“That was a delicious lunch,” Nyx said as she and her sister approached their house. “I can’t believe how different Diamond Tiara is now that we’re friends.”

“Yeah, but it’s a good change. She’s actually fun to be around when she’s not insulting us.” Scootaloo watched as Nyx began plucking weeds and crabgrass along the path as they walked. “You’re really overusing that magic of yours, sis.”

“I need to keep up my skills. If I’m gonna make into grandma’s school after this next year, then I’m gonna need every little bit of magic I got.”

“But you’re Nightmare Moon! You’ve got magic a plenty, why would you need to practice?”

Nyx rolled her eyes. “I’m not Nightmare Moon, I told you to call it Nightmare Nyx. And I need to practice because there is always room for improvement. I want to excel in the study of magic and magical theory. I need to know everything.”

“How does that relate to your cutie mark again?”

“If I can master all levels of magic, then I can use it to help ponies, gryphons, and other creatures in any way possible. My cutie mark means that I am destined to protect ponies and I feel that magic will be my best way to do it.”

“Oh yeah. What do you think is for dinner?” she asked as she opened the door for her younger sibling.

“Here’s hoping for celery soup.” The two young mares trotted in, closing the door behind them. They walked into the dining room, seeing their mother sitting at the table. “Hey mom, what’s up?”

Twilight smiled warmly at them, though Scootaloo thought she saw a glint of mischief in her mother’s eyes. “Welcome back girls, I hope you left room for some dessert after your lunch.”

“I did. Why? Did you make something?” asked Scoots.

“No, it’s being made as we speak.”

“Did Spike come home early?” asked Nyx.

“No,” Twilight shook her head, smiling brightly. “Somepony else did.”

“Who?” they asked.

“Somepony who has missed you both very much,” said a voice behind them. Nyx and Scootaloo froze at the sound, eyes going wide. Slowly, they turned around and saw the sight of a familiar face that was smiling warmly at them. “Hey girls. I’m home!”

The two stared at DJ for a moment, before they started to shake, tears growing in the corners of their eyes.

“DADDY!!” they cried as they lunged at them. DJ yelped as he was shoved to the ground and glomped for the first time in his life.

“You’re back!” Scoots cried as she nuzzled his cheek.

“We missed you sooo much!” Nyx exclaimed from his other cheek.

DJ smiled and wrapped them both in a hug. “And I missed you girls, too. I missed you so much. And I am so proud of you both for taking care of your mother. So very proud.”

“Really?” they asked.

“Absolutely,” he answered with a grin. “And I’m not going anywhere anytime soon, I promise that I’m sticking around. Ya can’t get rid of me that easily!”

“As if we would ever,” Twilight said as she walked over to them. “Now let your father up, girls. He’s making us some dessert.”

“That’s right! Who wants chocolate lava cake?”

“I do! I do!” they cried. DJ smiled and went back to the kitchen, but stopped for a moment.

“Oh and Twi?”

“Yes, dear?”

“Uhm, Malice is out and about.” There was a silence for a moment, before it registered with the mares that Malice, DJ’s inner chaotic demon turned brother, was able to walk amongst the physical world now. “Twi?”

“Where is he?” she asked simply, deadpanning.

“Upstairs. I asked him to wait until you said it was fine for him to come out.”

“And he listened?”

“He’s mellowed out, actually. Sure he’s still a major pain, but he’s tolerable nowadays.”

Twilight put a hoof to her chin in thought, frowning slightly. Then she sighed. “Alright, he can come down, but he needs to behave himself.”

“Don’t worry, dear. He’s harmless… mostly.” DJ walked over to the stairs and yelled, “Yo, Malice! Ya can come out now!”

“‘Bout damn time!” a darker, deeper version of DJ’s voice returned. The girls watched as a grey alicorn stallion with sleek black hair and wearing a black jacket came down the steps. His eyes held no emotion, just empty voids, and his sneer was enough to send chills down the hardest of warriors. He looked over to the gathered family and gave a half-hearted salute. “Yo. I’m back, too.”

“Yay,” they returned with no enthusiasm.

Malice shrugged and took a seat at the table, opposite Twilight. “So where’s the food?”

“I’m working on it!” DJ huffed before going to the kitchen. “Chaotic prick,” he mumbled.

“Harmonic douche,” Malice returned. Twilight sighed and shook her head.

“Malice, if you are going to live in this house, then there are going to need to be some rules.” DJ walked back in, carrying a large cake and setting it on the table. He cut it into slices and passed a slice to everypony present.

“Alright,” Malice groaned before digging into his cake. “Lay ‘em on me.”

“Number one: no foul language in front of any of my children.”

“I can agree to that one. I don’t like it, but it’s a simple request.”

“Number two: no threatening anypony or dragon in this household.”

“The kid doesn’t count in that. I’m his twin brother, bantering is in the job description.”

It was Twilight’s turn to feel conflicted, but she relented. “Fine, DJ’s not included, but don’t threaten anypony else.” Malice nodded. “Number three: don’t destroy my house.”

“Shouldn’t that be more of a rule for the kid?” Malice asked with a raised eyebrow, smirking at his twin. DJ returned it with deadly glare.

“No, it applies to you since you crave destruction. Keep it away from this house, understand?”

“Fine,” he groaned. “I’ll get you back for these rules.”

“I’m quaking in my boots. If I were wearing them, that is.” Twilight sighed and started eating her own cake. She smiled in bliss. “Oh my, DJ when did you learn to cook so well?”

“Traveling,” he said simply. Twilight pouted at him, giving him a sad-eyed look, begging for him to tell her more. DJ clutched his chest and fell over in a heap. “Alright! Alright! I give! Just stop with the eyes!” He got back up and noticed Twilight giggling at him, the same could be said of his daughters while Malice just gave him a knowing smile. He rolled his eyes.  “I picked up a few tricks and tips here and there, mostly from Pinkie Pies. A few ponies I ran into were professional chefs, so I had a chance to learn from a few masters.”

“Wow, what else did you learn, dad?”

“Well, mostly it involved fighting and surviving which is not something I will ever tell you. Certain things need to be left alone, alright?” Scoots pouted a little, but noticed her father wasn’t going to budge on the issue, so she dropped it. “But my adventures can wait. Our cakes are getting cold.”

After devouring the cake, the ponies decided to take a walk into town. It was DJ’s idea as he wanted to see his Ponyville after so long. Twilight suggested that they start at Sweet Apple Acres, knowing that the Apples would want to see their long, lost relative. Twilight asked them to gather around, but DJ waved her off.

“We always use your method, Twi. Why not let me do it this time?”

“You can teleport now?” she asked.

“Don’t you remember?” DJ disappeared, reappearing on the stairs. “My jumping ability!”

“Oh! Right, duh,” she said putting a hoof to her head. “Sorry, dear, it’s been so long that I…” Twilight started to tear up a little, DJ jumped to her side and wrapped her in a hug.

“Hey,” he said, bring her eyes to meet his. “I’m not going anywhere. I’m here to stay, alright?”

Twilight sighed and leaned her head into his chest. “Okay, I’m better. It’s just been a little difficult without you here for me.”

DJ rubbed her belly a little. “I know, and I’m sorry for that. But, I’m here now and I’m going to do everything I can for you,” he turned towards his daughters, “all of you.”

“Thanks dad,” Nyx said with a smile.

“We know you will, dad. You always keep your promises.”

“Thanks for your support, now why don’t we go see your aunts and uncle and great-granny?”

“Sure! We didn’t get to hang out with Apple Bloom today, so it should be fun.”

“Gather around!” DJ pulled them in close and jumped. A moment later, the girls opened their eyes to see that they were on the front porch of the Apple family home.

“Wow,” Twilight said with a gleam in her eyes. She turned to her husband who was smiling a little smugly. “That was amazing, DJ. I didn’t feel any shift or anything. It was as if it were instantaneous.”

“It is. Don’t worry, I’ll let you study all of my new abilities, but I want to settle in first before we get back to routine.”

“Oh, ok.” Twilight was a little depressed that she had to wait for new knowledge, but DJ said she would get to see all of his new powers. That was enough to keep her satisfied… for now. “So, how are you going to announce yourself?” she asked with a knowing smile. “Big and boastful or are you actually going to use some tact?”

“Big and boastful, duh. Is there any other way?” He smirked and looked at the front door. “Looks like Applejack is home, at least that’s what I’m sensing.” DJ took in a big breath and then, “Applejack! Get your flank out here and give your big brother a hug!!"

From inside the house, they heard, “AAHH!!” and then a crashing sound. Somepony started stomping towards the door and threw it open. “Gosh dang it, Big Mac! Ya done nearly made mess up Granny’s…” Applejack’s rant slowed as her eyes widened at the pony on her front step, “...pie. DJ? Is that you?”

“Who else do you know that could make such an entrance?” he asked with a fancy accent. Tears welled up in the corners of the farm mare’s eyes and she lurched forward, wrapping the alicorn in a bear hug.

“Ya came home!” she cried as tears began to fall. “Ya gosh darn fool, ya finally came home.”

Unfortunately, DJ was having trouble breathing from the intense hold. “Yes…,” he choked out, “I’m back… can you stop trying to… crush me!?”

“Nope. This is mah payback for you up n’ leavin’ us like ya did.”

DJ tried to respond, but his ribs were feeling too much pressure. So, he jumped right out of her grip, causing the farm mare to fall forward, catching herself at the last moment.  She looked around and noticed DJ back over by Twilight, a deadpanned look on his muzzle.

“Not cool, girl. I’m not as squishy as I used to be.”

AJ cocked her head. “What do ya mean by that? Did ya actually get some muscle out there?”

DJ looked away for a moment. “...I did what I had to to survive. I had to get stronger, faster, better. I had to put a lot of things away on my journey, sometimes even my morals.” A dark shadow fell over his face, nearly breaking Twilight’s heart and making Applejack very ashamed of herself.

“Ah, dang it. Ah didn’t mean ta make ya recall bad memories, partner. Ya did things ya ain’t proud of, but ya still came back to us. That’s all that matters ta me.” DJ smiled at his little sister and pulled her in for a hug.

“I missed you, too, sis.”

AJ chuckled a little. “Ah may have missed ya a ton, but there’s another pony on this farm who missed you even more.” She smiled wickedly at the alicorn who went rigid with fear.

“Dear mother, no.”

“Yup!” she gulped up a deep breath and then bellowed, “HEEEY BIIIG MAAAC!!! GEY YER FLANK UP HERE AND GIVE YER LONG, LOST BROTHER A BIG OL’ HUG!!!”

“Gah! AJ you suck!” Behind them, a lone dust cloud could be seen in the distance, slowly growing in size as it approached. The ground below began to shake, making several of the ponies bounce with it. “Ah shiz, well when in Rome!” DJ spun around and was suddenly in a Matador’s outfit, cape and all. He dangled the cape to his side, shaking it slightly. “Toro! Toro!”

“Wrong word, dipshit.”

DJ took a second to glare at Malice. “Then what’s Spanish for pony?”

“Potro works,” his twin responded with a shrug. AJ just then noticed him.

“Malice? What are you doin’ here?” Her glare was quite intense, if only Malice actually cared to be bothered by it.

“I’m just goin’ with the flow. I have to go wherever the kid goes. Still restricted to being within a hundred feet of him.”

“That’s not much,” Twilight noted.

“We’re working on it,” DJ said offhandedly. “Potro! Potro!” The cloud of dust was almost on them and they could see a dark shape within. It became clearer and clearer as it got closer, revealing a big, red pony running right at DJ. “Potro! Potro!” he encouraged. Big Mac was running right at DJ, but just as he was about to tackle his brother, DJ stepped aside with the cape, causing the large stallion to run right into an anvil with a ‘clang’! He smiled smugly at his apparent victory while the girls were appalled.

“DJ!? What the hay?!”

“What?” He tapped the anvil, sending out a loud ‘clang’. “It’s hollow.”

“Did anypony get the number of that carriage?” Big Macintosh muttered as he stood back up, holding his head. He shook his head and looked back over, waking up instantly at the sight of his brother. “DJ!!” he cried as he grabbed the stallion in a bear hug even worse than Applejack’s.

“Gah! Why… do you all… keep trying… to kill me?!” he wheezed out. Mac smiled and dropped him to the ground with an ‘oof’. “Thanks,” he muttered.

“No problem.”

“What’s all the racket out here?” they all turned to see Granny Smith walking out on to the porch. She looked down and her eyes widened at the sight of DJ. “Well, Ah’ll be. Ya finally came home.”

“Finland!”

The old mare snickered. “Yep, that’s our DJ. Good ta see ya, son.”

DJ returned her warm smile. “Thanks, it’s good to be back.”

“DJ!”

DJ was thrown on his back as he was tackled once again, this time by a young mare with a bow in her red hair. “Hey, Bloom.”

“Ya came back!” she cried as she nuzzled his chest. “Ah knew ya’d come back!”

“Of course I would.” He looked over at everypony gathered, even Malice though he stood off to the side, “There ain’t no place like home.”

“So that means yer stayin’?” asked Mac with a hopeful look.

“Eeyup. I’m not going anywhere. This is my home and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

“Good ta hear it!” AJ hooted. “So, what are ya gonna do now?”

“We need to let everypony else know I’m home. You’re all that knows right now.”

“Well, get to it! Ah’m sure everypony’s waiting ta find out that yer back.”

“I’m goin’, I’m goin’! Come on, girls… and Malice. We got friends to find.”

“Glad to see I count for so much,” Malice said with a roll of his eyes.

“Just shut up and come on.” They waved goodbye to the Apples and marched off for Ponyville. Once they hit the edge of town, DJ stopped and looked out at the town, smiling sweetly. Twilight noticed and nuzzled his chin to bring him back to reality.

“You’re really home, my love. That’s your Ponyville, filled with the friends you’ve made. And they’re all waiting for you to come home.”

“Yeah, it just seems so surreal. After everything I’ve been through, it’s hard to believe that I made it back. But you’re right, I have friends who are expecting me to return. Starting with one very important mare.”

The girls looked at each other and smiled knowingly. “Pinkie Pie?”

“Who else?” he grinned back. “PINKIE!!” he called out to the town. They were still far enough away that no one would be able to hear him. “COME GIVE YER COUSIN A HUG!!” In a blur of Pink, DJ was bowled over once again, this time being dragged into the dirt by the velocity of his attacker. He laughed as the dust cleared, revealing Pinkie Pie clinging to him tightly.

“YAY!! I knew my Pinkie Sense was right when it said an old friend/family member would be coming back today! And it came true! My little Deejy has come back!”

DJ gave the mare a curious look. “Who are you calling ‘little’?”

Pinkie lifted herself off of DJ so he could pull himself out of the crater, giggling as she did so. “You know what I mean, silly.” She booped his nose, to which he responded by crinkling it. Pinkie once again wrapped her arms around the stallion who returned it after a stunned moment. “I’m happy you’re back.”

“Me too, Pinks. Me too.”

“Hey, Crazy Cousin Pinks?”

“Yeeeess, Scootaloo?”

“Does this mean dad’s gonna get a super awesome ‘welcome home’ party?”

“Nope!” Pinkie said with a cheery smile that confused everypony. “He’s gonna a a super-fantastical, ultra-amazing ‘welcome back from traveling between the worlds for thirteen months’ super party! Planned by yours truly,” she said, putting a hoof to her chest.

“And me!” said a familiar yellow stallion with brown curly hair. “Hiya DJ! Long time no see!”

DJ and Malice were both stunned at the sudden arrival of the stallion. “Okay, I’ll bite. What’s Weird Al doin’ here?”

Pinkie and Cheese Sandwich both cocked their heads. “Who’s Weird Al?”

“Don’t mind the delusions of a Being of Chaos. He does bring up a good point, what are you doing back in town, Cheese-dude?”

“Oh you know, just visiting my marefriend.” He leaned over and gave Pinkie a peck on the cheek, causing her to giggle a little. DJ’s mind stopped, trying to process what he just saw.

“Okay… what the hell did I miss?”

“We’ll catch ya up later, Deejy! We got a party to plan!” She bounced on top of Cheese and directed him towards Ponyville. “Onward my trusty stallion! We have party pony things to do!”

“As you wish my lady! Hiya!” He whinnied and took off.

“Hey Pinkie!” DJ called after her, prompting them to stop. Pinkie looked back at him with a questioning look. DJ smiled at them. “Call me Frost.” Now she seemed truly confused. “It’ll be easier to make a nickname out of ‘Frost’ than ‘DJ’.”

Pinkie smiled and shrugged. “Whatever you say, Frosty. See ya tonight!” And off they rode into the distance. Twilight, Scootaloo, and Nyx looked back at their patriarch with confusion.

“Why did you tell her to call you Frost?”

“That’s the name I’ve been going by for the past few months. Started off back with Parker. I’m known as Blue Frost; I kinda like it, actually.”

“You went by the name you used to for that nerdy persona we pranked my parents with? I’ll admit it does have a nice ring to it, especially when we consider your talent, but I don’t know if I can call you that when all I’ve ever known you as is DJ.”

“You don’t have to then. I’m not gonna force you to call me ‘Blue Frost’. But that’s a part of me now, more so than my human name. You can still call me DJ, but I’m gonna be making sure that the public knows me as Prince Blue Frost.”

“Why?” they all asked.

DJ gave them a wry smile. “I’ll tell you later; after tonight. Today is a day of celebration! So let’s go find our other friends and get this party going!”

DJ and his family silently strolled through the edges of Ponyville, trying to be seen by as few passersby as possible. It was hard going for Twilight due to her pregnancy, but DJ made sure that nothing was wrong. “Honey, if you’re not up for the sneaking, I’ll just trot out there and let everypony know I’m back. You don’t have to go along with my crazy plots if you don’t want to.”

“DJ, for the fifth time, I’m fine. I may be a little out of my element, but I can do this. I don’t want you to see me as helpless just because I’m with child, DJ. I’m still strong and capable.”

He smiled and nuzzled her cheek. “I’m sorry, Twi. I guess I got a little protective there and I’m sorry for that. I just don’t want anything to happen to you is all.”

Twilight looked him in the eyes and noticed something different in those eyes. Deep within that love and understanding she had to come to depend on, there was darkness. A deep, deep darkness that no doubt plagued his mind at all times of the day and night. Ever since DJ had told her how to read people, and ponies, through their eyes, she had been practicing it non-stop, hoping to use it to further her friendship research. Now, she was using it to see that her husband was covering up even more pain than he had ever put in his letters.

“DJ, what happened to you out there?” She put a hoof on his shoulder, a pleading look in her eyes. DJ blinked and slightly paled. Even Malice turned his head, shrouding his face in shadow. DJ seemed conflicted, his breathing starting to hasten. Then, in a blink, he calmed himself, his eyes steeling themselves.

“A lot of things. A lot of terrible things. I’ll tell you someday Twilight, but for now… now I just want to leave the past in the past. Ok? Just until I settle back in to life here?”

Twilight desperately wanted to refuse his request, to make him tell her right then and there what was troubling him. That look in his eyes, however, took away that desperation. His eyes looked so full of sorrow and regret, of a pony who had done terrible things yet still had a good heart. She sighed and gave him a loving stare. “Alright. For now, but I want you to tell me everything soon. Ok? I’m here for you, honey, just like you’ve always been there for me.” She put a hoof to his chest. “That’s what we’re meant for, DJ. To take on the world, or in this case worlds, together.”

DJ looked at her for a moment in shock, before pulling her in for a sudden kiss. Twilight let out a surprised breath, but quickly melted into the kiss. Scootaloo and Nyx just looked away, looking uncomfortable, while Malice found a rock that was very interesting. When they pulled apart, DJ nuzzled his wife lovingly. “What did I ever do to deserve such a perfect mare like you?” Twilight blushed and returned the nuzzle. DJ leaned down to gently poke her belly. “Ya hear that little one? Your mother is perfect. Remember that.”

Twilight giggled and pushed him away playfully. “Oh stop you. He, or she, will find that out soon enough.”

“Come on, dad, you and mom have had your lovey-dovey time. We just gonna let Ponyville go with your craziness for even longer?”

DJ chuckled at his daughter’s impatience. “Okay, okay. We’ll continue tonight,” he said with a wink in Twilight’s direction, causing her face to burn. She bumped him, causing him to laugh. “Alright, come on. Bon-Bon’s shop is just up ahead.”

Just as he said, the five-some found themselves right outside Bon-Bon’s BonBons and Sweets Shop. DJ used his Pinkie Spy skills to take a look in the shop window. “Well that’s convenient.”

“What is?”

“I see Bon-Bon and Lyra, of course, but Vinyl and Octavia are there, too. Oh and Ditzy and Doc are just finishing up with their purchase. Better get in there so I can catch all of them.” DJ gave Twilight a quick peck on the cheek before moving to the door. “Be right back, hon.”  He backed up slightly and kicked open the door, but only enough to open, not break down. “Attention Mares and Stallion!” he shouted, getting all eyes on him that weren’t already. “Look who’s back!”

The entire shop froze in place, all eyes widening at the sight of the stallion grinning madly at them. Then, as one, they shouted, “DJ??!!”

“That’s me! What’s crackalackin’ party ponies?”

Lyra was the first to move, flinging herself at him and sending them both to the ground. “You’re back!”

“Precisely! This is the third, no fourth, time I’ve been on my achy breaky back today. Come, Lyra, I missed you too, girl, but I would like to be standing.”

“Sorry,” she said getting off of him. Time Turner helped the stallion to his hooves and clapping him on the back.

“Good to see ya, lad. How are the worlds?”

“Wibbly and wobbly. Now I understand why you’re so quirky. My mind is fried after all that world jumping.”

“I would wager so. Still, it’s good to see you back in one piece, my boy. You’ll be sharing all you learned about the different worlds with me later on, yes?”

“Count on it, Doc. We’ll make a project out of it, so long as you’re okay with Twilight joining in.”

“Well, alright. I suppose we can trust her about the you-know-what.”

“Thanks.” DJ turned to the other mares in the shop and smiled. Ditzy waved hello at him, to which he waved back. Octavia gave him a courteous bow, a friendly smile gracing her muzzle. Vinyl walked right up to him and they hoof bumped.

“Dude! It’s been over a year, where have you been?”

“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you, Scratch. But let’s just say that I’ve been traveling for a while.” Vinyl nodded at that, getting the need for discretion.  DJ admired that, but his look turned to confusion at the record sticking out of her saddle bag. “Vinyl? Why does that record in your bag have Sweetie Belle on it?”

She glanced back at her bag and took out the record. “Oh right. I needed to get this mailed out to my producer back in Canterlot. Sweetie’s Ponyville’s rising star right now; she’s on top of the charts in pop. It’s not really my style, but your sister kind a got me into it. Does Pix know yer back yet?”

“Not yet, I was gonna go to Canterlot after finding the others and letting them know I’m okay. So, Sweetie’s singing has really taken off, huh? Well, maybe the two of us will have to a duet sometime. Anyways, it was great seeing you all again, and I hope you’ll all be at my party tonight.”

“Pinkie?” they all asked with knowing grins.

DJ nodded. “Pinkie. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have three other mares and a dragon to find before heading off to Canterlot.”

“See ya, dude!”

“Good to see you again, your highness.”

“Bye DJ!”

DJ waved them all goodbye as they each gave their farewells. He smiled as he trotted out of the shop, only to walk right into a cyan muzzle. His eyes opened wide at the set of magenta eyes right in his face. He smiled once he saw a lock of rainbow hair just on the edge of his field of vision. “Oh hey, Dash. What’s up?”

Rainbow Dash pulled back and gave him her world class smirk. “DJ Sparkle. So… you really did come back. When Twilight and Squirt told me you were here, I wasn’t quite sure. But now, well…” She dropped the attitude and put out a hoof. “Welcome back, DJ.” He smiled and hoof bumped her.

“Glad to be back, Dash. It’s good to see you again.”

“What about me?” DJ perked a little, looking over Rainbow’s shoulder to see his sister-in-law, Fluttershy. He smiled warmly at the butter-yellow pegasus and used his magic to pull her in for a soft hug. “Hey Flutters, I missed you too.”

She sighed and returned the hug. “Oh good, I was worried you didn’t miss me.”

“I’ll always miss family. Have you and Big Mac been working out alright?”

“Yes, oh heavens yes. Big Mac and I have been getting along quite lovely. It’s nice waking up with him in my bed.” She blushed bright red at that. “Oh, did I say that out loud?”

DJ chuckled playfully. “Yes you did. I’m happy for you two and, again, I’m sorry I missed the wedding. I hope I can make it up to you guys someday.”

“Oh it was no big deal. Well, actually it kind of was, not having a best man threw us off a little, but it worked out in the end. You couldn’t help it.”

“I don’t care, Fluttershy. Somehow, I’m gonna make up for everything I missed out on.” He sighed and started to walk back to where his family was waiting. “I’m happy to see you both again and hope to see you at Pinkie’s party tonight. Check ya later!”

“See ya dude!”

“Good-bye.”

DJ walked over to Twilight with a happy smile, though Malice decided to butt in. “Are we done yet?”

“Shut up, ya chaotic prick. Walking’s good for you anyway.”

“I don’t care, I’m getting hungry. Let’s wrap this up.”

DJ rolled his eyes, while Twilight glared at him. “Stop whining, Malice. Or I’ll make sure Pinkie keeps you away from the snack table tonight.”

Malice’s eyes flashed with concern, then turned harsh. “You wouldn’t dare.”

“Try me,” she challenged with a smirk. They stared off against each other for a moment, neither giving in to the other. Then Malice backed off.

“Fine. I’ll ‘behave’. But this isn’t over, Sparkle-butt. I will get you back for this indignity.”

Twilight rolled her eyes and looked to her husband. “This is what you had to put up with for all these years?” He nodded. “Oh, DJ, I am so sorry. I didn’t know you had to put up with such a… such a…”

“Dick?”

“Hey!”

“Well, that’s not a word I would use, but yes. Now then, why don’t we go find Spike and Rarity? They should still be at Carousel Boutique.”

“Lead the way, my shining star.” Twilight giggled with a blush at his little nickname and led them onwards. As they walked, Nyx and Scootaloo asked their father about his journeys, usually about the opposite ponies he met. He explained that someday he would tell them some of his adventures, but right now he didn’t want to think about them. They were disappointed, but they understood. Soon enough, they found themselves outside the Boutique, only there was a sign on the front door, saying ‘Closed’.

“Well, that’s not right. Carousel Boutique shouldn’t close for another couple hours.”

“Somepony is inside,” DJ said as he narrowed his eyes at the building. “Two someponies, both on the second floor.”

“Should we knock?” Nyx suggested.

“Nah, I’ll check it out,” Malice offered. “Spike’s one of the few inhabitants of this world I put up with. Be right back.” Malice turned into some kind of mist and floated in under the door. Twilight turned to DJ with a questioning look.

“He’s the Being of Chaos, remember? He embodies it, which means he can pretty much do anything. He picked up the mist thing from Luna, he’s a big fan of hers.”

“Really?”

“Eeyup.”

Malices suddenly appeared next to DJ, a look of horror and… embarrassment. His cheeks were even lightly tinted pink. “Um… let’s catch up with them later. They’re kind of busy.”

“Doing what?” Scootaloo asked innocently.

“Kid, some things are better left unsaid. Let’s just go to Canterlot and let our other family know we’re back.” The girls shrugged and started heading for the train station. DJ, however, moved in close to his twin and whispered,

“Alright, what’s going on in there? What did you see?”

“Take a look.” He lit his horn and passed on the memory:

Malice reappeared from his wisp state just inside the door, taking a quick look around to see that no one was there. He shrugged and started up the stairs. He started looking from room to room, only finding Rarity’s typical fashion designs and tools. He came to the bedroom door a the end of the hall and heard noises coming from the otherside. It sounded like something was being hit and there were moans coming from within.

Curious, he slowly peaked through a crack in the door and his face lit red. He saw Rarity on the bed in the room, along with Spike, both of whom were… well take a listen:

“Oh, Spikey. Oh, Spikey! OH, SPIKEY-WIKEY!!”

Malice backed away from the door, taking a moment to cool his jets. “Whew.” He took one last look at the bedroom door and shook his head. “As hot as that is, I’m not getting involved. Time to jet.” He jumped back to his spot outside.

DJ’s face was burning, thinking of his brother-in-law and his friend doing something like that. “Well… that happened.”

“Yes, yes it did. Another thing to add to the ‘Things that Can’t be Unseen’ List.”

“Uh huh.”

“Hey!” The two stallions looked over to see Twilight waiting impatiently. “If you’re done, can we get to jumping to Canterlot? Your party is in two hours!”

“Oh crap! Coming, Twi!” DJ rushed over to her, leaving Malice to shake his head before turning to mist and following.

Princess Celestia was having a very peaceful day, today. It was just simple complaints today, no major disasters, no world-ending crises, just a nice day with her sister and daughter.  Yes, to her left sat her dear sister, Princess Luna, and on her right was her only daughter, Pixel Berry. This past year had been another hard one on her, what with her adoptive son forced into a Cultural Journey for thirteen months, but at least she had Pixel back at her side.

She had just sent away the Day Court’s last petitioner, a farmer who was asking for  additional sunlight towards his fields as they were beginning to get over watered as of late. A simple request, yet very important to a farmer’s family who depended on the crop for sustenance. She had agreed to allowing an additional amount of sunlight on his fields for the next week, which should counterbalance the watering problem. She sighed happily as he left with a smile on his face.

“You seem tired, sister,” Luna noted.

“No, just pleased. I feel as if there is nothing that could make this day better.”

“Well that just took the wind out of my sails.”

Celestia, Luna, and Berry all jumped and turned around to see the source of that comment. They all gasped as they spotted the Sparkle family, featuring DJ! … and to a lesser extent, Malice.

“Hi mom,” DJ waved.

Immediately, he was tackled by Pixel Berry, glomping him tightly. “You’re back!!” DJ chuckled, commenting about his back, but Celestia didn’t care. She could feel tears beginning to sting her eyes, happiness overwhelming her at seeing her son returned. Luna was overcome with happiness as well, approaching DJ and enveloping him in a hug with her wings.

“It is good to see you safe from harm, nephew.”

“Thanks, Luna.” He looked right at Celetia and smiled warmly and sweetly. “I missed you, mom.”

Tears were now running down the solar princess’ cheeks. She had so wished to hear those words from him again. “And I missed you,” she enveloped him in a massive wing hug, bringing him close to her chest. “I missed you so very much, mine child. Welcome home.”

“It’s very good to be home. But, there’s something we need to discuss.” The sudden seriousness in his voice highly worried Celestia, causing her to back up and look him in the eye. “Both of us,” he said as Malice walked up and joined his side.

“Yes? What is it, my sons?”

DJ sighed, looking to Malice who nodded sagely. He looked right at Celestia and said, “I have been thinking this for a long time now and after everything I’ve been through… everything we’ve been through, it’s about time we cleared the air.”  Together they spoke.

“Princess Celestia, Princess Luna. We quit!”

Next Chapter: Homecoming, Part Two Estimated time remaining: 1 Hour, 5 Minutes