As the sun rises and the night ends I can't help but sigh in annoyance. The night started out so lovely. Ponies were lined up for questions. I was making real connections with people and helping them with their lives! It was a night I dreamed of for so long!

It's been a minute since I've last had a chance to run a full night court. It's been even longer since it's gone so well! Ponies are starting to realize that I am both their queen and fully able to help them. Helping the ponies of this land... it's nice to get back to what I was called for.

Then Miles walked in. I love him, I really do. But he has a way of just showing up and dropping the world on you. I know he doesn't intend for it to be like that. And truth be told the world has a way of dropping on his lap. But that doesn't mean it doesn't become tiresome at times.

An entire faction of the Unfamiliar surrendering. Just like that! And he didn't go on a murderous rampage! I'm proud of him for that much at least. I've seen his dreams before. I know how he views them. I know it wasn't easy. We barely go him to accept the Unfamiliar within the Emerald City! And they at least had the benefit of being out of sight. Now there's a group just outside of Mooseden.

Maybe we can keep things going in this direction. If one group willingly laid down their arms then maybe others will too. Maybe this is the start of an easing of tensions. Can this be the catalyst of a new peace?

One can hope at least.

And then there was Shadow. She may be adopted but she is definitely Miles's kid. They both have a way of taking things from little personal issues to... well. Shadows issues don't quite feel as if they're going to end the world. But they definitely grow out of proportion.

I never thought I'd be as close to her as I am though. Especially early on. She was so timid and quiet back then. There was so much time spent waiting for her to open up to me. I can't even remember how long it took to even have a conversation with the poor girl!

Then one night I came home and there she was. Sitting on the couch, wrapped up in a blanket, reading one of my favorite books. We spent the whole night talking about it, speculating about various parts, showing her my small collection of the authors work. She was so excited!

We bonded over books. We spent so many nights after that reading. But over the last few years we started drifting apart. I thought it was just teenage angst or something. I had no idea she felt the way she did. If I had known... We're past that part now. Now I do know. So it's time to put in a greater effort. Especially after last night.

I almost blasted that kid into the stratosphere. Probably should have. I knew one day this was going to happen though. Not the heart break, but the dating. Maybe I thought we had more time because of how antisocial Shadow is. But it was bound to happen. No matter how much it upsets Miles.

I look over to Celestia and smile to her as we finish our work. At least I can trust my sister to live a drama free life.

"Shall we head down for breakfast?" She asks as she flies over, landing gently beside me as I walk into my bedroom. "Or do you need to head back to Ponyville?"

"Let's have breakfast together, but I should warn you. It's the whole family today." I tell her as we walk through my old bedroom. I rarely sleep here anymore. But Celestia insists that it stays exactly as it was. I think she's getting a tad lonely in this castle all by herself. It would explain why she gets so excited to leave.

"Everyone? You mean my favorite niece and nephew duo are here as well and you'd think that would be a deal breaker!?" She teases, bumping her hip against my. I chuckle at her but slowly think on Shadow again. Celestia notices this immediately and gives me a confused look.

"Sorry. It's just... a lot happened last night. Both in a family and political sense. Could you do me a favor this morning?" I ask her as we wait by my door.

"Of course sister. What happened? Is everypony okay?" I rub my eyes for a moment and I recall last night.

"Tia... what do you think of Shadow? And I mean truly, what do you think of her?" She glances around from the question. Clearly she wasn't expecting a question like that.

"Well... I would say that she's a very special girl. I used to pity the girl for her troubled past. But as I've gotten to know her I think she's growing into a fine young mare. She's has great potential within her. I also see a lot of positive influence from you and Miles within her. Your genius and Miles's dedication, among other traits. Why do you ask? What happened?"

I tell her about the events of last night. And I tell her everything. The drama between Shadow and the other girl. How a colt was thrown into the mix. I try to explain how Shadow put all of this pressure to fix it because of Miles and his reputation. I nearly had to drag her back when I told her that part. I'm sure if I let her she'd go hunt him down and give him a piece of her mind. And maybe she should. But there's more to tell her right now.

I continue and tell her what I know about the Kroth. When Miles was finally able to sleep I was able to get into his mind and see what he was talking about. Though, because it was a dream everything was a bit distorted. It took a bit of work to get everything relatively normalized. I actually spent most of the night within the dreams of family.

"I've never known Miles to be so fearful before sister," I tell her as we lie back onto my bed. We had moved over mid conversation to sit but now we're lying side by side and looking up to the ceiling together. "I don't know what to do about those peoples either. Can we truly trust them so close to our home? I don't want to risk Tempestive or Shadow. But I don't know if moving them would be wise either."

"Why not? Don't you think it's time to tell Tempestive about his place as royalty? And while we're at it, why not tell him of Miles and his dual nature? He may be young, but the world isn't waiting for a better time. He's going to learn of it all sooner or later. Why not now when we can still control the conversation?"

"Hm. And telling him and moving here would be in no way self serving, right sister?" I say as I glance at her. She just smiles and shrugs.

"I have no idea what you're alluding to, dear sister!" I poke at her with the tip of my wing, getting her to chuckle.

I try to think of that conversation. He's still so young! The entire reason we've waited to tell him is so he can grow without the worry of a nation on his shoulders. Not to mention that he's half human! I've actually never thought of that aspect before. Not in great detail at least. It would put all the hopes and dreams of Terradisia on his shoulders when he learns of his heritage. What questions could he possibly ask? And how are we going to answer them?

And how am I going to explain to Miles that I can turn human as well?

"I don't know. At the very least we'll wait for the human conversation until Miles is in a better state of mind. He's... under enough stress as it is." I tell her as I try to think about the rest of the conundrum.

"Very well. Then how about this then. Send him to school!" I look to her in confusion. She shifts to be on her side and takes a stern look. "I can count his friends with my legs sister. Friends his age that is. You want him to grow up normal but you're also hiding him from the world! Well the world came knocking and it's time to let him leave the nest! He needs to make friends! He needs to go and have his adventures, get into trouble, get into fights; he needs to start finding out who he is!"

"But-"

"No buts! Unless you want him to have the social skills of Twilight before I forced her to leave the castle?" I think on that and shake my head.

"No... no I do not... not that there's anything wrong with Twilight!"

"We love Twilight!" Celestia agrees. "But she was a hermit! And if we're being honest, a tad bit of a know it all. And we don't want that for Tempestive. Socially speaking, we don't want him falling behind the other kids his age. It worked wonders for Shadow, even if things now are... tense. She will get through this and be a better person for it all. A fresh new setting could do everypony wonders right now! That's why you should all move back here to Canterlot-"

"Oh you!" I groan as I give her a light push and roll off the bed. She laughs again and stands with me .

Truth be told, I don't know if I want Tempestive in public schools. Nothing against those schools! I know they are great! But... Tempestive is just so far ahead the others! Miles's lesson plans have really unlocked his mind and he absorbs the information so quickly! He does math at higher levels than I can! He would be so bored in that kind of setting...

But am I just holding onto him? Am I smothering his ability to grow on his own. Maybe it is time for him to... leave the nest.

"You might have a point sister." I tell her as I head to my vanity. I sit at the mirror and drop into the seat. Celestia walks behind me and levitates a brush over. She starts to comb my coat and I hum in satisfaction. It reminds me of when we were little and we would curl up together as she would brush me.

"Of course I have a point!" She jokes. patting my back with the brush. "I'm your older sister! I know best!"

"Ah yes, my older sister! So wise!" I muse back sarcastically. "But we probably won't be moving back within the near future. Not unless you want all of Terradisia's problems on your doorstep."

"I mean... if I got to see more of my family, it would be worth it." I glance back at her and we make eye contact. She offers me a coy smile before trying to busy herself with the brush. "It's... not as easy for me to just... leave. The castle that is! I know you've taken so many of the responsibilities when you ascended to be queen, and I'm not complaining about anything! But... well, they day has its way of escaping with all of my time."

"I'm sorry sister," I tell her but she shakes her head.

"I just miss you all, that's it." She tells me as she stops brushing and pulls me in for a hug. "Even Miles, despite his... himness!"

"I'll make sure we'll visit more often sister, promise." I tell her as I hug her arms. We give each other a squeeze before her stomach rumbles between us. I give her a knowing look and he blushes slightly.

"Well then... shall we?" She says as she lets go of me.

"Of course. We wouldn't want my wise older sister withering away!" I joke as I poke at her sides. She slaps my hoof away and rushes to the door.

"I will have you know that I am down TWO whole pounds, thank you very much!" she defends and I walk after her, still trying to poke at her sensitive sides. She giggles as I hit just below her ribs, her most ticklish spot. And also where she's the most plush. "TWO POUNDS!"

When race down to the private dinning room and find the rest of the family here already. This dinning hall is much smaller and only seat ten. Miles is at the end of the table trying to talk Tempestive down as he bounces in his seat. He's in his alicorn form. When I left him in the morning he was struggling to change. I don't imagine his head is feeling too good right now. Shadow is across from Tempestive and is half awake. But she's nodding out and on the verge of falling over.

Celestia wastes no time rushing to Tempestive and scooping him up in a giant hug. A hug that he tries to escape but is too small to. I take the seat by Shadow and rest a wing over her shoulders. She jostles awake and looks up to me. I offer her a smile and she leans against me with a small nuzzle. I look over to Miles and he offers me a smile as well.

"Celestia, good morning." Miles says to her as she nuzzles aggressively against Tempestive. He just looks like a small angry cat that's been caught by an overly affectionate child. It's enough to get a chuckle out of me.

"Miles." She says back to him, paying him little mind. "Shadow, how are we feeling this morning?"

"I wish I was still asleep." She groans from my side. I use my wing to rub her shoulder. I know it's going to be rough, but just hang in there.

Everything goes quiet for a moment. Well, as quiet as it can be while Tempestive grumbles in annoyance. I look around the table before looking to Celestia. She catches my look and nods to me. Almost as if she's telling me to speak up. I know what she wants me to say, but I don't know if it's really the best time to speak on it.

The chef comes around and starts to lay out our breakfast. It seems we're having mixed fruits and oatmeal today. Once the food is set Celestia gives Tempestive a kiss on the cheek before finally setting him down. He tries to rub his cheek clean before digging into the food. But when no one else eats he stops and looks around in confusion.

"Was I suppose to wait? Cause of the castle and all?" He asks with a mouth full of food.

"No honey. Go ahead-"

"Actually!" Celestia cuts me off. I shake my head as I stare at her but she just leans down to whisper into Tempestive's ear.

"Tia! This isn't the time for that!" I tell her sternly. But she just sits up and smiles at me. Tempestive straightens up and gives me the same look. I groan as I glare back at Celestia. That was uncalled for! But now the thought is in his mind. So we're never going to hear the end of it now.

I look to Miles and he's not paying attention. He's looking down at the silverware in front of him deep in thought. I can guess where his mind is, but I'll have to talk some more with him later. Right now I need to get him here and now.

"So... Miles?" I say as I use my magic to tug at a wing. He shakes his head and looks to me.

"Yeah? Sorry... mind was gone for a moment. What did I miss?" He asks, rubbing his eyes to refocus. I look over to Celestia and Tempestive as they each nod their heads enthusiastically. Here goes nothing.

"Celestia and I were talking earlier and she made a suggestion that I think we should explore." I tell him, trying to pin as much of this as possible on her.

"Okay... what?" He asks, looking over to the two of them.

"Tempestive?" I ask, getting him to smile even more broadly.

"Can I go to school!?" He asks, giving Miles the biggest puppy dog eyes he can must.

"School?" Miles asks, slightly confused. "Like with Rampant and Jet?"

"Yeah!" Tempestive says with jump of excitement. "I know there isn't really much to learn but I really really really want to go! It's so boring at home now! I want to go and make new friends and get out of the house! Please Dad! Mom! Please can I go!?"

Miles and I share a look. I think I'm already convinced to let him go. Mostly because Celestia is right. He needs to start interacting with other ponies his age. Well... it was probably time a while ago. But the statement still stands. Miles though... I know we talked about it before. But I don't know how he's going to react now. He looks a bit thrown off though. Clearly it's not the conversation he thought we were going to have this morning.

"You want to go to school... in Ponyville? Starting this next year?" Miles asks for clarification.

"Yeah! Please!?" Tempestive says with a big bob of the head.

"You know you aren't going to be there to just hang out right? They'll expect you to do the work as well. Most of which you've learned well beyond." Miles adds, making sure to emphasize how far ahead he'll be.

"That's okay! I basically sit around all day at him anyway. At least there I'll be meeting new ponies!" Miles looks to me again and I just shrug back. It seems as if we're all on the same page waiting on him.

"Luna? You're okay with this?" He asks.

"I... shared your concerns as well. But I think Celestia was right to... broach the subject." I tell him, darting my eyes at her. But she just whistles and looks away.

"Well... then we'll sign you up for this next year-"

"YES!" Tempestive yells as he takes off into the air. He zips around the room in excitement as Celestia cheers him on, clapping her hooves loudly. Miles and I share a look but ultimately smile to one another.

This will be good. He'll step out into the world and get a chance to really live. At least as much as a student can that is. It'll also free up the time we needed to spend at home. Well... I had to spend. I catch Tempestive in my magic and set him back in his seat. He's practically vibrating from all the energy he has. It's... it's adorable to see him so excited. Yeah. Yeah, this will be good.

"How about after breakfast you and your aunty Tia go school shopping? Get ready for-"

"Can we!?" Tempestive asks excitedly, grabbing Tia's leg. She equally gets excited by the prospect.

"I'd love to!" She says looking to me with a new bright smile. "But what about you two?"

"We have a few matters to attend to today. You'd actually be doing us a big favor if you could take him for the day-"

"Say no more!" Celestia announces as she jumps to her hooves. She grabs Tempestive in her magic and sets him on her back as she starts to trot of the room. "We'll get breakfast in town! But we're going to need papers, pencils, do you need a uniform? We'll get some regardless! And a bag! OOOOO, this is going to be so mush fun!"

And like that she's kidnapped my child. He was all too excited to go though. And although I wanted to be there for this as well, I needed to deal with these two before I can catch up with them. I wait a moment for Celestia's voice to disappear before addressing them. They each look as if they know I'm about to lecture them. But at least they know it's coming.

"So... where to begin?" I ask as I look between the two of them. They each give me nervous smiles. They know there's no escaping right now. This is happening.

"How about I love you and you look fantastic today?" Miles starts. It's a good opener. But I've heard it before.

"Super fantastic! Do you have a new conditioner? Cause your coat is so soft!" Shadow adds, hugging my leg more tightly. That's a new one, so extra points to her.

"Hm. Well, thank you both for those compliments. So, how are we doing this?" I ask, getting them to look to each other.

"Direct orders?" Miles asks Shadow.

"Direct orders." She agrees. The family doesn't often get in trouble, but when they do I'm usually the one to discipline them. Though, that's mostly because they've never gotten in so much trouble that Miles had to intervene. He's... much more assertive with that type of parenting. He tries to tone it down. But I often had to remind him that we're not raising soldiers.

That, and he's usually getting in trouble with them as well.

"Okay then. Well, let's start out with resting. You two will go home and stay home for a minimum twenty four hour period. No questions asked."

"I can't do that Luna." Miles starts but I raise a hoof to him.

"If you want to fight me on this, I'll get Doctor Monitor to weigh in. I'll get you medically waivered if need be. So are we doing this my way? Or his way?" Miles goes to answer, but can't seem to make a decision.

"I-I... a day is fine. I'll just have Storm take over for a day. It shouldn't be an issue." He tells me, shrinking back into his seat.

"Mhmm. Shadow, no friends today. Just get home and rest. Okay?" She looks up to me and nods. That was easy... too easy.

"And to make sure neither of you try to sneak out I'm going to stay home with the two of you. Just to make sure you're both doing as your told."

"To be fair, my friends usually seek me out." Shadow tells me.

"I can't guarantee that shit won't make it's way to our door! Especially after the last few days!" Miles protests.

"And I think E'Claire and Butterscotch will want to know what's going on! I can't leave them in the dark!" Shadow adds as she sits up.

"The Spartans are going to come knocking! I can't stop that from happening! They're going to need guidance-"

FLASH

THUD

The table nearly breaks when I summon two ball and chains. I tilt my head as I look at the two of them, keeping an even smile on my face.

"I'm sorry, did I stutter?" I ask, getting the two of them to slowly back up. "You two will go home. You will rest for the entire day. If anyone comes knocking, I will be the one to answer. The world could catch fire and you two would still be bed bound, waiting for my permission to rise. This was not a request. It was an order. Am. I. Clear?"

"Yes ma'am." They say in unison.

"And because you tried to sneak around me, Miles, the doctor will be coming to give you an evaluation. Shadow, you will spend part of the day with either Miles or myself. There will be no complaining. There will be no sneaking out. And there will be no strenuous activities. We are relaxing for the rest of the day. Come hell or high waters! Do we want to try our luck again?"

"No ma'am." They say in unison. I take a serving of fruit and begin to eat. I look over to the two of them as smile devilishly as they wait for permission.

"Eat up you two. There's no point in rest without nourishment."

Next Chapter: Chapter 271 New Kid on the Block Estimated time remaining: 2 Hours, 11 Minutes