> My Little Pony - Equestria Boy III - Threat at the Crystal Empire > by OliverSparkle > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Chapter One > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- It was a beautiful Friday afternoon in Equestria as the friendship express was running along the tracks. Inside the second coach, the mane eight, Spike, Oliver and Lightning Twister were on their way to visit the Crystal Empire for Lightning’s visit. Even though he’s already been to the Crystal Empire, but only for a short time as they were dropping Amore there after freeing her from Sombra’s hold, this time it’s his very first long visit to it. Fluttershy was sitting next to her son and Starlight Glimmer while Twilight, Spike and Oliver sat in front of them, Applejack was sitting with Sunset Shimmer and Rarity while Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash sat in front of them. “Oh I just can’t wait to get to the Crystal Empire,” said Twilight excitedly, “This will be the first time Lightning has ever been to the place and we get to see Amore again.” “But didn’t Lightning see the Crystal Empire when we saved Amore and brought her back to her old home?” Pinkie asked. “Yes,” answered Sunset, “But that was only for a short while. He didn’t see much of it since we wanted to get back to what we were doing before the whole Sombra problem started. So this time, it’ll be longer than before.” “For all I can know is that Flurry Heart is gonna be so excited to see us again,” Oliver said, “You know what she’s like with me and Aunt Twilight everytime we see her.” “Well that’s just who she is,” said Twilight as she giggled before wrapping a hoof around her nephew, “She enjoys seeing us, giving us hugs and kisses, and of course, chewing our ears.” Oliver chuckled at that last bit since his ears gets chewed on the most by Flurry Heart. “So what will I see at the Crystal Empire, Momma?” Asked Lightning with interest already. “Well sweetheart,” began Fluttershy, “There’s a spa like ours in Ponyville but different, Crystal ponies, the Crystal Heart, lovely shops, a snow globe with the palace in them.” “And a big statue of me in honour of me saving the Crystal Empire,” said Spike proudly as he stood in brave heroic way earning a giggle from the girls and Oliver. “You saved the Crystal Empire?!” Lightning asked in shock. “Mmhmm,” answered Spike as he crossed his arms and closed his eyes being proud of himself, “Saved the Crystal Empire twice, all by myself.” “Oh we're here, darlings!” Rarity said as she saw the station up ahead. Everypony else looked through the coach window and saw she was right. “Oh. Right on,” Oliver said happily as he still looked out the window. The express pulled up to the station and stopped making stream bust out from underneath the train as the coach doors open letting all passengers walk out from them while the mane eight, Spike, Oliver and Lightning were the last ones to leave the coach. When they were out of the coach, they suddenly heard a baby laugh not far from them at the station. Twilight and Oliver knew who was laughing as they both smiled and turned to the right and saw Shining Armor, Cadence, Amore, Vincent and Constantine standing a few miles away from them while smiling with Flurry Heart in her wheeler laughing happily at them and reaching out to them as she wants to hug her aunt and big brother. Cadence saw this and said, “Oh you wanna see your auntie and big brother? Go on.” Flurry Heart flew out of her wheeler and flew towards the group while they walked towards them as she then gave Twilight and Oliver a big hug. Twilight and Oliver returned the hug as Oliver let Twilight continue to hug her as she then said, “Aw, how’s my favourite little niece?” Flurry Heart cooed as Twilight kissed her on the forehead before placing her in Oliver’s left hoof with her magic as she hugged his chest and giggled since she’s happy to see her big brother again. Shining, Cadence, Amore, Vincent and Constantine walked towards them as the married couple hugged Oliver and Twilight while Amore went over to Fluttershy to give Lightning Twister a hug. “So good to see you all again,” Shining said before breaking the hug he was giving her sister, “How was the trip?” “It was okay,” answered Rainbow Dash, “Boring, but okay.” “And it’s good to see to you all too,” Oliver said, “Even Amore.” “And I believe Amore’s happy to see Lightning Twister again, look,” said Applejack as she pointed towards her. Amore was holding Lightning in her forelegs while giving him several kisses before they both laughed as Amore then levitated him with her magic and started blowing raspberries on his belly making laugh more while the others smiled at the sight. Amore then stopped blowing raspberries on his belly and placed him in her forelegs, giving him a soft, warm hug. As Oliver continued to smile while holding Flurry Heart in his left hoof, he suddenly noticed several royal crystal guards walking across the station searching all around as they were searching for somepony. “Hey dad,” Oliver began as he levitated Flurry Heart onto his back with his magic before walking over to his father, “Why are the crystal guards walking all over the entire place? Is there something wrong?” “I’m afraid so son,” Shining replied, “Celestia and Luna came here a few hours ago before you lot arrived. They told us that a pony named Cold Wind has escaped from prison.” Oliver, Spike and the girls now had shock looks on their faces after hearing that stallion’s name as Lightning then jumped out of Amore’s hooves and ran underneath his mother, hugged her right foreleg and shook in fear. “Cold Wind?!” Sunset said still in shock as she placed a hoof near her mouth. Fluttershy’s shock went into anger as she never liked that stallion ever since she found Lightning and hasn’t forgotten all the things he did to her son before she adopted him and during the Grand Galloping Gala night. “That monster of a father?!” > Chapter Two > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Everyone flinched a bit after hearing Fluttershy’s rage. They all know she hated Cold Wind a lot, even before adopting Lightning Twister, but this is the first time Shining and Cadence have seen Fluttershy like this. “I take it Fluttershy doesn’t like that stallion that much?” Cadence asked. “Not really,” replied Oliver still holding Flurry Heart in his left hoof, “Ever since Lightning got foalnapped by his father at the Grand Galloping Gala, we swore not to mention Cold Wind’s name in front or near Fluttershy.” “Celestia has told us all about Cold Wind when they’ve said he escaped,” Vincent said, “And we now fear that he could still be after Lightning Twister.” “So we made sure we’ve hired enough guards to search the whole Crystal Empire day and night to find him,” said Constantine. “And making sure he doesn’t escape a second time when he’s finally caught,” added Oliver. “I’m sorry we had to meet again like this,” Cadence apologising, “Flurry Heart was looking forward to seeing you two again.” Oliver and Cadence then looked at Flurry Heart Who was now whimpering because she was worried about Cold Wind hurting Lightning Twister as Twilight walked towards them and looked at her too. “Oh don’t worry Flurry Heart,” she said as she levitated her right hoof to her niece to let her hug it, “We won’t let that mean Cold Wind hurt Lightning Twister. And we’ll make sure of it.” “So how are we gonna keep Lightning safe?” Applejack asked, “He could be anywhere if he’s at the Crystal Empire right now or getting close to it.” “And the castle might be the first place he’ll be searching at,” said Rarity. “Well he can stay with me at Sunburst’s house,” suggested Starlight, “Me and Sunburst can take care of him while you lot make sure Cold Wind gets found and sent back to prison where he belongs.” Everycreature smiled at Starlight as they thought that was a good idea. “That’s a good idea Starlight,” said Fluttershy, “But are you sure Sunburst will be okay with looking after Lightning?” “I’m sure he will,” Starlight replied, “Besides, he’s good with kids, I mean he did help with Flurry Heart during and after the crystalling, remember?” “True.” “So I’m sure he’ll be okay with having Lightning around till Cold Wind is found and arrested.” Starlight smiled at Fluttershy as she smiled at her back. She then looked underneath her to see Lightning was still shaking and holding his mother’s hoof as she began to nuzzle him on the cheek to calm him down. “It’s okay sweetheart,” cooed Fluttershy, “Your Auntie Starlight will look after you while we sort out your father and make sure he won’t bother you ever again.” Lightning nodded and then slowly walked towards his Auntie Starlight as she gently picked him up with her hoof and cradled him close to her for comfort. “There there sweetie,” she cooed his ear, “You’ll be safe with me, I’ll take care of you.” She then nuzzled his cheek. “Everything’s gonna be fine.” Fluttershy handed Starlight a bag that contains all of Lightning’s things and his Bendy plushie. “Lightning’s bedtime story and Bendy plushie are in this bag. He is going to need his plushie since you know who is out there again.” Starlight nodded in understood as she levitated the bag onto her back with her magic and gently placed Lightning back on the ground as Fluttershy gave him a hug and nuzzled him on the cheek. “Be good for your Auntie Starlight, sweetheart. And once this is all over, we’ll have fun together like we planned.” She then gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Bye Momma,” Lightning said as he and Starlight began to walk to Sunburst’s house while the others followed them but then towards the palace once they get there. As Starlight and Lightning got near the castle, they turned to the left towards the house that was behind in between two houses and was close to the castle. The others, however, walked onwards to the castle until Fluttershy stopped and watched Starlight and Lightning walk towards Sunburst’s house. She smiled at the two for a few seconds before her face turned into a worried face. What if Cold Wind finds Lightning at Sunburst’s house and kidnaps him from there while she was in the castle? “Maybe I should go with those two, just to make sure Lightning’s safe.” “Don’t worry Flutters,” said Sunset with a smile on her face, “Starlight and Sunburst will take good care of him while we sort out that bad Pegasus.” Fluttershy looked at Starlight and Lightning walking to Sunburst’s house for a few seconds before turning back to Sunset and nodded her head. “Yeah, you’re right, Sunset.” Fluttershy continued her way to the palace as Sunset walked next to her to make sure she doesn’t turn back to join Starlight. Meanwhile, back at the path to Sunburst’s house, Starlight and Lightning were near the door to his house as Lightning then walked underneath Starlight in shyness as Starlight began to gently rub her nephew’s head. “Don’t worry sweetheart,” she said to him sweetly, “Sunburst is a nice pony. I’m sure he won’t mind you staying at his place with me while your mother sorts that child abuser out.” Starlight knocked on the door three times and after a few seconds of waiting, the door opened to reveal Sunburst who was smiling at Starlight who was smiling at him back. “Starlight!” He said happily, “So good to see you again, come on in!” He stepped aside to let his friend come into the house as she walked inside with Lightning still hiding underneath her. Sunburst closed the door and the two looked at each other happily. “So how was the ride?” He asked. “Pretty boring, but good in all,” Starlight answered, “But it’s still good to see you again, Sunburst.” “Same here,” said Sunburst, “Been waiting for you ever since I was told that you were coming to visit the Crystal Empire for a few days.” Sunburst then noticed the bag on her back. “What’s with the small bag?” “Oh this isn’t my,” she answered, “It belongs to Lightning Twister.” “Fluttershy’s son?” Starlight nodded her head. “Fluttershy and the others have to sort out a threat that’s going on that involves Lightning, so I promised Fluttershy I take care of him till the threat is gone.” “Oh,” said Sunburst, “Oh I’m perfectly okay with that in case you’re worried I’m not. I have an extra room that’s next to my room, he can sleep in there while we sleep in my room.” Starlight smiled at her friend, she was glad that he was okay with Lightning staying with them while the girls, Spike and Oliver sort out that so called father. “So where is the little one then if he’s staying with us?” Starlight looked underneath her as she saw Lightning still being shy and hiding behind her right hoof while hugging it. She then gave him a nuzzle and said, “It’s okay, honey. Sunburst won’t hurt you, come meet him.” Lightning then slowly made his way from underneath his Auntie Starlight and stood near Sunburst as Starlight placed a hoof on his shoulder. “Sunburst, this is my nephew, Lightning Twister.” She then looked at Lightning. “Lightning sweetheart, this is my friend I was talking about, Sunburst.” Sunburst smiled at Lightning to show that he was friendly and wasn’t going to hurt or scare him. He then kneeled down to make better eye contact with him. “Hello Lightning Twister,” He said to him, “It’s nice to meet you. Don’t be scared, I’m not gonna hurt you.” Lightning looked at Sunburst for a few seconds before looking his short beard as he then slowly walked towards it and started doing what he did with Starlight’s mane when they first met, play with it like a cat trying to catch the string. This made Starlight giggle before Sunburst giggled as well, seeing Lightning playing with Sunburst’s beard like a cat was very cute. Sunburst continued to giggle before saying, “You like playing with my beard like a cat, don’t you?” Starlight let out another giggle. “He did the same thing with my mane when we first met. And it’s still cute how he plays with it, even with your beard now.” Sunburst and Starlight smiled at each other for a few seconds before smiling back at Lightning as he continues to play with Sunburst’s beard. > Chapter Three > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- In Ponyville during almost midnight, six creatures walking towards Twilight’s castle, well two were flying towards the castle, because the three flyers were a dragon, hippogriff and griffon, while the other three creatures were a pony, yak and a Changeling. Sunset Shimmer sent them a letter a few hours ago asking them to come round to Twilight’s castle as soon as possible. They were all confuse by it, but decided to go and see what was up. “Do you guys know why Sunset Shimmer wants us to come over to Twilight’s castle?” Sandbar asked as they shook their heads in response. “Nope,” said Ocellus, “My letter was the same as yours. It didn’t say why we need to come to Twilight’s castle as soon as possible or what’s going on.” “Yona confuse by what pony just said in the letter,” added Yona. “I guess we’ll just have to see when we get there,” Gallus said as they all continued their walk towards the castle of Friendship. As they got to the castle, they opened the front doors and walked inside as Gallus and Sandbar shut the doors behind them. There they saw Sunset Shimmer standing in the hallway waiting for them. “Hello everycreature,” she said politely, “So good to you all. Sorry for having you lot coming here during your holiday break.” “It’s no problem at all Sunset,” said Sandbar as they all smiled at her, “But we do have one question though, why did you need us to come here? Is there something wrong?” Sunset nodded before answering, “Yes, I’m afraid so, Sandbar. We were at the Crystal Empire, about to enjoy our week there of fun, until we were told that, Cold Wind had escape from jail and is out there somewhere in Equestria.” The Young Six all gasped in shock as they couldn’t believe that the abusive father had escaped and is out there somewhere. “Oh my gosh!” Shouted Silverstream in shock, “What about Lightning?! Is the little sweetie okay?!” “Lightning’s fine,” Sunset answered, “Sunburst and Starlight are looking after him while we sort Cold Wind out.” Smolder was more worried about Lightning than her friends were, Lightning was her special somepony and she didn’t want him ending up what happened at the Grand Galloping Gala two years back. “I have to see him to make sure he’s doing okay!” “We’ll try to make arrangements for you to visit him. But right now, we need all the help we can get to capture Cold Wind, and protect Lightning from him if he’s anywhere near the Crystal Empire. Think you six can help with that?” The Young Six grew a serious look on their faces as they nodded for a yes to Sunset’s question. “Yeah,” said Gallus, “We can.” Meanwhile at Klugetown, inside Capper’s house, Capper was laying on his bed while reading one of the books from his shelves as he then turned over to the next page. Just then, an dark golden portal opens up far near his bed as Oliver and Flurry Heart flew out of the portal and Oliver landed on the ground safely while Flurry Heart continued to fly near her big brother. “Capper,” Oliver began, “We need you at the Crystal Empire now.” Capper was still reading his book but heard what Oliver just said to him, after a few seconds of silence, Capper finally spoke but still looking at his book, “No, and hello Oliver, good to see you again.” “Lightning Twister’s in trouble,” Oliver added. “Just ground him and send him to the room he’s sleeping in at the Crystal Empire,” Capper said while still looking at his book. Oliver and Flurry Heart looked at each other confusingly, after hearing what Capper just said, for a few seconds before turning back to Capper. “It’s not like that, Capper. His father, Cold Wind has escaped from prison and is somewhere in Equestria probably in the search for Lightning.” Capper stared at his book for three seconds before looking straight after hearing what Oliver just said about Cold Wind escaping and searching for Lightning. “Oh, well, then that’s different.” Capper closed his book and placed it on the small desk next to his bed before climbing off his bed and walking towards Oliver and Flurry Heart. “That’s why we’re here,” explained Oliver, “We need all the help we can to protect Lightning in case Cold Wind’s somewhere in the Crystal Empire searching for him. And you’re his new father, he needs you.” “Well what are we waiting for? We need to find this child abuser and protect Lightning,” said Capper in a serious tone. “Right, come on let’s go,” Oliver said before they all went into the portal as it then closed leaving nothing but an empty house with no creature in it. At the Crystal Empire, Twilight, the sisters, Shining, Cadence, Constantine and Vincent were in the throne room waiting for Oliver and Flurry Heart to return with Capper as the dark golden portal appeared and out came Oliver, with Flurry Heart on his back, and Capper running out of it as the portal closes behind them. “Capper,” Twilight said happily, “So good to see you again.” “It’s good to see you again as well Twilight,” replied Capper, “So uh, where’s Lightning Twister? Is he okay?” Celestia nodded in response to his question. “Lightning’s okay, he’s at Sunburst’s place with Starlight,” she said. “What about Fluttershy?” He asked. “She’s in her room I believe,” Cadence answered, “She is a bit worried about him, but she is doing okay at the moment.” “I have to go see her,” said Capper before running out of the throne room leaving everyone in the room either confused or in shock as Oliver then whispered into his aunt’s ear. “I sense Capper might be in love with Fluttershy.” Twilight nodded in agreement. Just then, Flurry Heart let out a baby yawn before laying down on her brother’s back. Cadence giggled before saying, “I think a little baby alicorn is getting sleepy. Let’s get you to bed, Flurry Heart.” Cadence and Oliver walked out of the throne room with the others following them as it was also bedtime for everypony now. Meanwhile at Sunburst’s house, Starlight was sitting on a rocking chair in her green robe with Lightning sleeping in her hooves while rocking back and forth in the rocking chair and drinking her hot cocoa, Sunburst was in his dark blue robe, with light blue stars on them, sitting a normal chair next to Starlight while reading a book and drinking his hot cocoa. After finishing their cocoa, Sunburst closed his book and looked at Starlight as she looked at him back. “Time for bed then,” Sunburst said, “I’ll go place our cups in the sink while you go put Lightning in bed.” Starlight nodded as she kissed Sunburst on the cheek before giving him her cup as she then got off the rocking chair while gently holding Lightning in her right hoof and started walking upstairs to the spare room while Sunburst walked into the kitchen. Starlight opened the door to the spare room, it was medium size to fit about three ponies with the same green coloured wall as the living room with a medium brown bed with dark blue sheets and pillow with light blue stars on them with a desk, with a candle on it, next to the bed. Starlight walked towards the bed, lit the candle so Lightning doesn’t get scared of the dark, gently placed the sleeping Lightning into the bed and pulled the sheets onto him with her magic before giving him a kiss on the forehead and gently stroking his mane with her hoof. “Sweet dreams, little one. I love you.” She gave him one more kiss on the forehead before leaving the room and quietly closing the door behind her as Lightning slept peacefully under Luna’s beautiful moon. > Chapter Four > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Down the hallway of bedrooms, Fluttershy was walking to her room after getting a drink of water from the kitchen. Ever since she heard the news about Cold Wind, when she and her friends and son arrived at the Crystal Empire, she was getting more and more worried about Lightning, even though he was in good hooves with Sunburst and Starlight. But what’s even more worst is that she was told that a Storm was due tonight, and her son was still afraid of thunder storms, no thanks to Cold Wind the scarier of storms. “Oh I do hope my son’s going to be okay tonight during that storm,” she said to herself, “And I just hope Cold Wind doesn’t find him at Sunburst’s house either. He’s been through enough after being foalnapped at the Grand Galloping Gala and before I adopted him.” Not paying attention to where she was going, she accidentally bumped into someone as she then fell on her back and rubbed her forehead. “Oh gosh I am so sorry for bumping into you....” Before she could say anything else, she then saw the creature she accidentally bumped into. It was Capper. “Capper?” Capper smiled nervously at Fluttershy while blushing before saying, “Uh... Y-yes.” He then reached a paw to her to help her up. She reached her hoof to his claw as he helped Fluttershy back on her hooves. “What are you doing here at this time of night, Capper?” She asked him politely. “Well,” he began, “Oliver and Flurry Heart came by a few minutes ago, and told me that Cold Wind has escaped and is somewhere in Equestria, probably now on the search for Lightning. And since I’m his new father figure, and I came here to be there for him, and... for you.” Fluttershy was shocked and blushing together after hearing what he just said to her. “For? Me?” Capper nodded in response before answering, “Yes. I want to be there not just for Lightning, but for you as well. Because... well... I love you.” Fluttershy’s face was now bright red when she heard him say “I love you”. “You love me? Since when?” “Since Storm King invaded,” answered Capper, “And when we all first met. I never told you while you were in Klugetown or when King Sombra returned was because, I was scared to say it to you, even with your friends around. But I needed to tell you sometime. You’re so beautiful, even with your son around you.” Fluttershy chuckled while blushing as Capper gently rubbed her mane with his paw. “Well,” Fluttershy said, “Since you’ve now said that. I love you too, even since we first met and when Sombra returned. You’re the most kindest cat a pony could ever met.” Capper smiled at Fluttershy while blushing before they both shared a small long kiss while Capper gently stroked Fluttershy’s mane with his paw. The two stopped the kiss as they continued to stare at each other for three seconds before Capper spoke, “So should we head off to bed then? It’s late anyway.” Fluttershy nodded in agreement as Capper and Fluttershy began to walk off to the room Fluttershy was sleeping in, well they’re sleeping in now. Meanwhile at Sunburst’s house, in the spare room Lightning was sleeping in, the little colt was sleeping peacefully until the storm began as he began to shake in fear after the first thunder struck outside. But he was also having a nightmare as he began shake even more while twisting and turning in the sheets in fear and whimpering. He then shot up as he let out a scream before breathing heavily and sweating as he looked around the room seeing if he was still having a nightmare while the hard rain was pouring outside. Lightning felt something wet underneath the sheets. He looked underneath it and saw he had just wet the bed. "Oh no...! No, no, no!" Lightning was now worried about what his Auntie Starlight and Sunburst would say if they saw he wet the bed. He didn't know what to do. Just then, the bedroom door opened to reveal Starlight Glimmer and Sunburst walking into the room, while wearing their robes, and had a worried look on their faces. “Lightning sweetheart, are you okay?” Lightning let out a small quiet gasp of fear as he saw them coming into the room. He then started to shake in fear as he slowly moved back to his pillow a bit. This made Starlight both worried and confused to what her nephew was doing right now. "Lightning, what's wrong? It's only me and..." Before she could even continue, Starlight suddenly smelled something. She started to sniff out the smell and looked at the sheet. Thinking that Lightning had an accident, Starlight looked at the colt and asked, "Did you have a little accident?" "I didn't mean to!" Lightning said in fear with tears starting to flow down his face, "It won't happen again!" "Lightning..." "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" Lightning cried in his hooves as Starlight and Sunburst looked at each other worriedly before looking back at Lightning as he looked at his aunt while still crying. “I-I just had a bad dream, about d-daddy finding me and threw a k-knife at you and S-Sunburst, k-killing you b-both.” Starlight was horrified while hearing what Lightning’s nightmare was, with Sunburst grew an angry look on his face not at Lightning but about what his abusive father did to Starlight in the colt's nightmare, while Lightning continued, “Daddy t-then g-grab me around t-the n-neck, p-punched me s-several t-times before g-grabbing the s-same k-knife and s-stabbed me after h-he said, I d-deserve t-to d-die.” Lightning began to cry uncontrollably as Starlight sadly looked at her nephew while saying, "It's alright, sweetheart! It didn’t happen. And none of us are mad at you. These things happen...after all, you're still a little pony and you've been through a lot. Come here.” While sobbing, Lightning slowly walked up to his aunt as she gently placed her hooves on him before saying, "Lightning, listen. You've got nothing to be afraid of. We'd never be mad at you for wetting the bed, not even your mother will. Not now, not ever." Starlight gently pulled Lightning into a hug as he wrapped his hooves around her neck and buried his face in her fur chest. "Does your father get...angry when you wet the bed?" Lightning sniffled before answering, "Y-Yes." "Oh, honey." Just then, another thunder struck as Lightning began to shake even more in fear as he hugged Starlight tightly not wanting to move away from her. “Hey hey hey, easy,” she said as she gently patted Lightning’s back before rubbing his back again. “Shh... Shh... it’s okay, sweetheart. It’s alright, I’m here.” Lightning continued to keep his face buried in his aunt’s chest. A few minutes passed and the storm had calmed down as Lightning's crying turned into sniffles. Starlight carefully placed Lightning on the floor and softly said, "Clean yourself off while I put the sheets in the wash." "Can I sleep with you?" "Of course you can, honey," replied Starlight before looking at Sunburst, "Sunburst, can you help Lightning get cleaned?" "Sure thing, Starlight," answered Sunburst. Lightning and Sunburst walked out of the guest room and into the bathroom. Sunburst used his magic to turn the bath warm tab on as the water started to fill up the bath. Once the bath was at the perfect level for Lightning, Sunburst gently picked Lightning up and carefully placed him in the bathtub. "There we go," Sunburst said, "Is the water okay?" Lightning gave Sunburst a nod in response instead of answering, which Sunburst took it for an answer. "Good." "Sunburst, I'm sorry for wetting the bed," said Lightning in guilt, "I-I didn't mean to do it." Sunburst gave the colt a sad look before gently stroking his mane in comfort. "It's okay, Lightning. I'm not mad at you for wetting the bed. I'm mad at what your father did to you, me and Starlight in your nightmare. And like your aunt just said to you, that will never happen. I can promise you that." Lightning nodded his head at Sunburst as he understood what he just said to him. "And I hope that stallion gets what he deserves when they catch him," Sunburst angrily thought to himself while not showing his anger to the colt. After a few seconds of cleaning, Sunburst gently levitated Lightning out of the bathtub and used his magic to bring a towel over as he carefully wrapped it around Lightning to dry him off. Sunburst gently held Lightning in his hoof and unplugged the bathtub before walking out of the bathroom as they saw Starlight coming up after putting the wet sheet in the wash. "Was the bath nice?" She asked, "How do you feel, sweetheart?" "I’m tired," the colt replied softly but with sleepy and scared put together. Starlight nodded at her nephew in response as she gently took him out of Sunburst's hoof and held him in her hoof. The three went into Sunburst’s room. Sunburst’s room has the same green coloured walls with a big wide bed for two ponies to sleep in, a night stand on the right side of the bed, a wardrobe near the door and two robe hangers on the door. Sunburst carefully closed the door behind them as the two took off their robes and hang it on the robe hanger. Sunburst walked towards the right side of bed and got into the covers as he rested his head on the pillow. Starlight pulled the covers out and gently placed Lightning in the bed before climbing into the bed herself and used her magic to pull the covers over them. "There we go," she said softly, "Feels nice to sleep with one of your aunts, doesn't it?" "Yes," Lightning said quietly and sleeply. Starlight carefully wrapped her hooves around Lightning before giving him a kiss on the forehead before saying, "Goodnight, sweetheart. We love you." "Don't leave me, please," Lightning said in fear. "We're not going anywhere, honey." Lightning snuggled closer to Starlight's chest as the three soon fell asleep and slept through the stormy night as a Pegasus in a black coat flew across the streets searching for something. > Chapter Five > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Inside Oliver’s room, Oliver was sleeping in his bed while Constantine was sitting at his desk, that’s next to the window, working on something that probably has something to do with capturing Cold Wind. As he was sleeping, his eyes begin to twitch for five seconds before his eyes shot open as he raised from the bed, placed his hooves on his head, closed his eyes and began to breath heavily as he just woken up from having a bad dream. “Oliver, you okay?” Asked Constantine as he got near the bed worried about him. Oliver placed his hooves down on the bed covers as he finally stopped breathing heavily. “Yeah,” he answered, “Just a bad dream. And a weird one too.” “Did it have something to do with Lightning?” Asked John in confusion. Oliver nodded for a yes. “Only a little bit. It’s like its trying to tell me something. Something that’s gonna happen. But I’m not sure what or why.” Just then, they heard a loud knock on Oliver’s bedroom door as it moved a bit like somepony was trying to get into his room. “Just what I needed at this time of night,” said Oliver as he rubbed his forehead, “Who’s there?” They then heard the sound of a baby whimpering as it knocked on the door again, that’s when Oliver recognise that baby sound. “Flurry Heart?” Oliver got out of his bed and walked towards the door as he then opened it to reveal Flurry Heart, in scared mode with tears in her eyes, as she soon flew towards him making him fall backwards to the ground while hugging his chest. “Flurry Heart, what’s the matter?” Flurry Heart continue to whimper as she pointed towards the bedroom window as Oliver looked towards it and saw the heavy rain outside before turning back to Flurry Heart. “The thunder storm outside woke you up and scared you, didn’t it?” Flurry Heart nodded her head in response as she went back to hugging her brother’s chest. Oliver wrapped a hoof round her as he got up and held Flurry Heart to his chest as she doesn’t want to move away from her brother. Just then, a new thunder struck as Flurry Heart then began to bury her face in her brother’s chest and shook in fear. “Alright alright,” cooed Oliver as he nuzzled his little sister’s cheek, “How about we go get you some milk to help you feel better before we put you back to bed?” Flurry Heart gave her brother a small smile before nodding slowly for a yes as Oliver placed Flurry on his back with his magic. “I’ll go with you mate,” Constantine said before Oliver was about to leave the room, “I could go for a cup of tea right now.” Oliver nodded for a okay as they both walked out of the room and towards the kitchen. In one of the guest rooms, Fluttershy and Capper were both sleeping together in bed as they were hugging each other with Capper’s head on top of Fluttershy’s head. Fluttershy then began to sweat in her sleep as she was having nightmare as well, then after a few seconds, she opened her eyes while saying, “Lightning!” She began to breath heavily as Capper opened his eyes to see that Fluttershy has woken up but badly wrong as he gently stroked her mane with his paw. “What’s wrong, Fluttershy?” Capper asked worriedly. “I’ve just had a nightmare about Lightning,” she answered as she looked at Capper with tears in her eyes, “In the nightmare, Cold Wind foalnapped Lightning, even beaten him up with a stick, I tried to save him, but Cold Wind just disappeared into the darkness with Lightning, and I couldn’t find him.” She then buried her face into Capper’s chest fur as her tears soak into it. “Oh if only he hadn’t escaped, then I wouldn’t be so worried about Lightning!” Capper began to gently stroked Fluttershy’s back in comfort as he then gave her a kiss on the forehead. “I know the feeling, Fluttershy. I’m worried about him too, but we’ll make sure he doesn’t foalnap him and hurt him again. We’re gonna capture him and lock him up for good.” Capper gently brushed the tears in Fluttershy’s eyes as she then looked at him with a sad smile on her face. “Come on,” He said to her, “Let’s go get you a drink or something. Maybe that’ll help you calm down and remove your worries.” Fluttershy nodded as they both out of bed, Capper putted his trench coat on as he opened the bedroom door, let Fluttershy out first as he walked out last closing the door behind him. Meanwhile in the kitchen, Flurry Heart was sitting in her high chair chewing on Oliver’s tail going “nom nom nom nom” as Oliver was fixing her up some milk while Constantine was making himself some tea. Just then, Capper and Fluttershy came into the kitchen and saw the three. “My,” began Fluttershy, “You three are up early at this time of night.” Oliver smiled at Fluttershy before saying, “The thunder storm outside woke Flurry Heart up and scared her, so I’m giving her some milk to make her feel better.” He poured the warm milk into Flurry Heart’s bottle as he then gave it to her with his magic. “Here you go, little sis.” Flurry Heart took the bottle with her tiny hooves and began to drink her milk. “So why are you two up early as well?” Oliver asked kindly to the love birds. “Fluttershy had a bad dream about Lightning so we decided to get a drink or something to help her calm down from the nightmare,” explained Capper. “Was a pretty bad dream I’ll tell you all that,” said Fluttershy. “Ah they often are, love.” Constantine placed his teaspoon next to his cup. “Tea?” “Yes please,” answered Capper politely as Constantine opened the cabinet, took two cups out, closed the cabinet door and gave Capper the two cups, one for him and one for Fluttershy as Capper began to make tea for him and Fluttershy. “Aww, you’re so adorable Flurry Heart,” cooed Fluttershy as she began tickled Flurry Heart’s belly as she giggled. Oliver smiled at sight thinking that it was so cute seeing Flurry Heart getting tickled, but it didn’t last long as his smile suddenly turned into a sad look. Fluttershy noticed it as she then asked, “What’s wrong, Oliver?” “Oh it’s just that, I’m still worried about Lightning when he sees me as Ink Bendy,” answered Oliver, “I still don’t want him to get scared if he sees my other half one day. He’s been scared long enough, even with thunder storms.” Fluttershy frowned. She remembered her son didn’t see him as Ink Bendy when they rescued him from Cold Wind at the Grand Galloping Gala. But she turned that frown back into a smile as she looked at him. “Oh don’t worry about it,” she said softly to him, “I’m sure he won’t get scared if he does see you as your other half one day.” “You really think so?” “Of course she does,” Capper said, “I think so too, so does your other friends and family. You’re good at taking care of your little sister and making sure your nephew stays safe that I doubt he’ll get scared of your inky demon form. And besides look, Flurry Heart wants to give her big brother a hug.” Oliver looked at Flurry Heart as she finished drinking her milk and was now reaching her tiny hooves out to Oliver while smiling and then let out a “bah!” to him. Oliver’s smile began to grow back on his face. “Thanks you three.” He picked Flurry Heart up from her high chair, brought her to his chest and let her head rest on his shoulder as she placed her tiny hooves onto his chest and closed her eyes while cooing. Constantine placed his right hand on Oliver’s back as he looked at him and saw he was smiling at him. “I’m proud of you, mate.” Oliver smiled at him as he then said, “Thanks, John.” Oliver continued to hug Flurry Heart as John picked up his cup to start drinking his tea while Capper finished up his and Fluttershy’s tea. But unknown to them, they weren’t the only ones in the kitchen as a small, strange, looking, little creature was running in different directions as it then made a knock on the bin that was next to the way out of the kitchen. That made John stop to begin drinking his tea, Capper from making his and Fluttershy’s tea and Flurry’s hug with Oliver as they all looked at the bin to see what made that knock on it. There they saw two glowing red eyes looking from behind the bin as Flurry Heart began to feel scared again and started to whimper. “Flurry Heart,” Oliver whispered into his sister’s ear, “Get on my back.” Flurry did what he said as she quickly flew onto her brother’s back and hid behind his head. Just then, the creature moved a bit away from the bin to show that it was dark grey with Capper’s trench coat on and had a blue fluff on its head. Then another dark grey creature entered, this one had the same clothing as Constantine wore and has blond hair. This made Oliver, John, Capper and Fluttershy move back a bit as another dark grey creature, with a pink mane like Fluttershy’s, popped up from Capper’s cup of tea as Capper looked at it before the creature jumped from the cup and onto Capper’s face as it began to attack. “Capper!” Exclaimed Fluttershy scared and shocked as another one attack her before two more attacked Oliver and John making Flurry even more scared than ever. “What’s going on?!” Oliver exclaimed trying to get the dark grey creature, with two heads, one with a red mane and one with Flurry Heart’s mane, off of him. Constantine managed to get the creature off his face and grabbed the one attack Oliver as he raised it in the air before saying, “We must be still dreaming!” Constantine then threw the creature onto the floor where there were three more creatures, looking like Capper, as they watched the creature splatted onto the ground after being thrown before looking up and saw John raising his right foot and stepped on two of them. More strange creatures, looking like the three, came towards them and attacked as they crawled on the floor and on the walls. Oliver and John continued to throw the creatures off of them before two of them bit them on the ear making them yell in pain. Constantine grabbed the creature off of him and said, “Nope, we're definitely not dreaming.” Constantine then threw the creature away as Capper grabbed the Fluttershy looking creature off of Fluttershy before looking at it and said, “What are you?!” The Fluttershy looking creature then spoke in the same voice as Fluttershy’s but in a creepy way, “We're you, Capper.” “Like Tartarus you are!” Oliver said as Constantine then squished the Constantine looking creature in his hand as it then splatted. They all looked around and saw more of them coming towards as Flurry whimpered more still hiding behind Oliver’s head, they then looked down and saw them form a group before three of them spoke as the same voices as Oliver, Capper and Constantine but in a creepy way. “Materialised psychisms, Jung called us,” said the Capper creature. “Projections from the bad sleep,” said the Constantine creature. “Your own inner demons,” the Oliver+Flurry creature finished, “Given physical form.” “Oh that’s not good,” said Constantine, “And the only way we’re gonna stop you nasty lot, is to take, you back!” The inner demons then jumped towards them, but before they could land on them and attack them, Constantine placed his hands near together as he began to say a magic spell in a different language as a dark golden grasp sphere in between his hands. He said the magic spell in a different language again as the dark golden grasp appeared on him, Oliver, Flurry, Capper and Fluttershy and making the inner demons unable to attack them when they landed on them. After saying it one last time as he pulled his hands away from each other, the inner demons started to melt into wet sand as it then sucked itself back into the five before they fainted on the floor, staying there for ten seconds before getting theirselves back up again. “What was that all about?” Oliver asked before picking Flurry Heart up and holding her in his left hoof. John scratches the back of his head before saying, “Something must have opened the door between our dreams and nightmares. But that’s never happened before.” Before they could say or do anything else, they heard hoofsteps walking towards the kitchen. They turned towards the door and saw Shining Armor walking in as he then saw the human, the love birds and his children in such a mess. “Maybe it’s best I shouldn’t ask,” said Shining. The five looked at him in annoyance before John said, “It’s never good to ask when something like this happens, mate.” John then began to drink his tea since he wasn’t able to drink it before the demons showed up. > Chapter Six > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The sun began to shine across the Crystal Empire as Starlight was still sleeping while hugging Lightning as he was still sleeping too. Sunburst woke up one minute ago and was now downstairs waiting for the two to wake up before breakfast can be served. After a few seconds later, Starlight’s eyes begin to slowly open as she then let out a yawn before looking at her sleeping nephew. She gave him a soft smile as she then gave him a kiss on the forehead before nuzzling him on the cheek. When she stopped nuzzling him, Lightning’s eyes begin to slowly open as he let out a yawn before staring into the eyes of his Auntie Starlight as she continued to smile at him. “Good morning, Auntie Starlight.” “Good morning, Lightning sweetheart. Did you sleep well?” Lightning nodded for a yes instead of speaking. “Good.” “Auntie Starlight, I’m sorry that I woke you last night cause of the nightmare I had and wetting the bed,” Lightning said in guilt, “I didn’t mean to wake you during the night.” Starlight said nothing and just gave him a smile as she then picked him up, sat on the edge of the bed and placed him on her lap while stroking his back. “Oh sweetie,” she began, “I’m not mad at you cos you woke me up last night and wet the bed. You had a nightmare and the storm made you scared, how can I blame you for waking me up and wetting the bed?” She then gave him a kiss on the forehead and let him lay his head on her soft chest while continuing to rub his back. “I could never blame you for doing like this, honey. You’re too adorable to be blamed for, and shouldn’t go through what your father did to you a long time ago.” Lightning said nothing as his smile grew back on his face and continued to lay his head on Starlight’s chest while Starlight continued to rub his back for a few more minutes before levitating him near her face with her magic and started blowing raspberries on his belly making him laugh. After eleven seconds of raspberry blowing on his belly, Starlight levitated Lightning Into her hooves with her magic before looking at him and said, “Now let’s go downstairs and have some breakfast. I’m sure Sunburst is waiting for us to come down anyway.” Lightning nodded before Starlight got off the bed, placed Lightning on the bed, used her magic to put her robe on, levitated Lightning onto her back with her magic and made her way downstairs. In the living room, Sunburst was sitting on the blue sofa, in his robe, reading a book while he was waiting for Starlight and Lightning to wake up for breakfast. He then heard footsteps coming down the stairs, he turned away from his book as he turned his head to right and saw Starlight, with Lightning on her back, walking into the room and towards him. “Morning, Starlight.” “Morning, Sunburst.” She then gave Sunburst a kiss on the cheek as Sunburst gave her a kiss on the cheek as well. Lightning carefully flew off of Starlight’s back and stood next to her. “Morning, Sunburst.” “Morning, Lightning.” Sunburst then gave him a gentle ruff on the mane as Lightning giggled. “Coffee’s all ready for us by the way,” said Sunburst to Starlight as she nodded at him. “I’ll go pour us some coffee while I make breakfast for all of us,” she said before exiting the living room and into the kitchen leaving just Lightning and Sunburst in the room. “Hey Lightning,” Sunburst said, “Can I have a word with you for a sec?” That’s when Lightning got a bit worried. “Am I in trouble, Sunburst?” “No of course you’re not,” He said hoping he didn’t make him too worried, “I just wanted to say something to you, that’s all.” “Oh, okay.” Lightning walked up to the sofa, Sunburst helped him get on the sofa with his magic as he then made himself comfortable on the sofa before looking at Sunburst. “So what do you want to talk about, Sunburst?” He asked curiously. “Well,” began Sunburst, “Me and Starlight talked about this last night and, since she’s your auntie, and we’re been friends for a long time now and falling in love since last month. I’ve put a lot of thought into and... I want, to be your second uncle.” Lightning was now in shock after hearing what Sunburst just said to him, he wants to be a second uncle to him. “You want to be my second uncle?” Sunburst nodded to him for a yes. “Why?” “Well, it’s just that, I feel bad for Oliver being the only uncle in your family, and I know we only met just yesterday. But since I’m also in Starlight’s friendship circle and now in yours as well, I feel like being an uncle doesn’t seem so bad when you become one and got use to it. But it’s up to you though. So what do you say, Lightning? Would you like me to be your second uncle in your family?” Lightning took his time to think about it. Oliver has been his only uncle for a long time now, and Sunburst has been nice to him since yesterday, so it wouldn’t hurt to have another uncle in his family. He then said to him, “Well, since you’ve asked me that, Sunburst. There’s something I need to ask you too.” “And what’s that?” Sunburst asked kindly. “Can I, call you Uncle Sunburst?” He asked politely. Sunburst smiled at him before saying, “Of course you can, kiddo. You can call me Uncle Sunburst.” He then opened his right hoof out to him. “Come here.” Lightning walked over to Sunburst as he then gave Lightning a warm uncle hug. The two stayed like that for twelve seconds before they heard Starlight’s voice from the kitchen, “Breakfast is ready! Come and get it!” They broke the hug as Sunburst got off the sofa, levitated Lightning onto his back with his magic and made his way into the kitchen as Starlight was finish putting the last pancake on her plate. Sunburst gently placed Lightning on a chair at the table as he sat next to him before Starlight levitated the three plates with her magic and placed two on the table in front of Lightning and Sunburst as she placed hers next to Lightning’s. On the plate of pancakes, there were fruit decorated to look like a smiley face and chocolate syrup drizzled on top of it. “Wow, Auntie Starlight!” Lightning said happily, “This look so delicious!” “Thank you Lightning,” said Starlight as she sat down next to him and the three began to eat their breakfast nicely. “So what were you two talking about back in the living room?” Starlight asked kindly with interest before taking another bite of her pancake. “Well,” Sunburst began, “Remember that talk last night about me being Lightning’s second uncle?” Starlight nodded in response while eating her pancake. “Well, I’ve asked him if he wanted me to be his second uncle, and he said yes.” “So that means I now got two uncles in my family,” said Lightning happily. “Well isn’t that good news,” said Starlight, “Looks like you’re starting to have a big family now, sweetheart.” She then gently rubbed his mane before continuing her breakfast. Meanwhile in the castle, Oliver was still asleep in his bedroom, after what happened last night, he needed some extra sleep. Just then, as he was still sleeping, he felt something rubbing his cheek and then heard voices. “Bahaaa!” “Shhh, let him rest, Flurry.” But it was too late, Oliver’s eyes begin to slowly open as he then saw Flurry Heart sitting on him while smiling at him. “Oh, good morning Oliver,” said Cadence, “Sorry to disturb you, but Flurry Heart just didn’t want to have breakfast without her brother so she went in here to see if you were awake already.” “Abaa!” Flurry Heart began to pull Oliver’s right hoof as she wanted him to come out of bed to have breakfast already. Oliver rubbed his left eye with his left hoof before saying, “Guess she must have missed having breakfast with me ever since I moved to Ponyville with Aunt Twilight.” Flurry Heart still continued to pull Oliver’s right hoof. “Bhaaa!” “Alright Flurry Heart, I’m coming,” he said as he got out of bed and made his way out of his bedroom as Flurry Heart landed on his back wanting to ride on her brother’s back to the dining room. Shining and Cadence followed them towards the dining room as Cadence closed Oliver’s bedroom door behind her since she was the last pony out. In the dining room, the mane seven, Spike, Constantine, the Young Six, Amore and the two sisters were eating their pancake breakfast, that Celestia made for them obviously, while Vincent stood near the dining room door making sure nothing bad happens, he had breakfast already, as the door opened to reveal the married couple and Oliver, with Flurry Heart on his back still, walking into the room and sitting down at the table as Oliver levitated his sister into her highchair with his magic. “Good morning you four,” Celestia said kindly as levitated the three plates, with pancakes on, off the tray with her magic and placed them near Shining, Cadence and Oliver before given Flurry Heart her baby food. “Good morning Aunt Celestia,” replied Cadence before she started eating her breakfast. “Good morning Celestia,” said Oliver as he began to eat his breakfast while Shining eats his and feeds Flurry Heart her baby food. “Do you feel okay, Oliver?” Amore asked. “Yeah,” he answered after taking another bite of his breakfast, “Just a rough night.” “Could say the same thing as well love,” Constantine added, “I was there, Fluttershy and Capper too. And how come you two don’t feel tired after that rough night?” “Well,” began Fluttershy, “Capper’s soft and cuddly fur blanketed me to help me warm out my tiredness.” She then nuzzled Capper’s cheek as he wrapped his left arm around her. “And I’m glad you enjoyed it, Fluttershy.” Capper placed his right paw under Fluttershy’s chin. “I wouldn’t want you to feel tired in the morning now, would I?” The two then started to kiss each while the others watched with happiness and tears in their eyes as they thought it was cute. Even Spike thought it was cute. Even though things didn’t go well between those two at first when they first met during the storm invasion, but he was willing to give him a chance and treat him more like a friend. But as for Rarity, she was glaring at them with jealously and annoyed. She was in love with that cat ever since they first met and after finding out he was trying to sell them. But Capper was in love with Fluttershy from the very start and has finally gone to her. Spike noticed this and shot an angry glare at Rarity, hoping that’ll get her to stop. Even though he’s in love with her, he was having none of her jealously over a nice romantic scene, especially if it has Fluttershy in it. “So when are you gonna tell Lightning about this?” Sandbar asked. After a few more seconds of kissing, Capper and Fluttershy stopped before looking at Sandbar as Fluttershy answered, “We’ll be telling him about it when Cold Wind gets captured and gets put back in prison where he belongs, or Tartarus, whatever works and what Celestia thinks. And then, once we all have a fun time here and head home, we might plan our wedding day.” Capper giggled before saying, “I bit Lightning’s gonna love having us together now.” “I’m sure he will,” Fluttershy said. “Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh!! Can we help out with the wedding as well?!” Asked Pinkie excitedly. Fluttershy giggled before answering, “Of course you all can. Me and Capper can’t work on this wedding all by ourselves now, can we?” Everycreature in the room cheered as the two sisters, Constantine, Vincent, the married couple and Amore watched with smiles on their faces, while Rarity, however, did a not so happily cheer. “Actually,” said Amore, “There’s another wedding you lot can help out with as well.” They all looked at Amore confusedly while the princesses and Shining smiled at them. “And who’s wedding would that be?” Ocellus asked. Shining and Cadence smiled at each other before turning to the others as Cadence answered the question, “Well, the other wedding is for...” > Chapter Seven > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- It was now midnight in the evening as everypony was closing their shops and heading home as others went to bed. Well, some were going to have dinner at the famous cafe in the Crystal Empire, even Sunburst, Starlight & Lightning were going there as well. It was red and orangey crystal made, bigger and larger than the other crystal buildings, with several circle opening windows and a double opening door. Inside the cafe, there was a red carpet with a register stand with a grey stallion, with blue mane and tail and wearing a smart uniform, standing behind it making sure he gets the right ponies in and ponies that didn’t book to not come in. There were a lot of servers and tables that most ponies sat at, ready to eat. Sunburst, Starlight and Lightning were sitting at one table near three tables near the closest window. Sunburst was wearing a black tuxedo with blue tie while Starlight was wearing her dress she wore at the Grand Galloping Gala as Lightning was wearing his tuxedo he wore at the Gala but remade after Cold Wind foalnapped him. Just then, the waiter came to their table with their meals as he levitated them on the table near them with his magic. Both Sunburst and Starlight were having a salad while Lightning was having a salad with yummy pasta. In fact, the salad and pasta were in a shape of a smiley face, just like Celestia and Starlight would do on the pancakes. They thanked the waiter and began to eat their meals. “Mmmm,” said Lightning after swallowing his first bite of the salad pasta, “This is so delicious.” “They so are delicious sweetie,” Starlight said, “That’s why me and Sunburst enjoy coming here once a week every month.” Lightning looked at his aunt before swallowing his third bite of his food. “You mean like as in, dates?” Sunburst and Starlight nodded in response. “Yep,” said Sunburst while cutting his next slice of the salad, “We’ve been doing it five times now. So this would be the sixth date we went on. Plus, the last date, was actually different than the other four.” Lightning looked curiously at his uncle and aunt. “What do you mean? What happened on your fifth date?” Sunburst and Starlight smiled at each other before looking at Lightning as Starlight then said, “Well, why don’t we show you instead of telling you?” Starlight went into her little bag, pulled out a small black box with her magic and showed it to Lightning as she then opened the little box to reveal a pink ring with blue stars on it as it shine with tiny brightness while Lightning stared at it. “Wow,” He said with awed, “It’s so pretty.” Just then, something popped into his head as he knew what that ring means. “Wait. That ring. Does that mean you two are...” “That’s right cutie,” said Starlight as she closed the box and placed it back in her bag, “Me and Sunburst, are getting married.” “In two months,” added Sunburst. “Wow!” Lightning said excitedly, “This is so awesome! Am I aloud to come to the wedding as well as help out?” “Of course you can,” answered Starlight as she rubbed her nephew’s mane playfully, “We wouldn’t have the wedding without you.” Lightning smiled at his aunt as the three went back to eating their meals. A few minutes later, the three had finish their meals as they placed their knifes and forks down on the table. “Oh that sure was good,” said Sunburst. “I agree,” Starlight said. “Me too,” added Lightning. After a few seconds of silence, Lightning spoke, “Auntie Starlight, I need to go use the toilet.” Starlight nodded before saying, “Okay, sweetheart. The toilets are just over there.” She pointed to right with her right hoof as Lightning saw the gentlecolt’s toilets next to the mare’s toilets. “Would you like one of us to come with you?” Lightning shook his head before saying, “No thanks, I think I can go on my own.” Starlight nodded her head in respect of his answer, “Okay. See you in a bit.” Lightning gently got off his seat as he then walked towards the gentlecolt’s toilets leaving just Sunburst and Starlight alone at the table till he comes back. After a few minutes in the toilets, Lightning came out of the gentlecolt’s toilets as the door closed behind him. He was about to return to his table, when he saw something that made him stop in his tracks. Sitting at a table next to four tables on the left, he saw a Pegasus wearing a black coat that he knew who it belongs to as he saw that black coat before. The Pegasus was rubbing the table hardly as he was in a bad mood about something while growling angrily. Lightning began to shake in fear, he knew who that Pegasus was in that black coat and knows what he’s doing here. He then quickly ran towards the table he was at before the Pegasus could even see him. Meanwhile, Sunburst and Starlight were looking at the desert menu trying to decide what to have for desert. “Oh I think I’ll have the chocolate brownie with chocolate custard,” said Starlight. “Yeah I think I’ll go for that too,” Sunburst said, “Do you think Lightning might want one too?” “Yeah I think he might like a chocolate brownie too,” answered Starlight, “He always enjoys having chocolate brownies whenever he goes to Sugarcube Corner for a...” Before she could finish her sentence, she felt a tight grip around her as she looked down and saw Lightning hugging her while shaking in fear as tears were streaming down his face. “Hey hey hey hey,” said Starlight softly as she picked Lightning up with her hooves and looked at him in the face, “Lightning sweetheart, what’s wrong?” “H-H-He’s here!” Lightning said to his aunt as he still shook in fear with tears rolling from his eyes, “H-He’s here, I s-saw him i-in a b-black coat when I w-was coming out of the t-toilets!” “Okay, slow down,” said Starlight to him, “Slow down. Who’s here?” “D-Daddy's here!” He answered, “He w-was s-sitting at a table w-wearing a black c-coat and h-he’s still s-searching for m-me!” “It’s okay, it’s okay, we’re gonna make sure he doesn’t get you,” Sunburst said as he tried to make him feel calm. “Wait,” said Starlight quickly as she just thought of something, “Lightning, did he see you?” Lightning took two seconds to think about that question before answering, “No I... I don’t think so.” Sunburst and Starlight looked at each other with great concern, they knew this was bad for them, and they couldn’t stay for desert in case Cold Wind did saw Lightning. “We better head home quickly,” said Starlight as she held Lightning in her right hoof, “We’ll have some treats tomorrow to make up for skipping desert.” Sunburst nodded in agreement. “Yeah, let’s go and pay before we head on home.” The two got off their seats as Starlight levitated her bag with her magic onto her back before gently placing Lightning back on the ground as he walked underneath his aunt so Cold Wind doesn’t see him. They then walked towards the stand so they can pay for their meal before quickly heading home. Once they were at the stand, the register pony said, “Ah hello again. Are you here to pay for your meals?” Sunburst nodded before answering, “Yes we are, how much do we have to pay?” “Alright, now let’s see.” The register pony began to look at the bill, the waiter gave to him, to see what they had and how much they cost altogether. But none of them notice a hoof reaching towards Lightning. While the two were waiting, they then heard somepony screaming in fear and also crying for help. Sunburst and Starlight turned their heads to the left, while the register pony looked straight forward, before they grew shock looks on their faces as they saw who was crying for help. Starlight let out a gasp of shock before saying, “Lightning!” Lightning was being tackled by the Pegasus in the black coat as he was screaming, “Help me!” The Pegasus continued to hold Lightning tightly before flying towards the fire exit at the end of the cafe as Starlight used her magic to help fly after them as she then said, “Hold on, I’m coming!” The Pegasus was a few miles away from the fire exit as Starlight manage to reach them in time before grabbing Lightning with her hooves and pulling him towards while the Pegasus continued to hold him and trying not to let him go. Starlight began to sweat as she tried her best to set Lightning free from the Pegasus’s hold. “Let! go!” The Pegasus continued to hold the colt tight as Starlight continued to pull her nephew free, until she had enough of this as she reached her left hoof out and punched the Pegasus in the face making him let go of Lightning and fly backwards. Starlight held Lightning close to her as they then saw the Pegasus’s black coat fall off him, because of that hard punch, to revealed Cold Wind. Starlight let out another gasp of shock, even Sunburst let out a shock gasp as he was still at the stand with the register pony still looking in shock. Lightning began to shake in fear once more as he buried his face into Starlight’s chest. Cold Wind continued to fly in mid-air as he then glared angrily at Starlight and Lightning making her hold Lightning even close to her before glaring at him. The register pony looked at Sunburst before saying, “You know what, sir. Your meals are on the house, you two better get your nephew out of here fast.” “Thanks sir,” replied Sunburst as he then shouted, “Starlight! Quick, fly!” Starlight heard Sunburst as she quickly flew towards him while holding Lightning close to her as she gently landed on the ground. They then saw Cold Wind flying towards them as Starlight used her magic to quickly trap Cold Wind in a Crystal stone as it then landed hard on the ground, but didn’t break since it was in mid-air. The two quickly made their way out of the cafe, with Lightning in Starlight’s right hoof, as Cold Wind’s angry face grew angrier as he then tried to break free which is hard to do because only unicorns and alicorns can break free from crystal stone magic. The three made it back to Sunburst’s house in one piece as they were now in Sunburst’s room with Starlight’s dress was off her as well as Lightning and Sunburst’s tuxedo as Sunburst was wearing his cape again. Starlight was sitting on the bed with Lightning in her hooves as she comfort him while Sunburst was looking at the window making sure Cold Wind hasn’t broken free and found his house. “I think we’ve stopped him,” Sunburst said as he then turned to look at Starlight, “But I don’t think that crystal stone will hold him for long.” Starlight nodded in agreement. “You’re right, Sunburst. We better warn the others, it won’t take Cold Wind long before he finally breaks free.” She then looked at Lightning, who was still shaking in fear, as she nuzzled him hoping that’ll calm him down a bit. “It’s okay, Lightning sweetheart. You’re safe now, he won’t hurt you anymore. We’re gonna get you back to your mother, okay?” Lightning nodded his head before Starlight carefully held Lightning in her right hoof and got off the bed. The two were about to leave the bedroom, but stopped as they saw Cold Wind in front of the doorway glaring at them as he closed the door behind him. > Chapter Eight > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “I’ve so had it with you, Lightning!” Cold Wind said angrily. “He doesn’t belong to you anymore now, Cold Wind! Just leave him alone!” Shouted Starlight. “Why should I?! After everything he did to me, you still stood on his side?!” “You’ve done that to yourself!” Exclaimed Sunburst, “And we stood by his side because he didn’t deserve to go through everything you put them through! None of this was his fault!” “How would you know that?! You two are not even his real aunt and uncle!” Starlight gently placed Lightning onto the bed with her magic and then magically levitated his Bendy plushie towards him as he grabbed his plushie and hugged it tightly as he was still scared right now. “You’re right, we’re not,” said Starlight admitting it’s true, “But Lightning was five years old when Fluttershy became his new mother and we raised him like he was our nephew!” Cold Wind was still glaring at them as he then said, “So?” “So?!” Starlight wasn’t very happy at what Cold Wind just said to her, “So he belongs to us now!” She then walked towards Cold Wind. “He doesn’t deserve anything after what he did!” Exclaimed Cold Wind, “He tried to find somepony to take his real mother’s place! He ruined my life by letting some royal guards arrest me after running away!” Before he could continue on, Starlight said, “He didn’t ruin your life, Cold Wind! You abused him and ruined HIS life!” “Like that’s true to believe! And if Lightning did loved his mother, he would have never let her die!” Starlight wasn’t at all very happy at what he just said. “You watch your mouth! Lightning Twister loved his late mother the same way he loved Fluttershy and more than he loves me, Sunburst, Oliver and either one of his other aunts!” Cold Wind glared at Starlight for two seconds before looking at Lightning as he then started walking past Starlight and towards the bed. But he stopped as Sunburst used his magic to lift Lightning from the bed and into his hoof to hold him. Sunburst glared at Cold Wind while Lightning rested his head on the unicorn’s chest. “Step aside, four eyes!” He said to Sunburst cruelly, “I’m here for Lightning!” Lightning whimpered in fear as he buried his face in Sunburst’s chest. “So you can take him away and hurt him more?! Starlight told me what you’ve done to Lightning! I’m not gonna let his life get ruined again.” “How are you gonna stop me?!” Cold Wind asked cruelly to him, “You brought my wife back from the dead and hiding her in this room?!” “No!” Answered Sunburst angrily, “I can't bring ponies or creatures back from the dead! I’m no wizard! And even if I can, we would only let her see Lightning and not you! She would be so proud of how Lightning’s doing now, especially with somepony that’s taking care of Lightning for her. I know we’ve only met just yesterday and I became his second uncle, but I won’t let you break his heart again.” “So you’re just gonna let him into your own family?!” “That’s because we care about him!” Exclaimed Starlight, “He deserves a better life than the one you gave him, and we’ll do anything to make his life more better than ever.” “By protecting him and those other children that killed their own parents?!” “I’ll protect over a thousand children that lost their parents or one of them, and I’ll stop anycreature that tries to bring harm to them!!” Starlight slapped Cold Wind across the face with her left hoof as it made him fall to the left and landed on the floor. Sunburst placed Lightning on his back as he hugged his neck. Sunburst looked at Starlight and said, “We're gonna get to the castle quickly!” Starlight nodded in agreement before they quickly ran out of the bedroom and headed straight outside to get to the castle before Cold Wind gets back up again. They both looked behind them, while still running towards the castle, to see if Cold Wind was following after them as they then saw Cold Wind breaking through Sunburst’s bedroom window and flying after them. “You’re so replacing that!” Sunburst exclaimed angrily at him while still running. They were almost at the doors to the castle, but Cold Wind manage to caught up with them as he grabbed Sunburst making both of them fall to the ground as Lightning fell out of Sunburst’s back and landed near the crystal heart. “Sunburst!” Shouted Starlight as she turned round and ran towards Sunburst. She then bucked Cold Wind really hard as he flew backwards and hit one of the crystal stands really hard as he then landed on the ground. Lightning got back onto his hooves before seeing Starlight helping Sunburst up as they all saw Cold Wind got onto his hooves and started glaring at them while growling angrily. Starlight looked at Lightning and shouted, “Run, little pony! Run!” Lightning did what Starlight said to him as he then ran into the castle after opening the castle doors as they closed behind him. Cold Wind flew after Lightning as he busted through the castle doors, breaking them instantly as they fell flat on the ground inside the castle. “Cadence isn’t going to be happy about that,” Sunburst said earning a nod from Starlight. Lightning was running down the hallway as fast as he can as he saw Cold Wind flying towards him while glaring. He was getting closer the second he was catching his speed. Lightning was still running as fast as his legs could carry him as he then cried out, “Help me!” Meanwhile, in one of the guest rooms, Fluttershy and Capper were sleeping peacefully as they were hugging each other, but they were then woken up by a voice that shouted out loud. “Help me!” The two shot up and soon recognise the voice that woke them up. “Lightning!” They both said as they got out of bed quickly and Capper putted his trench coat on as they then ran out of the guest room to get the others. Lightning was running out of breath as he tried to run faster until he saw a doorway at the end of the hallway. He looked behind him and saw that his father was way behind him so he quickly ran towards the door, opened it, went inside and quickly closed the door. Lightning was now inside a strange room with a table, a film projector, a Bendy character stand near it, a big pile of projector film tapes, a desk, a couple of ink puddles on the floor, two different pathways, one on the left and one on the right, and three big film tapes rolling on the right side of wall with a logo on them saying Joey Drew Studios. Lightning looked around the place as he’d never saw this place before. As he got near the table, he suddenly heard the door opening and closing behind him. He turned round and saw Cold Wind was right there in front of the door glaring at him. Lightning began to shake in fear once more as there was nopony in the room to save him now. “D-D-Daddy?!” Cold Wind walked towards Lightning while still glaring at him. “You’re so in for it now, Lightning!” He said as he stood near him before moving his right hoof to the left ready to slap Lightning across the face. “I told you if you plan to ruin my life, then I’m gonna ruin yours!” Lightning closed his eyes while still shaking in fear as tears began to run down his face. Cold Wind was just about to slap Lightning, but was stopped by an unexpected roar that he remembered the day he foalnapped Lightning at the gala. Lightning opened his eyes after hearing that roar as he stopped shaking and his tears were no longer running down his face. The two then looked to the pathway on the right and saw an ink figure running into the main room. It was, Ink Bendy. Ink Bendy stopped near the entrance to the doorway as he then looked at Cold Wind and let out an gargling roar at him while staring at him. Cold Wind began to shake in fear as he stared at Ink Bendy for five seconds before trying to escape. But the Ink demon was too quick for him as he ran towards him and grabbed him by the neck before he could make it through the pathway on the left. Ink Bendy pushed Cold Wind on the wall next to the pathway he was trying to escape through while still holding him round the neck making sure he doesn’t try to escape again. He growled at him for six seconds, as Cold Wind was shaking in fear once more, before the ink on him started to melt away from him. Lightning’s eyes begin to grow into shock as he saw who was Ink Bendy. As the ink was almost gone, Lightning saw his Uncle Oliver standing there revealing that he was the Ink demon. Oliver was still keeping a hold on Cold Wind while the last remaining ink melted down from him as he then said, “Sorry to interrupt your little reunion.” > Chapter Nine > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cold Wind stopped shaking as he then looked at Oliver in shock as he now see who the Ink demon really is. “Wait. You’re that inky creature?!” He said shockingly, “Like, when we first met years back?!” “Looks like Fluttershy isn’t just your biggest worry now,” said Oliver angrily. Oliver then threw Cold Wind at the big pile of projector tapes as it fell onto him making him hard to get out of the mess. Oliver stared at the pile for a few seconds before turning towards Lightning who was staring at his uncle in shock, he couldn’t believe that Oliver was Ink Bendy. “You’re, an, ink creature?” Oliver smiled at his nephew before saying, “I may be the first alicorn boy that’s the son of the Crystal Empire family, but I’m also half pony half Ink demon. Something happened to me when I was born, I don’t know what or how, but I don’t really care about it anymore since I now have a better life and can control my Ink magic now thanks to Constantine.” He walked four steps towards his nephew before continuing. “And the reason why I didn’t tell you about it was because... I didn’t wanna scare you and become like your father. You’ve been through so much with him scaring you with thunder and lightning, and you don’t deserve to be scared. Not by your father, not by anypony that thinks you deserve to be scared by something that frightens you.” He then closed his eyes. “And when I arrived as Ink Bendy and saved you from your father. I just hope I didn’t scared you, even when I did that roar Ink Bendy often does.” Oliver opened his eyes and looked at Lightning as he looked at him back. He then let out a smile before shaking his head slowly. “No, Uncle Oliver. You didn’t scare me when you were Ink Bendy,” He said happily to his uncle, “I never knew Ink Bendy was going to save when Daddy was about to slap me, but when he did and he turned back to you, I felt like the Ink demon isn’t just a monster, he’s someone that was trying to save me.” Oliver smiled at Lightning as he was proud that he didn’t actually scared him with the Ink demon. He then walked towards him as he then gently rubbed his mane with his hoof. “I’m glad I didn’t scare you then,” he said while gently rubbing his nephew’s mane for five more seconds before stopping. “Come on, let’s get you to your mother and Papa Capper.” Lightning was in shock again after hearing Oliver say Papa Capper. “Papa Capper, is here, as well?” Oliver smiled and nodded his head before saying, “He loves you. And considered you as part of his family.” Lightning felt tears of happiness rolling down his face as his shock look turned into a happy smile. “I... I finally have a...” Before he could continue, they both heard a rumble coming from the mess of projector tapes as they turned their heads to the left as Oliver’s face had an angry look while Lightning let out a gasp of shock and scariness as they both saw Cold Wind made out of the big mess and was now glaring at the two while growling angrily. “I’m so gonna tear you apart now, Lightning Twister!” “Over my dead body!” Shouted Oliver. Oliver used his magic to levitate up the chair that was by the desk as he then threw it at Cold Wind making both him and the chair fall and hit the side of the wall as he landed on the mess of tapes. Oliver then quickly but gently picked Lightning up and placed him on his back. “Hold on, Lightning. I’ll get you back to your mother.” “That kid is going nowhere!” Cold Wind shouted. Oliver turned and saw Cold Wind flying towards them as he then punched Oliver in the face two times as Oliver flew into the air and headed straight towards Cold Wind as they both broke through the floor and fell into the deep below Joey Drew Studios. They all fell into the inky river that leads towards a big tunnel and near the river was a raft with a old style boat on top of it ready to go into the river. Oliver, with Lightning still on his back, got up as he saw Cold Wind still haven’t got up after falling into the river. “Face it, Cold Wind! Lightning’s save with us now! You no longer own him!” Cold Wind finally got up and started glaring at Oliver. “How about for my wife?!” Cold Wind then grabbed Oliver around his neck and started choking him as Oliver began to moan in pain from the strangle. “Was there a way to save her?!” Cold Wind punched Oliver in the face two times but Oliver was able to dodge the other two punches as he then grabbed Cold Wind’s hoof, before he could do another punch, as he punched him in the face three times giving him a bleeding nose. Cold Wind was about to punch Oliver again but Oliver managed to grab a hold of Cold Wind’s hoof before he could deliver the punch. He then twisted his hoof making him moan in pain as the twist on his hoof grew more painful than ever. Oliver then threw Cold Wind towards the big tunnel as he flew through it and landed on the broken old boat that was at the end of the big tunnel and to where the second big tunnel was on the left side of the river room. Oliver flew after Cold Wind as he entered the big tunnel. “Is this what your family have been teaching you to do?!” Cold Wind asked as he flew back in mid air. “Don’t talk about my family!” Shouted Oliver as he flew towards him, grabbing a hold of his mane and flew him back into the inky river. Oliver then picked Cold Wind up from the inky river with his magic, levitated him towards his face and glared at him making him feel more scared than Fluttershy’s stare. “You’re not even allowed to talk about any family in Equestria! Lightning Twister never had a real family because of you!!” Oliver threw Cold Wind towards the other big tunnel as he flew through it and Oliver then flew after him. When he reached the end of the big tunnel, both him and Lightning were in a strange town with badly build houses, a wooded fence, a wood side to walk away from boats and the inky river, a bunch of barrels near the houses on the right, one of the barrels has the Bendy plushie on them and a boarded up doorway with papers of hoof all over the wall and on the floor near it. Oliver carefully landed on the ground. “Lightning was always afraid you would break out of prison one day and try to hurt him again. He tried to hide it, but we knew.” Oliver walked towards the barrels as he then used his magic to pick the Bendy plushie up and levitated it to Lightning as he began to hug it. “I told him he‘ll be okay, he’ll always will be, he had Fluttershy.” He then began to walk towards the boarded up doorway while continuing to speak. “Until you did break out. On the day when we went to visit the Crystal Empire.” He stopped near the boarded up doorway and looked at the wooded fence. “And our fun hasn’t even started yet!!” He then stared at the badly builder house that was near the boarded up doorway as there was a light showing underneath it and Cold Wind’s shadow shown in the light. “Just too busy.” Oliver walked towards the house and was about to slowly open the door when Cold Wind kicked it open with his backhooves which broke the door as it fell flat near the boarded up doorway. He then flew towards Oliver and Lightning as he tried to punch him three times, but Oliver was quick enough to dodge them as he then punched him really hard making him fall to ground and pass out for a bit as he then magically made the planks of wood disappear from the doorway and flew through it. Cold Wind got up as he rubbed his cheek before letting out an angry look and flew after Oliver and Lightning. > Chapter Ten > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Oliver quickly ran into the throne room, with Lightning hugging his Bendy plushie on his uncle’s back, as he closed the doors with his magic and ran towards Cadence’s throne. Suddenly, the throne doors bursted open as Cold Wind flew inside the room with a furious look on his face. Oliver saw him came in as he quickly flew towards Cadence’s throne and gently placed Lightning on the throne with his face. “Stay here.” Lightning nodded his head as Oliver flew towards Cold Wind and used his magic to throw him down to the ground really hard that it gave him a black eye. Oliver landed on the ground while glaring furiously at Cold Wind as he got up to his hooves, saw a spear, picked it up and threw it at Oliver. But Oliver was smart enough to dodge the spear as he used his magic to turn it into dust before it was near him. The two glared at each other as he walked in a circle not moving an eye from each other as Oliver was now near the throne and Cold Wind was now near the opened doorway. “All we ever hear from you, is ‘how this is all Lightning’s fault that his mother died and you’re in prison’!” Oliver said to Cold Wind, “Well we all feel bad for him even before we met. Because some of us, had to go through pain, loses and being treated like nopony would ever want us in their lives!” “Oh like I care!” Shouted Cold Wind as he stomped his hoof to the ground which made Lightning hold his plushie tighter as he hid his face behind it in fear. “My wife is dead and that Fluttershy decided to take Lightning in and have me thrown in jail! And have to deal with you lot as well. Even with that creature that made you into that monster.” Oliver wasn’t very happy with what he just said. “John Constantine had nothing to do with my inky magic!” He yelled furious. “John only helped me and taught me how to use my inky magic for good. Even when I turn into Ink Bendy. That beast was only made to appear for dangerous emergencies, while I was asked for the one thing Fluttershy needed me to do. Protect what now remains of Lightning Twister. His good life and happiness. It was the best job I could hope for.” He turned his head round to look at Lightning as he smiled at his nephew. “Especially now.” Lightning smiled at his uncle as he continued to smile at him. Just then, Cold Wind grabbed Oliver around the neck as he began to strangle him as Oliver started to choke while trying to get Cold Wind’s hooves away from his neck, but it was no good. “Then I shall ruin his life and happiness since he already ruined my life!” Cold Wind said cruelly, “Starting with killing you and then the rest of his new so called family.” “No!” Lightning shouted in fear as he didn’t want to lose Oliver as well. Oliver tried his hardest to get Cold Wind to let go of his neck, but his hooves were too strong for him, he couldn’t get him to stop strangling him. He was about to give up until a bright light shined behind Cold Wind before it disappeared after five seconds. Cold Wind turned his head round and went into shock and fear mode as he saw what was behind him. Behind him were the four princesses, the baby alicorn, captain of the royal guards, the mane seven, Starlight’s soon to be husband, the purple dragon, the purple guard, the Young Six and the friendly cat with angry looks on their faces. But Cadence had the most angriest look than anypony would have. “Get your dirty hooves off of my son!” She snapped furiously at Cold Wind as he then cringed a bit. He then turned his head to the right and saw Constantine running angrily towards him as he then punched him in the face really hard making him let go of Oliver and fly to left as he banged against the wall, fell to the ground and was completely passed out again. Oliver coughed while rubbing his poor neck after being strangled as Constantine bent to his knees to look at Oliver. “Oliver, you alright?” He asked worriedly. Oliver coughed one last time before answering, “I think so. Thanks for helping me, by the way.” Flurry Heart, worried about her brother, flew over to Oliver and then hugged his chest as he wrapped his left hoof around her. “Don’t worry, Flurry Heart. I’ll be fine.” Lightning, with his plushie on his back, came off the throne and saw Fluttershy who was staring at Cold Wind angrily. “Momma?” Fluttershy stopped staring at Cold Wind as she then looked at her son with a smile on her face. Lightning let out a small smile before walking towards his mother as she then placed her hooves on Lightning before picking him up and hugged him as he hugged her back as he started to whimper a bit. Everyone, including Constantine, in the room smiled at the two. “I can say that’s a happy reunion, and he’s glad to see his mother again,” said Constantine happily and kindly. Lightning continued to whimper as he buried his face into Fluttershy’s chest while she gently rubbed his back in comfort. “M-Momma, I’m s-scared,” Lightning said. Fluttershy kissed her son on the head before saying, “Shhh... it’s okay, sweetheart. You’re with friends and family now. You’re safe with us.” Capper was next to Fluttershy as he bent down to his knees and gently stroked Lightning’s mane in comfort before he looked up from Fluttershy’s chest and looked at Capper who was smiling at him. “Yeah son,” Capper said to him, “We won’t let Cold Wind hurt you anymore.” Lightning smiled at Capper as tears were still streaming from his eyes, but Capper gently brushed them away with his paw as Fluttershy and Capper continued to hug him in comfort. Just then, they all heard pain moaning coming from the left side of the room as they turned their heads to the left and saw Cold Wind moaning in pain while getting back to his hooves and letting out an angry glare again. They all glared angrily at Cold Wind as Lightning shook in fear once more before hiding his face into Fluttershy’s chest as Flurry Heart did the same as she used her magic to levitate Oliver’s right wing to his chest so she can hide behind it. “Just give up already, Cold Wind!” Sunset said furiously, “You’re gonna lose, just like last time!” “Do I really care?!” Snapped Cold Wind, “That boy is so gonna get what he so deserves when I’m through with him!” “Oh no he will not!” Capper said to him angrily, “You’re not even gonna to lay a single hoof on him!” He then walked towards him. “And who are you suppose to be?! His father?!” He asked cruelly. “As you said that, yes I am! I volunteered myself to be the new father of Lightning Twister, and I’m happy to be his new dad! And I suggest you apologise to him for everything you did to him and go back to prison or whatever the princesses decides to do with you!” “Or what?! What are you gonna d...” Before he could finish, Capper slapped him across the right side of face making him fall to the left and onto the floor. He slowly got up and felt blood coming down his face as he now had three cat claw scars on his face. “That’ll be more where that came from,” Capper said to him, “Now apologise, OR ELSE!!” Cold Wind gave Capper an angry glare as he then turned to where Fluttershy was standing and walked towards her before saying, “They may have considered you as part of their family, You annoying little freak.” This made Lightning hold his plushie tightly and he tried to hide his face in Fluttershy’s chest even more. “BUT THEY WON’T KEEP YOU AWAY FROM ME!!” Cold Wind then slapped Lightning out of Fluttershy’s hooves as he dropped his plushie and he landed hard on the floor. “Lightning!” Shouted Fluttershy. But before she could do anything else, Cold Wind kicked her as she flew backwards, bumped into Applejack and Sunset Shimmer and they both fell to the floor as Fluttershy landed on top of them, but they both got back up just fine. But as for Lightning, Cold Wind managed to grab him by the tail before he could escape, he then held him tight as he took off and flew towards the doorway. “HELP!” Cried Lightning as he and Cold Wind disappeared into the hallway. “Hang on, Lightning!” Called out Smolder as she then flew after them, “I’m on my way!” “Wait Wait Smolder, come back, he’s stronger than you!” Ocellus shouted trying to stop her, but it was too late, Smolder was already in the hallway trying to save Lightning. Ocellus let out an annoyed groan before she and the young four all ran off to catch up with Smolder and also to save Lightning. “Cold Wind’s getting away with Lightning Twister!” Pinkie Pie cried as Oliver placed Flurry Heart onto his back. “That’ll be difficult for him,” he said before looking at Constantine as he looked at him back with both serious looks on their faces. “Looks like we’ll have to launch our backup plan.” Constantine nodded in agreement before they both ran off. > Chapter Eleven > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cold Wind was flying down the hallway as fast as he could while still keeping a hold of Lightning as he struggled to break free. Meanwhile, behind him, the Young Six were flying and running as fast as they could to catch up to Cold Wind and save their friend. “Smolder, help me!” Lightning cried. Smolder was getting closer as she flew nearer to the child abuser and her boyfriend. “Don’t worry, Lightning! I’m almost there!” Just as soon as she finally got near them, she then smacked Cold Wind across the hoof that he was holding Lightning in. “OW!!” Shouted Cold Wind as he let go of Lightning as Smolder quickly caught Lightning with her claws as she stopped flying, landed on the ground carefully and bringing Lightning to her chest and held him tightly so Cold Wind couldn’t take him. Cold Wind turned round and was about to fly towards them until Yona jumped on top of him as he landed hard on the ground as she got off of him. Cold Wind, however, manage to get back up again as he saw the Young five standing in front of Smolder and Lightning with angry looks on their faces. “Smolder, get Lightning out of here,” Gallus said to her before turning back to Cold Wind with an angry look on his face, “Leave the kid alone!” Gallus then flew towards him as he pinned his face down to the ground making him moan in pain while Smolder quickly flew off with Lightning still in her arms. Smolder spotted an empty room at the end of the hallway as she quickly flew towards it, opened the door, went inside and closed the door as she sat down and began to comfort her coltfriend as he was still scared and shaking in fear with tears running down his face. “S-Smolder, I d-don’t w-want Daddy to t-take m-me away again,” said Lightning as he buried his face into Smolder’s chest as she began to gently stroke his back with her claw. “Shhh Shh Shh Shh Shhh.... it’s okay sweetheart,” Smolder whispered in his ear, “It’s okay, I’ve got you.” Just then, the empty room door swung open to reveal Cold Wind growling furiously at Smolder and Lightning with a pipe in his right hoof. “This time, I’m really gonna teach you not to ruin my life!” He said cruelly as he levitated the pipe in the air ready to attack Lightning with it, “And I’ll make sure that dragon gets some too!” “Momma!” Lightning cried as he continued to hide his face in Smolder’s chest. Just as soon as Cold Wind was about to hit Lightning with the pipe, he felt the pipe not moving as he tried to move his hoof down to where Lightning and Smolder were. He turned his head round and saw the pipe was in an ink black grasp as he then saw Oliver, with Flurry Heart on his back, and Constantine looking angrily at him. Oliver then took the pipe out of Cold Wind’s hoof with his magic as he levitated it towards him and then bent it in half as it broke into two pieces before he magically threw them behind him. Constantine’s hand started to glow dark golden grasp as it made a fire circle around the four as Smolder flew away with Lightning in her arms as she landed near the fire circle with Oliver and Constantine in it. Just then, the ceiling began to collapse as a big hole was now shown in the ceiling as parts of it began to fall down and break. “We could use some help here!” Constantine said up to the hole in the ceiling. All of a sudden, the inner demons of Oliver, Capper, Fluttershy and Constantine came crawling from the darkness in the ceiling. “Heerrree's Johnny!” Said the Constantine inner demon while the other inner demons jumping from the hole in the ceiling. They manage to land on the ground safely as they started to climb onto Cold Wind and attack him as he tried to get them off him, but they keep climbing back onto him and continue to attack him. “W-What is t-this?!” Cold Wind asked in scared and fear as more inner demons climbed onto him. “You were so afraid of Fluttershy and Ink Bendy,” said Oliver, “Well how about our inner demons as well?!” The inner demons continue to fall, crawl, climb and attack Cold Wind as he quickly flew into mid air and flew past them and the three as he tried his best to escape the castle. But then, as he continue to fly away, he bumped into a not so happy Shining Armor as he glared at the child abuser. Cold Wind began to sweat as he had no idea what was gonna happen next, until Shining said, “This is for trying to kill my son.” Shining then punched Cold Wind in the face really hard making him fall to his left side and pass out on the floor as Constantine magically made the fire circle disappear while Oliver and Flurry Heart looked at their father in shock, they’ve never seen their dad do something like that before. “Has dad ever done something like that before?” Oliver asked his sister. Flurry Heart shook her head while saying, “Uh-uh!” “Guess that’s both of us then.” Smolder, still carrying Lightning in her arms, walked towards Capper and Fluttershy as they walked towards her. They stopped near each other as Smolder held Lightning near Fluttershy before she gently took him out of Smolder’s claws and brought him into a warm embrace hug as Capper joined in too. “Oh Lightning, my sweet little boy, are you alright?” Lightning nodded his head for a yes before looking at his special somedragon and the Young five that just appeared a few seconds ago. “Thank you for saving me you guys,” said Lightning. Silverstream stroked his back before saying, “You’re welcome, sweetie. We would never let him take you away, and like I said before, Cold Wind would have to answer to us before he could get to you.” “And we never break our promise on being there for you,” Sandbar added. “Yona so happy little pony’s safe!” Yona said happily. Luna and a couple of guards took Cold Wind away while the others remain in the hallway. “Oh Lightning,” began Fluttershy as she suddenly remembered something, “I got some news to tell you that I think you’re gonna love.” “Really? What?” Lightning asked with interest. “Well,” started Capper, “I decided to move in with you and Fluttershy, so we can be one big family without trying to find days to visit each other. And, we’re planning on getting married soon.” Lightning let out a gasp of happiness as tears of joy started to stream down his face. “Really?!” The two nodded their heads in response as Lightning began to hug them both again while the others watched the happiness they were seeing from Lightning, Fluttershy and Capper. “Looks like there’s two weddings I’ll be helping out with,” Lightning said as he continued to hug his parents. Fluttershy giggled before saying, “Yes you do, sweetheart. Yes you do.” “So what’s gonna happen to Cold Wind now that we’ve captured him?” Ocellus asked. “Let’s not worry about that now,” answered Applejack, “Let’s just enjoy the happiness we’re seeing right now.” And so they did, as Fluttershy and Capper continue to hug Lightning while gently rubbing his back as Lima’s beautiful moon shine upon them all. > Epilogue > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- In Tartarus, where it’s so quiet now. A blue portal opened in the middle prison cage mountain as Luna and two royal guards came through and placed a cage, with Cold Wind in, onto the ground before jumping back into the portal and it then closed. Cold Wind began to bang on the bars of his cage before stopping after ten hits. He then sat down and tried to think of a way he could break the cage and escape. Just then, he heard a strange and evil voice that can be heard from the darkness behind his cage. “So you got locked up in here by those ponies, huh?” Cold Wind turned his head round to look at the darkness behind him for nine seconds before a blue goat head, with yellow eyes, white eyebrows, short white mane, dark blue horns on his head and a tiny blue beard on his chin, appeared from the darkness. “Want revenge?” He then let out an evil grin on his face as he continued to look at Cold Wind. The End? Ashleigh Ball - Applejack & Rainbow Dash Shannon Chan-Kent - Smolder Devyn Dalton - Ocellus Taye Diggs - Capper Andrew Francis - Shining Armor Ian Hanlin - Sunburst Lauren Jackson - Silverstream Gavin Langelo - Gallus Andrea Libman - Fluttershy & Pinkie Pie Britt McKillip - Princess Cadence Nicole Oliver - Princess Celestia Katrina Salisbury - Yona Kelly Sheridan - Starlight Glimmer Rebecca Shoichet - Sunset Shimmer Tabitha St. Germain - Rarity, Princess Luna, Flurry Heart & Lightning Twister Tara Strong - Twilight Sparkle Vincent Tong - Sandbar Cathy Weseluck - Spike Doc Harris - Grogar Oliver Churchill - Oliver Sparkle Matt Ryan - John Constantine Jenna Coleman - Princess Amore Burt Ward - Vincent the Purple Guard & Register Pony Patrick Fabian - Cold Wind