The news that the Element of Loyalty and the Son of Discord were having a baby spread like wildfire across the little town of Ponyville. It started with Scootaloo, who was informed the moment she returned home that evening. Daybreak delivered the movie night to her, as was promised, and Rainbow told her news at the end. From there it became mass knowledge by the next day. Scootaloo told her friends, who then told their sisters, Applejack and Rarity. Rarity and Applejack told Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy. Fluttershy fainted. But afterwards told Sunset Shimmer, who came by immediately to confirm the news in person. The look on her face as they answered the door, was priceless. After a brief awkwardness between them, Sunset embraced the pair and congratulated them. She also left them an enormous gift basket from Pinkie that filled up Daybreaks doorway with muffins, and promises of a later party. He knew he could rely on Rainbow and Scootaloo to quickly dispose of the treats, so he didn't bother finding a spot for the basket on the counter.

Afterwards, Daybreak took it upon himself to tell Twilight and Spike. That was...uncomfortable. Considering he was also forced to admit to Twilight that he had not yet told Rainbow about her mother. After Spike got over the shock of the news, Twilight politely asked the young drake to leave. Daybreak knew it was coming so, he prepared himself for the inevitable scolding once the door shut behind his drake friend. She delivered, of course, like only Twilight could...with a lecture. She dove right into how he should have been more careful, how he should have used protection and how he and Rainbow were much too young to be having children. Then, she reminded him how it was unhealthy to be starting a family with Rainbow, without telling her the truth about what happened to her mother. Twilight might as well have been his, she spent more time waving her finger and scolding him than actually congratulating him. Though, she did eventually work her way to that part.

A warm, and gentle hug passed between them as Twilight told him how happy she was for them. Daybreak gladly returned her affectionate embrace, knowing how hard this must actually be for her after what they'd discussed previously. As if to remind him of his latest mistake during their last chat, she lightly drew her finger down his chest while they hugged. The light tapping of her finger over his heart, sent a shiver of remembrance up his spine. She tapped her finger two more times, igniting her finger aglow with each tap. The shivers ran him through each time her skin touched his. Shivers of guilt. "Twinkle, twinkle." She cooed in his ear. Daybreaks voice failed him, he dare not respond.

A warm sensation made itself aware inside his chest. Like a soft little ember sitting in his lungs. For a moment, he fooled himself into thinking he was just embarrassed. But as the sensation grew, to become a painful burning, the truth became obvious. Shame flooded his conscience as Rainbows element began to feel like it was melting its way out of his chest. He knew he couldn't take this any farther.

"Aren't you gonna answer? That was the promise we made, right?" Twilight's voice was so full of hope, it broke his heart. Regret flowed through his brain to mix with his shame, it was quite a uniquely blended mixture for him. He found himself wishing Twilight didn't have such an accurate long term memory.

"Twilight...I can't. I didn't mean to say-"

"Shush." Her finger touched his lips. Not nearly hard enough to actually silence him, but still the sound died in his throat like she'd cast a spell on him. "I know what you're gonna say. It's alright. I'm only teasing. I wouldn't force you to uphold a promise from so long ago, after you came here to tell me you and Rainbow are pregnant. But...I also can't let it go you know? I waited so long to hear it. I can't believe you even still remember..."

With a resentful sigh he breathed "I could never forget...But I wish I hadn't said anything. I didn't mean to..."

She giggled, cutting him off "I think you did. But I won't push you. You have enough on your plate right now and like I said, just knowing is enough for me. Good luck with Rainbow. I know you'll be a great parent."

Daybreak sighed as he stood from her bed. "At the very least I plan on being better than mine were to me."

He took a step away, and felt the burning in his chest cease, much to his delight. As he tried to walk for the door, he felt Twilights hand tug against his shorts. "Daybreak...don't do anything reckless. If you're serious about what you said, than being around for your kid is more important than unearthing some old news about your past. Especially something that could make your life more complicated than it already is."

He whipped his head back around to face her, and found her blank eyes staring at him. Even blinded, she still gave off the impression she was x-raying him whenever she did that. He scoffed, offended "I thought we were past mistrusting each other Twi. Who told you?"

She smiled, releasing her hold on his shorts. "We are past that. But I know you went to visit Jackie after our talk the other day. The guards came in, they told me. They also told me you were in there for quite awhile, and they overheard quite a bit of conversation. You should be thanking me you know. If they had reported to Celestia instead of telling me first, things could have gone badly for you, if you go through with it."

"There is no 'if' Sparky. I'm going to do it. Don't try and stop me." He practically snarled at her but all he got in response was another giggle.

"Oh yes, I'm going to stop you. For sure. I'm going to get out of this bed right now and stop you. That is if I can manage to stand up and get to you without walking into thirty things before I cast one spell."

She pretended to sit up quickly, causing Daybreak to overreact and push her back down into the sheets. "Very funny Princess Smartass. I get it. But even if you can't physically stop me, you could always order the guards to restrain me, or inform Celestia that I'm coming."

Even as he spoke, Twilight just shook her head. "I swear, you have no confidence in your friend do you? If I was going to do that, do you think I would have bothered to tell you I knew? I also ordered those guards not to say anything either."

"And you think they'll just listen? That's pretty risky Twi." He eyed her with a glare that he knew she could feel.

"It's not risky if I tell them I'll take care of it. And I will. It is my duty as a Princess to inform my fellow Princesses of any threat to them or their personal effects. However no one said I had to tell her right away. "

Daybreaks eyebrows raised a significant degree "Wow Sparky. Lying to your mentor, your precious Celestia? I would never have expected that from you."

Twilight hmphed at him. "I'm not lying , I'm just not telling the whole truth. Call it a favor from your friend. Two days, counting today. That's the head start you get. After tomorrow I have to tell her Daybreak, or it will be obvious I helped you."

"And what will you tell her?" He smiled, curious to see how far she might take it.

Twilight wafted her hand dismissively "Oh, I'll tell her what the guards told me of course. That they overheard Jackie giving you instructions on how to break into some secret study Princess Celestia might have, and how you certainly sounded eager to see it for yourself."

A devilish grin slithered onto his features "Looks like you've got a bit of a mischievous side to you after all Sparky. Can't say I don't enjoy that. Well two days is more than enough time for me. Thanks a bunch."

Leaning over, he quickly ruffled her hair with his fingers, to her great annoyance. But she came up from his assault smiling anyways. Even as he closed the door behind him, he could hear her humming excitedly to herself. Perhaps it was the prospect of being naughty and lying to her teacher that caused that childish grin he saw on her as the door shut. Or maybe it was him ruffling her hair like he had. He remembered he did used to do that alot to her when they were little. Though he recalled her hating it back then. Maybe the nostalgia just got to her. Either way, he now had today and tomorrow to make his break in. Which meant he would need some help to pull it off effectively, and he knew just who he could go to for aid.

After visiting Twilight, Daybreak came home to find that Pinkie had already taken it upon herself to inform the entirety of the rest of the town about the pregnancy. By the days end, everyone knew, and had a party invite from Pinkie Pie set for the day Twilight was to be released from the hospital. Nearly all of the people from Ponyville University were invited, and some even stopped by to congratulate Rainbow and Daybreak just before the last rays of sunlight peeked out over the horizon. Well, most stopped by to congratulate Rainbow, but the Headmistress and Doctor Whooves came by for Daybreak as well. With the party being a week away, that gave Daybreak plenty of time to focus on and initiate his break-in of the Princess' private study.

He hadn't informed anyone of his plans, the less people that knew, the less likely it would get out. The only two that would know would be Twilight, and his soon-to-be partner in crime, Sunset Shimmer. He trusted Sunset (oddly enough), and he knew she'd broken into the castle before, just like him. He called her to his home that evening to discuss his plan, once the hordes of people coming to congratulate Rainbow finally died off. She showed up on his door step, at the very end of an argument between him and Rainbow over her medication. Though they weren't exactly arguing anymore by the time she got inside the house.

Due certain "unforeseen complications" as the doctor had put it, with Daybreaks magic mixing inside Rainbow, there was a severe imbalance of energy going down inside her body. While the doctor had assured her that the only side effects for the child were going to be an inhuman amount of magical power upon birth, she'd been warned that she needed to take the medicine or risk getting sick from the energy that was just sitting inside her body doing nothing. It was like an acidic buildup inside her belly, except magical, and with unforeseeable side effects if she didn't keep it in check. Sadly, she was difficult as always. Darting about the house in next to nothing, refusing to be cooperative.

"I'm not taking it anymore! That crap tastes like dirt mixed with bubblegum!" She whined, hurdling over the couch and breaking for the kitchen! Daybreak was fast on her tail, but was not gaining quite as much enjoyment out of this troubled game of tag as she was!

"Rainbow come on! Don't you think you're being a bit dramatic here? How can a pill even taste like that? You shouldn't be tasting it, you should be swallowing it!"

He made a dive for her legs, but she easily avoided him by leaping onto the counter. Sticking her tongue out at him, she cackled as he slid by her legs harmlessly.

"That's what you said in bed too, and I didn't listen then either!"

Daybreak smacked his palm to his face, lamenting his new rest spot on the floor of his own kitchen. "Quit being childish Dashie! Don't make me force you-!"

"Ha! Let's see you try hot stuff. I'll kick your ass and get a good ride out of you before dinner is over!"

As much as he wanted to just restrain her by force with magic, he had to keep his cool. "No Rainbow. No fighting! The doctor put very specific instructions with all these meds. He was very clear in saying you can't fight or due any extreme activities...for a long time to come....And I'm pretty sure that includes running around the house in your fucking underwear doing summersaults every which way!"

Rainbow wafted her hand at him and ignited her wings, flying up to the ceiling out of his reach. "Pssssh! What does he know anyway!"

Daybreak was so not in the mood for this right now. He had way too many things to plan. "Rainbow. He's a doctor. Now get down here!"

"No."

"Rainbow."

"Nope."

"Would you get down here before Sunset shows up and sees you dressed like that?"

"Nuh uh! Besides what do I care? She's seen me try and molest you. You think her leering at me in my undies will bother me?"

"Rainbow for the love of Luna! If you don't come down here right now I swear by the gods I'm going to magically bind you to the couch!"

Blowing her tongue at him, she flew down and bent herself over the couch for him, flashing her rear. "Well, come bind me. Your puppy wants to play. Woof woof."

He smiled in spite of his annoyance. "Ok ok, that's still really cute, and hot. Now will you please be good for five minutes and take your medicine?"

She shook her head "Nope." Then zoomed from the couch into his room, locking the door behind her.

He swore aloud, growing increasingly impatient. Scootaloo, who had been inhaling the pizza (prepared by him) from the table, yawned "She's been like this since you got back from the hospital. Is it the medicine?"

Rubbing his temples with his fingers, he slowly nodded "They dilute her inhibitions, plus they ramp up her hormones by a truckload, she might as well be drunk 24/7. But they are effective at balancing out all the magic sitting idle inside her. So the trade off is worth it....Supposedly."

Shoving an entire slice into her moth and chewing loudly, Scoots leaned back in her chair "Well, if you know Rainbow Dash is really horny all the time, why don't you use that to get her to take the medicine?"

He stopped to consider this for a moment, eyes bulging with inquisition. Scoots swallowed even louder than she chewed, then loosed a burp that could wake the gods.

"Actually...that's kind of brilliant. And now I have an idea."

Scoots jumped as he appeared behind her and planted a quick kiss on the top of her head "Thanks Shrimp! You're the only level headed one left in this house."

"I try." She said, scooping the remainder of her slices towards the edge of her plate.

"Right...now I need you to watch the door, don't want Sunset sneaking up on us while I get Rainbow."

"No promises, unless I can have more pizza." She squeaked.

Rolling his eyes, he snapped his fingers. The pan floated from the stove, then dumped the rest of the pizza he'd prepared onto her plate. She gave him a wordless salute, and he backed out of the kitchen to prepare his scheme.

"Alright...this should be easy enough for me..." He took one of the small plastic tubes containing Rainbows meds out of his pocket. Prying open the unholy childproof cap, he swiftly popped one into his mouth and pushed it under his tongue. A devilish smirk adorning his features, Daybreak approached the door to his room. Touching his finger to the door knob, a small spark of energy jumped from his skin to the inside of the handle. A light click sounded, confirming his success, then he slowly pushed open the door.

Rainbow was sitting on the edge of the bed, she looked up as he entered and smiled when he shut the door behind him.

"Finally give up?" She swung her feet side to side, eyeing him curiously.

"Not exactly."

Daybreak approached her with a quick stride. He expected her to attempt to flee, but she made no move to escape as he made his way to her. She didn't even resist when he grabbed her shoulders, and pinned her against the bed. She did however, loose a seductive purr.

"That's more like it big boy. Just cause I'm knocked up now, doesn't mean I don't still want a good fuck from you everyday."

"Shut up." He didn't waste his chance, he crushed his lips onto hers. Her mouth parted without even the slightest resistance. Her tongue shot out and demanded his in return. He obliged at first, wanting to get her guard as low as possible before he struck. Even as they crushed their mouths onto each other, Rainbow was already trying to yank his and her bottoms off at the same time. He broke the kiss, unable to resist an easy shot at her.

"Trying to live up to your reputation of the fastest in Equestria today?"

Rainbow didn't even give him the chance to laugh at his own joke, she just grabbed the back of his neck and forced him back into a kiss. As their tongues danced around one another, Rainbow came dangerously close to lapping at the pill he had pushed to the bottom of his mouth. He managed to push her tongue back with his own a few times, but when she started to get more aggressive, he knew he was in trouble. When she eventually got too close for comfort, he had to act fast to save himself. As her tongue flickered dangerously towards the danger zone, he reached down and cupped her crouch with his fingers. She squeaked, freeing his lips upon contact.

At this point, he knew he might as well go all the way. After all, it's not like he was suffering. So he pulled Rainbows underwear down to her ankles and let her finally succeed in removing his. The moment both their bodies were free, a switch tripped inside him. The same as it did every time he caught sight of her perfect form. The pill almost dropped from his mind as he found himself pinning Rainbow to the bed belly first! She squealed loudly with glee as she felt his fingernails dig into the flesh of her rear! Her whole body shivered as he lowered his lips to her ear and growled with lust into her neck.

"This what you wanted, you lusty little succubus?"

"Shut up and fuck me!" She snarled at him in a breath. There was so much need in her voice it was practically dripping from her as she spoke. The original point of this struck him just as he went to flick his tongue against her neck and nearly spit out her medicine. A devils grin crawled onto his face as he lined himself up behind her and whispered into her ear.

"Turn your head here sexy. I want a kiss."

There was no hesitation. Rainbows head turned to him and practically pulled his lips to hers. He allowed her to pull his tongue onto hers while he pushed the pill towards the front. Rainbow felt it with her tongue, but before she could comprehend what it was, Daybreak gave a violently rough thrust forward, and all her thoughts went to mush! A choking squeal escaped Rainbow as she attempted to spit out the medication, but was too disoriented from the blissful assault on her body to manage. Daybreak grasped her lips in his hand and held her mouth closed, pinching her nose until she was forced to swallow the pill for breath. When he was certain she had fully surrendered and felt her throat relax, he stopped thrusting for a moment to allow her to breathe.

Her form barely moved, arms sprawled out behind her with only her rear raised into the air. She gasped for air as she attempted to sputter out words at him. "Y-you're...s-so...f-fucking...dead...you'd....b-better...finish the job...i-if you...don't want me.....to kill you after this..."

As if to answer, Daybreak gave a hard thrust forward, and listened to the air leave her body. "As if I'd be that cruel to you Skittles."

Even as he spoke, they both heard the very obvious sound of the door bell screeching throughout the house. The rise and fall of Rainbows chest suddenly picked up pace, she looked back at him, shooting him a death glare. "Don't you fucking dare!"

Snickering, Daybreak dug his nails deep into Rainbows butt "Oh no. That sounds like Sunset Shimmer at the door. Guess I should go open it. We wouldn't want to leave her out there would we? Who know when the weather could go to hell again."

Rainbows eyes might as well have been throwing knives at him "She can go to hell with it! You even think of leaving me this pent up after what you just pulled, I swear to the gods I'll make you regret it like you wouldn't believe!"

Leaning down over her, Daybreak let her feel his hot breath against the skin of her back. "Then I guess...we need to wrap this up quick." He released one hand from her rear and brought it around to her eyes, showing it to her as it slowly ignited bright with energy.

"Wha-?" She began, but he cut her off. "I've been wanting to try this nerve enhancing spell on you for a long time, but I always got too lost in the moment to remember. This seems like a great time to test it at max strength, wouldn't you say?"

Fear was not a thing Rainbow often would admit herself feeling. But as the realization of what Daybreak was saying struck her hormone induced mind, she began to feel truly afraid.

"W-wait-!"

But it was already too late! A blinding flash of light filled the room, and a feeling that was beyond overwhelming, and indescribable, filled Rainbow from within!

Riiiiiiiiiiing

Sunset was used to waiting outside Daybreaks door. It was nothing new to her, since it happened nearly every time she visited Daybreaks house. But, she could only stand to be kept waiting for so long before irritation started to set in. Tapping her foot against the stone porch, Sunset could feel her patience thinning rapidly. Reaching forward, she rapped her knuckles across the wooden frame again. Then she rang the bell, holding it down for extra emphasis.

Knock knock knock...Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiing!

The bell persisted...even once she removed her finger? Perplexed, Sunset took a step back from the door...the sound grew louder.

"What's going...?"

It happened in a single moment. The sound grew until it was deafening, causing a pounding within her skull. Realizing it was not the bell much too late to raise her hands to her ears, the deafening sound gained mass! An ear splitting scream erupted from under the door as a white hot explosion ripped outwards from the house, shattering the glass windows and tossing Sunset back from the porch like a rag doll!

She hit the ground with a hard thud, air escaping her chest. Sunset rolled to her side without coming to a full stop and sprang up from the dirt, hands ignited red hot before she was even on her feet. Striding forward, she pulled at the front door, though with perhaps a bit too much force. The door snapped clean off its hinges, the knob melting into a small pool of metal within her fingertips! Either she was much stronger than she realized, or the whole door had been completely fried by whatever blast had just come from within the house. Sunset dropped what remained of the handle and stepped inside. Dust visibly filled the air, forcing Sunset to dispel the cloud with an enchanted wave of her hand before moving inside. A powerful urge to gag struck her throat as a familiar yet much too overwhelming scent, crawled up her nostrils.

"Daybreak? Rainbow Dash?...(Oh Goddess it wreaks)...You guys alright?"

"In here Sunset!" A familiar voice called.

From the kitchen, the sound of shifting glass, broken wood, and extremely loud chewing, drew her attention. When she peered inside, she was greeted with a most odd sight. Scootaloo was sitting at the dining table, holding a half eaten slice of pizza between her teeth, while she wiped broken glass and wooden splinters from the table. Sunsets magic dissolved as she approached her.

"Scootaloo? What the heck happened in here?

Scootaloo turned to her with half a smile, well hidden behind her chewing. Once the dust, glass, and splinters were cleared from her eating space, she rested her elbows upon the table and took the slice from her mouth whilst laughing. "I doubt you'll believe it."

Sunsets hand lowered to rest on her hips "Try me."

Scoots shrugged, then motioned towards Daybreaks bedroom. Realizing what she meant, Sunset slowly began to inch her way down the hall. Whatever smell was polluting the air only bombarded her nose more as she approached the room. It was beyond overwhelming by the time she was reaching for the door handle. Her fingers barely touched the knob, before the door itself flew open and a shirtless Daybreak stood in her path! Sunset jumped back, startled by his sudden appearance, and even more sudden proximity! He wasn't just blocking her path into the room, he was completely obstructing her view with his body.

"Sunset hi! Glad you made it!...Ummm...What's up?" Daybreak stretched out his arms, further blocking her view into the room while also stepping forward even closer to her. Sunset was forced to retreat back to keep him from overtaking her completely. The moment they were both out of the doorway, Daybreak pulled the entrance shut behind him. Sunset eyed him with suspicion.

"What just happened in here...and what is that odor coming off of you? It's suffocating just to be inside your house!"

"Oh yeah...umm...that..." His palm retreated to the back of his head shyly. "Let's just say, a new spell I've been wanting to try out worked a little too well."

Now Sunset was curious, he could see it in her eyes as they lit up to his words, glistening like oversized jeweled orbs. She really was just like Twilight sometimes, though he supposed that came with the student master relationship.

"Really?! What kind of spell?" She purred, the prospect of a new magic spells clearly causing an excitement to grow within her belly.

Just as Daybreak opened his mouth to reply, a high pitched moan, and a drawn out giggle escaped from the door behind him. Sunsets face flushed at the sultry sound, and Daybreaks barely retained its color. He struggled to keep a straight face as he spoke.

"Oooh...umm...nothing fancy really...just a...uh...hyper sensation charm...at max strength."

It took her a moment, but after a few seconds Sunsets eyes widened with realization at what she as smelling.

"Oh Celestia, Daybreak! You didn't!"

When he did not respond, Sunset took a step towards him and the door. "Is Rainbow Dash ok? Your version of max strength and mine are very different you know. You might have fried her brain or something."

He rolled his eyes. "Trust me, she's fine. A little...actually, scratch that, very dazed...but she'll be fine. Trust me, she's not complaining at all."

Sunset just shook her head. "You sure your not as evil as Twilight said?"

Daybreak chuckled, and stepped past her. "Look if you wanna stick your head in there to see Rainbows bare ass hanging over the bed and get a even bigger whiff of that odor you mentioned, be my guest. Or, you can come into the living room and we can talk about what I called you here for. I'm sure Rainbow will join us shortly...Whenever she remembers how to walk."

As Daybreak continued to move past her, he noticed Sunset take one more look back at the door before following. As though she were actually considering going inside.

When Sunset joined him in the living room, she saw Scootaloo had moved from the kitchen to join Daybreak on the couch, practically lounging on his shoulder. Daybreak regarded Sunset with a nod, then motioned for her to sit in the chair across from them. She took her seat, separated from the pair by only a small coffee table, and several sheets of blank paper sprawled across its top. Before speaking to her, Daybreak looked at Scoots.

"Now Shrimp, I need you to promise me something. What me and Sunset are about to discuss here is extremely illegal. If anyone finds out we could both get into a lot of trouble. You wouldn't want that would you?" he waited for her to shake her head back at him before continuing on "Good, that's why I'm willing to let you stay and listen if you promise me you won't tell anyone, not even Rainbow Dash, what we talk about...ok?"

Scoots shifted on the cushion. "I don't wanna lie to Rainbow Dash."

It was so sweet the way she said it, it almost made him chuckle. But he held it in and patted the top of her head "Silly Shrimp. You won't be lying. It's not lying if no one asks about it."

Scoots looked up, her eyes becoming dinner plates. "Really?"

Daybreak nodded "That's the way I look at it at least."

After a moment of silence, in which Daybreak could almost see the thought lines forming on Scoots forehead, she smiled and nodded. "Ok then, I promise."

"Are you sure that's really a good lesson to be teaching her?" Sunsets face was wrinkled with concern and discomfort. Daybreak could understand why, at least partially. But he didn't really give a shit ."What? I didn't tell her anything that isn't true. Besides, it's better she learn that now. Look-" he cut Sunset off as she opened her mouth to retort "- This isn't what I called you here for. I'm not gonna argue morals with you Sunset. I called you here because I need your help, and I trust you."

Sunset, understanding that arguing the point would be a waste of time, nodded. "Fine. I'll let it go for now. So what is it exactly you want my help with? Your letter wasn't too specific on the details. You want to break into somewhere in Canterlot. Right?"

Daybreak nodded "And since you showed up, that tells me you've still got a bit of the old rebel left in you, or at the very least, you don't mind a little mischief." Sunsets eye twitched with annoyance "Don't push it...So what are you breaking into?"

Daybreak smiled "Not I...We ...we are breaking into...this!" He pulled a crumpled piece of paper from his pocket, the same one Jackie had given to him, and tossed it onto the table overtop of the other sheets. As Sunset picked it up and unfurled it in her hands, her eyes grew wide. Daybreak smiled "I need you to help me break into the Princess' private study."

Sunset slowly leaned back in the chair, and let out a sigh. A long, drawn out, and very telling sigh "Who gave you these directions?"

Daybreaks eyes flared for just a moment. The way she said that didn't sound quite right. "You know about the hidden room, don't know?"

Slowly, her head nodded. "Don't forget, I was Celestia's pupil long before Twilight was. I discovered nearly every secret that castle has to offer before I was banished. Some, Celestia knew I'd found...others..." She regarded the paper "I neglected to mention. I wanted to keep something in my back pocket in case I ever needed leverage against her. I doubt even Twilight knows about this room. From what I understand about her time there, she didn't do much exploring."

Daybreak shook his head "Well you're half right. She didn't do much exploring back then. In fact, she barely ever left her study, or the library, unless I made her. But she knows about it now."

Sunset looked surprised "Really?"

"Yeah...and she knows what I'm planning. That's basically how she learned about the room. Don't worry, she promised not to tell, at least not yet. She gave me a timeframe to get this done by, before she has to tell the other princess' out of her misplaced sense of duty."

Sunset placed her face inside her hands and groaned "Greeeeeat...How long do we have?"

Daybreak laughed sheepishly "Umm...Until tomorrow night probably."

Sunset's jaw dropped.

"It can't be done."

Sunset strode from the kitchen to the front window, which was now in the process of repairing itself from the earlier shockwave. She looked to the outside, the rain had started up again, and the wind was picking up pace. The hellish weather would likely be in full stretch by tomorrow morning, making foot travel nearly impossible if the previous weeks weather patterns were anything to go off of.

Daybreak was not taking kindly to her pessimistic attitude. As he sat on the couch watching after her, he grimaced at her unhelpful response "Of course it can. We've both broken in there before, this is just one room farther."

Sunsets head shook "It's different now, and it's not just one room. Those directions tell you how to get past the secret door in her private study. But they don't explain the tunnels the door leads to. Tunnels full wrong turns that could wind us up anywhere in Canterlot, and that seal behind themselves the moment you exit. Tunnels full of traps that don't exactly tickle."

Daybreak narrowed his eyes "All the more reason to have you along. You clearly took the time to study it."

"No." Sunset turned from the window and stared at him "I didn't have the slightest clue what I was doing the first time I went down there. I broke in the first time because I was angry and impulsive. I got lucky with my spells and passage choices, but I didn't map the place or anything. We could maybe pull it off if we had more time, but twenty fours hours from now? Even if we left right now I doubt we could do it. Almost every trap I came across in that place was designed to stall or completely stop my progress. We wouldn't have time to mess up and retrace our steps. Everything would need to go absolutely perfect!"

Daybreaks fingers clenched around the couch cushions. Scoots looked down at his shaking fingers and scooted back slightly. "We can do it Sunset. I need to do it."

"Why!?" Sunset didn't raise her voice, but the ferocity was still there. "Why do you need to do it? To find some kind of dirt to use against your mom? Whatever you want in there is too old to be of any use now and is not worth the consequences that will-!"

"It's about my birth Sunset!" He exclaimed, unable to contain his growing frustration. "There's something in there I need to see!"

She fell silent. No one spoke. For a moment, all that could be heard was the distant of snoring echoing from his room.

"Girl snores like a freight train sometimes doesn't she?" Sunset offered, hoping to prevent an awkward silence.

They shared a momentary laugh, but then the silence returned. It hung in the air for several moments, like a thick fog. Scootaloo's head turned between the them, waiting to see who would be the first to speak. Oddly enough, both parties were waiting on exactly the same thing. Daybreak knew he had to let his words sink in to have their full effect. He would wait in silence as long as he had to.

A few more tens of seconds passed by before Sunset finally spoke up, prefaced by a loud sigh of resignation. "Fine...If this is that important to you, I'll help. But I have conditions.

"No doubt." Daybreak snapped quickly.

"First. You are going to tell me where you got this info, once we set out."

He nodded "I figured"

"Second. It's inevitable that this will surface somehow, whether by us getting caught or by Celestia confronting you after Twilight tells her about it...When it does come up...I want you to keep me out of it. It took me a long time to rebuild my relationship with Princess Celestia after everything that I did, and I still consider myself lucky I was ever forgiven. I don't want to ruin that again."

He nodded, though this time with more understanding in his gaze "I can respect that."

"And three...This is more of a favor to me than a condition. When this is over and you find what you need to find in there...I want you and Rainbow to leave Ponyville."

For a second, Daybreak wasn't sure he'd heard her correctly. She'd spoken it so normally, so casually, he was sure he must have misheard her. The confusion surely showed on his features because Sunset stood from her chair and came to kneel at his side. Her hand lightly pressed against his knee, she smiled at him.

"Please don't misunderstand what I'm trying to say. I'm not saying I don't want you around or something. I just think it would be better if you left, and you should take Rainbow with you."

Daybreak was shocked into silence. Swallowing several times to attempt to not choke on his tongue was of no aid to him, as he tried to spit out his words. "Is there another way I'm supposed to be taking this...It certainly sounds like you're saying you won't help me unless I exile myself again...From the one place on earth I've finally started to feel at home."

"Is it though?" Sunsets smile caused some rage to stir within him, but he held it in and let her speak, he owed her that much for now.

"Look Daybreak. I haven't known you as long as I'd like, but I've learned quite a bit from the short time we've been around each other. And I've learned that this place isn't your home. Sure you live here, but honestly, I think you could live anywhere as long as Rainbow is with you." She paused to allow him a moment to consider that, before speaking again. "And I also think that if you leave, like actually leave Ponyville for real and explain why to her, she will come with you."

"But why?" The words just floated out of him without thinking about it. He wanted to be angry, to stroke that flame of rage in his belly. But he was too stunned by her words to ignite it "I've finally settled, I'm happy here Sunset. It's not perfect...but I'm happy here."

"Yes but, now you have something more important than yourself to take care of." She motioned her head in the direction of his room, and the snores emanating from it. "You and Rainbow are going to have a kid Daybreak. That takes precedence over all things. You and her need a safe place to have that child, but as long as Famine is out there and the threat she poses exists, Ponyville isn't that place. The conditions are only going to get worse and you know that. We almost lost Twilight, what happens the next time Famine makes a move? You told us that you were the key to their plans, and we've just gone along with that until now. But I've discussed it with the others (minus Twilight), and...We think it would be best if the key to the Apocalypse wasn't being paraded out in the open for anyone to attack."

A tinge of insult crawled around in his head. "You think I would turn don't you? That I would actually help her?" The offense in his words was clear. But Sunset just shook her head, remaining calm.

"Daybreak we don't know what she's even capable of. What if she captures you by force? Does something to make you help her, like brainwashing you or something. Then what?"

He scoffed. Offended not only by her lack of faith in him, but by her lacking the ability to see the obvious answer. "If she could make me help her through magical means, she would have done it by now. She wouldn't be sitting idly by creating bad weather and ruining crops if she could already take it to the next level. You think she'd want to give us time to try and find some lore or information to fight against her. No, she said she needs my willing consent. I'm sure of it."

"And what about Rainbow?"

"What about her?" He hissed.

Sunsets voice lowered "What if she comes for her? Overpowers you and takes her hostage? You can't bring anyone else back like you did for Twilight, you said so yourself, so what then? Can you look me in the eyes and honestly tell me you wouldn't give in right then and there?"

Daybreaks lips parted to speak, but only silence came out. Somehow, that thought had not occurred to him. Maybe because before now, the idea of someone being used against him would have being ridiculous, and so he had overlooked it. But now that he sat back and thought it out, Sunset was right. Faced with the possibility of losing Rainbow...there was no doubt in his mind he'd do anything she asked. Slowly he lowered his head into his hands, surrendering.

"You're right..."

Sunsets hand gripped his knee a little tighter. "And that's why you have to go. I'll help you. We all will help you find someplace safe to hide yourselves until we can figure out a way to deal with this threat."

"However long that takes..." He grumbled.

"Yes, it could take a long time. But it's better than the alternative. Assuming Famine isn't omnipotent, we can hide you somewhere. Somewhere outside of Equestria's borders if that's what it takes. That way you're safe, and so are the rest of us."

A sudden thought occurred to him, and he sat up straight. "What about all of you? If I go and she comes for me, only to find I've gone...you don't think she'll torture or kill all of you for information?"

"She'll probably try. We may not be able to defeat her. But with all of us here and everyone on guard, ready for a fight, I'm pretty sure we could hold her back. Horsemen or not she's only one entity. Besides, I think she's more likely to spend her energy hunting you rather than bothering with us. Which will give us even more time to prepare some kind of plan."

A low chuckle escaped Daybreaks lips "You make it seem like we're already out of time."

Her shoulders shrugged "To be honest, both Twilight and I are surprised she hasn't attacked already. With Twilight out of commission, the chances of Famine overtaking us are higher the less time she gives us. The longer she waits, the more we can prepare, like you said. Call it intuition, but I doubt she'll wait much longer to make another move."

Face still resting in his palms, he considered everything to himself.

If he stayed in Ponyville and she came for him, there would be fallout of some kind. Casualties that he could prevent if he left, and if Rainbow came with him he wouldn't be constantly worrying about her well being, because he could watch over her. Sunsets reasoning was solid, which left him to come to terms with a hard realization.

"She's right. I hate it, but it's true. I have to leave."

He stood from the couch. "Alright. I'll agree to your terms. Let's get going."

Sunset jumped back "G-Going?! Now?"

He nodded, making for the hallway towards his room. "Yes, you're right, we don't have time to sit and plan. We are leaving for Canterlot right now. I need to talk to Rainbow."

"So...you're doing this to me again...trying to leave Ponyville behind...I thought we were past this dude."

Rainbow had not taken kindly to being awoken from her blissful nap, especially to the news he had to share. Though even if he removed waking her from the equation, he still doubted this would have been a pleasant conversation to have. Now they both sat on the edge of the bed confused and upset, trying to contemplate what to do next. Rainbow hadn't bothered dressing herself yet, she was too upset to care about something so trivial, and Daybreak couldn't blame her for being mad. He was doing his best to let her vent at him, no matter how much her words hurt or how right she was.

"I can't believe this Daybreak. Weren't we settling down? Wasn't this going to be your home? And now you want to run away from it? For what? Because some demon bitch came from the sky, made a few loud threats and delivered some bad weather? We've beaten worse...and that was back when we didn't have your help."

"Rainbow..." He tried "...we nearly lost Twilight...If that happened to you. If...if I lost you...I don't even think I could go on."

But she wasn't having it.

"So then we'll fight! Fight like we always do! And win, like we always have!" She grabbed his hands and held them together. "Just believe in us Daybreak. We can fight this, we don't have to run. Just trust in the Magic-"

"Don't say the Magic of Friendship! Just don't, you sound like Twilight!" His voice raised as he pulled his hands away. He didn't mean to yell. But suddenly he couldn't help it. "I don't believe in things like that Rainbow, not like you do! I know the Elements are powerful, but I can't just sit here and pretend everything will work out as long as I trust my friends! I can't take that risk!"

"Don't you trust me?" That was a cheap shot, and she knew it. His eyes narrowed at her in a glare.

"You shouldn't even have to ask me that. You know better. You mean everything to me Rainbow...but when I weigh the possibility of upsetting you...against the possibility of losing you and everything we've created...forever...Then suddenly this becomes a lot easier to do..."

He stood from the bed, and as he turned to face her again, there was a brief flash of icy blue in his eyes that made her flinch back. "So I'm telling you Rainbow, I know you don't want to, I know you might think I'm a coward for it...but I don't care. You, me, and Scootaloo are leaving Ponyville once Sunset and I return from our errand. End of discussion."

He sat back down, and slowly his head descended into his hands.

Rainbow lowered her own head "Daybreak..."

"Rainbow please!" He snapped "Just...don't...I can't. I won't risk your safety, or the safety of our child...not for anything."

She fell silent once more. From the corner of his eye, he saw a tear briefly try to escape her before she wiped it away, sending a stabbing pain through his chest. There was nothing he wanted more than to turn to her, tell her they could stay here, and embrace her in his arms. To just pretend the whole thing would go away. But he couldn't do that. He didn't have the kind faith she had. Not in the Elements, and not in the Magic of Friendship. Which meant he had to push this, had to make her accept it. If it came down to it, he would knock her out and drag her to whatever safe house he and Sunset came up with. But he didn't want it to come to that. Even if she did it angry with him, he wanted her to consent. If only to ease his conscience. So he waited, in silence for her to respond.

He waited for several minutes. The silence hung in the air long enough for him to decide enchanting his backpack and letting it pack itself was a good idea. That was what helped him pass the silence, by watching his enchanted bag zoom around his room, gobbling up the items he wished to take for his future break-in. The unending shame he felt for even having to focus on something to take his mind from Rainbow wouldn't be fading anytime soon. But at least the distraction helped him outlast the silence, and keep him from thinking about the things he'd still yet to tell Rainbow.

It seemed to take an eternity, but eventually Rainbow finally sighed, in both sadness and (he hoped) acceptance.

"Ok...I'll go. I hate it...But I won't torment you over it. I can see how much this bothers you too, and I understand."

The knot in his chest seemed to evaporate into nothingness. Breath flowed like normal as he inhaled and exhaled with relief. "Thank you Dashie. You don't know how much easier that makes things."

Sharp nails sent shivers up his spine as Rainbows hand rubbed along the back of his shirt, barely avoiding his scars. "I think I do. I can literally see how tense you are. But...If I'm gonna agree to this then I want something in return."

"Anything." He responded without missing a breath and earned a chuckle from her.

"Ok then." She leaned her head against his shoulder while her fingers danced along his spine. "Say it."

"S-say what...ahh." A light sigh of comfort squirmed out of him as her fingernails slid underneath his shirt, and traced along his scars in a strangely comforting way. No pain came as she touched him. That was certainly a first, since every time until now that he'd even brushed against his scars it'd felt like lightning was shooting down his spine...and not in a good way.

"You know what." Rainbow softly cooed into his ear, while planting a gentle kiss on his nape.

The hair on his neck stood up, but oddly enough it had nothing to do with the warm lips pressing against it. Immediate understanding struck him like a brick. His blood ran cold at the thought, but for once, he didn't care. If this is what it took to make her safe, then he would do it. Even if he still didn't necessarily believe in the words themselves. Maybe the feeling he had behind them would be enough to help swallow his pride.

He breathed, his words heavy "Rainbow I lo-"

Bang!

A loud crash ripped across his words as the door to his room flew open! Rainbow and Daybreak jumped to their feet in surprise, only to find Sunset Shimmer standing in the doorway!

"You two need to look outside! It's...oh..." As if just now seeing them, Sunsets eyes fell on Rainbows exposed body...and her fiery blazing eyes! Sunset shrieked in fear as Rainbow screeched at her!

"SUNSET I'M GONNA KILL YOU!"

"Oh fuck!" Both Sunset and Daybreak uttered at the same time, as Rainbow lurched from his side and flung herself at Sunset like a rabid animal! Daybreak had no success in grabbing Rainbows arms to restrain her, as she plowed through him with the force of a linebacker! But he did allow enough time for Sunset to get a running start as she turned and took off back down the hallway. Rainbow was right on her heels, sprinting after her like her hair was on fire, screeching the whole time!

"DO YOU HAVE ANY FUCKING IDEA WHAT YOU JUST INTERUPTTED! YOU FUCKING SUCK SUNSET SHIMMER!"

Sunset rounded the corner, and Daybreak heard her shriek for mercy! "I'm sorryI'msorryI'msorryI'msorry! HOLY SHIT!"

There was a loud crash and a groan of pain, which Daybreak could only assume was the small coffee table snapping as the girls likely fell on top of it.

Groaning aloud, Daybreak stood from the bed. "Guess I better go stop Rainbow from murdering Sunset before we can break into the castle."

As he picked up his (now full) backpack by the handle and made for the door, it occurred to him Sunset had been trying to say something before Rainbow decided she could do with one less friend in the world.

"Look outside huh?"

Deciding Sunset could wait a few more moments before he rescued her, Daybreak strolled to his curtains and drew them open.

The sight that greeted him was...difficult to interpret. Even more so to explain. Everything outside the barrier around his home was brown. Dead, and frozen solid. Not snowed over, frozen solid. There was a thin layer of frost covering the dirt and browned grass, but other than that light layer, no snow in sight. Just ice and icicles. Everything from the edge of his barrier, to as far as he could see into town was brown and dead looking, with a not-so-thin layer of hardened frost over it. It was like one of his paintings gone horribly wrong. As if he'd taken the brown water color and just drawn all over the towns vibrant existence. Even the enormous oak trees, which had been here longer than he'd been living, and survived countless winters in that time...were brown with rot and lacking any leaves.

The sight should have shocked him, like it probably had shocked Sunset, but it didn't. He knew. He understood almost instantly what had caused this. For it was the only explanation.

"Famine...like fucking clockwork...This can't be a coincidence. The timing is too perfect. Sunset was right, we are running out of time and I never even realized it."

Another crash, this time sounding like it was coming from the kitchen, brought him back to reality. He slapped both his hands against his cheeks, trying to stay focused on the current mission. Get to the castle, get to the study, get to the secret room.

"Sunset!" He called as he exited the bedroom.

"In here" A loud moan of pain answered from the kitchen.

As he stepped into the living room, he saw that he had indeed been accurate in his presumptions. The coffee table lay split in half, but the only signs of life were Scootaloo lounging on the couch, munching on another slice of pizza.

"Where're the girls and...how are you still eating that?" He inquired, certain she'd finished off the last slice he'd given her already. Scoots pointed towards the kitchen "They're in there...this slice was yours, but I got hungry again."

"Nice." He chuckled. Shaking his head, he snapped his fingers at the table as strode past it towards the kitchen. The sounds of wood rapidly repairing itself confirmed his success while he prepared for whatever awaited him around the next corner.

He'd expected to enter the kitchen and find Rainbow gripping Sunset by the hair in some violent manner. But what he found instead, forced him to cover his mouth to keep from a laughing fit.

Sunset was buried, nearly head to toe in a pile of various foods and condiments from the fridge, which now rested in peace on the floor, split right down the middle. On sighting him, she shot him a pleading look, but something about the way the food was covering her kept him at a temporary distance. At first observation it appeared like the food had spilled on top of her body when the fridge had fallen. But as he eyed Rainbow Dash sitting at the kitchen table, and wearing Sunsets clothing, he understood what had actually occurred.

Rainbow smiled when he covered his mouth to stifle laughter "She had a choice once I caught her, get food piled all over her, or get seen bare assed when you walked in. Personally I would have preferred the other choice but, ya know, I'm not picky"

"Bullshit" He pretended to cough, making no attempt to be subtle about it.

The ability to withhold his laughter became more and more difficult the closer he got to Sunset. Especially once she finally moved her limbs a bit and he was able to discern what foods were actually protecting her modesty. Several thin strips of salami covered her robust chest, protecting it from sight, while a large turkey that he had yet to bake, laid across her pelvis. Ketchup and mustard sauce doused her hair entirely, but honestly, didn't really stand out too much against her natural colors. Meanwhile several pickle slices, and what looked to be olives, had been tossed about randomly on her skin. There was also a cherry was sitting atop her stomach right above where her belly button likely hid. Additional spices were also sprinkled every which way over her skin that he was as yet unable to identify.

Rainbow truly was an artist. Had it been her covered in the food he would have found the sight irresistibly appetizing and incredibly sexy. It still was, but he wouldn't be admitting that to Sunset's face. Instead he reached out and snapped his fingers. "Ok ok enough playing around, we've got work to do." He shut his eyes as all the food and condiments vanished in a puff of smoke from Sunsets body, leaving her completely exposed. Rainbow wolf whistled, but he ignored her, keeping his eyes shut while he listened to the sounds of the fridge self-repairing and the food restocking.

Once the cracking and creaking of metal ceased, Daybreak pointed back towards his room "You can borrow some of Dash's clothes, just please go put something on."

"It's not like I asked to get stripped you know!" Sunset snapped at him. The sounds of her feet faded fast as she scurried from the room down the hallway. Once she had gone Daybreak slowly peeked through his eyelids to ensure it was safe. Then rounded on Rainbow, who was clutching at her lips attempting to hold back laughter.

"Honestly, why are you always torturing her like this? Every time she's around it's like you try and make things awkward between us, but yet when Twilight kissed me you seemed ready to crack some skulls...what's up?"

Rainbow leaned back in her chair, tugging at Sunsets jacket as it hugged her form. "Ugh how can she wear this thing? All this leather feels like its weighing me to the floor." She took a moment to ponder his inquiry before answering him back "...Hmm...If you must know, I kinda want a piece of her sexy ass, aaaaand I know she's into you. Twilight is different, she wants a relationship with you, but I'm pretty sure Sunset just wants to bang you. Totally different. Especially if I'm involved. So I just figure I'll keep pushing until I get what I want."

With a quick step forward and a simple swipe of his leg, Daybreak yanked the back limbs of Rainbows chair off the floor, sending her tumbling to the ground. He caught her before she smacked her head of course, but he didn't mind letting her rear slam the floor with a satisfying thud.

"That's never going to happen Dash, I don't like to share. Especially you. Besides, I thought you told me you didn't roll that way."

"I don't, after all I'm screwing you aren't I?" Rainbow groaned, rubbing at her sore behind. "But that doesn't mean there aren't on one or two exceptions out there I'd like to...sample. If you catch my drift." She wiggled her eyebrows at him, and he scoffed.

"Yeah I catch it, but the answer is still no. And wait...one or two? So there's one other than Sunset that you've thought about? Who Fluttershy?"

"Celestia no! Fluttershy's like my sister!" Rainbow shrieked. "No...I was also considering Twilight for awhile...but that was before I knew she still had feelings for you. And like I said, that's totally different than just wanting to have a hot three way with us. Well, it is to me at least. Know what I mean?"

A low chuckle came up from within his throat "Actually, I do."

Once Sunset managed to find a pair of Rainbows clothes that actually fit her, without squeezing the life from her chest, she returned to the living room to find the terrible trio lounging on the couch together. She approached from behind and tossed a backpack of her own over their heads and onto the newly repaired coffee table, startling Scootaloo onto Rainbows lap.

"I teleported this here while I was changing. It's got a few things we might need for..." She paused briefly, eyeing Rainbow "...for where we are going."

Rainbow, not failing to notice Sunsets eyes dart to her, groaned aloud "Is it really so important that I be kept out of this? Who the fuck am I gonna tell?"

Daybreak and Sunset exchanged glances. Sunset decided it was best if she say something first. "Look Rainbow, trust us. When this is over, you will understand why we couldn't tell you ok?"

Rainbow groaned again, but did not press the issue. So Sunset, taking a seat in the chair opposite the trio, regarded her bag. "With what I can assume you've packed, and what I've brought, I'd say we have...a better chance of pulling this off now. But if I was to put our chances into percentages...we'd still have a fifty percent chance of failing, and an eighty percent chance of getting caught even if we succeed. After this is all over, it might actually end up being a good thing you guys are leaving, once Princess Celestia finds out. I'm pretty sure what we are doing is near a capital offense by Celestia's standards. No need to wait around for her to banish you again right?"

The irony wasn't lost on him, but he still didn't feel like laughing about it. "Yeah...Probably best we make tracks the moment I return." He squeezed both Rainbow and Scootaloo's hand "Can you two be ready before I get back?"

Rainbow nodded slowly, merely replying with "I'll say my goodbyes"

Scootaloo however, looked conflicted. Her eyes kept darting from Rainbow, to the floor, and back again. Daybreak understood. Even though this house was her only real home, she had friends here just like Rainbow. But unlike Rainbow, she wouldn't have the power to return here unaided if she left with them. Bearing this in mind he had to say something.

"Shrimp, I wouldn't be upset at all if you wanted to stay here. This won't be forever. I'm sure Sunset could convince one of her friends to take you in for awhile?"

He saw it. Scootaloo kept looking away to keep him from noticing, but he saw anyways. Her eyes brightened the moment he mentioned her staying. Reaching over Rainbow, Daybreak gently patted Scoots head. "Hey...I know you want to stay. You can."

"Really?" She whispered. "You won't be mad at me?"

"I promise I won't be. I'll leave you a list of things to keep practicing for your training, and I'm sure Sunset can ask Rarity to do something about your outfit. Maybe by the time I get back you can show me how much you've improved?"

Scoots still didn't look up. "If I stay...How long will it be before I can come home?"

The question was heartbreaking to him. Not just because he knew how much she wanted to stay with them, but also because he knew exactly how she felt. This place was the only home she'd ever had. Now she had to leave it. But the more he thought about it, the more sense it made to leave her here.

"I don't know Shrimp...Honestly I don't. But I swear to you, one day you will come home. This will not be forever. But it is safer here in Ponyville. You aren't what Famine is after, and she can't sense you. If you stay, it's better for everyone."

There was a moment of quiet as Scootaloo stared at the floor, contemplating everything. Daybreak already knew the decision and he knew that she did to. Now she had to come to terms with it. But he wanted her to say it first, so that she was the one to solidify the decision. Unfortunately Sunset was the first to break the silence, not content to wait. "I'll contact Applejack and Applebloom, I'm sure they can get a spare bed set up for you for awhile."

Scootaloo just nodded, without saying anything. Rainbow pulled her into a hug as Daybreak stood up. "Alright then. Sunset, let's get this done."

Once everything was packed and double checked ready to go, they all gathered at the doorway to say their goodbyes. Scootaloo and Rainbow both embraced Daybreak as he pulled his pack onto his shoulder. It brought tears to Sunsets eyes. Even by her standards, she could see how far Daybreak had come since the first day he had arrived at their school. She watched him grip both girls tight.

"Have everything ready before I get back. I have a feeling we might need to get out of here fast."

Scoots tugged at his shorts "What about the house?"

Reaching into his pack, Daybreak pulled out a detailed colored drawing of their house, and displayed it for them "Already taken care of. Once we all leave I'll activate the spell inside this paper. The house and everything inside it will disappear from this plane of reality. So I suggest not being inside when it does. Once I burn the paper, the spell breaks and the house is trapped in whatever dimension or plane I send it to. At least until I draw it again."

Having never seen his drawing magic in action before, Sunset was stunned by his explanation. "You can do things like that just by drawing them? That's beyond advanced magic...that's nearly Discord's level!"

Daybreak stowed the drawing in his pack and zipped the pocket with a grunt. "I inherited my flames from Celestia, and Chaos from Discord. This is how I manifest my chaos spells. It's the only way I can use it without...ascending to their level."

Rainbow knew he was referring to his "issues" with the Mirror, but kept it to herself. She wasn't sure how much Sunset knew and didn't want to accidentally reveal anything by asking questions.

"Since both my magics can't coexist in harmony, I can only use one fully. I didn't exactly get a choice of which. So for now I can bend reality with my drawings, but that's about the extent of my chaos powers...are we ready?"

When nobody said anything, he flung the door wide and stepped out. Instant regret filled him as the cold air smacked him in the face and his testicles shot into his stomach. Words stopped in the middle of his throat as he tried to express the intensity of how fucking cold he now was. Luckily, no words were required, as it seemed everyone else already understood. Given their expressions were similar to his, he guessed they felt it too.

"And this is still inside my barrier...I can't even imagine how it's gonna feel when we step beyond it."

He noted Rainbows surprised look before bothering to comment on the weather. He'd forgotten she hadn't looked outside like he had, and so had yet to witness the lifelessness of the town. Though now that he was outside, he was able to make out just how bad it really was. There wasn't a speck of green plant life to be seen and not a soul seemed to be out and about in the market place. Not that he could blame anyone. His limbs already ached and he was inside a protective energy field. The temperature beyond it would likely kill someone within minutes if they weren't dressed up like a giant cotton ball. He ushered Scoots and Rainbow back inside before speaking.

"Best to say our farewells from in here." No one objected of course.

He kneeled down at Scoots and embraced her fully in a hug "This isn't goodbye. It's just farewell until next time. Be good, or be bad. Either can be fun sometimes. Just make sure you stick to your training and never let anyone push you around again. Got it Shrimp?"

Scoots nodded against his chest "I will. I promise to show you how good I've gotten the next time I see you, and kick your butt."

"I'm sure you will Shrimp" He squeezed her tiny body tight against him.

"Love you big brother." She squeaked.

He twitched, Rainbow did as well. He could feel her eyes burning into the back of his head as he searched for the right words.

"Y-yeah...I feel the same Shrimp. Hold it down while I'm gone."

"Close enough. Though I think Rainbow might have killed me if I said it to Shrimp first."

As he released his tiny student, roomie, and adopted sister from his arms, a sense of foreboding built within him. Like he might never get to do that again. He shook it off, and stood to face Rainbow.

Not bothering to beat around the bush, she pulled him into a kiss. Quick, but passion filled. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do...and actually, don't do anything I would do. Find that little gray line you usually exist on and stay there while you do this ok?"

"I will. And...thank you Rainbow. For understanding." His smile was genuine. He knew he would see her again, he'd make sure of that.

"We need to go." Sunset spoke up.

Daybreak looked back, and nodded. The twilight of the evening sun was completely gone, now replaced by shimmering moonlight and darkness. The light sparkled across the frost covered ground, creating a beautiful glistening aurora throughout the air. Despite the effect it may have on the populace, the beauty the current climate created was undeniable.

"It has been said there is beauty in destruction. Perhaps this is what that means."

He kept that particular thought to himself, instead turning back to the girls. "Well, it's time."

He separated from Rainbows embrace, taking two steps back and placing his foot out of the door. "See you soon."

"Come back safe." "Come back soon." The girls spoke over each other, but the message got through. He placed his hand on Sunsets shoulder "Let's go."

Together they turned from the house, and stepped forward onto the frost. Rainbow watched as the pair trudged forward, the obvious weight of the cold already upon them. She kept her eyes glued to their backs until they passed the edge of Daybreaks barrier, and vanished in a flash of green light.

Author's Notes:

Well, well, well. Here we are again. I know I've been away for awhile. But you'll be happy to know that I've already finished more than half of the next chapter in my free time. So maybe for once I can actually release something quickly. Let me know your many thoughts so far in the comments. I read them all. Literally.