A black sedan pulled up into Celestia’s suburban neighborhood. A woman with crew-cut, pink hair, deep, ocean-blue eyes, and a scar over her right eye looked out for the correct turn, every now and then flitting her gaze into the mirror to look at the older man in the back. “We’re getting close, sir,” she said.

“Good. When we arrive, I want you to stay with the car. I might be a while. And whatever you do, don’t make a spectacle of yourself.”

“Sir, was it really wise of you to tell her that Bryagh got out of prison? Suppose she demands to know why you let him out? What are you going to do if she decides to come after you for that?”

“As long as he doesn’t go after her again, there should be no issue. I’ll simply tell her that we have out top agents working on it.” The man sighed, adding, “And if she comes after me, then, my dear Crystal Flare, you will have to do what you do best and take care of it.”

---

Gilda headed upstairs into the kitchen, waving tiredly at Star Swirl and Crystalis, who was coloring at the kitchen table. She felt arms gently snake around her waist and turned around, returning Summer’s warm hug. They heard Crystalis giggle, and as they turned to face her, she held up a piece of paper, saying, “This is you and Gilda!”

The picture showed two stick figures drawn in green crayon holding each other’s hands. Gilda laughed lightly. Summer, smiling herself, took the paper from Crystalis and stuck it to the refrigerator, saying, “There we go. Such artwork like this should be displayed for all to see.” Turning her attention to Gilda, she added, “We should get you into the shower. You don’t want to look like something the bugbear dragged in when your grandfather comes to pick you up.”

Hearing the sliding glass door leading onto the back porch open and close, Summer and Gilda looked over to Celestia entering the kitchen. She silently nodded to both girls as she walked over to the stove and placed a tea kettle on it, beginning to boil the water.

“Celestia?” Summer began. “Can Gilda use your shower to freshen up a bit before her grandfather shows up?”

“Sure. It’s down the hall to the right,” she replied. “While Gilda’s in the shower, I think I will get some laundry done. Would you like me to wash your clothing as well?”

“That's very kind of you, but I don’t have anything to wear other than what I have on right now.” Looking over her biker’s outfit, she added, “Besides, I don’t see how you will be able to wash leather. That’d make it shrink, which would make me look either stupid or,” Summer glanced over at Crystalis as she finished, “not suitable for a child’s eyes.”

“No worries; I know how to wash leather. As for your clothing issue, I think my clothing might fit you. Why don’t you head into my bedroom and get changed while I wash your clothes for you?”

Giving her a nod, Summer headed into Celestia’s bedroom, Celestia following behind. Opening her closet, Summer paused, looking at Celestia’s military dress uniform. “It's going to be alright,” Summer said soberly. “I’ll be here to make sure you don’t go through what you went through last night again.”

“How, by putting me into a coma?” Celestia snapped. At Summer’s look of surprise, she sighed and said, “Sorry. Make no mistake, I’m still angry at you for what you did to me this morning, even if it’s best for Crystalis. I appreciate your support. Just next time, make sure I’m actually having an episode before attacking me. Now, let’s get you something to wear, shall we?” Celestia took out a blue, long-sleeve shirt with black jeans and a brown, leather belt and handed them to Summer, saying, “There is a changing screen behind you. You get dressed, and I’ll take your clothing downstairs and start up a load.”

Taking the clothing, Summer headed behind the changing screen and undressed. As promised, Celestia took Summer’s clothing and brought them downstairs. After changing, Summer headed down to the bathroom, hearing the shower running. Knocking on the door, Summer said, “Gilda, it's me. Can I come in?”

“Sure. I’m already in the shower. Wanna join me?” Gilda asked in a faux-seductive tone.

Chuckling lightly, Summer opened the door, spotting Gilda’s clothing piled near the shower. She picked up the pile, saying, “I’d love to join you, but I’m sure Celestia would throw a fit if I did that. Let’s wait till we’re home alone for that sort of thing. Speaking of, Celestia’s going to wash your clothes. I’ll be back with some fresh clothes for you in a few minutes.”

“Alright. Oh! Make sure she doesn’t take the book out of my coat. I need to give that to Jade when we get the chance.”

“Sure thing, Gilda.” Heading back out into the hallway, Summer turned, jumping slightly when she found Celestia right next to her. “That’s the first time a human’s ever snuck up on me like that.” Seeing Celestia’s unhappy expression, she said, “You look a bit upset. Want to talk about it?” Not getting a reply, she added, “Is this still about me?” When she still didn’t get a reply, Summer, perturbed, decided to shift gears. “So, about those clothes for Gilda: Uh, can I get those from you, please?”

Wordlessly, Celestia took Gilda’s clothes from her, and Summer followed Celestia downstairs into the laundry room. Filling the machine and turning it on, Celestia waited for a few seconds before letting out a sigh. “I used to do this for Eventide. I deeply wish I could see her again, that Icould be the first family she sees after two years,” she said pointedly. “I miss her so much.”

Not wanting to go down that path, Summer said, “Uh, Celestia, I kinda need those clothes for Gilda. Unless you want her to walk around naked, that is.”

“No, let’s not have her do that. Follow me.” Celestia replied, motioning Summer to follow her. Getting to Luna’s room a few moments later, Celestia opened the door, mumbling, “Really, Luna, you need to keep your shades open. It’s dark as night in here.” Feeling with her hand for the light switch, she added aloud, “Honestly, I don’t understand why she enjoys—”

“It's alright. I don’t need any light. I can see perfectly.” Deciding to boast a bit, Summer grinned, adding, “There are several empty boxes of doughnuts, two empty ice cream buckets and a pair of leather boots to your right.”

Finally finding the light switch, Celestia found herself astonished as Summer turned out to be correct. “How did you see all that, Summer? This room was pitch black.”

“I was designed to be the ultimate predator, so naturally, I would have to see in the dark.” Looking down, she added, “Gilda doesn’t know what I’m crossed with, and I’m too scared to tell Twilight what I really am.” Stepping into the messy room, Summer found a pair of blue jeans and a t-shirt with a half-moon printed on the front. Looking them over them, she added, “Gilda’s gonna look so cute in this shirt. Come on, let’s go give these to Gilda.”

“Before we head back upstairs, will you tell me what you are crossed with?” Celestia asked with a concerned look, causing Summer to gulp lightly. “Summer, if it is something that will hurt Twilight or something that can help end the war in Equestria, please, you must tell me.”

Looking down, Summer sighed and dropped the clothing. She crossed her arms over her chest and said, “I’m…part umbrim. That’s why I can see in the dark.” Celestia watched Summer’s face morph into her monstrous form. “If Twilight sees me like this, she’ll kill me, which is why I’m so afraid to tell her.” Summer’s face returned to normal. “Umbrims are—were—very dangerous predators back where I’m from. Please, Celestia, I’m begging you not to tell Twilight about this. I don’t know if I could stop her if she truly wants to kill me. I’ll do whatever you want, just don’t tell her. I can’t leave Gilda. I can’t live without her.”

Walking over to her, Celestia gently embraced Summer, saying, “You don’t need to worry, Summer. Besides, I think Twilight already knows about this, and if she hasn’t killed you yet, then she isn’t going to.” Ending the hug, Celestia added, “I want you to know that if you need a place to stay—that is, if things don’t work out with Gilda’s grandfather—I’ll be more than happy to take you and Gilda in.” Leading Summer into the hallway and upstairs, Celestia finished, “Now, let's get you upstairs so you can give these clothes to Gilda.”

As the women passed through the kitchen, Celestia decided to check on Crystalis as Summer continued down the hall. Knocking on the bathroom door, Summer opened it, saying, “Gilda, it's me. I have your clothes.”

“Thanks. I’ll be out in a few minutes, Summer.”

Summer headed back into the living room to wait for Gilda. As she sat down next to Celestia, who looked lost in thought, the doorbell chimed. Glancing at her watch, Celestia got up and opened the front door. At the door was an older man, wearing a warm smile on his weathered face. He wore a black, full piece suit, a maroon tie, and a white dress shirt. He stepped into the foyer, saying with a raspy voice, “It’s good to see you again, captain.” Looking her up and down, he added, “I’m glad to see that you’re alright. I saw the news last night. How are you holding up?”

“I will be fine, sir. It will take time for me to deal with everything, but I should be alright within a few weeks.” Leading him into the living room, Celestia added, “Sir, I would like you to meet Summer Sunrise. She is Gilda’s...friend.”

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Summer.” He said, holding out his hand. As Summer jerked back, he said, “Don’t trust me?” Smiling, he continued, “I don’t blame you.” Turning his attention to Celestia, he finished, “Tell me, captain. How is my granddaughter doing?”

“Please don’t call me captain, sir. I am no longer in the military, after all. As for Gilda, she is doing well.” Gesturing towards the couch, she added, “She is taking a shower right now. I will let her know that you have arrived. In the meantime, can I offer you anything to eat or drink?”

“Thank you. Some coffee would be nice.”

Summer followed Celestia into the kitchen, and Celestia noticed Summer looking back into the living room. As Celestia took out a canister of coffee and set it on the counter, Summer turned to face her, saying, “Are you sure you can trust him around Gilda? Something’s off about him, but I can’t put my hoof on it.”

“I understand your concern, Summer, but Commander Gruff Griffin saved my life. He has earned my trust.” After starting the coffee maker, Celestia went upstairs to the bathroom. Knocking on the door, Celestia said, “Gilda, your grandfather is here.”

“Alright. I’ll be out in just a minute. I need to tie my boots. Thanks so much for the clothes, by the way,” Gilda called back. “Tell Grandpa that I will need to make a stop before we head home.”

“Alright, I will, and you’re welcome, Gilda,” Celestia replied before heading back downstairs, where Summer rejoined her. Stopping in the living room, Celestia said to Gruff, “Gilda needs to make a stop before you take her home. Would that be alright? She’s…done some things that she isn’t proud of, and this is her way of making up for it.”

Looking down, he said, “I know. I have followed Sombra’s crime syndicate for quite some time. I wanted to intervene, but if I sent in your old squad to take him out, I would not only have gotten in hot water for acting outside my authority but I also would have caused more than just his death; I would have lost Gilda as well.” Getting to his feet, he continued, “I couldn’t bear losing her, so I tried to get her out of his clutches as best as I could without letting him know, but I failed so many times. After her mother passed, I lost track of her. I almost gave up hope of seeing her again.”

Celestia didn’t really want to change subjects, but she couldn’t put the question off any longer. “How did Bryagh get out?” she asked. “Does he know where I live? Sir, you need to understand, I have a child to think about. As much as I want to make him pay for all that he did to me and for who he took from me, I can’t risk him getting to another of my daughters.”

“I have our best soldiers and operatives looking into how he got out, and I am sure he doesn’t know where you are living now, so don’t worry about going after him.” Sitting back down, he added, “Besides, you left him broken and scarred for life. I doubt he’ll want to go after you again. Not only that, but his face is still scarred all over after you put it through a mirror. He won’t get anywhere without drawing attention to himself.”

Looking down, Celestia said, “I should have killed him. I only let him live because I wanted him to suffer for all the pain he caused.” She cut herself off as she heard someone walking down the hallway toward them.

Gilda walked into the living room, dressed in the clothes Summer gave her. She looked at her grandfather, mixed emotions running across her face. Breathlessly, she said, “Grandpa…it’s good to see you again.”

Gruff kept his own emotions in check. “It’s good to see you too, Gilda. I am happy to see you are doing well.”

Celestia heard a soft growling from Summer. Celestia glared at her, shaking her head, causing Summer to back down, keeping a wary eye on Gilda’s grandfather. Celestia headed into the kitchen, signaling at Summer to follow. When they got there, she said, “Summer, I know you don’t trust him, but cool it. Now is not the time or the place for any of that.”

“If he hurts Gilda, I’ll make sure he doesn’t get away with it,” Summer snarled. Closing her eyes, she said more calmly, “But you’re right. This isn’t the place for a fight.” Looking to Crystalis, who was doing her best to pretend she wasn’t paying attention, Summer added, “Would it be out of the question for me to take Crystalis outside for a bit? I think we could use some fresh air.”

“Sure. You two stay in the backyard. I’ll come get you when Gilda is ready to leave.”

As Summer walked over to them, Crystalis excitedly asked, “Can I play on the swings when we get outside?”

“Sure thing, honey,” Star Swirl answered, never taking his eyes off of Summer as he stood up. “We will both be there to help you while you are playing outside.”

The small group headed outside, and Celestia returned to the conversation in the living room.

“Why did you leave me after Mom passed away, Grandpa? Didn’t you want me in your life anymore?” Gilda asked more sadly than accusingly.

“Gilda, I wanted to help you, but by the time I arrived at your mother's funeral, you were already gone. I spent all these years looking for you. However, each time I got to the city or town that you were in, Sombra would move you to another city. I am certain he had people on his payroll keeping tabs on me. He knew who I was.” Gruff smiled slightly. “But, that’s the past. I’m here now, and I’ll make sure Sombra never hurts you again.”

Meanwhile, outside, the only sounds in the otherwise pregnant silence was Crystalis’s giggling as Star Swirl pushed her on the swing. Summer stood nearby, not sure what to say. “It sure is a beautiful day out here despite the cool weather. Don’t you think so, Star Swirl?” she tried awkwardly.

“Yes, quite beautiful,” he replied, keeping his eyes on Summer, causing her to look away. “I am sorry if I am making you feel uneasy, Summer, but you need to understand that this child and Celestia’s family are under my protection.”

Walking up to him, Summer gently began to push Crystalis on the swing, causing her to laugh and giggle even more. Looking down, she said quietly, “I know, and for that, I am truly grateful. I’m just so scared that I’ll end up becoming the monster that...my queen wants me to become.”

Through the window, Summer saw Gilda get up and wave her over. Waving back, she said, “Looks like it’s time to go back in. I look forward to talking with you some more.” Receiving a nod in reply, she headed inside, quickly walking over and hugging Gilda as the latter stood up, never taking her glare off of Gruff.

Seeing the angry look she gave him, Gruff got up, letting out a forced sigh. Celestia got up as well, asking, “Can you keep her safe?”

“Yes, I know I can, but I can’t do it from here. Gilda will have to come home with me.”

“If you can’t protect her, then I will,” Summer said, getting between Gruff and Gilda. “I’ll protect both her and our baby as well.” Getting a confused look from Gilda’s grandfather, she added, “She’s pregnant, and if you try to hurt either Gilda or our baby, I’ll make you pay for it with your life.”

As Gruff and Summer glared at each other, the group heard the sliding door open and close, and Crystalis rushed into the room, oblivious to the tension, soon followed by Star Swirl, who immediately became very aware of the tension. Crystalis ran over to Gilda, asking, “Can you come out and play with us?”

“I’d love to, kiddo, but it’s time for me and Summer to head out.” Gently picking her up and hugging her, Gilda added softly, “You be good for Celestia. Take care of yourself, kid.”

Crystalis smiled as she returned the hug, and the group walked outside to Gruff’s car, looking askance at the stoic driver. The child waved to Gilda as Gilda and Summer got in the car and buckled up, and Gilda rolled down the opaque window to wave back. After Gilda rolled the window back up, Summer gently took Gilda’s hands into her own. Leaning in, she kissed Gilda on her cheek, causing her to blush lightly. Lastly, Gruff took his place in the car, and the small group pulled out into the street and headed down towards the city.

Next Chapter: Take Me with You (Edited by Icecreammac) Estimated time remaining: 2 Hours, 30 Minutes