Hello dear Readers! Firstly, I must apologize. A storm rolled through Friday and knocked out my internet until some time around noon today. Then I had EMT class today, which didn't let out until three. Then, I have to spend just a bit of time making sure I had done all the edits I needed and that they were saved. Thus, I was late. However, I was ready! Are you?

Kevin Lapse: Yes, I do have a very kind individual that I love dearly that helps me edit my work. I'm also one of those kind people, and offer my help to any that need it.

DragonLord Ryukizoku: Ah, no worries! I'll be sure to include a really mushy family outing in the future!

theflammablefiredragon: I believe if Tyr had those things on hand, he would have spend more time in the Everfree zombie slaying.

N1gh7Wolf93: I'm trying hard, and writing is what I love to do. Sometimes I actually get frustrated when I'm not able to write. However, I might be slowing down a bit soon as my classes start to get closer to the final test. Both Mitta and Tangle Vine aren't gone forever yet, and they will return, one sooner than the later. And on the top of father-child moments, I plan on having Tyr have one with each of his children, in order to really show the difference in personalities of his kids. I probably will find a way to do the others, but I'm glad you liked it!

Well, enough rambling from me! Onto the Chapters!

Chapter 20: Moving Forward, Stepping Out

"Operator," Cindy called, distracting Tyr from the small device he was working on. Both he and Chrys—who was lying in his lap—looked over at the automaton as she approached him. "Sweetie Bell is awake."

"She is?" Tyr paused at that bit of information. Sweetie Bell had been out of it after returning from the Everfree, mostly due to the wounds she had taken. According to the medial readouts in the med bay, she had been infected with a couple of diseases one would associate with rotted corpses. Tyr had checked on her yesterday, noting the strange pod like bed she had been placed in. Cindy had explained it was a stasis chamber of sorts, restorative fluids suspending the young white unicorn inside and healing her wounds.

Cindy nodded. "Yes. I believe she is safely at the point where her life is not in danger."

Tyr let out a relieved sigh, pushing his goggles up. "Wonderful. How is she feeling?"

"A bit disoriented, but other than that, she is alright. Would you like to speak to her?"

"Yeah, I should. Chrissy, up." With a somewhat upset groan, his Changeling let him up. Setting aside his tools, he followed Cindy to the medical bay. The Jötunheim had a fully functional medical bay, although there were white Inferus stationed inside to perform many tasks that required finer control. It was pure white as most medical facilities were, with a trio of beds along one side and the other medical equipment on the other. One of the beds was currently occupied with the resting figure of Sweetie Bell. The white unicorn looked over when she heard the door open.

"Tyr!" She remarked, sitting up.

The man was pleased to see all of Sweetie's wounds had healed. He sat on the bed beside her. He accepted the short hug she gave him before holding her out at arm's length. "How are you feeling?"

"A lot better," Sweetie Bell told him, looking down at her side. "That liquid bath or whatever felt really weird though."

"There are microbes in the solution that aid with mending wounds," Cindy clarified. "I have been told it feels like a full body tingling sensation."

Sweetie nodded. "Yeah, just like that!"

Tyr chuckled. "Well, whatever the process, you're doing better. That's what matters."

"Oh!" A surprised voice caught their attention. They all turned to the door to see Rarity standing there, a happy expression on her face. In the span of a second, she crossed the distance and embraced her sister. "Oh thank Celestia you're okay!" She said, hugging Sweetie tightly.

Sweetie looked happy to see her sister, but Rarity was hugging her too tight. "R-Rarity, I can't breathe…!"

"Oh, darling I'm so sorry," She let her sister go. "But you must realize knowing you were hurt was so nerve wracking for me…"

"Believe me, I can tell."

"Well, thank goodness all of this is here," Rarity said, looking around the medical bay. "You look almost good as new!"

"Well, I feel a lot better, that's for sure." Sweetie smiled up at Tyr. "Thanks for getting me out of the forest."

Tyr smiled. "Of course Sweetie. Can't let my little sister get hurt, now can I?"

She hugged him tightly, and he hugged her back. Rarity smiled warmly at the sight, glad that her sister was okay and that she was getting along so well with Tyr. Suddenly, Cindy jumped ever so slightly. "Cindy? Is something the matter?"

Both Tyr and Sweetie looked over as Cindy began running information across her eyes. "It seems we have a visitor today, Operator."

"Who is it?" Tyr asked.

"A grey pegasus with a golden mane. She has three bubbles as a Cutie Mark."

"That sounds like Derpy," Rarity said. "She's the mail mare, remember?"

Tyr nodded. "I remember. She brought me my ticket for the Gala."

"She must have mail for you then."

"Point." Tyr glanced over at Cindy. "Let her inside, I'll meet her in the common room."

Cindy nodded, remotely controlling the ship's main hatch. It still shocked Tyr how easily Cindy controlled the ship from anywhere. But she was his to command, so he didn't have to worry too much. Instead, he simply let Sweetie go and headed to the common room. Rarity took a moment longer to hug her sister again before following her herd mate. When they reached the common room, they found a very excited gray mare floating around the room. "This place is so cool!" Derpy said upon seeing them. "Do you really live here?"

Tyr chuckled at the adorable way the pegasus mare spoke. "Yes, we live here, Derpy."

"Oh, cool! When they told me Rarity had moved to the big shiny ship outside town, I didn't believe it. But now that I see it, I'm really amazed!"

Rarity had a small smile on her face as well. "Well, considering the Boutique burned down…"

"Oh, I'm so sorry Rarity…"

"It is no trouble, darling. Now, did you have mail for us?"

"Oh! I did!" To Tyr's mild amusement, the mail pony managed to pull a letter out of her bag. She handed it to Tyr. "Here!"

Tyr took the offered letter, a letter opener of ice forming in his hand with a thought. He moved to open it, but something on the outside stayed his hand. "Hold on a moment… this is addressed to you, Rarity."

"It is?" Rarity blinked a couple times, taking the letter in her magic. "Huh. Why so it is. But who would send me a letter…?" Tyr offered her the ice letter opener, and she took it in her magic as well. "Thank you, darling."

"Of course."

Rarity sliced open the envelope, the opener evaporating once she set it aside. She spared it a passing glance as she pulled the letter out. Her eyes ran over the lines rapidly, the look on her face going from surprise, to shock, and then abject horror. Tyr raised an eyebrow, a little worried at the look that was crossing his marefriend's… herd mate's… 'his Rarity's'…damn. What does he call her, really? "Um… Rarity? Everything okay?"

The white unicorn took a moment to compose herself. A point of particular curiosity was the momentary hoof touch she gave the black collar around her neck. To Tyr, it seemed she was drawing a minor bit of comfort from it. "Well. In varying degrees, dear. This letter was sent from Los Pegasus."

"…Los Pegasus?" Tyr's skeptical look grew. "…Are there a lot of casinos and hotels there?"

"Yes, indeed."

"Huh. Is that a good thing or a bad thing?"

"As I said…" Rarity glanced back down at the letter. "I've been invited for a fashion show in Los Pegasus, at the Maredelay Bay Hotel."

Tyr snickered a bit at the name. "Not seeing a bad part. That sounds like a good opportunity to show off your stuff."

"I would normally agree with you darling. But the letter states they wish for me to be there today."

"…Now that certainly classifies as a problem," Chrys said, poking her head up from behind the couch. "I suppose Master could rightly use the Ranger to transport you…"

Rarity turned expectant eyes towards Tyr. The man chuckled. "If you even have to ask…"

"Please darling?" Rarity asked anyway. "It would mean so much to me if you helped…"

Tyr rolled his eyes. "Of course, Rarity. Sounds like a fun trip. Maybe we could take Luna, Chrissy and Pinkie with us…"

"Beloved," Luna said, coming into the common room. "My sister just sent word that diplomats from Saddle Arabia are arriving on the morrow, and she requires my presence. I was wondering if you can come with me…? It would be so much more bearable if you were with me."

Pinkie bounced in next. "Hey, Rare-bear, I got to go home to the rock farm for my sister's birthday! Wanna come with?"

Chrys immediately protested. "Oh come now! Why must I be left with foalsitting again?"

Cindy raised a hand. "Because I am a machine and can't technically leave the Jötunheim?

"…Damn you, Cindy."

"That word isn't native to this world!" The automaton protested.

"Need I remind you I was in a world where that word was native?"

"Oh. A fair point."

Tyr rolled his eyes. He spared a glance over at Rarity, who was pressing her hoof to her face with an undue amount of force. "Well. I suppose it's just you and me for this one, Rarity."

Luna's mouth fell open wide. "B-Beloved…? You wish to spend time with Rarity instead…?"

"You're going somewhere with Tyr?" Pinkie asked, big blue eyes welling up. "But… But...! I told Marble all about you! And Maud was looking forward to seeing you again!"

"Okay, we're gonna catch this one before it goes way too far. Rarity?" Tyr glanced over at the white unicorn.

"I think we're on the same page, darling," Rarity said with a nod. With unerring synchronicity, they went to their lovers and kissed them—not forcefully—but strongly enough to end their protests. Luna nodded first.

"You're going with Rarity to make sure she's safe on her trip," Luna said, smiling. "Great haste is required, so you need to pilot the Ranger."

"And you wanted us to come but we had stuff come up," Pinkie reasoned. "…Aw, horse feathers. You don't get to meet my twin!"

Tyr had a momentary thought at how crazy any twin sibling of Pinkie's had to be. Scratch that, how crazy Pinkie's family must be in its entirety. He shivered. "Eventually, Pinkie. Eventually. But for now, I gotta take Rarity to Los Pegasus."

"Los Pegasus?" Luna repeated the name with a frown. She gave her husband a long, worried glance as Rarity left the room to gather her things. "…Be very careful down there, Tyr. Law enforcement is particularly strained there."

"We'll be fine," Tyr assured her, pulling her close. He kissed her forehead. "I can handle anything the city can throw at us. And if not, I'll let Chrissy and Cindy know."

Cindy nodded. "You have nothing to worry about, Miss Luna. My Operator will be fine."

Luna didn't look as confident, but she let out a nod. "…Very well. I must be along as well, so I will say goodbye to my little ones."

"I probably should join you," Tyr said, smirking. "And then to my other three daughters…"

–x–

The sound of methodical yet repeated thuds greeted Bright Soul as she entered the barrack's range. To her minor surprise, she spotted a familiar red-brown unicorn lying near the far wall. It was Grace, her magic working to throw her knives into a target near the other wall. She wasn't even watching, instead focusing on the book she was reading. Bright Soul cleared her throat respectfully. "…Grace?"

"Bright Soul," Grace said in greeting, hardly looking up. "Did you need something?"

"You knew it was me?"

"You have a particular hoofstep," Grace said with a soft smile. She stopped throwing knives and looked up. "Quite rhythmic. So what's up?"

"Ace and Flash are returning today, correct?"

"That's right. Don't tell me you only came by to confirm that."

"Not at all." Bright Soul came a little closer. "I was… attempting to make conversation."

A frown crossed the other unicorn's face. "Small talk? Odd, coming from you."

"Well, I was recently told to attempt making friends with at least my co-workers…"

"Fair enough. So what's up?"

Bright Soul moved over to sit beside Grace, who sat up. "I wished to ask about Tyr."

"Oh? Surely you could ask him any questions you had about him."

"No, I wanted to know why you became his friend so easily."

Grace blinked. "Became his friend… that's what you wanted to know?"

"He is the husband of our Princess," Bright Soul pointed out. "And at one point her knight. You know him better than I do."

"I suppose that's fair." The other knight closed her book.

"So then, what made it so easy for you to befriend him?"

"Perhaps it is because I see Tyr as sort of my big brother." Grace gently ran her hoof along the cover of her book. "I was… mostly alone when I was young. I had friends who were as close as family, but none by blood."

"I remember you saying you learned surgery at a young age?"

"Indeed. I was opening ponies up and putting them back together at the same time normal ponies would be going to school. I had a very… violent childhood."

"Yet Ace and Flash told me you vomited the first time you killed a human."

"It's… hard to explain," Grace pointed out. "Killing and saving lives is much different."

Bright Soul nodded. "I will take your word for that."

"But to answer your original question, Tyr took it upon himself to help me. He was always available to help me, and was always kind. So I started looking up to him like an older brother."

"…I suppose I must admit I do see the kindness in him. And he is quite loyal to his family."

"Must be getting rather big now that you mention it," Grace said with a chuckle. "Five kids, not counting Sherry and Hope, on top of essentially four wives. Poor guy must be drowning in estrogen by now."

Bright Soul gave a rare giggle. "Not surprised. The only other male in that family is Aleron, correct?"

"Totally!"

There was a third bit of laughter, getting the two knights attention. They looked over to see Hope in the doorway, the golden Alicorn smiling widely. "Princess Esperanza? What are you doing here?" Bright Soul asked, a bit confused at seeing the younger Alicorn. Normally, Hope stayed near Sherry. Seeing her on her own was a bit odd. The young princess's white gold horseshoes made soft metallic noises as she walked over to them.

"I came to see you, Grace," Hope told her with a small smile. "I wanted to know if you were feeling better."

Bright Soul glanced over at her companion. "Feeling better?"

Grace scratched at the back of her head. "I was drifting off during status reports earlier, and Hope saw me."

"Have you not been getting enough sleep?"

"I have insomnia, Bright. I hardly ever sleep for long."

"Have you asked Princess Luna for help?"

"Her proficiency is more in helping those already asleep. And magically inducing sleep doesn't help much."

Bright Soul was thoughtful for a moment. Then she suddenly had an idea. "I think I can help. Or at least, my sister can."

"Your sister?"

"Yes, Light. She's really into medicinal teas, and I know she has one for helping along sleep. I'm sure she'd be willing to help."

"Sounds like a solid plan," Grace admitted. "Should we go?"

Grace glanced up at the sky. Along with the slight boost in magical power granted by being Knighted by the Alicorn princesses, the Lunar and Solar knights also had an uncanny sense of time even without seeing the sun or a clock. "She should be out of school by now."

"Your sister is in school?" Hope asked, tilting her head ever so slightly.

For a moment, Bright Soul looked proud. "She's a teacher."

"Oh…"

"I suppose we can spare some time," Grace said with a nod. "Hope, would you like to join us?"

The gold Alicorn scrunched up her nose. "Wandering about the city over doing boring paperwork? Not much of a choice, Grace."

"I'll alert the guards of our absence," Bright Soul said, leaving ahead of the other two mares. It didn't take long for her to find a guard walking his patrol and pass on her message. When she came back, the other two were waiting on her near one of the gates to the city. Once she joined them, they exited out into Canterlot. As usual, the capital of Equestria was alive with activity. For the most part, the young princess and the two knights did not garner much attention.

Grace made a sniffing noise. "You know, one thing never ceases to amaze me about Canterlot," The red maned knight muttered.

"What?" Bright Soul asked, glancing over at her.

"No matter what, ponies here always just look so… stuck up."

Hope nodded. "I think because they live in the capital, they think they are entranced to feeling superior."

Bright Soul blinked a couple times at the golden Alicorn, before Grace translated. "She means entitled," The other knight pointed out.

"Oh."

"What did I say?" Hope asked, confused.

Grace chuckled. "I'll explain it later."

"Okay…?"

They continued walking. The richer portions of the city gave way to the more public area, and the density of the pedestrians increase. Bright Soul immediately grew wary, her training kicking in. However, as they passed by some friendlier looking ponies, Hope suddenly scurried off to say hello. Bright Soul immediately made to protest. "Ah, Princess Esperanza…!"

"Let her go," Grace said with an amused smile. From her tone, this had happened before. "Watch."

The two knights watched as Hope went from pony to pony, making small talk and simply encouraging those she spoke to. She only lingered for a moment at a time, moving on to the next without missing a beat. Those she spoke to seemed to gravitate after her, trailing her in her wake as she spoke to others. And to the surprise of many witnessing this, it was like her entire body glowed as more and more ponies cheered up from her words. Unlike whenever Pinkie broke out into her songs and made all the ponies around smile, Hope's gentle words and comforting presence seemed to revitalize those she spoke to. Before long, there was a crowd of ponies gathered around the Princess as she played with a small group of foals. "She… is really good with foals," Bright Soul said.

"That she is," Grace agreed. "As much as I'd like to simply leave her to it…"

It was almost as if Hope had heard her, the golden pony seamlessly bidding the gathered crowd farewell and joining the two knights once more. "I'm sorry about that," She told them, a fulfilled smile on her face.

"It's no big deal. You know I'd sit here and watch you all day just so these ponies can spend time with you."

Hope looked back to the crowd, which was slowly dispersing. The foals she had been playing with waved in her direction. "I wish I could spend all day simply going around the city and speaking to ponies, but I know I can't."

Grace rubbed her back comfortingly. "Maybe we can ask Princess Celestia one day to let you do just that? I doubt she'd mind."

"Ooh, would you?"

"You know, you could just ask yourself. You are a Princess."

"Oh? Oh! That's right."

While Grace shook her head, the other knight was busy looking around. She intended to search for threats, but something else was obviously nagging at her. Something that Grace picked up on. "Bright Soul, something bothering you?" The red maned knight asked.

"Mm," Bright Soul muttered. "Just… not looking forward to going home."

Hope frowned. "Home? I thought we were going to see your sister?"

"My sister stays with my mother. She's… well, you'll see." With that bit of cryptic information, she began to walk. Hope and Grace shared a short look before following after. Grace led them down a few snaking roads and pathways before finally stopping outside of an elegantly wrought iron gate. Behind the gate was a large stone house. As Bright Soul used her magic to open the gate, she let out a long sigh. "Welcome to my mom's house."

She went up to the front door, Grace and Hope shadowing her steps. With a heavy sigh, she knocked on the door. They waited for a minute before the sound of hooves could be heard from the other side. A moment later the door opened to reveal Bright Soul's sister, Shining Light. "Bright!" She exclaimed, immediately embracing her sister. To her credit, Bright Soul hugged her sister back just as happily.

"Good to see you, little sis," the hazel pony said warmly. "How are you doing?"

"Well, you know. A well as I can."

Bright Soul released her sister. "You remember Grace and Princess Esperanza, correct?"

"Miss Knight," Light said with a nod towards Grace. She turned to Hope and bowed. "Princess."

Hope giggled softly. "Please, simply call me Hope. I'm not a big fan of titles."

"As you wish." Shining smiled. "Please, come in!"

They followed the happy unicorn inside, Grace and Hope obviously impressed at the well decorated interior. "This place is very nice," Hope said while looking around.

"It's a very old house," Light said with a little giggle. "A lot of this stuff is from my grandparents, although some of it is my mothers."

"Speaking of mothers," Grace spoke up, examining a tapestry. She glanced over at Shining Light. "Bright told us you live with your mother?"

"She does," A female voice told them. They all looked up to see a dark gold mare with a long gray mane coming towards them, a frown on her face. When she finally reached them, her blue eyes fell on Bright Soul. "…Well. I hadn't expected to see you."

"Hello mother," The hazel unicorn responded shortly. "Nice to see you are… well."

"Hm. Quite." The other unicorn ignored her comment and looked over at her other two guests. "…And who might you be?"

Grace made a short bow. "Saving Grace, Lunar Knight."

"And I am Princess Esperanza de Luz," Hope said. She smiled softly. "But I prefer to be called Hope."

Bright Soul's mother was silent for a moment. "…I am Gleaming Spark. Welcome to my home. Is there a reason for your visit?"

"I needed to speak with Light," Bright Soul pointed out.

Light blinked a couple of times. "Me? Whatever for?"

"You remember that herbal tea you made me once? To help me sleep?"

"Yes, I remember. Did you need some?"

"I would," Grace said. She gave the other mare a soft smile. "I've got a case of insomnia and your sister told me you could help."

"Oh of course!" Light smiled widely. "I'm always willing to help a friend of my sister! I'll be right back."

She trotted away, leaving the other three mares with Gleaming Spark. There was an awkward silence as they stood, waiting for someone to speak. Unsurprisingly, it was Bright Soul. "So… Mother. How are you doing?"

"Fine enough," The other mare said shortly. She tilted her head up slightly, as if to look down on her. "…It's been some time, hasn't it?"

"…Yes, it has."

"You haven't been by in quite a while, my daughter. And suddenly you show up to see your sister?"

"I've been busy."

"With your all-important Lunar Knight duties, I assume?" Gleaming Spark frowned. "Your intelligence could have been used better elsewhere."

Grace's eyes narrowed ever so slightly, but she kept a friendly demeanor. "Excuse me, but what better use of Bright Soul's time would there be? I think being a knight is quite a high honor, and an important position."

"So you consider babysitting a child is important?" The older mare glanced over at Hope. The golden Alicorn blinked in confusion. "I've seen this one out in public. Running around like a filly seeing the world for the first time, you should be ashamed of yourself!"

Hope blinked, confused at the sudden reprimand. "Huh? But I… everything is new to me…"

"You should act your age," Gleaming Spark said with a scowl. "They just make anypony an Alicorn these days. You and that Sherry Spice girl just suddenly became royalty, despite having no previous experience. You are a figurehead, nothing more. Only for show, useless otherwise."

There were no words for the Alicorn to say. Hope normally was kept from dealing with nobles or other high ranking officials, normally only ever having to deal with common ponies. And most of those ponies were specifically brought to Hope because of her ability to inspire them. The sudden shock of being called useless had thrown her off completely, and before she even realized it, she was tearing up. "I'm… I'm not useless…"

Gleaming Spark ignored the death glare from Grace as she continued speaking. "Yes, you are. Princess of Hope? Princess of Creativity? Your positions are largely irrelevant. At least Princess Cadance and Princess Twilight actually serve a purpose."

"Leave her alone," Grace warned, but it was too late. The golden Alicorn began to cry, tears streaming down her face as the brutal words hit her. Without another sound except a choked sob, she fled from the house. Grace turned a furious look over at Gleaming Spark. "How dare you."

"How dare I?"

"Yes, how dare you!" Grace was fuming. Bright Soul took a slight step back, unsure of how to deal with this situation. Shining Light had returned with a small pouch, but was frozen at the foot of the steps. Grace advanced on Gleaming Spark, who hadn't moved. "You want to know why Hope doesn't act like the other Princesses? Why she acts like a filly? It's because she is just a filly!"

Bright Soul blinked. "What?"

"It's not common knowledge," Grace pointed out, sparing the other knight a glance. "Hope was created by Sherry's Rubrik, making her the only Alicorn to neither be born or ascended. She's only six years old."

"Only six?" Shining Light murmured. "So she really is just a child…"

Grace took one more hard step forward. "And as the Knight in charge of protecting her, I am well within my rights to arrest or detain you, but I'm not going to."

Gleaming Spark scowled. "As if you could really do that. You're just a royal lackey with no real power."

"No real power?" Grace leaned back, a small smile crossing her lips. "So being the head of the information network of Equestria is no real power? Or being the current head surgeon at Canterlot hospital is no power? Or the fact that most of my experience comes from ripping open friends as a five year old filly with just the barest of knowledge of how a pony body works." At this point, every pony in the room was growing more and more wary of the ice cold tone coming from the red pony. Even Gleaming Spark was drawing back. Grace's eyes narrowed. "Ponies like you make me sick. You think you're so much better than every pony but you don't do a bucking thing to prove it. I've been saving lives almost out of the womb. More ponies have lived and died by my hooves than would bother showing up at your funeral. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a Princess to comfort."

She turned on her hoof, but not before glancing at Shining Light. "…This is for you," The other unicorn attempted to say, holding out the pouch. Grace took it in her own pink aura, gave her a nod of thanks, and then left. That left Gleaming Spark alone with her daughters. After a long moment of composing herself, she snorted.

"Impertinent fool," She muttered.

That did it for Bright Soul. She stomped one hoof on the floor, hard. "You are the fool, mother."

Gleaming Spark and Shining Light looked at her in shock. "W-What?"

"That mare… is probably the first friend I have ever made," Bright Soul said, frowning. "She taught me the proper way to be a knight, and has done nothing but support me, even when I was hardly worthy of her attention. But you, now that I am older and can think about it, you are not. You drove our father to drink."

"What!? I did no such thing—!"

"Yes, you did!" Bright Soul cut her off. "He was never good enough for you, never fulfilled your expectations. So he drank to drown his worthlessness. And I can never remember any of the times he came home drunk that he said anything harmful to me or Light. He only ever apologized. Sure, you pushed us to become better, to be the best, but you never loved us. We were just a way to continue your legacy. For him we were his children."

Gleaming Spark narrowed her eyes. "Your father was a drunk, and beyond that he was useless. I had to push you because he couldn't, he was too soft."

"And you were too bucking hard," Bright Soul growled. "When was the last time you told me you loved me? Or Light for that matter?"

"Must I?"

"That answers my question." Bright Soul shook her head. "You were a terrible mother."

Gleaming Spark frowned. "You can consider yourself disowned, then."

"Fine!" The knight exclaimed. "Give your entire estate to Shining Light! Do you think I care? I work for the princesses!"

"At least your sister is doing as she's told! She's going to become a very influential member of Canterlot society!"

"Actually mother," Light spoke up. Both of the other mares turned to look at her. "I… actually, I wasn't planning to become a 'influential member of Canterlot society'. I want to be a teacher."

Gleaming Spark was dumbfounded. "W-What?"

"I want to teach fillies and foals," the brown eyed mare told them, smiling fondly. "My Cutie Mark is a bright light with smaller ones around it. I'm not supposed to be above others—I'm supposed to be a beacon of light, to help them shine."

"You… you can't…"

"I can do whatever I want," Shining Light asserted, going over to stand beside her sister. "And if you disown Bright, you might as well disown me too."

"Light…" Bright Soul said warmly, nuzzling her sister. But their mother was furious.

"Fine!" The older mare said. "Leave! See if I ever help you again!"

Bright Soul drew herself up as tall as she could. "I believe I can help myself. Good day, mother."

The two mares left then, exiting the house and emerging onto the street. Once they were away, Shining Light let out a long ragged breath before beginning to laugh. "Oh my goodness!" She exclaimed. "I can't believe we just did that!"

Bright Soul grinned. "I can't either. But I guess sometimes you get pushed far enough…"

"So… what do we do now? I don't exactly have a place to stay…"

"You can stay with me," Bright Soul said immediately. She smiled. "I have an extra room at my place."

The younger sister nuzzled up to her sibling. "Thank you so much, Bright. I don't know where I'd be without you."

"Probably stuck with that mare." They both laughed. "Now come on, let's go find Grace and Princess Esperanza."

It didn't take long—the Alicorn and the Knight were sitting outside an ice cream parlor, the despondent golden Alicorn drawing stares as she ate her chocolate ice cream. Grace was rubbing her back comfortingly. "Feeling better now, Espy?"

"Espy?" Bright Soul said as she and Light walked over.

Grace smiled softly. "A little pet nickname I have for her."

Light looked completely flabbergasted. "You have a pet name for a Princess?"

"When you know a pony for their entire life, position doesn't matter," Grace said with a smile. "Did you two want anything?"

"I'm alright," Bright assured her.

"I'm lactose intolerant," Light said with a shrug.

Grace made a face. "Well, boo to you two. Once Espy is done, we'll go back to the castle."

"Um!" Bright Soul caught her attention. "I… want to thank you, Grace."

"For…?"

"For standing up to my mother. Seeing you do that gave me confidence to do the same."

Grace smiled softly. "I'm your friend, Bright Soul. Whether you like it or not."

Hope looked up from her ice cream. "…Can I be your friend too?"

"I'm already your friend, Espy."

"I meant Bright Soul!"

Bright Soul giggled. "Of course I'll be your friend, Princess Esperanza."

"No titles between friends," Hope said. "Just Esperanza, or Hope is fine. I mean it."

"Is that an order?" The hazel unicorn asked with a smirk.

Hope blinked a couple times, before looking over at Grace. "…Am I allowed to order friends around?"

Grace aimlessly took a spoonful of Hope's ice cream and ate it. "I mean, you're still a Princess and all…"

"My ice cream!"

"Hm?"

"You took my ice cream!"

While Hope and Grace bickered, Shining Light moved up beside her sister. "You keep strange company, big sis," She said with a giggle.

"You don't know the half of it," Bright Soul said. "Just wait until you really meet Flash and Ace…"

–x–

"Miss Chrysalis?" Cindy called out. In the absence of Tyr, the Controller had been told to report to Chrys. It had been about an hour since Tyr and Rarity had left in the Ranger, at least three dozen dresses stuffed into the passenger hold for transport. From what Rarity's letter had said, they'd be gone for the rest of the week, and probably not return until Sunday. Luna would be staying in Canterlot to assist with the Saddle Arabian dignitaries. And Pinkie was already at the train station waiting to head home to her parent's rock farm for her sister's birthday. Chrys was still babysitting, but she didn't mind as much as she had complained.

"Yes?" The Changeling in question was seated on the couch, watching over Cori and Ancè as the latter taught the former how to read. Cori was struggling, but Ancè had an almost inexhaustible patience. The older Changeling looked up at the sound of her name. "Is something the matter, Cindy?"

"There are two young mares outside. Records indicate that they are Scootaloo and Applebloom, young Sweetie Bell's friends."

Chrys frowned ever so slightly. Sweetie was still recovering in the medical bay, still a bit weak after her ordeal. She had expected the other two CMC members to come check on her, but it had taken them some time. "Hm. I expected them sooner."

"From the exterior sensors, it appears they are not happy with one another."

"I could sense that from here," The Changeling said dryly. "Let them in."

There was the sound of a door opening, and in a moment the two young mares came walking in. Neither were talking to the other, and an air of frustration was around them. Chrys said nothing, waiting on either of them to say the first word. Cori and Ancè, a little confused at the situation, began to go back to what they were doing. After a few minutes of silence, both Applebloom and Scootaloo spoke up at the same time.

"Can I see Sweetie Bell?"

Chrys raised an eyebrow. Realizing they had said the same thing, the two young mares looked at each other. "You don't even deserve to see her," Scootaloo said harshly, eyes narrowed. Applebloom winced.

"I told y'all, I didn't think all that would happen…" She offered weakly.

"You should have told us!"

"I didn't think it would a come to all that!"

Scootaloo scowled. "You almost got us all killed. If it hadn't been for Tyr and Starlight, we wouldn't be here right now!"

"You think I wanted her to get hurt?" Applebloom countered. "I didn't want none of that ta happen!"

"But you let it!"

"I couldn't control that! You think I wanted ta get chased by zombies?"

"THAT'S ENOUGH!" To the surprise of everyone except Chrys, it was Cori who jumped up to her hooves, barely contained fury on her normally gentle features. Her mismatched eyes narrowed as she regarded the two mares in front of her. "I'm trying to learn how to read. It is much more difficult than you'd think. And listening to the two of you is making that even harder!"

Scootaloo blinked in pure surprise. "But—!"

"No buts! Stop yelling at each other and listen!" She stalked over to them, anger dying down to more of an irritation than anything else. "You both keep looking at this from the wrong way. Scootaloo, Applebloom took all the precautions she could. And Applebloom, Scootaloo was just worried about you and Sweetie. You're her friends—she cares."

Applebloom glanced over at the orange pegasus, who wasn't looking her way. "…Hey, Scoots?"

"Yeah?" Her friend asked quietly.

"…Sorry."

Scootaloo let out a heavy sigh. "I know you were trying to protect us. If it wasn't for Starlight, we might have been able to walk right out. But what's done is done. "Friends?"

Applebloom looked like a weight had lifted off of her shoulders. "Friends."

Cori nodded as the two older mares hugged. Her job done, she went back over to Ancè. Her half-sister was still somewhat surprised. "Um… are you okay?" the white unicorn asked her when she sat down.

The young changeling was silent for a moment before giving her sister a plaintive look. "Can I have a hug?"

Ancè chuckled before pulling the Changeling into a hug. "Of course, Cori."

"Hugs!" Jubilee suddenly appeared, hugging Cori from the other side. Her sudden inclusion to the hug made the three of them fall over to the floor. Giggles erupted from the trio of fillies.

Aurora appeared at one of the far doors, an amused Aleron behind her. "What—how did you do that, Jubilee?"

"I learned it from my mom!" the pink filly declared with a grin. Chrys, watching the entire exchange from her spot on the couch simply worried about how hard it would be to keep track of her herd mate's daughter. At least maybe Cori could help keep her in check.

I felt like I was making Fluttershy cry when I made Hope cry.