Date: Unknown

Location: Everfree Forest, Castle of the Two Sisters

Time: 2330 Hours (11:30PM)

It was late at night as Princess Celestia was looking at the ruins of the home she shared with her sister. It had been years since she had been forced to seal her in the moon, and take on the responsibility of sole ruler of Equestria. She gave a sigh as she approached. As she did so, her Royal Guard had surrounded the area. They all stayed on alert. Unbeknownst to them, two thieves had their sights set on the most important relics of all: the Elements of Harmony. They saw their opportunity and took it. They whizzed past the guards and ran to Princess Celestia, brandishing daggers in magic. One had started to strike, but was stopped as a Guard had parried it. Princess Celestia gasped as the second got past and went to strike. However, another Guard stopped it and slaughtered them. Something had flown from the second thief and Princess Celestia gasped and flew up to catch it, seeing it was a newborn foal. The other thief tried to get past, but was met with a swift end. Princess Celestia then caught the newborn before gently landing. She looked and saw it was a Unicorn with a black mane and a royal blue coat.

"What idiots would bring their foal on a heist?!" A guard asked. The newborn's eyes then opened, revealing them to be a cobalt blue. Princess Celestia then smiled sweetly.

"Well, hello there little one? You seem to be in need of a home." She spoke.

"Your Highness," a guard said, "are you suggesting that YOU take care of this foal?"

"If that's what I must do." Princess Celestia said.

"Would you happen to have experience in it?" Another asked..

"I had to foal-sit my little sister a few times." Princess Celestia said.

"Raising a child isn't easy, you know." The first guard said. Princess Celestia looked solemn before looking at what once contained the Elements of Harmony.

"Neither was me banishing my own sister." She said. The foal saw tears forming in Princess Celestia's eyes and dried them, causing her to look at the foal. The foal then pointed to a now visible moon before putting a hoof on Princess Celestia's chest. Princess Celestia gasped quietly before looking at the moon.

'I get it. The sister I know at heart is still there. She was overcome with jealousy.' She thought. Princess Celestia smiled and gave the foal a gentle nuzzle, causing it to giggle slightly.

"I wonder what it's name should be?" Princess Celestia asked.

"Perhaps we should be going, Your Highness. It's a long way back to Canterlot." A guard outside said. Princess Celestia then nodded and walked out with the foal in her hooves.

'I can think of a name for the little one along the way.' She thought.

"We shall take care of the mess here, Your Highness." A guard said. The foal then reached up and started to play with Princess Celestia's mane. Princess Celestia giggled before one of her advisors approached.

"The preparations are ready, Your Highness. We're expecting a high turnout." They said.

"Thank you, Nightlight. Inform the staff." Princess Celestia said. The advisor, now identified as Nightlight, gave a short bow before turning to leave, but stops as they saw the newborn foal.

"Forgive me, Princess, but I can't help but notice that newborn foal you're holding." They said. The foal was still trying to play with Princess Celestia's mane, causing her to giggle more.

"This little one belonged to some thieves that tried to steal the Elements of Harmony," Princess Celestia spoke, "and the guards had dispatched of them in the process because they tried to harm me. I plan on raising the little one, as I have difficulties finding a suitor of my own. Why do you concern yourself with it? Are you saying you'd like to take the little one in?" Nightlight tensed and shook their head.

"Of course not! I have my hooves full with my son, Shining Armor, and my daughter, Twilight Sparkle! Hard to believe what had occurred the day my daughter was born." Nightlight said.

"What do you mean?" Princess Celestia asked, getting on her carriage. She motioned for Nightlight to sit next to her, to which they obliged.

"A young mare had given birth to a colt on the same day. Not long after," Nightlight said, "the hospital staff said she and the colt's father had left with the colt AMA." This caught Princess Celestia's attention.

"Against medical advice? Why?" Princess Celestia asked.

"They don't know. It was a beautiful colt, though. Had a royal blue coat, black mane, and cobalt blue eyes. It was a Unicorn, too. They never found the couple or the colt." Nightlight said. Princess Celestia then looked to Nightlight in shock.

"Take a closer look at the foal I'm holding." She said. Nightlight did just that and gasped.

"A Unicorn with a royal blue coat, black mane, and cobalt blue eyes. This is him!" Nightlight said.

"That means his parents were the ones who tried to steal the Elements of Harmony while attempting to harm me." Princess Celestia said, going solemn.

"He needs a complete medical check." Nightlight said.

"I'll see to it." Princess Celestia said. The carriage then started moving and the foal looked. However, Princess Celestia averted his eyes.

'No foal should see the dangers of this forest.' She thought. Nightlight then looked at the colt and gave a soft smile.

'Perhaps he and Twilight could become friends one day. I feel they could learn a lot from each other.' They thought.

Date: Unknown

Location: Royal Canterlot Medical Center, Pediatric Wing

Time: 0700 Hours (7:00 AM)

Princess Celestia watched as the doctor examined the colt. Soon the colt had looked at Princess Celestia and held his hooves out to her. The doctor looked at her and nodded.

"He's perfectly fine. I made sure to set up an appointment for his vaccines. You did the right thing bringing him here, Your Highness." The doctor said. Princess Celestia went to the colt and picked him up, causing him to nuzzle her chest.

"I know. A shame his parents won't be around to see him grow up." Princess Celestia spoke. The doctor gave a nod and Princess Celestia left with the colt. As she was walking out, she saw Nightlight with a mare, a colt, and a newborn filly. Nightlight saw her and gasped quietly.

"P-Princess Celestia!" Nightlight said.

"Ah, hello again, Nightlight. I take it this is your family?" Princess Celestia asked.

"Y-yes, Your Highness! T-this is my wife, Twilight Velvet, and our children." Nightlight said. The mare and colt bowed and Princess Celestia giggled.

"You may rise." She said. The two stood up and Twilight Velvet gasped.

"Y-Your Highness, y-y-y-you gave birth?!" She asked. Princess Celestia looked confused before remembering the colt in her grasp and giggling.

"I'm afraid you're mistaken." Princess Celestia said. Twilight Velvet looked confused before looking to Nightlight.

"This doesn't make sense." She said.

"The colt she has is the same one whose parents left with him AMA. Said parents tried to harm the Princess and steal some powerful relics. The guards were left with no choice." Nightlight said. Twilight Velvet then caught on and looked at the newborn colt.

"The poor thing." She said. The filly then opened her eyes and looked at the newborn colt. Said colt saw her and the two reached their hooves out to each other. Nightlight saw this and smiled.

"Looks like they want to say 'hello' to each other." He said. Princess Celestia smiled and gave a nod.

"I know the perfect place." She said.

Location: Canterlot Castle, Princess Celestia's Bedchambers

Time: 0930 Hours (9:30 AM)

The colt and filly both giggled as they rolled a ball back and forth to each other. A young filly then walked in and saw them, gasping.

"Aww, they're just the cutest!" She said. Princess Celestia smiled and approached the filly.

"Cadence," she said, "I want you to meet the daughter of my advisor Nightlight, Twilight Sparkle."

"She's so cute! What's the colt's name?" The filly, now identified as Cadence, asked.

"His parents never named him. I'm still trying to decide it." Princess Celestia said. Nightlight then walked in with Twilight Velvet and their son, who gasped in shock and started blushing when he saw Cadence.

"D-dad? W-who is that standing next to Princess Celestia?" He asked. Nightlight looked and smiled.

"That's Cadence, Princess Celestia's niece." Nightlight said. Cadence then looked at Nightlight's son and gave a quiet gasp.

"A-Auntie Celestia? W-who is that?" She asked. Princess Celestia looked and gave a smile.

"That's Shining Armor, Nightlight's son and Twilight's big brother. Why not introduce yourself to him?" Princess Celestia asked. Cadence then walked to Shining Armor, who simply stood there blushing, and gave a light blush herself.

'Oh my, Celestia! Is she walking towards me?!' Shining thought. Cadence then stopped in front of him with a friendly smile.

"H-hello." She said.

"H-hi. M-my n-name is S-s-s-s-Shining Armor." Shining introduced, being extremely nervous. He held out a hoof, shaking, and Cadence held one of hers out to it and shook it.

"I-I'm Cadence. I-it's nice to meet you, Shining Armor." She said.

'He looks nervous. I should try and ease his nerves a bit.' Cadence thought.

'Why am I so nervous? I want to be in the Royal Guard when I grow up! I need to be firm!' Shining thought. The two stayed still before Princess Celestia giggled from where she stood. Nightlight gave a knowing grin.

"You can let each others hooves go now." Nightlight said. Shining and Cadence were confused before they realized they were still holding hooves and let each other go, both now blushing intensely.

'So embarrassing!' They thought. Two soft plops were heard and they looked to see the colt and filly asleep, the colt holding the filly close as if he were protecting her. Cadence smiled as they slept and started to approach them. Before she could, however, the colt had formed a barrier around them that was golden in color. This stunned Cadence, and even Shining, as the two of them went to it.

"He's only a newborn colt and he formed a shield in his sleep!" Shining said.

"A gold one at that!" Cadence said. Princess Celestia was stunned, and her eyes went wide as a spark appeared in her pupils. She then gasped and smiled.

"That's it!" She said, getting the attention of the others in the room.

"Huh?" Nightlight asked.

"What's it, Your Highness?" Shining asked.

"I know what the colt's name should be!" Princess Celestia said.

"Really?!" Cadence asked.

"What is it?!" Twilight Velvet asked. Princess Celestia looked at the colt with a tearful smile.

"His name… is Gold Shield." She said. Shining looked at the colt and gave a smile.

"I like it. Has a nice ring to it." He said.

"It's perfect, Auntie." Cadence said. The filly then turned in her sleep and faced the colt before holding him close and nuzzling him.

"Aww! That's so precious!" Twilight Velvet said.

"I get the feeling they'll be good friends." Nightlight said.

"I believe it." Princess Celestia said. Cadence then looked at Nightlight.

"If you need someone to foal-sit," she said, "I could do it. It'll help me learn to be responsible."

"I'll keep that in mind." Nightlight said.


A few years later….


Date: June 20

Location: Canterlot Town Square

Time: 0600 Hours (6:00 AM)

Crowds of ponies gathered as Princess Celestia was on a stage, preparing to raise the sun. Off the stage, smiling brightly, was Gold Shield. He soon looked out into the crowds and saw Twilight watching. Princess Celestia then flew up and rose the sun along with her. The ponies all watched in awe and Twilight had stars in her eyes. After a few moments, Gold walked to where Twilight was and smiled. Twilight then got down from off her father's back and smiled at him.

"I take it you enjoyed the show." He said.

"That I did. Seeing that makes me want to learn all types of magic." Twilight said.

"If you need somepony to study with," Gold said, "you know where to find me." Gold started walking away, but was stopped by Twilight hugging him. He soon smiled and returned it.

"I'm glad you're my friend, Gold." Twilight said.

"I have been since we were foals." Gold said. A guard then approached and Gold looked at them.

"It's time to go. You must continue your lessons." They said. Gold nodded and Twilight looked sad. That was when Gold had an idea.

"Do you think my friend could join? She could benefit from the lessons, too." Gold said. The guard looked to Princess Celestia, who had overheard and gave a smile before nodding. The guard gave a sigh before looking back at Gold.

"Very well. Miss Sparkle may join you. However, you are responsible for helping her home afterwards." The guard said. Gold nodded and Twilight beamed.

"You're the best friend I could ever ask for!" Twilight said.

"What about your brother?" Gold asked.

"He's my BBBFF!" Twilight said.

"Huh?" The guard asked, confused. Gold looked at Twilight who gave him a nod.

"Big Brother Best Friend Forever." Gold said.

"Ah! That makes sense. Follow me." The guard said. Gold and Twilight followed the guard who joined up with Princess Celestia's detail.

Location: Canterlot Castle, Library

Time: 0900 Hours (9:00 AM)

Gold and Twilight were looking at the different books and taking notes. Gold had taught Twilight a basic levitation spell, so that allowed them to use their magic to write instead of their mouths or hooves. Though she was just starting, she caught on real quick and got to Gold's level of learning within a few minutes. Eventually, the two finished up and a guard approached them.

"Well done. Completed in record time. That concludes the written studies. Keep your notes with you to go over tonight. You have a bit of free time before your next lesson. I suggest you read a book." The guard said. Twilight and George then looked around before seeing a book called Predictions and Prophesies.

"What's that book about?" Twilight asked.

"Princess Celestia said I shouldn't read it under any circumstances until she says otherwise." Gold said. Twilight then understood and gave a sigh. She then felt a pain in her back and tensed up.

"Ah! My back!" She said. Gold went to her and had an idea.

"Would a massage help?" He asked. Twilight looked at Gold and nodded. She then got down from where she was and lied down on her stomach. Gold then started to massage her back. Twilight was stunned at first, but she soon sighed in relaxation. Gold made sure to go gentle with it, and make sure that Twilight was comfortable.

"I needed this." She said. Gold smiled brightly before going to the EXACT spot her back hurt and massaging it. She gave a small breath that covered a low moan.

"Back feeling better?" Gold asked.

"Oh, yeah~. You've got the magic hooves." Twilight said. Gold smiled more before massaging out more knots that Twilight had on her back.

"Just how tense is your back?" Gold asked.

"I don't know. I think it has to do with my mattress at home. It's so uncomfortable that I have a hard time sleeping." Twilight said.

"Sounds like you need a new mattress." Gold said. Before Twilight could say anything, a loud noise caught their attention. The noise caused Gold to accidentally touch Twilight's horn, causing her to gasp. Gold then got away from her immediately.

'I just touched Twilight's horn! Oh, no, the Princess is gonna KILL me!' Gold thought. Twilight then got up and looked at Gold, who then clenched his eyes to brace for a slap or punch. Twilight then walked to Gold.

'He touched my horn,' Twilight thought, 'but it was an accident. I know that most Unicorn mares and fillies don't like their horns being touched by anyone who isn't family, but what if it was an accident? What then?' Twilight then got closer to Gold, who simply accepted his fate.

'Please let it be a gentle hit!' Gold thought. Twilight rose a hoof up, but it was only to pull him closer to her to kiss his cheek. Gold's eyes shot open and widened in shock. Twilight gave a smile, blushing lightly, before putting her horn on his.

"Why would I slap you for something that wasn't your fault?" She asked. Gold blushed before gently hugging Twilight, who immediately returned it. The two then looked into each others eyes.

"Is it bad that I'm just now seeing how beautiful your eyes are?" Gold asked.

"Yours are, too." Twilight said. The two blushed deeper before leaning closer to each other. They kept leaning closer before their eyes started to close.

"F-forgive me, Twilight. I… can't help myself." Gold said.

"Don't be sorry, Gold. I…. I want to know how it feels to kiss someone. Why not experience it with my first true friend?" Twilight asked.

"This might make us more." Gold said.

"Just kiss me." Twilight said. Gold did just that and Twilight gave in, both blushing deeper. The loud noise had happened again, but this time the lights went out. Gold then held Twilight close, still kissing her, before slowly laying her on her back. Twilight didn't resist, instead holding Gold closer to her. Gold then broke the kiss to catch some air, causing Twilight to lightly breathe. However, before Gold could say anything, Twilight kissed him deeply. Gold blushed deeper before slipping his tongue into her mouth, causing her to give a light moan.

'I fully trust him with this.' Twilight thought. The two then started a heavy make-out session. Gold then broke the kiss before going on instinct and kissing the nape of Twilight's neck.

"Ah! Oh~!" Twilight moaned. Gold then felt something on him stiffen, causing Twilight to blush deeper.

'This feels right! I want to feel good!' Twilight thought. She then wrapped her hind legs around his waist, causing him to gasp as he felt something soft and damp touching him.

"T-Twilight?" Gold asked.

"G-go ahead. I trust you." Twilight said.

"You should only do that with your special somepony!" Gold said. Twilight then blushed deeper.

"What if I said it was you?" Twilight asked. Gold was stunned. Twilight then used an illumination spell and looked into Gold's eyes. Gold then used the same spell and put his horn against hers.

"How can you know for sure? We haven't even been on a date." Gold said.

"I trust you, Gold. I mean it." Twilight said. Gold then got an idea.

"Then wait." Gold said.

"Huh?" Twilight asked.

"Whenever we both have our cutie marks," Gold said, "and after we've fulfilled at least ONE of our dreams. Then, and ONLY then, can we do this. Until that time, wait." Twilight caught on to what Gold was saying and nodded.

"Alright. I'll wait." She said. Gold then got off her and helped her up.

"Come on, let's see what's happening with the power." Gold said. Twilight nodded and the two left the library. There was a window outside the door and they looked outside it to see it was storming outside. Thunder rumbled and lightning flashed.

"That explains it." Twilight said. Princess Celestia then approached the two with a thankful look.

"Thank goodness you two are okay." She said, sighing after. Gold looked at her and Twilight hid behind him.

"I've never seen a storm this bad. Would a storm like this be able to produce a tornado?" Gold asked.

"No," Princess Celestia said, "that would require a large amount of Pegasi."

"Okay. Good to know." Gold said. Twilight then peeked out from behind and Princess Celestia giggled.

"No need to be shy. I won't hurt you." She said. Twilight slowly walked next to Gold and Princess Celestia smiled.

"Y-you're even more beautiful up close." Twilight said. Princess Celestia giggled.

"Why thank you. This storm knocked out the power," Princess Celestia said, "so your studies have ended for the day. However, it's too dangerous to have the two of you leave the castle. I suppose now would be a good time for you two to learn about some of the villains I've faced."

"Really?" Gold asked.

"Yes. I can do so while we eat." Princess Celestia said.

Location: Canterlot Castle, Dining Hall

Time: 1230 Hours (12:30 PM)

Twilight and Gold were eating as they heard a story of a villain that Princess Celestia fought.

"Then," Princess Celestia said, "we saw our chance and used our combined power to banish him. Unfortunately, the Empire went with him."

"Wow!" Twilight said.

"You talk about your sister a lot. Where is she?" Gold asked. Princess Celestia looked down and sighed.

"I suppose you should know about her." Princess Celestia said.

"Huh?" Gold asked.

"Have you ever heard The Legend of Nightmare Moon?" Princess Celestia said.

"Nightmare Moon? My parents say it's just an old ponies tale." Twilight said. Gold caught on.

"The Mare in the Moon. She was your sister?" Gold asked.

"Yes, child. She was. I had banished her long ago using the Elements of Harmony. It brought about the first ever Summer Sun Celebration." Princess Celestia said. Gold gasped.

"That means each one is a reminder of when you had to banish your own sister." He spoke. Twilight looked solemn and Princess Celestia nodded.

"A terrible one at that." Princess Celestia said.

"Is that why you were crying before the ceremony?" Gold asked.

"It is. I miss my dear sister so much." Princess Celestia said.

"I'm sure she misses you, too." Twilight said. Princess Celestia gave a soft smile before nodding.

"I believe you might be right." Princess Celestia said. Twilight smiled and Gold nodded.

"Now then," Gold said, "since the weather hasn't let up, how should we proceed with the rest of the day?" Princess Celestia pondered it for a bit before smiling.

"I believe I know. Why don't you two demonstrate what you learned?" She asked. Twilight looked at Gold.

"They say practice makes perfect." Gold said. Twilight nodded and the two started demonstrating what they learned in terms of magic. Princess Celestia was impressed at the both of them.

"You've almost mastered the basics. Keep at it!" She said.

"We will, Your Highness." Twilight said. Gold gave a nod in confirmation and Princess Celestia smiled.

'I suppose I should tell him the truth.' Princess Celestia thought. Gold then saw the rain let up and looked at Twilight, getting an idea.

"Come on. There's something I want to show you." He said. Twilight nodded and the two got up, leaving the dining hall with Princess Celestia smiling.

'He may not be mine,' Princess Celestia thought, 'but he is my son.'

Location: Canterlot Castle, Overlook

Time: 1337 Hours (1:37 PM)

Gold and Twilight walked out and Twilight was confused.

"Why are we here?" She asked.

"Just watch." Gold said. He then used his magic to lift Twilight up.

"Wha?!" Twilight asked. Gold then set her on the railing, facing her towards a clearing. Twilight looked scared, but was soon mesmerized as she saw a rainbow appear over the clearing.

'Amazing!' She thought. Gold then brought her back down and she smiled at him.

"Did you really thing I was just going to keep you up there and risk you falling?" He asked, having a slight grin. Twilight giggled before hugging him.

"Guess I should have trusted you." She said. Gold hugged her back and gave a friendly nuzzle, which Twilight returned.

"I should probably get you home. Your parents are probably getting worried." Gold said. Twilight then looked solemn.

"I just realized. I've never met YOUR parents." Twilight said. Gold turned solemn and sighed.

"I… don't know them." He said. Unbeknownst to the two of them, Princess Celestia had started listening in with Cadence joining her.

"You don't know your parents?" Twilight asked.

"The Princess didn't want to tell me," Gold said, "but…. I overheard a platoon of guards say it. My parents died when I was a newborn. They… they tried to steal something important, and were killed in the process. I later learned that I was the product of one of their 'escapades' at a crime scene where several ponies died. I guess they loved a life of crime more than they loved me. The Princess took me in and raised me, but… all the guards see me as is the son of two criminals. They said my father was the worst of them all. I guess there's truth to that saying."

"What saying?" Twilight asked. Gold looked at Twilight, tears forming in his eyes.

"The sins of the father will fall on the son." Gold said. Twilight was stunned, but shook her head and hugged Gold tight.

"Don't you ever say that! You're NOTHING like your father! You're kind, sweet, smart! You even help ponies when they need it most! You listen to me, Gold Shield! There will come a day where everything you've done for everyone will be recognized! Never let anyone tell you different!" Twilight said. Gold then returned the hug and softly started crying.

"What did I ever do to deserve your friendship?" He asked.

"You didn't have to do anything." Twilight said. Princess Celestia was now shedding tears.

"Auntie?" Cadence asked.

"He knew this whole time that his parents were dead," Princess Celestia said, "and he didn't ask me about them."

"It's a sensitive subject. He revealed only PARTS of the truth. He didn't tell her everything." Cadence said. Princess Celestia then walked out and Twilight looked at her.

"Y-Your Highness?" She asked. Princess Celestia then used a wing and dried Gold's tears. He looked at her, sadness evident in his eyes.

"I was going to tell you the truth at the right time. Gold, I may not have given birth to you," Princess Celestia said, "but I've raised you since you were just a newborn colt. You DO have a parent. You have ME. You may not be my flesh and blood, but you ARE my child."

"W-what?" Gold asked.

"They day your parents died was the day I took you in. They tried using you as a distraction to kill me and steal those important items! My guards are well trained! I took you in," Princess Celestia said, "raised you, named you! Your parents made you, looking to use you for their deeds, but I've raised you to be better than them!"

"What are you saying, Your Highness?" Twilight asked.

"Gold Shield," Princess Celestia said, "you precious little colt, I… am your mother." Gold processed this before having a flashback. Though he was just a newborn colt, he remembered it all in his subconscious mind. He remembered the sounds, the smells, the touch. He remembered everything. He even remembered what his father said before they started the attempt.

"I…. I remember it. That day! I remember it all!" Gold said.

"What do you remember?" Twilight asked.

"My father said something before they attempted what they did." Gold said.

"What was it?" Princess Celestia asked, tears still flowing.

"He said, 'If things start to go south, send the baby out as a distraction. We can kill two birds with one stone. He will only hold us back. He is nameless. Nopony will care that he is dead.' I remember it clear as day!" Gold said.

"They were aiming to kill us both." Princess Celestia sobbed. Gold then dried her tears, causing her to look stunned.

"If you say I'm your son," Gold said, "then make it official." Princess Celestia's eyes widened in shock.

'He means it.' She thought. Princess Celestia smiled tearfully before pulling Gold close to her and hugging him. He returned it and Twilight smiled. Princess Celestia broke the hug and nodded.

"Follow me." She said.

Location: Canterlot Adoption Agency

Time: 1529 Hours (3:29 PM)

Princess Celestia sat with Gold as the social worker did the necessary things. Twilight had accompanied them as support. The social worker looked at Princess Celestia.

"You're certain that his parents never named him?" They asked.

"The hospital recorded his birth," Princess Celestia said, "but he was unnamed. The parents had left AMA."

"AMA?" Twilight asked.

"Against medical advice." Gold said. Twilight then understood and nodded.

"You gave him the name Gold Shield?" The social worker asked.

"I did." Princess Celestia confirmed. The social worker then looked through everything again before looking back at Princess Celestia.

"Why wait until now? Why not do this when you first got him?" They asked.

"Because of the optics. I didn't want to be accused of killing them just so I could raise their child. The case file had to be made," Princess Celestia said, "and an investigation performed. This is why I waited." The case worker then understood and smiled.

"You did the right thing then. Both as a leader," they said, "and as a mother. Adoption granted!" They then gave the stamp of approval and Gold smiled. Princess Celestia teared up, but Gold quickly dried them.

"No more tears today,…. Mom." He said. Princess Celestia giggled before hugging him.

"These are tears of joy,… son." She said.

Location: Canterlot Castle, Gold Shield's Bedchambers

Time: 2100 Hours (9:00 PM)

Gold was lying in bed, studying his notes before going to sleep. As he did so, a guard walked in with Cadence. Gold looked at them and recognized the guard as Twilight's brother, Shining Armor.

"Got a minute?" Cadence asked. Gold put his notes aside and nodded.

"Sure. Is this about you and Shining Armor dating?" Gold asked. Shining and Cadence both blushed, but Cadence cleared her throat.

"It's not that. It's something more serious." Cadence said. Gold then grew concerned and looked at Shining Armor.

"Cadence isn't pregnant, is she?" Gold asked. The two blushed intensely before Shining got flustered.

"It's not about us at all!" Shining said.

"Why would you even suggest that?!" Cadence asked.

"If it's more serious than you two dating," Gold said, "then it's that you two were expecting a foal. If it's not about the two of you then you should lead with that." Cadence gave Shining a look and Shining chuckled in embarrassment.

'Oh, boy.' Gold thought. Cadence cleared her throat again, composing herself.

"What we need to talk about is what you overheard the guards say about the day your parents were killed." Cadence said.

"Do you remember what platoon had spoken about it? Any of the members inside it?" Shining asked.

"Unfortunately, no. Each platoon looks the same." Gold said.

"I see." Cadence said.

"Though," Gold said, "one thing did strike me as odd."

"What was it?" Shining asked.

"One of them had a speech impediment." Gold said. This got Shining's attention.

"Go on." Shining and Cadence said.

"It was barely noticeable," Gold said, "but one of them mixed up the letters in a word. They're probably dyslexic, or they speak with a lisp." Shining then gasped in shock and Cadence looked at him.

"What?" She asked.

"I know what platoon it was." Shining said.

"Already?!" Cadence asked.

"Out of all the platoons," Shining said, "only one has a member that speaks with a lisp. Said guard is also dyslexic. I'll inform Princess Celestia of this tomorrow." Cadence was utterly stunned and looked at Gold.

"That was some keen attention to detail. I dare say you might have a knack for it." She said. Gold then yawned and Shining smiled.

"Looks like it's time to sleep." He said.

"Yeah. I have a big few days ahead of me tomorrow." Gold said. Cadence smiled before realizing it and grinning.

"Helping Twilight with her magic?" Cadence asked.

"Plus studying to build my own magic." Gold said.

"You seem to enjoy spending time with Twilight." Cadence said.

"I know what you're getting at," Gold said, "and you're WAY off base. We're just friends. Besides, your boyfriend would likely beat any stallion that gets close to Twilight to a pulp." Shining tensed up before sighing.

"I'm protective of her, alright? I'm her BBBFF!" Shining said.

"Huh?" Cadence asked. Gold sighed and Shining facehoofed.

"Big Brother Best Friend Forever!" Gold and Shining said.

"Jinx!" Shining said.

"I'm rubber," Gold said, "you're glue. What bounces off me sticks right back to you." Shining's jaw dropped and Cadence giggled.

"He's got you there, hon!" She said.

"D'oh!" Shining exclaimed. Gold and Cadence then laughed, causing Shining to soon join in with a chuckle. Cadence then looked at Gold with a smile.

"I'm glad Auntie Celestia decided to take you in. You make her so happy!" She said.

"True," Gold said, "but I know one thing that will make her happier. A shame it probably won't happen." Cadence caught on and went solemn.

"If it does," she said, "then you had best prepare." Gold then held up a piece of paper.

"Way ahead of you." He said. Gold then yawned again, this time with an audible one, and Cadence got the message. Shining then gave a smile before leaving. Gold then got comfortable and Cadence left, turning the light off and closing the door as she did so. Gold then closed his eyes and started to fall asleep, but couldn't. That is, however, until a shadowy figure placed a plush of Twilight in his hooves. Gold then fell asleep swiftly. The shadowy figure seemed to have a solemn look, and looked as if it were shedding tears.

"Sleep well, Gold Shield. I hope to meet you face-to-face at the 1000th Summer Sun Celebration when I can finally be free." They spoke. The figure then faded away as a lone tear dropped and hit the plush.