Chapter 30:

'Family Reunion'

Morning had come once again.

The bright sunlight shined right through the window and set its rays upon Sky Shadow's sleeping form.

Feeling the warmth of the sun on his body, Sky Shadow slowly started to come to. He tightened his eyes shut as the sunlight shined upon his face, causing him to turn his head in attempt to block it out.

The light didn't go, and he decided to open his eyes.

As soon as he opened them however, the bright sunlight forced him to shut them again. He tried moving one of his forelegs, but the moment he did, he felt a slight pain coursing throughout his entire body. It wasn't unbearable, but it was still painful enough to quickly force him to lower his foreleg before he made it worse.

Finally, he opened his eyes again, slowly this time, letting them adjust to the bright sunlight that continued to shine on his body. As soon as he could see again, he looked down and noticed that he was in a bed. He looked at his body and noticed that all of his armour was removed, and bandages were wrapped around several parts of his body.

This caused him to panic a little.

He attempted to move again but was stopped by the aching pain that ran throughout his entire body. Sighing, he lay back down against the pillow.

Suddenly, his attention was then caught by the light breathing of somepony next to him. Sky Shadow turned to his right, his eyes widened when he saw Twilight Sparkle sleeping by his side. She was sitting on a chair and her head was rested on her forelegs which were folded on the small table next to his bed.

He continued to watch her sleep for a few seconds before turning away, trying to remember what happened. The last thing he remembered was fighting Magister Burning Mace.

The two of them were evenly matched in sword combat, and even though Sky Shadow was quicker thanks to his wings, Burning Mace had magic and experience on his side and that was the deciding factor in their fight. The biggest setback however was, Sky Shadow had fought Burning Mace merely out of pure rage because of what he tried to do to Twilight Sparkle, and because of this, he went in without planning his attacks.

If he had been more composed and careful, Sky Shadow was confident that he would have defeated Burning Mace.

Which now brought him to the present. Here he was, lying in a bed, with Twilight Sparkle by his side. From what he was able to gather by looking around the room, he was in the castles medical quarters.

After looking around the room again, he was able to spot his armour all neatly piled up in the corner of the room. Sky Shadow started to panic again, if his armour was there, that meant that others could see his face, and his Cutie Mark, which also meant...

Before he could finish his thoughts, Sky Shadow heard Twilight let out a loud yawn.

Twilight slowly sat up and rubbed her eyes with her hoofs before turning to see how Sky Shadow was doing. As soon as she noticed that he was awake however, her tired expression disappeared and her eyes widened.

"Um...good morning, Twilight Sparkl-" Sky Shadow was unable to finish as Twilight practically launched herself from her seat and onto his bed, giving him a big hug.

Sky Shadow was completely taken aback by her unexpected move, but what surprised him even more was the sobbing he could hear from her. "T-Twilight...?"

Twilight Sparkle continued to sob into his coat as she held him gently in her forelegs. "I'm so glad...I'm so glad you're okay...I-I could never bear the thought...of...of losing you..."

Now he was more curious. It was true he and Twilight had became close during his short time in Canterlot, but he didn't expect her to care this much so quickly, not that he didn't mind. "It...it makes me happy to know that you care so much about me Twilight. I'm glad to see that you are okay aswell."

Twilight tightened her grip around him a little. "I know...I know who you are..."

Sky Shadow froze.

"Shining Armor, my parents, they told me everything..." She pulled back to look into his eyes. "When you told me about your parents and brother...it was my brother who found you, it was my parents who took you in. Wasn't it?"

Sky Shadow continued to look at her in shock. Knowing it was now pointless to keep it secret, he merely replied with a nod.

Twilight struggled to hold in her tears as she stared back at him. "Your real name, is Luster Shield. Isn't it?"

Again, Sky Shadow nodded.

Twilight Sparkle leaned in and hugged him as she sobbed into his coat again. "I was so worried about you!" She took in a few deep breaths before tightening her grip around him. "I...I'm just so glad you're okay...big brother."

...

Luster Shield slowly put his forelegs around her to return her hug, ignoring the aching pain in his body. "I'm glad you're okay too...little sister." He could feel tears starting to form in his own eyes. There were no words to describe how he felt right now, he was beyond happy that he no longer had to hide his identity from Twilight. He could finally talk to her like a real brother, he could finally call her 'little sister' like he did not a second ago, and the thought of it just made him smile even more.

His smile was dropped however when he remembered his fight with Burning Mace. Loosening his grip around her, Luster Shield asked, "Twilight, what happened? The last thing I remember was getting hit by Burning Mace's magic and then...nothing."

Twilight Sparkle pulled away from him and wiped her face with her hoof before replying. "You were knocked out by his attack, and you suffered quite an injury because of it."

Luster Shield looked at his bandaged body. "I can tell..." He chuckled.

Twilight giggled a little before moving up to sit next to him. "Anyway, the Princesses arrived before Burning Mace could do any more damage, but then he attacked them and the others, so, Princess Luna, she didn't have a choice...eventually...she..."

"Princess Luna what?" Luster Shield said, giving her a confused look.

Twilight faced him again and took in a deep breath. "Princess Luna...killed him."

Luster Shield's eyes widened. "Really?"

The Alicorn replied with a nod.

"Wow...I didn't think Princess Luna would be able to bring herself to kill somepony. Are you absolutely sure?" Luster Shield replied.

Twilight nodded. "Of course I'm sure! I saw him get vaporized by her magic with my own eyes."

Luster winced at the thought of Burning Mace getting completely obliterated. Though he did try to assassinate Twilight and everypony else, he was still a Royal Magister Knight of the North Kingdom, and Luster was starting to wonder how the other Magister's were dealing with his death. With Burning Mace dead, that meant one less Magister, which also meant that they would have to find somepony to take his place, Luster made a mental note to bring it up with Dusk and the others later.

Suddenly, a thought occurred to him. "Twilight...where are..."

Before he could finish however, the room door opened and walking in was none other than Celestia, Luna, Cadence and the two Ponies Luster Shield was worried about seeing the most, Twilight Velvet and Night Light, his parents.

"Ah, I see you're awake." Celestia said with a warm smile.

Luster Shield gave a slight nod before turning away, unable to face the two Unicorns and the Pink Alicorn that were by Celestia and Luna's side.

Luna gave him a concerned look as she approached him. "Are you feeling well?"

The Pegasus slowly turned to her, making sure he didn't so much as cast a glance at the others as he replied. "I'm fine, Princess..."

Celestia's smile wavered at his nervous tone. Luster Shield looked up at her and said, "Was...was anypony else hurt?"

"Cloud Hunter suffered a minor injury but other than that, nopony was hurt." Luna said before giving him a warm smile. Luster Shield attempted to sit up more but stopped and let out a low growl when the aching pain in his body returned. Noticing this, Celestia approached him and charged up her horn and placed it gently against his head. The light from her horn slowly engulfed his entire body, and after a few long seconds went by, Luster Shield felt the pain disappear just like that.

Letting out a sigh of relief, Luster Shield manage to sit up fully and gave the Princess a slight smile. "Thank you Princess."

Celestia smiled back at him. "I believe we're the ones who should be thanking you."

Luster Shield raised a brow at her. Celestia chuckled a little and continued. "You saved my student Twilight Sparkle, if you hadn't arrived and stopped Burning Mace then she would most definitely not be standing here right now. You put your life at risk to protect her and it's thanks to you that she is still alive. And for that, we owe you a great debt. Thank you." Celestia said as she bowed her head slightly, Luna and Cadence did the same.

The Pegasus looked away in embarrassment.

"Um..."

All eyes were on Twilight Velvet who took a step forward.

Celestia looked at Luster Shield, then Twilight Sparkle, then Cadence, her eyes then went back to Twilight Velvet and Night Light before she smiled again. "My sister and I shall let you all catch up." She said before leaving the room, Luna followed and used her magic to close the door behind her.

As soon as the Princesses were gone, Twilight Velvet, much like her daughter did earlier, launched herself onto Luster Shield's bed and hugged him tightly.

Luster Shield returned her hug but stayed silent, not knowing what to say after being away for so long.

Night Light approached them and joined in on the hug, followed by Twilight Sparkle and Cadence.

The five Ponies remained in their position for atleast a good long minute before they finally let go. "I'm...I'm so happy to see my little colt again." Twilight Velvet said as she suppressed her sobs, unable to contain her joy at this family reunion.

Luster Shield chuckled a little. "Hey...come on now mom, I'm not little anymore."

Twilight Velvet grabbed him into another tight hug, letting her sobs out again as she replied. "That's...t-the first time...that I...that I have h-heard you c-call me that...in s-so many years..." She nuzzled his head gently and tightened her hold around him. "I missed you Luster...I missed you so much!"

Luster Shield gave her a weak smile. "I missed you too mom. You too dad. I missed all of you."

Night Light wiped his eyes with his hoof and smiled back at him. "I missed you too son."

Luster Shield then turned to Cadence, who was looking down at the floor. "Cadence?"

Cadence suppressed a sob and looked up at him. "...Luster...why didn't you tell us sooner?"

This was one question Luster Shield was expecting but he didn't know if he could answer it. "I..." He attempted to think of something to say but nothing came to mind.

"Who cares! My son is back and that's all that matters!" Twilight Velvet said as she gave him another quick hug.

Cadence smiled again. "Yeah, I suppose..."

Twilight Velvet looked at Luster again and smiled. "Just look at you. You've grown up into a handsome young stallion."

Luster blushed and turned away. "Aw come on mom, you're embarrassing me already."

The Unicorn giggled. "And I can't believe you picked up such a foreign accent, but I think it certainly suits you."

Luster covered his face with his forehoofs and groaned slightly, causing them all to laugh.

Cadence waited until she stopped giggling before speaking up. "Breakfast is being set up in the dining hall, would you like to get up and join us? I'm sure the other Magisters would be relieved to see that you're okay."

Lowering his smile a little bit, Luster Shield lay back down in his bed and let out a happy sigh. "Can I just rest for a few more minutes?"

Twilight Velvet rolled her eyes and whispered to her daughter. "He used to do this every morning."

Twilight Sparkle giggled quietly. "I see he still has a habit of doing it."

Night Light tapped his sons hind leg. "Come on son. Your mother and I, and most definitely Cadence and your little sister, would really like to hear about everything that you've been doing while you've been away."

Rolling onto his side, Luster said, "Just give me a few minutes dad..." He yawned.

Night Light chuckled and turned to the door. "Oh alright then, we'll see you in the dining hall, don't keep us waiting." He walked over to the door followed by Twilight Velvet. Upon opening the door, the two Unicorns turned back to the Pegasus one more time and smiled. "It's good to you have back son." He said before he left, followed by his wife.

Cadence approached his bed and said, "Luster, I really missed you a lot. You have no idea how sad I was when Shining-"

"Don't say that name." Luster said.

Cadence remained silent.

Luster sat up and looked at her with a slight angry expression. "Please...don't bring this up now Cadence. Not now..."

Cadence sighed and managed a weak smile. "You're right...what was I thinking? We should be celebrating." She turned to leave. "I'll see you in the dining hall then?"

Luster nodded, his angry expression was replaced by a warm smile. "Yes, I'll be there in a few minutes."

As soon as Cadence left, Twilight Sparkle faced her brother again and watched as he slowly climbed off of the bed. She walked over to him and gave him a hoof.

"You don't need to help me Twilight, I think I can manage getting out of a bed." Luster Shield said with a chuckle.

Twilight giggled. "I know. I'm just making sure you don't hurt yourself while doing so."

As soon as his hoofs touched the floor, Luster Shield took a moment to stretch. "Ah...I feel much better now."

Twilight took the moment to stare at his flank. She never saw his Cutie Mark before but now she had a clear view of it, and she was surprised at the similarity between it and Shining Armor's Cutie Mark.

Luster Shield's Cutie Mark was a purple shield with three small light blue stars above it. Instead of a pink six-pointed star inside it though, there were two silver swords crossed inside it instead.

Noticing her looking at his flank, Luster Shield smirked at her and said, "Like what you see?"

Twilight's eyes widened and she playfully pushed him away. "LUSTER! THAT'S NOT FUNNY!" She shouted.

Luster Shield merely continued to laugh as fell onto the floor, which prompted Twilight Sparkle to jump on him.

Twilight Sparkle and Luster Shield laughed as they rolled around and playfully wrestled with each other on the floor, not caring if Celestia, Luna or even Dusk himself saw them.

Outside the room listening to their laughter, Shining Armor stood in front of the door and stared at it for a good long moment. Feeling a tear sliding down his face, he let out a sad sigh and left.

________________________________________________________________________________________

It felt like everything was back to normal for the Cutie Mark Crusaders.

Upon waking up in the morning, Scootaloo was expecting to practice her flying with Rainbow Dash. Sweetie Belle was expecting to spend time with her sister Rarity and hopefully Cloud Hunter. Whereas Apple Bloom was hoping to just spend quality time with her own sister Applejack.

However, despite just getting back after being through so much, they found themselves on the morning train heading back Ponyville. Instead of spending time with their sisters, they were to go to school, much to their dismay.

The three fillies attempted to talk their way out of it, stating that if they were to go by themselves, they would probably get foalnapped again. Celestia however came up with the perfect solution that would prevent that from happening again. She and Luna stated that the three fillies would be given protection during their whole day at school and that from here on out, they were to remain in Canterlot where it would be much safer for them.

The train stopped at Ponyville and three fillies got off and started making their way to school, silently mumbling to themselves.

As they walked through the town, the Cutie Mark Crusaders couldn't help but feel embarrassed by all of the Ponies that were staring at them as they were passing by.

It was almost as if the entire town was watching them, as everypony that they walked by stopped what they were doing simply to stare at them, and knowing that so many eyes were on them only made them even more embarrassed.

Normally they wouldn't have any reason to be embarrassed. But this was clearly a different case altogether.

*Ching*

*Ching*

*Ching*

The source of the attention the three fillies were getting from everypony was walking right behind them, the 'protection' that Celestia and Luna provided. Originally the Cutie Mark Crusaders would have been fine with a few guards.

But to them, this was overkill.

"Don't slow down, you don't want to be late now do you?" Magister Freed asked.

The three fillies exchanged looks before increasing their pace, eager to get out of everyponies sights.

Making sure they didn't get out of sight, the Magister increased his pace too.

*Ching*

*Ching*

*Ching*

Magister Freed's loud metal hoofsteps echoed in the quiet air, and he kept walking behind the three fillies, not taking his eyes off of them for a second. He too was aware of all of the looks he was getting from everypony they walked by, but merely ignored them as they weren't anything to concern himself with. It was his task to ensure the protection of the Cutie Mark Crusaders and make sure they never left his sight, and he intended on completing that task.

Apple Bloom leaned over to Sweetie Belle and whispered, "Why did the Princesses have ta send him with us? We woulda been fine on our own."

Magister Freed chuckled behind his helmet. "My little Ponies, don't take it the wrong way. The Princesses merely don't want you to get foalnapped a second time. So there's no need for you to worry. As long as I am here, nopony shall lay a hoof on you lest they desire to lose that hoof."

The three fillies shivered. Despite his calm and friendly tone, it was his words that scared them.

"Well, here we are..." Scootaloo said as she looked at the school up ahead.

Standing in front of the Ponyville Schoolhouse was an Earth Pony. Her coat was a cerise colour, her tidy mane was a pink colour with a light pink stripes and her eyes were a pale green colour. Her Cutie Mark was three smiling flowers.

"MISS CHEERILEE!" The three fillies ran up to the Earth Pony and hugged her.

"Apple Bloom! Sweetie Belle! Scootaloo! I heard what happened from your sisters! I was so worried about you! Are you okay?" Cheerilee asked as she hugged the fillies.

The three fillies nodded.

Cheerilee smiled at them. "I'm so glad to see you again, I was worried those monsters had done something to you."

The metal hoofsteps of Magister Freed caught their attention. Cheerilee turned and her eyes widened upon seeing the armoured Unicorn towering over them. "Umm..."

Sweetie Belle gave a nervous grin. "Uh...Miss Cheerilee...this is...Magister Freed. He's here to look after us and make sure we don't...well...you know."

Cheerilee continued to stare in awe at the armoured Magister. "I...see."

Magister Freed chuckled and slowly bowed his head. "It's nice to meet you Miss Cheerilee. As the young one has already stated, I am Magister Freed, I am a Royal Magister Knight of the North Kingdom and advisor to his highness Prince Dusk."

"It's...nice to...meet you too sir." Cheerilee replied in a slightly nervous tone.

Freed chuckled behind his helmet and slowly took her forehoof. "Please Miss Cheerilee, there is no need for that. Just call me Freed."

Cheerilee blushed at his surprisingly calm and friendly tone and gently pulled her hoof away. "O-Of course...umm..." She turned to the three fillies. "Why don't you three go inside, the rest of the class is already here."

The Cutie Mark Crusaders nodded and rushed inside.

Turning back to the Magister, Cheerilee said, "Well, thank you Freed, for making sure they got here safely."

"I'm just doing my job ma'am." Freed replied with a warm smile, though she couldn't see it due to his helmet.

Cheerilee giggled. "Well, have a nice day sir Freed."

Neither of them moved. Cheerilee's smile slowly lowered and she started to get nervous when the Magister didn't move. "Umm, aren't you going to go back to Canterlot?"

Freed chuckled. "Absolutely not ma'am. I will continue to keep an eye on the fillies while you are teaching them."

Cheerilee's eyes widened. "W-What?"

"I will be inside the class making sure nothing happens to them." Freed replied, still smiling behind his helmet.

Cheerilee chuckled nervously. "Hehe...I...um...this is a school sir Freed, I don't think that will be necessary."

Freed chuckled aswell. "On the contrary Miss Cheerilee, it is completely necessary. I am merely here at the request of Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, to keep an eye on the fillies at all times and ensure nothing happens to them. I do not mean to intrude, I will just be sitting in silence as you teach them, you won't know I'm there."

Cheerilee could tell by his tone that he was very serious, and knowing it would be a bad idea to deny him entry especially since he was here per the Princesses orders, she complied and stepped aside. "Very well, but please try and refrain from distracting the students."

Freed chuckled again as he entered. "I will be on my very best behaviour ma'am."

Rolling her eyes, Cheerilee managed a smile and followed him inside, closing the door behind her.

As the two older Ponies entered the classroom, they saw all of the students gathered around the Cutie Mark Crusaders as they told them all what happened to them.

"And then we were finally reunited with our sisters!" Sweetie Belle said as all of the other colts and fillies listened.

One colt spoke up. "That sounds like it was really scary!"

"I bet you thought you weren't gonna get out of there did you!" Another filly added.

Scootaloo chuckled. "Well, we did kinda think that but-"

"Oh please, it's obvious that they let you go because you're blank flanks. You obviously weren't valuable." Diamond Tiara interrupted.

Apple Bloom glared at the filly and said, "It jus' so happens that we were valuable to 'em Diamond Tiara, an' if it weren't for Cloud Hunter, we'd still be there!"

"Yeah, you wish you were valuable don't you." Diamond Tiara said as she exchanged grins with Silver Spoon.

Sweetie Belle narrowed her eyes at the two fillies and let out a quiet growl.

Silver Spoon then spoke up. "I bet if you actually had Cutie Marks, they would have kept you. But obviously you don't, you're just blank flanks!"

"Shut up Silver Spoon! We'll get our Cutie Marks eventually! You'll see!" Sweetie Belle shouted.

"Blank flanks!"

"Blank flanks!"

"Blank flanks!"

Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon continued to chant their insults at the Cutie Mark Crusaders once again like they always did.

Freed looked at Cheerilee and asked, "Is this common?"

Cheerilee sighed. "Sadly yes."

"It isn't exactly nice of those two to make fun of them just because they don't have Cutie Marks. Shouldn't you stop it?" Freed asked.

Cheerilee shook her head. "This happens all the time sir Freed. I have told them countless times that it isn't nice to make fun of others, but even so, they still continue to do it. They're just young I guess, fillies have a tendency to act foalish sometimes, there's nothing we can really do about it, they are who they are, and I wouldn't dare to try and change somepony just because they were being themselves. I'm sure their antics will stop eventually, we just have to let them, grow up a little."

Freed looked back and noticed the sad looks on the fillies faces. He let out a quiet sigh and made his way towards the two bullies.

"Just face it! You'll never get your Cutie Marks!" Diamond Tiara said as she and Silver Spoon laughed.

The sound of metal hoofsteps immediately shut them up.

Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon looked up to see Magister Freed towering over them. All of the other colts and fillies, the Cutie Mark Crusaders and Cheerilee included, watched on nervously, worrying something bad was about to happen.

"So...Diamond Tiara...Silver Spoon...is that your names?" Freed asked in a cold tone.

The two fillies merely nodded at him, his dark armour and his horned helmet was more than enough to intimidate them enough to keep them from speaking.

Slowly, Freed lowered himself down onto his knees until he was at eye level with the fillies. He slowly put his forehoof out, causing everypony else to let out quiet gasps, until...

He placed his forehoof softly on Diamond Tiara's head and gently rubbed her mane. "Those are quite adorable names!" He stated in his usual calm and friendly tone.

"Huh?" Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon both looked at him in utter confusion.

Freed chuckled as he continued to gently pat Diamond Tiara's head. "I must say it only makes sense. But not only does your name match what you're wearing and your Cutie Marks themselves, but you're both quite the adorable looking little fillies. I can only imagine the kind of beautiful mares the two of you will grow up to be one day."

Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, aswell as everypony else, just stared, their mouths all agape.

"Uh...well...I...uh..." Diamond Tiara tried to find words to reply with but none came to mind.

Freed chuckled again as he sat on his haunches and used his other forehoof to rub Silver Spoon's head. "You're both still young and have a lot to live for. Others would see you as the type of Ponies who can show them that the impossible, can become possible. I'm sure that since you are both well educated, that other students look to you both for advice, am I right?"

Silver Spoon blushed as she replied. "Well, I guess-"

"Of course they do! After all, since you are both so smart and well organized, who better to show everypony else the ropes hm?" Freed said.

Diamond Tiara turned her head away to hide the blush on her face. "Well, we are quite helpful to the other students and-"

"And that's why you are so popular amongst them! Only a fool would turn down the help of two adorable fillies like yourselves am I right?" Freed interrupted again.

The two fillies blushed madly and tried their best to refrain from giggling. Freed slowly pulled them both into a gentle hug and said, "And since you're so popular, rather than making bad impressions by insulting others for not having their Cutie Marks, would it not benefit you much better if you assisted them in finding out their talents? After all, back where I come from, this one filly I used to know became the most popular Pony in the entire town when everypony found out that she helped other blank flanks earn their Cutie Marks. It would make for a most interesting experience wouldn't you agree?"

Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon exchanged glances and then looked up at the Magister. "Really?"

"Really." Freed replied as he let them go and stepped back. "I will be attending the class in silence, so I look forward to seeing you display your helpful assistance."

Everyponies eyes followed Magister Freed as he calmly walked over to Miss Cheerilee.

Silver Spoon turned to the Cutie Mark Crusaders and said, "Hey umm...you don't...you don't mind if we help you right? I mean, you aren't still holding anything against us are you?"

Sweetie Belle, after exchanging looks with Scootaloo and Apple Bloom, turned back and said, "Absolutely not."

And so, class began, and Miss Cheerilee was surprised to see that they were all getting along really well. She turned to Magister Freed who was seated next to her and said, "I think you might have just made my job as a teacher a lot more easier."

Freed shrugged and gave her a warm smile.

"I tend to do that sometimes."