This is the 16th chapter. Okay, before I could go on and go for 'Babs Seed', I'm planning to add another OC known as Olivia who's the cousin of Elijah and Lisa. She's living in California with her parents after learning about her cousins are living at Equestria and with Twilight Sparkle. But apparently, her parents were killed by loan sharks and leaving her alone while the house was about to be on fire.
I don't own the series of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic.
Italian Reunion
In the city of Oakland, California, there was young girl named Olivia who was living with her Italian parents. Her mother was working at the school as a teacher and her father is a football coach for the San Fransico 49ers. But unlike any of the girls her age, Olivia is into sports like basketball, baseball, and football because of her being an athlete. During her time at school, many of the boys her age wasn't happy about her beating in the games, and she never spends time with any of the girls because they mostly care about their looks, makeup, and cute looking boys.
However, Olivia learned from her uncle about her cousins, Elijah and Lisa, who are known as Comet Stardust and Daylight Savings, are living in Equestria with Twilight Sparkle in Ponyville which she was relieved to hear it. It got her devastated of her uncle died from cancer in Virginia, and her parents are there to comfort her. But to make matters worse, the loan sharks are asking for money because they owed them quite a like plus interest which is illegal, and her parents were already in enough situation as it is. They refuse to pay them back because they have a daughter to support, and the money should be used for her to go to college. The two loan sharks didn't like it, but they warned them they'll come back with money or their heads. Olivia decided to get help by one of the loan sharks who knows about them and report, which apparently, she was able to find one who's friendly enough to know about this. While he thanked her for the report, but it got her worried after learning about them heading to her house since he did know of her parents.
She quickly heads home to warn them, but she was too late. Her parents were killed, and her house is ransacked, which left her devastated as she cried with a sad heavy heart. Unknown to her, Princess Luna was watching the entire thing, and it got her sad but turned and saw the two loan sharks throwing molotov cocktails at the house, started to burn the house and Olivia quickly panics.
Without hesitation, Princess Luna hurries inside of the house and look for Olivia before she gets killed. She then heard a cough, and the smoke is spreading fast which it's not anything easy as the Princess of Night searches.
"Olivia...where are you?" Princess Luna called her, coughing the smoke while searching the room. "Olivia!"
"I'm...over here!" The voice of Olivia shouts, coughing. "In my room!"
"Just hold on! I'm coming!" Princess Luna shouts, hurrying upstairs before it falls apart behind her.
She was able to get to the upper floor, then found a door that has a sign with a name on it. Princess Luna breaks the door while searching for Olivia, who's coughing from under the bed as she goes underneath.
"Olivia!" Princess Luna called her, earned her attention which got her frightened. "Don't be afraid! I'm here to help you!"
Olivia isn't convinced, tried to crawl back, but Princess Luna uses her magic to pull her out and places her on her back while spreading her wings.
"Look, Olivia! I'm your friend, and I'm getting you out!" Princess Luna told her, but the flames are spreading faster as she uses her magic to teleport out of the house.
Princess Luna and Olivia appeared at the Crystal Empire with a cough, getting the smoke out of their mouths and their bodies, manes, and tails covered in black soot. However, Olivia was now a unicorn which Princess Luna didn't have time to explain while quickly alter her DNA.
Olivia's new appearance is a unicorn with light gray fur coat with moderate lavender mane and tail, and cerulean eyes.
Olivia was able to recover, and it got her eyes widen when she realizes that she's in Equestria. She then turned to Princess Luna, who glances back at her.
"Am...Am I in Equestria?" Olivia asks.
"Yes, little one. And I'm sorry I didn't have time to explain because I'm in a hurry to help you." Princess Luna explains sadly. "And...I'm sorry for what happen to your parents."
Her eyes are starting to fill in tears as she cried out. She's now an orphan after losing her parents.
My Little Pony, My Little Pony
Ahhhh
My Little Pony
I use to wonder what friendship could be
My Little Pony
Until you all share this magic with me
Big adventure,
Tons of fun,
A beautiful heart,
Faithful and strong,
Sharing kindness
It's an easy feat
And magic makes it all complete
You all have my little ponies
Do you know all you're my best friends?
Olivia continued to cry with sadness, and Princess Luna gently places her down, hugging her with comfort. Many of the Crystal Ponies turned their attention to the two, watching the Italian filly crying her tears out. Princess Cadence and Shining Armor arrived at the scene, noticing Princess Luna hugging the filly as she glances at the two.
"I'm afraid I owe you an explanation for why we're like this." Princess Luna said, then turns back to Olivia. "Olivia? We should head inside, and once we're given you a bath, I'll tell them what happened."
Olivia just looks at Princess Luna and nods as they follow Princess Cadence and Shining Armor to the castle, but the Italian filly is having trouble walking like a pony which the Princess of the Night uses her magic to levitate her and places on her back while following them.
After Princess Luna and Olivia got a good bath to get rid of the soot, she gives both Princess Cadence and Shining Armor an explanation, telling them that the Italian filly is from Oakland, California. Her parents were owing money from the two loan sharks which they refuse, because they were friends with the third loan shark, who's the friendly with Olivia's family, and he was the one helped them get a good home and support while she pays a visit with him. Things have taken a turn when two of the loan sharks killed her family and lighting the house on fire. Princess Luna was able to save Olivia just in time and brought her here in Equestria.
Princess Cadence and Shining Armor gave the Italian filly a sympathy look because of the loss of her family, but no child ever deserve to ever see her parents died because of the loan sharks killing them without any reason.
"But luckily, their friend have them arrested for arson and murder of her parents." Princess Luna said somberly. "However, he'll have to attend the funeral without knowing that Olivia will be safe here."
While Olivia felt grateful for Princess Luna, but she looks down with sad look on her face which the three ponies took notice.
"We understand, but why here in the Crystal Empire?" Shining Armor asks.
"I didn't have the time to prepare because of the fire, and I've been doing so quick alter of her DNA to turn her into a unicorn." Princess Luna answered in defense which he begins to understand. "Also, I happen to listen the wish from the distant world, which happens to be around in a state called 'California'. Olivia was living a happy life with her parents and one of the loan sharks are good friends. Her mother is a teacher while her father is a coach for...football?"
Olivia nods after turning to Princess Luna.
"And after that, you know the rest after telling you everything." Princess Luna continued somberly. "And now, she's an orphan after losing her family and her home."
Princess Cadence and Shining Armor then turns to Olivia, felt sad for the Italian filly as she gives her a hug for comfort.
"We're all very sorry for your loss, Olivia." Princess Cadence said sadly, which Olivia appreciates it as she hugs her in return when Princess Luna walks to her.
"I know you miss them, but they want you to be safe and they wanted what's best for you." Princess Luna assures with a sad smile.
Olivia just sobs quietly, but Princess Cadence just comforts her while soothing her. Princess Luna then turns her head to Shining Armor.
"Shining Armor, I know what I'm asking is a huge responsibility, but...can I count on you and Cadence to take care of Olivia?" Princess Luna asks, raising her hoof before Shining Armor could say anything. "Olivia has nowhere else to go and I can't take care of her since I still have a huge responsibility as a Princess while keeping my sister in check of her cravings of cakes. Also, your sister has enough children, and I don't think she'll be able to make room."
Shining Armor and Princess Cadence knew Princess Luna has a valid point since Olivia has nowhere else to go because her former home is burned down to the ground along with the death of her parents.
"We can understand that, but we still have responsibilities ourselves." Shining Armor said with sigh. "Also, we're gonna have a talk with Twily since she, Comet, and Daylight needs to know about this."
"It's understandable, but Shining Armor, Cadence, the reason why I chose the both of you is because you two promised to have a foal of your own." Princess Luna told them. "And right now, Olivia needs somepony to take care of her."
Princess Cadence then breaks the hug and approach next to her husband.
"You're right, but it's like Shining said, we're gonna have a talk with Twilight, Comet, and Daylight about the reason why she's here." Princess Cadence replied.
"That will be best." Princess Luna agrees. "But before I leave, it'll be best that we change Olivia's name."
"Why?" Olivia asks, confused. "What's wrong with my name?"
"Nothing, it's just that it doesn't fit around in Equestria." Shining Armor answered with a smile. "Your name should be changed so that the ponies won't be confused by that. Even to you, it's common in your world."
Olivia then nods with an understanding.
"Though, you do have the same fur coat and my eyes, but you have Cadence's similar color of your mane." Shining Armor adds, pondering a bit when Princess Cadence come up with name.
"Gleaming Hope." Princess Cadence said, earned their attention. "Your name, it will be Gleaming Hope."
Olivia starts thinking about it, since she's staying in Equestria with them, she'll have to get a new name, and it also give her time to spend with her cousins to patch things up. She then looks at Princess Cadence and nods.
"Take care of her." Princess Luna said.
"We will." Shining Armor replied as Princess Luna teleports home. He and Princess Cadence turns to Olivia, who's now Gleaming Hope.
"Are you going to take care of me?" Gleaming Hope asks hopefully.
"As long as you do what we say and go as Gleaming Hope from now on." Shining Armor answered. "We'll make sure you're in good hooves, but we still have responsibilities. And I know we'll get to spend some time whenever we get the chance."
She then thought about it. She then gives them a hopeful smile, and walked towards them, but still trying to walk like a pony. Shining Armor decided to help the Italian filly, using magic to lift Gleaming Hope up and placed her in between the two. He and Princess Cadence then wrapped Gleaming Hope into a hug, until she hugs them back, but her stomach growled which made her blush in embarrassment.
"Sorry." Gleaming Hope said, breaks a hug while sits on her haunches and holds her stomach.
"It's alright, guess you must've been hungry." Princess Cadence said with an understanding, giggled a little. "We should head to the dining hall; lunch would be ready soon."
With that, Princess Cadence, Shining Armor, and Gleaming Hope head towards the Dining Hall while they teach her how to walk.
"How are you and Princess Luna able to do that?" Gleaming Hope asked.
"Able to do what?" Princess Cadence inquires.
"This." Gleaming Hope answered, tried making it clear by pointing at her horn. "The glow and the magic."
"Oh, that's just magic. It's sometimes easy to use." Princess Cadence replied.
"Magic?" Gleaming Hope repeats when Shining Armor points his horn.
"Unicorns and alicorns can generate magic from their horns, and are able to use their horns to lift things with a magical aura." Princess Cadence explains. "Like levitation, teleport, and other magics. We'll teach you how to use your magic later today, or tomorrow. Right now, let's get you something to eat."
They then went inside of the dining hall, where lunch is being made and repaired which made Gleaming Hope shocked with her jaws dropped. Shining Armor and Princess just chuckled at her which made Gleaming Hope blushed in embarrassment. They then let her choose the food since she's new to the environment while Shining Armor and Princess Cadence goes next. When they start eating, Gleaming Hope hadn't touched her food and she's looking down with somber look as she passed the plate over and starts to sob quietly. Both Shining Armor and Princess Cadence somehow knew what she was feeling and went over to talk to her.
"Are you okay?" Princess Cadence asks, worried when Gleaming Hope looks at them.
"I...I just my mom and dad..." Gleaming Hope cried.
"I know you do, but Gleaming, there are some ponies might be wanting to get to know you, it just takes time." Princess Cadence said as she hugs the Italian filly. "We know it's not easy to accept after what happened to your family, but you got to remember, you're not alone."
"She's right, and your parents want you to live and get a fresh start. Also, living here in Equestria isn't as bad as you think." Shining Armor adds. "Besides, it's not the outside yourself that matters, but what matters is what's on the inside."
"The reason is because you have the love of your family, and you have a stronghearted spirit, just like your cousins." Princess Cadence said. "That's the reason why we like about you."
Gleaming Hope then smiled that she was getting some positive words about herself, until she leaned over on Princess Cadence's neck and nuzzled her cheek with her fur. Shining Armor suddenly got an idea about what they would do for tomorrow.
"Hey, Gleaming?" Shining Armor called, earned her attention. "Twily is coming at the Crystal Empire tomorrow, and she's bringing her children. I'm sure you're familiar Comet and Daylight, who's also the humans known as Elijah and Lisa."
Gleaming Hope is starting to cheer up after being told about her cousins, remembered of her late uncle telling her about his kids living in Equestria with Twilight. They then start eating their lunch, but they noticed Gleaming Hope is starting to eat her seconds which it's a big serving.
"Wow, Gleaming, you sure got a big appetite." Shining Armor said as she gulped her food.
"Sorry, I just couldn't help it. I usually go around play sports while my parents treated me like I'm a big girl. Even though, I'm an athlete with a tomboy appearance." Gleaming Hope told him.
"Makes sense." Princess Cadence said with a giggle, starts to understand. "But have you ever thought about doing something that doesn't involve sports?"
"No, and mom usually ask me that same question. Many of the girls my age thought about becoming models, date cute boys, that sort of stuff. But for me, I've always got a thing of sports like baseball, basketball, and football." Gleaming Hope explains. "The boys my age even complains about me playing."
Princess Cadence and Shining Armor begins to understand, mainly because of her father being a football coach.
"Did your mom know about it?" Princess Cadence asks.
"Yes, and she can understand that because I use to play with dad." Gleaming Hope replied. "And I usually play alone in the house."
"Well, we have some sports here in Equestria." Shining Armor said with a ponder. "But we have to get you settled here first before you try anything. And we can play something you like, okay?"
Gleaming Hope responds with a nod.
"Also, there will be school. We were able to find one, and it'll give you a chance for education and play with somepony your age." Princess Cadence adds.
Gleaming Hope is aware of that, but she doesn't know how to make friends with ponies, decided to take it slow and go from there since she made some back in Oakland.
Few hours later, both Princess Cadence and Shining Armor are given Gleaming Hope around the tour at the castle while telling her some stories of how the Crystal Empire is rediscovered for the past millennia, King Sombra, and how Mario, Spike, and her cousins able to save the kingdom. Gleaming Hope was amazed of her cousins, but sad if they were able to learn about her parents' death and it got her wonder what they would say.
Princess Cadence is taking Gleaming Hope to the bathroom, and she started up the tub with both faucets for the warm water, and then she dipped her hoof to check the temperature as it was just right, let it fill up the tub. As the water was at the proper amount, she set Gleaming Hope down into the tub with her magic and got some bathing materials, including a shower sponge brush, some shampoo, and a bar of soap with her magic.
"Is the water warm, sweetie?" Princess Cadence asks while taking off her crown, golden hooves, and her necklace.
"Yes, it is." Gleaming Hope replied with a nod.
Princess Cadence smiled warmly as she starts rubbing her shoulders, before Gleaming Hope returned a smile of her own. She then lathered her mane with shampoo. She took a small pitcher of water and dumped it over head to wash the shampoo out of her mane. Feeling the water, Gleaming Hope let out a giggle after feeling tickled from the water which Princess Cadence giggled a little. She then got in with her and started lathering her mane with shampoo, then uses her magic to fill the sponge brush with soap, and gently washes her body and herself, before she rinses themselves off with the entire tub. With Gleaming Hope and Princess Cadence cleaned up, she picked the Italian filly up, placed her next to her, and drained the tub. Once the tub was completely drained, Princess Cadence used the towel dry Gleaming Hope off and herself.
Later, Princess Cadence and Shining Armor are sharing the same bed with Gleaming Hope since she's new and tried to get adjusted to her new home. Gleaming Hope was starting to have a nightmare with tears fallen from her eyes. Princess Cadence and Shining Armor felt bad for her, so she sat up and pulling her in for a hug.
"Shh...Shh...It's okay, Gleaming. We're here, we're here." Princess Cadence whispered into her ear. "I promise we'll be there for you. You deserve the best, and we'll give you much support."
Gleaming Hope then calms down a little. She then snuggled closer to Princess Cadence's barrel and nuzzled with her chest fur, wrapped her hind legs around her belly, and laid her head against the crook of her neck as the Italian filly curled her hooves around her chest. Both Princess Cadence and Shining Armor smiled at that and then went back to sleep.
The next morning, Princess Cadence and Shining Armor were starting to wake up from their peaceful calm slumber in their bed. She was about to get up until she felt something wrapped around her barrel. Princess Cadence and Shining Armor looked down to see Gleaming Hope under the covers with her. They smiled to see the filly holding onto her barrel, but it was time for her to get up.
Princess Cadence put her hoof on Gleaming Hope's back.
"Gleaming Hope, it's time to get up." Princess Cadence said softly.
Gleaming Hope groaned and squirmed a little until she woke up. She looked at and see both Princess Cadence and Shining Armor smiling.
"Morning Princess Cadence, morning Shining Armor." Gleaming Hope said.
"Good morning." Shining Armor said before yawning. "It's time to get up."
Gleaming Hope nodded, then she let go of Princess Cadence's barrel, and sat up.
"It feels kind of weird sitting like this." Gleaming Hope said. "It's like I'm sitting like a dog."
"You'll get used to it." Shining Armor said with a chuckle. "Now let's go get some breakfast."
Princess Cadence and Shining Armor then got out of the bed, and then he used his magic to levitate Gleaming Hope off the bed. He then placed Gleaming Hope onto his back and then headed out of the room. They went across the kitchen and Shining Armor starts making pancakes while Princess Cadence brings out some apples and oranges for the addition. She then uses her magic to levitate Gleaming Hope off of his back and next to her.
"Alright, Gleaming. I think it's time for you to learn some basic magic." Princess Cadence said. "Starting with levitation."
She moved an orange towards Gleaming Hope which she's confused about it.
"What I want you to do is I want you to focus on the magic within you, and concentrate it through your horn, but also have a clear mind while doing it because that's how it normally works, and it also requires focus on the object you see in front of you or if you're casting any type of spells." Princess Cadence explains.
"Um...I'm not sure I can do this..." Gleaming Hope said.
"We know you can." Shining Armor said while cooking. "It's all within you. Feel the magic flowing with you, clear your mind, maintain your focus and concentrate it through your horn. Just focus."
Gleaming Hope nodded, exhaled and closed her eyes, and cleared her mind. She was now concentrating on something flowing within her. She then pushed her magic towards her horn which started to glow in a pale light grayish orchid aura. Gleaming Hope looked at her horn in amazement.
"Whoa." Gleaming Hope said.
"Don't lose focus." Shining Armor told her. "Now, I want you to concentrate that magic around the orange and lift it up."
Gleaming Hope looked at the orange. She then focused some of that magic, looking at the orange. Then, her aura surrounded the orange, which was the same aura surrounding her horn. Then the orange starts levitating which got her surprised.
"Keep that focus." Princess Cadence said. "Try moving it the way you usually use an orange, but with your horn. And remember to concentrate."
Gleaming Hope nodded and then focused on moving the orange.
"I did it!" Gleaming Hope cheered.
"Great job, but you still got a lot to learn." Princess Cadence told her as Gleaming Hope nods with a smile.
Twilight, Comet, and Daylight have arrived at the Crystal Empire after being informed about the filly named Olivia, now as Gleaming Hope, from Princess Luna. Both Comet and Daylight knew exactly who she is, which apparently, they're her cousins and they knew her parents are Burt and Sophie. It got both of them devastated of the death of her parents, which Twilight and Spike were comforting the two.
Twilight turned her head to Comet and Daylight, who are few steps behind and looking down in sadness. She could only give them sympathy look, not blaming her kids about what happened to Olivia's parents.
They arrived inside of the castle, meeting Princess Cadence, Shining Armor, and Gleaming Hope at the throne room. However, they saw Princess Cadence and Shining Armor teaching Gleaming Hope magic, which is a little bit advanced by their teachings and it's not easy for the beginners.
"And that's how you use magic to conjure a shield." Shining Armor said.
"Um...Shining Armor? Don't you think it's a bit too much for someone...I mean, somepony of my age?" Gleaming Hope asked.
It got Comet and Daylight snickered a bit, remembered of their mother's lesson. Shining Armor can only respond in a nervous chuckle.
"I guess you're right." Shining Armor said. "Sorry, I keep forgetting that you're still learning things."
"This spell will have to wait a bit." Princess Cadence adds with a giggle. "You're still new to this form since you're a human once, but according to your DNA tests, your magic is almost at the same level as Comet's and Daylight's, which is usually more skilled in magic than any other pony in Equestria."
"Not to mention your athletic build thanks to your dad and you playing sports." Shining Armor said. "But hey, once we've finished the beginners, we'll advanced basic magic. And maybe Twily can help you."
"That I can." Twilight said when she, Comet, and Daylight gained attention from them.
Gleaming Hope then gasp when she noticed Comet and Daylight in front of her, two ponies who are once humans in Equestria. The same cousins her late uncle mentioned as her eyes started to fill in tears.
"Elijah...Lisa...Is it really you?" Gleaming Hope asks with a sniffle.
It made Comet and Daylight shocked, after their cousin mentioned their former names that was never used in a long time. They're now shedding in tears, nods as Gleaming Hope trotted towards them and hugging them tightly, sobbing. Twilight, Princess Cadence, and Shining Armor just watch, feeling sorry for those three because they're hurt.
"Olivia...I'm sorry for what happened to them." Daylight said sadly as they break the hug.
"Thank you, but...I missed them so much." Gleaming Hope said, then turns to Comet. "Uncle Chris told me all about you...that you're here...in Equestria. I couldn't believe it, but...here you are...and I really wanted to see you. And...never thought I imagine that you would be a pony."
Comet then hugs his cousin, which Gleaming Hope hugs him in return.
"Sweetie, I want to say I'm very sorry for your loss." Twilight told her sadly, earned her attention. "No child ever deserve to see for what happen to your family."
"Thank you, and...I want to thank you for taking care of my cousins." Gleaming Hope nods with a reply. "But with my old home gone...I have nowhere else to go."
"And that's why Aunt Luna brought you here after rescuing you from the flames that's burning your home." Princess Cadence points out, approaching the Italian filly. "After she explains to me and Shining Armor, we were planning to adopt you as our own daughter, but I don't think we can rush things at the moment. We're taking this slow, so you can get adjusted."
"And don't worry, you can still see them and Twily can show you around in Ponyville." Shining Armor adds which cheered Gleaming Hope up a little. "But it's like Cadence said, we're taking this slow until you can get adjusted."
Gleaming Hope nods with an understanding since she'll be staying at the Crystal Empire with Shining Armor and Princess Cadence while Twilight, Comet, and Daylight are going to be there to help. Princess Cadence then thought of an idea.
"How about if we take you out for a stroll around the empire?" Princess Cadence offered. "We can explore some places and maybe stop by to relax and maybe get a treat from the bakery."
"I would like it very much." Gleaming Hope replied as they then left the castle.
At the town, Twilight, Shining Armor, Princess Cadence, and 3 foals were still walking around while Gleaming Hope walked beside Shining Armor and Princess Cadence, who smiled at her.
"Shining Armor? Princess Cadence?" Gleaming Hope asked, earned their attention. "How did you two meet?"
"I was wondering the same thing." Daylight said, also curious about them which Twilight and Comet are the only two who knows about their backstory.
"That's quite a story." Princess Cadence said, began to memorize how it all began which Shining Armor beats her to it.
"It all started back when we met back at Canterlot High School where me and my friends are about to head to class. Until Buck Withers purposely tripped Poindexter and got him tumbled next to me and my friends." Shining Armor explains. "Then, that's where Cadence and I first met..."
During the walk, Shining Armor told Daylight and Gleaming Hope how he and his friends first planning on meeting her by foalsitting Twilight after playing Oubilettes and Ogres, and how Twilight and Princess Cadence made a secret oath.
"Wow, I didn't know she's a foalsitter." Gleaming Hope said surprisingly.
"Yep, I use to foalsit Twilight when she's your age." Princess Cadence said with a smile.
"And then what happen?" Daylight asks.
"Well, our plan is to have me won her heart by singing. And let me tell you, we were terrible at that, but I didn't give up. Though, we felt humiliated after Buck and the others laughed at me." Shining Hero told her with a chuckle. "But it's our turn to give him the taste of his own medicine."
Shining Armor then told the two fillies about try to humiliate Buck Withers in different methods during the game, which neither of them ended as planned. And now, it's Princess Cadence's turn to tell them a story. She told them about her trying to find Shining Armor, but Buck Withers offered her to the dance instead. Though, she'd refuse, but it still give her a chance breakup with him and be with Shining Armor. Once the prom of the Fall Formal begins, Princess Cadence breaks up with Buck Withers after seeing Shining Armor with Poindexter in a dress.
"Um, I've seen weird things before, but him in a dress takes the cake." Daylight said, weirded out while Gleaming Hope felt the same.
"I bet he looks ridiculous in that." Gleaming Hope said which made Twilight, Comet, Princess Cadence, and Shining Armor laughed a little.
"Oh, trust me, he is." Shining Armor told her. "But that will be another time."
Princess Cadence then continued the story, telling them about her planning to dance with Shining Armor while his friends poked Buck Withers in the back of his head and then spreading itchy powder all over him which got him to scratch. Shining Armor and the others stood up against Buck Withers for everything he did to the ponies while saying nice things to Shining Armor. Buck Withers tried to reason with her, but she won't have any of it and Shining Armor shoves the harness on him and pulled right into the disco ball.
"...and that's how we were engaged after graduated in high school." Princess Cadence finished her story.
"But, aren't you two married in the Crystal Empire?" Gleaming Hope inquires.
"Nope, we were married in Canterlot." Shining Armor answered. "We'll tell you soon, but we need to save our breath for another time."
Until they entered inside of the spa which made Gleaming Hope widen her eyes and looked around to see the pool of green mud, the massage tables and the masseurs, and other treatments for the spa. She didn't like the idea of being treated like a filly as she slowly take a few steps back, which got them noticed.
"What's wrong?" Shining Armor asks.
"Is something wrong, sweetheart?" Twilight questions with worry, causing Gleaming Hope to look away.
"I think I know what's going on." Daylight said, earned their attention when she's looking at her cousin. "She doesn't like coming here very much, because she felt like they'll treat her like a girl."
"What? What's wrong with coming here?" Comet asks surprisingly.
"Nothing, it's just that she likes getting into sports, but she sometimes plays too rough on to the kids." Daylight explains. "Uncle Burt kept reminding her to relax a little more often and go for the spa treatment."
"Did that happen before?" Shining Armor inquires.
"Once, and...let's just say it didn't go well, and she's being laughed at." Daylight told him with a cringe while remembering what happened, which they're starting to understand as Princess Cadence walks to the Italian filly.
"Gleaming, I promise, it's not as bad as you think and you should know your father is right, you need to relax." Princess Cadence said softly. "Also, you'd be surprised to see just how many stallions come around to enjoy what spas had to offer. Even Shining Armor began to like it after I 'persuaded' him to join me."
That made Comet and Daylight snickered a bit but earned a stink eye from their uncle after him blushed a bit and Twilight giggled.
"B-But...they'll laugh at me..." Gleaming Hope said as Princess Cadence shushes her, soothing her while placing her hoof on her cheek which it's starting to calm her down.
"It'll be alright, no pony is going to laugh at you. We're right here with you." Princess Cadence assures her.
Gleaming Hope is starting to relax a little, though after some support from her cousins, Twilight, Shining Armor, and Princess Cadence, it got her try something that doesn't involve sports.
"Um...Maybe I'll...try the massage?" Gleaming Hope said nervously.
Princess Cadence then takes her to one of the employees.
"So, um, you said stallions come around here?" Gleaming Hope questions.
"Yep, plenty." Princess Cadence replied with a nod. "They stop by for the more relaxing treatments, like the mud bath, hot tub, steam room, or even a massage."
"And just from looking at you, you look like you need one and relief of all that tension." One of the employees added.
Gleaming Hope then follows the crystal pony to the massage table, then starts to get a massage when Daylight and Comet noticed a mud bath.
"What's that over there?" Comet asks. "It's almost like a pool filled with gelatin."
"That is the crystal mud bath." Princess Cadence told her nephew which made him flinch. "This mud bath relaxes your body and rejuvenates your coat."
Comet then starts to take a step back but bumps into his mother from behind.
"Comet? This is about the type of mud Rarity mentioned, is it?" Twilight asks which it got their attention.
"Did it happen before?" Shining Armor asks curiously.
"Once, but this is from a sleepover party back in Ponyville. Rarity offered us a mud mask, but Comet and Apple Shine didn't like the idea." Twilight told her brother.
"Makes sense." Princess Cadence said, then approaches him. "Don't worry, this mud is a little different. It may look strange, but if you give it a chance, I'm sure it'll be alright."
Comet and Daylight then glances back at the crystal mud bath, worried about losing their totems if they're going in there. Twilight then uses her magic to levitate the totems out of their necks.
"Don't worry, I'll put them where you won't lose it." Twilight assures her kids, placing them next to the table. "I'll be joining you two in a minute."
Comet and Daylight was thankful for their mother, but still nervous about going in there. They slowly dipped their hooves into the mud bath, making them shocked of how warm it is.
"Hey, it feels rather warm." Daylight said.
"No kidding." Comet agrees, then turns to his sister. "Should we try?"
Though, Twilight, Princess Cadence, and Shining Armor can tell the two foals have never tried a mud bath, as they watch the two slowly dives down in the mud bath. Gleaming Hope can tell her cousins are starting to relax a little, but she noticed two wolf totems on the table which made her curious.
"Um, how did they get those wolf necklaces?" Gleaming Hope asks while a masseur massages her and starting to feel something pop on her body. "I'm pretty sure Uncle Chris told me about the animal spirits."
"They're not necklaces, there totems." Twilight told her while joining her kids in the crystal mud bath. "They got after passing the trials during their long journey."
Gleaming Hope was surprised, but proud of them for passing the trial. It got her wondering what causes them to go on a journey on their own.
"We'll tell you another time." Shining Armor told her. "Right now, let's just relax for a while."
Gleaming Hope nods at that, but groans when one of her bones popped which made them wince after hearing that.
"Uh Gleaming, what do you usually do whenever you get...you know?" Princess Cadence asks with concern.
"Dad puts me in a big tub of ice water when I get sore. Or he puts a pack of frozen veggies or ice pack on my eye after having a black eye." Gleaming Hope answered. "Why?"
"Tub of iced water? Why would he put in there?" Princess Cadence asks, making Gleaming Hope raising her eyebrow with an 'are you serious?' look on her face.
"Iced water helps reduce the inflammation and pain." Gleaming Hope answered. "But it's like Daylight said, I just sometimes play a bit too rough."
"Well, you really need to be more careful next time you're playing with somepony." Shining Armor told her. "That way we won't have you getting hurt."
Gleaming Hope nods in respond as they're now relaxing at the spa.
Later that night, Twilight, Daylight, and Comet are using the guest room while Princess Cadence, Shining Armor, and Gleaming Hope are in the room to turn in for the night. They felt something shifted in the bed. Princess Cadence and Shining Armor looked down at Gleaming Hope, squirming in bed like last night. Shining Armor sat up and pulled Gleaming Hope in for hug against his barrel and belly, whispered into her ear.
"Shh...Shh...It's okay. Everything is going to be okay." Shining Armor whispered.
Gleaming Hope then started to calm down while in Shining Armor's hold as she snuggled against his warm fur and listening to his heartbeat, then starts to fall asleep.
While in the guest room, both Daylight and Comet woke up from their sleep. They decided to give Gleaming Hope a hoof as they got out of the bed, heading to the balcony and looks at the night sky.
"You and Aunt Sophie left too soon, Uncle Burt." Comet said sadly.
"Your daughter need your guidance." Daylight adds as they feel the soft breeze blowing their manes and the Great Spirit heard their plea, accepting their help by given Gleaming Hope guidance and hope in order for her to not lose hope because of the support of Princess Cadence and Shining Armor, and remind her that her late parents are watching her.
That's it for the 16th chapter.