They had flown through the storm for two days, and there was still no sign of it dispersing. They had just finished their lunch, and had split ways at the bedrooms. Pip and Scootaloo had moved their couch as close to the window as possible, and were now watching the lightning flow past. The mare jumped every time it struck the bowsprit, but the stallion's warm embrace calmed her down. There was a knock on the door and the first mate entered, an apologetic smile on his face. “Forgive the intrusion, Master Pipsqueak, the captain wants... would like you to assist once more on deck.”

He looked down to see Scootaloo smiling up at him, her nod giving him the go ahead. He gave her a quick kiss on the forehead, taking the bad weather jacket from the other stallion. He gave one last look at Scootaloo before walking out of the room. The mare turned back to the window, flinching slightly as another lightning strike hit the ship. Her Pip was out there in this, all so that she and her friends could have the smoothest trip possible. The thought warmed her, so she turned with a smile as the door cracked open. “Scoots, we was wonderin' where Pip's headin' off to?”

She waved her friends in, each one taking a seat. The pegasus turned to the cold glass once more, a finger tracing a water droplet as it slid down the window. “He's gone to help. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't worried, but he's actually flown this on his own. Isn't that coo...” Applebloom looked over at Sweetie Belle, who shrugged, both Spike and Rumble giving the same reaction. The farm mare stood from the couch and placed a hand on her friend's shoulder.

“Scoots, are ya fellin' okay?” She spun around, but her eyes seemed distant. “Scootaloo?” The pegasus ignored Applebloom, walking towards the door. The others immediately stood and followed, curious as to where she was going. They had to run to stop her from opening the hatch from opening, but it was too late. Instead of water lashing down, there was a beam of sunlight shining on the steps, steam starting to rise as it evaporated the water.

The group slowly made their way up, where they found Scootaloo walking towards the bow in her trance like state. The wind and rain was still lashing down on the ship, but seemed to be parting in front of the mare, leaving her protected from the elements. “WHAT THE HAY ARE YOU DOING UP HERE? GET BACK DOWN BELOW! SCOOTALOO!” Pip ran past them, sliding his way in front of the wayward pegasus. “SCOOTS. GO BACK!”

She just cocked her head at him, before calmly stepping around him, stopping where the the railings from port and starboard met. The crew on the upper deck and her friends watched as her wings spread wide, and she put her arms up to the side. She slapped them together in front of her, one of the loudest rumbles of thunder almost in perfect sync with her. She then split her arms as if she was swimming using a breast stroke, and the most amazing, scientifically impossible thing happened, leaving the spectators open mouthed.

The storm cloud in front of them parted, leaving a clear route for them. The first mate was the first to overcome the shock, running forward and opening the communication pipe to the bridge, which was situated two decks above the master bedroom. “Captain, full power! We have a way out.” The ponies on deck stumbled as the Faust lurched forward, it's speed increased to maximum. Very soon the airship had cleared the storm, and Scootaloo fell backwards, Pip running up and managing to catch her. “What the hay? Why is that happening?”

They all turned to face the stern, where two smaller clouds had formed, then split from the main storm and catching up to them. Pip stood with the now unconscious mare in his arms, as the two dark clouds stopped amidships. There was a bolt of lightning from each of them, but they aimed for the wooden decks. The cloud disappeared... but left two crouching pegasi on the deck. They slowly stood, dressed in ancient armour and wielding a spear each. They looked around and let their gaze settle on Scootaloo, then up to Pipsqueak. “Filthy earth pony, how dare you lay a hand on her! Place her highness down on the deck and step away, or your life will be forfeit.”

The young stallion stood his ground, and the two interlopers stepped forward. The deck became a flurry of activity as the crew blocked their advance, each one drawing a deck knife. The two newcomers lowered their spears, eyeing up the barricade. The other guard then spoke. “Traitors... bringing those filthy earth ponies and impertinent, pretentious unicorns here. Your crew is full of them. Release her highness, and you may be spared.”

“Pipsqueak, take her to the infirmary. We'll converse with our new friends here...” The two armoured pegasi eyed him as he slowly walked towards the steps, obeying the first mate's orders, his friends following. One of the crew followed and shut the hatch, escorting them to their destination. Back on the deck, the crew had taken up a position that blocked the way down, still staring at the two unknowns. “Now then... why don't we discuss this like civilised ponies?”

“You bring our enemy here at a time of war! Traitors, the lot of you! You shall be executed for your heresy!”

“War? Against whom?”

“The war... against the inferior races!” The first mate took a step forward returning his knife to the scabbard on his belt. The crew did so as well, confused as to what he was planning. “Leaving yourself defenceless, a poor choice.”

“If you're talking about the Unification Wars... they ended peacefully, almost two thousand years ago. We live with our unicorn and earth pony brothers and sisters in harmony. How... long have you been in that cloud?”

“Our duty is to be stationed in there until such time as needed. And that need arose when you brought her highness here.”

“Okay... I think you need to speak to the captain... then we'll see about an audience with your highness.” The first mate watched nervously as the pair whispered to each other, and the one passed his spear to the other.

“I will speak to your captain. He will stand guard outside her highness’ quarters. There will be no more negotiating.” The stallion looked around at the rest of the crew, who were also unsure if they could take these ponies who had survived two millennium inside a storm. With a nod of his head he turned around, the crew parting to allow the two obvious soldiers access to the Faust.

Scootaloo felt an uncomfortable mattress underneath her, and let her eyes flutter open to reveal a dull white ceiling. She heard voices to her left and slowly sat up with a small groan, looking to the side of the room. Pipsqueak was chatting to ship's doctor about something, until he turned to look at her. “Pip... what happened?” He immediately ran forward, pulling her into a tight embrace.

“You had me worried! Are you okay?” She pulled her head back, looking up at him confused. His face really did show his worry, and his hands came up, cupping her muzzle. “Scootaloo?”

“I'm fine, I think. What happened? I was talking to Bloom and Sweets in our room, and then I woke up here?”

“You don't remember?” She shook her head, having no idea what he was talking about, and he jumped up onto the bed next to her, pulling her close. “It was amazing. You came up on the deck, and managed to control the storm without even touching it! You got us through, Scoots, all on your own.”

“I... did what? How?”

“Remember when I said you were now my favourite princess?” He felt her head nod against his should as she wrapped her arms around his chest. “Well, it's only legend, but the ancient pegasi royal family could control the weather without touching it. They refused to leave when Commander Hurricane suggested looking for a new home, believing it best to just wait out the weather. One of the myths says he stole their young foals away when he left, not wanting to leave them to the fate of their stubborn parents.”

“But... what does this have to do with me? And what I did?” She watched in surprise as Pip got off the bed, and took a knee in front of her. “Pip... you're scaring me.”

“Don't you see? You controlled the weather just like they did! You... are a descendant of the Pegasi Royal Family!” Scootaloo stood from the bed, pulling Pip back to his feet and glaring at him.

“No, I am not! Listen to yourself, it's ridiculous! Now give me my Pip back!”

“But Scootaloo... I am your Pip!”

“Prove it!” He wasn't sure what to do, so followed his heart's decision, making the mare gasp in surprise as he pulled her close, a hand stroking her cheek. He closed his eyes and connected their muzzles, feeling Scootaloo relax in his embrace, her arms wrapping around his back. And then he was violently pulled away, pinned against the wall with a spear poking the underside of his muzzle.

“It is bad enough that you touch her highness, and now you tempt her like this? Make peace with your gods, you are going to meet them!” There was an orange blur as Scootaloo punched the armoured pegasi on the muzzle, pressing her back against Pip with her wings spread in anger.

“DON'T YOU DARE TOUCH HIM! WHO ARE YOU, ANYWAY?” To her surprise, the stallion dropped to his hands and knees, refusing to meet her gaze. She looked over her shoulder at Pip, who just shrugged at the display.

“I have angered you, your majesty. You may take my life when you please.” Scootaloo bent down and tried to lift his head, but he pulled it away and looked at the wall. “No! I am no longer worthy of gazing upon you!”

“Pipsqueak, you'd best explain just what the fuck is going on, right now!” He swallowed nervously, stepping in front of the mare and taking her hand, squeezing gently.

“After you separated the main clouds, two smaller ones split from it and caught us up. It was him and another, acting as... protectors until the royal family returned. They came because of you, Scootaloo. You really are a princess of the pegasi.” He caught her again as her eyes rolled shut and she went limp, placing her gently on the bed. Pip turned his attention to the still bowing stallion, and after taking control of the spears, helped him to his feet. “Your new duty... is to guard her whilst on board. Do you understand?”

“The war... has it really been so long?”

“I am afraid so. I'm sorry, but the world you knew is gone. Is there anything I can get you?”

“If you please... my spear. I must guard my princess.” Pip smiled at the stallion, and passed his weapon back. He took it and stepped against the wall, spear by his side and gaze unfocused. The earth pony turned and walked out of the door, going to find Spike. I need to send a letter.

The prow of the Faust broke through the fluffy white clouds, one of the ancient pegasi at the ship's wheel. The other stood close behind Scootaloo and Pipsqueak, still guarding the mare. There was still some resentment towards the other races on board, but once they had seen Spike, any and all comments ceased. The airship slowed to a stop, in what looked like a dock for the vessel. Pip pulled away from Scootaloo and grinned at her... then jumped over the edge of the side. “PIPSQUEAK!”

Upon looking over the railing, she found him giggling on his back, snuggling against the cloud floor. He waved up at her, and she saw movement out of the corner of her eye, turning in time to see the rest of her friends copy him. Like the laughing earth pony, they too stayed on top, not sinking through and to their deaths. She spread her wings and glided down, her guardian following. “Surprise! Do you like it?”

She pulled Pip to his feet and glared at him, showing how unamused she was at his little stunt, and she lightly slapped his cheek. “That was not funny, you could've died! Do something like that again...” He eyes widened slightly as the guard gripped the spear tighter. “... and I'll tell my dad.” His grin instantly vanished, before he nodded rapidly. “Good. Now, how are you walking on the clouds?”

He grinned once more, pulling his shirt open to reveal the pendant hanging around his neck, a soft blue glow from it. “A gift from miss Luna. It is enchanted with the cloud walking spell. Pretty handy, but we've got to hand them back once we return. These are the only four.” The second guard landed with no sound, gesturing to Scootaloo the direction he wished for her to walk. They headed in that direction, and a few minutes later found themselves looking over the ruined mountain city that was once Pegasopolis.

The group made their way carefully down the long and winding cloud stair, emerging near what could only be described as a cloud castle. The lead guard explained it was the royal residence, and bowed his head to Scootaloo as she walked towards the entrance. “This... is so strange. I feel like I've been here before.” A flash at the base of the steps drew their attention, where ten pegasi Royal Guards had appeared. They took up positions along the steps, and they were followed by another flash.

This time Princess Celestia herself appeared, walking gracefully towards them with a smile on her face. “A-a-a-alicorn!” The two pegasi guards to either side of Scootaloo dropped their spears and bowed to the floor, keeping their gazes down as she stopped close to them.

“Hello my friends. Master Pipsqueak, I congratulate you on your latest discoveries. And you two... you may rise.” The two stallions stood, but kept their heads bowed. Celestia lit her horn with a smirk, using her magic to raise their muzzles. “I would appreciate it if I could see you eyes, they reveal a lot about a pony.” They carefully met her gaze, almost forcing themselves to relax. “That's better. Hmm... I see pride and honour. You will do well for Scootaloo's personal guards. Please, lead the way.”

The pair nodded and walked into the castle, Celestia gesturing for the group to follow and her guards to remain outside, smiling as Pipsqueak slipped next to her. “Thank you for coming, your highness. Did you bring the requested item?”

“Yes, young stallion. Now, what have I said? Call me Tia, you deserve it. It took some time to find, but I believe I have what you asked for.” She passed him a large rolled up scroll, and he pulled away, spotting a large table to the side. He threw the paper down and unrolled it, looking near the bottom.

“Let's see... Starburst, born in the Year of Our Sun 970. Parents...” The rest of the group left him to pour over the document, watching as Scootaloo walked around the two cloud thrones at the top of a dais, her fingers running over the soft material.

She sat down on it, and her vision suddenly changed. For a brief moment she could see hundreds of pegasi, all cheering at her. She stood from the throne and turned around, gasping at what she saw. There was a pegasus mare that could have been her twin, her mane colour being the only difference. Scootaloo closed her eyes, and when she reopened them the room only held her friends, Celestia, and the two guards. Pip came running over with a large roll of paper following. “SCOOTALOO, I'VE GOT IT!”

“Well, whatever it is, don't give it to me!” The room erupted into laughter from all except the guards and the earth pony, who just stared at her with a raised eyebrow. “Your princess jests, show me what you have.” He grinned as she poked her tongue out at him, and placed the paper down on the floor, waving her over.

“Look, it's your dad's family tree. I traced it back as far as possible. It has your grandparents... and keeps going. But it's the names I traced it back to. According to this, your earliest recorded ancestors are a Storm Leader and a Trailing Flower.”

“That... is not their real names.” The pair looked up to see one of the guards above them, something between a grin and a frown on his face. “That is the code names for Commander Hurricane and Private Pansy. We had heard rumours that they stole the royal foals away, but chose not to believe them. In truth... we should've listened to him.”

“You are here now, and that is something to be grateful for. Would you both please talk with me?” The two nodded, following Celestia to one of the corners. Pip stood to his feet and took Scootaloo's hand, nodding his head to the side. She looked over and saw some cloud stairs, so the pair snuck towards them.

They led to a large room, still in it's old setting, which was a bedroom. Scootaloo opened a closet to the side and gasped in surprise, pulling out a luxurious dress. “Two thousand years... and it looks like it was made yesterday!”

“And it also looks like it was made for you.” She threw an unamused glance at the stallion, but then felt her hands running across the fabric. She had to admit to herself that she was curious, so quickly slipped out of her t-shirt and jeans. Pip walked over and took the dress from her, lifting the bottom above her head.

Scootaloo raised her arms as it slipped down her body, the sleeves resting at the edge of her shoulders. It fit perfectly, and a mirror suddenly appeared in the room in a blue flash. She made her way over and gasped at the transformation, the reflection like nothing she had seen before. The only problem was that her bra's straps were quite visible, but that was easily rectified. She ran her hands over the fabric, stopping as she felt strings around the side. “Pip? Could you... help me?”

He came over and looked to where she was pointing, and stood behind her with a grin. It took him a few minutes, but he soon had the built in corset pulled tight, and tied it off when she nodded. His hand moved up to her mane as she turned around, pulling out her hair clip and letting it fall around her face. He stepped back and gestured to the mirror, the mare turning with a deep breath.

Her eyes widened in shock, looking even more like the mare she had seen on the throne. The corset had pushed her bosom up, her body’s shape showing well with the dress. She spun around so that she could see the dress form different angles, then let out a little giggle. “Oh master Pipsqueak, your princess has need of your services...”

"Rumble, about not... you know?” He just nodded to the mare, glancing to his side to ensure that they were alone. “Well, if Ah am... will ya be there for me?” He cupped her hands in his and raised them up, giving them a kiss.

“Even if your sister does kill me, I'll still be there.” He followed up with a small kiss to the tip of her muzzle, which she returned much more passionately. She pulled away with his lip between his teeth, smirking up at him, and then let it go.

“Ah can't wait to get back on board.” She bit her lip as she slowly stroked his wings.

“Amazing, is this common?” One of the guards had been sat on the dais' steps, watching the couple, and he turned to look at Sweetie Belle, who just nodded her head. The other guard had ignored the exchange, and continued his conversation with the young dragon.

“So you are telling me that the airship is named after her mother?”

“Yeah dude, Tia launched it herself.” They had been listening intently to Spike for a good twenty minutes, their role forgotten as they had the chance to talk to a living dragon. Even the unicorn mare sat on his knee was no longer bothering them. “Well, you guys are going to be quite welcome back home.”

“But... we are home.” Spike's eyebrow raised as he looked around the abandoned castle, it's walls speaking of great sorrow. He couldn't think of a reply to that, but the mare on his lap did.

“This isn't your home, not any more. Come back to Ponyville with us. You want to protect Scoots, right?” The pair nodded. “Well, you're going to be coming anyways, that's where she lives, and she isn't going to leave.” The pair stepped away and began whispering to each other, the five other ponies watching them with interest. Every conversation stopped when Pip emerged from the stairway, standing to to the side.

“Princess Celestia, my friends, and everypony else, may I present to you... Princess Scootaloo?” The mare in question stepped out in the flowing orange dress, the colours matching that of a setting sun. she had done her make up in her usual manner, and added some red lipstick to the mix, and her mane brushed into a ponytail. She stopped and looked around nervously, before she took Pip's offered hand, allowing him to escort her towards the throne.

She slowly sat down in it and looked at the ponies in front of her, a sheepish smile on her face and a blush in her cheeks. The two guards immediately bowed, and then to her surprise, so did her friends. Celestia walked up the dais and stood in front of the mare, looking her over. She then did something Scootaloo never expected, gripping the hem of her dress in her hands and curtseying. “Your majesty.”

“Um... you may... rise?” Celestia stood back up with a grin on her face, the others returning to their feet. There was a squeal from the other two mares as the ran up and embraced her, fumbling words of praise coming from their mouths as they spoke fast. “Girls, I'm still Scootaloo, your friend. Now, as we've found this place, let's allow Pip to get some sketches, and then go home.”

“Your majesty?” She looked to the guard on the left. “Do you not... wish to remain here?” She let her gaze drift around the throne room, feeling herself torn. This was her home, her birthright... and yet, she felt like she didn't belong.

“I... live in Ponyville. You are both welcome to come with us.”

“Will your majesty be taking the royal treasure as well?” Her eyes widened at the question as he walked over to one of the walls and tapped it, a portion sliding away to reveal a massive pile of gold and jewels.

“SPIKE! NO, BAD DRAGON! THAT BELONGS TO SCOOTALOO!” The room erupted with laughter as Sweetie Belle tapped Spike on tip of his nose, and he looked towards the ground. She leant closer and whispered into his ear. “Besides... I've got the perfect gem on the ship for you.”

Starburst groaned as he read the note over once more. Scootaloo had come home for about twenty minutes, said she was going to the capital and then left. That was two weeks ago. After asking around town, he found out that her coltfriend and friends had gone with her, some trip away. He looked at the other note in front of him, a rather colourful letter about returning to Canterlot so that his duties could continue. He had responded immediately with a transfer request to Ponyville. Problem was, only Celestia could authorise it, and she had not answered his letter.

He sat back against the couch with a sigh, covering his eyes with a hand. He felt a softer one run up his thigh, and he let his fingers part a little, smirking as he saw Firefly stood before him. “Rarity made me this one today, do you like it?” He let his eyes drift downwards, licking his lips as he looked at her pert breasts held in the sheer black cami... down to her waist and along her stocking clad legs. On the way back up, he stopped at her crotch.

“Firefly, did you forget something?”

“Hmm... no.” She bent forward at the hips, allowing Starburst a face full of her cleavage, and then she climbed onto his lap. Her arms wrapped around his head and pulled him close, burying his muzzle between her tits whilst grinding his crotch. “You see, we couldn't do this if Scootaloo was home.”

“Mmpphh mphh mpphhh” Firefly giggled at him, not hearing the words but understanding what he said. She pulled away and lifted his muzzle, forcing her tongue into his mouth. She moaned happily into him as one of his hands snaked it's way between her legs. Neither of them noticed the flash from the hall. Firefly now moaning rather loudly as Starburst's fingers worked at her.

“Hmm, nice to see you why you wish to stay, Lieutenant.” The mare gave a scream and jumped back, leaving the stallion's cock hanging out from where she had undone his zipper. They both looked to the sound of the voice to find Princess Celestia standing in front of them, a smirk on her face. “Very well, transfers approved. Now, I suggest you hurry up, you have about an hour before your daughter returns home.” The Solar Diarch disappeared in another flash, and Firefly stood in front of the smiling stallion.

“An hour. Can you even last that long?” She giggled as he grabbed her by the waist and pulled her to the couch, lying her on her back, and lowering himself above her. She started to gasp as his fingers returned to their work, her legs writhing about under his body.

“Heh, maybe I can. But can you?”

Author's Notes:

Some of you may have noticed the little hints I dropped. Some of you may not like it. Well... tough, it happened. But the question is how is it going to affect her life in Ponyville? And how are two other ponies going to react?

Also, I hate to say it... but we're coming to a close of this story. I had originally planned on just ten chapters... yeah, that happened!! I'm looking at twenty now, maybe twenty five, but I have the final scene written out already.
Until the next chapter.