Yay, chapter 40 is here! Thanks to all the ppl liking the story and following it and commenting on it ^^ Hope you enjoy :D aaand sorry for the lame title... couldn't think of any better T_T
Chapter 40: Friendly Visits
Princess Lucky Fire of Ponyville is now 16 and as tall as Luna was on Nightmare Night when she first came to Ponyville to make friends and learn of the ways of the present day when Twilight helped her out. Lucky was heading out of the office, it is a weekend. Lightning Sky was waiting outside with a stallion Lucky has only seen once and had met when Lightning introduced him to Lucky 5 years ago. Lightning and her twin are now 20. Now though, now Lightning looks... different... "Lightning. You look different.", Lucky said, her voice is now neutral between high and low, but you still can tell Lucky's a filly, almost a mare. Lightning grinned happily. "Yeah, I couldn't wait to tell you. Princess, I'm pregnant." Lucky blinked twice, then her jaw dropped. "Oh my goodness, you are? Congrats Lightning!" Lucky hugged Lightning. "Thanks. Oh, I can't wait until I find out what the gender is. In 6 more months is when I will be having the baby. I also can't wait to see who it looks like more."
"Yeah, it will be interesting. I can't wait either. Goodness, my twins are growing up." Lucky grinned teasingly. Lightning giggled, and Citrus chuckled, which surprised Lucky cause when she met him, he was so sour and kinda mean. It seems Lightning has changed him. Thunder then came flying down to them. "Hey, Little Princess!" Then she landed in front of Lucky. "Jeez, you really have grown... I guess I can't call you little anymore." Lucky smiled and nuzzled Thunder. "It's alright Thunder. You can still call me Little Princess. It is your special nickname for me after all." Lucky winked. Thunder grinned. "Alright, if you say so." Lucky just nodded. "Wow, I haven't seen any of my fellow Princesses since I was 13. At that time I was almost as tall as a full grown pony. Cadance, Celestia, and Luna will be surprised to see how tall I've gotten. Actually, I hadn't seen Cadance since I was 8. Wow, it's been forever." Lightning smiled, "I think it's because you've hit your growth spurt. I'm not an expert on Alicorns, of course, as they're rare, but I'm going with logic." Lucky chuckled. "I think it's the growth spurt too."
Applejack and Rainbow came trotting up to them. "Lightning, we heard from Thunder that you're pregnant. Congratulations.", Rainbow said. Rainbow is 28 now and Applejack is 30 lol. Rarity now is 31, Fluttershy 32, Pinkie 31, and Twilight 29. (least I think so :/ lol they're old XD) "So, Thunder, find anypony yet?" Thunder shook her head. "No, doesn't seem finding the right one for me is easy." Lucky patted Thunder's shoulder. "You'll find somepony, I know it. I can see it in your future, that special somepony will make herself known to you soon." Thunder grinned. "Alright, I'll hold you to that Princess. So, you gotten together with Sweetie Belle yet?", she asked and winked. Lucky blushed lightly. "No, I-I haven't..." Lightning tilted her head a little bit and said, "What are you waiting for Princess? You're 16 and able to date now... well... Rainbow has had her say when you were 8 or 9, saying no dating until 25." Lightning giggled after saying that.
Lucky chuckled, "I remember. Though I think she's gotten a bit softer since then." then she smirked. "Hey! No I haven't... maybe a bit..." Thunder laughed, Lightning giggled, Citrus chuckled, and Applejack laughed. "Ya definitely have sugarcube. Ever since Lucky came inta our lives." Rainbow blushed. "Mama's blushing.", Lucky teased. Rainbow playfully poked her tongue out at Lucky. Lucky laughed. "So, mama, ma, I wanna see the Canterlot Princesses again. I haven't seen them in 3 years. I'm sure they'll be surprised how much I've grown." Rainbow nodded in agreement. "Yeah they will. Applejack and I still can't believe how tall you are now." Lucky grinned proudly. "Alright Lucky. You can go see the Princesses. When will you be home?" Lucky thought for a minute, "Probably in the morning, definitely and obviously before work." Rainbow and Applejack nodded. "Ok, and when ya see Rarity 'n Fluttershy say hi fer us all alright?" Lucky smiled and nodded.
"Alright. I'll do that. Thanks ma and mama. See you tomorrow, good night in advance, and love ya both." Lucky nuzzled them both, then hugged Lightning and Thunder, and shook hooves with Citrus and then left for the train station. Thunder lives in Cloudsdale again, and Lightning lives with Citrus in Ponyville. When she got to the train station, after paying for her ticket, she saw Sweetie, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo. She trotted over to them. "Hi guys, what's going on? Why are you here at the train station?" Scooter answered, "Babs is coming to town!" Lucky grinned, then her ears flattened and her grin faded. "And I made plans to go to Canterlot to see the Princesses." Sweetie looked sympathetic. "Sorry Princess. When will you be back?", Sweetie asked. "Tomorrow, I have work. Ooo, maybe tomorrow after work I can hang out with you three. How long will Babs be in town?", Lucky answered. "She'll be here fer a whole week.", AB said. "Then I'll definitely have time to see her.", Lucky said happily. The train then came pulling into the station and stopped. The ponies on the train all were coming off, and then Babs stepped out.
"Hey guys!", she said upon seeing Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie. Though when she saw Lucky, her eyes got a little wide, then she bowed. "Hello Princess, you got a lot taller." Babs stood up again. Lucky smiled. "Yup, and I'm going to visit the Canterlot Princesses overnight to show them how tall I've gotten. Though I'll definitely have the time to visit with you too as you'll be staying the week." Babs smiled. "Happy to hear that Princess. Have a good time in Canterlot." Lucky nodded, "I will. Bye everypony. See y'all tomorrow." Then Lucky got on the train. The ride was uneventful, so when Lucky got to Canterlot, she got off the train and went to Rarity's and Fluttershy's place. When she got there, she knocked on the door. "Come in.", said a soft voice. Lucky went in. "Hi Aunt Fluttershy. Where's Aunt Rarity?" Fluttershy looked over at the visitor. "Oh my. Princess Lucky. You've gotten much taller." Fluttershy bowed to Lucky, then stood back up. "Oh, and to answer your question, Rarity is out on a delivery. She should be back any minute." Lucky nodded.
"So, what are you doing in Canterlot? Are you on Princess duty?", Fluttershy asked. "Nope, just here to visit the Princesses. I haven't seen them in three years, nor have I seen you and Rarity in that same time. The others, ma, mama and my other 2 Aunts say hi. I was going to wait until Aunt Rarity got back and tell you both together." Rarity had gotten in the door just as Lucky said that. "Why thank you Princess." Lucky turned around and smiled. "Hi Aunt Rarity." Fluttershy smiled. She saw Rarity, but didn't give her away. "I thank you too Princess Lucky. We appreciate you passing on the message." Fluttershy went up and nuzzled her niece. Rarity did the same. Lucky nuzzled them back. "Do either of you have time to visit the Princesses with me?" Rarity looked thoughtful. "I don't have anymore orders, I just finished the last order and delivery just now. So I think I have the time to do that as well."
Lucky smiled, "Alright, then on to the throne room." Lucky led the way. On the way, they saw Terra's father. "Princess Lucky, how nice to see you. My you've gotten tall.", he said, while bowing. "Hi Broad Sword. How's Terra doing?" Sword smiled, "She's doing well, thank you. Unfortunately it is very hard for her to figure out what her special talent is, so she still hasn't gotten her cutie mark and she's a little bummed out about that, but other than that, she's very well." Lucky looked thoughtful. "Hmm, well, Terra means Earth in another language, and she draws strength from the Earth so she is able to walk, despite her illness... it should be Earth related talent. Tell her that, maybe then she can get an idea." Broad smiled and nodded, "I'll tell her that when I get home. Thank you again Princess."
"No problem. Helping ponies is always my priority, even off duty." Broad bowed once again and then went on his way. Lucky led her two Aunts the rest of the way to the throne room. "I'm proud of you Princess Lucky. You have grown up so much since you became Princess at 5 years old.", Rarity said. "I agree with Rarity.", Fluttershy said. "Yeah, I know. Everypony's been saying that lately whenever I sound so grown up like I did just now." Rarity and Fluttershy smiled. Then they got to the throne room doors. Lucky opened them with her magic. Luna and Celestia both looked up from their work to see a mint blue aura open both doors. Then they saw Lucky standing there, tall and regal looking in her Princess garb. Rarity and Fluttershy were flanking her. Both Canterlot Princesses blinked, then stood up and bowed.
"Princess Lucky Fire, how nice to see you.", Luna said. Lucky walked up to them and bowed to them as they stood back up. "It's nice to see you as well, Princess Luna." Luna was now as tall as Celestia. Lucky stood up. "It's amazing how much you've grown in three years Princess. Last we saw you you were almost as tall as a full grown pony. Now you're as tall as I used to be when I first visited Ponyville for a full night during my first Nightmare Night since a thousand years.", Luna said. "Yeah. Ma and mama are amazed too, heh, they still can't believe how tall I am. Their 5 year old went from tiny to 16 and tall. Also, having learned more magic. Aunt Twilight said soon I can learn to teleport." Celestia looked impressed. "You have come a long way in your magic then Princess. I'm proud of you." Lucky smiled. "Thanks Princess Celestia." Celestia and Luna both went to their thrones and sat down, then motioned the three visitors to sit as well.
The three went up to the sisters and sat in front of them. "So, how is your Princess work going Princess Lucky?", Celestia asked. "It's going very well. How's yours going since you have gotten less as some has now come to me?" Celestia smiled. "Our work has been going well as well. The added work hasn't been overwhelming you at all?" Lucky shook her head. "Not at all. Sure I get out later than when I did at 8, or even 13, but I still get it done and get out in time for supper, well, on the weekends. The time I get out on weekends is 5:30. Weekdays I get out at 11:00. So I have to warm up my supper if it's a hot supper or just get it out of the fridge if it's a cold supper." Luna gave a tiny nod. "Not bad. Celestia and I are just getting done with our work. We have a little bit left. If you three wouldn't mind, would you be willing to go someplace while we finish? You may come back in 30 minutes." Lucky nodded, "Of course, I know exactly where I want to go. Rarity, Fluttershy, wanna come with me and meet Terra?"
"Of course. I would love to meet Terra.", Rarity said. Fluttershy just smiled and nodded. "Alright then, we'll be back in 30 minutes Princesses." Lucky then stood up with Rarity and Fluttershy. "Alright. We will see you then. Come to the dining hall, as that will be the time we will be eating.", Celestia said. Lucky nodded, then her and her Aunts left the throne room for Terra's house. When they got there, Lucky knocked on the door. Golden Quill answered. "Hel... oh, Princess Lucky Fire." She bowed. "What a surprise. Come in, come in." Golden stood aside to let Lucky and her Aunts through. "Hello Golden Quill. This is my Aunt Rarity and my Aunt Fluttershy. They live in Canterlot castle. Aunt Rarity is Princess Celestia's and Princess Luna's dressmaker. Though she does make dresses for other clients too. Aunt Fluttershy is an animal groomer and a veterinarian."
Golden Quill shut the door behind them, "That's really nice. I know Rarity is a dressmaker, I was her last client for today. Terra's last school dance for the year is this coming Friday and it's a formal dance, so Terra needed a dress for it." Lucky grinned. "I see, so it's a 'hello again' moment." She then chuckled. The other three giggled, then Terra had made her way in. "Who is it mom?" Terra is still frail looking and weak, but she had grown bigger from when she was 4. She is now the normal height of a foal her age. Her voice is also still quiet, but it does sound like it got stronger, if only somewhat. Terra saw Lucky and her jaw dropped. "Princess Lucky?" Then she bowed, to the best of her ability. "Oh Terra, you don't need to bow. Save your strength. It's alright. Hey, I saw your dad earlier, he said you haven't gotten your cutie mark yet. I have some advice for you. Seeing as your name means Earth in another language, and you happen to draw strength from the Earth, I would say your special talent is Earth related. I also would say your magic would be Earth related too."
"You really think so?" Lucky nodded. "Hmm... well... I guess that does make sense. I will try doing something Earth related." Lucky then said, "Well, here's a better idea. What do you like to do, and what are you good at doing?" Terra looked down in thought. "Um... I dunno. I still need to figure that out too it seems..." Lucky then smiled gently. "Don't worry kiddo. Take your time and figure things out. You'll get your cutie mark eventually." Terra looked up and then she smiled too. "Ok Princess." Lucky then just remembered. "Oh yeah, have you gotten into Princess Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns?" Terra shook her head sadly. "No. I'm not very good at magic. The only thing I can do is draw strength from the Earth using my magic." Lucky thought for a second. "Maybe that's what your special talent is?" Terra rose an eyebrow, you could just barely tell though, her eyebrow didn't raise very high. Lucky chuckled.
"No other pony can do that. You're the only one who can do that." Terra tilted her head. "But what would the cutie mark of that be?" Lucky shrugged. "If that really is your special talent, then... we'll see." Terra shook her head, "But a cutie mark is also supposed to tell who we are supposed to be and what our job will be for the rest of our lives. Drawing strength from the Earth isn't a job..." Lucky thought more. "Then, maybe you could have a job in anything? Though maybe a job where there is an Earth floor so that you can keep drawing strength from the Earth." Terra thought some more. "Maybe a gardener. That would be cool." Lucky smiled. "How about you try that then, if it's something you like and can see yourself doing for the rest of your life, then that will be what your cutie mark will be." Terra smiled. "I'll do that then. Thanks Princess." Lucky grinned, "No problem. Always happy to help. Oh, and Terra, this is my Aunt Fluttershy and my Aunt Rarity. They wanted to come and meet you."
Terra smiled, "Hi Miss Rarity, Miss Fluttershy. It's nice to meet you." They smiled, "Nice to meet you too Terra, and you don't have to call me Miss Fluttershy. Just Fluttershy is fine." Terra nodded. For a few minutes they talked and caught up with three years' time, but shortly they had to head back to the castle. "Well, I think I should be heading back to the castle. I told the Princesses I would be back there in 30 minutes." Golden nodded. "Alright, thank you for coming to visit. It was nice seeing you again and nice meeting you Fluttershy.", she said. "Ok, thanks for visiting and it was good seeing you...", Terra said, and nuzzled Lucky. Lucky nuzzled her back gently. "and meeting you two.", Terra said to Rarity and Fluttershy. "You're welcome Terra. Good bye Golden, Terra." Golden and Terra waved as Lucky, Rarity, and Fluttershy left for the castle. When they got back, they went straight down to the dining hall. When they got there, Celestia and Luna were already sitting there. "Welcome back girls. How did your visit go?" Lucky smiled. "It went very well. It seems Golden Quill was Aunt Rarity's last client before she got back to her and Aunt Fluttershy's room." Celestia and Luna smiled at that. Yeah, so they caught up in times and nothing else really eventful happened. Skipping to next day.
~next day, 9:00 AM~
A pony and her dog had stepped off the train. She had her bags in her magic. "Ok Buddy, where to?" Buddy directed her to the middle of town, where the scent of many ponies mingled together. Buddy whined, not being familiar with this town, he doesn't know where to go. "It's ok Buddy. I understand you're not familiar with this town. When a pony comes our way alert me so I can ask them where Town Hall is." Buddy nuzzled her, then was on the lookout for somepony heading their way. When somepony, Pinkie Pie, came their way, to them, Buddy woofed softly. "Excuse me, can you show me where Town Hall is?" Pinkie looked over. "Oooo, a new pony! Yeah, I can show you. Follow me." The new pony smiled, "Alright Buddy, follow the pony." Buddy obeyed his master. "Why did you tell your dog to follow me? I thought you wanted me to show you." The pony explained, "I am blind. Buddy is my seeing eye dog. He is my eyes, he makes sure I am safe wherever I go. Where I go, he has to come with me."
"Oooooh, so you're blind. I'm sorry. Um, were you born blind or..." The pony nodded, "Yes. I was born blind. My name is Lavender Mint. My name goes with my talent. I make lavender and mint tea. The ponies in my old town were sad to see me go. They absolutely love my tea." Pinkie smiled, "Oooo, I would love to try your tea, but... how can you make it if you're blind?" Lavender explained, "Buddy helps me. I tell him what I need and he gets it for me. Then I have to feel around for what I am making the tea in, which is a bowl and pestle.(at least I think that's what it's called. Heh, at home, no internet and library is closed. Am writing this at 7:30 PM so... library closed 30 minutes ago, can't look it up, nor do I have a dictionary at hand...) Then I am able to actually make the tea when I know where everything is and despite being blind, it always turns out delectable."
"That's so cool. Oh yeah, my name is Pinkie Pie.", Pinkie said. "Nice to meet you Pinkie.", Lavender said. "Nice to meet you too." Then they arrived at Town Hall. "Ok, so you here to see Princess Lucky?" Lavender nodded. "Ok then, we're here to see Princess Lucky. Pinkie Pie and Lavender Mint." The receptionist nodded, then paged Lucky on the intercom. "Princess, you have 2 ponies here to see you. Lavender Mint and Pinkie Pie... and a dog? Why a dog?" Lavender explained, "I am blind. He is my seeing eye dog. You see this vest?" Receptionist nodded. "This vest is his certified seeing eye dog vest, it means wherever I go, he goes. Stores and public places have to let him in." Lucky, having heard that, as the receptionist still held the button on the intercom said, "I understand. You may come back. Aunt Pinkie, show Lavender the way please?" Pinkie smiled, "That's what I'm doing Princess, I'm one step ahead of ya."
Lucky smiled, "Alright then, good job. See you when you get here." Pinkie bounced to Lucky's office, Buddy and Lavender following her. When they got to Lucky's office, Pinkie knocked on the door. "Come in you two, and Buddy." They entered. "Thank you Aunt Pinkie for bringing Lavender here, I can take it from here now." Pinkie saluted. "Yes ma'am. See ya later!" Then she bounded out of the office. "Aunt Pinkie?" Lucky explained. "Oh. So... you'll be showing me around Ponyville Princess? Don't you have paperwork?" Lucky smiled, "Yes. But I can do that while showing you around. I can multitask." Lavender looked impressed. Lucky just smiled. "So, shall we?" Lavender nodded. Lucky stood up and took her papers by magic. "Buddy, follow me please, so that you may learn where everything is so you can take your master to those places if she needs. Though first, your apartment." Buddy softly barked. He followed Lucky.
A/N: oh, Terra hadn't met Rarity when she dropped off the dress. Just to explain Terra's meeting Rarity for the first time .