Rainbow Dash asks Twilight for help when she doesn't know how to raise her twin foals.
The unexpected has happened to Rainbow Dash--she's given birth to a Unicorn! She's completely lost on how to take care of her new magical child, so she turns to the resident magical expert--Twilight Sparkle. Twilight's so busy with her royal duties that she didn't even have time to visit her friend in the hospital, let alone help her raise her children! Well.....she's got to try, hasn't she?
Cover art by me
Ship warning: This fic supports FlashLight. If you don't like that ship, there's no need to start a war in the comments.
It was early morning, and the sleepy town of Ponyville began to rub it’s eyes and awake. The sun’s pale golden light, veiled by hazy cloud cover, washed over the land, sweeping through the large windows of Twilight’s castle. She unfurled her wings, reveling in the warmth. She was reclining on a large cushion next to the dining table, waiting for her assistant, Spike, to finish making breakfast.
“It’s ready!” Spike’s cheerful voice echoed through the room as he trotted through the doors, carrying a silver platter.
“Thanks so much.” Twilight said gratefully. “It was a rough night.”
“Oh, of course.” Spike chuckled, setting the tray down in front of Twilight.
“Now, lets see….” Twilight’s horn lit up with a sparkling magenta aura, and she used her magic to lift the cover off. “Oh, you made french toast! Thanks so much—honestly, I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“Um, scream? Go insane?” Spike offered.
“Most likely.” Twilight chuckled. “Could you read today’s schedule to me?”
Spike plucked a gem from a bowl in the center of the table and tossed it into his mouth. “Fshure.” He said, spitting shards of ruby. After swallowing, he picked up a scroll from the table and unrolled it.
“Let’s see...” He mused. “Well, after breakfast you have a meeting with Mayor Mare to discuss the upcoming Ciderfest.”
“Right.” Twilight took a sip of tea. “What’s next?”
“After that, you open the newly remodeled Ponyville schoolhouse….”
“Okay, good. And then?”
“Then….oh yeah, you have it marked here for you to visit Rainbow Dash.”
“Oh, that’s right!” Twilight cried. “I want to see how she and her new foal are getting along...its her and Soarin’s first child, you see. I feel so guilty that I couldn’t see her in the hospital…..”
“It’s okay, Twilight.” Spike patted her hoof sympathetically. “You’re a busy mare, what with your royal duties and--”
“TWILIGHT!” A sudden voice called. “Watch out!”
“What?” Twilight turned to face the door, the direction in which the voice had come from. “What is--”
Something collided sharply with her head. Something hurtling towards her at a velocity that should’ve been illegal.
She let out a loud yelp, bright starbursts of pain exploding in her head, and fell over.
“Twilight!” Now she recognized the voice—it belonged to her husband, Flash Sentry. “Oh my gosh, are you okay?”
“Wha?” She said groggily. “Oh, hi. What was that?” Flash bent over her, hooking a foreleg over hers and pulling her back onto her hooves.
“It was Star Streak, of course.” He sighed. He suddenly dropped her hoof, leaping around her.
“COME HERE--” He yelled, then was cut off with a loudthunk.
Twilight turned out, slightly dizzy, and her gaze fell on Flash, who was now lying on the floor, clutching his head.
“Ow.” He said.
“Tell me about it.” Twilight agreed. “Where’d she go?”
Before Flash had a chance to answer, a loud buzzing of wings attracted her ear, and she spun around to see a little purple blur speeding for her.
“No you don’t.” She growled, and her horn lit up with a flash of magic. Now, a translucent magenta bubble hovered before her, with a little filly inside.
“Got her.” She sighed.
Star Streak was a little baby, only a few months old, but already knew how to fly. She’d mastered her wings incredibly early, and spent most of her time zigging and zagging around the castle.
The bubble popped when Twilight poked it with her horn, and Star fell into her outstretched hooves.
“You little rascal.” She half-smiled, tickling the infant’s stomach. She brushed a hoof over the tiny blue mane, trying to set it to rights. “Did you fly away from daddy again?”
“And then some.” Flash groaned, coming up next to her. “Are you sure your not related to Pinkie Pie? It was like watching a pinball machine.”
Twilight laughed, and Star gave a high-pitched baby giggle.
“Well.” Spike said, poking his head out from underneath the table. “That was certainly….exciting.”
“Interesting way to start a morning.” Flash agreed. “Want me to take her, Twi?”
“Yeah, sure.” Twilight handed off the little Pegasus to Flash. “Spike, was there anything on the schedule after Rainbow--?”
She was cut off as a burst of green fire erupted from Spike’s mouth, and a scroll spun out of the flames. Twilight caught it with her magic, breaking the seal and unfurling it.
“Oh, that’s funny.” She said, skimming the top lines. “It’s from Rainbow Dash herself. ‘We need to talk I’m coming over immediately’--wait, what? Why? Talk about what?”
She was cut off by the sound of breaking glass and a loud thud, punctuated by yells from a raspy, familiar voice.
“Rainbow!” Twilight called, distressed. “We talked about this!”
Leaving Spike, Flash, and Star in the dining room, she galloped out of the door, screeching to a stop in the hallway. Rainbow Dash sat on the floor, shaking bits of colored glass out of her mane. Behind her, one of the stained glass windows was smashed to pieces, showing the sky beyond.
“Oh. Right, sorry.” Rainbow chuckled awkwardly. “Yeah…..but you can fix it easily.”
Twilight groaned. “What did you need to talk about?” She asked.
“Oh. Right.” Rainbow’s expression changed from a sheepish smile to a look of utter terror. “I need serious help.”
“What’s going on? Is it something with your foal?”
“Yes!” Rainbow leapt lightly over the broken shards on the floor, gazing pleadingly at Twilight. “Help me!”
“I still don’t understand, Rainbow.” Twilight sighed. “Calm down and tell me what it is you need help with.”
“Okay, can we go somewhere other than the hallway?” Rainbow Dash asked, glancing around. “This...uh….isn’t a child-safe area.”
“Oh, isn’t that strange.” Twilight said sarcastically, trotting down the hallway. “I wonder why.”
“Hah. Very funny.” Rainbow rolled her eyes, following her friend.
“Hang on a second.” Twilight poked her head in the door to the dining room. Flash and Spike were both standing where she left them, but Star had gotten bored of being held and was zipping in circles over the table.
“Spike? There’s a broken window over here….” She said. “Think you could clean it up?”
“Of course.” Spike sighed. “But really, Rainbow?”
“Heh. Sorry.” Rainbow chuckled sheepishly. “Old habits die hard.”
“So I see.” Spike said in an unamused tone, trotting off to find a broom. Flash began to chase Star around, trying to catch her.
“Okay, lets talk about this problem of yours.” Twilight said, guiding Rainbow into the lounge. “What’s going on?”
“Okay, check this out.” Rainbow Dash craned her neck over, reaching for the saddlebags that Twilight suddenly noticed she was wearing.
But then, she recognized them not as saddlebags, but as special pouches designed for carrying foals. They were made with extra padding on the inside, as well as a breathable fabric that made it so that the little ones didn’t suffocate. It buckled on with an extremely secure harness which was difficult for anypony but a Unicorn to put on.
“Wait…..” Twilight said slowly. “You crashed through a window….carrying your child?”
“Um….maybe?” Rainbow looked puzzled. “Was that wrong?”
“Was….it….” Twilight struggled not to explode. “Was it…..wrong….”
“Woah, calm down, Twi.” Rainbow eased her saddlebags very gently onto the floor. “I need your help.” “Fine.” Twilight exhaled. “But this conversation isn’t over. Now what’s wrong?”
“Well….this.” Rainbow flipped open one of the bags with a hoof. A little colt tumbled out, yawning. He stretched his tiny, pale blue wings, shaking out his rainbow mane.
“Awww.” In spite of her annoyance, Twilight couldn’t help but coo over him. “He has Soarin’s coat, but your mane and eyes!”
“This is Thunder.” Rainbow slid a wing under his tiny body, lifting him gently. “But I opened the wrong saddlebag.” She flipped open the other one.
After a few second, the tiny head of a filly poked out. She had a dark blue coat and sky blue mane.
“Twins?” Twilight guessed as Rainbow lifted the filly as well. “Congratulations!”
“Thanks a lot.” Rainbow managed a wan smile, folding her wings in front of her chest to create a sort of cradle. “That’s Rainshine. But I need serious help.”
“With what, Rainbow?” Twilight groaned. “Please just tell me already.”
“With...her.” Rainbow nosed Rainshine’s mane it to shift.
“What am I….” Twilight trailed off.
Protruding from the filly’s head was a tiny, stubby horn.
“Help me, Twilight!” Rainbow Dash begged. “I live on a cloud! How do I raise a pony with no wings?”
Recovering from her initial shock, Twilight managed to answer.
“Same way you’d raise one with wings.” She said, still staring at Rainshine.
“But I’m a Pegasus!” Rainbow protested.
“And?” Twilight said calmly, breaking her gaze away from the filly to meet Rainbow’s panicked eyes. “I’m not seeing how that makes a difference.”
Rainbow Dash gaped at her friend.
“I’m...a Pegasus.” She said slowly. “My child...is a Unicorn. I live on a cloud. Pegasi can walk on clouds. Unicorns can not--”
“Okay, okay, I get the idea.” Twilight interrupted. “And you know, there is a spell that allows non-Pegasi to walk on clouds.”
“But is it permanent?” Rainbow asked, sounding anxious.
“No.” Twilight admitted. “But I’m sure there’s some way to make it last certain amounts of time. You’d just have to come back to me now and then to get the spell refreshed.”
“Oh.” Rainbow seemed to relax a little bit. “That’s….actually not a bad idea. Thanks, Twi.”
“No problem.” Twilight sighed. “Now if you excuse me, I have a very busy day ahead. I can help you later this afternoon, when I have a break in the schedule…..”
“Actually…there is just one more problem.” Rainbow Dash hedged.
“Oh?” Twilight raised an eyebrow. “What now?”
“HOW DO YOU RAISE A FREAKING UNICORN?” Rainbow’s yell took Twilight by surprise, and she flinched, covering her ears with her wings. “I’M A FREAKING PEGASUS!”
“Rainbow, I literally just told you this--you raise a Unicorn the same way you would a Pegasus.” Twilight groaned. “Also, you may have just made your children deaf for life--”
“But what if I’m terrible at raising children in general?” Rainbow sounded like she was panicking again. “Heck—I flew through a window carrying my three week old twins! That’s terrible! I’m a terrible parent! What am I going to do? Should I pick up a book on parenting? Probably! Where was I going with this? I had a point.”
“RAINBOW.” Twilight said loudly. “RELAX.”
Rainbow Dash blinked, looking surprised that Twilight existed and was still in the room.
“Deep breaths.” Twilight advised. “You will not fail.”
“I...will...not...fail….” Rainbow repeated slowly, staring blankly into space.
“It doesn’t matter that you’re a Pegasus.” Twilight continued, trying to keep her voice steady and calm. “You will be perfectly fine.”
“Right. Of course.” Rainbow shook her head, looking confused. “What was talking about?”
“How you’d raise Rainshine?” Twilight suggested.
“Oh. Right. Well, the same way I’d raise Thunder, of course. …..I think.”
“Excellent!” Twilight smiled. “Well, that’s settled. Now I’m really sorry, but I need to get to work. I have a really busy day ahead of me. In the afternoon I can get back to you--”
“Wait, Twilight!” Rainbow begged. “Can I just stay with you for the day? Maybe you can help me with Rainshine? I know baby Unicorns are prone to random surges of magic…..please help?”
Twilight sighed. Rainbow was giving her puppydog eyes, something she must have learned from Scootaloo.
She had made time to help Rainbow later—now, she had things to do.
“I...I really don’t know.” She admitted. “Couldn’t you talk to another one of our friends? Someone else who has raised a?—oh.”
“Exactly.” Rainbow urged. “You’re the only pony I know well enough to ask for help who has raised a Unicorn. Can you help? ……………..Please?”
“Fine. I’ll do my best.” Twilight decided, letting out another sigh. “But I do have some other things to do today. I’ll help you as best as I can.”
“THANK YOU SO FREAKING MUCH.” This time, Rainbow’s yell startled her twins, and they started up thin, high wails.
“Oh, no!” Rainbow bit her lip, looking scared. “Was it me? What do I do?”
“They’re just scared.” Twilight assured her. “You may need to consider lowering your voice more often. Just...rock them.”
“Oh. Okay.” As Rainbow Dash set about awkwardly swaying in place, Twilight realized her friend needed more help than she let on.
“Twilight?” Spike’s head appeared in the doorway. “Mayor Mare is here.”
“Okay, thanks.” Twilight sighed. “Tell her I’ll be with her shortly.” Spike nodded and disappeared again.
“Rainbow, feel free to use the library or something while I’m busy.” Twilight said. “Also, you can probably call for Flash or Spike if you need any help. I’ll get this over with as quickly as I can, then I’ll teach you everything I know about parenting Unicorns. Okay?”
“Yeah, got it. Thanks so much for your help, Twi.” Rainbow gave her a grateful smile. “I really,reallyneed it.”
You can say that again, Twilight thought, but she didn’t say anything. She gave Rainbow a nod and a tight smile before slipping down the hallway to the throne room, where the Mayor would be waiting.
“Thanks for waiting, Miss Mare.” Twilight said as she entered to find the aforementioned pony standing by the magical table.
“Of course, your highness.” The Mayor smiled, gesturing to the map. “I was just admiring your decorations.”
“Ah, of course.” Twilight trotted over to the table, looking over the magically added décor. “As you can see, we stressed on the idea of apples being the major decoratory function.”
“That would make sense.” The Mayor agreed. “Also, Applejack has agreed to perform the traditional Apple family harvest song with her son.”
“That’s excellent!” Twilight gave a relieved smile. “Next, we should--”
A loud roaring, tumbling noise drowned her next words. It sounded as if a miniature avalanche was going off in the next room.
“SWEET CELESTIA WHAT IS THAT?” Mayor Mare shouted, falling over as the ground began to shake. With a flap of her wings, Twilight hovered over the trembling floor, staring at the doors. They quivered in their frames, puzzling her. What was in the hallway?
With a creaking, rumbling snap, the doors popped neatly off their hinges, sending splinters flying. A flood of books poured through the door, rolling like a tidal wave. Twilight was instantly transported back to bad memories of one particular Grand Galloping Gala.
She swooped down and landed next to the Mayor in the lick of time, creating a magical shield that protected them both from the tsunami of paper sweeping over them. After a few minutes, the flow seemed to slow down, before finally coming to a gradual halt.
“What….happened?” Mayor Mare asked, staring wide-eyed at the catastrophe that surrounded them.
“I have no idea.” Twilight admitted. She flapped her wings again and rose into the air, still maintaining the shield around them. The Mayor was lifting too, slipping and sliding along the bottom of the bubble, unable to keep her footing.
As soon as they rose above the books, Twilight was startled with Rainbow hovering just above them, an anxious expression on her face.
Rainbow said something—Twilight could see her lips moving, but the magical bubble was soundproof. It looked like “sorry”, though.
“I can’t hear you!” Twilight yelled.
Rainbow cocked her head to the side, looking confused, and she said something else.
“I CAN’T—oh, this is useless.” Twilight sighed. “Miss Mare, if you excuse me, I need to leave this shield so I can clear us some space.”
“Of course, your highness.” The Mayor nodded, watching the books below with a slightly nervous expression.
“Okay, here goes.” Twilight took a deep breath and created a small hole in the bubble, just large enough for her to squeeze out.
“Twilight, I am so so sorry.” Rainbow said as soon she was out of the shield. “You see, I had no idea--”
“Hang on a quick second, Rainbow.” Twilight said, closing her eyes. There was a flash of magenta light, and a small ripple of power, like a sonic boom, spread from Twilight. It pushed the books away, uncovering the table and creating a small amount of space within the room.
“Okay.” Twilight landed, finally able to drop the magic holding the shield in place. Mayor Mare dropped gracelessly onto the ground, landing on her face. Twilight helped her up, apologizing, then gave her attention to Rainbow.
“What happened?” She asked.
“It...was Rainshine.” Rainbow Dash ducked her head, looking sheepish. “I went to the library to look up some books on Unicorn foals, and Rainshine seemed fascinated by the shelves...then I don’t know what happened, the bookshelves crashed over and the books started flooding the room.”
Twilight sighed, rubbing her forehead with a hoof.
The day had barely started and already she had a headache.
“I take it the hallways between here and the library are choked with paper?” She guessed.
Rainbow gave a tiny, reluctant nod.
“Okay. I’ll need to find some way to clean that up….” Twilight bit her lip. “Where are the twins now?”
“Spike agreed to watch them while I checked on you.” Rainbow informed her. “I really am so sorry—I’ll find some way to help you clean up.” “That would certainly be appreciated.” Twilight turned back to the Mayor. “Miss Mare, you have no idea how sorry I am.”
“It’s no matter.” The Mayor waved a hoof, smiling sympathetically. “We can discuss this later. After all, the Ciderfest is not for several weeks. We have some time to breath.”
“You have no idea how excellent that is to hear.” Twilight let out a slow exhale. “Now I can clean up this mess. Thank you for your time.”
“Of course. We can schedule a time to meet some other day.” Miss Mare assured her. “I see you have your hooves full today.”
Twilight made a sound that was somewhere between a forced laugh and a desperate groan. With a spark of her horn, she used magic to push aside the books and clear a path to the door. The Mayor waved and departed.
As soon as she disappeared, Twilight collapsed on the floor, burying her face in her forelegs.
“Um….” Rainbow hovered over her awkwardly. “…….sorry?”
“There.” Twilight gave an exhausted sigh, replacing a stack of books on a shelf. “Rainbow, are there any more out there?”
The Pegasus streaked past her, checking the hallway.
“Nope.” She reported, landing next to Twilight. “We got ‘em all.”
“Great.” Twilight staggered to a chair, collapsing and burying her face in the table next to it. The morning was barely over, and still it had been the most exhausting day of her life. But there was still more.
“Twilight?” She heard Spike calling her, but his voice seemed to be coming from a long way.
“Twi?” Now Rainbow was talking.
Why couldn’t they just be quiet and let her go to sleep? All she wanted was sleep. Was that too much to ask for?
A hoof was laid on her shoulder, shaking her gently. She stolidly ignored it. Someone poked her with a very pointy claw, and she squirmed, feeling annoyed, but still refused to open her eyes.Wild bugbears couldn’t have made her move now.
They stopped touching her and calling her name. Maybe they’d given up.
Twilight allowed herself to relax, drifting further into the soft embrace of blackness. Everything would be fine.
Splash.
It was a very rude, cold call back to reality.
Her eyes flew open and she yelped loudly, inhaling a mouthful of icy water. Coughing and spluttering, she flailed backwards out of her chair, her limbs feeling like icicles. Her mane, which usually flowed out behind her like it was in a wind, hung limp over her shoulders.
“What—cough—was—splutter--THAT?” She gasped, glaring at Spike at Rainbow, the former who was holding Rainbow’s twins, the latter who grasped an empty bucket.
“Sorry, Twi.” Rainbow said sheepishly. “We couldn’t get you to wake up.”
“You have an appearance to make at the Ponyville Schoolhouse.” Spike reminded her, which did nothing to improve her mood. She glared furiously at him through sodden lashes, but all he had to offer was an offhand shrug.
“Well, I can’t go with this sopping mane.” Twilight groaned, tossing it over her shoulder and spraying icy droplets through the air.
“Oh!” Rainbow tossed aside the bucket. “I know!”
She leapt into the air and started flying in tight circles around Twilight, buffeting her with winds.
“What are you--” Twilight was interrupted as the words were torn away from her mouth.
“The Rain-Blow Drier!” Rainbow Dash offered, bringing the cyclone to a stop. “Remember it?”
“How could I not?” Twilight grumbled.
Then she remembered the unfortunate side effect of Rainbow’s mane-drying technique.
“No no no no no!” She cried, leaping out of her chair and rushing over to one of the walls. She twisted her head and peered into the crystal, which offered a slightly warped but clear reflection of herself.
Her mane had sprung up into tight, tangled curls, which were still trying to flow as they did normally, making it look as if her whole coiffure was jiggling wildly.
She slunk to the floor, covering her head with her wings.
“It’s...okay, Twilight.” Rainbow said, hesitantly approaching. “It only sort of looks like indigo jello….”
“SORT OF?” Twilight yelled, flinging her head up, her eyes glowing with a mad light. “I HAVE TO MAKE A PUBLIC APPEARANCE AND IT LOOKS LIKE I DECIDED TO WEAR JELLO ON MY HEAD!”
“Relax, Twilight.” Spike came up next to Rainbow. “You’re going to wake the twins.”
Twilight glanced at the sleeping foals, and a tiny bit of her sanity returned.
“Sorry.” She took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. “I guess I just need to stop by Rarity’s before I head to the schoolhouse….”
“You may want to hurry.” Spike suggested. “You were supposed to be there five minutes ago.”
“WHAT?” Twilight leapt to her hooves. “WHY DIDN’T YOU SAY SO?” She sped out of the room, leaving a sparkly indigo trail in her wake.
“Behold the Sonic Twiboom.” Rainbow sighed. Spike carried her saddlebags over, and she let him help her strap them back on.
“With luck, the twins should be asleep for a while.” He informed her. “And good luck catching up with Twilight.”
“I’ll need it.” Rainbow sighed again. “Thanks a million, Spike. See you later.”
Spike gave her a shrug and a smile as she trotted out of the room, pursuing Twilight.
It took her a little bit of time to reach Rarity’s boutique, burdened as she was with her twins. She pushed the door open, setting off a jingling bell.
“Welcome to the Carousal Boutique!” Rarity chirped, striding out of a back room. “Where every garment is chic, unique, and—oh, well hello, Rainbow Dash. It’s nice to see you.”
“Likewise.” Rainbow grinned. “How’s it going?”
“Oh, quite well!” Rarity said eagerly. “In fact, my Manehatten branch—well, my guess is that you’re not actually here to talk fashion, are you?”
“I must admit I’m not.” Rainbow chuckled.
“Well then, what can I do for you?” Rarity trotted to one of the clothes racks lining the wall, sorting a few dresses hanging up.
“Have you seen Twilight anywhere?”
“Oh! You just missed her, darling.” Rarity frowned in concern. “The poor thing came charging in here like she was being chased by a bugbear, with her mane an absolute disaster. I helped her sort it out, and then she dashed off again. To the schoolhouse, I believe?”
“Thanks, Rare!” Rainbow dashed back to the door. “See you later.”
“Of course, darling.” Rarity gave a half amused, half puzzled chuckle as Rainbow vanished.
What was with ponies being in such a hurry today?
Rainbow took off again. As she sped through the air, she began to feel Rainshine squirming around in the right saddlebag.
“Looks like she’s awake.” She said, slowing as she drew near the schoolhouse before dropping to the ground. She craned her neck over, flipping open the pouch.
Rainshine’s head popped out, and the filly blinked sleepily. In spite of all her worries, Rainbow couldn’t help but smile. This adorable little miracle was her own child, and she couldn’t help but feel proud for her. Sure, raising a Unicorn would be difficult for her, but….just look at that pwecious wittle face.
“Fillies and gentlecolts!” Twilight’s voice, forcefully cheery, was what snapped Rainbow out of her mental baby talk.She jerked her head up, realizing she stood at the edge of a crowd watching the princess give her speech.
Her friend smiled, waving a hoof, and levitated a large pair of golden scissors into the air.
Rainshine let out a fascinated coo. Rainbow turned her head to look at the filly, who was staring at the scissors with the same starry expression she’d stared at the bookshelves.
“Oh, no you don’t.” Rainbow said, alarmed. “No way.”
“I know pronounce the new and improved Ponyville Schoolhouse….” Twilight hovered the scissors over the glossy red ribbon stretched across the paved pathway to the enlarged building. “…….open!” Amid cheers, she tried to close the scissors.
They snapped shut with a click, but not on the ribbon, as they now were being tugged over the crowd. Rainbow glanced at Rainshine, who’s tiny face was creased in concentration, her horn sparkling with magic.
The cheers gradually turned to panicked yells, ponies jumping aside as the scissors hurtled crazily through the air. Rainbow stared, slack-jawed, as the shiny, dangerously sharp projectile came careening her way.
“RAINBOW!” Twilight’s voice cut through the chaos like a foghorn. “DUCK!”
“Wha? Oh, right.” Rainbow dived to the side, barely avoiding losing a great deal of her mane and part of her scalp. The scissors, blades quivering, buried themselves in a tree.
“Well, that was crazy.” Rainbow sighed, brushing dirt off her coat.
“WATCH OUT!” Somepony yelled, and Rainbow barely managed to duck as the scissors gave a mighty lurch her way again, causing the tree they were stuck in to come crashing down.
“Rainshine, no!” She said. “Those are NOT a toy!” The filly stolidly ignored her, frowning intensely, and the crowd scattered as the scissors swung wildly around again.
“Nooo! Bad! Stop!” Rainbow groaned. The scissors did a full 360, knocking out a stallion in the crowd.
“FREDERIC!” The normally-reserved Octavia screeched, throwing ponies aside. “SPEAK TO ME!”
Twilight’s eye twitched.
“WE HAVE HAD QUITE ENOUGH!” She bellowed in a Canterlot Royal voice that would have rivaled Princess Luna’s. She leapt forwards, her hooves slamming down squarely on the scissors, and they dissolved into liquid.
Rainshine let out a whimper of disappointment.
Twilight stood in a puddle of molten gold, her right eye twitching jerking uncontrollably.
“Uh….” Rainbow waved a hoof in front of her face. “Twi?”
The Alicorn didn’t blink.
“I think we broke her.” Rainbow said in a loud whisper.
“So….let me get this straight.” Flash Sentry stared at the twitching statue of his wife, propped against the crystal wall of the castle. “She...stepped on a pair of scissors….and this happened?”
“I realize I sound insane.” Rainbow groaned. “But it happened. I’ve spent the last twenty minutes trying to get her to respond to anything. So far, this is all I could get.” She trotted over to Twilight, leaning over to her ear.
“Unicorn.” She whispered. Twilight gave a violent jerk, limbs trembling nervously, her eyes still glazed over as she stared into space.
“That’s…...not good.” Spike groaned, running a talon over his face. “Definitely not good.”
“I’ve tried everything I know.” Rainbow sighed. “Poking, slapping, shaking, dumping water on her head….I’m out of ideas.”
“I’m still trying to understand the scissors.” Flash looked confused.
“Uh….long story. Way long.” Rainbow waved a hoof in dismissal. “Too long to tell.”
“Oh...kay...then.” Flash squinted into Twilight’s eyes. “Well, if I know my wife as well as I think I do, I think I’ll know what’ll snap her out of it.”
“Then go for it!” Rainbow said, exasperated. “Cause I’m sure not getting anywhere!”
“Okay….hmm.” Flash tapped a hoof to his muzzle thoughtfully. “Hey Twilight, there’s a book sale going on at someponies house. They have the Canterlot Encyclopedias,first editions,full collection and signed by the author.”
“Really?” Rainbow’s jaw dropped as Twilight broke her position and grinned happily, leaping up and down in place. She looked more like Pinkie Pie than the dignified Princess of Friendship now. “Oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh I can’t believe it! That’s so awesome! How even is that possible?”
“Um….yeah, about that.” Flash chuckled awkwardly. “It’s not. Sorry. I lied.”
“What?” Twilight stopped bouncing in midair, losing momentum and crashing down to the ground. “Hey….that wasn’t funny.At all.”
“Sorry.” Flash said apologetically, helping her up. “You were kind of broken.”
“I was….um, what?” Twilight blinked. “Hey, how’d we get here?”
“Had to drag you back to the castle.”Rainbow grinned. “Good to have you back in the land of the living. You’ve been totally out of it for, like, twenty minutes.”
“Wow.” Twilight placed a hoof on her head, bewildered. “What happened?”
Both Flash and Spike instantly looked at Rainbow Dash expectantly.
“It’s….um...a long story.” Rainbow’s excuse was far from being delivered smoothly. “And it has to do with crazy things, like a pair of scissors. So it wouldn’t make much sense.”
“Oh...right. Scissors.” Twilight frowned, closing her eyes. “Now I remember.”
“Ahh….you do?” Rainbow said anxiously. “You sure?”
“Kind of hard to forget.” Twilight said wryly, opening her eyes and shooting Rainbow a look. “I’ve never seen Octavia scream like that.”
“Would anypony care to explain what the Tartarus you’re talking about?” Flash demanded, looking frustrated.
“Sorry, honey.” Twilight gave a rueful smile. “Long story short—scissors plus baby Unicorns doesn’t end well.”
“That still doesn’t explain much.” Flash grumbled.
“I’d….rather the story stayed unknown from as many ponies possible.” Rainbow ducked her head to hide her flushing cheeks. “Which may be sort of hard.”
Flash gave a long sigh, massaging his forehead.
“Okay.” He gave in with a rueful groan. “But my curiosity will haunt me for the rest of my days.”
“As will my embarrassment.” Rainbow added.
“Okay, now you’re just throwing that out on purpose.” Flash accused.
“Maybe.” Rainbow flashed a sheepish grin.
“We’ll be out of your mane soon.” Twilight promised, giving Flash a quick peck on the cheek. “I set aside this time to visit Rainbow, but since she’s here, I can give her a lesson on Unicorn parenting 101.”
Rainbow perked up at the offer of help, then wilted a little when she realized Twilight had said “lesson”.
“Like….what sort of lesson?” She asked carefully. Twilight’s eyes glittered, which was an immediate red flag.
“Are you ready?” She asked.
“Do you want me to answer honestly?” Rainbow groaned.
“Excellent! Let’s go!”
“NO--” Rainbow’s desperate cry was cut short as she was enveloped in Twilight’s magic, disappearing with a flash of light.
-------------------------------------------
Rainbow blinked in surprise.
She had no idea how Twilight had managed to teleport her perfectly onto this stool, but somehow it had happened. Twilight stood right in front of her, grinning like a maniac, levitating a piece of chalk over a blackboard.
“Couldn’t you just give me some pointers?” Rainbow begged. “I don’t need a whole lecture. Just some helpful ideas, maybe some examples?”
“Unicorn Parenting 101!” Twilight said, completely ignoring her friend’s pleas. “Lesson One—Learning to watch for magical surges! Ooh ooh ooh—or maybe it should be foal-proofing your home! Or maybe even--”
“Twilight!” Rainbow cried desperately. “We both know I don’t learn from lectures. Remember the last time you tried that?”
“Oh.” Twilight wilted a little. “Right.”
“Maybe if you could show me some examples of foal-proofing within the home….” Rainbow hinted.
“Oh.” The Alicorn brightened. “You know, that’s actually a good idea!”
“No need to sound so surprised.” Rainbow huffed, then cracked a grin. “Come on, then. Lesson One?”
“Of course!” Twilight tossed aside the piece of chalk. “I know just where to start—stairs!”
“Stairs?” Rainbow stood, puzzled, following her friend as she trotted out of the room. “Who are you, Sombra? What do you mean?”
“I mean you have a kid that’s not gonna be airborne a lot of the time.” Twilight explained, stopping near a tall spiral staircase. “You need proper protection to keep her from falling down constantly. Let me tell you—nothing is more fascinating to a baby than stairs.”
“Other than books.” Rainbow groaned.
“Well, hopefully that was a one time occurrence.” Twilight continued, pointing a hoof at the stairs. “Now—exhibit A.”
Rainbow blinked.
Screwed into the crystal at the top of the flight was a white plastic gate, shining it all its cheap, flimsy glory.
“…….seriously.” Rainbow deadpanned. “You have a castle, and you get a plastic baby gate.”
“It was on sale. Don’t judge.” Twilight huffed. “It did the job and kept Galaxy from brain damage or premature death. If you want to do the same with Rainshine, then you can’t be so picky.”
“Okay, okay.” Rainbow held her hooves up in a pacifying gesture. “Relax.”
“You’ll want a gate that has a sturdy, anti-magic latch.” Twilight jumped right back into the lecture without missing a beat. “It’s a pain to open with your hooves, but it keeps your kids from opening it themselves.” “Okay, that’s good to know.” Rainbow nodded, tapping her muzzle with a hoof. “Where is a good place to get one?”
“Well, I just got this one at the furniture stop here in Ponyville. Nothing special.”
“I can see that.” Rainbow muttered under her breath, which earned her a glare from Twilight. “Okay, what’s next?”
“Corners!”
“…….what?”
“Corners.”
“No, I heard you, I was wondering…...why corners.”
Twilight sighed.
“Corners, because kids are energetic and crazy.” She said. “They’ll be running around everywhere. You need proper protection because they’re so adorably clumsy. So….viola!”
Rainbow turned to follow the direction of her friend's pointing hoof and found it indicating the corner of a wall, which was covered with a waist-high rubber pad.
“It saved Galaxy many a tumble that could have been a lot more painful.” Twilight said proudly.
“You put these on every corner?” Rainbow asked, trotted over to examine it closely. “How did I never notice?”
“I only put them in the main living quarters.” Twilight explained. “That’s where Galaxy was most of the time. I didn’t want these things all over the castle.”
“Okay, that’s a good idea.” Rainbow looked back over to her friend. “What’s next?”
“Locks!” Twilight said. “I know you don’t usually have them at your house, but trust me—baby Unicorns can open doors like that.” She clapped her hooves together. “You’ll need special locks for your doors to keep Rainshine from breaking everything.”
“Got it.” Rainbow said confidently. “Is there anything else?”
“Um...let me think.” Twilight tapped a hoof against her muzzle. “Those three were the first that came to mind—and they’re the foundation of good foal-proofing. What else...what else...”
“Maybe we can move to something like the care and keeping of Unicorn foals?” Rainbow suggested. “That’s pretty important too.”
“Right! To be honest, the most important part of that is horn-trimming.”
“What?” Rainbow’s eyes widened in shock and alarm. “Why does that even exist?”
“Good.” Rainbow tried to wave away the images of scissors and—strangely enough—chainsaws near her baby’s head. “What on earth is it?”
“You know whenever Rarity goes to the spa, she gets her horn filed?” Twilight said. “That’s it. Easy and non-dangerous.”
“Good.” Rainbow was slightly more at ease now. “What does it do?”
“If a pony’s horn gets too long, it gets harder to control their magical abilities.” Twilight explained.“That’s why it’s so important for foals. Their magic is explosive already, so keeping it trimmed properly is imperative for safety.”
“Impera-what?”
“Important.”
“Okay. I’ll take your word for it.” Rainbow shrugged. “How exactly does one trim a Unicorn’s horn?”
“I’ll show you.” Twilight offered. “If Galaxy doesn’t mind, that is.”
“Great.” Rainbow smiled. “Should we go find her—” Her words were swallowed by the loud popping noise that came with teleporting, and both ponies vanished.
They reappeared elsewhere, in a bedroom that clearly belonged to a child. Books and scrolls with nearly-illegible writing were scattered over the floor, alternating with quills and half-empty ink jars. The bed was buried beneath stuffed animals, and the tall windows were veiled with slightly tattered gauzy curtains.
“Galaxy!” Twilight called, carefully stepping over a stack of books. “Are you here, sweetie?”
“M-m-mom?” An anxious, shrill voice came to Rainbow’s ears, and the head of an orange-coated Unicorn filly poked out from behind a nearby desk. “H-how did you g-get into my room?”
“Sorry for the impromptu entrance, honey.” Twilight gave an apologetic smile. “I promise I’ll try not to do it again.”
“I-it’s fine. I guess.” Galaxy blinked, readjusting her wide-rimmed glasses. “W-w-what is Auntie Rainbow D-dash doing here?” She gave an embarrassed squeak, withdrawing halfway. “S-sorry. I meant no offense….”
“Of course not.” Rainbow gave her a grin. “Hey, Galaxy. What’s going on?”
“N-nothing.” Galaxy ran a nervous hoof through her indigo mane. “W-why did you come h-here so suddenly?”
“I wanted to demonstrate to Auntie Rainbow Dash how to properly file a Unicorn’s horn.” Twilight explained with a calming smile. “Do you mind helping me?”
“N...no, I don’t mind.” Galaxy slunk out from behind the desk, wilting under the attention from the two grownups. “Should we g-go to the b-b-bathroom?”
“Yes, of course.” Twilight opened her wing and let Galaxy hide underneath it. She bent down, whispering into her daughter’s ear, “It’s okay.”
“You really need to stop doing that.” Rainbow Dash groaned. “I’m starting to taste copper. Is that normal? Should I be worried?”
“I’m sure it’s fine.” Twilight said in a preoccupied manner, searching the bathroom cabinets for something. Galaxy, unable to hide beneath her mother’s wing, slipped behind the shower curtain.
“What are you looking for?” Rainbow asked.
“Found it.” Twilight hopped off the edge of the sink where she’d been balancing, levitating something with her magic. That “something” turned out to be two horn files, one of which she handed to Rainbow.
“Galaxy, it’s going to be okay.” She said, trying to coax the filly out from behind the curtain. “I’m sorry for startling you earlier. Auntie Rainbow doesn’t bite. You know that.”
Galaxy peeped out cautiously from behind her refuge, glancing furtively at the Pegasus, who perched on a hoofstool. Rainbow gave her what she hoped was a calming and encouraging smile, spreading her hooves out so she looked harmless.
Galaxy took a deep breath, slowly but surely creeping out, inch by inch.
“Just hold still, honey.” Twilight wrapped a protecting wing around Galaxy, who snuggled against her feathers. “Ready?”
The filly gave her a tiny nod.
“So, you want to start at the tip.” Twilight said, demonstrating. Galaxy squeezed her eyes shut, as if expecting the worst. Rainbow stood and trotted over so she could see.
“You work your way around the first spiral, making sure to shave off any dead skin.” Twilight shifted her head so the light was shining on her work. “You’ll want to apply more pressure as you move down, since the skin gets thicker—“
“Twilight!” The bathroom door slammed open as Spike barreled inside. The immediate reaction was expected, but also quite humorous.
Rainbow gave a loud gasp, leaping into the air and immediately slamming her head against the ceiling. Rainshine, who was still inside the saddlebag, gave a coo of delight at the ride she’d gotten. Thunder said nothing—he was still asleep.
Galaxy gave a high-pitched shriek of alarm and absolute terror, flinging herself bodily into the cabinet under the sink and slamming the doors.
“SWEET CELESTIA IN SOCKS, SPIKE!”Twilight yelled, leaping backwards and crashing into the shower curtain, her weight causing the supporting rod to snap, so she careened into the bathtub, tangled in swathes of floral-patterned fabric.
“Um….” Spike stood, scratching his head at what had just happened. “Was this a bad time?”
“A--” Twilight attempted to get up, but tripped over the broken shower curtain rod. “--Bad--” She rolled over, causing her wings to become hopelessly tangled. “--TIME?” She landed on her face.
Spike blinked.
Galaxy was still hiding in the cabinet, Rainbow was lying on the ground, clutching her head while Rainshine giggled, and Twilight was lying in the bathtub, unable to move.
“Should I go?” He asked.
“Was entering the room like that really necessary?” Rainbow groaned, squeezing her eyes shut and gritting her teeth. “I mean….really?”
“Um….” Spike said again. “I just wanted to say….Twilight’s late again.”
“Wait, really?” Twilight panicked, attempting to stand up once more, which didn’t end well. “What am I late for?”
“Story time at the local library.” Spike informed her. “I just remembered it.”
“No no no no no!” Twilight cried, doing something that looked uncannily like the worm in an attempt to get out of the tub. “I can’t be late again!”
“Do you need some help?” Spike raised an eyebrow. “For the record, I’m asking no questions about what was going on in here.”
“I was trying to teach Rainbow how to file a Unicorn’s horn.” Twilight answered shortly. “And yes, I could use a hoof here.”
“Got it.” Fighting back a chuckle, Spike trotted over to the bathroom and slit open the curtain with a claw. Twilight struggled out of it, standing up victorious with a flushed, sweaty face. Rainbow got slowly to her hooves, wincing.
“I’m all good, Twi.” Rainbow sighed. “Well, I’m a bit worried about Rainshine’s brand of humor, but that’s it.” She indicated the amused filly.
“Okay, everypony’s fine.” Twilight exhaled. “Galaxy? Where are you?”
“I d-don’t wanna come out.” A trembling voice came from beneath the sink.
“Honey.” Twilight sighed. “It’s just Uncle Spike. He doesn’t bite either!”
“I’m. Not. Moving.” Galaxy’s voice was firm. “Ever.”
Twilight gave Spike a “help me this is your fault” kind of look. Spike sighed, kneeling down next to the sink.
“Sorry about that, Galaxy.” He said. “If you come out, maybe we can play a game of Ogres and Oubliettes? Would you like that? Come on—I’ll give your player twenty more magic points.”
The door creaked slowly open.
“There we go.” Spike gave her an encouraging smile. “The Squizzard isn’t going to defeat himself!”
“You okay now, honey?”
What was visible of Galaxy’s head bobbed in a nod.
“I have to go now. Will you be okay with Uncle Spike?”
“Y-yeah.”
“Great! I’ll see you later, sweetie. Bye bye!” Twilight offered a wave as she backed out of the bathroom, followed by Rainbow Dash.
“I’ll come with you.” Rainbow said once they were out. “To the library, that is.”
Twilight hesitated.
“Are….you sure?” She said carefully. “I mean….you saw what happened earlier….when Rainshine was in a library….”
“That was it, I promise.” Rainbow said. “I can keep her under control. I Pinkie Promise.”
“Are you totally, absolutely, 120% sure?” Twilight hedged.
“Twilight.” Rainbow insisted. “Trust me on this. What’s the worst that could happen?”
The new Ponyville Library was a small building—recently built, funded by Twilight herself. It was a clean place, shiny with fresh paint and new hardwood floors. Ponies spoke in hushed voices, trotting through the aisles in pursuit of knowledge. It was an extremely pleasant place to be in.
As soon as she stepped through the doors, Twilight inhaled deeply. She loved the smell of this library—old books mixed with new wood and paint.
“Hello, your highness.” One of the librarians trotted up, beaming. “You’re here for the story time, I presume?”
“Yes, I am.” Twilight offered her a smile. “Sorry I’m so late.”
“It’s not a problem.” The librarian offered Rainbow Dash a respectful nod of acknowledgment. “Right this way, please.” Twilight followed her through the aisles, Rainbow trailing them.
“Here you are.” The librarian left them standing in the center of a group of staring children. “Let one of the staff know if you have any questions.”
“Thank you.” Twilight smiled. The librarian nodded and departed.
“Hello, everypony!” Twilight addressed the crowd of wide-eyed foals. “Are you ready to read?”
Amid the general, halfhearted murmurof assent that followed this question, Rainbow took a seat on a nearby couch. Both Rainshine and Thunder were awake now, and she rocked them gently as Twilight began the story.
“Ahem.” Twilight cleared her throat. “The Three Little Bovines and the Big Bad Timberwolf! Once upon a time—” A hoof shot shot up into the air, making her pause.
“Yes?” She asked.
“Whatth a boovin?” A colt lisped.
“Bovine.” Twilight corrected. “It means cow.”
“Oh. Okay then.”
“Yes….right. Well. Once upon a time, in a land far, far away—”
“How far?” A filly interrupted. “Like way big massive all the way to the Crystal Empire far?”
“Yes. I’m sure it was that far.” Twilight smiled. “Can I continue?”
“Yes.” Said the filly, satisfied.
“Okay. In a land far, far away, there lived three little bovines--”
“Cowth.” The colt interrupted, a dead serious expression upon his face.
“Yes. Cows. Now, these cows were best friends. One day they decided to build houses for themselves.”
“Didn’t they live with their mommies and daddies?” A filly asked, frowning.
“I don’t know.” Twilight’s voice was endlessly patient. “It’s not in the story. So, the little cows went on till they came to a big clearing in the woods. They all decided to build their houses there. The first little bovine—”
“Cow.”
“The first little cow decided to build his house out of straw.”
“How do you build a house of straw?”
“I’m not sure. But this little bovine—”
“Cow.”
“This little cow did it. He was done in a single day, and moved into his house that night. The second little bo—cow decided to build hiss house out of sticks.”
“I build houses made out of sticks all the time.” A colt interrupted. “But they always fall down.”
“Well, you’ll see what happens next in the story.” Twilight’s voice hid a tremor of impatience. “The second little cow took a little bit longer than the first one to build his house, but he got it done in a few days. Then he moved into his own home.”
“What did the third little bovine—”
“Cow!”
“Ugh. Fine. What did the third little cow use to build his house, princess?”
“I’m just getting to that. The third little cow decided to build his house out of bricks.”
“He’s the smart one.” A filly said importantly. “Smart like me.”
“Right. Well, it took the third little cow many, many days to build his home. The other two little bovines—“
“Cowth!”
“The other two little cows laughed at him for working so hard. They said he should have used straw or sticks—than he would be done as fast as them.”
“They’re mean!”
“Mmhm. Never be mean to your friends. Well, eventually the third little cow finally finished his house and moved in. For a time, they all lived together peacefully. Until….”
“Ooooh, I can’t handle the thuthpenthe!”
“Yes. Well. One day, a timberwolf came strolling along. He saw the three houses and decided to annoy the creatures living there.”
“He’s meaner than the other two cows!”
“I’m sure he is. He knocked on the door of the first house and said, ‘dear little bovine, let me in!’”
“It’th COW.”
“Right, sorry. The cow saw who it was, and he replied—‘not by the spots on my skinny skin skin!’ Then the timberwolf said—”
“Wait.” A filly interrupted. “In what universe do timberwolves talk?”
“Whatever universe the story is in.” Twilight said, fighting back a sigh. “Now, the timberwolf said ‘then I’ll huff, and I’ll puff, and I’ll blow your house down!’ But the little cow didn’t believe him. So he huffed, and he puffed, and he blew the house of straw to bits!”
A few of the foals squealed in excitement. Rainbow gave an amused smile, holding a bottle to Thunder’s mouth.
“The first little cow leapt up and began running as fast as he could. But he had gotten very, very fat, so he fell down, and the timberwolf—” Here Twilight broke off, dissolving into a coughing fit. “Hold on a second, everypony. I’ll be right back.” She stood up and trotted over to a nearby librarian.
They had a quick, hushed exchange, of which Rainbow could only hear the words “children’s book”, “graphic material”, and “protect their innocence” coming from Twilight, along with the librarian agreeing with everything she said.
After a few minutes, the Alicorn returned, carrying a new version of the story.
“Well?” A colt demanded. “What happened next?”
“Next, the timberwolf tripped over the first little cow.” Twilight continued smoothly. “He rolled into a tree, and while he was stunned the little cow could get up and run for the second little bo—cow’s house.”
There were a few suspicious mutters at this turn of events within the storybook, but they subsided as Twilight continued reading.
“He barely managed to make it inside the house and lock the door before the big bad timberwolf got up.” She said. “Then he went over, knocked on the door, and said ‘dear little cows, let me in!’ But the two replied, ‘not by the spots on our skinny skin skin!’”
“And then the wolf’s gonna break the second house, right?” A colt asked.
“Let’s find out.” Twilight said. “The wolf replied, ‘then I’ll huff and I’ll puff and I’ll blow your house down!’ But the two little cows held strong. So the timberwolf huffed, and puffed, and blew the second house to pieces! The two little cows got up and ran for their lives. They made it safely to the third little cow’s house and locked the door.”
“Phew!” A filly sighed in relief. “They’re all safe.”
“Yep. The timberwolf knocked on the third little cow’s door and said ‘dear little cows, let me in!’ And all three replied ‘not by the spots on our skinny skin skin!’ So the wolf said ‘then I’ll huff and puff and blow your house down!’ But the steadfast little cows refused to obey him.
“Yeah.” A colt snickered. “They said—‘nice try, bozo, nopony can blow down stone!’”
There was a moment of silence. The colt shrunk under the weight of many stares.
“Moving on.” Twilight said. “The wolf huffed and puffed, and he tried to blow the house down, but the brick held steady!”
“Three cheerth for the thmart third cow!” A colt cried cheerfully. The resulting explosion of noise caused Twilight and Rainbow to cover their ears and probably shattered a few windows. Several librarians came galloping to the location, trying desperately to calm the overexcited foals.
“Let’s keep reading!” Twilight yelled over the chaos, and it slowly died down. The librarians retreated to their usual duties, looking slightly shell-shocked.
“When the timberwolf saw he couldn’t blow the house down, he decided to climb down the chimney.”
“Like Santa Hooves!”
“Yep. The three little bovines—”
“IT’S COWTH FOR CELETHTIA’S THAKE.”
“Yes, it is, calm down. The three little cows heard him on the roof, and the third little cow quickly thought up a plan. Taking all the chairs and furniture in his house, he crammed it into the hearth to block the way inside. Then, when he was sure the timberwolf was climbing down the chimney, he and the other cows went outside. He climbed on top of the house, and, using a large tree branch, blocked the top of the chimney as well. When the wolf found he couldn’t exit at the bottom, he tried to climb back up, but found that way was blocked as well. In a fit of panic, he broke through the wall into the house, causing it to come crashing down on top of him.” “Yaaay!”
“He was buried so deep there was no way he’d ever get out. The three little cows decided living in the middle of nowhere wasn’t all that cracked up to be, so they moved to Manehattan and opened a haybuger joint. The end!” Twilight closed the book. “And that’s the story of the Three Little Bovines and the Big Bad Timberwolf.”
“IT. ITH. …...Actually, I give up.”
“No, I’m sorry, you’re right. It’s cows.”
“Now, children, story time is closed for the day.” A librarian came over, her voice gentle but firm. “I’m sure the princess has many other things she must do.”
“Thank you.” Twilight smiled. “Miss….?”
“Marian, your highness.” The librarian said. “Marian the librarian.”
“It’s very nice to meet you, Marian.” Twilight said. “As a matter of fact, I do have one or two small issues to attend to. Thank you for understanding.”
Rainbow stood, carefully depositing Thunder and Rainshine into their separate saddlebags. As the two friends trotted away, Rainbow leaned over to whisper to the Alicorn.
“That wasn’t too bad at all.” She said.
“I’m very impressed” Twilight admitted. “You handled your children expertly even while I wasn’t helping you, and Rainshine didn’t cause any disasters. I think you’ve got this all wrapped up.”
Rainbow beamed with pride.
As they drew near the door that lead outside, Rainshine realized they were leaving the library and started up a high, plaintive wail.
“Oh!” While Thunder watched his sister curiously, Rainbow reached around and took hold of the little filly, trying to comfort her. Rainshine refused the consolation, kicking her tiny hooves in the air.
“That’s the cutest thing ever.” Twilight said. “I think she’s sad that we’re leaving the library! That’s seriously adorable.”
Rainbow sighed as she looked down at her daughter. Rainshine met her gaze with tear-filled eyes, then twisted to stare at the lines of bookshelves. Her horn sputtered with magenta magic.
“Oh no.” Rainbow said, alarmed. “Not again! That’s bad! Sto—” She was cut off as a flying book slammed into her mouth, knocking her backwards.
Twilight gave a yelp as more books flew off the shelves, hurtling towards them at an excessively dangerous speed.
“Duck!” She shouted, forming a magical shield that the projectiles bounced off harmlessly.
Rainbow, who’s instincts had kicked in, had back-flipped in the air and landed seamlessly, somehow still maintaining a hold on her children. Rainshine continued crying, and Thunder joined her, while several more books spiraled towards them.
Then, with barely a warning, the bookshelves exploded.
Ponies screamed in terror, running for cover as books swarmed through the air in massive droves.Several dive-bombed random ponies, causing more hysteria. Rainbow ducked under a chair, barely able to fit in the tiny shelter, and tried to calm down her sobbing foals.
A heavy,encyclopedia-type book crashed into the chair, knocking it backwards, and once again Rainbow got a book to the face.
There was a blinding flash of magenta light, and all the books froze in mid-air, raining down onto the floor.
Rainbow unearthed herself from where she had been buried by the “Nancy Hooves” series, trotting over to her friend. Twilight’s horn was smoking, her mane was standing on end, and her eyes were unfocused.
“I’m guessing that was you?” She said.
Twilight gave a twitchy nod.
“What was that?” One of the librarians shouted, getting to her hooves.
“So….sorry.” Rainbow said, her voice echoing through the silent library. “That was me. Well, it was my daughter, that is. It’s...a long story. She’s a Unicorn, and….”
“Rainbow.” Twilight cut off her friend’s cringe-worthy explanation. “Come with me. We need to talk.”
Rainbow gave a nervous swallow, trotting after her friend as they exited the building.
“Look.” Twilight sighed. “I’ve given you all the help I could. Yet still….this happens.” She gestured to the library behind them, the door cracked open to reveal the librarians starting an attempt at cleaning up the mess inside. “I’ve tried. I’ve really tried.”
“I’m trying to.” Rainbow said. “But….I’m a Pegasus.”
“That’s not a good excuse.” Twilight accused. “You could be taking perfectly good care of Rainshine if you were even trying!”
“Woah, Twi.” Rainbow took a step back. “That’s completely unfair.”
“Is it though?” Twilight snapped, then took a deep breath, trying to calm down. “My point is….you shouldn't need my help to take care of Rainshine. You should be perfectly fine on your own. So why are you not?”
“I told you—I’m a Pegasus. I have no idea how to raise a Unicorn!”
“There you go again with that excuse! That’s completely and totally unreasonable!”
“No it’s not!” Rainbow snapped. “It’s a perfectly good reason! My contact with Unicorns has been limited my entire life—I lived in Cloudsdale for Celestia’s sake!”
“That has nothing to do with it.” Twilight insisted.
“It has everything to do with it.” Rainbow retorted.
“If you don’t want to put effort into this, maybe you should raise your child on your own!”
“Maybe I will!” Rainbow took to the air, snapping her tail in Twilight’s face as she left.
Twilight snorted in indignation, turning to trot back to the castle. Her hooves cut sharply into the ground, propelled by the weight of her fury.
As she went on, however, her anger cooled, and the hoofsteps she left in the street behind her grew fainter, until they were barely visible.
“You yelled at Rainbow Dash?” Spike said, eyes wide with amazement.
Twilight raised a tear-stained face from where it was resting on her forelegs, giving the tiniest nod imaginable. Flash draped a wing over her shoulders, offering what support he could.
“I-I was just so mad that nothing could go right.” She sniffled, grabbing a tissue from a box that Spike held. Used pieces littered the table, the amount so great that the poor piece of furniture was almost completely buried underneath them.
“I was mad that Rainshine kept messing things up. But she’s a baby! It...wasn’t...her fauLLWAAAAH.” She slammed her head into the table again, causing the tissues to dramatically shift position .
Spike and Flash exchanged looks, and Flash tightened his hold on Twilight with a sigh. Twilight turned and buried her face in Flash’s shoulder, immediately soaking his coat with tears.
“You messed up a bit, okay?” Flash said gently, wrapping his other wing around Twilight. “But everypony does that now and then.”
“B-but the other princesses!” Twilight sniffed. “They d-d-don’t.”
“What about when they were captured by Discord’s plants?” Flash said, maintaining the same calming and quiet tone in his voice. “Or even when Luna turned into Nightmare Moon? And what about—”
“I get the idea.” Twilight brought her hoof to her mouth, covering a watery cough. “But I’m the Princess of Friendship. And I just yelled at my best friend….who n-needed my h-h-help! I was being a completely unreasonable jerRWAAAAAAAH.”
Flash waited patiently until Twilight’s loud sobs died down again.
“You can fix that.” He said, once she was calm enough to listen. “Rainbow Dash can’t hold a grudge against you—you two are best friends.”
“But w-what if she does?” Twilight cried. “What if I just ruined our friendship?”
“Twilight, that’s a ridiculous idea.” Flash said. “You’re friendship has saved Equestria countless times and withheld numerous strains. How could it break up over something like an argument?”
Twilight raised her head, her eyes watering, and gave a thoughtful sniff.
“It….does sound the tiniest bit silly when you say it like that.” She admitted. “I don’t want to lose her as a friend.”
“And what do you think you should do then?”
I should...go find her and apologize.”
“That’s a very good idea.” Flash said, giving a weary smile. “Are you going now?”
“Yes.” Twilight said, wiping her eyes. She pulled away from Flash slightly to glance out of the window. The sun was sinking behind the horizon, casting deep purple silhouettes over the ground. “There’s this saying….’never let the sun go down on your anger’. I should really fix this now.”
“Good choice.” Flash gave his wife a quick peck on the cheek, relinquishing her from his grasp. “Good luck!”
Twilight nodded, taking a deep, calming breath, then teleported away with a flash of light.
There was a brief moment of silence.
“Question.” Spike said thoughtfully. “How do you get mares to hug you like that?”
“What?” Flash said, startled, pausing in the middle of using a crumpled tissue to dry his shoulder.
“Sweetie Belle never hugs me like that.” Spike said again, tapping a claw to his chin. “How do you get mares to hug you like that?”
“I don’t just do it with every random mare.” Flash stuttered, flushing. “She’s my wife.”
Spike shrugged.
“And?” He asked.
Flash’s only response was an indignant, speechless splutter.
Twilight reappeared in mid air, the slight shock of gravity catching her off guard for a second.
It always happened when she teleported from ground into air—there was always a split-second of time before her brain caught up with her surroundings and let her beat her wings. But now she rose into the air, hovering on an evening breeze that blew faintly over the rooftops of the town.
She scanned the nearby clouds, searching for Rainbow.
She needed to fix her mistake….now.
“Hello there. Have you seen Rainbow Dash?” She paused, hovering in mid-air. “Wha?” The Pegasus she’d adressed, a mare with a yellow coat and pale green mane, blinked in confusion. “Sorry, princess. I can’t say I have.”
“Okay, thank you.” Twilight sighed, disappointed, then continued flying on. Her gaze drifted towards the ground as she became caught up in her thoughts, and she forgot to watch where she was going.
She collided with somepony in mid-air, staggering backwards as she rubbed her forehead.
“Ouch!” She said, squinting through suddenly blurry vision.
“Oh my! I’m so sorry, Princess Twilight.” The pony she’d hit blinked her misaligned eyes, hovering anxiously over her. “I’m so sorry—I didn’t see you!”
“Oh, hello, Derpy. It’s fine—I’m the one who should've been looking out.” Twilight apologized. “Quick question—have you seen Rainbow Dash anywhere?”
“Mmmm…..” Derpy blinked again, tapping a hoof to her muzzle. “I think I may have seen her on a cloud somewhere near Town Hall?” “Thanks a lot!” Twilight’s hopes soared. She offered a wave before flying off again. Derpy gave a confused smile, waving back.
Twilight returned to soaring over the town, on sharp lookout. Pegasi passed her, calling out respectful greetings, but at most she only acknowledged them with a simple nod.
As the sun fell lower still, the air took on the chill of night, and ponies began to finish their business, heading inside to warmth and light.
And Twilight finally caught sight of the pony she’d been looking for.
Rainbow was lying on a cloud high above the center of Ponyville—the only gray cloud in the burgundy sky. Twilight approached her carefully, landing lightly on the edge of the billowing platform. Her hooves sank into the surface slightly, leaving indentations.
“Hey.” Rainbow said in a flat, quiet voice. “You come to yell at me? Be amazed at my absolutely terrible parenting?”
“Oh, Rainbow.” Twilight said, reaching out a hoof. “I really didn’t mean what I said—”
Rainbow stood up abruptly, every inch of her body tense and radiating fury. That’s when Twilight realized she was grasping Rainshine in her forearms, while Thunder curled up on her back.
“Sounded to me like you meant it.” She spat, then took to the sky, soaring to another cloud.
Twilight exhaled slowly, closing her eyes for a brief second before following her.
“What I said was uncalled for.” She insisted, walking up next to her friend. “I never should have snapped at you.”
“But you were honest with me.” Rainbow mumbled, keeping her back to Twilight. “As you should have been from the beginning, instead of pretending I even had a chance.” Thunder tumbled off his mother’s back, rolling over in the cloud. Rainshine tried to follow him, but Rainbow Dash clutched the filly to her chest, preventing her.
“No, that wasn’t honesty at all.” Twilight said. “That’s not what I think!”
“But it was all true.” Rainbow insisted, her voice tight with unshed tears. “I’ll never be able to control Rainshine. I’m a terrible parent.”
“Don’t you ever think that about yourself!” Twilight said.
Rainbow turned to look at her friend, her eyes glistening.
“I am.” She whispered, then broke down.
Rainshine stopped struggling in her mother’s grip, and both her and Thunder stared at Rainbow in amazement as she buried her face in the cloud before her, emitting stifled, quiet sobs. Twilight lay next to her friend, draping a wing over her back.
Rainbow almost never cried….when she did, it was quite a shock.
“Sssh.” Twilight said soothingly. “It’ll be okay. You’ll learn—after all, I did too.”
“B-but.” Rainbow gulped. “You’re child, Galaxy, is a sweet, timid, and perfect little girl! How did she ever give you problems? I’ll always be a terrible parent!”
Following this last outburst, Twilight stared thoughtfully into space for a few seconds.
“She almost burnt down the library once.” She eventually said.
“Wait...what?” Rainbow broke of crying suddenly, lifting her head. Twilight gave her a small smile.
“Galaxy almost burnt down the library once.” She repeated. “We lost a bunch of kid’s board books. And the thing was? She did it because she was mad—I mispronounced the name of her favorite character, Fa Fa—er, Funa—um, Foofy.”
Rainbow sniffed, her whole attention now focused on Twilight.
“And another thing? I couldn't control her. I was basically powerless against her surges of magic. And I’m an Alicorn.” She gave Rainbow an apologetic look. “I was an unreasonable hypocrite earlier. If I couldn't control my child’s spontaneous magical outbursts, how could I expect you to? I’m really sorry for what I said, Rainbow. It was unfair. Please….is there any way you could ever forgive me?”
Rainbow blinked away the last of her tears, wiping her eyes with the tip of a wing.
“I think...” She said slowly. “I think maybe I could.” Twilight let out a breath she hadn’t even known she’d been holding, her face breaking into a smile. “Thanks so much.” She said. “I was so worried I’d ruined our friendship forever!”
“Naaah.” Rainbow snorted, back to her usual self, though her eyes were red-rimmed and a little puffy. “We could never let a little thing like an argument come between us! We’re best friends, and we’ll be so forever…….right?” “Right.” Twilight agreed, grinning.
The two friends had arrived back at Twilight’s castle, laughing and chatting. Thunder and Rainshine were awake and active, crying for attention.With a blast of warmth, the doors of Twilight’s home swung open to receive them, flooding the street behind them in light. Rainbow trotted in immediately, but Twilight lingered on the doorstep, looking out over the town that grew darker with the approach of night.
It had been one crazy day.
And she’d learned a lot.
She’d learned she needed to work on her patience, for one. But all joking aside...she felt as if something had changed.
She wasn’t stronger, or smarter, or even closer to Rainbow Dash than she was before.
But she’d survived the day, and that within itself felt like an accomplishment. She felt that there were many more adventures to come.
But for now….she had a friend that needed help, children that needed their mother, a husband that needed his wife. It was nice to be needed.
