Author's Notes:

BOOK 1: PART 1: LOYALTY

Shadow Flare's heart pounded as he jumped his way up the spider wall. He was showing off as usual for the local farming fillies and colts. Invisible knives cut into his chest as he raced along the roof of his house. He was going to jump a significant distance, without using his wings.

This was one of those moments where fear hits right at the last second but where there is no stopping the action. Time seemed to slow as he soared through the air, wings tucked in tight to his body. He made it across and rolled to keep from hurting himself. But it was more than a role. He immediately had to jump against a wall and and vault to land on the cloud platform above. These fillies and colts were really testing his skill at his acrobatics.

At times he felt that was all he was good for. That was really all he was good for. He was fast, lean and smart, but looking more like a small mare than a Stallion. Not good for work on a cloud farm. His sisters were stronger and bigger than him, and Lunar Harvest's husband Buck was in line for the farm. Even Shadow's father, Turnip Lance, had trouble keeping up with Buck.

If anyone called his father Turnip, they would see why he was also named Lance. The only one who Shadow had seen get away with it was his mother, when she got angry at him. That was a rare occurrence. Buck was second born to the Parsnip farming family a ways up the road. Shadow's Family almost exclusively grew turnips, besides the herb gardens all the farms kept.

The last leg of the acrobatic course that was made for Shadow today was a set of walls, increasing in height. Thankfully, they alternated between jumping over and sliding under. The last wall was the tallest he had ever jumped. He dug his hind legs in deep and gave it all he could. At the top, he realized that the only way he would make it was with a quick rotation of his hind quarters, while not moving his head and forelegs. It was a difficult transition mid air, but Shadow made it.

To an outsider, it looked like he just floated over the last wall. As he landed, he was swarmed by the fillies and colts watching. They hit him with a rush of indistinguishable garble of praise and amazement. Shadow smiled and soaked it all in as he caught his breath. His whole body was already beginning to ache.

Suddenly his chest was slammed in a tight embrace. He smiled at his little sister, Dream Catcher. She was three years younger than him, and growing fast. She was almost as big as he was. She had just gotten her Cutie Mark, a white cross, the same color as her mane. Like her mane, it was a perfect contrast to her bright red coat. Striking contrasts ran in the family.

Deep laughter came from behind Shadow, a laughter that was familiar to him, but one he had not heard in a long time.

“Sky Breaker!” Shadow exclaimed as he spun around. Sky Breaker had been Shadow's hero when he was a young colt. But four years ago he left the farms and went to join the Enclave.

“Hello Shadow. Looks like you have quite the following, as I did at your age. Although I seem to recall you were my biggest fan, despite your size.”

Shadow blushed, the only response he needed since it was highly visible against his white coat.

“I could never forget my biggest fan. Especially with that flamboyant contrast between your coat and that black mane of yours. I see it also has not changed.”

“Yeah. My mane still only grows straight and stays ridged. But what are you doing back here? You look stunning in your Enclave Uniform.” It was crisp and well pressed and in all it's and black and gray glory.

“I'm visiting my folks,” Sky Breaker explained. “I saw you attacking that obstacle course with ease so I stopped and watched. Besides, I had been flying since El Nino, the break was nice. Last time I saw you, you didn't have a Cutie Mark, what did you end up getting?”

Shadow turning his flank to show off the three white lightning bolts set on a black arrow head. There were three of the arrowheads set in a triangle pattern.

“I got it on the obstacle courses, the nastiest one my dad had set up. After that, he has been too busy and it fell to my fans. But that’s about all I know.”

“Very nice,” Sky Breaker praised. “I’m going to guess Speed, Power, and Agility.”

Shadow's heart plummeted to his stomach. “Sure, Speed and Agility, but I'm kind of lacking in power.” Dream Catcher latched onto Shadow again to show her support.

“Nonsense!” Sky Breaker exclaimed. “Power is based in form, not strength. That last jump was all power. When you master the form, you would be one lean, fast and mean powerhouse that can not be stopped. You should come see me in El Nino. I am the new recruiting officer for this district. I can hopefully recruit more troops from here. This district is certainly not lacking in pegasi. It is the last districts without the Enclave keeping a tight grip on population control. Instead it is just slowly making new farms further out and the small towns that connect them all.”

“Sounds like it isn't an easy of a job,” Shadow replied.

“Nah, I was sent here because I know the people and am one of them.”

“Well we are all glad to have you back, even if it is in El Nino,” Shadow grinned.

“Thanks. I know its going to be great for the community as a whole to have me back, even if its as an Enclave Recruiter.”

Sky Breaker said farewell to all the fillies and colts and took off to his home. Few had even heard of him.

Shadow took off to the four trees that marked the corner of the farm and the other three farms around. It was his favorite place to retreat to and think. Dream Catcher was off playing with her friends. His father had tried farming with him, be he didn't have a green hoof. More like like the direct opposite. He was slow at planting and bad at keeping crops alive. He could bring in the harvest, but slowly. At least he could repair the farm equipment. Buck was a great addition to the farm, and filled Shadow's place twice over.

Still, he worked as much as he could on everything. The extra set of hooves was invaluable, even with the drawbacks.

Early Blossom and Spice Cake were Shadow's sisters in between him and Lunar Harvest. Far too often they made life worse for Shadow. Spice Cake was dating Rift, who was the only pony born on the farm. His mother had miscarried three others. Rift was hard working, and Spice Cake was a catch for him. Rift would not only keep the farm with her, but it would only strengthen. It was one of the hoofful of wheat farms around here.

Spice Cake was loud and annoying. She looked down on Shadow. She was the size of the average farming stallion, something she used to her advantage. Having her own farm would be perfect for her. Shadow never understood what the two of them had between themselves. They seemed to be using each other to get what they wanted. Which was fine with Shadow, it got Spice Cake out of his way.

His other sister, Early Blossom, was not home much. She went off with Cherry Tart and began a new cherry orchard out at the outskirts. The two of them were filly foolers, and yet they made it work. The ponies around the area just ignored the two of them. Filly foolers might be okay in the big cities, but out here, where farms struggled to survive and grow the food to support the Enclave and all of the Pegasi, the two of them were black sheep. Their farm could not produce fouls and therefore,it could not grow. Stunted for life.

The farms here all supported each other. The small “towns” that dotted the district around El Nino were little more than gathering places to trade and help each other out. When it came to harvest times, the bulk of the crops were staggered. Farms would be swarmed with willing hooves. Shadow was always sent to do menial work.

Shadow, like Early Blossom and Cherry Tart, was just another strike against his family. He was one big disappointment, and he couldn't do anything about it. His family said nothing, but they all knew. Even Dream Catcher was already making an impact in the community. She was really good at healing and had a passion for kindness and caring for those in need. She was assisting the local healer whenever possible.

Dream Catcher was the only bright thing in Shadow's life. A tear slipped out of Shadow's eye as he thought of her. She was known by Dream to everypony in the family, but when no one else was around, he called her Catcher. She loved the nickname, just like she loved him.

Shadow looked out over the fields. Cloud Farming was a late war technology. A necessary one as Earth Pony Farms were ripped to shreds in the war. And they were the only way the Pegasus Race survived the fallout. Their farm was the fifth cloud farm established. At the end of the war, Cloudsdale fell, but Las Pegasus survived because it was hidden by the Pegasi. Since the war and total destruction of the land below had happened, the Enclave was established to protect their race.

Not much was taught about the war. The all knew that the wasteland below was filled with radiation and toxic chemicals, along with mutated creatures. The Enclave was doing what they could to keep order, protect the Pegasi and, eventually, reclaim the land below. The common belief was that teams were being sent every decade or so below to keep tabs.

When it came to crimes against the Enclave, they usually resulted in Banishment below to the wastes, a worse sentence than death. You were marked with the original traitor’s Cutie Mark, branded in place over yours. A lightning bolt coming from a cloud.

The same punishment was given to any Pegasus who went below the thick cloud floor. Even just a peek was against the law. It brought toxins up through the protective clouds, and toxins that would certainly harm not only the pony, but others around them and the surrounding area. Enough perilous stories were spoken of that no one tested the Enclave's word. Why should they? The had protected them these past two hundred years. They have kept the Pegasus Race not just alive, but thriving.

Shadow wallowed in his misery for the rest of the afternoon. He was just an extra mouth to feed, with little to no purpose and use on the farm. Usually the extra set of hooves gave the farm a great boost in productivity, but not when it came to him. There really was not anything for him here. He might as well head into El Nino to see Sky Breaker.

Shadow made sure to be at the house a bit before dinner, it was a buzz with activity. Way more than usual. He could hear the chatter from a ways out. The house was normally pretty quite, despite so many in it, and others would usually be tired from work and resting up. Not much was spoken until after dinner.

Shadow stepped through the door and saw that Rift was joining them for dinner. Then he heard that distinct laugh that one could never forget. It was filled with glee and was like a cool babbling brook. It was the only thing about Early Blossom Shadow loved. Early Blossom and Cherry Tart were in the kitchen, cooking with his mother, Rain Jubilee. The sound of Buck and Lance's laughter also came from the kitchen. It seemed everypony was here enjoying themselves. No one took a second glance at him.

The table in the dinning room had to have a leaf put in it so that it could hold everypony. Shadow thankfully sat next to his mother and Dream Catcher. The dinner was good, better than usual. Early Bloom and Cherry Tart had brought several sides and a dozen pies. Everypony was happy, except for Shadow. No one but Catcher caught his sorrow. She put her rear hoof against him for comfort.

Shadow missed his name being called the first time, he had just given into the chatter about everything else but him.

“Sorry, what?” Shadow blinked.

Buck rolled his eyes. “Clear your ears. Parsnips harvest is due late next week. Could use your help. The crop is good, but the bulk of the nearby farms are helping the big barn overhauls. Can’t pull their harvests in without em.”

Buck wasn't that bad. He did his best he could with Shadow. Mostly he didn't know what to do or say to him.

“They still are not done? That is going to be big mess,” Shadow shook his head at the thought. “And I’ll give you all I got.”

“Glad to hear,” Buck nodded with relief.

Early Blossom spoke up. “Hey, we saw a soldier approaching the farm where Sky Breaker is from. I hope Sky didn't die.”

Cherry Tart cocked her head. “Do pegasi even die in the Enclave?”

“Actually,” Shadow spoke up with confidence. “It was Sky Breaker. He is the new recruiter for the area in El Nino. We spoke earlier.”

“He spoke to you?” Lunar Harvest snidely said.

“Of course he did,” Dream Catcher shot back.

“I was his biggest fan,” Shadow shrugged. “And he stopped to see me.”

“Yeah right,” Spice Cake rolled her eyes.

“Yes right,” Dream Catcher pointed her fork at Spice. “I was there. And he called Shadow his biggest fan.”

The conversation was over, and it was quiet at the table for a few seconds. Shadow saw Spice and Lunar role their eyes in spite. The table soon broke out into several conversations as is normal at a large table.

“I believe in you Flare,” Catcher whispered. “You should go see Sky in El Nino.”

“What are you saying Dream? Speak up!” Early Blossom eyes narrowed.

“Nothing that concerns you,” Dream Catcher shot back.

“Babying Shadow again,” Early Blossom asked, making a quick face at Shadow. Everything was always directed back to Shadow.

Dream Catcher would at times surprise Shadow. The kind healer would disappear when she was backed into a corner and got angry. But even her words shocked Shadow, and not just Shadow, but the whole table. It was a low blow, sharpened with anger and poisoned to kill.

“At least only his mane is black, not like the you two are.”

Early Blossom stammered enraged. She only got out random sounds.

“The community only feels sorry for Shadow because he is not a farming Pegasus, but not like you two and your farm,” Dream Catcher slashed. The emphasis on the idea that they were not a real farm was worse than a knife in the back.

Everypony just stood shocked. This time, Shadow put his rear hoof against Catcher's for comfort. Early Blossom stormed out of the house, Cherry Tart just sat there with wide eyes. It seemed like forever before Lance stood and looked at Dream Catcher.

“Dream Catcher! Barn. NOW!”

Everypony knew what that meant. Dad was dishing out punishment and instruction. No one spoke of what happened in the barn. They each figured out quickly that the punishment not only fit the crime, but it was tailored to the individual.

Dream Catcher walked out of the house, followed by Lance. Her head was held high with pride. She showed no remorse. Normally you didn't argue with Lance. When he dished out punishment, it meant you were in the wrong. But Dream Catcher was going to argue. Shadow thought his father walked differently. It seemed like he was not going to be punishing, but was rather trying to diffuse the situation.

Once they left, Shadow stood up and left the table as well. He had finished eating well before then and stepped out onto the porch. To his surprise, he found Early Blossom. He didn't expect to find her right there. She sucked in tears when he came out. Shadow went over to her and sat down besides her.

“Tough, isn't it,” Shadow asked, looking at Early Blossom with care.

She didn't speak but tears began to flow. Shadow pulled her into a side hug. She was still his sister. “I know the feeling. You, and especially Spice and Lunar have done that my entire life.”

Early Blossom sucked in tears so she could speak. “Spice and Lunar dished plenty out to me as well. I guess, I didn't know that's how you felt.”

“Well, a lot of it is just implied. I mean, you know how hard I work but get nowhere. The whole community knows.”

“The cherry harvest, in a few weeks, we have work for you. Good work. And it sounds like Buck really needs your help, any help, but it was nice of him to directly ask. He didn't ask Tart or I.”

“I didn't notice. I was just keeping my head down. Way to chaotic and it marks a time to easily hit me with no retaliation.”

“It's that bad?”

“Sometimes. Some days are worse than others. You have not been around, but my typical day starts with chores and a few comments about me as they go to work the fields. Not always bad, but like I am not there. I do what I can, especially on the big projects. The rest, I stay away as much as possible, but you know how long the work takes. A few times a week the colts and fillies design an obstacle course for me to navigate, without my wings.”

“I'm sorry,” Early Blossom sniffed. “I should not have said that. I thought we had it bad, but I guess you have it nearly as bad, maybe worse.”

“You are forgiven,” Shadow smiled. “We are family. I can not seem to really hate my family. Not long enough to refuse forgiveness.”

“I am surprised at how well we were accepted today,” Early Blossom admitted.

“No one in the community has heard anything. Rumors are starting.”

Early Blossom looked at Shadow. The fear of the rumors were written in her eyes.

“Yes, the community talks about you. Like they talk about everypony else. And anypony further away that they don't gather with.”

They sat side by side in silent thought.

“How have things been with you,” Shadow asked.

“Really good. The pies are from the best of the early crop and you will notice.”

“I can't wait,” Shadow smiled. “As long as the others don't devour all twelves of them.”

The both laughed.

“We have been quiet because the few times we went to meetings it was made clear nopony was going to help. And we have a good crop for the first year. Things are getting desperate.”

“No surprise there, but it really shouldn’t be held against you. I will certainly help.”

“Good, because the cherries need to be sorted. And your skill are like exactly what we need. You think fast and have keen eyes. We need the bad ones removed and the red and yellow cherries sorted. We sent a letter to Tart's Family in the East. Its a long ways off. The edge of the district. Hopefully they can come.”

“I didn't know they were that far away. Nopony really knows anything about you two,”

“If they make it, Dream and Tart's baby brother, Lex, can remove the stems, but we need a fast sorter. Stems are easy to deal with when the types are already sorted. Tart says her grandma will probably just sit on her rocking chair talking about the old days, when she was young and how it was and should be done.”

Shadow laughed at the image painted in his head. “Absolutely. Sounds like the perfect job for me, and for once, not demeaning at all.”

Early Blossom giggled. “Tart had you in mind to sort. The young and old can do it, but you would be the best, once I had described your skills.”

The sounds from the house were gradually getting louder.

“I bet they don't think we are talking together,” Shadow said smiling.

“Ha! I definitely know they don't,” Early Blossom responded. “I guess, we are not just siblings, but friends now, aren't we?”

“Blossom, you are definitely my friend, and I am proud to call you my sister,” Shadow smiled at her. “Outcasts together!” He exclaimed, pushing the boundaries. He held out a hoof for her to bump.

“Outcasts together,” Early Blossom said reciprocating “I like it. You should come over the night before the harvest. Spend the night. Our house has the space, Cherry Tart went over the top a bit. The builders looked at the two of us and the size of the house they were required to build with eyes like dinner plates in surprise.” Early Blossom laughed.

“I would be glad to.”

Early Blossom took a deep breath, held for a few seconds and relaxed, breathing it out. Shadow realized she was about to say something difficult. “Can you believe what Dream said?”

“No, I can't,” Shadow sighed. “She surprised me. I know she has defended me at times, and she can make some good comeback remarks, but nopony saw that coming. I don't even think Dad knew what was going to happen in the barn.”

“He took her to the barn?”

Shadow chuckled. “Honestly, he had no confidence about it. I think he did it because he had to do something. Dream held her head up high. She was going to argue with him, and probably win. Like him, she never says anything she can't back up.”

“That I can agree with. You know when she is going to come down like a hammer on a sibling. I have seen her defend herself against Lunar and Spice a few times.”

“Not easy to hold them off.”

Early Blossom sighed. “You know what is odd. I have never seen her be like that outside the family.”

“Everypony trusts and looks up to her. She is not defending herself or somepony else. As soon as she is forced to, she will.”

“And justly.”

“Always. She is not just kind, she is also just.”

A new voice chimed in, “Oh! Shadow… you are here… with Early.”

Early Blossom shot a look Shadow had never seen from her before at Cherry Tart.

“Right. Sorry.”

“If it means what I think it does, I don't want to know.” Shadow said, standing up.

“Sit down Shadow,” Early Blossom said. She directed her attention to Cherry Tart. “Yes Tart, Shadow is here. I guess, you could say we are having a long overdue make up session between siblings.”

“Is Dad or Dream back yet?” Shadow asked.

“No, they are not back yet,” Cherry Tart said. “So, make up session?”

“I will tell you the details later Hun,” Early Blossom said.

Cherry Tart's cheeks reddened against her light green coat.

Shadow chuckled. “It's funny when its not being said to you.”

“You have been called Hun?” Cherry Tart asked shocked.

“My older sisters have used everything they could to make me a girl. Filly is their favorite,” Shadow chuckled.

“Ah, now I understand the make up session better,” Cherry Tart said.

“Tart,” Early Blossom said, “Shadow is going to spend the night before the harvest with us, and he happily agreed to be our sorter.”

“Are you as good as Blossom says you are?” Cherry Tart asked.

“No, probably better,” Shadow said leaning back.

They all laughed.

“Don't tell anyone, but after your harvest, I am going to El Nino to talk to Sky Breaker.”

“You want to join up?” Early Blossom and Cherry Tart said together.

“He said to come in to talk details, but he said that my Cutie Mark meant 'Speed, Power and Agility'; and 'that Power is based in form, not strength; and commented on the power of one of my jumps; and he finished with telling me that if I mastered form, I would be unstoppable. So yeah, I am thinking of joining up. It could be exactly what I am meant to do.”

“And it probably would raise how the family is viewed,” Early Blossom added. “Highly respected for a reason, but the foals are starting splitting that reputation apart. One of those splits becoming a Enclave Soldier, protecting the Pegasus Race; well it would do wonders for you when you get leave and come home, as well as for the family.”

“And maybe for you and Tart,” Shadow said, using only part of her name.

“It very well might,” Cherry Tart said not caring. “Hey! You could say you are visiting us when you plan to sneak off. Maybe spend the night.”

“Tart, we are further from El Nino than here, by hours,” Early Blossom said.

“Oh… yeah,” Tart chuckled. “Well you should visit us before then anyway.”

“Its not that far away, only two weeks,” Early Blossom stated. “And late next week is the parsnip harvest.”

“Think we should go help them?” Cheery Tart ask, reserved.

“We were not invited,” Early Blossom sighed. “But if you want to face potential shame I am up for it.”

“If they are asking me, they need help,” Shadow said. “They sound too troubled to turn it down. And who knows, they might reciprocate. Take the chance of shame for the chance of help with the harvest.”

“I agree with Shadow,” Cherry Tart said. “We should try. It is way better than not.”

“I should probably get back in there,” Early Blossom said.

“You two go,” Shadow offered. “It's a nice night. I want to stay out for a few more minutes. Look at the stars for a bit.”

It was one of his favorite things to do. The stars offered him the time to think and give wisdom into the problem. It was a clear night and the autumn breeze was filtering in nice, fresh air. It was good to finally connect to Blossom like that. The weirdest things brought ponies together. He just hoped it didn't get Dream into to much trouble.

Shadow headed in, hungry for pie. He was in luck. Cherry Tart was still getting the pies ready. Dad and Dream were still not there. The rest were at the table waiting to be served their slice of pie.

Shadow shook his head, a plate was in front of him, the first slice. Cherry Tart had picked him first to judge their pies. He took the first bite and melted. It was amazing pie. The look on his face was better than any words could have done justice. Cherry Tart and Early Blossom began serving the others.

“No offense Cherry Tart,” Lunar Harvest said. It was never a good sign when she started like that. “But why did It get the first slice?”

“Fly off Lunar,” Cherry Tart said. “Your heart is as dark as a cloudy night, and his is as pure as his coat is white.”

Lunar Harvest sat there, shocked.

“I missed something,” Dream Catcher whispered as she sat down. They had apparently come in right as the pie was being served and heard Lunar Harvest's and Cherry Tart's words.

“Tell you later Catcher,” Shadow whispered back.

Lance hadn't sat down yet, and then it got to the uncomfortable length of time where he was standing, looking at Lunar. Everypony stopped eating and waited for him to sit.

He finally sat down and Lunar visibly breathed a sigh of relief. The next thing Lance said was how amazing the pie was.

The dinner table calmed down and became a relaxed place of quiet talk.

Early Blossom spoke up. “Shadow, you should come and visit sometime soon and spend the night.”

“That is so thoughtful,” Rain Jubilee said. “You should take your sister up on that Shadow.”

“I will,” Shadow said. “Thanks Blossom.”

“Cherry Tart, when is your Harvest?” Lance asked.

“Two weeks out. A week after Buck's Parsnip harvest. As best as we can tell since its our first harvest. But I grew up on the premier Cherry Farm in the Enclave. I got the best of the best pits and the best saplings came with me. They grew into the best cherry trees and best cherries have bloomed! Their yield is impressive for such young trees.”

“Well, I have bucked apples once before. I am assuming its a similar harvest?” Lance asked.

“Pretty much. Except the cherries grow both red and yellow on each tree, so they have to be sorted, and also destemmed.”

“Well with these pies, it looks like you definitely got the best cherry trees and will have a good, strong harvest every year,” Lance said.

“Thank you. Blossom says the Turnips are the last harvest, six weeks out?”

“I would say seven weeks currently,” Lance replied. “Wouldn't you agree Buck?”

Buck nodded. “We will need every hoof we can get. As soon as they are ready, the Turnips have to be harvested immediately or they spoil. This cloud farming messes with the turnips quite a bit. They used to be very different to grow, in soil that is.”

Everypony got quite. The mention of below was always sensitive topic.

“Well, I guess you all can keep the secret,” Lance said. “Back two hundred years, when my ancestor got the first bag of seeds for cloud farming; the farmer, Red Turnip, gave him a book on turnip growing. One he had written himself. You all know this farm has stood here for 200 years, this exact spot.”

“That is why we have so much more land than the others. It was a very isolated farm to start and we are a Homestead for that reason. This land has always grown turnips. And It always will. We grow the best turnips in the clouds, and for a good reason. The book is old and worn, but most everything is passed down by the generations by learning first hand.”

“Except for me,” Shadow said glumly.

“Not your fault Shadow. I taught you everything you need to know to farm the clouds. There have been plenty of other ancestors who went other places because growing turnips is not easy, or there are too many ponies under one roof. And there have been plenty of times that the linage is only passed down through mares. That is why I am so thankful for Buck. He understands turnip growing like my dad, and my father's father. New blood into the lineage is never a bad thing. Buck gets it more than Lunar Harvest. But enough history for the night. It is getting late. We should head to bed.”

“AFTER DISHES ARE WASHED!” Rain Jubilee ordered.

“Yes dear, after the dishes of course. Come on, with everypony drying they will be done in record time.”

Despite differences between siblings, these were the moments where they were set aside and it was all family. They laughed together and had fun, as a family.

It was late so Rift spent the night, something he had never done before. Shadow happily elected to sleep in Dream Catcher's room to free up the extra bed. The community law was no sharing beds unless married. It was a hard rule that you did not cross. It was worse than being a filly fooler, but not even fillies foolers would dare to cross that line.

Cherry Tart had never spent a night here either. She was the weirdest one, even for Early Blossom. The two of them sharing a bed meant the family recognized them as married. Nopony objected, but it hung over the last minutes getting ready for bed and hushed things. Nopony was used to it in the house, not even Early Blossom.

When lights were out, Shadow slipped two doors over to Early Blossom's room and softly knocked on the door. A softly whispered “come in” invited him to slip into the bedroom.

Shadow approached the bed. It was not built for two. It was one of the old filly beds. Others were stored in the attic, but Early Blossom had moved out suddenly, so nothing had changed.

“I just wanted to say,” Shadow began in a whisper. “Thanks. To both of you. I am glad we connected for the first real time Blossom.”

“Me too Shadow. Thanks for comforting me. Who knew so much would be revealed about this family, both to everypony and between you and I.”

“I know Blossom. I am surprised as well, especially what Dad said.”

“I think Dream gave him a new perspective.”

“Probably. Goodnight you two.”

“Shadow, before you go, I want to thank you for comforting Early.” Shadow heard the air go out of Cherry Tart's lungs as Blossom elbowed her in the ribs.

“Not in this house or around family,” Blossom said annoyed. Neither of them could see Shadow smiling.

“As I was saying Shadow, thanks. I didn't expect you to comfort her, but I am glad you did. The relief I had when I saw the two of you, with your arm around Blossom, it warmed my heart. And I instantly did not regret staying inside. I didn't want to let anypony win by making both of us run, but-”

“It was a tough call,” Shadow finished. “Out of love on your part. You are welcome. And thanks for the first piece of the pie.”

“You earned it,” Cherry Tart said.

“Have fun,” Shadow said and slipped back out of the room before either of them could say anything.

Shadow laid down on the blankets on the floor of Catcher's room for him.

“There you are” Catcher whispered. Over the years, Shadow would slip out of his window and go into Catcher's room and they would stay up talking. It was just like old times, except he was sleeping on the floor instead of going back to his room.

“Sorry. After you made Blossom bolt, I left in shame as well. I found her on the porch, sobbing, and we made up.

“Wow.” Catcher said. “That is unexpected.”

“Yeah, but I am much more interested in you and Dad.”

“He paced back and forth for the first five minutes, unable to speak. He then looked at me, and sighed. Whatever he had worked up to tell me left him. We just talked from then on out. About all us. Lunar has always been a problem. You would not believe how much he had to punish her. She was a rebel at heart, but a passive aggressive one.”

“Then when Spice was born, it was not long before she passed it onto Spice. Spice bore the brunt of her rebellion. It was difficult to catch Lunar in the act. And then Blossom got a double dose from both of them. He did his best to keep her shielded, but Lunar was in control.”

“We talked a lot about you. He is proud of you. You are his son. He just does not know what to do with you. What guidance to give. He sees your speed and agility. If you remember, he started you on the courses.”

Shadow's heart was beating fast. Shadow was stunned, but not. This was rewriting everything he believed about himself. “Yeah, I remember Dad setting them up for me when I was younger. How could I forget? It was almost every day for years. And I got my Cutie Mark on the last one he made.”

His father had always encourage him with the acrobatics. He saw the potential in him. And they were wingless, that was something his dad definitely did encourage him. He had started them before Shadow could fly. Shadow was more familiar with heights than most pegasi his age early on because his dad had a lot of the obstacles going vertical.

Dream Catcher smiled at Shadow in the moonlight. “He still makes adjustments to them, like today's. That final wall segment of the up and down was all him. And the height of the final wall was all him. He was watching. He watches you perform a lot. The Farm is not yours but you are still his son.”

Shadow just sighed. His Dad did care. He still watched and interacted, even though he didn't directly show it. He always thought his Dad had stopped with the courses.

“Buck is amazing. He actually keeps Lunar in check more than you know. He does not take her passive aggressiveness. He does what Dad could never do, and he also has the perfect hoof for turnips. Dad opened up about the family heritage because he knew it would bring us together. It was my idea to find a way to bring us all together, a story or something. He surprised even me. He knew immediately what to tell and would not let me in on it.”

Dream Catcher switched topics. “We missed the first piece of the pie sadly. What did we miss? Who got it?”

“Cherry Tart gave it to me. She stayed at the table for a while to show that they were not backing down.”

“It's only weird because every one of us farms. In the cities its not a problem, especially with the population limits. How is a farm passed down? That is the big question, and nopony wants to ask.”

“Well, all three of us had a good talk. And she showed special treatment to me over our sisters.”

“Wise choice on her part.”

“Yeah, that is one of the things I just thanked them for.”

The two of them settled under their blankets more. The moonlight coming in through the window illuminating the room.

“Hey Flare?”

“Yeah Catcher?”

“Think Rift or Spice will try anything?”

“Definitely Spice. But my window trap was set from the night before, and I double checked it, and I also set the door trap. If either of them tries anything. It will trip the alarm in Mom and Dad's room. Spice used to mess with me at night. I figured out how to let dad know when it would happen.”

Dream Catcher laughed. “You never told me about the alarm. And Mom and Dad know about it?”

“Absolutely. Dad was impressed I rigged it up. It's a simple buzz alarm in their room, but it works. Spice stopped after two failed attempts. I think she just thought Dad waited up for her to make a move. You were not even born then.”

Suddenly they heard a door slam open. “SPICE!” It was the unmistakable voice of a very angry Lance. “BARN! NOW!”

Shadow Flare and Dream Catcher chuckled.

“Poor Rift must be spooked,” Catcher said.

A knock came on the door a few minutes later.

“Come in,” Shadow said.

Rift poked his head in.

“Come in Rift, all the way,” Dream Catcher said.

Rift slipped inside.

“Shadow, I didn't try to do anything. I was following the laws. I never said anything, never expected Spice to try anything. How did your Dad know?

Shadow sat up. “Spice used to pick on me, a lot worse than anything you have see. She used to mess with my room and me when I was asleep. My Dad got good knowing when she left her room and went to mine. She should have known not to try it, even though its been years.”

“Your family,” Rift started.

“Is very complicated,” Dream Catcher yawned. “Just like any family. I can tell you all about it in the morning. I know this family very well. I watch and listen. I know when one of them has it out for Shadow. I might be the kind healer, but you do not mess with the one I am being kind to. Go back to bed Rift. I will tell you tomorrow after breakfast, and while Spice is receiving her punishment.”

“It tends to take all day, but I am sure you have a lot to do back home,” Shadow yawned.

“Yeah, I do need to go home, but I can listen to you Dream Catcher after breakfast. If I want to join this family, I really should get to know it more. Goodnight you two.”

They both said goodnight. As sleep overcame them, they never heard Lance walk past their room and the shuffle of Spice's hooves.