There comes a time in every parent's life when they have to see their kids grow up and they can't believe it's happening. One year after Indoraptor and Viper's cooperative cockatrice kills, Scootaloo and her fellow Crusaders graduated from Ms Cheerilee's class and it was a realization for Rainbow Dash. As she watched Scootaloo collect her diploma on stage, Rainbow couldn't help but feel a sad sinking feeling in her gut. She had been paying so much attention to all of her kids that she hadn't realized how much Scootaloo had grown up. The little filly she had taken in and rescued from her bitter parents had grown up into a mature teenager, and was now an official graduate.

"Is everything alright, Rainbow," Applejack asked after seeing the tears in Rainbow's eyes after Scootaloo walked off stage.

"It's just...it seemed like it was only yesterday when I found out about her past and took her into my home. Now look at her, she's all grown up and not a kid anymore."

"Ah know how ya feel. It's hard for me ta believe it too, seeing ma little sister all grown up too. That's one of the parts of being a big sister."

"Not just that, Applejack, I'm also her mother too. I've had it a whole lot differently than you, I've had more responsibilities to handle lately and in a certain way, raised her the way she actually wanted. It's just so much for me to deal with."

"In my honest opinion, you've done a mighty good job of raising her, Rainbow. She's turned into a confident and proud pony, rather than being forced to live the controlled life that Sheer Cold and Spoiled Rotten would've forced upon her had you not come along."

"You've definitely set a good example of what a caring mother should be like," said Twilight.

"Plus, now you get the chance to do it all over again with your new kids," Pinkie said while gesturing to Viper and Indoraptor.

"We've done good in raising her despite everything that's happened over the years," said Indominus. "Look at how she's turned out."

Scootaloo's eyes locked with Rainbow's as the last of the ponies took their diplomas. She waved to her mom happily and Rainbow tried not to show too much of her tears as she waved back.

"If it weren't for you, she wouldn't have become the pony she is now."

"Maybe, but you and Tyrannosaurus were the first ones to look after her and keep her safe."

"We may have taken care of her, but we couldn't raise her like you did," said Tyrannosaurus. Rainbow wiped away her tears with the encouragement fresh in her heart.

"Thanks Rexy, which is why I'm hoping that you'll still keep your word in taking care of Scootaloo now that she's old enough to date."

"You mean, I still have your approval?"

"Of course, you took care of her just as long as Indominus has, and you've been loyal to her from the beginning. I can't think of any stallion more trustworthy to be Scootaloo's boyfriend than you." A few ponies awed at Rainbow's words to Tyrannosaurus.

"You think that's touching, just wait until they start dating," said Rarity. "It'll be touching and cute."

Rainbow and Tyrannosaurus might've been sure that Scootaloo still had feelings for him, but neither of them seemed to realize that nothing is ever set in stone. They didn't know whether Scootaloo would stay true to her word for T-Rex, or start seeing other stallions in a different light.

Two years later and Viper and Indoraptor were both five years old. The hybrid dinosaur had grown considerably over the years and he was now at thirty feet long, an impressive height for him but not quite full size. Viper's wings had grown more, some of her teeth were starting to jut out of her mouth in a similar fashion to Rexy's teeth. Her tail had gotten longer and was getting more osteoderms on it like her father. Speaking of whom, apparently Indominus hadn't reached his full size after all.

During those five years Indominus had continued to grow and had reached such an astounding height that the entire castle had to be enchanted so it would grow with him to accommodate his increasing size. By the time his children were five years old, Indominus was seventy-five feet long and forty feet tall. He was now at a size where he could rival Smaug in raw strength without the need for his guardian state or the Immortal Worldbreaker. Rexy had topped out at fifty feet in length and thirty feet tall, making him the second biggest carnivore in the family, with Indoraptor being third once he was big enough.

Also in that time, Indoraptor had received his voice at last. He hadn't been born with a voice of his own, so for his fifth birthday Twilight had the honor of giving him his new voice. His voice was deep and had a sort of calm devil feeling behind it. When Indoraptor first spoke to Twilight with his new set of pipes, she felt her heart skip a few beats and lost her breath when she heard it. She had turned away from him with a blush on her face and promised herself that she would never speak of it again.

Viper had been enrolled in Ms Cheerilee's school three months prior to Indoraptor getting his voice, but the hybrid dinosaur wasn't going to be attending school like his sister. Rainbow had discussed the matter with Indominus about getting their son an education so he wouldn't be left out. But Indominus reminded Rainbow of the dangers that could result from a hungry hybrid dinosaur being in a small classroom with foals. Even though Indoraptor was smart enough to know not to hunt any ponies, the possibility of somepony similar to Diamond Tiara was what made Indominus nervous. Rainbow easily remembered what those experiences had been like, and thought that somepony like that could trigger Indoraptor, so they decided on a compromise. Indoraptor would learn everything from Viper after she got home from school as part of their bonding time. Anything that he didn't quite understand, he could seek out Twilight for future guidance.

The first day of school came around sooner than expected, and the inhabitants of the castle were aroused from their slumber by the sound of scampering clawed hooves. Viper was already awake and was making her way to her parents' room, with Indoraptor shaking the sleep from his eyes and choosing to take his time getting there.

"Dad! Dad! Come on, you said we could do this before school," Viper said as she reached the bedroom and opened the door.

On the massive skull bed her parents were still sound asleep when Viper came bounding into the room. The sounds of Indominus's growls while sleeping was able to nearly drown out their daughter's voice.

"Dad! Dad," Viper said over and over again, with her father's back to her.

"Why your daughter, she's awake," Rainbow said sleepily with her eyes still closed.

"Before sunrise she's your daughter," Indominus responded.

"Come on dad," Viper said before biting down on one of her father's osteoderms to try and get his attention. The attempt resulted in her losing her grip on the firm spikes and being sent tumbling backwards. For her second attempt she flew onto the bed and rammed Indominus's head to wake him. The small impact was enough to rouse him and he stared sleepily at his daughter.

"You promised me and Indoraptor we would do this before school started."

"Ok ok honey, I'm up I'm up," Indominus said before yawning and stretching to warm up his muscles. Rainbow followed suite as she too woke up and stretched her legs before following her husband.

Viper fluttered off of her parents as her brother walked into the room.

"She wake you up too, Indoraptor," Rainbow asked.

"I don't know how she does it, mom," Indoraptor said as he followed his father and sister out onto the balcony.

Indominus actually climbed up the wall of his castle with his kids following after him until they were at the roof. From the tallest point of the castle, the hybrids could see all of Ponyville and many of the lands that lay beyond in the far reaches of Equestria.

"Look kids, everything the light touches is our kingdom."

"Wow," said Viper.

"There's so much more than just the Everfree Forest," Indoraptor added.

"A guardian's time as much as a king's, rises and falls like the sun. One day Viper, Indoraptor, the sun will set on my time here along with Tyrannosaurus's, Blue's, even her girls, and will rise with you two as the new guardians."

"And this will all be ours?"

"Everything, son," Indominus said, while trying not to think about what could happen to Indoraptor before he got the chance to experience being a guardian for himself.

"But dad, what about who gets to be king and queen?"

"That's not for me to decide, Viper. Ra was the one who gave the suggestion to Celestia and Luna, so technically, he is the reason why your mother and I are king and queen of Equestria. He will be the one to decide when you two are ready to be rulers."

Viper and Indoraptor had heard the stories of all that Ra had done for Equestria and their family. They wanted so badly to meet the god that had saved their parents' lives, but every time they brought up the subject, Indominus turned them down. The only time he ever went to see Ra was when it was vitally important. He had hoped that Ra could cure Indoraptor, but sadly not even the god of the sun had the powers needed to cure the ailment. Ra's powers could heal others, but in all his time in Equestria he had never encountered a case like Indoraptor's. Exposing him to Ra's power would only delay the ailment by a least a year at most, and Indominus was forced to leave his son's life in Fate's hands.

Indoraptor caught his father's attention when he spotted the fiery blasts in the far distance, in the direction of the dragon lands.

"Hey dad, what about that place with all the explosions going on? It looks like a fun place to be."

"That's beyond our borders. You two must never go there without me, it's a dangerous place even for hybrids."

"But I thought guardians could do whatever they want," said Viper.

"Oh there's more to being a guardian than getting your way all the time," Indominus said as he crawled back down the wall.

"There's more," Viper asked excited as she followed her father with her brother behind them.

Indominus put his lesson with his kids on hold until their breakfast was over. A filling meal of pancakes and fritters was enough to curb their appetites and all of them were on their way to school. This time there was no race involved as Indominus wanted to take it slow with the most important part of his morning lesson. As they made their way through Ponyville, many ponies were turning and waving at the family as they passed. Some of them were actually giving Indoraptor subtle bedroom eyes that the hybrid dinosaur didn't pay any attention to.

"Remember this, kids, the ponies of this world are the sole reason of why we are here in the first place. Our main priority as guardians is to make sure that their safety always comes before everything else. No matter what danger we have to face in this world, the ponies must always be protected."

"But dad what about that rotten scoundrel Neighsay?"

"Now Indoraptor, we don't use that kind of language about ponies, even if he is what you said."

"Don't forget about Soarin," Viper added.

"Or my former parents," said Scootaloo.

"Ok kids, there are some exceptions to that rule. Not all ponies are good, and some of them do go down the wrong path," said Rainbow.

"The only time we are EVER allowed to fight, hunt and possibly, very possibly eat any single pony, is when they are threatening what you hold dearest to your heart," Indominus said as he kissed Rainbow on the cheek.

"You two will find what you treasure most one day for sure," said Blue. "But that can wait, because we're here."

The family stopped in front of the school and Viper could feel her legs shaking with anxiety. Her father's morning lesson was quickly vanishing from her brain as the thought of what ponies might think of her 'features' came into her mind.

"What's the matter honey?"

"Uh, I'm not so sure about this, mom."

"Oh relax kiddo, it's just the first day jitters. Everypony goes through them," said Scootaloo.

"You won't be alone, Screwball's gonna be in your class," said Rainbow.

"Speak of the draconequess, here she comes," said Indominus as he saw his friend coming over with his family.

Fluttershy and Discord were accompanying Screwball to school, and ponies were surprisingly not afraid of seeing him. Screwball was equally nervous about her first day, that is until she saw Viper waiting by the entrance and starting sprinting towards her friend.

"Screwy!"

"Viper!" The two pony hybrids embraced each other in a loving hug. "Good gravy doughnuts, have your claws gotten longer?"

"Maybe, comes with the perk of being part dinosaur. You think we'll make it through this with our heads still attached?"

"I know what you're thinking, Vipey. I've been nervous about this too, but as long as we've got each other's backs we'll be ok. Besides, we'll have Precious on our side too."

At that moment, Rarity, Spike and a purple unicorn dragon hybrid whom they named Precious, were making their way towards the school too. In all the time Spike and Rarity had spent together, they had tied the knot in secret after finding out that she was pregnant with Spike's child. Twilight helped them keep info about their daughter under wraps since Neighsay had been targeting Rainbow's family for so long. They were quite surprised to see that their daughter was a hybrid just like Viper, and was perfectly healthy with no defects. Viper had gotten chances to see the young hybrid while her parents were away, and the two were so similar to each other that they bonded in only a few hours. It put Viper's mind at ease to know that there would be another hybrid just like her in the same class as her and Screwball.

"How sweet. The dynamic hybrid trio attending school together," Discord said as Screwball and Viper welcomed Precious into their hug.

"You think we'll survive this?"

"Just stick with us, girl, and the bullies won't give you any guff," Viper said in their group hug.

The school bell rang and the kids broke out of their hug to say goodbye to their parents.

"Remember darling, no firebreathing in class or on any of the students," Rarity told her daughter.

"I know, mom, dad's taught me how to control them."

"Don't take what they say too seriously, most ponies don't know how to handle hybrids," Spike said while glancing over at Rainbow and Fluttershy's families.

"I won't, dad. Not with Screwball and Viper to help me out."

"Try not to make anypony feel too jealous when you use your magic, alright sweetie?"

"I won't, mom."

"But if they give you any trouble, show them why you're the daughter of chaos and turn them into ferrets."

"Discord! That's not something she should be hearing on her first day."

"It's just a little joke honey. Besides, ferrets are supposed to be playful and cuddly, you've said so yourself."

"Yes I have said that, but no pony should be made into one."

"Relax mom, I promise I won't use my magic too much. I'll stick to conjuring fruits instead," Screwball said as a delicious pineapple appeared in her hooves.

"Now remember what we discussed, Viper."

"Don't let their words get under my skin and keep my hunting instincts under control. I know mom, but are you sure i'll be fine being here?"

"You have nothing to worry about, Viper. Your friends are with you and you've got each other's backs," Indominus said as he nuzzled his daughter. "Though if anypony gives you trouble, we'll be right here to make things right. Without causing a ton of damage."

"How right you are, my stud. Now go on Viper, have a nice day at school," Rainbow called out as Viper followed her friends into the school building. Screwball handed Cheerilee the pineapple before she went inside the building too. She had just set it down on her desk and was about to close the door when Rarity, Rainbow and Fluttershy appeared at the door.

"Ms Cheerilee, I think you ought to-" Fluttershy started to say, but the teacher silenced her.

"I know what's on your minds, and I can assure you that your kids are in good hooves. I'm aware of Screwball's gifts and what she can do, I'll make sure she doesn't do anything too crazy, Fluttershy."

"Then you know about Viper's hunting habits?"

"I saw her practicing them with her brother while you were registering her, Rainbow Dash."

"And Precious's fire breath?"

"Spike told me about how she's been trying to get it under control. If I see that she's having trouble, I'll let her step outside until she gets them out of her system. Don't you worry Rarity, no books are going to be lit ablaze."

The three mothers relaxed as Cheerilee bid them a good day and closed the door to begin her class.

"You think they'll be alright?"

"Aw, you're worrying too much Fluttershy. Ms Cheerilee said they'll be fine and besides, they know how to behave themselves. After all, they take after our husbands most of the time."

"That's why I'm worried."

"Alright class, settle down and take your seats. You'll find your name tags on each desk."

Viper found her seat in the middle of the classroom, and was glad to see Screwball had the desk on her left. Precious had a seat in the front row right in front of Viper, but the little hybrid couldn't help but notice the numerous eyes that seemed to be glancing in their direction. It was like the entire classroom was suddenly on edge with the presence of so many hybrid ponies. Miss Cheerilee could see some uneasiness taking place and decided to begin introductions to divert the young eyes.

"Welcome to a new year of school, little ponies. My name is Miss Cheerilee and I'll be your teacher. We'll begin the day with introductions, each of you will introduce yourselves and say something unique about your lives." She started in the front row with Precious, who had gotten over her jitters rather quickly.

"My name is Precious, and I'm the daughter of Spike and Rarity." Some of the students were whispering amongst themselves, but Viper could hear that they were mostly positive.

Everypony knew who Rarity was, and Spike had gained quite a bit of popularity after his assistance in helping fend off the Wonderbolts. Nopony could disrespect the Element of Generosity or her dragon husband. Viper didn't pay much attention to the other students after the stares they'd been giving her, but became eager for her turn when Screwball spoke next.

"I'm Screwball and I'm the daughter of Discord and Fluttershy." There was no whispering chatter after her introduction. Viper didn't understand why everypony had gotten so silent to where she could hear a fly buzzing on the roof. "What? Did I say something wrong?"

"You didn't say anything wrong, Screwball," Miss Cheerilee replied. "Let's keep the introductions going."

"I'm Viper, and my mother and father are the King and Queen of Equestria."

Now every eyeball in the room was looking at her, and it made Viper very uncomfortable. They were giving her stares like she had said something taboo or in an ancient language nopony could understand. This bizarre behavior was so puzzling to the hybrid pony, and Cheerilee had a gut feeling that before the end of the day, one of them would be in some kind of trouble.

Viper didn't bother paying attention to the other introductions, and tried to pay attention to Cheerilee as she started the lesson. But there was some whispering going on behind her that her powerful hearing kept picking up. It was a colt and a filly talking in the far back where the teacher couldn't hear them.

"Look at them. They're just a bunch of freaks."

"My big sister told me how that green freak's father nearly killed her a long time ago."

"Not to mention the purple freak's father messed with our home and made everything go dark for who knows how long."

"That half-dragon looks like she's getting ready to explode. I can see her body shaking."

Viper diverted her gaze towards Precious, who was clutching her mouth and stomach like she was going to throw up. She lifted one hand from her stomach to get the teacher's attention.

"M-Miss Cheerilee....c-can I-"

"Yes of course, Precious. Go right ahead."

The hybrid excused herself and made a beeline for the door. A moment later, a torrent of blue fire erupted outside the window and a loud burping sound could be heard accompanying it. Precious had grown up with some mild indigestion that resulted in her getting fire burps. It was only a minor issue and one that she would likely overcome in a year's time. She walked back into the classroom, swatting away smoke from her nostrils as she took her seat again.

"See that. Can't even control her own flame."

"They'll bring the whole school down if they don't kick the bucket first."

Screwball was getting angry from hearing the two ponies gossiping about them. She was close to whirling around and yelling at them, but Viper extended her tail and gently poked her to get her attention. The two ponies locked eyes and Viper just shook her head slowly, telling her friend not to act up and cause them to get into trouble. If there was one thing Viper had gained during her hunts with her family besides experience, it was incredible tolerance and patience. In order to get through the day with no trouble, she'd have to be more clever than the annoying ponies in the back.

She mouthed to Screwball, "I've got this," and started swaying her tail to get their attention.

"Oh look, the half-dinosaur wants some attention."

"Let's see if we can make her snap in front of the class."

Viper heard something being pulled tight by one of the ponies. Screwball glanced behind her to see that they were readying rubber bands to shoot at her friend. She made the words appear on a corner of Viper's desk to alert her, and the pony knew how to handle something so minor. When they fired the rubber band, Viper's tail shot up like a snake striking its prey and caught the band in a flash.

"How'd she do that?"

"Had to have been a trick. Besides, we've got plenty of ammo to work with."

As the ponies readied another band, they failed to notice that Viper had flung the one they had shot earlier back under one of their desks. When the second rubber band was launched, Viper once again caught it in her tail with no trouble. The ponies tried to fire multiple shots at her, but Viper could catch them all with ease. Neither of them knew it, but Viper had loaded the underside of their desks with all the rubber bands they had fired. Now it was time to set them up for a fall.

"That's it. We've got to nail her at least once."

Viper kept her eyes trained forward as her ears strained to pick up the pull of the rubber bands. Then without taking her eyes off the teacher, she nudged her pencil with one of her claws until it fell off her desk. She bent down to pick it up right as the rubber bands were fired and Miss Cheerilee turned her head back towards the class. The bands flew over Viper and struck Miss Cheerilee in the face. Screwball had to cover her mouth to keep from laughing as she gave her friend a wink and saw the teacher's gaze go straight to the ponies in the back.

"Platinum Streak! Emerald Gem! Is the class so boring that you feel the need to fling rubber bands at the teacher?" Both ponies had shrunken eyes like they had been caught red-handed by the authorities.

"B-but we didn't do it, Miss Cheerilee," said Platinum.

"Yeah, that half-pony did it," Emerald added. Miss Cheerilee looked at Viper, who was writing down notes from the lesson and clearly paying attention. Even though her focus had been split, Viper had managed to focus enough on the lesson Cheerilee had been teaching, and setting up the bullies behind her for getting caught.

"Viper has done nothing wrong, if anything she's actually been keeping up with the lesson, while you two feel the need to goof off and entertain yourselves in such a ridiculous manner."

"But we already said those weren't ours."

"Oh no?" Cheerilee walked over to their desks and spotted the piles of rubber bands underneath their desks. "Then what do you call these piles of rubber bands hiding under your desks? I suppose they're just lying about as decorations?" Both ponies were stammering trying to come up with an explanation, but neither of them had an answer to get them out of the situation. Viper giggled quietly to herself as she listened to Cheerilee berate them before the lesson was resumed.

When recess and lunch came around, the girls were eager for some fresh air. They ate lunch together under a tree and filled Precious in on what those ponies had been saying about them.

"They were really saying all that stuff about us?"

"I'm afraid so, Precious. Apparently my dad dealt with his big sister at one point in his life, which means they'll have it out for me especially."

"But you outsmarted them big time, Viper," said Screwball. "You should've seen her, Precious. She caught the rubber bands, set them up underneath their desks and fooled them into hitting Miss Cheerilee. They looked ready to wet themselves from Cheerilee catching them in the act," she and Viper shared a hoofbump before Precious caught sight of ponies approaching them.

"What do you think they want?"

"Trouble," Viper said as Platinum and Emerald approached them with some of the other students behind them.

"What do we have here? The mutant trio having lunch together, how nice," said Platinum. Viper wasn't too fazed by the colt's words, because she had already gotten the last laugh on him.

"How's that scolding treating you? Bet you're still sore after getting caught in the act," Viper responded confidently. Platinum's face turned bright red at the retort.

"Now that's what I call a burn," Precious said as she casually puffed some fire in the air.

"You abominations think you're better than us already? Please, none of you are meant to live in Equestria, especially some ugly deformed animal that should've stayed in the Everfree Forest with her demented father," Emerald said harshly.

That struck a cord with Viper, she hated being picked on a lot, but nopony ever got away with disrespecting her father. Screwball and Precious could see the anger spreading across Viper as her body bristled and her tail slashed away at the ground. Her eyes turned into slit pupils as she walked towards Platinum like a predator on the hunt.

"See? She's just like her father, the same animal that attacked my big sister Diamond Tiara. She may say that he's some kind of protector, but that doesn't take away the fact that he willingly attacked my sister in cold blood and nearly killed her." Even with Viper walking towards him like she was stalking prey, Platinum didn't seem concerned.

"You really wanna do this, animal? Even when you're outnumbered," Emerald said as more ponies started to surround them.

"I think a better question would be, are YOU sure YOU want to do this," Precious replied as she and Screwball stood by Viper, ready to take action.

It was like an old-fashioned standoff from the wild west, both sides waiting to see who would make the first move. The sight of the bared teeth and claws from Viper and Precious was enough to keep the other ponies from making a move, but Platinum wanted to get the hybrids to make the first move this time. He just had to agitate her enough to get her to give into her primal instincts and attack.

"What's wrong, animal? Too much of an obedient slave to the behemoth that gave birth to you?"

"Leave her family out of this. Why are you picking on them anyway," Screwball demanded.

"Why? Why!? Because those animals have killed ponies and spilled blood in Equestria. Savage, blood thirsty beasts like that don't deserve to live, they belong in Tartarus."

Something in Viper's brain was turned loose and she went wild. She lunged at Platinum, but in her rush she forgot about Emerald, who rammed her from the side. The impact knocked the filly to the ground and Emerald moved in behind her and grabbed the hybrid behind the front legs. She held up Viper and restrained her for Platinum to beat up. Screwball and Precious tried to move in, but the other ponies blocked them off.

"Don't try to help me," Viper called out to them as she glared at Platinum. Both ponies were surprised at their friend's startling response.

"Sticking to your guns huh? You might be able to save your friends, freak, but who's gonna save you?" Platinum raised a hoof and swung it forward to strike Viper. But before his hoof made contact with her face, he felt his whole leg being held and stopped by a massive black clawed hand.

In all the commotion, the bullies hadn't realized that Viper's guardian angel was never too far away. Indoraptor had been keeping an eye on his sister, worried a situation like this might happen. Now he had Platinum in his hand and effortlessly lifted his body off the ground.

"I'm the one you should be concerned about, runt," Indoraptor said before he swatted Platinum away with a single punch.

Viper noticed that Emerald was distracted and stunned by Indoraptor's appearance, and took the opportunity to enact some payback. She leaned her head forward and then rammed it back against the filly's face. Emerald let go of Viper as she clutched her face in agony. The she felt her neck being held as Viper wrapped her tail around it and then flung the filly towards Platinum, who was lying in the dirt and holding his face from the strong punch. Indoraptor then turned his attention to the ponies surrounding Screwball and Precious, and with one roar he caused them to scatter.

"You alright, Viper?"

"Uh huh, thanks brother," Viper said as she nuzzled his face.

"How'd you sneak up on him like that? We didn't even see you show up," Precious asked, completely perplexed at the hybrid's stealth.

"Camouflage. Very handy for catching prey off guard. Now if you girls will excuse me, we've got business to finish."

The two hybrids turned their attention back towards the frightened and hurt bullies. Platinum and Emerald got back to their hooves, and glared angrily at the hybrid duo.

"You see? This is what your kind does to ponies. All you ever do is kill and slaughter," Platinum yelled bitterly.

"We'll see to it that you and your kind never have your way in Equestria again," Emerald added.

Indoraptor and Viper growled and charged at the bullies. Cheerilee saw what was going to happen, but there was nothing she could do to stop them. They were moving too fast and were too driven by instinct to listen to reason. The hybrids were getting close to their intended prey, jaws open and ready to crush, but they were stopped by two massive bodies that came barreling out of the trees and right in their path. Both hybrids slowed to a stop and got back their senses as Indominus and Tyrannosaurus glared down at them.

"I gave you one important rule that you both were to always follow," said Indominus.

"We told you not to hurt any ponies and yet you've gone and deliberately disobeyed us," Tyrannosaurus added.

"But dad I-"

"No Viper. I saw what you and Indoraptor were about to do. You were going to kill and eat them, weren't you." Viper had no answer to giver her father, for she knew that he was right. If he and Rexy hadn't stepped in, she would've listened to her instincts and killed both bullies. Indoraptor could only lower his head against his father's gaze. Indominus huffed through his nostrils in frustration.

"Home, son. And we'll be having a discussion about this with your mother when she gets back from practice tonight." Indoraptor kept his head down as he went back into the forest towards the castle.

"That's right. Go back to where nopony has to see you." Platinum's harsh comment suddenly had Indominus and Tyrannosaurus right in his and Emerald's face.

"How I raise and handle my children is none of your concern. You should count yourselves lucky, they would've killed you otherwise."

"Besides, we heard everything that you said about us," said Tyrannosaurus, which caused by ponies' eyes to shrink. "If it weren't for us, Equestria would've perished at Soarin's or Black Death's claws. We protect this world and watch over it, yet there are still ponies like you who think Equestria would be better off without us. How about you take on a demonic dragon and an army of possessed Wonderbolts and tell us how easy it is."

"It truly is sad how your sister turned out so well, and you had to twist her words around and make my children out to be monsters. That really irritates me," Indominus said deeply.

"Y-you can't know who my sister is," Platinum said weakly.

"Oh no. I believe her name is Diamond Tiara," Platinum's eyes shrunk even further. "I met her years ago, and while she did get beaten by us, Scootaloo helped her see that we're not savage, mindless beasts."

"She changed her opinion of us, became friends with the Crusaders, and stopped her parents from capturing us," said Rexy. "You really should've listened to her, instead of choosing to be like Neighsay and harassing our kids."

Both dinosaurs roared in the fillies' faces and they ran back to the schoolhouse in terror. Indominus walked over to the school and met with Cheerilee as she got the children back inside to resume teaching. Viper couldn't even look her father in the eyes as she walked into the classroom before Cheerilee closed the door.

"Indominus she didn't do anything wrong. She's been well behaved up until now and-"

"It's alright, Cheerilee. I saw who the real instigators were in this situation," Indominus said calmly. "I don't blame Viper, with Neighsay hounding us for so long, it's easy for harsh words like that to get under her skin. With how badly those two were antagonizing her, it was almost like how Scootaloo was beaten up all those years ago."

Both Cheerilee and the dinosaurs remembered that day too well.

"We'll be talking with Viper, Indoraptor, and those fillies' parents after she's done with school," said Rexy.

"Thank you, but don't be too harsh on her, Indominus. She looked really hurt."

"We were just like her when Scootaloo was hurt last time, so I understand what you're trying to say. Don't worry Cheerilee, I'm not going to be hard on her. I just want to know why she thought it was a good idea to go against what I'd told them this morning."

"I understand, and thank you for letting my students off easy this time. We don't need anymore repeats of the past."

"No we don't. Take care, Miss Cheerilee," Indominus said as she went back into the classroom.

The two dinosaurs headed away from the school and towards Ponyville. Indominus was dreading how Rainbow would handle this situation, but now it was becoming clear that Neighsay wasn't the only pony that had it out for his family. Getting his daughter an education was going to be more difficult with colts and fillies trying to make her life miserable.

"I hope that the kids won't be too upset with me after this is settled," Indominus said as he and Rexy to headed to Diamond Tiara's house to explain what had happened, while dreading the heated conversation that loomed ahead.

Rainbow knew right away that something was wrong when Viper didn't come out of the building after school was over. When Cheerilee called her into the schoolhouse and she saw Viper sitting in a corner with her friends, she had a hunch of what went down. Rarity and Fluttershy were all horrified at what answer the teacher was going to give them.

"What happened Miss Cheerilee?"

"We had a little incident during recess today. Viper and Indoraptor nearly hurt Platinum and Emerald."

"They WHAT!?"

"Now hold on, Rainbow. Indoraptor did hurt them, but only because they held down your daughter and were going to hurt her, just like how Scootaloo had been bullied before."

Rainbow calmed down before she got too riled up and realized that there were similarities between both situations. Only this time there hadn't been any massive damage to cause a hunt for the dinosaurs again.

"Precious and Screwball didn't get in trouble too, did they," Fluttershy asked.

"Viper kept them out of the trouble, she put their safety before hers and didn't let them get involved in the bullying."

"Thank goodness," Rarity said relieved that her daughter hadn't gotten into any trouble.

"Precious, Screwball, you girls are free to go."

"Thanks for looking out for us," Screwball said as she and Precious hugged Viper before they left the building with their mothers. That just left Rainbow, Cheerilee and Viper.

"Viper, is there anything you'd like to say?"

Viper shied away after catching a glance of her mom's stare. It was almost like she was baring into her daughter with the same ferocity as her father.

"I didn't mean to attack them, but they said things that made me lose control."

"Viper, your father told you this morning explicitly not to attack ponies unless it was a dire situation."

"If you'd heard the things they said about him, you would've snapped too."

"I've dealt with my fair share of tormenting taunts, nothing should be worth attacking fillies in cold blood!"

"They said he'd killed ponies and spilled innocent blood!"

Rainbow and Cheerilee's expressions changed to deep concern after Viper said that. They knew about the ponies that the dinosaurs had killed, but while blood has been spilled, the ponies that had died had been threats to Equestria itself. A shared glance of concern between them told both ponies that they were on the same level of sympathy for the hurt hybrid.

"We'll talk with Indominus and Rexy about this tonight, and I can promise you that this won't happen again."

"I know, Indominus was already here today and told me he'd talk with you about this matter. But you don't have to worry, Viper isn't in any real trouble. Platinum and Emerald were the ones that kept on antagonizing, provoking and instigating her into attacking. However, since she did attack them regardless, I would like her to write a small paper on what she should do next time instead of acting on instincts. Just a simple tiny essay on what the proper thing to do in a situation like that."

"i will, and I'm sorry for how I acted Miss Cheerilee. I don't want to be a monster to the other students."

"Oh no, you're not a monster, sweetie," Rainbow said as gently stroked her mane.

"You are by no means a monster, Viper. You're a young pony who's learning in the world," said Cheerilee as she put a hoof under Viper's chin. "Believe it or not, your sister got into situations like this quite a lot."

"She did?"

"I'm afraid so. Scootaloo lived through her fair share of these moments. After we're done talking with your father, maybe you should ask her how she handled these moments so you can learn from her example."

"Ok, and promise that dad won't yell at me?"

"He's not going to yell at you, Viper. He may seem tough, but he does have a good heart. I'll be there to help ease the tension so there's no yelling or roaring."

Viper breathed a little more easily as she bid farewell to her teacher and followed her mother home.

Meanwhile, Indominus and Tyrannosaurus were talking with Filthy Rich and Diamond Tiara about what Platinum had done to his daughter. Spoiled Rich was still against the dinosaurs, but Diamond and Filthy Rich still held them in the highest regards.

"He really did that?"

"I'm afraid so. He provoked my daughter, insulted our family and told her that we've slaughtered ponies for a living."

"I'm so sorry Indominus. I didn't think he'd take all the good things I've said about you and twist them around like that," said Diamond Tiara.

"Seems that he's joined the number of ponies that are against us, isn't that right, Platinum," Rexy said towards the living room as he could pick up the colt's scent from behind a couch.

"You've got a lot of nerve insulted Scootaloo's family members like that, brat," Diamond Tiara yelled out to her brother.

"Don't pin this on me, they're just a bunch of animals who think they're better than all of us."

"And you think that's a good reason to provoke their daughter and try to beat her up?"

"Yes, yes I do." Filthy Rich was appalled at his son's response.

"GET UPSTAIRS RIGHT NOW MISTER! YOU'RE GROUNDED AND LOSING YOUR ALLOWANCES FOR THREE MONTHS!"

"What? They terrorize me and I'm the one that gets punished?"

"START WALKING!" Platinum angrily stomped towards the stairs that led to his room. "Diamond Tiara, feel free to kick him the whole way up."

"Gladly father, and don't worry Indominus, Rexy, we'll straighten him out something fierce," Diamond Tiara said as she followed her brother and kicked his backside all the way to his bedroom.

"I swear we'll take care of him, Indominus, and my humblest apologies to your daughter as well. No child should have their first day of school ruined like this."

"We're not angry with you, Filthy Rich. We just don't want Viper to deal with the same kind of harassment that Scootaloo had to put up with."

"As long as he doesn't do anything like this again, we won't need to have this talk again," said Rexy.

"I'll let you handle him your way, but I have to go and teach my son and daughter a lesson."

"I understand. Take care, Guardians," Filthy Rich said as he waved goodbye to the dinosaurs.

As they walked away, they could hear him yelling at his son in the bedroom. With the instigator being handled for now, it was time for the hybrid dinosaur to turn to his own family to deal with their own issue.

All the family members were gathered around Viper and Indoraptor in the main room of the castle. The two hybrids were looking at their father in fear of him yelling at them. Indominus closed his eyes briefly, with conflict written on his face. Rainbow had a wing on his shoulder to keep him from speaking too aggressively.

"Viper, Indoraptor, I'm very disappointed in you two."

"We know."

"I told you two very explicitly, not to attack any ponies, even if they insult you."

"But you didn't hear the things they said about you," said Viper.

"What did they say that provoked you so much? No amount of taunting is worth ending the life of a colt and a filly."

"He said that you all had slaughtered and killed countless ponies before," Indoraptor said.

All of the dinosaurs were taken aback by the statement. Indominus's gaze softened at once, for he knew all too well what it was like to be provoked by something so personal. Viper caught the sudden change in her father's eyes and realized that maybe what Platinum had said was true.

"You mean...all of you have actually killed ponies?"

"Yes we did," Tyrannosaurus explained. "But those ponies were a danger to all of Equestria, not just us."

"They were?"

"Yes Indoraptor, even in Equestria there are ponies who seem to delight in causing death and destruction so they can get what they want," Rainbow said as she hugged her kids.

"It actually started with me," Scootaloo said as she sat by her little sister. All the dinosaurs got in closer and sat down around the children. "Way before I met Indominus and Tyrannosaurus, my former parents were some of the worst ponies imaginable. They treated me like a slave, barely acknowledged anything I did, and always talked down and berated me for anything I did that they didn't approve of."

"Princess Luna came to us for help, asking if we could be your sister's guardians and look after her when she needed it," Tyrannosaurus added.

"We were always there for her and when the time came to confront her parents, they unleashed a dragon that had the power to annihilate Equestria."

"Seriously?" Viper didn't think that anypony could do something so horrid.

"I'm afraid so, Viper. Black Death had the power to kill anything that stood in his way. Your father and big brother did very well against him."

"But it wasn't until all of us stepped in and worked together that we were able to kill him for good," said Blue.

"Your parents' punishment was to be beaten by all of the dinosaurs, and then turned to stone by the Elements of Harmony. I'll spare you the details of their punishment, but they deserved it for nearly killing innocent lives all because they couldn't have their way in controlling Scootaloo."

"I don't feel sorry for them in the least, they had it coming for years," said Scootaloo.

"But dad, did you really kill somepony because they taunted you too much," asked Indoraptor. Indominus sighed as he remembered the harsh event that had nearly cost him and Rainbow dash their lives.

"One of Rainbow's former teammates didn't like the idea of a hybrid dinosaur being married to a pony. He tried to get rid of us by lying to his own teammates, giving them formulas to fight us, and subjecting himself to my DNA and turning himself into a monster."

"Your father may have killed some of the Wonderbolts, but their blood was on Soarin's hooves because he was the one that set them up. He brought it on himself, and after his entire plan was exposed to Equestria and his life fell apart right in front of him, it cost him his life." Indominus was grateful she had left out the part about Soarin almost killing her.

"He couldn't let go of his anger and blindly charged us. So Rainbow and I had no chose but to put him out of his misery and end his life. I gave him a chance to be better and walk away from the fight, but he refused to change."

"Thankfully, Spitfire was smarter than Soarin and she took your advice to heart," said Delta.

"Do you understand what we're trying to say, kids?"

Indoraptor and Viper took a minute to ponder over all they had heard. Indoraptor was the first one to speak up.

"Those ponies may have been killed, but you only killed them because you had no choice?"

"That's part true, son. But I didn't kill them because I had no choice entirely."

"We gave them a second chance to try and be better and learn from their mistakes," said Blue.

"It was their choice to stick to their anger and hatred, and each of them paid the ultimate price for it," Echo added.

"So what you're saying is, every creature deserves a second chance to change, and only ponies that pose a true threat to Equestria deserve to die?"

"Yes. That's right Viper. Soarin did taunt me plenty during the brawls, but he only did that because he was jealous of the life I shared with everyone," Indominus said proudly.

"So what are you going to do the next time Platinum or Emerald decided to pick on you and your friends?"

"Ignore what they say and don't let it get under my skin."

"That's my girl," Rainbow said as she nuzzled Viper's mane.

"But what about if they attack us first?"

"If that does happen, then you can fight back to defend yourself. But only to defend, not to kill. By that I mean no biting, no claw slashes that draw blood and certainly no energy blasts."

"Alright dad."

"Now as for you, son." Indominus gazed down at his bigger offspring. "You can't protect your sister from every threat in Equestria. She will have to learn to fight her own battles, and you can't interfere with all of them. While it was noble that you were looking out for her, you have less control over your abilities than she does. Which is why you will only be allowed to help if the fight looks like it's getting too out of Viper's control, I don't to see you two treated the way I was."

"But since when are you ever scared, dad? You're the biggest dinosaur in Equestria, you're not scared of anything."

"Actually, you're wrong about that, son. I've been scared for Scootaloo's life while we were protecting her, I was scared that I would lose Rainbow for good during the Wonderbolt ordeal, and I was scared today."

"You were, dad?"

"Yes, Viper. I thought if you two had really killed those fillies, then somepony like Neighsay would find out and have you two taken away and locked up. The thought of losing you two like that was what scared me when I watched you charge at those fillies."

Viper and Indoraptor could see the concern in their father's eyes and when their mom confirmed it, they knew that their father was just looking out for them.

"I guess even kings get scared, huh."

"Mm hmm."

"But you know what, dad?"

"What, son?"

"I think Platinum and Emerald were even more scared." Indominus and Rexy chuckled at the somewhat witty remark.

"Cause nobody messes with your dad and brother, come here you," Rexy said as he and Indominus pulled Viper and Indoraptor in close and gave them playful licks.

"Ah, Scootaloo help me. The king's brother has me pinned," Viper said playfully.

Soon the whole family was chasing each other about the main room, getting into dog piles and sharing laughs. While Viper and Indoraptor relaxed on their parents' backs, they had a better understanding of who to hurt and who they were to protect. Neither of them were going to make the same mistake again, and promised themselves that they would never go against their mom or dad ever again.

Meanwhile, far across Equestria in the frozen north beyond the Crystal Empire, a single red horn lay abandoned in the falling snow. It had remained there for several thousand moons, completely untouched and stranded where nopony would find it. The horn suddenly began twitching with specks of dark magic flowing around it. The horn then started to rise shakily and began moving its way across the snow towards the mountains. It continued to float across the area until it reached an abandoned cave in the tallest mountain, then it fell to the hard floor.

Then more dark magic began to swirl around the horn, building with intensity and little dark lightning streaks. As more magic started building around the horn, a deep laugh could be heard echoing in the cave. Then the magic exploded in a column of dark energy, and in the horn's place stood a dark unicorn with glowing green eyes, flowing royal attire and purple mist emitting from his eyes. He laughed in delight after seeing that he had returned in flesh and bone.

"Took me long enough to build up the power needed for this, but it worked out in the end. Now I'll have to wait until my magic and body are back to full strength before I can start again. But when I do," he walked over to the edge of the cave and could barely make out the shining light from the Crystal Empire in the distance.

"Prepare yourself Crystal Empire, your king has finally returned."

How's that for foreboding? Now the big and major chapters can begin with the return of the king.

Also, for those that may be wondering, yes. Precious is a character from Fallout Equestria: Project Horizons. I felt that Viper should have a friend who is extremely similar to how she is in addition to Screwball. All credit for her character and Project Horizons goes to Somber, Fallout Equestria is property of Kkat. I take no credit whatsoever!