is White Waters."
"Well, we're glad to have all of you," says Cadance with a smile. They then follow her inside and to their rooms and Angel Heart takes White Waters to the baby wing of the orphanage.
"Wow!" Say the colts and fillies in awe. "This is amazing!"
"Well, I'm glad you guys like it," says Cadance with a smile. "This place is your new home. Go look around and explore." The fillies and colts go and run off and explore. Cadance then returns to the head caretaker room to talk with the head caretaker she hired, Radiant Beam. The two then talk for hours on end right up until lunch hour. Then they part ways. Cadance knows one thing for sure, orphans are going to continue coming to her orphanage and that's the thing she loves the most.
A few days following, yet another ten foals move into the orphanage. Their names are Vanilla Shake, Strawberry Shake, Chocolate Shake, Day Lily, Night Glow, Orange Blossom, Fairy Lights, Cinnamon Swirl, Fire Spark, and Rosie. Once again, Cadance and Angel Heart show the foals around and to their rooms. The foals then settle down in no time. Not long after they do, another six foals enter the orphanage and Cadance goes off to greet them then shows them around.
"What are your names, little ones?" Asks Cadance as she shows them around.
"Silver Lace," says the first.
"Golden Dream," says the second.
"Cotton Candy Clouds," says the third.
"Caramel Sundae," says the fourth.
"Jeweled Heart," says the fifth.
"And Red Rose," says the sixth.
"Well, I'm glad you can find a home here with us," responds Cadance with a smile.
"Well, we're glad we found this place as our father just recently passed. He was the last family member we had," responds Jeweled Heart.
"Well, we'll make this feel like home for you especially," responds Cadance. "After all, for years after my parents died and aunt was killed, I was in the same position as you. I want you to have the second chance that I never really got."
"But haven't you been a princess since you were a teen?" Asks Triple C confused.
"Yes, but that's only because of Celestia. If she hadn't, I don't know where I'd be," responds Cadance with a smile. She and the foals then go and meet up with Angel Heart and finish the tour and get settled in. Cadance then returns home to take her daughter out for the afternoon. If any more foals show up, she knows Angel Heart is more than capable. All the same, Cadance is glad she and her orphanage mean so much to all these colts and fillies.
A few days later, a couple comes to adopt a colt and they have their heart set on a young colt named Arrowhead. The names of the potential adopters are Rain Dewdrops and Cavalier. The two are soon greeted by Cadance, along with little Arrowhead, and the caregiver he's under, Angel Heart.
"Hello," says Cadance, "welcome to the Crystal Kingdom Orphanage. We're glad to meet you."
"Thanks," responds Rain Dewdrops.
She and her husband then follow Cadance into a room, where they sit down on a couch. Arrowhead and Angel Heart take their seats in two chairs next to Cadance and across from the couple.
"Please, tell me," asks Cadance sweetly. "What made you want to adopt a colt?"
"Well," responds Rain Dewdrops, "I had given birth to a colt, a few years prior, but he was stillborn. Then I tried again, same thing happened. We figured out the hard way that it wasn't likely I'd be able to give birth to a healthy, living foal. That's when we turned to the idea of adoption," she begins to cry, "to give us a child that we can love and care for like we've always wanted."
"Well, we'll need a bit of paperwork, but we can promise you'll get your second chance at raising a child," responds Cadance.
A few weeks later, the paperwork is approved and goes through and Rain Dewdrops and Cavalier officially adopt Arrowhead and give him the perfect life that he had always wished for. They even sign him up for little colt hoofball league which he absolutely adores. Cadance is glad she's giving these foals a second chance at family and Rain and Cavalier a second chance at raising a child. To her, that means the world.
A few weeks later, three new orphans enter the orphanage. "Hello, little ones," says Cadence, "why are you crying so?"
"Mom and dad," cry the foals, "were killed in a fire. They couldn't get out of the house in time." They sniffle.
"Well, you're welcome here," responds Cadence. "I'll show you to your room." She then walks the three to a room and sits down and talks with them for hours on end. While doing this, Cadence learns the foals' names were Caramel Corn, Candy Heart, and Hopeful Dreamer. "Where were you living before you came here?" asks Cadence still very concerned.
"In a small town, maybe thirty minutes outside of the Crystal Empire, called High Horse Valley," respond the foals.
"I've heard of it," responds Cadence, "it's the town close to the Crystal Gorge."
"Yes," responds Hopeful Dreamer.
"And fires weren't normally common in the valley," adds Caramel Corn, the only colt in the group, "it was a rare occurrence. We don't know how it started. It had spread through our house and five others before they finally got around to it being put out."
"That means there are still orphans in the valley," responds Cadence, "and they need our help."
"Yes," adds Candy Heart. Cadence then follows the three back to the town and there, they gather the other now orphaned foals. All of their parents had passed away in the blaze. They then follow Cadence and their friends back to the orphanage and get adjusted. About fifteen newly orphaned foals came in that day. Cadence then learns the names of all of them.
"We're Bucky and June Bug," says Bucky on behalf of his sister, who is just a newborn, and himself.
"Crystal Rose," says the next filly.
"Arrot," says the colt next to her.
"Cardamom Spice," says the filly next to Arrot.
"Hay Seed," says the colt next to Cardamom Spice.
"Ginger," says the filly in the far back corner, doing her best to stay hidden.
"Marigold Harvest," says the filly next to Hay Seed. "And this is by baby brother, Golden Harvest."
"Cotton Blossom," says the filly next to Marigold Harvest.
"April Mist," says the filly next to Cotton Blossom.
"May Shower and Coal Dust," says the filly next to April Mist on behalf of herself and her brother, who was hiding behind her leg, shaking.
"Sea Lily," says the filly next to May Shower.
"Sun Beam," says the filly next to May Shower, "but most ponies call me Lil Sunshine."
"Well, it's nice to meet all of you," responds Cadence, "and I hope you can learn to call this place home."
"We're just glad to have a roof over our heads again, and thanks for finding us," respond the more vocal of the new orphans. "If it wasn't for you, we'd be goners."
"You're welcome," responds Cadence before walking out and flying down the hall to her office. Once there, she is greeted by a nice older couple. "Oh hi," says Cadence. "What can I do for you?"
"We're looking to adopt a little filly," respond the two. "Our daughter needs a playmate her own age as her brothers are off to college now."
"Well, we'll find a match for your child, can you bring her in with you next time you come?" asks Cadence.
"Sure," says the couple with a nod. "We'll bring her with us after she's done with school tomorrow."
"Great, I'll see you then," responds Cadence with a smile. She then walks the couple out. She can't wait to meet their daughter and help find her the perfect new sister. It's definitely something to look forward to after all that happened that day.
A few days later, more fires spread throughout High Horse Fire once more. Not long after the second set of blazes is put out, the village is completely destroyed and ponies are found dead, and Cadence, once again, is called in to help the orphans that are left.
"How? How did this happen?" says Cadence in shock.
"We don't know," responds a young filly, whose name is Sunshine Heart, in tears.
"Well, it's time for an investigation," responds Cadence, "I'll send my husband and the guard out to look into it." She then takes the foals back to the orphanage. She then goes to the training sector behind the palace and talks with Shining Armor. "Honey," says Cadence, "there's been unexplained fires in the valley down the road from our palace. Can you go look into it for me?"
"Sure, what's the name of the town?" asks Shining Armor.
"High Horse Valley," responds Cadence.
"Okay, I'll get my best soldiers and my investigator friend to help." Shining then runs off to grab the soldiers and investigator and they then head towards the town at top speed.
"Something bad really did happen here," says Shining's investigator friend Spectacle Glass in shock. He then goes over and looks at something in the dirt. "Here's something, your highness. It seems to be a foot print. It's not pony. It's not dragon either. I don't know what it is." He then pulls a foot print book out of his bag and flips through it with his magic. "Here it is," he says a few minutes later, "the print belongs to a fire bird. They are close relatives of the Phoenix but don't go through the same rebirth cycle. They remain as fire indefinitely. Their fire can destroy entire towns. Here is no different."
A few minutes later, they hear crying coming from a half burnt down house. They then go over and peek inside and find two siblings huddling around their baby sister trying to protect her from the ash and smoke. Shining and Spectacle Glass then see two dead bodies at their feet, those of their parents. "Come with me, little ones," says Shining as he pulls them onto his back. They then return to the orphanage and report the findings to Cadence.
"So, what news do you have? What caused it?" asks Cadence as she takes the foals from Shining Armor.
"The blazes that kept popping up were caused by the fire bird, the non-rebirthing cousin of the phoenix," responds Shining Armor.
"Yes, it's their migratory season, so it makes sense their flames would fall on the towns they fly over in that migration," adds Spectacle Glass.
"Thanks for that information," responds Cadence. "It's now in your hooves to rebuild that town."
"I'll get my builder friends Mason, Boulder and Clay on it immediately," responds Spectacle. He then runs off and gives the two instruction on how to rebuild High Horse Valley. The only thing after that is to find a way to get the city repopulated. That's going to be the hardest part.
The next day, the couple that Cadence had met the day before come in with their daughter in tow this time. "Hello," says Cadence to them with a smile. "I don't believe I caught your names last time you were in."
"Oh," says the mare surprised, "the name is Wind Chime Heart."
"And mine is Coal Dust," responds her husband.
"And I'm Miracle Chimes," adds the filly.
"Hello, child," says Cadence with a smile. "It's nice to meet you."
"And you as well princess," responds Miracle with a toothy grin.
The four then walk down the hall together and into the main room where all the orphans are playing and talking together. "Can I see Orchid Lily, Angel Glow, and Marigold?" asks Cadence with a smile. The three then come running over to her and they exit the room along with her and the family. They then go into a play room. There, Cadence observes to see which one Miracle Chimes gets along with best.
"Look at her smile," says Wind Chime Heart to her husband, "I haven't seen that in awhile."
"Yeah," responds Coal Dust, "it's nice."
After several hours of playing together, the three orphans are sent into a sitting room to wait. The potential adopters talk it over with Cadence in her office on who they want to take in.
"So," says Cadence, "who do you think is the best fit to your daughter?"
"I liked Orchid Lily," says Miracle chiming in.
"As do we," responds Wind Chime Heart. "We're interested in adopting Orchid Lily."
Over the following days, paper gets signed and gets approved by the system and five weeks later, Orchid Lily is taken home by Wind Chime Heart and Coal Dust. She and Miracle end up getting along great and that makes Miracle's parents so glad. They even send a picture of her and her newly adopted sister to her brothers, who also take a liking to Orchid Lily. To be honest, they're just glad their sister is happy and has somepony to play with. To her family, the fact that she now has a playmate is the best feeling in the world because they can finally relax for once since they no longer have to keep her entertained.
It is a normal rainy day in the Empire when Cadence hears a knocking on the door of the orphanage. She opens it and looks down to see a colt and filly shaking in the rain. “What are your names? Please, come in,” says Cadence. The foals come in and Cadence soon returns with blankets and hot chocolate for the pair. They thank her and sit down.
“Our names by the way,” peeps the colt, “are Piper and Rust.”
“And pray tell what happened to your parents? This is an orphanage after all.”
“Our father abandoned us, our mom was abusive-she’s in jail,” responds Rust. “We had nowhere else to go.”
“Well, you’re welcome here,” responds Cadence. She then takes down their names and shows them to their bedrooms. Rust is put in a room with three other colts-Colton, Foster, and Sun Darter. Piper is put in a room with three other fillies-Rainbow Melody, Sweet Blossom, and Angel Lily. Over the following days, Piper slowly begins to come out of her shell with the other orphanage residents much to the delight of Cadence as well as her brother Rust. While she’s still quiet and doesn’t like to talk most of the time, an effort is being made to make friends and that is already an improvement.
Over the following days, Piper continues to warm up more and more in the orphanage and becomes more outgoing. Needless to say everypony around her is thrilled especially Cadence and Rust. Also within those following few days, the orphanage gets a surprise visit from Celestia and Luna. The mouths of every foal in the place drop to the floor in shock, surprise, awe, and admiration.
“Aunties,” says Cadence. “Good to see you, I see you found out about my founding of this place and my work here.”
“Yes,” respond the royal sisters, “Shining wrote Twilight and she forwarded it to us.”
“How! How thoughtful!” Says Cadence. “Why don’t I show you around?”
“That would be splendid,” respond the sisters. Cadence then begins to show them around the orphanage.
“To your right, that’s the newborn wing where all the infant foals go,” says Cadance, “and to the right of that is the hospital wing and the remaining bunks and dining hall.” After the tour ends, the royal sisters follow Cadence into her office and they talk for hours on end.
“Your work here is wonderful,” says Luna.
“I agree with my sister, I’m so proud of you and the work you’re doing here,” responds Celestia.
The two stay for an hour before finally leaving and returning to Canterlot.
A little bit after her aunties left, Cadence goes and does a story time for the foals. “What Story do you guys want today? We can continue The Little Mermare or we can choose a new one.”
“Keep going with the story we’re doing!” Cheer the foals.
Cadence nods and brings the book over to herself with her magic and uses it once more to flip to the page they left off on and begins to read from there. She reads to them for hours before dinner time finally arrives and the foals shuffle into the dining hall while nurses head off to feed the infants.
While the foals enjoy their dinner, Cadence goes to her office and finishes off her day’s paperwork and looks at her schedule for the week. She has three prospective parents coming in looking for a foal to call their own. One set has a foal already in the household. For the other two, this’ll be their first foal.
The next day, the first set of prospective parents arrive and are greeted by the princess. “Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Silversholl,” says Cadence to the couple, “I’m Princess Cadence, the orphanage founder. Are you looking for a filly or colt to join your family?”
“Filly,” responds Mrs. Silversholl. Cadence then takes them to a room where they are greeted by three little fillies.
“Hey Fireshy, Flower Blossom, Aspen Blossom,” says Cadence with a smile.
“Hello, Ms. Cady,” respond the fillies. She then takes the prospective parents and the first filly into the room adjacent to the holding room.
“Mr. and Mrs. Silversholl, this is Fireshy,” says Cadence.
“Hello, Fireshy,” says the couple. “Why don’t you tell us a little bit about yourself?”
“Well, I’m shy. I like animals, making lanterns, and my teddy bear Goldburn, and marshmallows and camping,” responds the filly shyly.
“Thanks Fireshy, can you please go wait outside?” The filly nods and exits the room. Once the door is closed, Cadence talks with the couple. “What do you think of Fireshy?”
“As darling as she is, we want a more outgoing foal,” responds the couple. On this note, Cadence writes that down and brings in the next filly, Flower Blossom.”
“Why don’t you tell the couple about yourself,” says Cadence with a smile and a nod.
Well, I’m one of three fillies from my family,” says the filly, “my sisters are named Aspen and Maple. Our mom died when we were young and our dad in a fire accident that happened from him smoking a lit cigar after drinking several beers that subsequently spilt and set alight burning him alive in his sleep. We were at school when it happened and were told after being pulled out of class by a social worker.” She then turns to Cadence, “please Ms. Cady, please don’t let them break up me and my sisters.” She begins to cry.
“I promise,” says Cadence to the filly, “now go grab your sisters.” Flower nods and goes and fetches her sisters before returning to Cadence. The three fillies re-enter the room. Cadence then turns to the Silversholls. She motions at the fillies as she talks. “If you adopt one, you have to adopt all three, we don’t like to break up sibling groups here,” says Cadence, “please don’t break them up.”
“How could we ever do that to a foal?” Respond the couple, “we’ll gladly adopt all three.” Cadence smiles and has them sign all the required paperwork and a week or so later the fillies are taken to their new home. There, they’re trampled over by the couple’s puppy and the fillies can’t help but giggle.
“You have a puppy!” They squeal. “That’s awesome!” The couple then take the fillies to their new bedroom and show them sound. There are three beds in the room, all hoof carved. One has a flower on the headboard, the other an aspen leaf, and the final a maple leaf. The beds are decked out in pink fluffy pillows and bedspreads and fresh sheets.
“Do you like it?” Inquire the couple.
“Yes! Yes! Yes! Thank you!” Squeal the fillies as they embrace their new parents in a hug. The five then all head out to dinner to do a welcome to he family celebration. Needless to say, everypony is happy and the fillies are thrilled to finally have a family to call their own once again.
A few days later, that Friday, Cadence greets the next of the three prospective sets of parents, this one has their son in tow. “I’m Cadence,” says the princess with a smile, “I’m the Founder of this place and you must be Mr. and Mrs. Dustwind and Colter Dustwind.”
“Not Colter, Colton,” says the colt. “You got my name wrong.”
“Oh, sorry about that, my bad,” apologizes the princess. She then leads them to her office. As she does so, she sees her assistant Melodious Heart helping the third couple adopt their first foal.
“Hello Dusky Day and Dusty Dawn,” says Melodious Heart to the couple in her office, “it says here you want a foal from the infant wing but it doesn’t state preference, do you have one?”
“Yes,” responds Dusky, “we thought about it more recently and we want a filly,” says the mare.
“Yes,” agrees her partner, another mare, the one who goes by the name Dusty Dawn.
“Okay,” responds Melodious Heart. She brings a nurse into her office and the four all head down to the infant wing together to choose the filly that is the perfect fit for the mares.
Meanwhile Cadence takes the Dustwinds to the holding room and it’s adjacent room. Cadence then goes and finds foals that work well with other ponies of any age. She soon returns with two colts and three fillies, all known for getting along with other ponies and foals their age and older especially. Since there is another foal involved, she’s doing it in a room down the hall from the normal adjacent room, one that’s more family friendly and a more open environment. She brings in the first of the five prospective adoptees. “Mr. and Mrs. Dustwind, Colton,” says Cadence as she leads the colt into the room, “this is Claybrick.”
“Hello,” say the parents while Colton just shrugs him off. His parents look at him with disdain. “At least try to interact with the foals that might become your sibling.”
“Fine,” says Colton. He goes on and interacts with the colt. “Hey Claybrick, what do you like to do?”
“Skateboard, basketball, pottery, painting, football, soccer, and my scooter,” responds Claybrick. “Arcade games are not really my thing, though. Never really took to them like the other colts.”
“Well I could teach you,” responds Colton.
“Sorry, but I’d rather not,” responds Claybrick, “you have your interests and I have mine. I hope you understand that.” Colton nods and turns to face his parents.
“Well, I tried,” responds Colton. Cadence leads the dejected colt out of the room and brings in the next colt. Colton seems to take a little more interest in this one.
“Mr. and Mrs. Dustwind, Colton, this is Hot Shot,” says Cadence. Colton’s ears perk at this and he approaches the colt.
“Hey Hot Shot, I’m Colton, what’s up with you? What do you like to do?”
“Well,” responds Hot Shot excitedly, “I’m glad you asked. I love doing so many different things! Basketball! Skateboarding! Basketball! Buckball! Soccer! Trick flying! Stunt riding on my scooter! Arcade and video games! Playing guitar! Kayaking! Canoeing! Heck, I even want to be a Wonderbolt someday! Do you think I can do it, huh?”
“Yeah, sure do,” responds Colton as he roughs up the colt’s hair. Colton then gets up off the ground and looks at his parents. “I feel the connection, he’s the one.” His parents nod and head off with Cadence to her office to sign the paper while Colton stays to talk with Hot Shot. Within the next two days, he heads off to his new home with his new family. Not long after that, Cadence gets a letter from Colton saying how much he’s enjoying his new little brother and Cadence can’t help but smile at that. She’s glad to hear it. As for Dusky Day and Dusty Dawn, they finally settle on an infant filly a few days later and then head home with her in tow. They end up naming the filly Mayflower. It’s been another successful week of setting up foals with their forever homes and forever families and Cadence wouldn’t have it any other way.
A few days later, not only does Cadence have more adoption meetings to do but also a meeting with the Crystal Newspaper to discuss the orphanage among other things. First thing is first, the meeting with the newspaper’s Mare Fetlock.
“So Princess Cadence, tell me,” says Mare Fetlock, “what led you to found The Crystal Kingdom Orphanage?”
“Well,” responds Cadence, “I used to be an orphan myself. I was one of them, lived their pain, their hardships, and I knew I wanted to help them, help them find families as I had been found and taken in. I wanted to give back to those I considered my family, not my street family mind you, my family family.”
“How many foals have you helped find their forever homes so far to date?” Inquires Mare Fetlock.
“A hundred plus currently,” responds Cadence. “Some are the first foal for the parents and some go into homes with existing fillies or colts. They often work out though and that’s the best part.”
“That’s fascinating,” responds Mare Fetlock, “now second to final question, what do your aunts, the princesses think of the orphanage?”
“They love it and they’re so proud of me and all I’m doing,” responds Cadence, “they even toured a week or so ago. They’re grateful for the work I’m doing and happy that I’m helping orphans find homes and getting them off the empire streets. I help the foals find forever homes and that’s the most important part.”
“And now the final question,” responds Mare Fetlock, “do you encourage ponies to adopt? How to contact? And common age range of the foals.”
“Sure, yes,” responds Cadence, “of course I encourage ponies to adopt especially if they can’t have a foal of their own due to a history of stillbirths or other circumstances, we have every age from infant to teenagers, but eight to ten years is the average age. To contact, I take letters mainly or in person appointments to schedule as we advertise ourselves fairly well.”
“Thank you, that’s it for today, Princess,” responds Mare Fetlock. She takes her interview notes and heads back to the paper to write up her article and it’s out within the next day. Cadence is just glad she’s raising more awareness for the foals she helps find forever homes, now to go meet the newest couple looking to adopt a foal of their own. Cadence trots down to her office where she finds the couple.
“Hello Mr. and Mrs. Fairgood,” says Cadence as she shakes hooves with each of them before leading them into her office, “sorry that I’m late by the way, the newspaper just left.”
“That’s understandable,” responds the couple.
“I know how that goes, I used to be a journalist myself,” adds Mr. Fairgood. “Froghoof Fairgood, journalist for fifteen years. You’re fine.” He giggles.
Once in the office, the three sit down. Cadence sits at her desk while the couple sit in the chairs on the opposing side of her desk. “In your file it says that you are looking for a little filly, so let’s begin.” Cadence then leads them to the holding room and it’s adjacent room. There, they are greeted by a little filly named Orange Blossom. Cadence leads the little filly into the adjacent room and they’re followed close behind by the couple. She then introduces the filly to the prospective parents. “Orange Blossom, meet Mr. and Mrs. Fairgood.”
“Hello,” says the filly sweetly, “I’m Orange Blossom.”
“Nice to meet you,” responds Froghoof, “I’m Froghoof and this is my wife, Sunny Ray.”
“Can you tell us a little about yourself?” Asks Sunny Ray sweetly.
“Mmhmm,” nods Orange Blossom, “I like oranges, animals, ice cream, painting, drawing, ballet, dogs, bunnies, magic shows, hopscotch, jump rope, cotton candy, sugary sweet things in general, and balloon animals!” She goes and hugs Sunny Ray around the leg. “Are you going to be my mommy?” Asks the inquisitive filly. “Is Froggy going to be my daddy?” She says as a follow up.
“Yes, sweetheart,” responds the mare.
“Okay, I’ll need you guys to fill out the papers of adoption,” says Cadence, which the couple promptly do and within the week, Orange Blossom heads home with her forever family. Another foal helped, Cadence couldn’t be more proud. She’s happy she’s making a difference in the only way she knows how.
Later that day, Shining and Flurry Heart stop by as does Twilight as she’s in town to visit her brother and for her annual pickers session get together with Sunburst. “Oh, hey Twi!” Says Cadence as she embraces her sister in law in a hug. “It’s good to see you again!”
“Yeah, it’s been too long,” agrees Twilight. She backs up and lets her brother see his wife.
“How’s the day been?” Inquires Shining as he pulls a stray curl out of his wife’s face with his hoof.
“Newspaper, adoption meetings, the usual,” responds Cadence. “It’s been good.”
“Well that’s good,” he responds as Flurry Heart flies from his arms to Cadence’s. She hugs her mom around the neck. Cadence smiles.
“Hey sweetie,” says Cadence as she hugs the filly back, “it’s good to see you too, my little Flurry.” The family all promptly head down to Cadence’s main office. There, they continue to talk and just have an all around blast. They ask how the interview went and Cadence tells them, things like that. It’s definitely been a good day in more ways than one for Cadence and she wouldn’t have it any other way.
The following day, it’s an early morning at the orphanage when Cadence finds the newspaper at the door and opens it and reads her interview she gave the day before to the fillies and colts of the orphanage.
“Whoa! Cool!” Is a response she hears from most of the foals concerning the article. She even ends up framing it up on the wall in her office just like all the other articles and interviews she’s given about the orphanage in the past year or so. A few moments later, she heads down to greet a couple that has just arrived and she leads them to her office. The three then sit down to chat.
“So, you’re looking to adopt?” Asks Cadence.
“Yes,” responds the mare, “it’s our last chance at having a foal, the last feasible way to have a family for us. I’ve had five miscarriages already. I physically cannot bear the weight of carrying a foal again without the possibility of another loss, so we saw this as our best option.” She begins to cry. “I want to be a mom so so bad…”
“Well, do you want an infant or an older filly or colt?” Inquires Cadence.
“Infant, we don’t care what gender,” responds the mare. Cadence nods. She and the couple are then greeted by a nurse who leads them to the infant nursery wing of the orphanage. There, the couple interact with a handful of little foals and eventually settle on a little filly with a pale yellow coat and pale orange and pink mane and tail. A few months later, they finally get to take the foal home with them after it’s been assured that their home is foal-proof. They end up naming her Orange Sherbet. The mare takes to her right away much to her husband’s delight. He’s happy to see his wife happy at last.
“I’m glad you’re happy, my Dandelion,” says the stallion as he kisses his wife on the cheek.
“Yeah, I’m glad I’m finally able to be a mom,” responds Dandelion with tears of joy set in her eyes. “My Arrow Root, I’m just so happy to finally be a mom.”
“I know,” responds Arrow Root as he hugs his wife, “I know.” He kisses her on the cheek again before heading out the door to work. After all, the Crystal Empire Post Office won’t be thrilled if he’s late to work.
Meanwhile back at the orphanage, Cadence has sat down with another couple and their five year old hyperactive colt. This meeting is a little different due to them having to make sure whatever colt or filly they decide to adopt is compatible with their existing foal, but for Cadence this is nothing new. She’s had plenty of these cases through the orphanage since she first founded it. She leads the family to the office with the large adjoining room. As they’re heading that way, Cadence is halted by a young colt named Tiger Stripe.
“Hey, Tiger,” says Cadence with a smile, “follow us to the large room please.” He nods and does so. There, Tiger sits down next to two other colts and two fillies. Meanwhile in the adjoining office to the large room, Cadence asks the colt his name and interests before they head into the big room. Once in the big room, the colt-Briar Patch starts interacting with each of the foals and soon lands on one with similar if not identical interests and personality type to his own and it’s none other than Tiger. Tiger looks up at Cadence in disbelief.
“I never thought I’d get a home!” He squeals as he hugs the princess.
“Yes, you’re getting a home,” responds Cadence with a smile as she returns a hug with the ecstatic colt. Three weeks later, he heads home with his new family. He and Briar immediately hit it off at the house and end up sharing everything from the arcade and disc games to the movie projector. They also play O&O together a lot. Needless to say, everything is perfect. The orphanage is still thriving with over a thousand foals currently adopted. Cadence just wishes more ponies would go for infants as only one or two infant foals have been adopted during the entire time the orphanage has been running.
It’s a new day at the orphanage when Cadence meets up with the newest two couples looking to adopt from the orphanage. The first set is a Pegasus and unicorn couple named Snowflake and Gust Feather. “Nice to meet you, please come into my office,” says Cadence with a smile to the couple.
“Thank you,” says the couple before they follow her into her office.
“So, why do you want to adopt?” Inquires Cadence with a smile.
“Well, after two miscarriages and a stillbirth, adoption has become our only option,” says the mare now in tears. “I just want to be a mom and I can’t on my own. I want a little filly so bad. One I can raise from infant up. I already have a name chosen too.” She sniffles as Gust puts his hoof atop her shoulder to let her know she’s going to be okay. She takes a tissue from Cadence and wipes the tears from her eyes.
“Why don’t we head to the infant wing?” Says Cadence. “One of our best nurses is out in the hall waiting to lead us down that way.” Snowflake nods and the three ponies leave the room and follow Crosslin and another nurse down to the infant wing of the orphanage. They’re then guided to the side that is purely fillies where they soon settle on a blond coated filly with bright blue eyes and sunflower orange mane and tail.
“She’s perfect,” says Snowflake. “Can I hold her?”
“Of course,” says Crosslin as she picks up the infant filly and hands it to Snowflake. Snowflake happily rocks the filly back and forth in her hooves. Cadence smiles as she watches pure joy just radiate from Snowflake’s face.
“So, what do you plan to name her?” Inquires Cadence.
“Pure Heart,” responds Snowflake. “You have no idea how much of a needed answered prayer this little thing is in our lives. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” responds Cadence. The couple then go and finish up paperwork with Cadence and by the end of the week, they’re able to take their filly home with them.
After they leave out, Cadence brings the next couple into her office, a gray blue bat pony stallion and an elegant white unicorn mare decked out in diamonds and pearls. “Hello,” says the mare, “I’m Crystalline and that’s my husband, Shadow. We’re looking to adopt a colt.”
“Sure thing, follow me,” says Cadence. She then leads them down to the big room where they are greeted by three colts: Clay Brick, Iron Dust, and Platinum Prance. She then takes one after the other into the big room to talk with the couple but none of them seem to fit just right so Cadence tries again with two more colts: Flame Light and Dustin. This go round proves more successful than the first and the couple settles on taking home Dustin as they end up meshing the best out of any of the other colts and two weeks later, he finally arrives at his forever home.
It’s a new day, a quieter day at the orphanage when Cadence hears a familiar voice at the door. “Cadence, it’s me, Twilight, I’m in town for a summit and I thought I’d stop by!”
“I’m in my office!” Cadence hollers down the hall from the office doorway. Twilight follows the voice and soon enters her sister in law’s office. “How have you been, Twilight?” Inquires Cadence.
“I’ve been good, it’s busy running the entire country,” she says with a nervous giggle. “I’m exhausted, Cadence.”
“Me too,” says Cadence, “but from the rewarding work we do here at the orphanage. Momma and auntie would be so proud of me if they were alive.”
“I know they would be,” Twilight reassures Cadence. She puts her hoof on Cadence’s shoulder. “They’d be so proud of you.”
“Thanks, now go enjoy your birthday summit,” responds Cadence with a smile. “I’m too busy with work here to go unfortunately.”
“Ok, I understand,” responds Twilight. “I’ve got to head out.” She hugs Cadence goodbye before heading out for the summit at the Crystal Palace up the road. Meanwhile, Cadence heads off to meet with a couple.
“Hello,” says the mare to Cadence, “I’m Daisy and that’s my husband, Green Light. We’re looking to adopt a little filly today.”
“Well then come into my office and let’s talk,” responds Cadence with a smile. They talk for a few minutes before heading to the big room where they are greeted by four little fillies: Candy Crunch, Chocolate Creme, Caramel Crepe, and Orange Swirl. After getting to know each filly better, the two end up taking both Chocolate Creme and Caramel Crepe home with them two weeks later. A few weeks after that, Candy Crunch gets adopted out to a Canterlot family Mr. and Mrs. Tea Kettle. And about a month after that, Orange Swirl finds her forever home with a Mareisville couple, the Typhoons.
Meanwhile at the summit, Twilight bumps into her brother who is there on his wife’s behalf so she can run the orphanage. “Hey Shining,” says Twilight, “it’s good to see you again, big brother.”
“Yeah, Cadence told me that you stopped by the orphanage earlier to see her,” responds Shining with a smile. “I’m just ready for this summit to be over. I’m missing Daring Con!” He says agitatedly. “I’d rather be there than here.”
“And you will be, the summit is only this afternoon, the con still has three days left, remember?” Grumbles an irritated Twilight.
“I know,” huffs Shining, “I’m just normally there from day one is all and I’m missing that this year due to this stupid summit.” He stops complaining as they’re called into the second to last meeting of the day. Two hours later, the summit is fully over and he rushes to the Crystal Convention Hall to enjoy the remainder of Daring Con. He plans to be there the entire time for its remaining days.
Meanwhile back at the orphanage, Twilight re-enters Cadence’s office. “Oh, hey Twilight,” says Cadence, “before you say anything, I know Shining is mad at me for him missing opening day of Daring Con. It’s no big deal, it’s a four day con.”
“I know, but it’s a big deal to him, has been since we were foals,” responds Twilight, “he’s never missed opening day to those cons. Not once, ever. He’s really upset. You could’ve left Crosslin in charge for a day. She runs it as well as you do. You should’ve been there, not him.”
“I know,” says Cadence, “and I feel guilty, just let it go, Twi.” Twilight stops pushing and backs off of her sister in law. “Did you ever hear the full story of how I came to be adopted by the royal sisters from these streets?”
“Only Celestia’s side of it,” responds Twilight, “what’s your side?”
“Well, before it started on these streets,” starts Cadence, “it started in the old Crystal Palace with my aunt, Princess Amor and my mom, her little sister, Amora Heart. Grandpa would always call mom his Lil Heart when I was growing up. He was dead by the time I was two years old. One day, a great threat came to the Empire and mom’s sister sent her and me away from all of it, and we were almost outside the city when it took over. That threat, the umbra army, it killed mom and left me to die. It surrounded me before it was warded off by a beam of light. That beam of light was Celestia’s magic. That day, she took me in as her royal niece. She’s been my family ever since.”
“Wow,” says Twilight, jaw dropped, “Cadence, I had no idea.”
“You wouldn’t,” responds Cadence, “Celestia would only ever tell you the role she played in the event. She wouldn’t tell you everything else, she’d fabricate something to replace that-me being raised by earth pony parents is one of her common go tos.”
“Yeah, that’s what she always told me,” says Twilight with a sigh, “but I’m glad you told me the truth, sis. Really, I am.” Twilight then hugs her sister in law before heading out for the night to enjoy the rest of Daring Con with Spike and her brother. As she walks, she can’t stop thinking about what Cadence went through as a filly and how hard losing her mom and aunt had been for her. She has to learn more about that umbra attack and why it happened all those years ago. For Cadence’s sake, that is.
It’s a new day in the Crystal Empire, a very gloomy and rainy one, when there is a knock on the door. Cadence opens it and finds a crying infant foal on the steps in the arms of another foal. “What happened little ones? Come inside.” Says the princess. “Please tell me what happened,” she continues to inquire.
“Momma got killed and daddy abandoned us,” cries the colt. “It’s just me and my baby sister left. We had nowhere else to go.” He sniffles and begins to bawl.
“Who killed your mom?” Inquires the princess. She grabs the foals blankets and some hot chocolate and warm milk. She hands it to them.
“Thank you,” responds the colt. “The name is Trigger or Trig for short by the way.”
“Well Trig,” responds Cadence, “will you please tell me who killed your mother?”
“Okay,” sighs the colt with eyes full of tears, “there’s a sect of Sombra loyal unicorns not far from where we grew up and mom was strongly opposed to Sombra and his methods, as a result, they killed her. Now we have no one.”
“Well,” responds Cadence, “I knew there were some sects left but I didn’t think they’d go that far. I’ll have my guards deal with them right away.”
“Thank you,” responds a still sniffling Trig. “That means a lot, really.” Cadence heads out to talk with Shining Armor and the guards in her office down the hall.
“Love, why are you being so secretive? What’s wrong? What do you need from my stallions?” Inquires Shining Armor of his wife.
“I have two foals here whose mom was killed by a rogue sect of Sombra loyal unicorns. They need to be brought in and jailed so this doesn’t happen to more colts and fillies. No more families need to be destroyed by a bunch of power hungry unicorns. Can you do that for me?” She begins to tear up herself.
“Of course, my love,” responds Shining, “our job is to protect after all.” He hugs her. “Now go do your job, welcome those foals into their new home with a proper welcome.”
“Will do and thanks,” responds Cadence as she hugs him, then wipes away her tears and heads out the door and back down the hall to where the foals are. She then welcomes them properly and leads Trig to the colt quarters of the building before taking his sister to the nursery to be cared for by a proper staff of nurses. Meanwhile in the colt quarters, Trig is approached by two or three other colts.
“Hey,” says the leader of the three, “I’m Justice. What’s your name?”
“Trigger, Trig for short,” responds Trig.
“Well, welcome, what’s your story?” Responds Justice.
“Evil sect of Sombra loyal unicorns killed my mom,” responds Trig.
“Yeah, it’s just me and my sister now so we came immediately here because we know how caring Princess Cadence is towards orphans because she used to be one herself. We knew it was the place to turn, well I did anyways. My sis doesn’t know anything else, she’s only a few weeks old.”
“Well, sorry to hear,” responds Justice, “whatever you need going forward, me and my boys got your back.”
“Thanks, that means a lot, honestly,” responds Trig. “I don’t think I ever caught the names of your friends though, by the way.”
“Oh right,” respond the other two colts, “sorry about that, we’re Jack and Spade. We’re the Twins.”
“Well, it’s nice to meet you,” responds Trig with a smile. “Can you three introduce me to everypony else here then?” The three nod and take Trig around the dorm to meet the rest of the colts. Right now, his plan is to make the best of the situation and to make new friends. He doesn’t want to be alone anymore.
Meanwhile elsewhere, Shining and his soldiers have finally tracked down the Sombra loyal unicorns and locked them away in the Crystal Palace dungeons. There, he has his men question the unicorns.
“I didn’t know your kind were in the business of orphaning foals these days,” says Shining to their leader, a Gray unicorn named Mystic Nightcrawl.
“Only those whose parents are opposed to us, our methods, and our founder Lord Sombra,” responds Mystic, “they had it coming.” He grins a toothy grin.
“We have orphans here because of what you and your men did! How can you live with yourself?! You’re monsters!!!”
“Monster is relative,” Responds Mystic. “Good day, your highness. I don’t need to answer anymore of your silly questions.” With that, Shining storms out of the room to consult with his men. They then head off to report to Cadence after Shining calms down a little bit. They give her the good news of the capture before returning to their duties elsewhere. Cadence is just relieved that the sect has been dealt with. Now to find out if there are any more orphans because of them which is going to be a task all on its own.
Over the following days, Crystal Guard scouts go through the abandoned and torn apart town, finding foal after foal amongst the rubble, some dead, some alive, some barely clinging to life. “There are some who are only days old,” says one of the scouts, a mare named Marigold with a sigh as she loads the foals into the cart attached to her hindquarters. “It’s such a shame to see so many orphaned so young.”
“Yes, agreed,” responds her general. “It sure, sure is.” As he lets out a sigh, he is soon caught off guard by a young colt coming barreling right into him.
“Mister, mister,” cries the colt, “my sister is trapped under some rubble and I can’t get to her. I see you’re a unicorn, can you use your magic to lift the debris and save her? Please.”
“Of course,” responds the general as he follows the young colt to where the rubble is. Once there, he uses his magic and lifts the rubble before scooping the young filly out from under the rubble.
“Papa?” Inquires the filly as she clings to the guard.
“No sister,” responds the colt, “but friend.” He reassures his little sister before following the guard back to where the other guards are waiting. All the while, his sister naps on the guard’s back.
After another hour or two of gathering up the rest of the foals, the healthy ones are taken right to the orphanage while the others that need immediate medical treatment are taken to the Crystal Empire hospital for much needed care and attention.
Meanwhile at the orphanage, Cadance greets all the foals with open hooves. There’s near one hundred of them before her. “Where’s Trig?” Inquires one of the colts. “Is he here?”
“Yes,” responds Cadence. “He’s in the colt quarters. You’ll see him in a minute, promise.” She reassures them with a tender and caring smile. “It’s been a cold couple days, would you colts and fillies like some hot chocolate?”
“Yes please,” respond the colts and fillies as they plop down on the floor. “Thank you.”
A few minutes later, the caregivers come around and hand hot chocolate and blankets to each and every foal. “Thank you,” respond the foals with smiles on their faces as they take the hot chocolate in their hooves. “Seriously, thank you, Princess.”
“Of course,” responds Cadence with a smile. “Anything to make this feel like home for all of you.”
Several hours later, every foal from the destructed town are registered and taken to their respective quarters. Once in the colt quarters, the colt from before soon finds Trig and runs straight into his friend’s hooves. “Hey Bolt,” says Trig with a smile as he hugs his friend. “I’m glad you and your sister and the others finally made it!”
“Yeah, sister just barely. She got trapped under some of the rubble but she’s okay now. Sparkler is okay now. She’s in the nurse’s quarters being taken care of at the moment.”
“Did any not make it?” Inquires Trig scared for the answer.
“Yes, half dead,” responds Bolt with a sigh, “unfortunately.”
“And how many in the hospital?” Inquires Trig.
“Only twenty five,” responds Bolt, “luckily.” He lets out a sigh. “Do you think any pony will want any of us?”
“Of course they will,” says Trig as he puts his hoof on Bolt’s shoulder to reassure his friend. “Promise.”
A few minutes later, they hear a noise outside their door as a young mare walks in the room.
“Mother sent me to check on you,” says Flurry Heart with a caring smile not unlike that of her mother. “Is everypony okay?”
“Yes,” respond the colts. With that, Flurry nods and heads on her way to the filly quarters.
Once there, she is swarmed and clung to by all the little fillies. “Is everypony okay?” Inquires Flurry Heart.
“Yes,” respond the fillies. “We’re just glad and grateful to be safe is all.”
“Of course,” responds Flurry. “Mom has a soft spot for orphans as she used to be one herself, you know?”
“Really?” Inquire the fillies curiously.
“Yes, really,” responds Flurry as she holds the fillies close to her. “Really.”
After a few more minutes, the fillies let go of the princess and let her head on her way to give the report to her mother.
“Come in, Flurry,” says Cadence. The young princess obliges her mother’s request. “How are the foals settling in?” She then inquires gently and tenderly.
“They’re all settling in well,” responds Flurry. “Who hurt them anyways mother?”
“Ponies connected to the pony who kidnapped you as a foal,” responds Cadence bluntly. “A sect of Sombra loyalists.”
“Oh my Celestia!” Responds Flurry in shock. “Really?”
“Yes,” responds Cadence with a sigh. “Really.” She gets up from her desk and looks out the window. “Really.”
