> A Sparkle's Little Dusk
>  by Mister E-Nonymous
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1: The Flower and the Dying Wish
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


A Sparkle's Little Dusk



Chapter 1: The Flower and the Dying Wish






In the town of Charleston, South Carolina, there was a kid by the name of Henry who was living with his aunt and cousin while his parents were working in Europe for their business. Henry's parents said that they would be back to check on him when they get the chance. But when they left, Henry's aunt Bonnie and cousin Devon then started treated him badly. They made a mess around the house and made him clean it up all by himself.

That has been going on for 3 months. When his sixth birthday came, his parents sent him some birthday presents, but Devon took them for his own. And all he did get for his birthday was to clean the entire house. He wasn't really all that happy when he was there. He just wanted to go outside and play with his friends, but his aunt won't allow it.

Then one day, Henry got really sick. But did his aunt care? No. She wanted him to keep cleaning the house. Then she and Devon left Henry all alone to keep cleaning. It wasn't really helping. He needed some rest if he wanted to get better. But it wasn't enough to help.

As he kept cleaning, he heard the door open, and there was  Henry's parents. When they saw him, they were surprised at the state he was in.

"Henry?" his mom asked. "What has happened to you?"

"M-Mommy...?" Henry asked, sickly.

Henry's parents rushed towards him, and hugged him tightly. Henry's father then asked, "How could this have happened to you?"

Henry looked at his father and weakly said, "Aunt Bonnie... she... made me... her... slave..."

"Slave?!" Henry's parents angrily asked in unison.

"My own sister?" Henry's mom asked. "How dare she do this to my son?" She then got out her cell phone, and called her sister.

"Oh, hello, Emma," came the voice of Bonnie. "How have you been doing in Europe?"

"Oh, I'm doing fine," said Henry's mom, hiding the fact that she's angry. "I have a question for you. How is Henry? Is he getting enough nutrition? Seeing his friends? Is he healthy?"

"Oh, yes," said Bonnie through the phone. "Right now, I'm watching him at the park. He's having a lot of fun with his friends."

"Huh. Well that's funny," said Henry's mom, starting to get angry. "Because, I'm at your apartment, and it looks like Henry's here all by himself, and he looks really sick."

"WHAT?!" Bonnie exclaimed through the phone. "You're back in the states?! Okay, listen..."

"No, you listen!" Henry's mom snapped at her. "You treated Henry like a slave, and clean up your apartment, when he's sick and alone. You said that you would take good care of him while we were away. But it would seem that you've lied to the both of us." She then looked at Henry and asked, "Did you receive the gifts we sent you?"

"Aunt Bonnie took them and the toys I had, and gave them to Devon for him to keep forever," said Henry, very sick. He then started coughing.

Henry's mom then spoke into the phone, saying, "You are never going to be trusted again. I'll be alerting the police about your behavior to my son."

Henry's dad picked Henry up, and they headed out of the apartment. They took Henry to the nearest hospital and the doctors took Henry, and he was put into a hospital room.

The doctors said, "It would seem that all of the medical records on Henry were destroyed."

"Seriously?" Henry's mom asked. "My sister destroyed my son's medical records, too?! She's evil, and we didn't even know it!"

"But, I'm afraid that it won't be enough to save Henry," said the doctor. "His sickness is so severe... he would be lucky to survive the night."

That made the parents sad. Henry's mom had tears coming out of her eyes. Henry's father then said, "We should've taken him with us instead of leaving him with your sister."

"I agree," said Henry's mom. She then leaned towards Henry on the bed, kissed him on the forehead and said, "I am so sorry, Henry. I wish I knew what my sister was doing to you sooner."

"M-Mommy..." Henry said, weakly.

"Don't speak, Henry," said Henry's mother. "I'll always love you." She took Henry's hand and put it to her heart and said, "In here."

Henry was sad to know that he was dying, but he was happy knowing that he got to see his parents one last time.

Later that night, Henry looked out the window. He saw one star brightly shining. He decided to make one last wish.

"Star Light... Star Bright... First Star I see tonight... I wish I may... I wish I might... have the wish I wish tonight... He thought in his head. "I wish my parents would have a second chance on being good parents. And for myself, I wish that I would be given another chance with a new family of my own. A family that will appreciate me for who I am."

Just then his heart started beating slower and slower. But then his heart stopped with a long, never-ending beep on the heart monitor. Henry's parents were sad to see that their son has passed away. And the doctor looked at the clock, and written something on a note. "Time of death: 8:02 PM."





Meanwhile, in the land of Equestria, in the small town of Ponyville, there was a mare named Twilight Sparkle. She lived in the Golden Oaks Library. Twilight and her assistant Spike were cleaning up the library before turning in for the night. Twilight then noticed a book missing on one shelf.

Twilight then asked, "Spike? Have you seen that book, 'Advanced Spells Vol. IV'?" She was looking towards Spike when asking.

"Weren't you reading it back at the Hedge yesterday?" Spike asked.

"Did I?" Twilight asked. Then she remembered. "Oh, yeah. You're right. Guess I kinda forgot about it. I must've left it there."

The Hedge was a place where the Cutie Mark Crusaders; Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, were originally going to have their club meetings before Applejack showed them the treehouse. But Twilight and her five friends; Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie, found out when they accidentally went to a dimension where everypony was the opposite gender. It was the crusaders of that dimension that showed them where the Hedge was. Even if they used it to hide from their male doppelgangers; Dusk Shine, Applejack, Rainbow Blitz, Elusive, Butterscotch and Berry Bubble.

Twilight eventually had to team up with her counterpart to get her and the other girls home. They eventually did, and now they go to the Hedge from time to time. The Crusaders of their dimension go too, as long as they're under the supervision of Twilight or any of her friends.

It took a while for Twilight to get to the Hedge, and she went in through the entrance. She lit up her horn to find the book she was missing at the library. When she left the library, she told Spike to continue with the chores, then head on to bed. Twilight said that she would return to the library as soon as she could.

Twilight eventually found the book she was looking for. Twilight walked over to it, then put the book into the saddlebags she had on and said, "Perfect. Now to get back home and..." Twilight was about to head out of there, but then she noticed a tunnel on the other side of the Hedge across from the entrance. Twilight walked over towards it in wonder and said, "Huh. I wonder where this leads."

Twilight was standing a little too close to the tunnel, and the tunnel had a bit of a slope to it. Twilight eventually slipped and she was sliding down the hall, screaming all the way there.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!"

She eventually made it towards the end of the tunnel, which lead her in the middle of the Everfree Forest. Still quite away from the Castle of the Two Sisters.

"W-where am I?" Twilight asked, lighting up her horn. She was worried at the moment. Twilight looked around for some way back to town. She eventually saw a bunch of flowers, which started to bloom from the light of the full moon. "Wow. It's... It's beautiful." She eventually took a look at all of the flowers around her. She smiled until a unique flower on a pedestal started blooming. The flower was pink and purple.

Slowly, Twilight walked over towards it. She was wondering what that special flower is. Twilight slowly walked towards it. She reached the pedestal, and took a sniff at the flower. But then the flower sprayed some pink pollen in her face.

Twilight coughed and stepped back. She then said, "I should probably get home." She then looked towards the sky, looking for any way of getting back to Ponyville. Then she saw the brightest star in the sky. "Okay, that's the north star. And since Ponyville is West of the Everfree Forest, it should be... this way." Twilight then started walking West, hoping that she would get back to the Golden Oaks Library.

As she was walking, she wasn't paying any attention to her stomach slowly swelling up. She did, however, feel her stomach grumble, and felt hungry.

"Huh. I'm feeling really hungry," Twilight thought to herself. "Maybe I should go pick up a pizza for me and Spike." Then she thought of something when going wide eyed. "Wait a minute! Spike and I already had dinner! So, why am I so hungry all of a sudden?!" She then felt the straps on her saddlebags begin to go tight around her belly. "My saddlebags are feeling a little tight. Maybe I should..." Twilight made the mistake of looking at the straps, but noticed that her stomach was bigger.

"What in Celestia's name!?" Twilight shouted. "What's happening to me?!" She then felt pain coming from her stomach. She had no choice but to lay down on her side. She looked around and called out, "Help! Somepony, please help me!"

Twilight felt another pain in her stomach, and she cried out in pain. She was crying in pain at how much it was hurting her stomach. She had no choice but to take off the saddlebags. Twilight then started breathing heavily, trying to ease the pain that was happening. Until a familiar voice came to her ears.

"At this time at the forest is usually rare for you to do. Might I ask what has happened to you?"

Twilight looked around and saw Zecora walking towards her.

"Zecora! Help me!" Twilight called out. Zecora walked towards her and saw the pollen all over Twilight's face.

"By the looks of the pollen all over your face, you've come across a flower that rarely blooms in this place," Zecora said.

"I need to get back home," said Twilight, but then she felt another pain in her stomach. "What's happening to me?"

"I shall explain at my home. Tonight's the night where monsters roam," Zecora rhymed. She then picked up Twilight, and put her on her back. She then grabbed her saddlebags, and started walking back to her hut.





Zecora finally got Twilight back to the hut where she lived. Zecora put Twilight onto the bed where Zecora usually sleeps, and puts a bunch of towels underneath her rear area.

"Why did you put towels under my flanks?!" Twilight asked loudly, trying to push through the pain.

"Twilight Sparkle, do not repent. The pollen on that face of yours made you pregnant," Zecora explained in rhyme.

"Pr-pregnant?!" Twilight asked. "N-no! That's not how it works!"

"A magical pregnancy has been inflected on you. Until it is over, there is nothing you can do," Zecora explained. "Life is so important for a young foal. But this usually takes effect for the dying wish of a young soul."

"A dying wish? A young soul?" Twilight asked. "You mean, I'm giving birth to a body for a young foal's spirit?"

"I do understand that this is a blunder. But it usually is for a soul who is seven or under," Zecora asked. "But this young soul that comes from a different zone, it's previous species, to us, will be unknown."

"You mean, the spirit that'll enter this foal will come from an entirely different species?" Twilight asked. "Like a dragon or a griffin?"

"It is different every time. For now, focus on your leaking slime," Zecora explained.

Twilight looked down and saw that she was leaking from her section. "Oh no!" Twilight shouted. "My water broke! It's coming!" Then a huge bolt of pain came from her. "GAAAAAAAHHH!!"

"Twilight Sparkle, please relax. On helping give birth, I know the facts," Zecora said. She then started getting supplies and potions to help Twilight through her pain. She handed Twilight one bottle and said, "Drink this to reduce your pain. It's difficult for me to explain."

Twilight nodded and started drinking from the bottle. Then she felt her hind legs go numb. Twilight looked down and saw that Zecora put a rounded pole with a curtain around her belly, so she wouldn't be able to see what was going on.

Twilight then started pushing to get the foal out of her. She felt the stinging cessation coming from her crotch area. She could feel her private area stretching. "GAAAAH!!" she let out one painful cry. "It hurts so much!" She then started breathing fast.

"I can see the foal's tush. Get ready for another push," Zecora said. Twilight nodded and started pushing. It was really painful for her. When Zecora saw the foal, it really confused her. "Unbelievable. This is certainly new. It would seem that this foal has the same colors as you."

"What?!" Twilight nearly shouted. "But no newborn foal should have the same colors as their parents."

"I must agree from this unexpected jolt. Especially when this foal is a colt," said Zecora. She eventually got the foal out of Twilight. Then a flowing light came from out of nowhere, and has inserted itself into the newborn colt. Then the colt started aging, then stopped when it was at age six.

"Is... is the colt okay?" Twilight asked weakly.

"The colt is fine, I must confess. But for now, you two need your rest," Zecora said. "I shall inform your friends tomorrow. For now, my bed you can borrow." Zecora then got the colt cleaned up.

After the colt was cleaned, Zecora put it next to Twilight. When Twilight saw the colt, she noticed that the colt looked like her gender swapped counterpart from the other dimension.

"D-Dusk?" Twilight asked. Twilight wanted to expect the colt more, but she went under. Zecora then removed the towels from under Twilight, and then covered Twilight and the little colt up with a blanket. Zecora then got out a spare bed, and then blew out the lantern and headed to bed. Hopefully, everything will make sense for Twilight in the morning.
> Chapter 2: Magic Can't Explain Everything
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 2: Magic Can't Explain Everything






Spike was pacing back and forth across the library, making a groove in the floor. Twilight hadn't come home last night. He knew because there was no sign of that book, her saddlebags, and there was no sign of entry from last night.

Spike decided to look around Ponyville for Twilight, but all he got was the attention of the rest of the Mane 6. They helped look for Twilight, but there was no sign of her anywhere in Ponyville, or back at the Hedge. They all decided to go back to the library.

The girls tried to get Spike to calm down. But he kept pacing back and forth. Rarity then said, "Spike. I know you're worried, but we're just going to have to wait."

"Yeah, but the last time Twilight went missing, she said that she would be back three days after that trip," said Spike. "It's been five days that she and you girls have been gone."

"Oh, yeah," said Pinkie Pie. "You're referring to the time that we planned on going to Manehattan, but we ended up in another dimension where everypony was the opposite gender!"

"Yeah, that was freaky," said Applejack. "It even broke mah heart that Apple Buck was not Apple Bloom, but at the same time, he was. Ah was so nervous, Ah couldn't think straight."

"There were many things in that dimension that was wrong for us," said Rainbow Dash. "Especially when I was checking my counterpart's house to see how much similar we were. Then he called me a filly faker. That colt crudder."

"Didn't you have feelings for him when we were leaving that dimension?" asked Rarity, making the other girls laugh and Rainbow blushing.

"Said the one who used getting sunflower oil as an excuse to meet your male self, who you fell head over hooves with!" Rainbow countered.

That made Rarity bow her head in shame, and said, "Yes. I'll admit. I did do that. But when Silver Belle came in, I was reminded of what I would leave behind. My sweet little sister, Sweetie Belle. I couldn't just leave her there all alone."

"Well, at least ya were reminded because of who Silver Belle reminds ya of," said Applejack. "At least yer counterpart didn't share the exact same name as ya."

"Wait, what?" Spike asked, confused by Applejack's statement.

"Applejack's male counterpart had the same name, but was as big as Big Mac," said Fluttershy. "To our male counterparts, she had to go by J-J."

"Weren't that easy tryin' ta keep mah identity a secret," said Applejack. "Although, the strangest counterparts o' that world was Mr. and Mrs. Cakes."

"Yeah! I saw them!" said Pinkie Pie. "I can confirm to Applejack that they looked like they swapped colors and cutie marks instead of genders."

"Yeesh," said Spike. "I can almost imagine it." He then shuddered. "Weird." He then looked at the time. He then headed for the door and said, "I'm gonna look for Twilight again. Hopefully, somepony would've been bound to see her."

Spike then opened the door, but outside of the door, there was a certain zebra they all knew too well.

"Zecora?!" asked Spike and the girls.

"What are you doing here?" Spike asked.

Zecora looked down at Spike and rhymed, "I know you for your friend, you were afraid. But last night, at my hut, your friend has stayed."

"Wait, Twilight was at your hut last night?" Rainbow asked. "Why?"

"To learn on why Twilight, at my place, had to stay... I shall explain on the way," Zecora said. Then the seven of them headed on out and towards Zecora's hut. After Spike locked up the library, of course.






Earlier that Same Day...


Twilight was waking up from her slumber. She looked around and saw that she was in Zecora's Hut. She wondered why she was in there, until she saw a colt in the bed with her. Then she remembered the events of last night. The missing book, the trip to the Hedge, the mysterious tunnel, sliding down it, finding a suspicious garden, getting pollen sprayed in her face, becoming pregnant, and giving birth to a colt that looks like a younger version of her counterpart of the dimension where everypony was the opposite gender.

Twilight couldn't believe what happened to her last night. She didn't know how to explain it to her friends... and possibly her family. But, she couldn't worry about that at the moment. She had to find a way to get out of bed without disturbing the colt. Twilight tried getting out of the bed, but then the colt started stirring.

The colt then woke up and looked around. He looked around in confusion.

"Wh-where am I?" the colt asked. Twilight was a little surprised to see the colt was able to speak. The colt then started getting out of bed, but he got a little unbalanced as he got out. "Whoa-oa-oa!" He then landed on his chin. "Ow!" He was confused until he looked at his hoof, and went wide-eyed. "What the--?!" He then sat up and leaned on the bed, looking at his body. "What's happened to me?!"

Twilight was getting a little worried for the colt. She then asked, "Are you okay?"

The colt then turned his head to see who spoke, and he saw Twilight. He then stood up on his hind legs, trying to keep his balance, and tried stepping backwards, away from Twilight. "Who or what are you?" the colt asked nervously.

"Whoa, whoa," said Twilight. "It's okay. Everything's going to be alright." She then got out of bed, and walked over towards the colt. The colt then tried turning away and running for the door, but Twilight grabbed him with her magic, and pulled him over for a hug, and gently rubbed his back. "Just relax." Twilight then pushed the colt's chin so he'll be able to look at Twilight. "Can you please tell me your name?"

"I'm... I'm... I'm Henry," said the colt.

"Henry?" Twilight asked. "Never heard a name like that." Twilight then thought of something and said, "According to one of my friends, you were once a completely different species. What species were you? And where did you come from?"

"I... I was originally a human being," Henry said, trying to explain where he came from. "And... I believe I was from an entirely different world. My parents were working in a few different countries. They left me with my aunt and cousin. Unknown to my parents, my aunt and cousin treated me more like a slave then a family member. They made me clean everything, and barely fed me. My parents came back to see me. I was really sick. My parents got sad. And I... I..." His eyes then started tearing up. He then said, "I'll... never see them again."

Twilight tightened her hug, and rubbed Henry's back. She said to him, "Shh... Shh... It's okay." Twilight then put Henry down and looked into his eyes, which were even the same color as Twilight's eyes. Twilight then said, "I'll make sure that you'll be under good care, and not what that cruel old aunt and cousin of yours did to you."

Henry looked up at Twilight, gaining a sad smile. He then said, "My wish..."

"A better life, I'm guessing?" Twilight asked. Henry could only nod. Then both his and Twilight's stomachs growled. Making both of them blush nervously. "Guess we both need something to eat."

"Good thing to. I've prepared a feast. Enough that would fill the stomach of a beast," came the voice of Zecora. Twilight and Henry looked towards the voice and saw that Zecora had prepared a lot of pancakes. "You two sure need something to eat. I shall go out and tell your friends where to meet."

"Good call, Zecora," Twilight said. "My friends deserve to know the truth." Twilight then looked down at Henry and said, "C'mon. Let's go eat." Twilight then lifted Henry with her magic, and headed towards the table for breakfast.





Later, after Zecora gathered the other girls and Spike, they were confused on what happened to Twilight.

"Wait, wait, wait," Rainbow said. "So, what your saying is that Twilight came across a mysterious flower, made her pregnant, and gave birth to a colt that almost looks exactly like her?"

"That is really odd," said Rarity. "A foal that looks exactly like the parent that gave birth to it has never been done before." She then leaned in and whispered into Fluttershy's ear, "Although, I do wonder what Dusk Shine looked like as a young colt himself."

That made Fluttershy giggle, and quietly respond, "Yeah. I bet he looked cute as a colt."

They eventually made it to Zecora's Hut. Twilight and Henry finished eating. Henry even rubbed his belly, knowing that he was satisfied with the meal.

"That was delicious," Henry said.

"It sure was," said Twilight. She then sighed. Twilight then noticed that her friends have arrived. "Girls! Spike! You're here!"

"Twilight!" Spike said, running towards her. He eventually hugged her and said, "I was so worried! You didn't come home last night!"

"I'm sorry, Spike," said Twilight. "But, I kinda had a few... complications."

"So, what happened?" Applejack asked.

"Well, as I arrived at the Hedge, I got the book, but then I saw that there was a tunnel at the other end of the Hedge," Twilight explained. "I went to investigate it, and I slipped and slid down the tunnel, and I was deep in the Everfree Forest. Then the light of the full moon lit up the area. There was a bunch of beautiful flowers. I found this one flower and got curious about it. When I got close to it, it sprayed some weird pollen in my face. As I was trying to head back to town, I felt hungry, and I also felt the straps on my saddlebags feel even tighter. I looked towards my saddlebags, and I saw that my stomach had gotten bigger. Not by fat, but... well... Well, let's just say that this colt is the result." Twilight pointed a hoof at Henry.

"Oooooh!" Pinkie said. She then got closer to Henry. "Oh, wow! He looks exactly like you, Twilight! Funny!"

"Well, not to him," said Twilight. "His spirit was of one who had recently passed from a completely different species. His old aunt and cousin treated him more like a slave then a family member while his parents were out of the country where he's from."

That made the girls and Spike gasp, Rarity and Fluttershy covering their mouths with their hooves. Rarity then said, "Those nasty creatures. What kind of mare and foal would treat their own family member like a useless piece of trash?!"

"I agree!" Fluttershy said, angrily. "Nopony should ever treat a member of their family like that!"

"So, what are we going to do with the colt, now?" Rainbow asked.

"I have no choice," said Twilight. "I must be the one who has to take Henry in."

"Henry?" the girls and Spike asked, raising an eyebrow.

"That's his name," said Twilight, Henry nodding in response.

"Huh," Rarity said. "Not exactly a name here in our standards. Perhaps... we should change his name. That way, ponies wouldn't be confused when they hear his name."

"Do I have to change my name?" Henry asked.

"We'll worry about that later," Twilight said. "Right now, we should head out." She then used her magic to put Henry on her back. Then she walked towards the door, but before exiting, she looked at Zecora and said, "Thanks for helping me out, Zecora. I appreciate it."

"It was no problem, as you can agree. You would do the same thing for me," Zecora said.

Twilight nodded, then she, Henry, Spike and the rest of the Mane 6 went on out, and headed towards Ponyville.





Twilight and the group eventually made it to the Golden Oaks Library. Twilight kept Henry out of sight from the ponies as they went through town. But when they made it to the library, Henry got confused about where he was.

"Why are we in a library?" Henry asked.

"This is where Spike and I live," Twilight explained. "Right now, we're going to have to let Princess Celestia know about you."

"Princess?" Henry asked.

"We'll be happy to explain," Rarity said.

"Good call," said Twilight. "Spike and I are going to be upstairs, writing a letter to the Princess. My friends will explain how things work around here." Henry nodded as Twilight and Spike headed upstairs.

Spike went to the writing desk, grabbed a quill and piece of parchment and said, "Ready when you are, Twilight." Twilight cleared her throat, and started speaking out what wants to be in the letter.

"Dear Princess Celestia,

Last Night, as Spike and I were cleaning up the library, I noticed that there was one book missing. Apparently, I was reading it the day before yesterday at the Hedge. I left the book there by mistake and went to get it. But as I got it, I noticed a tunnel at one side of the Hedge, and wondered where it led. I found out quickly when I fell and slid down that tunnel.

I found myself somewhere deep in the Everfree Forest. I looked around and found a garden and those flowers were blooming in the light of the full moon. As I inspected a purple and pink flower, it sprayed some pink pollen in my face.

I then had to head on back to town, using the North Star to lead me back to Ponyville. But as I was walking, I was starting to get really hungry for some reason. And the straps on my saddlebag started to feel a little tight. But I was surprised on what I saw when I was about to loosen the straps. I became a pregnant mare.

Zecora explained on what that flower did to me. Apparently, that flower brings a recently deceased young soul and lets it inhabit the body of the newborn foal. And apparently, the soul was of a six-year-old by the name of Henry. H-E-N-R-Y. He's  really confused on where he is. But that's not the weird thing. It's about his appearance.

If you received the letter about me ending up in another dimension, you would be surprised that the colt shares a perfect resemblance to my counterpart. Hopefully, you'll know what to do and respond as soon as possible.

Signed, your faithful student...

Twilight Sparkle."

"Okay," Spike said. He then blew his emerald flames on the scroll, and it was sent to Princess Celestia. Then Twilight and Spike headed downstairs after the letter was sent.

As they made it downstairs, Pinkie Pie shouted, "Twitchy Tail!" Then there was the sound of two loud, ground shaking thuds. All of the ponies and dragon in the library were surprised. Twilight carefully walked towards the door and opened it. Outside, there was Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.

"Princess Celestia?! Princess Luna?!" Twilight asked. "How did you two get here from Canterlot so fast?!"

"You'd be surprised on how fast we can read things, my faithful student," said Princess Celestia. "I believe my sister knows about that interesting garden you stumbled upon last night."

Then the two princesses walked in and looked around for the colt. He was no where in sight. Twilight got worried and asked, "Hey? Where's Henry?"

The girls looked around for Henry, and then Rarity saw Henry going up the stairs, and said, "Oh, there he is. Trying to hide by going upstairs."

Twilight smiled, shook her head, and then she used her magic and brought Henry downstairs. She then turned so Henry could be seen by the princesses. "Princesses, meet Henry. He claims that before he ended up in this body, he used to be known as a human."

"A human?" Luna asked. "Peculiar. No human has been seen in our world for 1000 years. Thou colt sure is interesting."

"Princess Luna. We talked about the speech here," said Twilight. "Remember on Nightmare Night?"

"Right," said Princess Luna. "Sorry. Still not use to the speech here. We are... I mean, I am still trying to get use to it. Anyway, I am surprised that the colt shows a strong resemblance to you, Twilight."

"I've never seen anything like this before," said Princess Celestia. "I didn't even think that there was even possible. And I was wondering when you would get to test out a portal to another dimension."

"Wait, you received my letter about that?" asked Twilight.

"From Solaris himself," said Princess Celestia. "It was quite interesting to him that you ended up there. He even told me that you shared the bed with your counterpart."

That made Twilight blush and the other girls quietly laughing. Twilight said, "It's... it's not what you think. I was..."

"Don't worry, Twilight," said Princess Celestia. "I understand that he offered you to take his bed while he slept in the spare bed, but you didn't want to trouble him."

"But, I think we should at least introduce Henry here to the rest of Equestria," said Princess Luna. "Although, there are some ponies who will think that this colt should not be among us."

"Yeah," said Twilight. "It wouldn't be easy to explain to the other ponies."

"Might... I make a suggestion?" Rarity asked, raising a hoof. "His name doesn't really fit here in this world. Don't you think we should change it?"

Celestia nodded and said, "I believe that we should. The little colt should have his name changed so that the ponies won't be confused by his unusual name. Even to him, it is a common name among his old world." She then looked at Twilight and asked, "What do you think his new name should be, Twilight?"

Twilight looked at Henry. Since he now has a body that looks like her gender swapped counterpart, only younger, and since her counterpart's name didn't exist in Equestria, she smile and said, "Dusk Shine."

"Oooooh!" said Pinkie. "Naming him after your gender swapped counterpart since he looks like him."

"An interesting choice, Twilight," said Princess Celestia. "And I'm pretty sure your counterpart went through a similar situation and renamed that filly that's probably there after you."

Twilight rolled her eyes while the other girls and Spike started laughing. "Guess I can't argue with you there. Although, I wonder how it would go for Dusk there. Only a mare could give birth to a foal."

"I'm sure that the flower of that dimension would find a way," said Princess Celestia. "I shall make contact with Prince Solaris as soon after I make the announcement."

"Yes," said Princess Luna. "Let us go, sister."

Princess Celestia nodded, then she and Luna took a step back, and right as they lit their horns, Celestia said, "My faithful student, do me one thing. Take care of our newest citizen like he's your own foal."

Twilight nodded, pulled Henry, or now should we call him, Dusk Shine, in for a hug, and said, "I will. He deserves a better life than what his abusive aunt and cousin put him through."

Princess Celestia nodded, then the two princesses teleported out of there. But after they teleported, a small sack took their place. Twilight walked over towards it, and there was a note tied to the sack. It said, "For Dusk's new bedroom." Twilight smiled and said, "Well, looks like we got some bits to pay for some furniture. Good thing we cleared out that old storage room so we could turn it into a guest room. We'll wait until the announcement has spread across Equestria. Then we'll do some shopping."

Dusk nodded and said, "I guess. My aunt didn't want me to do anything but clean the apartment. She didn't even let me go to school. I already missed school."

Twilight smiled and said, "Well, as soon as you've settled in, I'll get you registered at school." She then started smelling herself, then Dusk. She then said, "C'mon. We're both going to need a bath after what happened last night."

"Good call," said Rainbow Dash.

"We'll leave you to your business," said Rarity.

"See ya, Twilight," said Pinkie Pie as she and the other girls left. Twilight lifted Dusk with her magic, and they headed upstairs to the bathroom.

"How are you able to do this?" Dusk asked.

"Do what?" Twilight asked.

"This. The glowing and lifting thing," Dusk tried making it clear.

"Unicorns are able to use their horns to lift things with a magical aura," said Twilight. "I'll teach you how to use your magic later. Right now, Dusk, let's get cleaned up." They headed into the bathroom, and Twilight started up the tub. She set Dusk down, in the tub and got in with him. She started cleaning both herself and Dusk. They're going to be doing a lot of quality time together.
> Chapter 3: Learning New Things
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 3: Learning New Things






For the next couple of weeks, Twilight has been teaching the human turned son, now known as Dusk Shine, about life in Equestria. He was surprised to know that the sun and moon are moved through the sky by Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. And as for the weather, it was controlled by pegasi that work for the weather division.

It was also difficult for Dusk to walk around like a pony. His center of gravity was completely different when he was human before. Twilight had also taught Dusk some basic magic. Twilight knows when Dusk gets older, his magic will become stronger. Although, for the time being, Twilight's parents and brother have been writing to Twilight non-stop, and Spike was belching them out.

"Oh, man!" Spike said, after belching out another scroll. "That's like the 100th letter I let out from your parents or Shining Armor."

Twilight then took the letter and started reading it. Twilight smiled at it and said, "Well, it's just my parents being concerned about this whole situation with Dusk. Hopefully, when they meet Dusk, they'll know why I had to take him in. And not for the pregnancy reason." Twilight then looked at the time. "Oh, shoot. Tomorrow's Dusk's first day of school. I need to get him some school supplies."

"Good call, Twilight," said Spike. "I'll stay here and keep the library tidy."

Twilight nodded, and headed upstairs to the room where Dusk is staying. Dusk was sitting at the desk, reading a book. Twilight then walked over to him and asked, "Whatcha reading, Dusk?"

"Just one of those children's books you got me, Twilight," Dusk said. Now you see, Dusk knows that Twilight is his new biological mom, but he doesn't feel like calling Twilight 'Mom' right away.

"Still not ready to call me 'Mom' yet, huh?" Twilight asked. "It's okay. Your old parents would understand. They would've want what's best for you, except for what your old aunt and cousin did. I'm sure they would want you to be happy." Twilight then leaned her head in and kissed Dusk on the forehead. "I'll even make sure of that."

Dusk smiled and said, "Thank you, Twilight."

"Now, tomorrow is your first day of school," said Twilight. "We need to head out and get some school supplies. So, we need to get going."

"Okay," Dusk said. He then got out of his seat, but almost lost his balance. Dusk eventually recovered and followed Twilight, and headed out into town.

They eventually made it to the bookstore to pick up some school supplies. Twilight started off with getting the saddlebags. He had to get Dusk measured for what size saddlebags he should wear. Good thing there was somepony there to take the measurements. When Dusk was measured, he decided to see what saddlebags he liked.

As soon as he picked which bag to get, Twilight then walked over to the school supplies with Dusk following. Twilight got some notebooks, some pencils, a pencil sharpener, some crayons, a lunch bag.

"Okay," Twilight said. "Now, you're ready for school." Twilight then put the saddlebags onto Dusk's back, and put the school supplies in each bag.

"Whoa! These saddlebags feel weird," Dusk said.

"I know," said Twilight. "But trust me. You'll get use to them in no time. Now, let's head on home."

"Okay," Dusk said. Dusk then sighed, sadly.

"Everything's going to be okay, Dusk," Twilight said. "I know you miss your parents. But, at least you got to see them one last time before you came here."

"Yeah, I know," said Dusk. "I just hope they'll be happy once again. My aunt and cousin treated me horribly."

"Well, you won't have to worry about that," Twilight said. "I'll make sure that you'll have a good life. And if there's somepony troubling you, make sure you have good friends with you to help you out."

Twilight and Dusk then headed back to the library. Dusk was officially prepared for his first day of school. Hopefully, he'll make some good friends.





Twilight walked Dusk to the Ponyville Schoolhouse. She had prepared a lunch for him to enjoy. He was still a little weirded out that his taste buds changed. He explained that humans were able to eat specific meats. But the ponies won't worry about that because of his completely different body. Twilight packed Dusk a sandwich with daffodils, an apple, a juice box, and a pudding cup.

"Now remember, Dusk," Twilight said, "your class time will end right before lunch. I'll be back when lunch time is over. Until then, be good, and don't cause any trouble."

"Okay, Twilight," said Dusk. Just then, the school bell started ringing.

"Oh, boy," Twilight said. She then pushed Dusk towards the school door and said, "Behave at school, and try to make some good friends. See you after lunch."

Dusk nodded, and headed into the school house. Dusk then looked into the class and saw a bunch of fillies and colts. He got a little nervous, but then he felt a hoof touch his shoulder. He looked up and saw the teacher of the schoolhouse, Cheerilee.

"Hello, there," said Cheerilee. "You must be Dusk Shine. It's a pleasure to meet you." Dusk gave off a nervous smile. "Well, c'mon up front. I need to introduce you to the class." Dusk then stepped up to the front of the class and showed himself to the other fillies and colts in the room. "Good morning, class."

"Good morning, Miss Cheerilee!" all of the other students said. Two voices were just bored.

"Now, before I begin today's session, I would like to introduce you to a new student," said Cheerilee. "His name is Dusk Shine. I want you all to be nice to this colt, and make him feel at home here." Most of the foals nodded. Cheerilee then looked down at Dusk and said, "Now, you go ahead and pick out an empty seat."

Dusk nodded, and looked around for an empty seat. He eventually found on empty seat and walked towards it. He sat in that one seat, and took off his saddlebags. He looked over to his right, and saw a familiar orange pegasus filly was sitting next to him. I'm guessing you all know who she is.

Scootaloo looked over at Dusk and asked, "'Sup?"

Dusk smiled nervously, but then he started looking towards the front of the class. Dusk was trying to learn about everything in this world, since he was going to get use to this place.





Recess came in around 9:30. All of the fillies and colts were running outside to play on the playground. Dusk was the last one to come out of the schoolhouse to enjoy recess. He was still a little nervous about being in a new school. Unlike Twilight trying to avoid making friends, Dusk was a little too nervous. He didn't know who to trust yet. So, he went over to the slide all by himself. But before he could get onto the first step, a voice then came to his attention.

"Well, well, well... Look at the new colt here." Dusk looked towards the voice and saw two Earth Pony Fillies; Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. Diamond Tiara then said, "You can't go onto the slide. You're just the new foal. New foals aren't allowed to play on the playground equipment." She was saying that in a mean tone.

"W-what?" Dusk asked.

"Losers like you aren't allowed to have fun," said Silver Spoon. "It's lame ponies like you who end up pathetic losers when they grow up."

"Yeah," said Diamond Tiara. "Nopony will ever appreciate you."

Dusk was backing up, starting to form tears in his eyes. What Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon were saying to him were hurting his feelings. But then another voice came to their attention.

"Diamond Tiara! Silver Spoon! Y'all leave the new colt alone!"

The three of them looked over towards the voice and saw three fillies running up towards them. They were Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo; the Cutie Mark Crusaders. They rushed in and got between the schoolhouse bullies and Dusk.

"Why don't you stop teasing everypony and think you're better than them?!" Scootaloo said, angrily.

"You have been nothing but jerks ever since you've gotten your Cutie Mark," said Sweetie Belle.

"Well, I am suppose to have everypony fall in line," said Diamond Tiara. "Ponies like you are good for nothing. And you'll probably be blank flanks for the rest of your lives." Then she and Silver Spoon started laughing, meanly.

Scootaloo then smirked and quietly asked Dusk, "You are Twilight's son, aren't you?" Dusk nodded. The other fillies got the same idea and smirked as well.

"Well, at least we're related to the six heroes of Equestria," Sweetie Belle said. That made the girls stop laughing, and got a little mad.

"What is that supposed to mean?" Diamond Tiara asked, confused, yet angry.

"Mah big sister, Applejack, Sweetie Belle's sister, Rarity, and Dusk's mom, Twilight," Apple Bloom explained, "they're all heroes of Equestria. They saved Princess Luna from bein' Nightmare Moon, and stopped Discord from turning Equestria into his own playin' grounds. You have no relation to any o' them. Not ta Pinkie, nor Fluttershy, nor Rainbow Dash."

Diamond Tiara's face then started turning red in anger. She then shouted, "You think anypony will remember them in the future?! I will guarantee that they'll be total nobodies when time passes, and I'll be more important than them! And I'll make sure that you will never be appreciated for anything!"

"Diamond Tiara!" came the voice of Cheerilee. The foals looked towards Cheerilee and saw her walking towards Diamond Tiara. "Is this how you are treating other ponies? Treating them like garbage and thinking you're more superior to all other ponies?" Cheerilee shook her head and said, "You are staying after school, and I will inform your father about your obnoxious behavior."

"WHAT?!" Diamond Tiara shouted. "You can't do that! I won't let you!"

"Sorry, Diamond," said Cheerilee, "but you're not in charge at this school." She then picked Diamond Tiara up, and pulled her into the classroom. Silver Spoon was sad that Diamond got in trouble, so she decided to walk away from the group.

Apple Bloom then looked at Dusk and asked, "Ya okay?"

"Y-yeah," said Dusk. "Th-thank you..."

"You're welcome," said Sweetie Belle. "It's... Dusk, right?" Dusk nodded.

"Nice ta meetcha, Dusk. Ah'm Apple Bloom. Applejack is mah big sister."

"I'm Sweetie Belle. Rarity is my sister."

"And I'm Scootaloo. I might not be related to Rainbow Dash, but I wish I was related to her. She is so awesome!"

Dusk could only smile that there were some ponies around his age who were actually being nice to him. Apple Bloom then asked, "So, ya wanna play with us?"

"I... I guess I can," said Dusk. "It's been a while since I had a real friend."

"Applejack already told us about ya," said Apple Bloom. She then patted Dusk's shoulder and said, "Ya could really need a friend. Now ya have three."

"C'mon," said Sweetie Belle. "Let's all go play on the merry-go-round together." Then the girls started running towards the merry-go-round. Dusk smiled and then started following them.





Later that afternoon, Twilight arrived at the schoolhouse to see that Dusk was finishing up his lunch and talking with the Crusaders. Twilight smiled at that, happy to see that Dusk made friends with the Cutie Mark Crusaders. They would be a good start with being friends.

Twilight then called out, "Dusk! Time to head on home!"

Dusk turned his head and saw Twilight by the gate. Dusk smiled and then he grabbed his saddlebags and headed towards Twilight.

"We'll see ya tomorrow, Dusk!" Apple Bloom called out.

Dusk nodded towards them as he was heading over towards Twilight. The two of them headed back to the library. Twilight then said to Dusk, "Well, I know you're going to have some homework. I'll even help you get caught up with the rest of the class."

"Thanks, Twilight," Dusk said.

"I'm actually proud of you," said Twilight. "Making some friends. Especially if two of them are the younger sisters of two of my friends."

"Yeah, I know about them," said Dusk. "They explained it when they were sticking up to me against two mean ponies."

"You already had been contacted by bullies in your school?" Twilight asked. "Well, I can't help you there, but if something like that happens, you tell Cheerilee, and she'll handle it."

"Okay," Dusk said. "I'll try."

"That's it," Twilight said, rubbing Dusk's head. The two of them continued walking back to the library.





Twilight helped Dusk with the homework he had to do if he was ever going to catch up on. Dusk didn't have a lot of his homework. He had done a lot of homework, but he had done it well. Good thing Twilight taught Dusk on how to use his magic. He was still finding it weird that he's able to feel a tingle coming from his horn, but he'll get use to it.

As Dusk finished off a good portion of his homework, he went over towards Spike, seeing him with some comic books. Spike noticed him walking towards him.

"Hey, buddy," Spike said.

"Hey, Spike," Dusk said. "Are those comic books? I haven't read one of those since before..."

"I get it, Dusk," Spike said. "You don't have to worry about that anymore. Besides, I have a lot of comic books." He then handed Dusk the first issue of the comic book series he was reading.

"Power... Ponies?" Dusk asked.

"Yeah," said Spike. "You'll enjoy them. I know you will." Dusk then started opening the comic book, and looking at all of the pictures. It was pleasing him. Twilight saw that Spike was sharing his comic books with Dusk. She smiled at that, and then brought in paper plates with pizza on them. Dusk's pizza had some celery, olives and even some flowers on it. As for Spike, his pizza had peppers, emeralds and extra cheese.

"There you boys go," said Twilight. "Eat up."

"Thanks, Twilight," Spike said. Dusk noticed the emeralds on Spike's pizza.

"Why are there emeralds on your pizza?" Dusk asked.

"Dragons can eat gems," Spike explained. "You'd be surprised on what dragons can do."

"Like how you're able to send and receive those scrolls?" Dusk asked.

"Nah," Spike said. "I'm the only one who can do that. Twilight poured a lot of her magic when hatching my egg, and I gained the ability to send and receive messages from certain ponies. Mostly from royalty or Twilight's family."

"That's interesting," Dusk said before taking a bite out of his pizza.

"Dusk! After you're done with your pizza, it's time to get into the tub!" Twilight called out.

"Okay," Dusk said. He then finished up his pizza and put the comic down. He was about to take the plate to the kitchen.

"Let me take that for you, Dusk," Spike said. He then took Dusk's plate and headed into the kitchen. Dusk then headed upstairs to get himself a bath. Hopefully, he'll start to enjoy Equestria more and more.
> Chapter 4: Surprise Visit
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 4: Surprise Visit






Time has passed on as Dusk has been getting use to his new life. Twilight has been teaching him more and more magic. And he has been getting good grades in his classes. Dusk was also having fun with the Crusaders. And once in a while, whenever Dusk got a good grade, she and Spike took him out for some fun times.

Twilight and Dusk were walking back to the library. Twilight then said, "You're doing so well with adjusting to Equestria, Dusk. And doing very well in school."

"You really think so, Twilight?" asked Dusk.

"I know so, Dusk," Twilight said. "You've been doing well in school, having good times with your friends, and have been really improving on your magic."

Dusk smiled and said, "Well, I had a good teacher when it came to learning magic."

"Aww..." Twilight said, pulling him in for a hug. "Dusk, you are such a sweet little colt." Then they continued heading towards the library.

As they got inside, Spike wasn't in the main room of the library. Dusk then asked, "Hey, where's Spike?"

"That's odd," said Twilight. "He's usually here." She then called out, "Spike! We're back!"

Then coming out of the kitchen, Spike came out and said, "Twilight. We got guests here."

"Guests?" asked Twilight. She then ran into the kitchen with Dusk following her. Twilight was surprised to see who was at her kitchen table. Her parents, Twilight Velvet and Night Light. "Mom?! Dad?! What are you two doing here?!"

"Oh, Twilight," Velvet said, smiling. "You honestly think we wouldn't get a chance to meet the new colt we heard so much about, did you?" Velvet then walked over towards Dusk. She smiled down at Dusk and said, "I was wondering when we would get to meet you."

Night Light walked up to Dusk as well. He then said, "He sure looks a lot like you, Twilight. I never thought that would be possible."

"It was really odd for me as well," Twilight said. "But, at least he's a good colt."

"Twilight, are you sure you'll be able to handle taking care of Dusk here?" Velvet asked. "Are you sure you don't need any help?"

"What do you mean, Mom?" Twilight asked.

"I just thought that you could use a little help with watching Dusk," said Velvet. "We're thinking of moving here to help you out in case you need some help with watching Dusk."

"But what about your home in Canterlot?" Twilight asked. "You worked so hard to get it."

"I know, Twilight," said Night Light. "But Velvet and I are willing to give it up to help you watch over Dusk. Shining Armor understood when we told him about Dusk. Although, he was a little concerned that you've taken in a young colt."

"But that's nothing to worry about now," said Velvet. "Anyway, are there any motels here that we can sleep in until we find a place here in Ponyville?"

"Not that I know of," said Twilight. "But I'm sure that one of my friends will offer you a place to stay while you're here. Maybe my friend Applejack can let you stay with her until you find a place here in Ponyville."

"That's good to hear," said Twilight Velvet. Then the sound of Spike gagging came. Spike then belched, and then a scroll materialized from his flames.

Spike grabbed it and unrolled it. He then said, "It's from the Princess. Wow. It's for Velvet and Night Light. It says that, with Twilight's permission, that Princess Celestia would allow some ponies to build a guest house right outside the library. She said she'll even pay for the whole thing."

"Wow," said Twilight. "Alright. But I have to find a place for you to stay. You can leave the stuff you brought here until we can find a place for you to stay until the new guest house is done. Spike, write a response to the princess."

"You got it, Twilight," said Spike, grabbing a new piece of parchment and a quill.

Twilight then said, "Well, Dusk has been doing well in school. We were going to go out for hayburgers and bowling."

"Really?" asked Dusk. "I've never been bowling before."

"Not even in your previous life?" asked Twilight.

"No," said Dusk. "My old mom and dad were going to take me, but then came their work out of the country."

"Oh, right," said Velvet. "We were told about that by Princess Celestia. But you don't have to worry about those terrible creatures you once called an aunt and cousin."

"Yeah, Dusk," said Twilight. "You have a new family that won't treat you like a slave. You deserve the best you can have."

Velvet saw a piece of paper out of Dusk's saddlebags. She took it in her magic and started reading it. She smiled and said, "Wow. These grades are very good. Not perfect, but still pretty good."

"I know," said Twilight. "Dusk has been getting good grades in his classes. Mostly B's, but he has been doing well in math. Thanks to me for helping him out."

"And I'm guessing that when an opportunity for him to go to Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns comes..." Night Light said.

"Actually, I think he'll be better off learning magic from me, and stay here in Ponyville," Twilight said. "Apparently, when Dusk was still human, he met someone in pre-school, and when he finally became good friends, that friend moved away and never saw him again. And that was before he was being tortured by his aunt and cousin."

"Well, I think that's a good idea," said Velvet, rubbing Dusk's head. "I have to say, I think that you've made a good decision. It wouldn't be a good idea to have Dusk stay with his friends. It wouldn't be fair for him."

"Yeah," said Twilight. "Anyway, why don't you join us for dinner and bowling?"

"Sure," said Night Light. "We could even teach Dusk how to bowl. We were on the Canterlot Bowling Team."

"That would be good," said Twilight. "We'll head out and see if somepony can offer you to stay with until your new house gets built."

"Alright," said Night Light. "Well, let's get going, shall we?" Then Dusk took off his saddlebags, then the five of them headed out.





Later, Twilight, Dusk, Spike and Twilight's parents arrived at the bowling alley of Ponyville. But to Twilight's surprise, her friends were already there.

"Hey, look!" Rainbow said. "Twilight, Spike and Dusk are here!"

Twilight smiled to see her friends there. She walked over towards them and said, "I wasn't expecting all of you here."

"Yeah," Applejack said walking up to Twilight. "Rainbow Dash and I came here for some friendly competition. Fluttershy, Rarity and Pinkie Pie saw us."

Rarity walked up to them and said, "Yes. Even though I think Bowling is a little rough, I think it might be good to try new things for once." She then noticed Twilight's parents. "Twilight, darling, who are these ponies?"

"Oh, right," said Twilight. "Girls, meet my parents. My mom, Twilight Velvet. And my dad, Night Light."

Pinkie Pie rushed up to them and said, "Ooooooh! New ponies! I love meeting new ponies!"

"My parents decided to move here from Canterlot to help me take care of Dusk," said Twilight. "Princess Celestia is sending some construction ponies down here to help make a guest house right outside the library."

"So they would be able to be close to help out with watching Dusk if you or any of us have to go out of town," said Rarity. "And I'm guessing you need somepony to have them live with until the new guest house is made."

"Can't be my place," said Rainbow Dash. "They aren't pegasi."

"My cottage is already crowded with animals," Fluttershy said.

"Mrs. Cake has already made a room for the babies they're going to have," said Pinkie Pie.

"So, that just leaves Rarity's boutique, and Sweet Apple Acres," said Spike.

"Ah guess it'll be alright if Twi's parents stay over at the farm," said Applejack. "But Ah have ta warn 'em. The Apples are early risers."

"Meh, didn't stop us," said Night Light. "When we got up early, it was hard for us to get back to sleep."

"Indeed," said Twilight Velvet. "Remember, it's only temporary until the construction crew makes the house."

"Ah understand," said Applejack. "O' course Ah'll have ta get some things organized with Granny Smith."

"Thank you, Applejack," Twilight said. She then looked towards her family and said, "Alright. Let's get to bowling."

Then Twilight and her family headed over towards the place where they get the bowling cards to keep score. The five of them went over to a row. The rest of the Mane 6 were in the row next to them. They thought it would be fun if the two groups bowled together, since both of their rows share the same ball return.





Dusk was being taught by his new grandparents about how to bowl. On the first throw, he got the ball into the gutter. He was having trouble having a good grip with the ball, but he was taught to imagine having a good grip on the ball. But he was eventually taught on how to keep a grip on things with his new hooves.

Dusk eventually started getting the hang of the game when it was halfway through the first game. Dusk then got an average of 175. Dusk did a really good job on his first time bowling.

"You did very well, Dusk," Twilight said, rubbing Dusk's head. "I'm proud of you."

"Thank you, Twilight," Dusk said.

"You go put the ball back where you got it, and we'll head out to the Hayburger for dinner," Twilight said, making Dusk nod.

Velvet walked up to Twilight and asked, "He's not calling you Mom?"

"Still trying to get use to the place," said Twilight. "He's not ready to call me Mom until he's good and ready."

"I understand," said Velvet. "It's gonna be a while before he starts calling you mom."

"Yeah," said Night Light. "Things like that take time."

Spike walked up to Night Light and Velvet and asked, "How did Shining Armor take to the knowledge about Dusk?"

"He still finds it a little weird that Twilight has somehow given birth to a colt that looks similar to her, and yet grew a few years in just an hour," said Night Light. "He still finds it unbelievable."

"Yeah, that makes sense," said Spike. "But, he's gonna have to get use to it."

"He sure does," said Velvet. "Now, let's get going to the Hayburger. I'm starting to get hungry myself."

Twilight nodded, then Applejack walked up to them and asked, "Mind if we join ya?"

"Sure," said Twilight. "The more, the merrier."





Later that night, Applejack has set up a guest room for Night Light and Velvet to stay until their new home gets built. Granny Smith was okay with letting Twilight's parents staying with them.

Later, Twilight had put Dusk to bed. She tucked him in and kissed him on the forehead and said, "Good night, Dusk."

"Good night, Twilight," Dusk said. He then turned as Twilight was about to leave the room. Just then Dusk thought of something. He then looked back towards Twilight and asked, "Hey, Twilight?"

Twilight turned her head towards Dusk and asked, "Yeah, Dusk?"

"Do you think my old parents are doing alright without me?" Dusk asked.

"I'm not sure," Twilight said, walking over towards him. She then put a hoof to Dusk's shoulder and said, "But I know that they'll always love you. No matter what." She then sighed. "I'm sure they miss you with all their hearts, but I'm sure they'll understand this. Even though you're gone, they'll never forget you."

Dusk smiled with tears in his eyes. He then hugged Twilight, and Twilight returned the gesture. Dusk smiled and then let Twilight go. He then got really tired and rested his head. Twilight smiled and headed out of Dusk's room.

"Dusk really is a good kid," Twilight thought. "At least he's now got a better life then he did recently as Henry. If only somepony could teach those bad creatures he had for an aunt and cousin a lesson they'll never forget." Twilight was walking towards her room, and headed towards her bed.
> Chapter 5: Dusk's Secret Admirer
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 5: Dusk's Secret Admirer






It has been two days since Twilight's parents came to Ponyville. Dusk has been enjoying things in his new life. But he's still not ready to call Twilight "Mom", but Twilight is okay with it. Dusk has been doing well in school. Paying attention in his class, and having fun with his new friends.

The class of the Ponyville Schoolhouse finished up one class before recess. The class went out for recess. Cheerilee went out to use the restroom. Little that she knew, there was somepony inside the class, putting something into Dusk's saddlebags.

Meanwhile, outside, Dusk was on the swing. He was getting some serious air time on the swing. Then his friends came up to him. Apple Bloom then said, "Hey, Dusk! Ya wanna play tag?!"

"I haven't played that in a long time!" Dusk said. He then got off of the swing, but landing on his stomach and his chin. "Ow." Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle came up to him and helped him up.

"You okay?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Yeah, I'm okay," Dusk said. He eventually got up and went with the girls to play some tag.

Later that day, Twilight picked Dusk up from school. Dusk got his saddlebags, and headed towards the library. Twilight then asked, "So, how was school today?"

"It was okay," said Dusk. "Nothing much happened."

"Alright," said Twilight. "Anyway, we got to get home. Listen, I'm going to be heading out of town. Rarity is staying up in Canterlot because her cat, Opal, is sick."

"Isn't it your birthday, tomorrow?" Dusk asked.

"It is..." Twilight said. "But I'm sure that you'll do something special for me when I get back. You and your grandparents. Now, behave yourself."

"Yes, Twilight," Dusk said. "What about Spike?"

"He's not feeling that well," said Twilight. "He's caught a cold."

"I just hope he doesn't burn the place down," said Dusk.

"I've already prepared for that," said Twilight. "I got him to wear a fire proof mask to prevent him from doing that. I'm also going to tell the princess about Spike being sick." Twilight and Dusk made it back to the library, and Twilight grabbed a bag, nuzzled Dusk and said, "Goodbye Dusk. Be good while I'm gone." She then rushed out of there and headed towards the train station where Applejack, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie were.

Dusk went into the kitchen to see Night Light and Velvet making some snacks. Velvet saw Dusk come in and said, "Hello, Dusk. How was school today?"

"It was fine," said Dusk. He then unstrapped his saddlebags, and put them down next to his seat. He then pulled out his homework. But then he noticed something in there that wasn't there before. A pink piece of paper. Dusk was confused about it. Night Light also noticed it.

"What do you got there, Dusk?" Night Light asked.

"I don't know," said Dusk. "I just found it. I don't remember this in my saddlebags." He then pulled it out, unfolded it, and read it. It read:

"Your face I'll always remember...
You'll warm me up in September...
You help me through the fire...
You are the one I truly desire...

Your secret admirer "

Night Light smiled at that and said, "Well, my boy, by the looks of this, you have a secret admirer."

"Really?" asked Velvet. She walked up and read that piece of paper. She smiled and said, "That's so sweet."

"But, who could have put this in my saddlebags?" asked Dusk. "And when?"

"Good question," said Night Light. "But, I'm sure you'll be able to find out who that filly is. The answer will come when you least expect it."

"He's right," said Velvet. "Now, you just go on and do your homework."

"Okay," said Dusk. He then turned to his homework and started with his math homework. Hopefully, the poem from his secret admirer won't bother him that much.





The Cutie Mark Crusaders went to Sweet Apple Acres. Sweetie Belle was staying there when Rarity was out of town. The Crusaders went into Apple Bloom's bedroom.

"That was a good day of crusadin', girls," Apple Bloom said.

"Yeah!" said Scootaloo. "Sure, we didn't get our cutie marks in animal taming, but it was still awesome."

"Who knew that Angel was so good at doing those things?" asked Sweetie Belle. "Too bad Dusk wasn't able to be there with us. He would've loved the fun time we were having." Sweetie Belle was starting to blush when thinking about Dusk.

Apple Bloom and Scootaloo looked at each other in confusion, but then they went to a smirk face. Then Scootaloo asked, "Sweetie Belle? Do you... have a crush on Dusk?"

"Wh-what?" Sweetie Belle asked, blushing a deep red on her cheeks. "N-no. I just... I was just thinking that it could've been more fun if Dusk was involved. And he's getting better with his magic. He would've helped us with his magic."

Apple Bloom thought about it and said, "Oh, yeah. Ah guess. He is gettin' better with his magic."

"He's got Twilight to teach him," said Scootaloo. "She's a master of magic. Of course she would help Dusk to control his magic. Dusk has already mastered levitation, force field, and teleportation, in a small distance that is."

"I'm sure he'll get more better in magic when he gets older," Sweetie Belle said.

Then there was a knocking at Apple Bloom's door. The girls looked and saw Big Mac standing there with a smile on his face.

"Hey, Big Mac," Apple Bloom said. "Dinner time already?"

"Eeyup," said Big Mac.

The girls then went out of the room, and headed downstairs so they would get some food in their stomachs.





Twist went up to her room after a hard day of making sweets with her parents. Twist went directly to her bed and then looked at the pictures on her wall. Mostly of pictures of famous ponies, some of her friends, and mostly of Dusk.

Twist then smiled a lot when looking at a picture of Dusk. She smiled at the things Dusk was doing in each photo she looked at.

"Twist!" came a mare's voice. "Your father has gotten dinner ready!"

"Coming, Mom!" said Twist. She then got off of her bed, and headed downstairs to eat her dinner.





Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon were at Diamond Tiara's house. They were in Diamond's room, and then they were playing with some dolls.

"Do those blank flanks believe that they're better than me just because they're related to some heroes?" Diamond Tiara asked. "No way they're better than us."

"Yeah," said Silver Spoon. "You think that those useless foals will ever live up to anything?"

"Not at all," said Diamond Tiara. But then she gave off a faint blush. "Especially that new colt, Dusk."

Silver Spoon noticed the faint blush on Diamond's face and asked, "Do you... have a crush on Dusk?"

"Wh-what?!" Diamond asked, her face becoming more red. "N-no... I don't..."

"Diamond..." Silver Spoon said. "Admit it. You think he looks cute."

"C-cute?!" Diamond said, her face still red. "He's... he's not so cute... even though he has that perfect looking face and that messy mane, and how charming his ear twitch is..." Then she realized what she was saying. She then glared at Silver Spoon and said, "You tell anypony I said that, I'll tell everypony that you faked being sick so you can go to the carnival last year."

Silver Spoon's face went white and said, "Alright. I won't tell anypony."

"Good," Diamond said. "Now that that's taken care of, let's just get to sleep. We have a long weekend tomorrow on trying to make those blank flanks feel useless." She then jumped onto her bed and then covered herself up.

Silver Spoon shook her head smiling, and then she went to her sleeping bag, covered up, and fell asleep.





Back at the Golden Oaks Library, Velvet was tucking Dusk into bed.

"Good night, Dusk," Velvet said. She then kissed Dusk on the forehead, and walked out of the room. Dusk looked over at the poem that was on his desk.

"Why would somepony leave me a poem?" Dusk asked himself in his head. "I am just really confused. Who could have done it?" He then looked up into the night sky. He then thought, "What would my mom and dad... my old mom and dad think I should do?" Dusk's eyes then started closing. He got comfortable in his bed, and went to sleep.
> Chapter 6: The Carnival Comes to Ponyville
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 6: The Carnival Comes to Ponyville






It's been weeks since Dusk got that poem, and five days since Spike has been getting bigger by greed. Velvet and Night Light's new home has just finished being built, and some of their furniture has been sent there. The rest was put into some storage. Twilight has been having some quality time with Dusk lately.

Then one day, a carnival came into Ponyville, and set up at Pink Tree Field. Dusk was with Apple Bloom, watching the ponies there setting up some games and rides.

"This is amazing," said Dusk. "I've never been to a carnival before."

"Ya haven't?" Apple Bloom asked. "Not even when ya were still human?"

"No," Dusk said. "I miss my mom and dad."

Apple Bloom then pulled Dusk in for a hug and said, "Ah know. It's hard not bein' able ta see yer parents. Ah know... mah parents went a long time ago. But ya still have ponies that care 'bout ya. Like Twilight is now."

"Yeah, I know," said Dusk. "But I'm still not ready to call her mom yet. Sure, she..." He then motioned to his body with both his forelegs. "She might have given birth to this new body I have now, but I'm just not ready to look at her as my mom."

"It'll just take some time," Apple Bloom said. Then she saw the sun starting to set and said, "Well, Ah gotta get back home. Ya should probably get back ta the library as well."

Dusk nodded. Then the two of them headed off to their homes. Dusk was about to pass through the market area when he accidentally bumped into somepony.

"Whoa, I'm sorry," Dusk said before seeing who he bumped into. He was not expecting to bump into... "Twilight?"

"Oh, hey, Dusk," Twilight said. "I was wondering where you were. Luckily, you came just in time. I was actually out here coming to get some pizza."

"Okay," Dusk said, following Twilight. He was a little upset.

Twilight noticed that Dusk was upset and asked, "What's wrong, Dusk?"

"There's a carnival coming to town," Dusk said.

"Oh, I get it," said Twilight. "You want something to do that reminds you of what your old parents would do with you."

"Actually, I've never been to a carnival," said Dusk. "My parents said that one day, they would take me, but they were busy. I was hoping to go the last time the carnival came, but my aunt and cousin had me staying with them, and they left me home alone to clean the house."

Twilight felt sorry for Dusk. Then she got an idea and said, "Tell you what. How about you finally go to your first carnival? With me, Spike and my parents. We'll be with you the whole time."

"I... I guess that could work," said Dusk. "But, I wish that I gotten the chance..." He then started shedding a few tears.

Twilight noticed it, and pulled Dusk in for a hug. She then said, "It's okay. It's okay. I'll make sure to give you a life that your parents would have wanted you to have."

"My parents were always too busy," Dusk said.

"But this time, I'll make sure that you'll get some much needed time," said Twilight. "Now, let's go get the pizza and head on home."

Dusk nodded, then the two of them headed on somewhere.





The next day, Twilight, Spike, Dusk, Velvet, and Night Light arrived at the carnival. They were going to enjoy their day at the carnival.

"This is amazing!" said Spike. "This is the first time I've been to a carnival!"

"Well you're not the only one, Spike," Twilight said. "This is Dusk's first carnival. And not just as a pony."

Spike smiled over at Dusk and said, "Let's have some fun. Let's start off with the roller coaster!" He then started running off. Dusk smiled and followed Spike.

"Hey! Wait up!" Twilight said as she, Velvet and Night Light chased after them. "We're supposed to stay together!"

They eventually made it to the line of the roller coaster. It wasn't that long for them to get on. Dusk and Spike got in the first row.

"This is going to be really fun," said Spike.

The group has gotten into the carts of the roller coaster. Then a voice on the speaker said, "Please remain seated, and keep your hooves in the vehicle at all times."

The roller coaster then started moving and they went around turns and loop da loops. They eventually got off of the roller coaster. Velvet was ecstatic.

"That was truly thrilling!" Velvet said. "We should go on more thrilling rides like that!"

"That sure was fun," said Night Light. "So, what else should we go on?"

"I bet we could get a good view of the place," said Twilight. "I heard that the top of the Ferris Wheel is where the best view is."

Twilight's parents nodded. Then the five of them headed towards the Ferris Wheel. They waited in line to get on. As soon as they reached the top of the Ferris Wheel, they were astonished by the view.

"Wow," said Dusk. "It's... it's a really nice view."

"It really is," said Twilight. "I've should've done this a long time ago."

"Yeah," said Spike. "You were always too focused on your books, you didn't want to enjoy the sights around you."

"But now that you got a chance, you are starting to have some real fun," said Night Light.

"I'm sure that your brother would've wanted you to enjoy yourself a long time ago," said Velvet.

Dusk looked at Twilight and asked, "You have a brother?"

"Yeah," Twilight said. "Shining Armor is my big brother. He's captain of Canterlot's Royal Guard."

"He sure has been training a lot," said Velvet. "Keeping Canterlot safe from any trouble."

"I'm sure that one day, you'll get to meet him, Dusk," Twilight said. "Right now, let's enjoy the carnival."





Later, the five of them were at the carnival games. Dusk was looking around to see what prizes were there that reminded him of his old home. There was nothing there.

Twilight walked up to Dusk and asked, "Are you okay?"

Dusk sighed and said, "I just thought there would be anything that reminded me of my old world. I couldn't find anything."

"Oh, Dusk," Twilight said, pulling him in for a hug. "I know that you miss your old family, but you should know that they'll always love you. You can always talk to me if anything gets you down."

Dusk smiled and said, "Thank you, Twilight."

Twilight looked over at a game and said, "How about we get you a prize over at that game over there?"

Dusk looked over and saw a game similar to wack-a-mole. It was called Wack-a-Sprite. "Wack-a-Sprite?"

"Yeah," said Twilight. "It's based off of the Parasprites that came to Ponyville a while ago. The only thing that gets them in line was music. We thought that Pinkie Pie was being crazier than usual that day, but it turns out, she was trying to save us from the infestation by distracting them with music, and leading them out of Ponyville."

"I... I guess I can give it a shot," said Dusk. Then he, Spike and Twilight headed for the game and started playing it as the game started. Dusk was using the hammer he had with his hoof. It was a special rule in the game that no unicorn magic is to be used.

The game ended. Twilight and Dusk tied for 1st place while Spike was behind by six points. Twilight then said, "Wow. A tie. That is amazing."

"Yeah," said Spike. "How'd you get so good, Dusk?"

"I was told I had fast reflexes when I was human," Dusk said.

"That is so interesting," came a voice. The three of them turned to the left and saw Princess Celestia and Princess Luna standing there.

"Princess Celestia?! Princess Luna?!" Twilight asked. "What are you two doing here?!"

"We thought it would be nice to see how things are going here," said Princess Celestia. "I see that Dusk is settling in okay."

"Well, he is," said Twilight. "He still isn't ready to call me 'Mom' yet, but he knows what's going on."

"That's okay," said Princess Celestia. "There are some things that aren't ready for a change until they are ready."

"Indeed," said Princess Luna. "Thou young colt shall get use to the changes."

"Just like you with your speech," said Twilight, smirking at Princess Luna.

"Quite," said Princess Luna, nodding. "I hope thou will enjoy this festivities of fun."

"We are, Princess," said Spike. "We came here to show Dusk a good time for the first time."

"Well, Dusk does deserve a good time," said Princess Celestia. "After what that wicked woman did to you, you need this. Especially when your aunt got imprisoned at a place called 'State Penitentiary'. And your cousin was sent to a boarding school for troubled youth."

"Well that's good to hear," Twilight said.

"What about my parents?" Dusk asked.

"They have been a bit miserable without you," said Princess Luna. "But, they have started working on a cruise ship to help with their pain. They'll remember you forever."

Dusk smiled and said, "Thank you..."

"You're welcome, Dusk," said Princess Celestia. "Now, you go enjoy the carnival. It's supposed to be a happy day for you."

Dusk nodded, and Twilight said, "You know, it's getting close to lunch time. How about we go get something to eat, and see the Wonderbolts show?"

"That would be nice," Dusk said.

Then the five of them headed towards the carnival food court for them to get something to eat.





Later that afternoon, Twilight, Spike, Dusk and Twilight's parents were heading towards their homes. Dusk had gotten a lot of prizes from the carnival.

"So, what did you think of your first carnival, Dusk?" Twilight asked.

"It was very good," said Dusk.

"Yeah," said Spike. "You got a lot of prizes there, Dusk."

"So, what did you like the most in the carnival, Dusk?" Velvet asked.

"Definitely the Wonderbolts performance," said Dusk. "They look so cool."

"You know, you have to be a pegasus to be able to join the Wonderbolts," said Twilight. "You're a unicorn."

"I don't think I would get use to wings," said Dusk. "I think it would be weird to have new limbs sprouting from my back."

"Well, how about we go inside and have some dinner?" Twilight asked.

"Okay," said Dusk. He then headed inside.

Spike called out, "Hey, wait a minute! Let me unlock the door, first."

Twilight giggled at Dusk's antics. Then she and her parents headed inside, and Twilight headed towards the kitchen, and got started on dinner.
> Chapter 7: The Cold of Dusk Shine
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 7: The Cold of Dusk Shine






Twilight was making breakfast for Spike and Dusk. She was making some pancakes. Just then, the kitchen door opened and she looked and saw Spike coming in.

"Good morning, Twilight," Spike said.

"Hey, Spike," said Twilight. "Where's Dusk?"

"I knocked on his door," said Spike. "I told him that he was going to be late for school if he didn't get out of bed."

"And he didn't seem to come out yet?" Twilight asked, raising an eyebrow. "I'm gonna go check on him." Twilight then headed out of the kitchen, went up the stairs, and went to check on Dusk. She knocked on Dusk's door and asked, "Dusk? Are you okay in there? It's 7:30."

When she got no answer, she leaned her ear towards the door. She didn't hear anything. She then used her magic and opened the door. Twilight saw that Dusk was still in bed. She walked over towards it, put a hoof on Dusk and shook him.

"Dusk," Twilight said. "It's time to get up." Dusk shifted in his bed. He got up, and Twilight saw that he wasn't looking so good. His face was a little red, his eyes were a little puffy, and there was snot coming from his nostrils. "Dusk? Are you feeling okay?"

Dusk shook his head and said, "I'm not feeling all too well, Twilight."

"Oh, boy," said Twilight. "Hold on a sec." Twilight then teleported out of the room, and came back with a thermometer. "Open your mouth, Dusk." Dusk opened his mouth, and Twilight put the thermometer under Dusk's tongue. She waited a few moments, and then she took it out of Dusk's mouth saw the temperature. Twilight sighed and said, "Well, you're not going to school today, Dusk. You got a cold. 103 degrees."

"I... I don't want to..." Dusk said, but was silenced by Twilight.

"Shh... This is different than the way you got sick on your old world," said Twilight. "This sickness is only temporary." She then turned to the door and said, "I'll make you some soup, and I'll have Spike go to your school to give Cheerilee a note."

Dusk smiled weakly. But that faded when he was about to sneeze. He then sneezed, and then a blast came from his horn, bouncing off the walls, Twilight ducking out of the way, and the blast hitting the lamp. It then sprouted arms and legs, and it started dancing. Like this:



Twilight and Dusk looked at the lamp as it was dancing towards the door and headed out. Twilight then said, "There's also that when a unicorn sneezes, a random magical blast fires and anything can happen."

"Even singing a song from an old cartoon from my old world?" Dusk asked.

"Yep," said Twilight. "Although, that was a weird coincidence. I suggest you get some rest. I'll head out and get you some medicine."

"Okay, Twilight," Dusk said, trying to cover back up.

Twilight smiled and headed out of Dusk's room, and into the kitchen. Spike continued cooking breakfast for Twilight. He then saw Twilight come walking in and said, "Oh, hey, Twilight. Where's Dusk?"

"He's caught a cold," said Twilight.

"Oh, so that explains the singing and dancing lamp," Spike said, pointing at something. It was the lamp from earlier and it was singing another song.



Twilight then fired her magic at the lamp, and it went back to normal. She then said, "Hopefully, Dusk will get better." She then grabbed a note, and wrote something on it with her magic. "Can you go to the schoolhouse, and give this note to Cheerilee."

"Sure, Twilight," said Spike. "Dusk must've been near the lake and fell in yesterday with the Crusaders."

"That explains why he was a little wet when he came home, yesterday," said Twilight. "So, you go and take it after you eat."

"Okay, Twilight," Spike said. "I'll also inform your parents about Dusk being sick."

"Thank you, Spike," Twilight said.





Later that day, Dusk got out of bed. Twilight gave Dusk some medicine. Dusk then went to the bathroom, and decided to get a warm bath in. Twilight helped him into the bathtub, and cleaned him up.

"Feeling better, Dusk?" Twilight asked, scrubbing him with a loofah.

"A little," Dusk said with a snot filled voice.

"That's good," Twilight said. "I'm going to get you some more medicine and some lunch. You gotta keep your energy up."

"Okay, Twilight," Dusk said. He then felt the urge to sneeze. He then tried to resist the urge to sneeze. Twilight noticed as Dusk was about to sneeze. Dusk sneezed, and then the magical blast bounced off the walls and hit a toothbrush, and it then it sprouted wings and started flying towards Twilight.

"Whoa!" Twilight said, ducking out of the way of the toothbrush. Twilight then used her magic, and deactivated the spell and the toothbrush almost hitting Dusk in the eye, but Twilight caught it in her magic. "If only there was a way to turn off your magic when you're sick."

"That would be smart," Dusk said.

"Yes," said Twilight. She then used her magic to take Dusk out of the tub. Dusk was dried off and was taken back to bed. Twilight tucked Dusk in and said, "I'll be back to check on you."

Dusk didn't respond because he was asleep. Twilight smiled at him. She wanted to kiss him, but she might catch Dusk's cold. She then left the room, and headed out of the room, leaving Dusk there to sleep.





Later that afternoon, Twilight was reading some books until a knock on the door came to her attention. Twilight walked towards the door, opened it, and outside, there was Scootaloo.

"What brings you here, Scootaloo?" Twilight asked.

"Since Dusk didn't come to school today, I volunteered to give his homework assignment to him," said Scootaloo. She reached into her saddlebags, and pulled out some papers. Twilight took them in her magic and smiled.

"Thank you, Scootaloo," said Twilight. "But, Dusk isn't able to do it yet. Not until he's feeling better."

"Yeah, everypony kinda figured," said Scootaloo. "Well, I gotta go. Tell Dusk that most of the ponies in class hope he feels better."

"I will," said Twilight. "Thank you, Scootaloo." Scootaloo nodded and closed the library door when she left. Twilight then went up the stairs to put in Dusk's Homework by his desk. As she was there, she saw that Dusk was squirming in his sleep. Twilight got a little nervous, so she rubbed Dusk's backside to calm him down. Luckily, it was working.






Meanwhile... in Dusk's Dream...


Dusk, or at the moment in his dream, Henry, was walking through a hallway full of doors. He had no idea where he was. Henry then started looking in one door and saw something he wasn't expecting. His parents.

"Henry," said his mom.

"Mom? Dad?" Henry asked.

"Henry... why haven't you come home?" asked his dad, getting angry.

"What?" Henry asked. "But... I thought..."

"You were supposed to be home months ago," said Henry's mother. "My sister was right. You're good for nothing."

"Let's sell him to the farthest farm in the country," said Henry's father. "After all, he's nothing but a pathetic little pony."

Henry looked towards his right and there was a wall mirror. But there, on the mirror, instead of him as Henry, it was him as Dusk Shine.

"No!" he said, trying to run up to his parents, but losing balance. "Mommy! Daddy! Please!"

"He's always been chatty, wasn't he?" asked his father.

"Yes," said Henry's mom. "Bonnie, why don't you handle this?"

Dusk turned his head towards his left and there was Henry's aunt Bonnie and his cousin Devon, dressed as doctors with some big scissors and pliers.

"This'll stop him from talking," said Devon.

"We'll cut off his tongue and pull out his teeth so he'll never be able to speak again," said Bonnie.

"N-No... No!" Dusk said. He then tried running away, but then he felt his tail grabbed. Dusk turned his head and saw that Devon had him by the tail. "L-let me go, Devon!"

"I'm sorry," said Devon with a sneer. "I can't understand you. Horses aren't supposed to speak at all."

"No! No! No no no no no no!" Dusk said as he was being pulled by Devon. But then he felt his tail being released, and he took off running. But then he bumped into something soft. When he looked up at what he bumped into, he was surprised to see who he bumped into. "Pr-Princess Luna?"

"Hello, Dusk," said Princess Luna. "I see that thou art having a fever dream."

"Fever dream?" asked Dusk. "Oh, that makes sense. No wonder it's so hot."

"Thou shall not worry," said Princess Luna. "Twilight Sparkle is taking care of that."

Then Dusk felt something. He then said, "Is it starting to cool down because Twilight has placed a cold rag on your forehead to bring down the heat." Dusk then sighed. 

"What is wrong?" Princess Luna asked.

"I... I miss my mom and dad," Dusk said. "They wanted what was best for me. But they weren't aware of my aunt and my cousin."

"I know, Dusk," said Princess Luna. "But thou should know that your parents loved you. Although, Twilight Sparkle knows that you are in need of a good family. Thou art lucky to have her as a mother. Even if thou aren't accepting it, yet."

"I... I don't know," said Dusk. "Twilight is a nice pony. But, I'm not sure I should start calling her 'Mom'." He then started shedding some tears. "I... I miss them..."

Princess Luna pulled Dusk in for a hug, and said, "Tis okay, young Dusk Shine. I'm sure that things shall be better for thou." Dusk then hugged her back, and cried into her chest fur. Unbeknownst, he was going to wake up in that same position.





Dusk was waking up, hugging something. As he opened his eyes, he saw that his cheek was against something that has the same color as he did. He looked up and saw Twilight sitting there, with him.

"Are you okay, Dusk?" Twilight asked.

Dusk sniffed and said, "I... I miss my Mom and Dad."

"I know," Twilight said. "But, they will always love you, wherever you are. You are a good little colt who needs a loving family. One better than what happened the last time." She then looked at the time and said, "Time to take your medicine." She then prepared it and fed it to Dusk. "You are such a sweet colt. I promise that you will not end up in that state ever again."

Dusk smiled. He then said, "I'm glad you took me in. I'm... lucky to have someone like you..." He was nodding off. Twilight smiled, and then nuzzled his cheek. She then used her magic to tuck Dusk back into bed. She then headed for the door, but then she heard Dusk mumble in his sleep. "Momma..."

That word made Twilight freeze. She turned towards Dusk. He was using his right foreleg to reach for something. She then walked towards Dusk, and started humming a tune that would calm him down. That made Dusk calm. Twilight then whispered into Dusk's ear, "Sleep well, my little Dusk."

Dusk smiled, and then he snuggled in, bringing his blanket in, covering his entire body, leaving his head out. Twilight then walked out of the room, leaving Dusk to sleep.
> Chapter 8: Heavy Storm
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 8: Heavy Storm






Dusk Shine eventually got over his cold. Twilight Sparkle made sure he got plenty of medicine and food. Dusk was already better. When he went downstairs, he saw that Twilight was boarding up the windows around the library.

"Twilight?" Dusk asked. "What are you doing?"

"According to Rainbow Dash, there is a huge Everfree Storm coming towards Ponyville," said Twilight. "Rainbow Dash said that there hasn't been a storm this powerful in 30 years. So we might as well be prepared for the storm."

Dusk looked around for Spike and asked, "Where's Spike?"

"He's in Canterlot for an important meeting with Princess Celestia," Twilight responded. She then rolled her eyes and said, "He's probably doing it so he doesn't have to do any hard work."

"What about your parents?" asked Dusk.

"They're taking an entire weekend in a spa resort," said Twilight. "Now, we need to get the library sealed up to block out the storm." Then somepony was knocking at the door. Twilight walked over towards the door and opened it. Outside, there was Rarity and Sweetie Belle.

"Rarity? Sweetie Belle?" Twilight asked. "What are you two doing here?"

"We were heading towards my boutique, but when we saw the storm coming, we had to try to run back home," said Rarity.

"But the boutique is on the other side of Ponyville," said Sweetie Belle. "The storm is about to start."

"Do you mind if we stay here until the storm ends?" Rarity asked.

"Of course," said Twilight. "I sure hope you got your home boarded up."

"Big McIntosh volunteered to help board up the boutique when I was helping the other ponies prepare for the storm," said Rarity.

Sweetie Belle looked over at Dusk and smiled. She then walked over towards Dusk and said, "Hi, Dusk!"

"Oh... Hi, Sweetie Belle," Dusk said.

"I see that you're feeling better," said Sweetie Belle.

"Yeah," said Dusk. "I had to get a lot of rest and medicine."

"And, of course, I had to undo all of the random spells that Dusk fired when he sneezed," said Twilight. "Most of them involved things from fictional things from his world."

"It would make sense," said Rarity. "Anyway, we might as well get comfortable here." Twilight looked out the door to see if there were any other ponies outside.

"Well, looks like everypony's found shelter," said Twilight. "Let's lock up the place for the storm." She then locked the door and then put an enchantment barrier to block out all the heaviest parts of the storm.

Rarity saw it and said, "That is amazing, Twilight. A heavy blocking barrier. Is there a possibility that I could learn this spell so I can put it at my boutique?"

"Sorry, Rarity," said Twilight. "But this spell is extremely complicated. Not only does this spell take a level 7 magic user, but to keep the spell going, the pony casting the spell must stay inside the barrier for it to keep going."

"Oh, that's too bad," said Rarity. "It's too bad I'm just a level 5 magic user."

"Yeah," said Twilight. "Anyway, let's get dinner started."





They all finished up dinner while the storm was getting rougher outside. A lot of debris was hitting the barrier. Dusk was looking out the window, seeing everything fly past the library. Barrels, balloons, dumpsters, two fisher ponies on a boat, and even a taxi cart being pulled by a pony. Even had customers in the cart.

"Wow!" said Dusk. "That is one tough storm! It's starting to look like the beginning of "The Wizard of Oz" out there!" That made Twilight, Rarity and Sweetie Belle raise an eyebrow in confusion. "It's an old movie. Older than my grandparents."

"Wow," said Twilight. "So what was that movie about?"

"A girl and her dog ended up in a completely different world and is wanting to get help from an all powerful wizard to get herself home, and had to get some help from a good witch, a brain wanting scarecrow, a heart wanting tin man, and a cowardly lion who wants some courage, and they also have to stop a wicked witch who can't get wet or she'll burn up."

"Wow," said Twilight. "That is some movie."

"It was based on a book," said Dusk. "Some movies are based on story books."

"Makes sense," said Twilight. "Now, how about we get ready for bed? It's gonna be a long night."

"Okay, Twilight," Dusk. He then headed upstairs.

"Hang on, Dusk," Twilight said, making Dusk stop right at the bottom of the stairs. "You should let Sweetie Belle stay with you in your room. Just until the storm blows over."

"Wh-what?" Dusk asked.

Sweetie Belle rushed towards Dusk with a big grin. Twilight then said, "It'll be fine. I'll bring up an inflatable mattress for her to sleep in so you two won't be sharing the bed."

"I... guess it'll be okay," said Dusk.

"Of course it will!" said Sweetie Belle. "Now, let's get going upstairs." She then pulled Dusk upstairs. Twilight and Rarity smiled.

"Sweetie Belle seems to be taking a liking to Dusk, isn't she?" Twilight asked Rarity.

Rarity replied with, "Oh, it certainly seems that way. How has Dusk been taking it while he was here?"

"He's been doing fine," said Twilight. "Although, he misses his parents from his old life very badly. Dusk misses them very much."

"I would too if I was stripped from my dimension and forced to live with an entirely different family," said Rarity. "Plus, let's not forget that Dusk, as Henry, had a terrible aunt and cousin that treated him like their own personal slave. No child should ever be treated like that in their life."

"I agree, Rarity," Twilight said. "He may be fragile minded, but he still needs a better life. And he's starting to get one here. He's actually getting closer to me. Sure, he hasn't started calling me 'Mom' yet, but it's his choice whenever he wants to start calling me that or not."

"I guess I can't argue with that," said Rarity. "I'm surprised that certain fillies haven't found him a little bit cute."

"Actually, I'm glad you brought that up, Rarity," Twilight said, pulling out the love note that was given to Dusk. "According to my parents, somepony in Dusk's class snuck this love poem into Dusk's saddlebags." She then showed the love poem to Rarity. "Dusk still doesn't know who written it. But I'm sure that he'll figure it out one day."

Rarity was too busy reading the love poem, inspecting the writing. She then smiled and said, "Twilight. This... this note. I recognize the writing on it."

"Wait. You do?!" Twilight asked, surprised.

"Yes," said Rarity. "This writing... it's Sweetie Belle's writing."

Twilight investigated the writing, over and over and over again. She then smiled and said, "I guess it was just dumb luck that Dusk's secret admirer was in the same building now during the heavy storm."

"I guess so," said Rarity. She then yawned and asked, "You mind if I use your washroom to freshen up? I must get cleaned up before I head to bed."

"Of course, Rarity," said Twilight. "You go on ahead. I'll set up the guest bed in my room and the inflatable mattress in Dusk's room." Rarity nodded, and then headed upstairs to use the bathroom. Twilight smiled, and then she headed towards a storage room to bring up the guest bed and the inflatable mattress.

"I can't believe that it was Sweetie Belle that wrote that poem for Dusk," Twilight thought in her head. "Although, it might be good for Dusk to get some closure on that mystery. I just hope that he's ready to handle young love at his age."





In Dusk's room, Dusk was looking out the window, seeing how bad the storm outside was. It wasn't lightening up anytime soon.

"Wow," Dusk said. "That storm is really big."

"Yes it is," Sweetie Belle said, agreeing with Dusk. She then looked towards him and asked, "So, what do you wanna do?"

"I... I don't know," said Dusk. "I've never even been to a sleepover. Nor ever hosted one."

"Yeah, I get it," said Sweetie Belle. "In fact, this is my first sleepover with a boy. You must feel a little weird that your first sleepover is with a girl, right?"

"A little bit," said Dusk. But then, there was a knocking at the door. "Come in."

The door opened and Twilight came in with an inflatable mattress, all filled up. She then said, "Here's the mattress where you'll be sleeping on, Sweetie Belle. So, how's it going in here?"

"It's going alright," said Dusk. He then sighed and looked out the window. Twilight felt bad for Dusk and walked towards him.

"Are you okay, Dusk?" Twilight asked.

"I wish I knew what was going on with my mom and dad back on Earth," Dusk said. "I... I miss them."

Twilight pulled him in for a hug and said, "I know. But there's nothing you can do. All you can do is accept your new life. You should enjoy your new life instead of worrying about your old life."

"I know," said Dusk.

Sweetie Belle walked up to Dusk and said, "Dusk, it doesn't matter where you came from. What matters is that there are ponies who care about you."

"You think so?" Dusk asked. Sweetie replied with some nodding. "I guess you're right. I do have some ponies that care about me." He then sighed. "Although, I'm wondering about something."

"And that is?" Twilight asked.

"I wonder who left that poem in my saddlebags that one day," Dusk said. Sweetie Belle smiled at that and looked away from Dusk. Dusk looked at her in confusion. "Is something wrong, Sweetie Belle?"

"Actually, Dusk," Twilight said, "Rarity and I have found out who wrote that poem. It was Sweetie Belle who wrote it."

Dusk went wide eyed and looked at Sweetie Belle and asked, "Is it true?"

Sweetie Belle took a deep breath and said, "Your face I'll always remember... You'll warm me up in September... You help me through the fire... You are the one I truly desire..."

"It was you?" Dusk asked.

"Yep," Sweetie Belle. "You are so attractive to the fillies in class, I just thought that you might want somepony special to hang out with you. A lot."

"Well... I guess I can," said Dusk. "But, I don't want to start dating immediately."

"We can wait a while before we do anything," said Sweetie Belle. Then the sound of howling wind came from outside. Sweetie Belle then said, "We should probably get to sleep."

"Good idea," said Twilight. "You two should probably get some shut eye. I hope that tomorrow, everything will start to calm down."

Twilight headed out of Dusk's room while Dusk and Sweetie Belle started getting into bed. As soon as they got into bed, Twilight turned off the light and closed the door.
> Chapter 9: Parent Teacher Conference
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 9: Parent Teacher Conference






It's been a week since the storm passed over the town of Ponyville. Although, Dusk and Sweetie Belle had gotten closer to each other. There was also a slight damage to Ponyville. Not too much, but enough for the Ponyville schoolhouse to be closed until repairs are made. Some of the ponies of Ponyville volunteered to help repair the schoolhouse. Including Applejack, Big Mac, and even Rainbow Dash.

One day, Dusk was walking towards the park to meet up with Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and his newly made girlfriend, Sweetie Belle. Apple Bloom had already told Twist about Dusk and Sweetie Belle. Twist was a little upset that the colt she had a crush on is already in a relationship, but she got over it and be friends with Dusk.

Eventually, the Ponyville Schoolhouse got restored, and all of the fillies and colts in class went back to school. Cheerilee was happy to see that all of her students were back in class to learn from her.

"Alright, my little ponies," Cheerilee said. "I know that we missed a few days of school due to a heavy, Everfree Storm, but everything will continue just as planned. Now, let's start off with some math for today."

Basically, Cheerilee went on and on with the lesson until it was recess time. All of the fillies and colts went out to enjoy their break from class. Dusk eventually made his way towards the merry-go-round. But then his path was blocked off by Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon.

"Uh... can I help you?" Dusk asked.

"Yes. You can help," said Diamond Tiara. "You can help make me just as important as the high cultured ponies of Canterlot. From now on, you and I are boyfriend and girlfriend."

"Nope," Dusk said, deadpanned. "Besides. I just started a relationship with Sweetie Belle. You can't just make me do something I don't want to do."

Diamond Tiara got angry, and then pushed Dusk down, making him land on his back. She started standing on Dusk's chest and said, "Oh, I'm going to make you do whatever I want you to do. Now, break up with Sweetie Belle, and do what I say. End of discussion."

"Hey!" came the voice of Sweetie Belle. Dusk saw that Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo were running towards them. They pushed Diamond Tiara off of Dusk and helped him up. "What are you doing?!"

"Get lost, blank flank!" Diamond Tiara said. "From now on, you and this colt aren't together."

"You can't do that!" said Sweetie Belle.

"Ah'm gonna tell Cheerilee!" Apple Bloom said, running towards the school entry.

"Dusk Shine is no longer your boyfriend!" said Diamond Tiara. "And I want him as mine! And whatever I want, I always get!"

"Get off me!" Dusk shouted. He then tried pushing Diamond off of him. But she wasn't wanting him to go free.

"Oh, no you don't," Diamond said, smirking. "You're not going anywhere but with me from now on."

"What is going on out here?!" came Cheerilee's voice. She then saw that Diamond Tiara was standing on top of Dusk. She got a little upset and walked towards them. "Diamond Tiara, what are you doing?"

"We were just playing around, Miss Cheerilee," said Diamond Tiara.

"No!" Dusk said. "She just jumped on me and is trying to force me to be her boyfriend when I'm already in a relationship!"

"Is this true, Diamond Tiara?" Cheerilee asked.

"N-no..." Diamond Tiara said nervously, then tried grinning widely.

"It's true, Cheerilee!" Sweetie Belle said.

Cheerilee looked at Diamond Tiara with a scowl. Then she said, "Inside, Tiara."

Diamond Tiara then got angry, then she looked down at Dusk and hit him in the eye, making him cry out in pain and cover his right eye.

"DUSK!!" Sweetie Belle shouted. Cheerilee saw that, and then she grabbed Diamond Tiara's ear, dragging her inside.

"Ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow!" Diamond Tiara said as Cheerilee was pulling her towards the building entrance.

"Forget that," said Cheerilee. "Diamond Tiara, you are in a whole lot of trouble." She then looked at Scootaloo and said, "Scootaloo, you go get the first aid kit, and help treat Dusk's eye."

"Yes, Miss Cheerilee," said Scootaloo. She then ran inside to get the first aid kit.





Later that afternoon, the Cutie Mark Crusaders were waiting outside the schoolhouse. Inside, Twilight was sitting with Dusk, who had his eye covered with an ice pack, sitting in two chairs on the left side of the front desk of Cheerilee, there were Diamond Tiara and Spoiled Rich.

"Mrs. Rich, you obviously know why you were called here," said Cheerilee.

"You expect me to believe that my Diamond is such a trouble maker?" Spoiled Rich asked, angrily. "I don't think you are such a good teacher if you have put most of your students against my daughter."

"Your daughter tried to force Dusk to break up with Sweetie Belle, and when he said no, Diamond Tiara gave him a black eye after she got in trouble!" Twilight argued. "You're doing nothing to be a good parent to your daughter."

"I know what's best for Diamond," Spoiled argued. "And I know that whatever my daughter wants, she deserves to have."

"So, you're the reason why Diamond Tiara acts this way?" Cheerilee asked. "You're lucky that you're a part of the school board. Otherwise, I would have your daughter expelled."

"You would seriously do that to my daughter?!" Spoiled raised her voice.

"For her absurd behavior, Diamond Tiara will be suspended for a month, and will be taking different classes, away from  Dusk and Silver Spoon," said Cheerilee.

Spoiled Rich groaned in anger. Twilight and Dusk got up from their seats, and Twilight said to Spoiled, "You're lucky I won't be suing you. I'm sure your husband, Filthy Rich, will not be happy for what you've been teaching your daughter." Twilight and Dusk walked out of the schoolhouse and saw Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo were waiting outside.

"So, what happened?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Diamond Tiara won't be bothering the four of you anymore," said Twilight. "For the next month, Diamond Tiara is suspended for a month, and once she's back in school, she'll be in the other class."

"Well, that's good," Sweetie Belle said, walking up to Dusk. "Are you okay, Dusk?"

"I'll be fine," Dusk said, holding up the ice pack to his eye. He then lowered the ice pack and asked, "Does it look that bad?"

Twilight got worried for Dusk, then said, "It'll be okay. In at least 2 to 3 weeks, your black eye will be fully healed. Keep that ice pack on your eye for the next couple of hours."

"Okay, Twilight," Dusk said. "Can we go home now?"

"Okay, Dusk," said Twilight. "How about tonight, we get some pizza and ice cream? Will that make you feel a little better?"

"Maybe," said Dusk. He was then levitated onto Twilight's back. Then she started heading back to the Golden Oaks Library.





Later that night, Twilight, Spike, and Dusk were all having a pizza dinner. Spike even filled Dusk's cup full of soda.

"It's not that bad, buddy," Spike said. "You're lucky it's not a fractured skull."

"He's right," said Twilight. "If Diamond Tiara would have fractured your skull, we might as well have taken you to the hospital." Dusk sighed in sadness. Twilight got concerned for him and asked, "What's wrong, Dusk?"

"I've been through worse," said Dusk. "My aunt Bonnie wanted me to scrub her bathroom. When I refused, she had Devon break my leg, and he claimed that it was football practice."

"You mean hoof ball, right?" Twilight asked. Then she remembered, "Oh, wait. Different species before this. Sorry."

"Aunt Bonnie then bandaged my leg, but, instead of making me rest, she made me continue the chores," Dusk said.

"Well, you don't have to worry about that anymore," said Twilight. Then there was a knocking at the door. Twilight got up and said, "Hold on a bit, Dusk." She then headed for the door and opened it up. Outside the Library door, there was Filthy Rich.

"Good evening, Ms. Sparkle," said Filthy Rich. "I heard about what happened to Dusk, and I came here personally to apologize for my daughter's antics."

"I'm happy that you came here to apologize," said Twilight. "But, there are things are a little deeper than just physical injury."

"I heard," said Filthy Rich. "My wife is surely bullheaded. If I know any better, I would believe that she comes from a descendant of minotaurs."

That made Twilight laugh and said, "Yeah, I think you're right about that. She's really bullheaded." She then calmed down. "Now, is there anything else you would like to talk about?"

"Well, I'm glad that you haven't decided to sue," said Filthy Rich. "So, I decided to make a donation for the library. Probably, to add a new section to the library."

"That's very generous of you, Mr. Rich," said Twilight. "Thank you."

Filthy Rich brought in a huge bag of bits. He then said, "This bag contains 1,500 bits. If there is enough left, perhaps you can take your entire family for a vacation. Probably somewhere that all of you will enjoy. Especially for a colt like Dusk to enjoy."

"Well, I don't think a trip to Equestria's oldest library would be satisfying for Dusk," said Twilight. "Perhaps I can find something else."

"Well, I'm sorry that things haven't been too kindly for Dusk recently," said Filthy Rich. "I just hope that your son will recover from this just as quickly."

"Well... Dusk hasn't quite taken to me being his mom, yet," Twilight said. "He still misses his parents from his old life."

"I'm sure that he'll call you that eventually," said Filthy Rich. "Good luck to you, Ms. Sparkle." He then headed on out and went to his home.

Twilight walked into the kitchen area and saw that Dusk was putting his paper plate into the trash. Twilight walked up to Dusk and asked, "Dusk, how about tonight, you sleep with me? So you'd feel much more comfortable after all that's happened today?"

"I... I don't know, Twilight," said Dusk.

"It'll be okay," said Twilight. "I promise, everything will be okay."

Dusk thought about it. He then said, "Alright. But can I take a bath first?"

"Alright, Dusk," Twilight said. "Let's get you cleaned up." Twilight then took Dusk upstairs. She started up the tub for Dusk and cleaned him up. Then they headed to bed. As Dusk was sleeping in Twilight's barrel, Twilight was smiling down at him. She then sighed in her mind as she thought, "Dusk really is a good colt. But, I wish he would start thinking of me as his new mom. If only there was a way for him to accept me as a loving parent."

Twilight then leaned her head towards Dusk's forehead, and kissed it. Dusk then shifted his body to face Twilight's, and snuggled up to her. Twilight smiled, and pulled the covers in to keep both of them warm. Then she fell asleep with Dusk.
> Chapter 10: Closure
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 10: Closure






Twilight, Spike and their friends were having a picnic at the park while all the fillies and colts were in school. Pinkie Pie was scarfing down most of the sweets, again, while the others were talking about different things. Twilight was thinking of something while everypony else was doing their things.

Applejack noticed this and asked, "Twilight? Are ya feelin' alright, sugarcube?"

"I'm fine," said Twilight. "It's just... Dusk hasn't fully accepted me as his mom yet. I've done everything for him to have a better life than what he has been through in his previous life."

"Yeah, I guess that it might be hard to accept new things," said Rainbow Dash. "Dusk just didn't get the chance to say one last goodbye to his parents before he passed away and woke up here."

"Rainbow Dash is right, Twilight," Rarity said. "It could have been unfair for Dusk never to have closure with them."

"Yeah, I guess you're right," said Twilight.

"Um... Twilight? Might I make a suggestion?" Fluttershy asked.

"What is it, Fluttershy?" Twilight asked.

"Do you think... that Princess Celestia... might be able to help Dusk make some closure with his old parents?" Fluttershy asked.

Twilight thought about it, and then smiled. She then said, "I think you're on to something, Fluttershy. Perhaps Princess Celestia might know of a way for Dusk to see his old parents one last time. That will definitely bring closure to them."

"What does closure even mean anyway?" Pinkie asked.

Twilight looked at Pinkie and said, "In one way, it means bringing certain things to an end."

"Ohhhh..." said Pinkie. "Okie dokie loki." She then pulled out a pie and said, "Anypony want to bring some closure to this delicious Blueberry Pie?"

"Sure, Pinkie," Twilight said. "But first. Spike, take a letter." Spike nodded, and brought out a quill and parchment. Twilight then started speaking for Spike to write. "Dear Princess Celestia. I have a favor to ask of you. If it is possible, I would appreciate it if Dusk was able to see his old mom and dad one last time. Dusk hasn't been able to accept his new life until he says goodbye to his old life. If there is anything that can be done, please let me know. Signed, your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle."

"Twi... light... Spar... kle... There," Spike said as he was writing. He then rolled up the scroll, blew his emerald flames on it, and it was sent to Princess Celestia. Two seconds later, he belched out another scroll. He unrolled it and said, "Wow. That was fast." He then unrolled it. "Dear Twilight. I'm glad you brought this up. My sister has the ability to enter the dreams of her subjects to prevent them from having nightmares. I shall ask her if it is possible for her to connect the dreams of Dusk and his former parents so Dusk can say his one last goodbye to them. He deserves to see them one last time. Your mentor, Princess Celestia."

"Well, I guess that's easy," said Twilight. "I just hope that Dusk will finally say one last goodbye to them. He should at least have closure with them." She then smiled and looked in one direction, hoping that Dusk will be okay after the upcoming event.





Later that night, Dusk was asleep in his bed. He then found himself, standing in front of a bridge over a river. Dusk was confused about this, and was wondering why he was there.

"What is this?" Dusk asked. "Why am I here?"

"That voice!" came a man's voice. "Emma, you don't think..."

"Only one way to find out," came a woman's voice. Dusk knew those voices. He looked across the bridge and saw two figures that he never thought he would ever see again. Both of them saw Dusk, not knowing that Dusk was actually Henry. "Is that... a unicorn?"

"I think it is," said the man. Both of the figures were Dusk's (as Henry) parents.

"M-mommy? D-daddy?" Dusk said.

"That... that voice," Emma said. "Henry? Is... is that... you?"

Dusk started shedding some tears. He then trotted towards them, and jumped into Emma's arms. He then hugged her tightly and said, "Mommy... I... I missed you."

"Henry," Emma said. "How? How is this possible?"

"I can answer that," came a voice. The three of them looked towards the source of the voice and saw Princess Luna walking towards them.

"Princess Luna?" Dusk asked.

"I am the one responsible for bridging your dreams together," said Princess Luna.

"Bridging our dreams?" Emma asked. She then widened her eyes, looked at her husband and said, "Luke, are we asleep?"

Luke, who was the father of Henry, slapped himself. But he didn't wince from pain. He then said, "Oh, we are definitely asleep. But, I didn't think that this was possible. Having dreams merged together."

"I happen to have the ability to control dreams of my realm," said Princess Luna. "I've made sure that your son would be able to see you one last time."

"Wait," said Emma. "This little unicorn... is really Henry?"

"He is," said Princess Luna. "But, he hasn't been going by that name for a while. He was literally reborn, and was given the name Dusk Shine."

"Dusk Shine?" Luke asked. "Is that a common name where you're from?"

"All of the names of our world are unique," said Princess Luna.

"So, you brought us here so you can reunite us with our son?" Emma asked.

"Not exactly," said Princess Luna.

"Let me guess," said Luke. "It's about giving Henry a proper goodbye, isn't it?"

"D-daddy?" Dusk asked. "I... I don't want you to leave me..."

"I know, Henry," Luke said, putting a hand on Dusk's back. "But, I'm sure that there are..." He looked up at Princess Luna and asked, "Ponies?" Luna responded with a nod. He then looked back at Dusk. "I'm sure that there are ponies who care about you as we did. But I'm also sure that they are giving you much more love than what you received from Bonnie."

"And you don't have to worry about her anymore, Henry," said Emma. "She's been sent to the state prison for everything she's done to you. And as for Devon, he's been sent to a boarding school for bad children. They're getting what they deserve."

"Mommy. Daddy. I... I wish that I could go back with you," Dusk said.

"I know, honey," Emma said before kissing Dusk's forehead. At least as much as she could on the right side of his horn. "But we must accept things for how they are now."

"We will always love you, Henry," said Luke. "I know we might not be able to see you again, but we know that you should appreciate what you've got. And we'll always be with you. In here." Luke put a hand to Dusk's chest.

Dusk smiled, and gave both of them one last hug. Princess Luna then said, "You deserved to see your family one last time. It's time to say goodbye to them, Dusk."

"But... but can't this last a little longer?" Dusk asked.

"This spell takes a lot out of my magic," said Princess Luna. "Say goodbye to them."

"Okay," Dusk said. He then looked back towards his human parents and said, "I wish I had more time. But, I am really going to miss you."

"We're gonna miss you, too, Henry," said Emma. "You go on and live your new life the way you can."

"Indeed," said Luke. "And we got news for you."

"What is it?" Dusk asked.

"Henry... I'm pregnant," said Emma. "And, we were wondering what we were going to name the baby if it's a boy or a girl. Perhaps, you should name the baby."

"Okay, I'll make this quick," said Dusk. "How about... Sam?"

"Sam," said Luke. "A name for both boys and girls. Samuel or Samantha. Thank you, Henry." Then the two of them hugged Dusk one last time.

"We will always love you," said Emma. "Either as Henry or Dusk, you will always be loved." Just then, all of them started fading from where they were standing.





Dusk woke up in the middle of the night. He looked around and saw that he was in the room he was given by Twilight. He then got out of his bed and headed out of his room. He looked out the door and saw a faint orange glow coming from downstairs. He saw something coming upstairs. He saw that it was Twilight with a candle in her magic, and a glass of water, floating in her magic as well. She saw Dusk out of bed.

"Dusk?" Twilight asked. "Is everything okay?"

"Tw-Twilight?" Dusk asked hesitantly. "Is... Is it alright... if I... if I call you... 'Mom'?"

Twilight was a little shocked, dropping her glass of water. But then she started giving off a faint smile with some tears coming from the corners of her eyes. She then nodded and then said, "Come here, Dusk."

Dusk then ran up to Twilight, and the two of them hugged.





The next morning, the Mane 6 and Spike were having a picnic while watching the Cutie Mark Crusaders and Dusk playing. Twilight was happy to see Dusk playing with the crusaders.

Applejack noticed Twilight and said, "Gee, Twi. Ya look much better."

Rainbow Dash playfully punched Twilight's left shoulder, saying, "Yeah, Twi. Something good must've happened to ya since the last picnic we had."

"Oh, I have my reasons," said Twilight. "Dusk is now starting to open up to me more."

"Are ya saying that...?" Applejack asked.

"Yep," said Twilight. "Dusk is now starting to see me as his new mom. Officially."

"Aww..." said Applejack, Fluttershy, Rarity and Pinkie Pie.

"That's good, Twilight," Rainbow said. "You're finally being seen as a mother to Dusk."

"Although, Dusk had to say one last goodbye to his parents," said Twilight. "Thanks to Princess Luna. And, according to Dusk, his human parents are gonna have another baby. Dusk was happy for them, but he'll never get the chance to see the new baby."

"At least Dusk had some closure," said Rarity. "He really must've been relieved to see his parents one last time and give them a proper goodbye."

"Ah agree," said Applejack. "It ain't healthy for somepony to hold in that much grief. At least Dusk let it go finally."

"Yeah," said Twilight. "Dusk is finally accepting his new life with a new family. I wouldn't want anything bad to happen to him. He's a sweet little colt."

"Yeah," said Spike. "He's such a good kid. "

"I'm actually glad he came into our lives," said Twilight. "He's one of the best things that's ever happened to me."

"You have been so good to him, Twilight," Fluttershy said. "He deserves to have a good family."

"Yes," said Twilight. "Yes he does." She then looked at Dusk, and smiled. From now on, Twilight knew that Dusk was going to be okay living with her and Spike.
> Chapter 11: Meeting Uncle Shining Armor
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 11: Meeting Uncle Shining Armor






Spike and Dusk were running towards somewhere. They were on their way to where Twilight and her friends were having their picnic. They eventually made it.

"Twi... light! ...I... have... Lemme just..." Spike said, trying to get his breath. But then he belched out a scroll. Twilight took the letter and started reading it.

"'Dear Twilight, I am sure you are as excited as I am about the upcoming wedding in Canterlot,'" Twilight read, before looking at her friends. "Wedding?" She then continued reading the letter. "'I will be presiding over the ceremony, but would very much like you and your friends to help with the preparations for this wonderful occasion. Fluttershy, I would like you and your songbird choir to provide the music.'"

"Oh my goodness! What an honor!" Fluttershy said, astonished.

"'Pinkie Pie, I can think of no one more qualified than you to host the reception.'"

"Hip, hip, hooray!" Pinkie shouted, doing a cartwheel.

"'Applejack, you will be in charge of the catering for the reception.'"

"Well, color me pleased as punch!" Applejack said.

"'Rainbow Dash...'" Rainbow Dash yawned when her name was called. "'...I would very much appreciate it if you could perform a sonic rainboom as the bride and groom complete their "I do"'s.'"

Rainbow Dash put her hoof in her mouth to stop her from yawning. Then she called out, "Yes!"

"'Rarity, you will be responsible for designing the dresses for the bride and her bridesmaids.'"

"Princess Celestia wants me to..." Rarity started, before hyperventilating. The was mumbling random things. "...wedding dress? For a Canterlot wedding... I, ah, ooh, oooh!"

"'And as for you, Twilight, you will be playing the most important role of all: Making sure that everything goes as planned. See you all very soon. Yours, Princess Celestia.'" Twilight finished reading. "But... I don't understand. Who's getting married?"

"I told you to give her the first scroll first," Dusk said to Spike.

"Yeah, you're right," said Spike. He then handed Twilight the scroll that Dusk was talking about.

"'Princess Celestia cordially invites you to the wedding of Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and...'" Twilight gasped and said, "My brother?!"

"Wait... You have a brother?!" Dusk asked.

"Oh, right," said Spike. "We never told you. Shining Armor is Twilight's older brother, and is captain of the Royal Guard in Canterlot."

"Seriously?!" Rarity exclaimed. "Twilight's older brother is captain of the Royal Guard?! That is really amazing! Not only are we going to be planning a wedding for a princess, but a captain of the Royal Guard?!"

"I guess we are," said Twilight.





The next day, the Mane 6, Spike and Dusk were on a train to Canterlot. Dusk was told everything about Shining Armor from Spike while Twilight was a little bit peeved that she wasn't told that her brother was getting married. As they were about to enter Canterlot, Dusk spotted a magenta barrier covering the entire city.

"Is that... a barrier?" Dusk asked.

"Weird," said Spike. "Well, I guess we'll get some answers once we're inside."

Later, Twilight and Dusk walked towards one building. There were a bunch of royal guards in place and one stallion in purple armor was walking around.

"I've got something to say to you, mister," Twilight called out to Shining. The pony in purple armor looked at Twilight and smiled towards her, and walked towards her and Dusk.

"Twylie!" he called out as he was coming down. "Ah, I've missed, you, kid. How was the train ride? I..."

Twilight cut him off, very upset. "How dare you not tell me in person that you were getting married! I'm your sister, for pony's sake!"

"It's not my fault!" Shining argued. He then looked down and saw Dusk. "Well, well, well. This must be Dusk. When I was told by Princess Celestia that he looks a lot like you, I thought she was just joking."

"Well, it was awkward at first," said Twilight, forgetting about how mad she was at Shining. "But, then I just got used to it."

"Anyway, Princess Celestia has requested a major increase in security," said Shining, and Twilight remembering why she was mad. "Didn't you see all the guards at the train station?"

"Yeah, there's a big wedding coming up," said Twilight. "Maybe you heard about it?"

"It has nothing to do with the wedding," said Shining Armor. "A threat has been made against Canterlot. We don't know who's responsible for it, but Princess Celestia asked that I help provide additional protection. This, you need to see."

Shining Armor used his magic to shoot a beam of magic at the barrier over the city. Dusk asked, "What's going on?"

"The burden of keeping Canterlot safe and secure rests squarely on my shoulders," said Shining Armor. "Staying focused on the task at hand has been my top priority."

"Okay, okay, I get it," Twilight said as she and Dusk started following Shining Armor. "You've got a really important job protecting all of Canterlot with a force field only you can conjure up. But still..." Twilight then started getting angry. "...how could you not tell me about something as big as your wedding? Am I not that important to you any more?"

"Hey. You're my little sister. Of course you're important to me," Shining Armor said, trying to ease Twilight. "But I'd understand if you didn't want to be my best mare now."

"You want me to be your best mare?" Twilight asked, forgetting her anger.

"Well... yeah," said Shining.

"I'd be honored!" Twilight said, bowing. Then the two of them hugged. But then Twilight pushed Shining Armor away and getting angry. "But I'm still pretty ticked you're marrying somepony I don't even know! When did you even meet this 'Princess Mi Amore Cadenza'?"

"Twylie, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza is Cadance, your old foalsitter," Shining explained. Then Twilight got surprised in this.

"Who's Cadance?" Dusk asked.

"Cadance was Twilight's old foalsitter when she was a filly," Shining explained to Dusk. "The two of them did a lot of things together when they were younger. And Cadance knows how to prevent couples from ruining their relationships. And even spread love."

"How many unicorns can just spread love wherever they go?" Twilight said. She was then hopping around. "I only know of one! And you're marrying her!" She then started saying the rest in a sing-song voice. "You're marrying Cadance! You're marrying Cadance!"

Twilight then stopped when a pink alicorn came up to them. The alicorn then said, "I hope I'm not interrupting anything important."

"Cadance!" Twilight said excitedly. Then she did a dance that she and Cadance did when they were younger. "Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake! Clap your hooves and do a little shake!"

Cadance was confused and asked, "What are you doing?"

"Cadance, it's me, Twilight!" Twilight said, trying to remind Cadance of who she was. But when Dusk was looking at Cadance, she seemed a little unfocused to him. Through Dusk's eyes, he thought he saw something else. He saw Cadance, but then he saw something else. A black, bug-like pony with a mucky blue mane, green dragon-like eyes, and holes in her hooves. Dusk then rubbed his eyes with a forehoof.

"Uh-huh," Cadance said, uninterested.

Shining Armor walked up to Cadance and said, "I've gotta get back to my station, but Cadance will be checking in with all of you to see how things are going. I think I speak for both of us when I say we couldn't be more excited to have you here. Right, dear?"

"Absolutely," Cadance said, giving a sinister look. And Twilight and Dusk were suspicious at that.

"Well, we'll let you get to it," said Shining Armor before walking off. 





Twilight and Dusk kept an eye on Cadance as she was doing inspections on the wedding preparations. Cadance lied to Applejack about the pastries she tasted, she wanted Rarity to make the bridesmaids dresses a different color, and she was completely rude to Pinkie about her after party design, saying that it would be better for a six-year-old birthday party.

Twilight went to talk to her friends and Spike. Dusk, on the other hoof, was keeping an eye on Cadance. Every time Cadance did something rude, he could've sworn he saw that bug pony. So, he followed Cadance to where she was staying. He looked into the window of where she was staying, and saw her giving a  lecture.

"My plan is going all so well," said Cadance. "Those fools don't know it, but the threat they were preparing for was already inside the barrier. And once I take the power of that fool, Shining Armor..." then green flames emitted around her, changing her shape into what Dusk was seeing her as. Her voice even changed as well. "...I, Chrysalis, the Queen of the Changelings, shall take Canterlot, and then Equestria, as my kinds own personal feeding grounds!" She then did an evil laugh.

Dusk gasped and quietly said, "I gotta warn Mom and the Princesses." He then started running away from there, but was caught in a gloomy green aura. Dusk tried to get out of it, but he couldn't.

"Well, well, well," came the voice of Cadance. "What do we have here? A little colt that is trying to ruin my wedding."

Dusk got angry and said, "You mean the real Cadance's wedding! What did you do to her?!"

"Oh, so you saw that, did you?" asked the fake Cadance. "You are nothing but a thorn in my flanks. And so you won't get in the way again, I'm gonna send you off somewhere far away. And by the time you get back to Canterlot, it'll be too late for you to stop me and my swarm."

Then a circle of green flames started surrounding Dusk. Dusk got scared, crying out, "No! No! HELP! HELP ME!!"

"Goodbye, you insolent foal," said the fake Cadance. Then Dusk vanished in a green burst of magic. The fake Cadance smiled mischievously and then headed inside.





Twilight was looking all over for Dusk, not seeing him for a while. She looked around for him. Even asked the guards if they seen where he has gone. But then Rainbow Dash came down.

"Hey, Twi," said Rainbow Dash. "What's up?"

"I know, you probably don't believe me about what's going on with Cadance," said Twilight, "but that's not what's bothering me at the moment. Dusk is missing."

"WHAT?!" Rainbow shouted. "Dusk is missing?! Oh, don't worry, Twilight. I'll find him!"

"But what if he's not even in Canterlot?" Twilight asked. "Or locked up somewhere where we can't find him? Oh, I can't just stand here. I have to find him."

"Easy, Twi," said Rainbow Dash. "Don't worry. We'll find him."

Twilight was worried for Dusk. Who knows where Dusk was?





Meanwhile, somewhere else in Equestria, Dusk was laying unconscious, somewhere dusty. Just then, a pony's shadow came in and inspected Dusk.
> Chapter 12: The Journey Back to Canterlot
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 12: The Journey Back to Canterlot


(The votes have been tallied... The Winner is Braeburn in Appleloosa)






Dusk was waking up somewhere. He was laying down in a bed. As soon as he opened his eyes, he looked around to see that he was in a place that looks like from an old western movie. He then got out of bed and headed out of the room. When he opened the door, there stood an Earth Pony Stallion.



"Well, howdy there, lil' feller," said the yellow stallion. "Mah name's Braeburn. Ah see that you're up."

"Where am I?" Dusk asked.

"You're in Appleloosa," said Braeburn. "Ah'm surprised that ya haven't heard of..." Braeburn then took a good look at Dusk. "Huh. Now that Ah got a good look at ya, ya kinda look a lot like a friend o' mah cousin."

"Your cousin?" asked Dusk. "You cousin wouldn't happen to be... Applejack. Would it?"

"Ya know mah cousin, Applejack?" asked Braeburn.

"Let's just say that Twilight came across a magical flower that made her pregnant in seconds," said Dusk. "And guess where that led to?"

"You're Twilight's son?" Braeburn asked. "But, how is that even possible? Shouldn't..."

"The flower that sprayed her brings in a recently deceased young soul and ages the body to exactly how old the soul was when it was alive," said Dusk. "Right now, I need to get back to Canterlot."

"What's the rush, kid?" asked Braeburn. "It's not like you have to go anywhere. You need your rest."

"My friends and family are in trouble," said Dusk. "Last night, I saw that the pony princess my uncle is going to marry is actually... some kind of shapeshifter."

"A shapeshifter?" Braeburn asked. He then got a fearful thought. "What... exactly... did this shapeshifter look like?"

"It looked like a pony, but it looked like it was part bug and had some dragon eyes," said Dusk. "Something called a change... a changeleach? No, that's not it. A changelick? No..."

"A changeling?!" Braeburn asked.

"Yes! That was is!" said Dusk, pointing a hoof at Braeburn.

"Oh, no. That is not good," said Braeburn. "Ah heard that changelings can shapeshift into a pony's loved one, and steal their magic and power just by gettin' near one. Okay, Ah'll help ya. At least get ya back to Canterlot so ya'll can warn the princesses. But, ya'll won't know who's a pony and who's a changeling once ya'll get back there."

"But how will I know if my friends are changelings or not?" asked Dusk.

"That's a good question," said Braeburn. "Perhaps ya should ask them something that only ya and one of yer friends know."

"That's actually a good idea," said Dusk. "We should get to Canterlot."

"I'll get ya ta Canterlot by train," said Braeburn. "Ya'll be on your own until you can stop them changelings. Let's get goin'."





Dusk and Braeburn could only get a train from Appleloosa to Ponyville. All other trains to Canterlot are temporarily delayed until the major threat is dealt with. So, Dusk and Braeburn had to walk from Ponyville to Canterlot. As soon as they had a view of Canterlot, Braeburn stopped.

"Alright, lil' feller," Braeburn said, pointing at the city. "From now on, yer on yer own. And be careful. Ya won't know who ta trust once ya get in."

"I'll be careful," said Dusk. "Thank you, Braeburn." He then started running towards Canterlot.

"And tell mah cuz that Ah said 'Hi'!" Braeburn called out.





Inside the city of Canterlot, Twilight was worried about Dusk. She had no idea where he was. She was pacing around in her room hoping that Dusk would come to her.

The door opened and in came Shining Armor. He said to her, "Hey, Twylie. It's time for the wedding preparation. Let's get down to the wedding hall."

"Okay, Shining," Twilight said, sadly.

"What's wrong, Twylie?" asked Shining.

"It's Dusk," said Twilight. "He hasn't come back here last night."

"Don't worry, sis," said Shining Armor. "I'm sure that he'll turn up. You shouldn't worry about it. We also have guards surrounding the city. I'm sure that they'll find him."

"Okay," Twilight said, sadly. She then followed Shining Armor out of the guest room she was staying at. Twilight was still sad that her son was lost somewhere.

Twilight and her friends went towards the wedding hall for the wedding rehearsal. Twilight wasn't paying attention to the ceremony because she was worried about Dusk. Wherever he was. She missed her cue as she was thinking.

"Twylie," said Shining Armor. "You missed your cue."

"Oh, sorry, Shining," Twilight said. "I just hope that Dusk is okay."

Shining Armor thought about it and said, "Well, we did agree for him to be the ring bearer. I'm sure that he'll be here before the wedding ceremony begins."

"I hope you're right, Shining," said Twilight.

"Shining," said the fake Cadance, "you mind if I talk with Twilight? I have something to say to her."

"Okay, my love," said Shining Armor. Then he, the rest of the Mane 6, the Crusaders and Princess Celestia, along with the guards left the place.

"Listen, Twilight, I know that you're worried about Dusk," said the fake Cadance. "But, I'm sure that Dusk is perfectly fine."

"I know, Cadance," said Twilight. "But, I just have a feeling that he was taken away."

"Don't worry, Twilight," said the fake Cadance. She then used her hoof to turn Twilight's head towards her. But she was looking at Twilight with glowing, hypnotic green eyes. "Let's forget about him until the wedding ceremony is over."

"Forget about Dusk... until the ceremony... is over..." Twilight said in a trance.

"You will only listen to me," said the fake Cadance, still hypnotizing Twilight.

"I will... only listen... to you..."





Meanwhile, outside the barrier that's surrounding Canterlot, Dusk was looking for a way in. He could tell that all of the guards were deeper within the barrier. He had no idea where to go. Until he saw a small hole that lead somewhere. Dusk walked over towards it and inspected the hole.

"This must've been how that shapeshifter got into the city," Dusk said, quietly. "I hope I can find my way through so I can get to Mom and the princess to warn them." He then climbed into the hole. But his entry into the small hole did not go unnoticed.



"That foal has determination," said the changeling. "He... has me intrigued."

"Yo, Thorax!" came a voice of a different one of his species. "We gotta get ready to charge the barrier, tomorrow. Get back to camp!"

"Alright, Pharynx," said the changeling known as Thorax. "I'm coming." He then looked towards the hole where Dusk went into and said, "Best of luck, young colt. You're gonna need it." He then started flying up, and headed towards the camp where they were staying.
> Chapter 13: Journey Through the Center of Canterlot Mountain
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 13: Journey Through the Center of Canterlot Mountain






Dusk was going through the caverns he went into. He used his horn to light up the way. It didn't take a lot of magic for him to do it, but it was enough to help him go through. Dusk eventually made it half way through the caverns.

"I just hope that Mom and the others are looking for me," Dusk said. As soon as he was about to keep going, he heard something. It was the sound of a woman crying. He looked around to find the source of the crying. He walked towards the crying and checked to see who it was. He found out who was crying, and couldn't believe his eyes. "YOU!" He was angry and tried to tackle her, who happen to be the real Princess Cadance.

"No! Wait!" she said, but was tackled by Dusk.

"Don't try those shapeshifting games with me, shapeshifter!" Dusk said, angrily. "You're the reason I ended up in Appleloosa in the first place!

"That wasn't me!" said the real Princess Cadance. "I'm the real Princess Cadance! I've been stuck down here for a week!" Then she got a good look at Dusk and said, "You... you must be Dusk Shine, Twilight's magically born foal."

"Don't try that with me!" Dusk said. "You're not going to fool me with that! Even if you are the real Mi Amore Cadenza, tell me something that the real one would do!"

"Okay, okay!" Cadance said. "I was adopted at Princess Celestia's niece when I lost my parents when I was a foal, I prefer to go by Cadance, and no matter how old we are, Twilight and I always do our special nursery dance ever since she was a kid." She then got up, and did the dance. "Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake! Clap your hooves and do a little shake!"

Dusk was awestruck of how Cadance was behaving. He then asked, "You're... You're the real Princess Cadance?"

"I am!" Cadance said. "Please, I have to get back up to stop the changeling queen before the invasion starts."

"Oh, right, let's go!" Dusk said. Then he got confused on one thing. "Wait... what invasion?"





Meanwhile, on top of Canterlot Mountain, there was a huge swarm of changelings getting ready for the attack. Well, one wasn't wanting to go.

The changeling who saw Dusk go into the hole, Thorax, was on the edge of either wanting to invade or not attack. But that was until one of the changelings walked up to him.

"Yo, little bro," said the changeling, Pharynx. "Get ready. It's almost time to storm the city."

Thorax sighed and said, "I'm not too sure I should go through with this."

"Oh, here we go again with the 'I don't want to take love but share it' saying," Pharynx said. "Listen, Thorax. You know what'll happen if the queen hears about that. I can't keep it hidden from her for long. If you don't want to get banished from the hive, don't bring up that talk again."

"But I'm not the only changeling that's not sure about this," said Thorax. "You know that young changeling."

"Oh, you mean Ocellus," said Pharynx. "That little hatchling isn't ready. She's too scrawny and scared to even do any love sucking. So we left her back at the hive all by herself so she can learn to steal love like how things should."

"Isn't that a little... dark?" Thorax asked.

"It's how to get things done," said Pharynx.  "Now, are you going to help us get ready for the invasion or not?"

Thorax just sighed and asked, "Guess I have no choice, do I?"

"That's the spirit," said Pharynx. Then he had Thorax hit himself. "Why are you hitting yourself? Why are you hitting yourself?"

"Pharynx!" Thorax whined. "Stop it! You know how much I hate that!"






(Imagine that Twilight in this video is Dusk Shine)
> Chapter 14: The Ceremony and the Invasion
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 14: The Ceremony and the Invasion






Dusk and the real Cadance were heading towards the exit of the Gemstone Caverns. Dusk and Cadance saw the light from the exit that led right into Canterlot.

"That must be the way out of these caverns," said Dusk. "We can climb out of that hole, and get to the wedding ceremony before it's too late."

"You're right," said Cadance. "Let's get out of here before it's too late."

"Not gonna happen!" came three voices.



"The bridesmaids?!" Dusk asked. "I thought they were going to be at the wedding."

"The Changeling must've hypnotized them and made them make sure I didn't get out," Cadance said.

"How do we get out of here?" Dusk asked as he and Cadance were backing up.





At the wedding ceremony, all of the ponies in Canterlot were attending. Twilight and Shining were standing at the alter in a trance. The fake Cadance finally made it to the alter.

"Princess Cadance and Shining Armor, it is my great pleasure to pronounce you..." Princess Celestia announced before interrupted.

"Hold up!" came a stallion's voice. From the doors across from the alter, there were Fancy Pants and Fleur de Lis. They walked down the aisle and Fancy Pants said, "There's something missing from this wedding. Something very important."

"And that is?" Princess Celestia asked.

"Me!" came the voice of the real Princess Cadance. The crowd looked behind Fancy and Fleur to see Princess Cadance and Dusk coming in. "I was trapped in the Gemstone Caverns under Canterlot for the past week. You would've noticed that she was making me seem different to others if you all weren't concentrating on the wedding, which by the way, should have been inspected by the real bride!"

"And I got teleported to Appleloosa when I saw the fake's real identity!" Dusk said. "By the way, Applejack, Braeburn says 'Hi'."

"We were running late to the wedding ceremony, until we saw these two coming out of the cave entrance to the Gemstone Caverns," said Fleur de Lis.

The fake Cadance growled and then shouted, "How did you two get past my bridesmaids?!"

"Easy," Dusk said with a smirk. "Bridesmaids can't resist the bouquet toss."

"She's a changeling!" Cadance said. "She's been posing as me and hypnotizing ponies and stealing their power for their own personal meal!"

"Princess, she's not just a changeling!" Dusk said. "She's the queen!"

The fake Cadance then started laughing. And then she shapeshifted back into her true form. Then she laughed and said, "Right you two are, Princess and little colt. You are all too late!"

"No!" Cadance said. "Not my Shining Armor!"

"This will never happen!" Princess Celestia announced. She then flew up and fired a blast at Queen Chrysalis, but Chrysalis countered. Chrysalis was winning the magical stalemate, but Dusk came charging in, and shoulder bumped Chrysalis in the chest, making her lose her concentration, and Princess Celestia winning the magical blast duel.

"Why you...!" Chrysalis shouted, but was then lassoed by the legs thanks to Applejack.

"Yeehaw! Get along, evil critter!" Applejack said. Rainbow Dash then flew around Chrysalis with the other end of the rope, tying her up. Then Pinkie Pie got up in front of Chrysalis, and fired off her party cannon, which she pulled out of her dress, and fired it at Chrysalis's face, making Chrysalis have cake frosting all over her face, making her look like a clown. Then the birds for the wedding music came in and started pecking Chrysalis. Then pink fabric in a light blue glow started wrapping around Chrysalis. Then Applejack pulled on the rope, making Chrysalis fall over.

Chrysalis groaned and said, "You are all going to regret that!" She then used her magic to get out of all that was put onto her. Then she charged at Dusk, tackling him, and then shapeshifting into him, confusing all of the ponies.

"Oh, no!" said Rainbow Dash. "Which one is the real Dusk?"

"That isn't good!" Rarity said. "We can't tell the two of them apart."

"I'm the real Dusk!" said the Dusk on the left.

"No, you're not! I am! the Dusk on the right argued.

"No, I am!"

"I am!"

"I am!"

"I am!"

"This isn't good," Fluttershy said. "How can we tell the two of them apart?"

"Looks can be deceivin', but let's not forget that one o' 'em was once a human," Applejack said.

"Wait, what's a human," said the Dusk on the left. Then that Dusk was hit by a beam by Princess Celestia. Then that Dusk was revealed to be Queen Chrysalis. She then growled and said, "How?! How did you know it was me?!"

"Dusk Shine would never forget that he was one a human," said Princess Celestia. "Now, release your control on my student and her brother, and get out of Equestria."

"Hmm... Let me think about it... No," Chrysalis said, smirking. "Besides, you're too late. My changelings are already attempting to get into the city as we speak."

Then the sound of something banging came from outside. Dusk and the rest of the Mane 6 and the CMC looked up and saw the changeling swarm banging on the barrier, trying to get into the city of Canterlot.

"Oh, no!" Dusk said.

Celestia used her magic to release Twilight from the mind control that she was under.

"Uhh..." Twilight groaned. "What happened?"

"Twilight, you were being mind controlled by the queen of the Changelings, who was posing as Cadance," said Princess Celestia. "You're lucky that Dusk came back with the real Cadance."

"I knew that Cadance was acting strange to the others," said Twilight. "I should have known it was a changeling."

"Well, it's too late!" said Chrysalis. "My changeling invasion starts... now!"

Then the changelings broke through the barrier, charging at everypony roaming the streets. Some changelings already shapeshifted into the loved ones of ponies before shapeshifting back into their original forms.

"No!" Twilight shouted. "We have to stop them!"

"Get the Elements of Harmony," Princess Celestia said. "I'll handle Chrysalis." Princess Celestia then charged up her magic and got ready to face Queen Chrysalis while the Mane 6, ran out of the wedding hall, stripping off their dresses. Rarity tried to fold them up, but she was called, so she forgot about the dresses and moved on with the task of getting the Elements of Harmony.











The Mane 6 were captured by the changelings, Princess Celestia was trapped in a slimy cocoon, Dusk and the Crusaders were stuck together, wrapped in a slimy rope, and had their backs facing each other.

Chrysalis was looking down at the changelings that were chasing ponies all over the city. Twilight quietly walked towards Cadance, and said, "Quick! Go to him while you still have the chance!" She then used her magic to release Candace's hooves from the slimy bond.

Cadance then walked over towards Shining Armor. Cadance cried and then hugged him. Then electricity emitted from her horn, and then Shining Armor was released from his trance. 

"Wha– where... huh? Is...is the wedding over?" Shining asked, putting his right forehoof to his head. Cadance was happy. Along with the Mane 6.

"It's all over!" Chrysalis said to all of them, giving an evil smile.

"Your spell! Perform your spell!" Twilight called out to her brother.

Chrysalis laughed and said, "What good would that do? My changelings already roam free." And she was right. The changelings were chasing ponies all over Canterlot.

"You'll never get away with this!" Dusk shouted.

"Oh, I already have you pathetic little colt!" said Chrysalis. "You came so far, and yet... you failed."

"Not if my uncle Shining stops you!" said Dusk. Chrysalis looked at Shining Armor, and saw him trying to cast a spell.

"No!" Shining said when his barrier spell failed. "My power is useless now. I don't have the strength to repel them."

Cadance nuzzled him and said, "My love will give you strength."

Chrysalis chuckled and said, "What a lovely but absolutely ridiculous sentiment."

Shining and Cadance hugged each other, and a love of powerful magic surrounded both of them. The Mane 6, the Crusaders and Dusk were smiling at what was happening, but Chrysalis was surprised. Then Shining and Cadance were lifted into the air, having their bodies make a heart. Then a huge barrier emitted from them, pushing out all of the changelings from Canterlot, and releasing those who were bonded by those sticky bonds.

Twilight went to help up Princess Celestia, who responded with, "Don't worry about me. I'm fine. You have a real wedding to put together."

Twilight nodded, and then they all went to go prepare the real wedding.





The real wedding went off with no problems. Cadance liked the sweets Applejack prepared, loved the dress that Rarity made for her, and enjoyed the party that Pinkie set up. Fluttershy's birds did well on the music for the wedding. And the married couple made their vows, and Rainbow Dash did her Sonic Rainboom, and to her point of view:

"Best... wedding... ever!"

At the party, everypony was enjoying themselves. Even Dusk and Sweetie Belle, along with Spike. Cadance was finally happy to meet Dusk after what had happened because of him leading her back up to Canterlot. Eventually, Cadance and Shining Armor had to leave for their honeymoon.

Later that night, Twilight, Spike and Dusk were heading back to the room where they were staying until they bumped into a royal guard in training.

"Oh, I'm sorry," said Twilight.



"Oh, no, it's my fault," said the guard. Then he blushed, making Twilight blush as well. "It's... It's an honor meeting the sister of the captain of the royal guard. Your name is Twilight Sparkle, isn't it?"

"Y-yes," Twilight said. "Are... are you new to the royal guard?"

"Yep," said the guard. "My name is Flash Sentry. It's nice to finally meet you."

"Mom?" Dusk asked. "Are you alright?"

"I'll... I'll be fine," said Twilight. "Now, let's get you to bed."

"Oh ho ho," said Spike. "Twilight's in love." That comment made Twilight blush.

"Well, I am honored," said Flash Sentry. "Maybe... one day... you might want to... I don't know... go out... maybe?"

"I... I would love to," said Twilight. "But, let's keep this from Shining Armor. You know how much he's over protective of me."

"Believe me," said Flash Sentry. "I know. He's talked about you ever since you left Canterlot that day before the Summer Sun Celebration."

"Well, I'll see you soon," Twilight said.

"Will Friday night work for you?" Flash asked.

"Sounds perfect," Twilight said. Then Twilight, Spike, and Dusk walked into the room where they were staying. Twilight stuck her head out and said, "I live at the library in Ponyville. Golden Oaks Library."

"See you there and then," said Flash.

Spike got into the basket he brought, and Dusk got into the smaller bed while Twilight got into the bigger bed. Then all of them fell asleep. But Twilight was thinking of what would happen if Flash came into the family. At least Dusk would have a father figure. Hopefully, the two of them would get along.






The End...