> Rockabye Dragon
>  by L Drkheart
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> The Royal Pain
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Celestia sipped at some tea as she waited for the coming announcement. She wasn’t one to downplay her achievements or her responsibilities as the Princess of Equestria but she had recently found a role that she felt much more personal pride in. That joy that caused her heart to swell with pride and love which she had not felt since… well a long time, returned when the announcer pony cleared his voice and stood proudly while making his voice boom in the throne room. 
“Presenting Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, Prince Noctis Noir Blueblood, and…” The pony checked outside the door just in case and after ensuring that no other ponies were there he continued. “Honorable Prince Spike Dracon Solaris!” Celestia knew that two of the three hated their official names and titles but Blueblood insisted on it as they were traditional and he simply enjoyed being declared like that. Cadence and Blueblood walked in with a small bundle of blankets wrapped up on Cadence’s back. 
“Good afternoon Auntie.”
“Pleasant afternoon Princess.” Celestia smiled gently at the two, Cadence’s more common background showing in how normal she was with the princess while Blueblood was always told by his family that he should treat her with respect in public, even if she told him so many times that it wasn’t necessary. 
“Good afternoon you two, where is Spike?” The question made the two glance at each other in a nervous fashion before Cadence motioned to the bundle on her back. Celestia nearly giggled at the childish glare that the two shared before Cadence stuck her tongue at him and turned back to her.
“Oh, Spike? He umm got a cold and so we wrapped him up to make him feel better. I’m sure the little guy is too tired to talk, you know how he gets!” Celestia raised an eyebrow while giving her an unbelieving stare. If she was going to be princess material and rule over her own kingdom someday, Celestia would have to teach her niece how to lie. She turned her gaze to Blueblood who to his credit had a better poker face than Cadence but it shattered just as fast.
“Y-yeah the poor drake worked all night on his studies that he must have overdone it some…” Celestia blinked as every pony in the room knew that Spike would do whatever it takes to get out of his lessons. Using her magic to bring the bundle to her, she watched as it came undone and a small doll with button eyes and blue and white pants appeared falling out. She looked back at the two who immediately turned on each other. “Now auntie, I know how this looks but… the doll was Cadence’s idea.”
“What?! Like you had a better plan? You thought that we should have just pretended we didn’t know who Spike was!”
“More believable than a dragon getting a cold! His room is like a sauna!” Celestia giggled a bit to herself, watching the two fight like old siblings even though Cadence had only been part of their family for around three years and Blueblood only started staying at the castle around one year back. They were both enormous helps as the princess was as busy as ever and Spike had just turned five not too long ago and needed to be watched over. 
“I must teach you two to lie better but the matter at hoof is where’s Spike?” The two played with their hooves not wanting to look the princess in the eyes. Celestia sighed shaking her head as she put two and two together. “You two lost him again? How is it that hard to keep one dragon under control?” 
“W-well princess I must say that I’m a-amazed at how quickly dragons mature! The little tyke already figured out how to unlock his door and how to trick us making sheets look like he is still in bed.”
“I actually agree with Blueblood, even Twilight isn’t as bad as he is when I’m foalsitting her. Spike is just too much sometimes. I don’t know how you handled him the years we weren’t around.”
“Easy, I gave him all the love I could in every spare moment I had while continuing my duty to the ponies of Equestria. Oh, come on you two that’s just nonsense my little sunshine is the sweetest dragon in the entire world! You just have to listen to what he wants sometimes.”
“Princess… we all know what he wants but you told us why we can’t give that to him. It’s just not safe and he is a sweetheart but also a bit… mischievous.”
“How so?”
“He was asked to write an essay on how balloon travel worked and made a mini hot air balloon out of paper instead.”
“That’s just being creative.”
“He was training in proper etiquette but failed the exercise on purpose over and over to keep getting more gems put in front of him.”
“He must have been hungry, a growing dragon needs his food after all.”
“He put itching powder in my powder dispenser!” Blueblood stated remembering how uncomfortable that day was.
“Actually Bluey, he only did that after he was dared by some guards as they were questioning why you even had foal powder and wondered where you wore it,” Cadence remembered overhearing the guards laughing about it when the word got around the castle.
“You know I hate that name Amora~. Why everywhere, of course, it makes your skin much softer and easy on the eyes.”
“Ugh that sounds worse than Bluey. Wait, that doesn’t make sense we have fur.”
“True but you never know when a mare may want to touch all of this greatness, I’m always prepared.” Cadence rolled her eyes and made a gagging motion as Blueblood used his magic to look at himself in the reflection of a mirror. “Besides you see how perfectly white my coat is? We aren’t all blessed as the princess, some of us have to work on our fur to keep it this amazing.” Cadence gave Celestia a look which she returned in full before giggling and shaking her head at her charges.
“Yes… well, where is my little sunshine if he isn’t with you two?”
“I sent the guard out to find him again and I have full trust they’ll do it!” Cadence proudly stated making Blueblood smirk at her.
“Hmm, more like you have trust in one guard, in particular,~” Cadence blushed and stomped over to him, pointing her horn at him threateningly.
“I will end you Bluey.”
“Enough you two, let’s go find Spike and Cadence’s prince charming.” Celestia giggled again at the blush growing on Cadence’s face as the three left the throne room. “Those two always seem to find trouble no matter where they go.”
.   .   .
“Shiny hurry up!” Shining Armor sighed as they traveled deeper down into the castle’s basement levels. He had found the small drake trying to unlock the door to the basement but was unable without height or magic. Shining was going to take him right back to Cadence but the little dragon had been getting lessons from Blueblood on the art of negations and had one trump card over the stallion. Shining would like to say he was the bigger man when it came to a deal with a five-year-old but he was leading him into the dungeon. 
“I’m coming I’m coming! You know we’re not allowed down here! I’m still just a regular private! If we get caught-”
“I will say that your prince ordered you down here against your will.”
“I can’t let you do that besides I was given an order to bring you back, why do you even want to see this place?”
“It’s one of the few in the castle I haven’t seen. I’ve been everywhere in this place, I want new sights!”
“You aren’t allowed to leave the castle you know that my Prince,” Spike grumbled and pointed at Shining. 
“Don’t start acting like everyone else Shining, you know I’d rather be called by my normal name. I know I’m not allowed to leave… I just want to see the Moon Room.” 
“Which is forbidden by your mother who is the ruler of the land! She’ll have my head for this!”
“Oh please, she hasn’t executed a pony in like a thousand years or something. You’d be banished to the moon or turned to stone or something.”
“And how is any of that much better? Why did I agree to help you again?”
“Because you have a thing for my sister and you wanted me to do her work and get Blueblood out of the way next Tuesday so you two can go see the Wonderbolts show in town. I wish mom would let me do something like that...” Shining Armor put a hoof on the young dragon’s shoulder. 
“You know she does everything for a reason, she only wants to keep you safe.”
“I know but I can’t be kept locked up here forever… I just wish she would let me go out once to prove that I can be trusted.” Shining sighed and smiled gently at his charge before they went on their way deeper into the depths of the castle. Cadence told him of Spike’s wants and how much he longed to see the outside world but danger would be waiting the moment he took that first step and Celestia had become too attached to the young dragon. If something were to happen to him, Shining shivered at the thought.
“So what do you know about the Moon Room?”
“Nothing! I’ve questioned the guards and looked through every book in the library I thought would help but nothing mentioned such a place. I asked mom once but she just said that the past was locked behind it.” They reached the darkest part of the castle where even the rats dared not venture. An icy draft hit the two and made them shiver as ahead stood a door with no knob or lock, just a blue door marked with a giant gold crescent moon with eyes marked above the doorway. Power seemed to seep from the door as the two stared and felt fear deep in their hearts for the unknown ahead. Spike took a step forward with Shining following until the eyes above the door glowed a light blue and glared at the two. 
“Spike move!” Shining pushed back Spike as he powered up his shield and the two were tormented by a pained scream as a black shadow erupted from the eyes and took the form of a shadowy pony with the eyes being the only thing that had any form or definition. 
“You… CELESTIA!!” The shadow lunged at Shining who kicked Spike back before pulling out his blade and sliced the shadow in two but it just laughed a cruel and humorless cackle before attacking him again but the unicorn sliced and blocked any from getting close until the shadow had become ten shadows and all surrounded him. “Do you not see?! What you did to me?! The fault lays with you and you alone! You and your need for the throne! Do you regret the pain that you caused me?! You stole my life!” Shining didn’t know what the shadows meant as they shouted at him and attacked at once, with each strike he blocked with his sword and shield another would connect with his face or leg but he would not buckle as he bucked two away and threw his shield up before striking it with magic so it reflected the spell and knocked away several other shadows. 
“I don’t know what you are but you will never hurt the Princess or Spike!” He fought the two still standing with Spike hiding behind the doorway and crying at seeing how he had gotten Shining Armor into a fight and was getting him hurt.
“S-Shining… Mommy…” He turned to run for his mom but was scared that Shining wouldn’t last that long, turning back he steeled his courage and saw one shadow reaching for Shining’s leg but it was destroyed as Spike blasted fire at it. “No! I will not run away!”The remaining shadows got up and faced Spike as he trembled and tried to look tough. 
“No! Spike run!!” Spike froze under the shadow’s stares and closed his eyes as they jumped at him but light flooded the room and the shadows died with a scream as they fused back into one and retreated back into the eyes. Shining huffed as he turned and bowed his head, Spike being confused for a moment before he turned to see Celestia standing with her horn glowed and looking down at them with a disapproving stare. “P-Princess… I’m sorry. I escorted the young prince down here and I take full resp-” Spike cut him off and shook his head while looking down.
“No! Mom I made him take me down here because I wanted to see the moon door because it was the one part of the castle I haven’t seen. I didn’t know that it was so dangerous… I was being dumb and could have gotten Shiny hurt… I’m so sorry…” Spike was sobbing when he finished and covered his eyes before he felt a hoof pull him and he was met with the soft coat of his mother as she shushed him and held him against her barrel, having to sit down to do so. 
“I’m disappointed in you both, you know that this door is restricted and you mister dragged Shining into this also. You are lucky that he is such a promising trainee or he could be seriously hurt.” Spike cried more into her coat before she made him look up and she nuzzled her face with his. “But right now I’m just glad that you are safe my little sunshine, I never want to see your cute face so fearful. It breaks my heart seeing you like that.” She rubbed his back and looked up to see Cadence checking Shining for wounds while chastising him for his actions and Blueblood helping him keep his balance and making some jokes at his expense. “Blueblood, Cadence take Shining Armor to the nurse’s room and get him fixed up while I talk to Spike alone.” The little dragon sniffled and looked at his siblings as they gave him a sad look but obeyed and left, but Spike stopped them before that.
“I-I’m so sorry Shiny…”
“I know you are Spike, but don’t worry I’m okay and I should thank you. I may have gotten more hurt if you didn’t hit that shadow with your fire. I’ll see you soon okay?”
“Promise?”
“Promise.” Spike smiled and hugged the guard before looking at Cadence and Blueblood. 
“I’m sorry to you two too… I shouldn’t have run away…” Spike found himself in a hug as Cadence smiled and held him close, just happy that her two guys were okay.
“Just don’t do something that dumb again, you aren’t like these two Spike.” The two stallions complained to the young princess as she and Spike laughed and he hugged her. He looked at Blueblood and held his arms out to the prince who only scoffed before looking again and saw the puppy eyes Spike was giving him.
“Okay, I forgive you and you two do make this place a lot more interesting than the other times I visited.” They pulled him into their hug as he tried to escape. Celestia smiled before she took Spike and escorted the group out of the dungeon and took her son to her room. He was holding his tail against his chest and sucked on his thumb as he had a tendency to do when he was scared.
“Spike, I know it’s hard for you to be locked away in this castle for all your life and I’m sorry that I can’t always be the mother you deserve. I know that there are times where I seem unfair to you but know that I truly care and love you and I don’t want you hurt.”
“Mommy you rule over all of Equestria and Nurse Sweetheart told me that that’s a lot! You can’t always be worrying about me… I’m sorry I keep making you… I know you love me and are just trying your best. I’ll do better to listen more next time so you don’t have to.” She hugged him again and held him to her chest as she laid back on her bed and sighed. 
“I’d never stop worrying about you Spike, a real mom is always scared for her baby. I know that you want to go see the world but you aren’t ready… I’ll tell you what, in a few months is the Summer Sun Festival here in Canterlot. If you are good then maybe I’ll let you go see it.”
“Really!? Oh, thank you thank you thank you!!” She giggled and covered his mouth for a moment.
“Buuut you have to prove that you are mature enough for something like that so try to focus more on your studies okay? I know how boring they can be but they are meant to teach you how to be the best drake you can be. I know that you’ll be the best prince you can be.” Spike nodded and hugged his mom, happy everything turned out okay. “Tomorrow, however, you will be grounded and no desserts for a week.”
“Awww but mooooommy.”
“Don’t make it two weeks mister.” Celestia boop her nose against the dragon’s making his twitch and he let out a tiny sneeze and a small flame. She giggled and checked the time before putting him down and going to a window to lower the sun and raise the moon. Spike watched her and yawned as night fell but he saw Celestia staring at the moon longer than needed. 
“Mommy, is the moon scary? Are there shadows there like there was in the door downstairs?” Celestia turned to her son as his eyes held curiosity and innocence, something that reminded the princess of a forgotten time. She smiled and laid down with him. 
“No, the moon is a beautiful and majestic thing that's light shines among the stars of the sky instead of drowning them out as my sun does. The moon is powerful and ever-changing but somehow you can always count on it to be there. The shadows you saw were ones born from the greed, anger, and despair of a single pony I once ignored and I failed to save. I wish I could ensure that you would never have to face such things but I know that you have a bright destiny and one day you will be forced to fight. I only wish that you will have the strength to win.”
“I won’t let any shadow hurt you mommy… you, Cadence, Shiny, Blueblood… I’ll protect you all… I promise.” Spike nuzzled against her as he fell asleep and Celestia kissed his forehead before looking back at the moon.
“Dearest sister… I wish that I could go back… that I could have you here by my side as well… in a few years time, the stars will free you and Equestria will face eternal night but I feel the harmony has been reborn somewhere in this world. I will not fail you again and I will not fail him. He is so much like you… he became my second chance, one that I stole.” Celestia teared up a bit as she held her son and whispered a sweet lullaby in his ears.
> A Breath of Fresh Air?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Wait… what?” Spike stared open-jawed at his sister’s smiling face as she bounced in place out of excitement while Shining looked nervous at how eager for this Cadence seemed to be. “You want to sneak me out with you two to see the Wonderbolts show?!”
“Shhh!!! Keep it down you two! If the princess finds out we’ll all be in deep trouble! My mom will have my tail if I get into trouble again!!”
“Oh relax Shiny, Aunt Celestia is going to be pretty busy with the ambassador from Yakyakistan so we can go, see the show, and get back and she’ll be none the wiser.”
“Are you sure about this Cadence? I mean you almost never go against mom and this is breaking a really big rule…” Cadence nodded and moved close to her brother.
“I know right?! I feel so bad! This force of rebellion can not be stopped! I will eat a carrotdog and put all the messy condiments on it! HAHAHA!!” Spike and Shining stared at the princess in fear and Shining looked at Spike, mouthing the words save me.
“Umm… Cadence are you… in your hyper week?” The hyper week was the name that Cadence and Celestia came up with when the Princess of Love would get moody or strangely lock herself away for a while. The hyper week would occur around every month or so and Shining Armor would always be really sick around this time.
“What?! Nooo of course not my little dragon, I feel fantastic!! Why do you ask?!” Spike opened his mouth but Shining shook his head fearfully and he looked back at his sister. 
“B-because you’re just so cool! I’d love to join you two but mom will know I’m outside if the town sees a dragon walking around.”
“I have thought of that~” Spike shivered at Cadence’s tone before she grabbed the two and pulled them out of Spike’s room. She pulled them to the other side of the castle where a piano could be heard being played expertly. The music got louder as they approached a door and Cadence kicked it open, making Blueblood shriek and jump as he spilled powder all over his face and eyes. He rubbed at his eyes and hit his bed as he tried to crawl under it.
“No please don’t hurt me! I’ll play louder! If you’re a robber take my clothes, just not my hats! Please! Or my conditioner, I imported that from the Griffonstone! Auntie Celestiaaaa!!” The three blinked seeing the prince in such a state but Cadence frowned.
“We don’t have time for this, BLUEY!” 
“Cadence? You’re robbing me?”
“We came for your help not to rob you.” Shining, however, was looking into the prince’s enormous closet and pulled out a black suit that had blue trimming.
“Ooo but if I say I’m robbing you, can I have this suit?” Blueblood crawled out from his bed and scoffed at Shining while cleaning off his face.
“No, do you know how many bits I spent on that suit?”
“Nope and I feel my wallet crying even before hearing the number.”
“Stop it you two! Blueblood we are planning to take Spike out with us to see the Wonderbolts show, do you have something we can disguise him in?”
“You, miss goody-four-shoes, are going to break the biggest rule that the princess ever told us and you want me to help?”
“Yes.”
“No no no no thousand times no! You’re crazy if you think I’m gonna get in trouble for you.” Blueblood turned away and sat on his bed with his nose up in the air. Cadence walked to him, her glazed over look vanishing as she relaxed a bit. 
“Look I know we don’t always see eye to eye and I may not be the soundest mood right now.”
“Great start.”
“But, we both love Spike and we want to give him a time he’ll never forget. Please Blueblood, I’m asking as your sister, not as a princess…” Blueblood opened his eyes as he saw how hopeful and filled with love, her eyes were. He looked at Shining who was smiling gently and had put the suit back before walking to Cadence and rubbed her back in an approving fashion. Lastly, he looked at Spike who was holding his tail and staring at him with big green eyes. He felt his heart lose his defenses as he knew his parents would never approve of this, but this was for family.
“Fine… I got a signed Wonderbolt outfit from when I was little somewhere in the closet. He can wear it for today and he should look like a pony as long as he stays on all fours.” Cadence jumped and ran into the closet while Spike ran over and hugged him tight while thanking him over and over. Blueblood chuckled and ruffled the dragon’s spines. “You owe me for this Spike, I expect you to come in for your piano lessons and you will eat my broccoli for a whole week.” He laughed at the disgusted face the small dragon had but he jumped off when Cadence called to him that she found the uniform. He ran over to try it, leaving Shining with Blueblood.
“You… are a really nice guy you know that?”
“No… I’m not. I’m a jerk to everypony who has ever tried to be friendly with me and pushed away my chances at ever having a good mare, unlike you. You are a trainee with potential to be a captain someday, you have a family that loves you no matter what, you have a sibling who adores you and most importantly to me, you have a real chance with my sister, you can be her knight in shining armor.” The two chuckled a bit at the pun but Blueblood got down from his bed and sighed. “I… wish I could have what you worked for. I was given everything and told to appreciate nothing… then those two arrived. One a baby dragon whose kind I was told to always fear and the other a common girl who was lucky enough to be a princess.”
“You are selling yourself short prince, I've been with Cadence enough to see whenever she or Spike drag you on an adventure you complain sure but that smile you have when you think no one can see. That is who you are.” 
“Maybe… I hope you’re right Shining and as much crap as I like to give you. I’m glad she made a good choice for once, you better treat her well or the princess will be the least of your worries.” The two nodded at each other before Cadence hopped out, dressed in a Wonderbolt outfit herself to disguise her wings, and announced the pony, Wonder Bolt! The two facehoofed as Spike walked out on all fours, his claws peeked out from the uniform and his head looked a bit funny from his spines being pushed down. 
“How do I look?!”
“Like a million bits heh,” Shining said while chuckling but then Blueblood hit him in the side as Cadence was giving them a glare.
“Okay Shining let’s go, Bluey… thanks, and if Auntie comes looking for us come up with something, you’re good at storytelling.”
“Nice way to call me a liar there.” The group left as Blueblood went back to his piano playing. As the music turned to a familiar tone close to his heart he decided he would go around the castle some later… maybe he’d try out the nice thing again…”
.   .   .
“I-I’m scared…” 
“Don’t be Spike, this door is a secret exit for the guards when one of us wants to escape guard duty, completely safe.”
“Not that… I’m scared of outside… I only ever seen it from the castle windows!”
“Aww don’t worry Spikey, we’ll be by your side every step of the way, you can ride on my back if you feel better that way.”
“Thanks, Cadence.” He climbed on her back and nuzzled her which made his sister smile. Shining led the way to a small door and unlocked it before they found themselves out on the edge of the gardens. She made sure Spike was okay, he was trembling as she took the first step out and then another and another. He opened his eyes as nothing had happened to him and he looked around at all the trees and animals that his mom had gathered from across Equestria. “I-I did it! I’m outside! Oh, my mom! She is gonna ground me for this… I’ll be grounded for five hundred years!” 
“Oh come on Spike she’d never do that. Would she?” Shining asked Cadence in a whisper as they began to walk to the stadium. 
“She did tell me that he wasn’t allowed to date until he was a thousand years old when it comes to Spike anything is possible.” The group walked through Canterlot and Spike hid the best he could in Cadence’s mane, his head and tail popping out as he looked around at all the sights. Luckily the nobles of the city weren’t too interested in the small group as there were many dressed like Wonderbolts for the show. 
“So how did you get these tickets Shining? Everything I ever heard about shows like this is that they are expensive.”
“Yeah they can be but my captain is a friend of one of the Wonderbolts and I bought some great seats off him. I umm… told him they were for a date to get them cheaper…” Cadence turned sharply at that and the two stared at each other, never before had they used that word to describe one of their outings but Cadence liked it. She was glad her mask hid her blush while Shining had to show his. They leaned towards each other when Spike popped his head between them. 
“Ooo is that the stadium?! It’s so much bigger than I thought!” They turned and looked at the big stadium where the Wonderbolts would be putting on the show. 
“Yep that’s it, I used to want to perform in a place like this, have all the ponies shouting my name.”
“Shining! Shining! Shining!”
“Heh just like that, but I decided that there were more important things to me like friends, family… a special somepony.” Cadence smiled and nudged the stallion.
“You wanted to be famous? What happened to the nerdy guy who hated attention back in school?”
“Nerdy?! I’ll have you know milady that I was a level fifty knight, back then, what’s cooler than a knight?” The group shared a laugh as they enter the arena, not noticing the group of masked ponies who were dressed in black robes and blue masks…
.   .   .
Blueblood gave another maid a smile but she only tilted her head and excused herself, causing the young prince to groan in anger. “Why is it so hard to be nice?! Why am I doing wrong? This isn’t fair!” He stomped in frustration before hearing something break behind him. “Ooo that sounded expensive…” He turned slowly to see a vase had fallen and he trotted in place as he looked around for witnesses or a way to cover up the crime. “Oh no oh no! Auntie Celestia is gonna be so mad!”
“How can I be mad when you actually called me auntie?” Blueblood jumped and turned to see Celestia smiling down at him.
“P-Princess! I’m so sorry! I was trying to be nice but everyone looked at me weird and I got so mad and the vase-” Celestia gently shushed him as she put her hoof over his mouth and giggled. 
“Relax, I know that you wouldn’t do this on purpose Blueblood.” He sighed in relief when he suddenly realized that she wasn’t at the meeting she was meant to be at.
“T-thank you, princess, umm weren’t you supposed to be meeting the representative from Yakyakistan right now? Can’t have you missing that!” He tried to push the princess but tired himself out after thirty seconds. She just rubbed his back for the valiant effort. 
“Actually I was meant to do that but the meeting had to be postponed so my afternoon is free and I was planning to spend it with Spike-”
“No! I mean… I was hoping to spend some time with you. Ever since I arrived I spent so much time with Cadence and Spike but barely any with you and none with just us…” Blueblood bit his lip as he realized what he said was the truth, he really hasn’t been able to spend any time with her and just at that moment, he realized that he wanted to. Celestia blinked as she couldn’t believe that she had been so neglectful of her blood nephew. She and Cadence would spend a lot of time together for her lessons and her being with Spike whenever she could have been the constant in her life for so long that she had forgotten the third charge she took care of. She hugged him and nuzzled his face a bit.
“Oh I’m sorry about this Blueblood, I never realized how much I ignored you.”
“It's okay auntie, I know that Cadence needs you to help guide her and Spike is your child and he is young so he needs you more than I ever do. I guess I was wondering… is there something wrong with me? I’ve been trying so hard to be nice to everypony but all give me weird looks and make me feel just… horrible…” He looked down but then smiled as Celestia sat down and hugged him.
“True they do need me but that isn’t an excuse when you do also. Believe it or not, I know a bit of what you are going through, everywhere I go ponies expect me to be the princess when all I want to be is a normal pony. These ponies have always seen you as the prince that your parents made you into and they aren’t used to the Blueblood that I know you were back then. The little colt that used to wear an eyepatch and went on daring adventures as a pirate captain named Blue Eye with his stuffy first mate, Mister Cuddles.” Blueblood blushed as he remembered his childhood and the times she would join him in his fantasy. “You are trying too hard to be something you’re not, I know you are a kind boy under all the pride but trying to force that part of you out won’t help. It needs to happen naturally and you’ll be just fine.”
“Thank you pri-auntie… I want to be better… seeing Shining and Cadence so close I wanted a connection like that with some pony. I want to find a mare that loves me for me instead of my name…”
“Well, if that is what you want then you have to be willing to let a girl in.”
“But how will I know it’s real… what if I get hurt? Is there a spell or something you can teach me?”
“Maybe but that wouldn’t be right, pain isn’t fun especially when it comes from the heart but love isn’t something that should be forced from magic. If you have to use magic to find out if someone really likes you then you shouldn’t be with that pony, if it’s real you’ll know.”
“Do you think I can be different than my family?”
“I think just asking that question makes you different.” They hugged and Blueblood thanked her before asking if they could go see a movie, she agreed, asking what he wanted to see. 
“The Power Ponies movie! I just got Spike into the series and we read all the comics!” 
.   .   .
“When is the show gonna start!? I can’t want any longer!” Spike turned away from watching Shining and Cadence arguing which Wonderbolt was best for the filly beside him. She was around his size, cyan in color with a messy rainbow mane. She was wearing a Wonderbolt costume and seemed to be in a grumpy mood. Spike chuckled making the girl turn towards him and get close to his face. “You got something to say, buddy?”
“N-no! Wait we’re buddies?” Spike held his claws together, hopeful that he just made his first friend. The girl gave him a strange look and then laughed.
“That’s a first, you’re a weirdo but one that likes the Wonderbolts like me so you’re cool. I’m Rainbow Dash, I’m gonna be the best flyer Equestria’s ever seen one day.” She jumped and fluttered in place with her parents cheering her on and making others look at her. She blushed and complained a bit but stared back at Spike, daring him to laugh. 
“That’s a pretty big goal there, shouldn’t you aim for something smaller?”
“Nope, if you don’t aim high then you’ll never get higher.”
“But what if you aimed too high? Aren’t you afraid of falling?”
“I’ve crashed time and time again. You can’t be scared of falling, it only matters if you can pull yourself back up and I keep getting back up because I know someday I’ll reach the top. I’ll get there!” She points at the Wonderbolts who just entered the stadium.
“I bet you will, you’re pretty awesome you know that?” Dash blinked and stared at the dragon again before smirking. 
“Of course I am, I’m me after all.”
“Can you sign my uniform I got signatures from the other Wonderbolts, why not one from a future one?” Rainbow nodded and asked her mom for a pen and began crudely writing her name on his side, making her mom giggle. Spike thanked her and told Cadence and Shiny he had to use the restroom before he left his seat. On his way back from his break, he saw the masked group and wondered if they were performers, maybe he could get them to sign an autograph for Blueblood since he made him stay home alone. He walked over to the door the group entered and lightly opened it to hear them talk. 
“Mikey is already laying the first charge, I’m laying mine on this floor, and Basket will lay his on the top floor. We have twenty minutes until they go off so lay them down and get other of here, no need to get caught running from the firework show.” Spike ran from the door as he thought hard about what they talked about and wanted to tell Shining as he thought it didn’t sound right. Apologizing as he pushed past ponies he grabbed Shining and Cadence pulled them with him away from the crowd and told them what he overheard. 
“Sounds like bombs… if we tell everyone it would cause a panic and they may make the charges explode early. If I try to get the guards it will take too long. We have to stop them ourselves, Cadence are you up for this?” The princess of love tore off her uniform and had her horn glowing brightly. 
“No pony threatens my brother and… boy who is a friend! You hunt down the one on this floor and I’ll go on the top floor then we’ll meet on the bottom.” The two nodded but Spike asked what he should do. “Go back to your seat, this isn’t a game Spike, these ponies are bad. I don’t want you getting hurt.” 
“But-”
“No buts, now go!” She flew to the next floor as Shining galloped away to find the first bomb. Spike pouted as smoke came from his nose, but bit his lip as he looked back at the crowd and then at the stairs leading below the stadium. Ponies are in danger and as a prince of Equestria… it’s my duty to protect them.” He ran down the stairs, not noticing the eyes that watched him. 
.   .   .
Shining raced around the entire stadium and cursed as he realized that he was just wasting time. He calmed himself and began running again, but this time looking for doors that led right under the bleachers as he guessed this shady group was trying to hurt as many ponies as they could. Just their luck that the first day they try to show Spike how good the world can be, they have to stop a bomb threat. If he didn’t know any better then he would think Celestia was playing a prank on them. He ran through the bleachers before noticing a sparkle in the distance, running faster he saw the mask and tackled the pony as they were sticking the explosive to one of the bleacher’s pillars.
“What in Tartarus?! Who the heck are you?”
“Buddy you chose the wrong day for this, my friend who happens to be a girl is in heat and driving me batty, my sister has been going on and on about every little fact she finds out about the princess, I’m supposed to be giving a tiny friend of mine a good time, and I’m hungry! You are under arrest for attempted terrorism and attempted murder. In the name of Celestia surrender or face me.”
“A guard huh? Well then, let’s see what they teach you in that castle.” Shining growled and wished he had brought his sword, having to only rely on his brute strength was not his favorite way of fighting. He swung and bucked at the pony, but he was bigger and knocked the hits away, countering with several of his own. “Not so tough without that armor are ya?” Shining jumped back up and tapped his hoof against the ground readying for a charge.
“Think kid, you’re tough but plenty of ponies are! You have something most ponies don’t have; brains. Use them and there isn’t a fight you can’t win!” His captain’s words reminded Shiny why he was as good of a guard as he was, he was smart and would think outside the box. He smiled as he rushed at the pony who steadied himself against a tackle but Shining jumped off the bleacher’s pillar and kicked the stallion in the face before dropping down and kicking his legs from under him. As he tried to get back up, Shining delivered several solid punches to the face before headbutting him and using his magic to blast the earth pony away. Shining watched his foe fall unconscious before cursing and rubbing his forehead.
“Owww no one wins with a headbutt ugh…” He looked at the bomb and put his strongest shield spell around it before making the spell smaller and smaller, crushing the bomb. “Okay, now to help Cadence!”
.   .   .
Cadence was not one for violence, she was raised on love and understanding of other creatures. It was the reason she was chosen to become an alicorn after all. However, for the first time, Cadence fully understood one of the lessons that Celestia had tried to teach her. Not all creatures, especially ponies, can be reasoned with. With more capacity for emotion, you get creatures much more dedicated to their reasons and those most dedicated would never stop. Cadence never wants to hurt anypony, but these were threatening not only her citizens but her family. That love for them turned into hate for the intruder whom she finally found flying high and connecting the bomb to the stadium. She rocketed towards the pegasus and tackled her, before blasting her. 
“W-what?! An alicorn!?”
“A very pissed-off alicorn and now you’ll see why you don’t buck with love!” Shining ran out from the stadium as the ground shook and a cloud of dust came from nearby, followed by an explosion in the sky that was drowned out by the cheers of the crowd. Shining coughed as he used his magic to make the dust vanish and found Cadence standing over a pegasus that was begging for death. “Hmph, let that be a lesson. Oh Shining! I suppose that your bad guy was beaten too?”
“Uhh… yeah arrested him and everything… are you okay?”
“Fantastic, I think we should get going to the last one I doubt this pony will be walking away anytime soon.” Shining glanced at the pony as Cadence pulled him away.
.   .   .
Spike walked deeper into the depths of the stadium until he was underground. Judging from the sounds, he must have been right under the Wonderbolts.
“Steel yourself, Spike, the Wonderbolts are counting on you.”
“On us.”
“On us… wait what?!” He jumped and found Rainbow Dash walking with him. “R-Rainbow? What are you doing here?! It’s dangerous!”
“Really? Well, good thing you got me here then. You’ll need all the help you can get and being a hero does sound pretty awesome!” Spike realized that he was wasting time and sighed, letting her go with him and explaining to her what they were looking for. She got mad that anypony was willing to attack her heroes and punched the air. “Ooo let me at 'em! I’ll give them one of these and one of those!” Spike smiled and led the way as they walked around until finally hearing something clang and a bit of cursing. The two raced toward the sound and found a unicorn who was using their magic to slam a walkie-talkie on the ground.
“Dammit, why aren’t they answering?! This timer is still ticking and I can’t stay down here any longer.” 
“Sorry, but you aren’t leaving either!!” Rainbow shouted as she ran at the unicorn and jumped on their face, punching and biting wherever she could reach. The unicorn screamed and threw Rainbow to the ground before aiming their horn and yelping as Spike bit their tail and they hit the ceiling above them. “Good one Spike!”
“I will not be stopped by children!” The unicorn lifted Spike and threw him hard into Rainbow Dash. The two groaned as the unicorn sent a small bolt of lightning at Spike, but Dash pushed him out of the way and screamed before fainting. Spike groaned and rushed the unicorn who easily dodged and tripped the dragon. “I’ve had enough. Say goodbye little one.” The unicorn levitated several sharp objects they had brought to break into the stadium in the first place and sent them flying at Spike, who covered his face with his arms. The unicorn smiled at the sound and began to leave when they heard something. They turned to a flame burning the left side of their mask and the face under it. They threw off the mask and glared at the dragon that was in front of them.
Spike’s uniform was torn in places and his arms had sharp objects embedded in them before he plucked them out. 
“Dragon scales, they come in pretty handy.”
“A dragon in Canterlot? Just who are you?” The unicorn looked at the time left and struck the floor between them with magic, making it collapse and vowing he’d meet the dragon again. Spike picked up Rainbow Dash and began to run away as the stadium above fell in and the Wonderbolts realized something was wrong, helping ponies escape in an orderly manner. Spike huffed as he wasn’t used to this, but thankfully Cadence and Shining were there to help him. Shining informed the Wonderbolts of the situation as Cadence looked over Spike and gave Rainbow back to her parents. They thanked Spike but he only smiled and said it was nothing. The three left as the last bomb exploded but thanks to the Wonderbolts, the bomb wouldn’t leave any lasting damage as it was buried under lots of rubble. 
The three heroes headed back to the castle tiredly as Spike yawned and told them he had a great day and asked when could they do it again. They laughed as they walked into the front door of the castle and an angry Celestia stood there with a guilty-looking Blueblood in her magic. The three all sighed, speaking in unison.
“Ooo… so close…”
.   .   .
In a far corner of Equestria, the unicorn bowed before their leader. “Sir the attack on the Wonderbolts failed due to a guard and the princess of love. I was also attacked by a filly and… a dragon of all things.”
“A dragon? In Canterlot?”
“The child seemed to have been in disguise, if I may, I believe that he may have something to do with the princess.”
“Hmm… good work, let’s see what we can find out about this dragon… he may yet prove useful to our master’s resurrection.”
> The Prince's Heart
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Prince Blueblood sat on his balcony as the sun began to slowly rise for the day. Below him, many ponies would be waking to begin their busy days and above him the princess would be preparing for a dull day of meetings and complaining nobles. Blueblood stared at the sun and let the warmth wash over his messy and unkempt morning mane and fur. This was a rare kind of morning for the prince, only happening once or twice a year. 
Memories flooded his mind as the warmth spread, they were of a young colt with a white coat and yellow mane who would run to the balcony excitedly as his beloved aunt would smile and raise the sun with him doing his best to help her. There was no dragon, no other princess in the world, it was just a boy and the only one that ever cared for him. 
‘Greedy’ Blueblood’s memories were interrupted by his own mind making him sigh.
“I know it is but… I miss those times where it was just her and I.”
‘What? Do you think you’re the only one who needs her? Spike and Cadence don’t?’

	“No… they need her more than ever but spending time with her last week made me remember how things used to be and… made me wish for those days. Felt good back then to have a family member who cared…”

	‘And your friends? Are they not family?’ Blueblood thought of Spike, Cadence, and Shining and found that he had no answer for the voice. He saw the local mailmare and decided that he might as well get the mail. He groomed himself enough for the morning staff in case they saw him and ended up bumping right into the servant that had the mail. 
“O-oh my apologizes, my prince. I was distracted.” The servant bowed which Blueblood allowed him up. 
“I guess we all are a bit tired this morning. Any letters for me?”
“One.” He passed over a letter that smelled like a perfume shop spilled all its product on it. Blueblood held the letter away with his magic and opened it, reading over the words before a frown appeared on his face and he tore the letter to shreds and threw the pieces to the sky. “M-my prince?”
“Clean this mess and tell the princess that I’m in my room should she ask!” Blueblood growled at the servant before storming back to his room as Spike was coming out of his room with a yawn and rubbing his eyes. 
“Hmm? Is something wrong with Bluey?”
“Prince Spike, we have a new maid joining the staff and you know your mother’s orders!” Spike rolled his eyes.
“No new hire is to meet me until one year of service I know.”
“Yes, so I will have to call for an escort my prince. Aren’t you still grounded also?” Spike smiled trying to look innocent which the servant only smiled at. “Head to the dining room sir and it seems as though Prince Blueblood isn’t joining you all today…” The dragon frowned and then noticed a shred of letter between his toes. 
“Oh I get it, it’s his ‘off day’” Once a day, every year Blueblood would be in a rage and ordered everyone to stay away from him and all his mail to be burned. During that time, he was worst to Cadence should she try to talk to him usually apologizing the next day. “Why does he always hate this day?” Spike asked himself as he arrived at the dining room where his mother and Cadence were already eating some pancakes. 
“Morning Spike!”
“Hello, my little fireball. How was your sleep?” 
“Okay, I dreamt I was in a sea of gems. Umm, so I saw one of the servants earlier and Blue’s not joining us today…” The princesses shared a look and Celestia sighed. 
“I see, I had forgotten what day it was. Cadence you have my permission to leave the castle today but you’ll have to write an essay tomorrow on the changes you feel through the day.”
“Aww, again auntie?”
“Every year dear, you never know and do try to avoid love spells this year.” Cadence blushed in embarrassment and nodded before going to leave the castle, sparing a moment to look in the direction of Blueblood’s room and sighed. Spike took his seat beside Celestia and picked at his jewel pancakes. “What is bothering you, Spike?”
“I was wondering why Blueblood hates this day so much? And why he seems to be angry at Cadence the most.”
“Oh he’s not truly mad at her but he holds a bitterness towards what she is on this day. He’s been like this for years but when Cadence arrived he felt like he had a pony he could blame his troubles on.”
“Troubles?”
“Do you know what day this is dear?”
“Umm… the fourteenth day on the second moon.”
“Yes, but do you know the importance of this day?” Spike racked his brain for the knowledge of holidays that his teachers taught him. 
“Heart and Hooves day!”
“Exactly. It’s the day where ponies spent time with and show how much they care about their special somepony. A day of great love throughout Equestria.”
“So why does he hate it?”
“Blueblood hasn’t always been the easiest pony to get along with and while he is better with you and Cadence with him, his position makes true relationships much harder to form.”
“What do you mean?”
“I’ve taught you that it is our duty to serve and rule the ponies of Equestria with fairness and love but there are some out there who will try to get close to you for your position instead of who you are. Blueblood’s parents have always pushed the fact that their son is single to every noble that they know has a daughter. On this day he receives dozens of letters all from ponies that he sees as trying to use him and this angers him.”
“So why hate on Cadence?”
“Cadence is the Princess of Love and since Blueblood can’t find anypony that loves him for himself he blames Cadence.”
“B-but Cady doesn’t force love!”
“He knows that and that his anger is misplaced but that doesn’t stop it from existing. Sometimes ponies and dragons can’t help their feelings and they take over the better parts of ourselves.”
“Is there a way to help him…”
“Blueblood must be willing to trust in someone first and that is a big step my little fireball. I have morning court to tend to so stay out of trouble and out of sight from the new maid at least for now. Let Blueblood rest best you can dear.” Celestia kissed Spike’s forehead and left for her duties while Spike finished his breakfast and thought about Blueblood. The stallion was a constant in Spike’s life, one of the ponies that he trusted above all else and even if he complained and argued, he had always stood by Spike. 
“If he wants a friend then I’ll make him a friend!” Spike declared and walked out of the dining room where he was surrounded and escorted by the royal guards. He decided that the first part of his plan would be to send somepony to Blueblood. He was escorted to the royal library where he looked up some books on friends and love but concluded on writing a friendship letter but after writing he realized that most of the staff knew his clawwriting so they were out until he looked at the guards around him. 
.   .   .
Scarlet Rose sighed as she stretched and popped her back. Maid work was a lot harder than she thought it would be but it would all be worth it in the end. She couldn’t believe how amazing Canterlot was and how expensive it would be but now she was working in the royal castle itself. Her ears twitched when she heard the familiar bell sound that signaled someone was sending down a letter from one of the shoots that were scattered throughout the castle. The letters were usually telling of a mess or job that needed to be done. Scarlet rolled her eyes and grabbed the letter with her magic. It bore the emblem of the princess. 
“Fine let’s see what the duty is now, hmm this letter…” It was different than the rest she had seen as it was crudely written as if the writer was still learning. “The princess must be busier than usual. Let’s see here… Miss Scarlet Rose as the newest member of our staff would you please attend to my nephew?” Scarlet frowned wondering why they would send the newest member of the staff to serve a prince. Shrugging it off she sighed and made her way to the north wing of the castle which was surprisingly empty except for some guards that were walking around as a group. She followed the vague instructions on the letter until she reached a door and knocked before she was answered by a shout. 
“Leave me alone! I’m not hungry!”
“Uhh hello? It’s Scarlet, the maid that the princess sent to attend to you whatever that means.”
“My aunt sent you?” The door opened and Scarlet had to blink as the stallion before her wasn’t the proud prince that the papers had shown from time to time. This stallion had puffy eyes that looked like he had cried while his suit was buttoned wrong and the tie was completely undone. His blond mane was messy and unkempt. He frowned and looked Scarlet over before reaching out a hoof. “Did she give you a letter or was it a verbal command?”
“Letter.” She passed over the letter which Blueblood snatched and read with his frown softening the tiniest bit but his eyes showed he was now much more confused. He recognized Spike’s clawwriting immediately but why had the dragon sent this maid to him?
“Who gave this to you?”
“It came from one of the castle shoots.”
‘Hmm, Spike’s no fool he knows he’s not allowed to be seen so he passed the letter off as coming from Aunt Celestia and sent this girl to me. Heh, I think Cadence’s mischievousness is rubbing off on the boy. He must have been worried about me…’ Blueblood sighed and walked into his room, leaving the door open which Scarlet decided was his way of giving her permission to enter. She found the light off and the room was in shambles with the only source of light being the glow-in-the-dark plastic stars that were on the ceiling. “I apologize for the mess and having to meet me like this… I hate how this day always affects me…”
“Not a big fan of Hearts and Hooves day either huh? Yeah, I know the feeling…” Blueblood glanced at this pony as he sat on his bed. She was a white unicorn with a short mane that was made of different shades of red and pink, her red eyes were kind and understanding with a tinge of sadness. “This day always reminds me of my parents… we used to do everything together…”
“I’m sorry… That can’t be easy especially for somepony so young.” Scarlet giggled which was a sweet sound that echoed through the silent room. 
“No need to make me sound so old prince boy, I’m still college-age what are you? Sixteen?”
“Seventeen.” 
“Then you’re just the age that having a mare in your room should be a big deal~” Blueblood found his voice missing as he blushed and Scarlet laughed at him. “Oh come on, it’s a joke prince boy. What do I have to do to see you laugh?” Blueblood smirked a bit.
“How about telling a good joke?”
“Ooo so the prince does have a sense of humor, hold the presses!” The two glared at each other before bursting into laughter. Blueblood laughed until he felt magic pulling at his hooves. 
“W-whoa whoa what’s going on?” 
“Well as cool as your room is, why not try going out into Canterlot? We can make fun of some of the ponies we see!”
“B-but my mane!” Scarlet rolled her eyes with a small smile. “Once a royal always a royal. Why not wear a disguise so you can walk around with a friend without the presses chasing you down?”
“Walk around… with a friend? We’re friends?”
“Well… yeah. What else would we be? If I didn’t like you I would have left.”
“Didn’t my aunt tell you to take care of me?”
“I’m not your mom if you want to help a pony they need to want to help themselves.” Blueblood bit his lip as he thought of her words, had he been just complaining for these years and pushing away the ones that care because he refused to try?
“Okay, let’s do it!” She smiled and grabbed a few things from his closet.
“First, I get to play dress-up with a prince.”
.   .   .
Spike was ecstatic when he saw Scarlet and a strange unicorn dressed in some kind of cloak leave the room and head to the front door of the castle. He wanted desperately to follow but the guards surrounding him shook their heads, reading his mind.
“We’re sorry sir but you know the rules, your mother would send us to the sun if something happened to you.”
“But I’ll be super duper good!” Spike tried his secret weapon that had fell goddesses, the puppy eyes. The guard that spoke took a single step back before trying to look away. “Pleeeeaseeee?”
“Back up!” One of the guards, a tall orange stallion with a blue mane and playful eyes walked over to the helpless guard and gently moved him before looking down at the prince. He smiled softly and took off his helmet, playfully placing it on Spike’s head.
“Nice try, you really are a smart one but I have a son who made me stronger in more ways than one. One of those ways was making the look no longer work on me. You’d like him, his name is Flash.” Spike frowned and fixed the helmet so he could see again but seeing the stallion made him smile and he sighed in defeat. 
“Okay you win, can you all at least escort me go to the astronomy tower?”
“As you wish my prince.” The tower was the second tallest point in the Canterlot, save for the princess’s own bedroom. Its entire dome ceiling could open up and expose the largest telescope in Equestria which was usually only used by scholars and the princess herself when she felt the want to see the moon come to her. Spike was in the room a lot more than the usual creature as his mother insisted that he train and be at least a bit knowledgeable in all that he could be so he’d be able to do whatever he would want. His teacher was the creator of the telescope and a very eccentric pegasus named Star Gazer that Celestia had allowed him to live in the tower. 
“Teach? You here?!” Spike put his hands on his hips as he knew the scatterbrained stallion was probably sleeping after pulling an all-nighter. As the dome was closed, there was little lighting the room except for the ceiling which had been enchanted so it would always be showing a meteor shower night sky. A tiny mountain of pillows was moving ever so slightly making Spike chuckle before he dug his hand into the softness until he reached something a tiny bit less soft. Giving it a slight tug showed the end of a deep blue tail poking out. Spike laid on the pillows and lightly blew a flame on the tail while waiting and he didn’t have to wait long as a screech filled the dome as the pegasus burst from the pillows and flew around in a circle. 
“Fire! There’s a fire!! My tail is on fire! I’m on fire!” Star Gazer panicked and hit his head on one of the hanging replicas of a planet, falling on his back. Spike wiped his eye and finished his laugh while he walked over to the pegasus and licked his fingers before swiftly destroying the tiny flame. Star opened one of his eyes when he felt the fire vanish and saw the smirking dragon and pouted.
“Not funny my prince, what if I flew into something flammable!?”
“You know my mom fireproofs everything that enters the castle after that time I had a bad case of the hiccups.” Star Gazer cringed at the thought of the bill for all the equipment he lost that day. 
“I try to not remember that, wait why are you here Spike? Is it Saturday already?”
“Nope, I just wanted to use one of your telescopes to look down at Canterlot.”
“Hmm, are we looking for something in particular?”
“Well, I wanted to do a bit of spying… I had set up a new maid to spend some time with Blueblood. I just wanted to see how things turned out” Star tapped his chin thinking if this was anything bad that he should be stopping but shrugged. He commonly ponywatched himself so he didn’t really have the grounds to judge his small ward. 
“Why not, I’ll go get a telescope.”
.   .   .
Blueblood felt strange walking the streets of Canterlot with no press or lovestruck fans following him, especially with it being Hearts and Hooves day. Scarlet had discarded her maid outfit at the castle and messed her mane up a bit. 
“You wouldn’t believe how tight a skirt can be, I mean my behind was crying out for release!” Blueblood blushed at how loudly she spoke and how she even gave her rear a rub. “I don’t know how you can live in those suits you seem to wear so much.”
“H-hey they make me look older and more royal!”
“But the princess doesn’t even wear stuff like that just her crown and gold hoof things.”
“Umm shoes?”
“No, they’re more like cuffs. So where should we go? Everything is half-off for couples so just pretend we’re together!”
“W-what?!”
“What? Do you think I have bits growing out of my wallet? Unless you wanna pay for me, I better warn ya though. I can eat a buffet like it’s nothing!” Blueblood glanced through his wallet and bit his lip before turning back to her.
“S-so half-off huh?” Scarlet burst into laughter.
“Oh my Celestia, you’re broke!”
“I-I am not! I’m just… been spending my money on very important items!”
“Like those Power Ponies figurines, I saw in your room?”
“They’re collectibles!! Let’s just eat here!” He hastily pointed at the closest location to change the subject.
“The Donut Palace? Hmm, I could use a good sweet right now, but you sure your delicate hooves can take a donut~?” Blueblood scoffed a bit with his chin up high.
“Please, I can take a bit of commoner food.” A pleasant scent assaulted Blueblood’s nose as he held the door open for Scarlet who rushed in and gazed around at all the dozens of different kinds of donuts with stars in her eyes. “Wow… I must admit that this is all pretty impressive!”
“Impressive? It’s awesome! I don’t know what I want to try!” Blueblood chuckled at the childish nature that Scarlet had when around sweets. She blushed at the sound and rounded on him. “What? Why are you laughing huh?” Blueblood held up his hooves in surrender.
“Just a crazy thought, go ahead and choose whatever you want. My treat.”
“I thought you were broke…”
“Well yeah but I have enough for some donuts.” She looked over the menu when she noticed something which made her smile and she slammed a hoof on the table they were sitting at. The whole shop looked at them as she declared and pointed at the owner of the shop, Pony Joe.
“We want to take on the Donutopia!” The other occupants gasped as Pony Joe walked over.
“Are you sure missy? It’s not a challenge to take lightly. Only one group ever finished.” Pony Joe said while pointing to a picture behind his register where a photo hung of three ponies. 
 	“Scarlet what are we doing?” Blueblood whispered as a crowd surrounded them. 
“We’re gonna take on the Donutopia! It’s a platter of every donut in the shop and we get thirty minutes to finish every one or we have to pay for each one.”
“W-we don’t have that many bits!”
“So all we do is win.” She winked at him and he walked over to the counter and looked at the picture of the only winners, surprisingly he recognized the winners. Shining Armor, Cadence, and a filly who must have been Shining’s sister. Shining looked sick as the two girls laughed at him. Blueblood felt a want to be beside them on the wall burn in him. He wanted to prove that he could do it too. 
“Okay, I’m ready to try it!” The crowd cheered as the two took their seats and soon Pony Joe brought them their platter. It was the size of a fully grown pony and dozens of colorful donuts teased them. 
“Ready… set…” Scarlet reached over and touched Blueblood’s hoof.
“We can do it.” He smiled and nodded at her.
“Go!” The two dug in instantly with Blueblood chomping down in a very unprincely way that would have made his parents faint. The very thought made him want to laugh and eat more. They had a good pace for the first ten minutes as they finished nearly half of the donuts but they were slowing down quick. Pony Joe provided them with milk to help watch down all the sweets. At the end of twenty minutes, Blueblood was full and groaned as he watched Scarlet eating but even she was taking a minute to finish one donut. 
“Ugh… no… I can’t keep going...”
“Hey come on buddy! Can’t give up yet!” Blueblood turned to see Shining Armor there with a smile. “You two are so close! We believe in you don’t we?” Cadence walked from the crowd and nodded with a cheer.
“Course we do! I say give it all you got.” Blueblood stared at the closest thing he had to a sister and saw Scarlet had finally stopped as she groaned. He reached over and patted her horn making her look at him. 
“I got this, trust me.” Blueblood drunk a glass of milk before shoving donut after donut into his mouth. The crowd was silent to see the stallion just destroying the platter with his speed and ferocity. As the timer neared its end Blueblood slowed down again with only determination pushing him forward. That determination ended as he fell holding his stomach with only one donut left on the platter. He tried to get back in his chair to reach it but couldn’t pull it off. He sighed and laid on his back and whispered an apology to Cadence and Shining. As the ring of the timer rung, Blueblood opened his eyes and found that not one donut was left on the platter. He blinked in shock when he turned to Scarlet who was holding the platter up and swallowed the last bite. The crowd cheered while Cadence and Shining helped Blueblood to his chair.
“Well that was some of the finest teamwork I ever have seen, you two certainly deserve the win! How bout that picture?” Blueblood couldn’t answer as he was afraid to throw up but Scarlet nodded and moved her chair next to his before putting an arm around him. Just as the camera was getting ready, she knocked down his hood and kissed his cheek. The crowd was silent again as it was revealed that the pony they had been watching was the prince. Blueblood finally did give up after the kiss with him fainting after the picture and Scarlet giggling. Seeing that it was getting late she winked at the shocked princess.
“Can you take him back to the castle for me princess? I need to rest after that.” Cadence shook her head getting back to her senses before giggling and nodding at her. 
“Fine but I think later we’ll need to get to know each other better.” 
“Fair deal…” Cadence closed Shining’s mouth as he was shocked that Blueblood had managed to win the challenge. She nuzzled her knight and gifted him with a small kiss on the cheek which brought him back to his senses and he blushed.
“I better take Bluey back to the castle, I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“R-right!” She took her cousin in her magic and walked him back. Above them, Spike crossed his arms. 
“Aww man, I missed everything! Well… Blue looks like he had a good time at least.” The young dragon looked up at the setting sun and smiled. “Now to find mom a friend!”
.   .   .
Spike finished brushing his teeth and flexed at the mirror with a smile. “Yep, I’m strong!”
“Still could use some work if you ask me~” Spike yelped and turned to see Blueblood there. “Spike I think we need to talk about that letter you gave to Scarlet.” Spike looked down and played with his claws.
“I’m sorry Blue… you just always seemed so sad this day I wanted to… to do something to make you happy…” Spike felt strong hooves wrap around him and pull him close. “B-Blue?”
“Thanks, Spike. I had fun today and I made a new friend. I couldn’t have asked for anything better I’ll try to talk to aunt Celestia to see if she would let you go out soon. You deserve it but keep up with your classes okay?”
“Promise! Thanks, Bluey!” The two hugged again with Cadence walking away from the door with a smile on her face. 
> The Princess's Guilt
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Again! You need to stay focused! Concentrate!” 
“I know I’m trying!” Celestia watched as Cadence trained against three of the Royal Guard Captains, flying flawlessly and dodging their tackles and blasts. One managed to hit her wing and she spun, making sure to smash into one of the guards and hold him up as the others blasted at her. She whispered a small apology before tossing the groaning stallion aside. She rolled and punched another in the helmet making her shake her hoof in pain. Turning she found the third captain had his horn at her throat. “Crud…”
“Sorry Princess you’re dead.” Celestia sighed giving the captain permission to take his colleagues to the hospital wing. Spike had been watching the whole training session, usually he would be hanging out with Blueblood or Shining but his Heart and Hooves day plan had backfired as his cousin had been spending more time out of the castle with Scarlet and Shining had training also. Cadence looked away from the princess as she walked up to her niece and student.
“Cadenza, why did you not use your horn to attack instead of getting close to your enemy and leaving yourself open?” Cadence kept looking away but now looked hurt at Celestia’s disappointed tone. 
“Y-you know why…” Celestia blinked, realizing what she was doing to her niece, she was repeating a past mistake that had pushed away a student before. She was being a teacher with no love. She gently kneed down and hugged her. 
“I’m sorry Cadence, I know it’s hard sometimes but I’m not trying to punish you by doing this. Admitting our problems is the first step to fixing them.” Cadence nuzzling her aunt’s chest before taking a deep breath and nodding. 
“I… I’m not used to my horn yet… even after all these years of training I still can’t make it do what I want all the time… I’m sick of trying only to fail… I’m no fighter. No leader like you, I use my magic to calm the heart but all this sparring feels… wrong…”
“You were born a pegasus, flying is part of who you are but since you became a princess this horn is too. Fillies take years to be able to simply turn the page of a book with magic but I’ve been expecting you to master advanced magic so quickly. I’ve forgotten what it’s like to be new to this. No, you aren’t me and maybe I shouldn’t be forcing you to be but you must understand that as a princess fighting is unavoidable. You have so much power and potential but I should remember that you are still just a young girl. I have been pushing you so much out of misplaced fear and and I’m sorry for that.”
“I-it’s not your fault!” Celestia smiled and messed up Cadence’s hair.
“I’m not sure about that, I see now that I am forcing something that must come in time. You told me that you managed to beat that stranger who attacked you, Spike, and Shining at that stadium. There you used your magic right?”
“Yes… but there I did it out of instinct and the horn obeyed. I was…”
“Protecting things you loved, love is what your magic is. You are part of a very special lineage where love has always been their strongest power. All those who came before you have passed onto you a great gift and a burden. Becoming a princess at your age was something I could never have foreseen but I know that you will one day become a princess who will become the brightest light in the darkness.” 
“I’m not ready…”
“No, you are not but you don’t have to be. Do not forget my little one that you are never alone. Never forget that we will always be by your side to help, isn’t that right Spike?” Celestia asked smiling over at her son who jumped at being mentioned but smiled quickly and rushed to the one he loved as a sister. 
“Yep! I’ll always be by your side! I love you!” Cadence giggled and nuzzled the dragon’s head. 
“I know, thank you Spike and thank you Auntie. I’ll do my best and make you proud.” Celestia nodded and smiled at the small display. Their moment was taken as an aide rushed in apologizing to Spike and Cadence before whispering to Celestia and she sighed before nodding. 
“Very well, I shall handle it. I’m sorry my little ones but something urgent has come up. I’ll be back by tonight, Cadence you’re in charge of Spike while I’m gone.” 
“W-what?! But I’m big enough to watch myself!”
“You heard her Spike.”  Cadence giggled at Spike’s pout and the two waved as the princess flew away. “Hmm well seeing that we have the rest of the afternoon off what should we do?”
“We can sneak into Blueblood’s room and play with his action figures, putting them into other poses to mess with him.”
“Heh it’s like talking to a younger me. Let’s go then.” Spike happily climbed onto the Princess’s back while they flew to Blueblood’s room. “How have your lessons been going Spike?”
“Okay, I’m learning to drum now and I can write a lot more than just my name now! Ink told me soon I’ll be writing my own books hehe. Mom said that she’ll teach me to cook soon.”
“Wow, they really keep you busy don’t they? Spike, are you happy here? How do you deal with how lonely it must be here? I go crazy after a few days and that’s even with school and stuff.” Spike tapped on his chin in thought.
“I guess… I am happy. I do want to go see the world and become a hero like all the stories that mom reads to me before bed, but… Everypony I love is here so I’m happy.” He cuddled into her mane and Cadence smiled at such a caring answer.
“What about the hero getting to save a beautiful princess~?” Spike made a gagging face.
“Yuck! I don’t what to have some mare by my side all the time, besides you are the only princess besides mommy and you have your knight already.” Cadence blushed and glared at Spike. 
“I am not married yet Spike so I still have options… but only one that I like to consider. You are still little, I bet you won’t always be like that, a few more years and I bet you’ll be a classic casanova~ I mean you have the Princess of Love here to teach you.”
“I’ll be a what?”
“Nothing! Just a silly adult term. Now how about we have some playtime?” The two entered Bluebloods room and after an hour walked out proud of their work. “Very nice idea you had there Spike, can’t wait to see his face when he gets back.” 
“Thanks Cady! Umm, Cadence?”
“Yes Spike?”
“I forgot the ruby I was sucking on last night when I slept with mama. Can we go into her room real quick and get it?”
“I don’t know, usually Aunt Celestia doesn’t like us in her room without her here…” Spike pouted and gave a puppy-eyed look. 
“P-pweaseeee?”
“Ugh my heart… fine but as long as we’re quick.” They passed by guards who bowed politely and Cadence noticed two stopped and stood in front of the princess’s room. ‘Hmm, pretty sure Aunt Celestia put those guards there so they may not listen to an order from me… but if we get that gem maybe Spike will take a nap and I can visit Shining while he’s training!’
Cadence came up with a plan where she rushed back to Blueblood’s room, coming out after a few minutes now dressed as a Royal guard. She marched to the bedroom, leaving Spike at the corner so suspension wouldn’t be raised. She put her hair in her helmet and coughed making sure her voice sounded deeper.
“Evening fellas! I’m here to relieve one of you for break.” The two guards looked confused at each other and then at the smaller guard. 
“Umm, we didn’t send for a replacement.”
“T-true but the captain thought you must be getting tired just standing here all day and… Oh! Princess Cadence wanted to ensure that all guards were being treated more fairly! More breaks and things…”
“That makes sense I hear that the princess is fancying that new recruit Armor. She probably wants to make sure that she has more time with him.” One guard said with a smile while the other chuckled.
“Ahh young love, I remember how I was with my sweetheart when I first became a guard. We used to sneak away every chance we had, her father would throw things at me whenever he saw me.” The guards laughed while Cadence was blushing and made a mental note to hunt down who is spreading rumors of her and Shining.
“Y-yes so who wants a break?”
“You can go Banner, I actually ate before my shift so I’ll be fine.”
“If you’re sure, thanks Axe.” Banner left and the guard called axe smiled at Cadence as she took her place next to him. 
“I guess you must be part of that group of mare guards that the princess sends out into Equestria uncover. I used to feel put off that there were guards who pretended to be regular everyday ponies especially after learning that they were all mares but now I feel safer with that fact. I’m Golden Axe, it’s a pleasure to meet y-” Golden Axe stopped mid sentence as Cadence touched her horn to his small bit of exposed neck. She used the single spell she had nearly mastered, a sleep spell she mostly used on Twilight whenever the girl would get angry and catch fire. The one downside was that she needed to touch the pony with her horn to use the spell. 
Axe fell unconscious and Cadence apologized as she called Spike to her and they entered the bedroom. The gemstone in question was on the bed where Spike left it and he happily jumped on the bed, snatching it from the air. Cadence shook her head as Spike chomped down on the stone. “I see your manners when it comes to gems is the same as Auntie’s with cake heh.” Her giggling was cut off when there was a bang nearby. The two turned to the corner of the room and Cadence pulled Spike to her back. “What was that?”
“T-the guilt! A scary sound that sometimes comes at night! Mama says it can’t hurt us and she usually holds me until I fall asleep.” 
“Guilt…?”
“Yep that is what mama calls it but i’m not sure what that means.” Cadence glanced back at where the sound came from, she knew that this wasn’t her business and the princess must have kept it hidden for a reason but why would she be guilty of? She turned to leave and was just about to cross the doorway when another sound came. 
“Ce...les...tia…” Cadence’s eyes widened, whatever this guilt was it could speak like a pony! She rushed back into the room and towards the sound, Spike shivered and shook holding onto her mane but had heard the voice also and was curious under the fear. She moved the dresses and extra ornaments until a chest remained. It was too small to hold a pony but Cadence felt great pain coming from it, a pain born from love or from the destruction of love. 
“Cady I’m scared…”
“I know… I am too.” Cadence reached out to the chest when magic erupted from the lock on it and pulled her close, her face now close to the lock and she froze when she looked at the lock and she could see an eye looking back at her from in the chest. 
“Who… are… you!?” More magic came from the box and touched Cadence’s eye, and her life flashed by in a moment before Spike bit the magic’s hold and pulled Cadence away from the chest by her mane.
“Ow! What did it just…”
“SHE… REPLACED… ME!?!?! WITH YOU TWO!!!” The voice inside the chest roared as it shook and the magic ripped the chest apart. Cadence and Spike watched as dark blobs of something oozed out of the chest and took the form of a pony. She was Cadence’s size with wings and a horn, no cutie mark, and eyes that glowed with hatred and pain. “A thousand years of saying how sorry she is just to replace me with you!” 
“We don’t know what you’re talking about!”
“If she loves you two so much… then I’ll make her suffer!” Cadence knew a threat when she heard one and shouted at Spike to hold on as she rocketed towards the door. Guilt teleported and sneered at Cadence. “You fear using your magic, you can’t get away from me!” 
“We’ll see about that!” She turned and braced herself as she smashed through the glass doors that led to the balcony, and jumped off. Spike screamed as the fell for a bit before Cadence allowed her wings to open and zoomed back into the sky. She turned as Guilt opened her own wings which looked to be bat-like and flew after all, blasting at her with her horn. Cadence flawlessly dodged the blasts and kept one step ahead of her with Spike shouting which direction the blasts were coming from. “Canterlot or the castle will get hit at this rate!”
“Princess!” Several pegasus guards rushed to Cadence’s aid, distracting Guilt and blocking some of her weaker blasts with their armor. “We await your orders!” Cadence froze as this was what she never wanted, but looking down at the city and then at castle she took a deep breath. Opening them was not the same girl that closed them, this was a princess.
“Prince Spike and I will hold the foe off while I want all of you to evacuate the castle and upper portions of the city, get them away from the castle until this is done, move the city’s shield to focus on the citizens!” The guard nodded and ordered the two others to continue helping Cadence as he raced to the castle. 
“C-can we win Cadence?” Spike’s shivering voice as he looked up at Guilt fighting. 
“I think… no, I know we can! I’ll need your help though Spike, now’s your time to be a hero just like in those old stories Auntie reads to you.” Spike blinked as he thought about those stories and nodded now filled with confidence. She smiled at him and then they glared at Guilt, rushing at her as she tried to stab one guard with her horn. They slammed into her and Cadence kicked her away and flipped as Guilt shot another beam.
“Stay still you fake princess!” 
“Hey Cady is the real one here!” 
“SILENCE!” She rushed at them with Cadence readying herself to counter when Guilt teleported and appeared above them. 
“Cadence!! Move!” Spike shouted looking up to see a blast coming and hitting Cadence’s left wing. The princess of love shouted out in pain and glided to a castle balcony where she crashed and Spike rolled off her back.
“No more fancy flying with that wing! Take this!” Spike ran over and tried to cover Cadence from the next attack with his body but heard an explosion behind him. He turned to see Shining Armor standing there with a shield made of magic. “Ugh they’re like rats.”
“Shining!”
“Spike is she okay?!” Cadence groaned and then smiled a bit looking up at him and shook her head to clear it. “Sweetie you should stay-”
“No! If that thing wants to hurt my family and kingdom then she’ll face me! I won’t stand aside!” Shining blinked and then nodded as she stood beside him. “We’ll go back up there and give you a shot. When she’s open you take it Cadet Armor.” 
“As your order Princess.” Cadence kissed Shining on the cheek and turned back to Spike.
“You ready?” Spike steeled his nerves and tore some of the balcony curtains, tying it around Cadence’s wing. He climbed on and pointed at Guilt.
“Ready!” The two shot back into the sky with the two guards from before backing up as Cadence’s horn was sparking and she uppercutted Guilt right under the chin and shouted as she blasted the bat pony. Guilt twisted with her own dark magic shielding her as she drilled through Cadence’s blast and knocked her back with a slap of her hoof. 
“You fool, you can’t beat me!” Guilt shouted as her horn glowed with black magic and she moved her head in a blur, causing sword-like slashes of magic to shoot at Cadence. 
“And I can’t afford to lose!” She powered up her horn and created a pink shield around them. One of the slashes shattered her shield and she used her magic to get the shattered shield pieces and shoot them back like a thousand pieces of glass. Guilt moved out of the way when a green wall of fire blocked her escape. She roared in rage as clouds swirled around her and turned dark, blocking out the sun and only showing her figure when lightning illuminated it for a moment. Cadence and Spike looked around nervously as they searched for any sign of her, only for Cadence to be hit across the face. Again and again from what seemed to be all directions, Spike jumped and blew fire all around them. With the moment something broke through he shouted at Cadence who shot a huge blast of energy at the location. 
Guilt was struck back but used her horn to absorb Cadence’s attack. “This ends now! So much for love!” She shot back an enormous beam which Cadence shouted and met with one of her own. The two attacks meeting destroyed any nearby clouds. Cadence gritted her teeth as she struggled to hold up against Guilt’s power, with her magic slowly being pushed back towards her until green flames joined her blast. 
“S-Spike… just a bit more! Don’t give up!” Cadence whispered as they seemed even when more magic struck Guilt in the back. She glanced away from the fight to see Shining Armor shooting another attack at her. 
“You leave them alone! Now!” Dozens of  attacks shot towards her as the guards had returned from their mission and attacked together, hitting her in the back and causing her to drop her attack, being hit by Cadence’s and Spike’s. She remained flying if only barely and glared at Cadence through one uninjured eye. 
“So… this is how it ends? Well I’ll go out with a bang then!” Cadence tackled her started to fly her back to the ground. “W-What are you doing!?” Cadence stared at Guilt’s eyes and found something buried deep down in them, a spark of light. This spark flashed her back to when she was a simple pegasus in way over her head as she stood against an enchantress. She didn’t fight back then, she used her heart to heal what was broken. This was the moment where she became a princess.
Cadence slowly hugged Guilt, giving her all the love she could. The dark pony gasped feeling something she thought had long died, only for this girl to revive it. The three slammed into the castle’s labyrinth and as the dust settled, Spike coughed and shouted for Cadence. He held his arm and found his cousin laying on her side unconscious with Guilt standing over her. Spike rushed and slid on her knees between them, holding out his little arms in an effort to separate them.
“N-no… I-I won’t let you… hurt her…” Guilt stared down at the young dragon and softly used her magic to touch his eyes where she saw a flash of his short life with one memory playing out fully. 
.   .   .
A crying baby Spike laying in Celestia’s arms as she tried to comfort him but he only stopped when she began to sing. 
For you I waited for so long
	Now to hear your little yawn
	There’s no need to fear the night 
	In every shadow lays a sparkle of light

	Calm your cry for a mother is near
	I’ll always be here to sooth your fear
	So hush and be still
	
	You seem so strong for one so young
	A dragon, a pony
	It matters not to me
	For I can see all that you will be
	
	A hero, a friend, a prince
	But above all
	The dream that I hold for you
	
	Is be happy and kind.

	Spike slept in her hold while sucking on his tail and she kissed him goodnight, crying as she stared up at the moon. “Sweet dreams this beautiful night Luna… I won’t fail again, not this time. I won’t be blind.”
.   .   .
Guilt stepped away from Spike as her legs gave up and she fell to the ground on her back. He blinked and rushed to her side as her breathing began to slow. 
“W-what’s going on?!”
“Heh… it seems that my time has come. Time for rest…”
“N-no! We can help you!” Guilt chuckled as she looked to the baby dragon as he cried.
“Tears? For me? Why?”
“Because he cares for everything…” Cadence said as she woke and stumbled over to Spike’s side and hugged him. She stared down at her foe and then to the wounds that were across her body. “This is the end…”
“Yes… but I feel. I lived in hate and pain but you, both of you, healed my heart and given me peace… I was nothing but a shadow, a fake with no emotion of my own. Now in these last few moments, I exist…  I’m real…” She reached out for Spike and he gently took her hoof as the sun began to set above them. “I’m sorry… for leaving you all with so much pain, for passing my burden onto both of you. The past never died just as her memories and love never waned. It’s only fitting that I see my last sunset with the two who brought the sun back into her life. Never… let her go through life alone… please…” Spike nodded and held the hoof against his chest while Cadence touched Guilt’s chest where her heart was slowing but she felt love flowing freely from it. 
“Goodnight… Guilt.”
“Sweet Dreams… my little ones...” She glowed and offered Spike a last smile as she cried and vanished into golden sparkles that glowed like a million stars in the moonlight before they were gone. Spike stared at the sparkles and cried as he held Cadence.
“Shh. It’s okay Spike I got you.” The voices of guards, Shining, and Blueblood could be heard getting closer as Cadence held Spike. “You couldn’t save her Spike.”
“B-b-but the hero always wins… they save everyone in the stories…”
“Heroes save all that they can but sometimes that isn’t everyone. You saved me, you’re my hero.” Spike sobs slowly stopped and he looked up at her.
“I-is she happy?” Cadence thought about the question and looked up at the moon where she smiled gently and pointed up.
“I think so…” Spike looked up to see a new star glowing brightly and he smiled falling asleep in her arms. 
> Summer Begins
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Hey, mom… is Cady going to be okay? She’s been like that for the last week…” Celestia innerly sighed at the question, she too was worried for her adopted niece. It had been her own guilt taken form that had attempted to harm Cadence and Spike and she had left them to deal with it. Cadence taking a life, even an artificial one, was something that Celestia had hoped that the young mare would never have to face but now she saw herself as a failure as a princess and even worse, a killer. In her depression she hid away in her room, sobs were heard from outside hurt the hearts of every guard and servant that had to pass the room. 
Shining Armor had promised that he wouldn’t leave her side, spending the first ten hours in front of her door talking and trying to get her to answer him. He ended up falling asleep in front of her door. That night, Blueblood had gotten up to get some warm milk and was on his way back to his room when he saw Cadence open her door and wake Shining. The sleepy stallion hugged her tightly, whispering sweet words in her ear as she clung to him desperately. After a minute, she sniffled and headed back into her room, lightly pulling Shining with her.  
“Of course dear… she just needs time to think some things over. Shining is with her anyway so trust him to get her back to her normal self, you, on the other hand, have something else to focus on.” 
“I do?”
“Yes, the Summer Sun Celebration is tonight in Canterlot and I decided that, given recent events, you do deserve a bit more freedom. At least while I’m with you.” Spike’s eyes widened in shock and they sparkled as he clamped his claws together and leaned forward on his toes.
“You really mean it!?! I’ll get to see the festival?!” Celestia smiled gently and nodded as he began to cheer and hop.
“But I have several conditions.” The dragon stopped his celebration, something had told him this would be the case so he wasn’t really surprised. “First, you are not to take this off.” She used her magic to pull out an ancient-looking cloak that was blue with yellow stars and light blue moons, bells all attached to it. 
“Aww but mom that thing doesn’t look like it’s been in fashion since you were my age.” Celestia giggled before using some magic on the cloak and giving it to Spike. 
“That was because it belonged to Starswirl the Bearded, he was never one for style if I’m honest. Wearing it should give turn you into a young colt, but should it get knocked off and the enchantment will fail. Second, I want you near me okay? The crowds can get very crazy and I don’t want to lose you among them, if you were to say your mother was the princess then it would lead to many questions. Third, I want you to enjoy yourself my little sunshine.” Spike ran and hugged her tightly.
“I love you, mom…”
“And I you little one now try it on.” Spike nodded and slipped the cloak around his neck, clamping it on and suddenly he fell on all fours, suddenly finding his legs unable to support his body. He rubbed his head and groaned but gasped looking at his hand or rather his hoof. He was a small purple pegasus colt with a long messy green mane that spiked out at random places. “Awe my little boy is so adorable!” Celestia scooped up her son and rubbed her cheek against his. 
“Mom! Sheesh, you really know how to embarrass me you know that?” He blushed and playfully pushed her face from his.
“It’s a parent thing~” She stuck her tongue out and then booped his nose with hers making him release a tiny sneeze where an ember came from his mouth. “Hmm seems like the enchantment kept your insides the same.”
“It feels so strange not having fingers…” He wobbled around on his hooves, carefully taking each step to not fall. Celestia watched him, giving him pointers and soon he was trotting at a reasonable pace. “I’m ready to face the night!” The princess smiled biting his tail as he tried to run out but pulled him back and placed him on her back. 
“Not so quick mister, rule two remember? Stick with me.”
“What if somepony questions us?”
“You are Emerald Spikes, the son of one of the castle maids and I graciously offered to take you to see the festival.”
“Emerald Spikes?”
“Fitting isn’t it?” Spike playfully rolled his eyes and the two set out of the castle into the city which was bursting with life and strange sights in every direction. Spike had never seen so many ponies before like this. He pointed at everything, happily fluttering in place on his mother’s back. The crowds would separate and bow before the princess who only bowed her head back and asked them to continue on with their nights. She couldn’t help the large smile seeing her son so filled with joy and wonder as they walked and she began to trot and play at some of the booths with him. Spike couldn’t help laughing when his mother tried aiming a ball at a tower of bottles only to end up hitting the booth owner to whom she apologized profusely. 
Spike smiled showing his mom a face paint of her cutie mark on his cheek and she got a similar one of a green flame on her cheek. The two took several pictures together making funny faces and weird poses that made them laugh. They marveled at the tricks of a famous local magician, who ended the show with the help of his daughter by blowing up a series of fireworks that made the shape of Celestia’s cutie mark. They stopped to try some sunflower seeds and rainbow pudding, something they regreted when they went on a ride that spun them faster and faster and Spike nearly made a pony resemble his friend Rainbow Dash. To help ease his stomach, Celestia stopped at an apple stand with no vender. 
“Hello? Mind if I buy an Apple?” 
“Hmm? Oh yes sorry about that, one moment please! Come on sweet pea, we’ll go play some games after this last sale promise.” A mare popped up from behind the stand and smiled tiredly. She had a very pale orange coat, orange mane, and brilliant turquoise eyes. “Well, I’ll be, Princess Celestia! It’s an honor ma’am, oh I’m Pear Butter but friends call me Buttercup. What can I do for you?”
“Ma, Ah want to see the dancers.” A little voice came from behind the mare and she smiled, bending a bit to let a filly jump onto her back. The filly had a much more orange coat than her mother and was blonde. Her green eyes saw the princess and widened in awe. “I-It’s the princess!”
“Hello little one, what’s your name?” 
“A-Applejack ma’am.”
“Are you enjoying the festival?” Applejack’s eyes shined and she smiled nodding, one tooth was missing giving the filly a crooked but cute smile. 
“Oh yeah! Ah haven’t been able to run round much but everything is so pretty.”
“Have you sold a lot of apples?” Applejack looked away while rubbing her hoof against her mother’s back. 
“Well, ma makes all the sales…” Celestia thought for a moment before smiling and nudging Spike who had been watching a series of dancers doing some kind of sun dance that even Celestia found strange. 
“How about this Ms. Applejack, this little guy is a pretty picky eater, so how about you two find the best apple you can and you sell it to him? If your mother lets you of course.”  
“M-Mom! I-I’m not picky!” Spike blushed and pouted a bit. Applejack looked at her mother eagerly and Pear smiled giving her a nod. Applejack hopped over to the Spike and pulled him with her behind the stand where several baskets of apples laid. 
“Thank you Princess.”
“My pleasure Miss Butter.  If you don’t mind me saying, you look quite tired.”
“Well being pregnant will do to some mares heh.” 
“You’re pregnant? I must say, I couldn’t really tell.” 
“Yes, you can take my husband’s mother for that. She keeps me on a steady diet, taking all my strength to hold back running to some of the local sweet shops around here. I heard Donut Joes is one of the best.”
“Do you live in Canterlot?”
“No, Ponyville is my home. I just came to sell some things during the festival and thought my daughter would like to see a bit of the big city. She doesn’t seem to be really content back on the ol farm.”
“Children do tend to enjoy new sights.” The two parents looked at the children as they were sifting through the apples, Celestia’s previous statement being proven true as Spike was looking at every perfectly fine apple and tossing them away, Applejack quick to put a basket on her head to catch each one. She was telling him about her life back on the farm and how her and her brother play a game similar to that.
“How long?”
“Pardon?” Pear giggled a bit and nudged the princess a bit. 
“How long have you had him?”
“I-I believe you got it all wrong! He’s my umm ninth maid’s son! She had to work and he wanted to see the festival so I agreed to take him!” Pear gave the princess a look, raising her eyebrow suspiciously.
“Princess, I think someone like you would give the night off to your staff so they could go off and have fun. You care that much for your subjects after all.” Celestia stared at the mare and sighed. 
“...I’m used to nobles just letting matters drop if I say so…” Pear patted the princess’s leg and giggled again.
“Sorry us farmers are a stubborn bunch. So how long?”
“He’ll be turning six soon. How did you know?”
“My little Applejack is seven and Lil Mac just turned eleven. Well, I was a bit unsure until you started watching him play, it was your eyes. They had so much more life and they lost the regal careful look and took on something I saw in myself so many times. Love I suppose, a parent’s love for the things we care for most.” Celestia saw that love in Pear’s eyes as she stared at her daughter, clapping her hooves as Applejack stopped Spike and the two stared at the biggest and most mouthwatering apple in his hooves. They cheered and he gave it to Applejack who began to mimic her mother and sold Spike the apple, giving him a moment to ask the princess for money. The princess used magic to slice the apple in half for the two children.
“Has he left the castle before? He seems pretty hyper to see Canterlot even with you living here.”
“Well… I don’t let him leave… for his own safety.” Pear gave the princess a kind hoof and smiled sadly. 
“It’s our job to protect them, to mold them into the right kind of pony but only they can say where their path leads. If my daughter decides to try this city life I’ll have no right to take that chance from her. I know you fear for your boy but give him the chance and he may just prove to you just how strong he can be.”
“But what if he falls?”
“That’s just a part of growing up I guess. Falling and losing hurts but you will always have those you love, I’m proof of that.”
“Thank you.”
“Anytime princess. Come on AJ let’s go see those clothes you were looking at earlier.”
“Okay ma! See ya Emerald! Rarity’s gonna be real jealous when Ah tell ‘er I met the princess!”
“Bye!” The two new friends shared a smile and wave as they rushed to their respective parents and separated. “She was nice.”
“And you said you wouldn’t get a fillyfriend~”
“Mom!!” The two wandered the festival a bit more until a few royal guards came up to the princess and said that she needed to start preparing for the raising of the sun. She nodded and began to walk with them, Spike sitting on her back when she saw Twilight Velvet nearby. Her family were trusted members of the princess’s own little family with them being the relatives of Shining and employers of Cadence. She approached the mare who was laughing and watching a ride, her husband was freaking out a bit while their daughter was laughing. 
“Enjoying yourself Mrs. Velvet?”
“Immensely so princess. How are you?”
“Been having more fun than I have in a long time, I was hoping I could ask for you a favor?”
“Anything! I’m happy to help.” 
“Well, I have to prepare for the raising of the sun but I have a certain little one here I was hoping you would watch for me?” Velvet looked at the colt a bit confused before she noticed the color scheme and realized who it was. 
“I see. I’d be honored to watch him for you.” 
“Thank you, Emerald would you mind staying with Mrs. Velvet? She’s the mother of Shining.” Spike’s ears perked up at that and jumped down off her back, rushing to Velvet’s side.
“You’re Shiny’s mommy?!” Celestia smiled and bowed her head to Velvet as the mare giggled and started to answer the colt’s questions about her son. The two were talking and sharing stories as Night Light wobbled off the ride with a bouncy purple filly next to him. 
“That was a fun ride Mommy!”
“Yeaaaah… tons of fun…” Velvet smiled and nuzzled her husband. “Who’s this little guy?” Velvet whispered into Night’s ear and he nodded, smiling at the colt and messing up his mane. “Hey there little guy, I’m Night Light. I’m Shining’s Father.”
“Ooo are you a soldier too?” Night chuckled a bit at the idea and opened his mouth but the filly beat him to it.
“Nopes! My daddy is an astronaut.
“Astronomer dear.”
“That too! He studies stars.” Spike looked up at the sky a bit, being reminded of the Doc back at the castle before remembering his manner teachings. He bowed his head to both the adults and then to the filly. 
“I’m S-S umm Emerald! Emerald Spikes thank you for taking care of me for my mommy.” The adults bowed their heads back but the filly looked confused.
“I’m Twilight Sparkle, you’re a bit weird you know that? Also I like your cape, it looks like the ones in the old book my daddy shows me sometimes.” The two children began to get to know each other as another show of the dancers began. Spike hopped onto Night’s back as Twilight jumped on Velvet’s and they cheered the dancers. They were hidden in costumes and masks, only their tails could be seen and all were painted the same color. “Mommy what kind of dances are they doing?”
“I don’t know sweetie, they sure ain’t from Canterlot.” The group watched the dancers and then many people turned, whispers broke out with the four catching a name. Cadence. They turned to see Cadence had left the castle and was walking with Shining by her side, Velvet and Night rushed to their son’s side. Eager to hear from him and to be next to the mare they come to see like a daughter. Twilight and Spike jumped down and started to follow when Twilight stopped. 
“What’s wrong Twi?”
“I want to ask those dancers something.” She rushed to talk to one with Spike looking between her and the others, deciding to go with Twilight so she isn’t alone. The two caught up with the last dancer as they were entering a tent. “Umm mister? I was hoping to ask you-”
“Hey back off kid!” He lightly pushed her away from the tent and Twilight pouted. 
“How rude. Come on Emerald, let’s go back. Em?” The colt was staring at the tent, trembling a bit. “What’s wrong?”
“I know that voice…” It was the voice of the masked pony from the Wonderbolts show. He was sure of it! If that pony was here, he may be up to no good again! Spike frowned and snuck into the tent with Twilight following close behind. 
“What are we doing? We can get in trouble!” She whispered but Spike shushed her. 
“I think these are bad ponies, I just want to see them.” The two peeked out from beside a crate and saw the dancers in a circle.
“Is the coast clear? The time of the raising of the sun is coming soon. Our plan must be put into motion just as the princess does her magic or we may be detected. The crystal must be placed perfectly if we are to make the princess look responsible.” Spike covered Twilight’s mouth just as she was about to gasp. “That is all, we must take our places. Legacy, you are to start the attack.” One of the group removed their mask and Spike gritted his teeth at seeing the unicorn that had attacked him before.
“Yes sir!” 
“Good, the rest of you with me. May the Emperor be with you.” The circle broke with most leaving the tent. Spike knew that whatever they were planning it would endanger his mother, he couldn’t allow that. He turned to Twilight and uncovered her mouth, whispering to her quickly. 
“Twilight, can you use magic?” 
“Not well, I never had to use it unless I was eating really…” Spike bit his lip and nodded.
“Okay, I need you to go find Shiny. Tell him where I am.”
“I’m not leaving you alone here.”
“I’m not asking, now go.” Twilight frowned wanting to argue but they could hear the sound of hoofsteps outside as crowds were heading for the princess’s display. Twilight knew they were running out of time and ran out. Spike sighed and took a deep breath before looking out at the unicorn who was busy working with a large lens made of crystal. Whatever the plan was that these villains had, it had to do with that lens, he would have to steal it. He snuck around and looked around the mostly empty tent, noticing the unicorn’s forgotten mask and costume he tried on the rather large and heavy wooden mask. ‘This is an awful plan…’ He shook the thought away before he ran as fast as he could at the distracted unicorn who heard the hoofsteps a second too late as he was slammed into and pushed back before he stopped himself and used his magic to zap the mask away. 
“That hurt you- the crystal!” He turned and used his magic to bring the lens over, it was fine other than a few scratches. “Good, now as for you!” Spike groaned and shook his head before remembering some of Applejack's stories, he stood and reared back a leg. 
“APPLE FAMILY BUCK!” He shouted as he kicked the mask with all strength that he had but the unicorn stopped it with his magic, giving Spike a few moments to run off and hide. 
“I don’t know who you think you are, but this is getting boring!” The unicorn began to destroy everything with blasts of magic, causing Spike to run, duck, and jump to dodge the strikes. Spike hid and breathed heavily behind some crates. He looked around and noticed the crystal lens was nearby enveloped in magic and he could see the unicorn’s reflection staring back at him. “Got ya.” Spike screamed as a blast hit him in the back and he was sent rolling across the ground, his cloak unclamping and covering him as his body reverted to its dragon form. “You think don’t know what you’re messing with kid, the Children of Grogar will not be stopped by the likes of you.”
“I… I-I won’t let you hurt my MAMA!!” The unicorn was shocked when the cloak was thrown aside and the dragon he fought before was there, emerald flames coming from his mouth.”
“Y-you again?!” Spike roared and let out a stream of flames at the unicorn who rolled to the side and blasted at him. Spike ran while shooting balls of fire out, hitting the tent and beginning to burn it. “You won’t stand in our way again!” The unicorn tried to keep his distance as Spike was moving closer but found himself blocked by the flames at his back. The dragon had caused a commotion, guards would be here soon if he didn’t leave now and that would compromise the plan.
The unicorn’s thoughts were interrupted as Spike jumped at the lens with a claw outstretched, trying to shatter it but the unicorn moved it just in time to save it and earn a scratch across his own eye. A scream rang out as the unicorn dropped the lens and held a hoof over his own eyes, blood leaking down his face. Spike stared in shock at his own shaking claw, tips red with blood. 
“I-I…” Spike was suddenly hit in the chest with magic, knocking him back. His consciousness went in and out. He coughed in pain and felt his sight failing him as a shadow appeared before it left. His head fell to the side and for a moment he could swear he saw his mother’s sun rising before all went dark.
.   .   .
Cadence raced from tent to tent, Spike was in danger and had been busy worrying about herself. They were all searching for Twilight and Spike when the filly ran up breathing heavily. She was able to wheeze out that Emerald was in a tent with a bad unicorn. Cadence asked Shining to stay with his family just in case Twilight had been seen and to report to the other guards and the princess as soon as he could. She looked around the empty streets, most of the city went to see Celestia raise the sun. 
“SPIKE!” She shouted and flew there hoping for an answer but nothing came. “No...“
“Cadence!” She turned to see Blueblood running to her side, wheezing. “I… I heard from S-Shiny… I really need to run more… Have you found him?”
“No… I don’t know what to do Blue…” Blueblood used his magic to gently pull her down and hugged her.
“You saved him before, this time I’m here to help and Shiny will get the others soon. We’ll find him, we always do.” The two shared a smile and then Blueblood noticed something, a cloud of smoke. “Spike…” Cadence began to race to the fire while Blueblood ran. She arrived just as Spike was blasted in the chest by an injured unicorn. 
“NO!” She checked on him and found he was fainting, his scales having protected him. She turned angrily as the unicorn could see he wasn’t gonna escape now. He quickly used his magic and lifted the crystal lens, running outside the tent and slotting it onto a stand before blasting it to make sure it couldn’t be moved. He smirked before the Princess of Love landed a solid punch in his jaw which knocked him to the ground. He held his bleeding eye and jaw, chuckling at her. 
“Too late Princess… In moments, Celestia will raise the sun and burn for it…” Cadence looked at the lens and tried to pull it off but couldn’t. She decided that she had to destroy it. She took a deep breath before storing magic in her horn and shouting as she unleashed it at the crystal. It cracked under the power but held.
“Come on! Just a bit more!!” 
“Looks like you could use some help!” Cadence opened an eye to see Blueblood beside her. He powered his horn and added his power to hers making the lens begin to crack more and more. Just as the sun was rising in front of them, a third blast came and the lens shattered completely. The two turned to see Shining nearby, holding Spike on his back. 
.   .   .
The unicorn, named Lost Legacy, was arrested and the princess commended the three on their actions. If that lens had been there when she rose the sun, it would have burned the crowd with strong rays of sunlight. They may have saved lives. She asked Cadence and Blueblood to take Spike back to the castle before he was seen and watched them leave. She told Shining Armor to tell his mother that she shouldn’t worry about letting Spike leave especially since it was because she was just worried about them. With the princess now mostly alone, she turned to the captain of her guards and adopted a serious tone. 
“This has gone on far enough, I am reactivating the S.M.I.L.E. The closer we get to her return it seems ancient dangers are also coming back. We need ponies on the inside.” The captain nodded promising to get her a list of recruits for a new line of agents. 
> A Mother's Love
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Celestia waved with a practiced posh grace. The nobles proudly walked away, feeling heard by their princess, even when the doors closed and Celestia slouched a bit in her seat. The guards cracked a smile but straightened up when the Princess’s royal assistant entered. Raven Inkwell with her signature clipboard in hoof.
“Should we collect Spike, your highness? You look like you could use the pick-me-up.”
“No need Raven, I believe Spike is in the middle of his lessons with Star Gazer so I’d hate to interrupt. What of my niece and nephew?”
“The prince is out with one of the maids, one Miss Rose. As for the young princess, I believed I saw her not that long ago hanging around the guardhouse. Likely she was watching the training sessions that were scheduled. One guard in particular if I had to guess.” Celestia giggled and shook her head. Her charges were growing and she couldn’t be more proud. The smile vanish though as she became more serious. 
“How far along is SMILE? Anything new from the pony we captured at the Summer Sun Festival?” Raven sighed and shook her head.
“He still refuses to speak. The only thing we have gotten from him is his insistence that soon they will be too numerous to be stopped. As for SMILE, we have chosen the top hundred ponies from across the kingdom to join us. Their skills range from espionage to inventing and spell crafting. Even at their full power though, it’s possible we will still be spread too thin.”
“Yes, and with the incidents lately, it seems no matter what I do my family will continue to be dragged into these battles…” She stood and walked to one of the windows overlooking the gardens. “I just want them to be safe… Raven, I can’t lose them. They’re all I have.” Raven put a hoof on the goddess’s leg, she wasn’t married but she had a sibling she would do anything for. 
“It may be time to think about adding new kinds of training to their schedules. They need to be stronger to deal with the coming storm.”
“Turn my family into soldiers… my own son. I had hoped to spare them all but in the coming years, Equestria will face more dangers than it ever has before. I can’t see what they will be but they are stirring. I will not lose any creature to the dangers of today. I will consider your proposal Raven thank you.” Raven bowed her head. 
“Of course Princess. On a lighter note, the entry tests are all ready for the new sprout of unicorns that will be applying for your school.” Celestia cheered up a bit. She always loved watching new unicorns give their all in the pursuit of magic and knowledge. She just wished that the unicorn judges weren’t so mean at times with their judging. She opened her mouth to ask for the names of some of the candidates but was interrupted by a guard bursting through the doors. 
“What is the meaning of this?”
“My princess, we have a strange guest at the gates demanding to see Princess Cadence.”
“Strange how?” 
“She’s… some kind of enchantress.” Celestia’s face hardened and she walked back to her throne. 
“Bring her to me.” Four guards escorted a mare hidden within a pink cloak. After pulling down her hood with magic, Celestia saw this was a white Earth Pony with a black mane. The ends of her mane were different colors. Her eyes were snowy white. She bowed her head, his legs shaking from the sight of the princess. Celestia’s face showed no joy or fear, she has heard of this pony before. “What business do you have here?”
“I-I’m sorry for intruding… I came with a message for Princess Cadence. My name is-”
“Prismia. The enchantress that Cadence defeated to earn her right to become a princess. Your foolish use of the Cosmic Spectrum plunged the town of Tall Tale into darkness and hatred.” Prismia flinched at the reminder but she kept bowing. 
“I’m… not the same as I was. I learned my lesson thanks to Cadence. Her heart healed my mind and heart from the effects of the stone. I owe her everything…” Celestia softened her gaze a bit, the mare seemed sincere. She asked Raven to bring Cadence and she sent the guards away, saying she would watch Prismia. They waited in silence but when Prismia saw Cadence, she rushed over and hugged the Princess. 
“Cadence!”
“Prismia! I haven’t seen you in ages! How are you?” 
“I’m fine… Tall Tale isn’t the same without you but things are better. Ponies are trusting me a lot more, they don’t mind me appearing for parties and such. It was all just like you said it would be.” Cadence nodded but then frowned as she tilted her head.
“If things are going so well, why come here?” Prismia’s smile disappeared and she looked away. 
“It’s… your mother. She has fallen ill. Your dad has been so busy staying by her side and I wanted to do something. Your family were the first ones to trust me after what I did… so I came to get you.” Cadence froze as if she had just been slapped.
“Ill? Is it bad?” Prismia bit her lip and forced herself to look at the Princess of Love. Cadence saw the truth in those eyes and covered her mouth in shock. Tears threatened to escape her eyes. “No… please no.”
“I’m sorry Cadence… they’ve done everything they can.” 
“Cadence…” Cadence looked at Celestia as she offered her a hug and she rushed into it, holding her caretaker and crying into her barrel. “You have my permission to go home. Spend the time you need. I advise taking a pony with you, no pony should go through this alone.”
“I-I want to take Shining Armor…” 
“Then I shall send his parents a letter. I’m sure they will understand the need. You can send me a letter in case of anything. I owe your parents so much. Without them, I wouldn’t have the wonderful niece I have today. A mare so brave and strong, so full of life and love. Give them my regards.” She sniffled and nodded, running to go grab some things. Spike was walking toward the throne room to tell his mom what he learned today. A cookie in hand from doing such a good job today. He saw Cadence and saw her crying.
“Cady? Are you okay?” She skidded to a stop and smiled at the sight of the dragon. 
“I’m… I’ll be okay Spike. I just have to go for a few days… Come here.” He hugged the cookie as he was afraid and sad that she was leaving. He obeyed though and ran into her arms. 
“W-will you be back?”
“Of course my little dragon… I just need to see my mommy. I’m taking Shining too so you don’t have to worry about me okay?” The dragon nodded and felt a bit better knowing she would have Shining there. Still, he felt like something was wrong.
“Can I meet your mommy someday?” Cadence blinked several times and nodded, promising him she would introduce them. With that promise, Spike kissed her cheek and gave her his cookie. She took it and kissed his forehead. “Be back soon Cady.”
“I will Spike… I will.” They shared one more hug and she let him run to Celestia while she packed some things.

.   .   .

Shining made sure to fix his armor as he waited for Cadence. Princess Celestia had pulled him out of training and explained what she knew and that Cadence had asked him to join her. He couldn’t reject her and he wanted to be there if things went south. Celestia called a carriage for the two and the guards pulling it agreed to stay in Everwood to protect it while Cadence and Shining were there.
“Are you sure about this Cadence? I can come with you.” Blueblood asked while he and Cadence were walking out of the castle. She smiled sadly and put a hoof on Blueblood’s shoulder. “I… it’s not safe.”
“That’s why I ask that you stay here at the castle Bluey… if something happens and Aunt Celestia isn’t around somepony needs to protect Spike. I trust you to do that.” Blueblood blinked and looked down, unsure of his ability to do what she needed of him. “Come on Bluey, where’s that noble pride of yours? We’ll only be gone for a few days. Besides, I’ll have Shining by my side.” He looked up and saw Shining Armor. The two shared a nod and Blueblood smiled. 
“Just don’t do anything stupid okay…”
“Heh, I won’t if you don’t.” They shared a hug and he waved as they took off. On one of the balconies, Celestia and Spike waved as well. Shining rubbed Cadence’s back gently. “I already miss them…”
“I know… I feel the same way about Twily.” Cadence blinked and turned toward him. 
“I didn’t give you time to say goodbye! I’m so stupid, I should have-”
“None of that. My family knows my duty and they know that I’d do anything for you. If you need me, I’ll always be there.” The two shared a blush and Cadence hugged him. 
“Thanks Shining… I need that right now. I never really thought… about losing someone. I guess the idea of being an alicorn made me think… maybe I’d be able to save everyone. That I could keep them from leaving me.”
“No creature has that power Cadence. You can’t blame yourself for this.”
“No… but I can blame myself for not being there more. Not coming home more.” Shining offered a hug which she accepted. 
“How long has it been?”
“Since… her birthday a year ago now. I've just been so busy with Spike, lessons, and everything that I forgot more ponies needed me. Celestia would always come with me. To go alone feels strange.”
“So Tall Tale, what kind of place is it?” Cadence smiled as her eyes grew sparkly.
“It’s a tiny Earth Pony village. Lots of farming, herding, along with mining thanks to it being so close to the crystal mountains. The winter season gets so cold that we always get a lot of snow! School would be out for weeks and then we would have to wrap it all up by hoof. I used to push clouds. There is a forest nearby with all kinds of creatures and caves for kids to play in. In summer, there are waterfalls and hot springs that are hidden here and there. It’s all small but cozy. The ponies there all know each other and help each other with anything they need, my parents were co-mayors for a long time before they retired. A branch of the Apple Family is in charge now but my parents act as advisors.
“So your parents, what are they like.” 
“They were… they are the best parents I could have ever asked for. They took in a pegasus filly that they found in the forest without a second thought. They raised me to be true to myself and with so much love that inspired me to take up foalsitting and matchmaking though that often got me into trouble.” She giggled. “They were stern when I needed it but kind and amazing ponies whose faith in me never swayed. They promised that one day I’d make the whole world feel like how they did. Proud.” Cadence smiled and wiped her eyes. 
“Heh sounds to me like they may have seen the future.” Cadence playfully pushed Shining away.
“I still have a long way to go before I can say that they were right but I won’t stop trying. Now, how about you tell me some stuff, like how is training going?” The two talked for the entire ride until the pegasi guards announced that they were approaching the village. Shining and Cadence looked out of the windows and Cadence was shocked to see the village had expanded to have a windmill, a central square tower, and a large local fair. “Wow… it’s grown.”
“I like it, the windmill looks cool.” Cadence stared hard but figured that she should have expected the town to grow after all hasn’t she? “Ready Cadence?” Shining asked and after a deep breath, she nodded.
“I’m ready.” They landed in the town square and ponies all stopped and walked over to see what the commotion was when Shining and Cadence stepped out. Ponies gasped and bowed. “That isn’t necessary here. This is my home as much as yours so I ask that I be treated as such please.” They all raised their heads, some looking confused but others raced toward Cadence, hugging the princess. They asked if she remembered them. One by one, memories of all the fillies and colts she took care of returned, and Cadence eagerly embraced them all. 
Shining grinned as the young foals pulled Cadence along to see everything new. He followed and added his own opinions here and there, especially when they showed a new game shop was built and he was telling Cadence how they had some of his favorite games. Even a first collector’s edition of Ogres and Oubliettes! The colts began to argue with Shining whose campaign and characters were better while the fillies were asking Cadence about her life in Canterlot and if Shining Armor was her coltfriend.
It was another hour before the two were able to escape the children and after promising to play again soon, they headed for Cadence’s old house. Her parents lived on just at the edge of town, her father built his home there so in case of a threat he would be the first to see it and he could warn the town. Once he had a family, more neighbors moved out there so that he wouldn’t be the only one under threat. 
The house was large, two stories high and wide enough to house at least six ponies. It had a straw roof, faded yellow and pink paint, and a subtle ornate carving into the wood of the home. Cadence examined the carving and tapped her chin.
“Huh… this was done by someone with knowledge of old magic. Likely Prismia.”
“So this is where you grew up… it’s impressive.” Cadence blushed. 
“It wasn’t always this big, over the years we’ve had to make it bigger to house ponies that come without a real way to start their lives. After a while of working, they usually have enough to start a life here. Many ponies owe my parents, including me.” They knocked and just then, a doctor opened the door. 
“Princess? You came! I was just… well she seems to be in an amazing condition. I imagine she is desperate to leave this house.” Shining and Cadence were shocked, from what Prismia had said they expected the worse. 
“You’re saying she’ll okay?” Something flashed for a moment as if the doctor had a mask and it shattered it lasted for the barest of moments. Shining had seen it, he was sure but the doctor moved aside. 
“She can tell you herself. She’s a stubborn one.” Cadence ran upstairs in excitement and hope, Shining walked in and gave the doctor a glance before following upstairs. The doctor looked away and hesitated before he left. Shining found Cadence standing frozen outside a door as voices came from inside. She looked at the door handle as it was encased in her magical hold but the magic faded and Cadence reached up to turn the knob herself. 
“I can do this…” She murmured and opened the door. The room inside was a warm sunny yellow. Orange and pink accents were here and there. The wooden floor squeaked and there was a wooden shepherd’s cane leaning against the wall. The window was open, giving the room warmth. There were pictures telling a life story, starting with a young filly that was pink with a yellow mane. She grew through the pictures until they started to introduce a light blue stallion with a dark blue mane. They were in nearly every picture together until a third pony was introduced. A pink filly with a purple, yellow, and blue mane.
“Wow…” Shining touched the picture of Cadence and turned to see the pink pony with a blonde mane laying in a bed in the center of the room. The pony was older than in any of the photos, but her soft blue eyes seemed to still have so much life in them. She teared up at the sight of her daughter and she leaned up. 
“Cadence… my little princess.”
“M-mom…” Cadence began to cry and ran to the bed, hugging her mother tightly. She kept sobbing even as her mother rubbed her back and shushed her quietly, telling her that she was okay. Shining felt his own eyes tearing up at the exchange. “I-I-I missed y-you so much!!” 
“I know, I know.” Shining smiled seeing Cadence slowly calming down as her mother began to sing her a lullaby. He felt a small tap on his shoulder and turned to the blue stallion. Cadence’s Father. 
“We should give them this time.” He nodded and followed the older pony out. He led Shining downstairs. “So you must be Shining Armor.” Shining blinked.
“Y-yeah. How did you know?”
“Are you kidding? That girl of ours can’t stop thinking of her personal knight.” Shining blushed and looked down. “Heh relax kid, we have no problem with you two. No father talk from me. You have proven yourself time and time again, I only wanted to thank you and… ask for your help.”
“Anything mister…”
“Cotton Ribbon.”
“Mister Ribbon.” He poured some tea into cups, his legs shook and he was forced to lay the pot down. Shining rushed over to help but was stopped by Cotton raising a hoof.
“Not that old yet… it’s just hard. Time can be a cruel mistress but I guess I should be more thankful. I lived more than a full life and I still have time. Unlike my love.” 
“W-what? But the doctor said she would be fine!” The older stallion smiled. 
“So he did keep his promise… I must apologize for laying on him such a burden.” Shining realized what those words meant, his heart sinking.
“She’s not better… is she?” He shook his head, finishing pouring the tea, and took a sip. 
“No… there will be no miracle cure, no changes in fate, no second chance.” Shining felt sick as he looked up at the room. 
“But Cadence… Why lie to her?”
“Because my wife asked me to. She was told that she may live five more days, each day getting worse and weaker. Until it would all be over. I wanted nothing more for her to take that choice, to stay with me for every moment she could… but her heart couldn’t take that. Couldn’t accept that she would get so weak to the point that she wouldn’t even be able to even say goodbye. She chose another path. She has decided to take an experimental drug that will give her the strength to ignore the pain from the sickness.”
“Ignore the pain?”
“Yes, she will seem to be just as she was before but the effects will only last for half a day. After that, all the effects that she held back will come and she will die peacefully.” 
“W-why?! Why that?! Cadence wouldn’t want this time to be a lie!”
“I know, but it’s not our choice. My wife wants to give Cadence one more day, to be her mother again. She already took the drug right before you arrived… there is no stopping it now.” Shining Armor’s eyes widen and he realized they were already on a ticking clock.
“What did you need me to do?”
“Spend the day with us… don’t let Cadence know. We will tell her at the end of the night. She will have one last day of memories. Please help us make those memories special.” Shining bit his lip as he angrily downed his tea and wiped at his eyes. He knew that lying to Cadence would hurt but with the end already coming, what else could he do? He knew Cadence would regret it if some of her last memories of her mother were arguing with her. He lowered his head.
“I’ll do it… for her.” 
“Thank you, my boy… I know it’s hard. I’m barely holding it together myself… I love her you know? I love them both…” Shining saw in the stallion’s eyes the pain and sadness that he was holding back. This wasn’t time for grief, there was plenty of that later. He wanted to give them his brightest smile. Shining nodded and the two went back upstairs. They opened the door and saw Cadence laughing with her mother. The old mare’s eyes caught sight of Shining and he teased her daughter.
“So this is your young prince, I think he looks like your dad no?”
“MOM! Ew stop!” They laughed and Cotton walked in with the tea. 
“Hey what’s wrong with looking like me? When I arrived in town I had plenty of mares who liked my looks!” Cadence’s Mother smirked at her husband.
“And you ended up with the only one not fawning over you.” They shared a kiss and she looked at Shining. “Well come over boy, you’re just as a part of this family as anypony else if my daughter’s letters are anything to go by. We never had the chance to meet. I’m Sunrise Peach but Peach is fine.”
“S-Shining Armor.” The two shared a look and Shining sat beside Cadence. The group just talked for a while before Peach said she wanted to go to the fair with them. Cadence said he should stay in bed for a few days but her mother refused, saying that she spent more than enough time in bed. She wanted to have some fun with her princess. After getting out of bed, the group of four headed for the door. 
They started by getting some lily and mushroom pizza in a local restaurant, where Shining accidentally added some spicy cheese topping to his slice. Everyone shared a laugh as he snatched Cadence’s juice and chugged it down before collapsing onto her. After that, they went to a large candy store. Cadence sighed as her mother was rushing around, trying everything. She said that Peach had always been a fan of homemade sweets and these were always her favorite. Usually, her father would stop her from going overboard but he only laughed. 
With that mess finished, they went to see a play being put on by the kids of the town, a special play called Cadence Rising. The kids of the town all come together to play through the day of Cadence’s fight against Prismia and how she earned her place alongside other alicorns. Cadence watched the play with tears at how the town saw her as their hero and how funny it was with added battles against the cursed rock itself. Shining cheered at the battle. 
After thanking the foals for the play, they headed for the game store again. Cadence and her father read a book together as Shining played some games against Peach. Again and again, he found himself losing. Only once he had fully given up did she reveal she had cheated a few of those times. 
Lastly, they headed for the fair. The sun was beginning to set when they got in. They started with the biggest rides, one of which was a spinning ride that caused Shining to throw up. He watched as the family got into a small coaster. It took them all around with plenty of screaming. The next ride Cadence dragged her father onto, was one that would go up and then drop down. Shining was left alone with Peach.
“Thank you.”
“Huh?” Shining jumped as he had been watching Cadence in line. “Thanks for what?”
“For giving me this time… for letting me be selfish.” She coughed and Shining saw there were drops of red on her hoof. “My daughter means everything to me… I was never able to have foals. We tried so many times… only once did it ever happen. She was to be a filly. We were so excited… but then a bad winter came. It was so cold… it damaged so much but we never imagined that it would take from us the one we loved the most before we ever met her…” Shining looked down as the mother cried.
“I’m sorry…”
“Don’t be… there was no one to blame. We gave up and were content… but then one day I heard a cry in the forest. Cotton thought imagined it. I was so sure I hadn’t. I ran off and he gave chase. We eventually found her… a perfect pegasus baby in the north with no note… no name… nothing. She took her in and I gave her the only gift her big sister would ever be able to give. Her name.”
“Cadence…” She nodded and smiled as Cotton and Cadence got on and her husband looked ready to throw up himself.
“We were truly blessed… I have no regrets. I’ll soon see my first daughter again and I can tell her stories of her sister. The Princess of Love. The mare that carries with her all we are.” 
“She is truly something special isn’t she…”
“That she is… and you are too. She sees something in you that I doubt even you see. Please promise me that you’ll take care of her. Please.” Shining faced the dying mother and stared into her deep eyes.”
“I swear it on my honor as a stallion, a knight, and as someone who loves her.” That made Peach smile and she thanked him again. The two shared a hug before Cadence and Cotton rejoined them. They played some games, Shining winning some snail toy for Cadence while Peach won a plush windigo. The group ended their day after a ride on the Ferris wheel. Cadence laid her head on Shining and thanked him for helping make the day so perfect. “I-I didn’t do much.”
“Yes, you did… you let me live a sweet lie. If only for a few hours.” He froze at her words and he felt cold in his heart.
“How… when did you find out the truth?” She didn’t look mad, in fact, she only pressed closer to him. 
“The play… she cough and I saw the blood. I knew then what she had done… I knew I should be mad but I can guess how this day will end. Why you all are trying so hard? She will die… won’t she?” Shining winced and looked down.
“Yes…”
“...” Cadence sniffled and cried into his side. “I’m scared to lose her… I’m so scared… but love doesn’t leave. It can’t be destroyed. I know that no matter where she goes, she’ll always be with me… in my heart.” Shining raised her face to better see it and he nuzzled the side of her face. 
“We all will be. Spike, Celestia, and Blueblood are there right now, standing by you. I’m here too, and I’m not going to let you go through this alone.” She sniffled and blushed. The two shared their first kiss just as the ride ended. They wiped their eyes and followed Cotton and Peach home. They were told they could stay in the guest rooms but then Peach stumbled and had a coughing fit. Everypony rushed to her side and helped her to her bed. Peach saw that Cadence had no fear in her eyes and knew that her daughter had figured her out already. 
“Heh… I had forgotten how smart you were… should have known we couldn’t fool you forever… I’m sorry I lied Princess.” Cadence held Peach’s hoof against her cheek and shook her head. 
“No… I don’t care. I know you just wanted the best for me.”
“And now you have it. You have everything you could want.” She kissed the hoof. 
“I already had most of it, right here with you and dad… you were all I needed.” They shared more stories of the past, stories of fun, and some of the sorrow but all were something special for the two. After she was done, she asked Shining to come up to her. 
“Stay true to your heart my little pony. It will never lead you wrong.” 
“I… I won’t… Thank you for everything.” She waved off the thanks playfully. 
“Ehh, I just did my job.” She asked them to leave while she shared more time with Cotton. After a while, they were called back in and saw the medicine was taking its toll. Her breathing was shallow and she couldn’t move. Cadence stared but didn’t cry, she didn’t want to start crying to be the last thing her mother saw from her. She approached and touched her horn to Peach’s head. Pink magic came from the horn and swirled around the room like a storm of a thousand pink sparkles. Her mother stared in awe. She smiled and cried as she stared into the eyes of her daughter. 
“Addio Mamma.”  Cadence whispered and kissed her head as Peach breathed her last. The sparkles disappeared and the three remaining ponies, allowed themselves to break.