Pyrite moved his head back and forth to avoid the sensation but it wasn’t working. He felt like he was in a trance, in that area between being awake and being in a dream. For some reason he couldn’t move his hooves to itch his nose. The sensation returned again, and this time he couldn’t ignore it.

“Ah-choo!” the young earth colt sneezed and jolted himself awake.

After a few moments of blinking, he noticed the moon was in the sky and the sun showed no signs of rising. It was still night, which meant he hadn’t slept long. Pyrite felt the tickling sensation return to his nose again. It was one of Selene’s many tendrils of mane. Several locks had secured themselves around him as he slept, which explained why he couldn’t move his hooves. One tendril had rested atop his head and was moving back and forth tickling his nose. The colt giggled and freed his hooves to gently move the tendril away. It reminded him of a cat’s tail the way it slowly swished about.

As he sat up, Pyrite glanced behind him to see Selene’s head resting on a pillow with a smile on her face. The black alicorn lay sprawled on her back with the right wing stretched open. It seemed Selene had placed him on her chest when she had gone to sleep. He didn’t remember much from earlier in the night, except for meeting Polaris and Selene carrying him off to bed.

Pyrite stretched and yawned as he decided whether to get up or try to fall back asleep. He turned around to face Selene as more of the tentacles slithered down her neck  toward him. They must have sensed he was awake. Selene shifted a bit in her sleep and moved her head on the pillow, muttering something under her breath. Some of her tendrils coiled loosely around the earth colt while others rubbed at his back and sides.

“Having trouble sleeping, Pyrite?” a whisper came from the far side of the room.

Pyrite jumped as he spun around in the direction of the voice. To his surprise, several of the tendrils coiled around him protectively while others put themselves between him and the sound.

“I’m just not tired,” Pyrite whispered back, “So much has happened in the past few days.”

“You can say that again,” the voice from the dark said, “It’s why I’m up and not over there sleeping with you ponies.  I thought I could get some work done if I’m not going to sleep. ”

“Aldus?” Pyrite whispered, squinting to see the unicorn in the dark, “ You’re working? How can you see?” The moon had passed behind some clouds and the shafts of light did not reach the dark corner where Aldus was sitting. The dark didn’t seem normal either, it reminded Pyrite of the void he had passed through with Selene a week ago.

“I don’t need light,” Aldus said as two glowing green eyes opened to stare back at Pyrite, “You’re forming a very strong connection with her, you know that?”

“Who?” Pyrite asked, “Selene?”

“Mhm,” Aldus said as he got up from his desk and walked over to the side of the bed without a sound, “Those tentacles that compose her mane are... unique. The way they move around you, watching, protecting, its something special.”

Pyrite looked at the mane covering him. Five or six larger tendrils were loosely wrapped around his body, legs, and forehooves. They moved back and forth creating a soothing sensation while two more gently rubbed his back and another ran through his mane. “I like them,” he whispered, “They make me feel safe.”

Aldus smiled and bent over, “They make me feel safe too.” he said with a wink. “It’s going to be a while before the sun comes up, do you want to go back to sleep?”

“I don’t know if I can,” Pyrite said with a shrug.

“Well you don’t have to if you don’t want to,” Aldus said with a smile.

“But little colts need their rest,” Selene whispered with a half opened eye staring at Aldus and Pyrite. “Why are you up, little one? You should be sleeping as much as the children.”

“Pfft, Pyrite and I don’t need sleep,” Aldus said with a yawn as he hoof bumped the silver earth colt.  

“A huh,” Selene said with a wry look.

“I’m going to look into something, once I’m done I’ll be taking a dip in the pool. You two want to join me when you get up?” Aldus asked.

“Pool?” Pyrite gasped with a huge smile before turning to Selene.

“We’ll be there,” Selene said with a chuckle as she tickled the earth colt.

“Alright,” Aldus said, “Oh, Selene, make sure Frost gets up when you do.” then he was gone in a flash.

Pyrite was lifted into the air and held above Selene’s head. He giggled as her mane spun him around. After a bit of work, he was able to free himself from the tendrils and fell to land on the bed near Selene’s chest. Pyrite crawled up to her head and hugged her muzzle. The black alicorn playfully pushed him into the pillow and kissed his small nose and tummy, eliciting giggles from the child.

“Why couldn’t you sleep, Pyrite?” she asked, “I thought you were comfortable?”

Pyrite sat up on the pillow next to Selene’s head and grabbed some of her mane that was slithering around him, “I was comfortable, but too much has been going on, I’m sorry.”

“Aww it’s okay sweetheart,” Selene said, “It’s still a long way until morning, but I don’t mind if you want to stay up a bit more, just don’t disturb these two.” she warned glancing over to her side.

Pyrite crawled across her neck onto the other side of the pillow and stifled a laugh. Selene’s huge left wing was wrapped around two forms huddled against her side. Frost and Andromeda were cuddling in the most hilarious way. Pyrite was sure Selene found it adorable. He looked back to find her grinning at him.

“You’re welcome to join them if you want, sweetie,” she said with a giggle.

“I’m not tired, Selene!” Pyrite whispered with a yawn.

“Okay, okay. Would you like me to summon Black Star to play with you?”

“Nah...” Pyrite whispered as he climbed back on her chest, “I’d rather play with you.” the earth colt said with a grin as he jumped onto her head.

Selene grinned and had an idea. “Pyrite, I know something fun that you can do, but you have to promise to stay quiet.”

“Okay, I promise.” the colt replied.

“Put your forehooves around my horn, and don’t move.” Selene instructed.

Pyrite did as she asked and hugged against her horn. As the magic collected inside it the horn began to glow a dim green color, then a black tar substance began to creep across Pyrite’s body. It felt similar to when he was wrapped in her mane except this tickled him. He put a hoof to his mouth and stifled a giggle as the tar collected on his back. Soon after, the tickling ceased and Selene encased Pyrite in magic and levitated him above her head.

“Have you ever flown before, Pyrite?” Selene asked.

“Yeah,” Pyrite answered, “A few times with Antares and Iris.”

“No,” Selene said while shaking her head, “Have you ever flown by yourself?”

“I can’t fly by myself, Selene. I don’t have wings.” Pyrite said

“Then what are those?” Selene asked while pointing a hoof at the colt.

Pyrite turned around and saw inky black wings attached to his sides. His smile was so big it almost burst off his face. “Oh my gosh!” he exclaimed before cupping a hoof to his mouth, remembering he was supposed to be quiet. “What are these?”

“It’s a spell... sort of,” Selene explained, “It’s what Aldus uses to fly when he needs to.”

“Aldus can fly?”

“Yes,” Selene replied, “Though not nearly as well as a pegasus. It is only a spell after all, no spell can compete with the natural flying ability pegasi have. Aldus can summon these wings by siphoning some of my power within him. I’ve given you that power now, Pyrite. But only for a time, are you ready?” the alicorn asked while relinquishing the magic keeping Pyrite aloft.

Pyrite remained in the air as the small wings flapped back and forth.

“Just think where you want to go, and they’ll do the rest.” Selene said with nod toward the window.

Pyrite stretched his hooves and thought about flying around the bed once then moving to the window, and the wings obeyed. He flew over to the balcony and looked back at Selene. “Can’t you come with me?”

“Not without waking the little ones, but you don’t have to go anywhere alone Pyrite.” she said.

Pyrite heard the door open and close. Black Star trotted up to Pyrite and grinned. “So you can fly now? Is there anything you can’t do, Pyrite?”

The earth colt giggled and opened the balcony doors then floated down to Black Star. Lets play tag Black Star, “You’re it!” Pyrite said before flying out of the room with the black pegasus behind him.

Selene laid back and looked at Frost and Andromeda sleeping next to her. The blue filly shifted in her sleep and hugged Frost tighter. The light blue colt responded by burying his face in her mane. The alicorn rested her head against the pillow and allowed her mind to wonder. Frost had a big day coming up, and it was good he was getting his rest.

------------

Across the manor, Willow was cleaning one of the guest rooms. She hummed a tune while levitating flowers and other decorations out of the way as she worked. She bent over to pick up a rag and stood up to see Aldus’ image in a large mirror. Willow jumped and turned around, then put a hoof to her chest with sigh.

“Don’t scare me like that!” she said with a nervous giggle.

Aldus simply stared at her with a neutral expression.

“So... um, how did it go?” Willow asked with a meek smile.

Aldus chuckled and reclined in a chair, “How do you think it went, ‘Willow’? I’ve returned haven’t I?”

“Yes, yes you have...” she said shakily, “What of my sister?”

“Silth was... certainly something,” Aldus said, “But you don’t need to worry about her anymore, Ciaran. I gave her to the Silver Isles. Your sister is imprisoned, and my position there is strengthened, a win-win.”

Ciaran sighed in relief, she trotted to the door and poked her head outside to make sure nopony was around before closing and locking it. Ciaran ignited her horn and closed the blinds and drapes over the windows as well. Once the room was secure, she transformed. Aldus stared at the tall changeling princess in front of him and mentally compared her to Silth. Ciaran was slightly shorter than her older sister, but more elegant. Her purple mane and eyes seemed more mild to Aldus. Less threatening.

“I must say I’m happy our arrangement worked out, but this is degrading, Aldus. I am a changeling princess, not a damn maid.” Ciaran said.

Aldus nodded, “I know, but this is the way it has to be. You’re lucky I was able to convince the princesses to agree to this. Luna looked at me like I had swallowed an entire field’s worth of poison joke when I first told her. The only ponies who know about you are Marigold, Polaris, Rigel, and Myself. Besides, I need to keep an eye on you.”

“But what am I supposed to do?” Ciaran whined, “Do I just clean the house? Am I a foalsitter too?” Ciaran lowered her head and trotted over to Aldus. She placed a hoof on one of his shoulders and rubbed his chest with another, “How am I supposed to feed?”

“You're supposed to mph-!” Aldus was silenced by an aggressive kiss from Ciaran. She moaned as she savored the love flowing through her.

“This... this is the most intense, most delicious love I’ve ever tasted,” Ciaran wheezed as she pulled away. “THIS is what my sister feasted on the past few days?!”

Aldus smirked at Ciaran, “Yes, but Silth was classy enough to start with foreplay.”

Ciaran licked her fangs and dove in for another go, she was so aggressive that she knocked the chair over. Both Ciaran and Aldus tumbled to the ground. Aldus turned over as the changeling princess locked lips with him again, “I’m starving!” she grunted, “I need this!”

Aldus let Ciaran take her fill, partly because the changeling did need love badly, she was withering away the last time he saw her. And partly because... he enjoyed it, even though he knew he shouldn’t. After a few more minutes, Aldus pushed her away. But Ciaran was persistent, she leaned in and let her mane fall over his head. “But I’m not done yet,” she whispered in his ear, “Just sit back and relax,” she cooed while moving her purple eyes in Front of his. Aldus watched them transition into swirling purple spirals. He felt the familiar feel good sensation come over him again. With a grunt he shook his head and teleported away from Ciaran, leaving her laying on the floor.

“Don’t do that.” Aldus warned, standing a few paces away. “I let you have that because I knew you were famished, but don’t expect this to a be a regular thing.”

Ciaran groaned and blew the mane out of her face, “Oh... but it was soo good...” she whined while rolling over on the floor, “There’s a bed right there, it’ll be quick, just five minutes.”

“NO!” Aldus shouted, then winced at himself, “No... that isn’t how you’re going to be getting the emotions that sustain you.”

Ciaran raised an eyebrow, “How else am I going to get them?”

“The same way everypony else does,” Aldus said. “You’re going to earn love and friendship. That is why you are going to take care of these foals, along with myself and the others. These children were on the street when we found them, they don’t have parents or loved ones other than us. Take care of them, be kind to them, comfort them when they’re scared, laugh with them, love them and love will be returned to you. I promise.”

Ciaran remained silent for a moment before transforming back into ‘Willow’. “Alright,” she groaned, “I suppose things could be worse.” She trotted up to Aldus and blushed. The purple mare gently put her hooves on Aldus’ shoulders and kissed him lightly on the lips.

Aldus was surprised that she simply kissed him without siphoning any love energy, “Restraint, that’s good. I suggest you continue to restrain yourself, especially around the children.”

“Don’t worry, Aldus. I’m not going to do anything to the children,” Ciaran said.

“Good!” Aldus exclaimed, “Then you can take a break and come swimming in a few hours. I’m sure the children would love a chance to play with their new foalsitter.”

Ciaran nodded, “Alright, but just so you know Aldus, you don’t have to threaten me. I’m not afraid of you, and I’ve seen you at your worst.”

Aldus chuckled, “No, you haven’t seen me at my worst, and concerning the children, it’s not me you should be afraid of.”

--------------

As dawn approached and the sun began to creep up over the horizon, Frost yawned and began to wake up. He felt something warm against his chest and looked down to investigate. His eyes bulged when he saw Andromeda snuggled up to him. She was so close, Frost instantly began to wiggle away. While he squirmed, he noticed that they were wrapped snuggly in Selene’s wing.

“Stop moving...” Andromeda muttered into Frost’s chest.

“Andromeda... you’re so close... this is-”

“You’re so cute when you’re all fidgety like that...” she whispered with a giggle, “You don’t have to be so nervous around me Frosty, I’m supposed to be your protector.”

“Frosty?! Don’t call me that! And I don’t remember going to sleep with you last night,” he whispered with a slight shakiness in his voice.

“That’s because mommy helped you get to sleep with her magic, you wouldn’t stop jumping around in excitement. I helped too, and eventually you were out like a light.”

“What did you do?” Frost asked.

Andromeda’s eyes suddenly appeared in front him, “Oh I just gave you something warm to snuggle up to.” she said with a wink.

Frost blushed, he rubbed his eyes and gently moved Selene’s wing away. “Today is the big day, the day I finally get to learn some real magic!”

Andromeda rolled over on her back and grinned, “Let’s hope so! Oh, it looks like cutie pie is awake.”

A small horn formed on Andromeda’s head as she conjured a small amount of magic. Soon, Pyrite floated overhead as he yawned and stretched. She lowered him down before relinquishing the magic and dropping him neatly into her forehooves. Andromeda let out a small squee as she rolled back and forth with Pyrite. “You are just the most adorable thing, Pyrite! I love you!”

The silver earth colt laughed as Andromeda playfully assaulted him with small kisses, “Stop it Andromeda haha, stop it! I love you too!”

Frost jumped off the bed and bounced in place, “Where is Aldus? I want to start learning right away!”

“He’s in the pool right now waiting for us,” Selene said with a yawn, “We should probably go meet him there.”

“Yay swimming!” Pyrite shouted as Andromeda giggled and nuzzled him. He squirmed out of her hooves and pulled her out of bed and toward the door. “C’mon Andromeda, c’mon Frost lets go!”

Frost zoomed by and shouted, “Last one there is a rotten apple!”

Pyrite puffed his cheeks in indignation as he ran after Frost. Soft hooves wrapped around his stomach as Andromeda lifted him off the floor and tossed him onto her back. She slipped the colt a quick wink before jumping into the air and tearing off after Frost. “Woo!!” Pyrite shouted as they barrelled down the hallway.

Selene chuckled to herself as she heard Pyrite’s shouts of joy. Caring for these foals was the best thing she’d done since returning to the world with Aldus.

-----------

Aldus sat on his haunches at the shallow end of the pool with a few scrolls held in front of him. His concentration was interrupted by the sound of quick hoofsteps coming from the stairs. Frost bolted into the room and galloped toward the pool, but right behind him Andromeda whipped around the corner with Pyrite hunched over clinging to her mane. It was going to be close, both Frost and Andromeda entered the water at nearly the same time. Once both foals broke the surface Aldus lowered the scrolls and smirked at them.

“Who won?!” they both asked.

“Lets hope you’re better at magic than you are at racing, Frost. Andromeda won that race.” Aldus said.

“Woo! Yeah!” Andromeda shouted as she held Pyrite up under his shoulders.

Pyrite swam over to Frost and splashed him, “You’re the rotten apple, Frost!”

Frost splashed him back, “Am not!” The water hit Pyrite but most of it splashed Andromeda square in the face.

The blue filly raised an eyebrow at Frost and began to slowly swim toward him.

“Andromeda wait, I- I didn’t mean to- wait, don’t!” Frost yelped as the filly dove under the water. Frost quickly gathered magic to his horn and teleported out of the pool to stand near the entrance. Andromeda surfaced and waved her right hoof in the air until it transformed into a blue tentacle. Ruby, Antares, Blue Bell and Iris came down the stairs just in time to see Frost snatched from the entrance and dragged back into the pool. Pyrite had trouble staying afloat due to laughing so hard. Frost tried to get his head above water but every time he did, Andromeda playfully pushed him under.

The girls walked over to the side and tested the water before they entered the pool. Ruby levitated Pyrite over to her and kissed him. “How have you been baby brother, have you been behaving for Selene and Aldus?”

Pyrite nodded as Ruby messed up his mane.

“He’s been no trouble at all,” Andromeda said with a grin as she swam over to the girls. “I love the little guy.”

Pyrite jumped into the pool nearly landing right on top of Andromeda. She swam away while teasing him to chase after her.

Blue Bell backed up and prepared to take a running jump into the pool when she was stopped by Aldus. “Now girls, we need to be careful around the pool and-”

“Woo!!!”

Rigel ran through the entrance and jumped into the air with a flap of his wings. While in midair he performed a corkscrew before curling into a ball and crashing into the deep end.

“Nevermind...” Aldus said as he rolled his eyes and returned his attention to the scrolls.

Rigel surfaced and shook his blue mane back and forth. “Woo! The water is perfect. C’mon in girls! Frost, you okay buddy? You going to cough up a lung?”

Frost floated next to Rigel and was attempting to cough up all the water he had swallowed when Andromeda all but drowned him.

“Hey Rigel,” a playful voice chirped.

“Hey wha-?” he barely had time to react as the ball of feathers landed on top of him with a big splash. He broke the surface with several white feathers stuck in his mane. Iris hugged around his neck and positioned herself against his back between his wings.

“I got you good!” she squeaked with a giggle.

“You did... but I don’t think you realize what you’ve started, little gryphon...”

“Oh I know exactly what I’ve started... now girls!” Iris shouted.

Rigel turned around to find the three fillies standing behind him at the edge of the pool. “You wouldn’t dare...”

“Wouldn’t we?” Blue Bell asked with a smirk.

Iris nipped Rigel’s neck and covered his eyes with her claws as the three fillies leapt from the edge and pounced on him. The four ponies and gryphon all went under before Rigel burst from the water with four children attached to him. “Aldus! Frost! Polaris! Help me!”

“Oh, I think you can handle four fillies,” Polaris said with a grin.

Polaris had entered the water and sat beside Aldus while Frost attempted to pull off one of the fillies. Andromeda was keeping an eye on Pyrite as he splashed at Black Star, who had arrived just after the fillies. Eventually Rigel overpowered his assailants and held Ruby and Antares in his forehooves, while Blue Bell was wrapped in his right wing. Iris managed to stay attached to his back the entire time and remained there after calling a truce.

As Iris held onto Rigel she couldn’t help but notice his physique. He was in top physical condition, even more fit than Kathe and her father. His entire body was muscle, and up this close, Iris realized how massive his wings were compared to her own. She had never seen a pegasus with such powerful wings like this before, but then, she hadn’t seen too many pegasus ponies.

While the children squirmed to get away from Rigel a black portal opened from one of the walls. Selene stepped through the opening and grinned, “Is everypony having fun?”

“Yes!” the foals cheered.

Selene looked over to Aldus and Polaris to find them studying a set of scrolls. “Aren’t you two going to play with the foals?”

Aldus waved a hoof dismissively without bothering to look at her, “Yes, yes. When Pol and I are done discussing this.”

Selene glared at Aldus before returning her attention to the children. Pyrite and Black Star chased Andromeda around the pool while the fillies attempted to subdue Rigel and Frost. The black alicorn backed up a few paces before jumping into the pool with an enormous splash. Waves from the impact carried Pyrite and Black Star out of the pool and onto the deck. Rigel let the three fillies go while Iris remained on his back. Frost was pulled out of the water by Andromeda who smiled ear to ear. “That was great Mommy!” she squeaked while hitting Frost in the back to make him cough up water.

Aldus and Polaris’ were thoroughly soaked, along with the scrolls they were reading. The foals swam over to Selene to play while Aldus climbed out of the pool. “Aldus, where are you going?” Selene asked while letting the children climb on her head and back.

“I’m going out back behind the manor to prepare Frost’s first test. Frost, I want you to meet me out there in an hour.” Aldus said while drying his head with a towel.

“Yes sir!” Frost said with a bright smile. He began to swim toward the exit when Selene’s mane grabbed his leg and hoisted him from the water. The fillies laughed as he dangled upside down in front of them.

“Frosty,” Selene chided with a playful smile, “You're not leaving til you’ve played with us!”

“Fine!” Frost said with a smirk as he teleported onto her head joining Pyrite in wrestling her writhing mane.

As Aldus left the pool, Willow came in with a basket and towels. She went about her business hanging towels on the racks when Pyrite called her name.

“Willow!” Pyrite shouted, “Come swimming with us!”

“I’m sorry children, but I have work to do. Maybe once this is all done then I’ll come in.”

“Frost...” Pyrite whispered.

Frost nodded and fell back into Selene’s mane so only his eyes were peaking over her head. In a split second Frost grabbed Willow’s hind legs and flank with his magic. Before she could react, Frost pulled her backwards and into the pool. Little did he know that she was refilling soap, and so had two open bottles in her hooves.

“Whoa!” Willow shouted as she fell backwards.

“Oh no!” Rigel said as the water immediately began to fill with suds and bubbles.

“This is great!” Pyrite exclaimed as he and Ruby jumped into the bubbles with the rest of the foals.

Frost jumped on Blue Bell as the bubbles spread until he was encased in a magical field. He was pulled deeper into the mound of bubbles and soon found himself wrapped in Willow’s forehooves. “Oh you’re a naughty little thing, Frosty. Grabbing my flank like that? Shame on you...”

Suddenly Frost felt a slight tingling sensation through his whole body, then it stopped as quickly as it began. “I’m sorry, Willow. I won’t do it again.”

“Oh don’t worry your cute little head, Frosty. I’m not mad.” she said in an almost whisper. Frost could have swore he heard her voice change for an instant. Her mane slipped over her shoulder draped over Frost’s chest. “I think... yes... I think I’m going to enjoy this place after all. Good luck with your little magic test today, Frosty. And by the way, I know a thing or two about magic myself. If you need help you only need to ask.”

She kissed Frost on the cheek and let him swim away. As Willow emerged from the bubbles Pyrite and Blue Bell swam over to her to start a splash fight.

Rigel laughed as all the foals were playing with the alicorn and the their foalsitter. All except the little gryphon on his back. “Iris, don’t you want to play with Selene?”

Iris lowered her head and noticed her reflection in the water. The white plumage of her feathers and the grey tips of her wings. “No...” Iris answered with a sigh, “I’m... tired, I think I’d rather just stay here with you, Rigel. If that’s okay.”

Rigel saw her expression in the water and nodded, “Of course its okay. Are you alright Iris? Is something the matter?” Rigel asked while shooting a quick glance to Polaris. The silver unicorn swam over to them and smiled at Iris.

“Iris, you can tell your uncle Rigel and Polaris anything. That goes for Selene and Aldus too, we’re all family.”

The gryphon frowned and tightened her grip around Rigel. She didn’t want them to know just yet, but these ponies were smart. Iris was certain they knew something. She had caught Rigel and Aldus looking at her wings at least twice.

Family... I miss my family

“I know...” she said with a small smile. “Hey umm, Rigel, what are you doing today?”

The red pegasus stretched his wings in the pool then retracted them, “Not a whole lot, but I’m going to the city later for a meeting with Princess Luna. Would you like to come with me?”

Iris grinned and hugged Rigel tighter, “Yes! That sounds great.”

“Alright. We’ll make an evening out of it, I’ll treat you to dinner and we can pick up some things for the mannor.”

“Can we look at some flying gear?” Iris asked with excitement, “I haven’t had time to really stretch my wings and go flying since I’ve been here. Back in the gryphon kingdoms, we wore vests when we were going to fly high in the clouds to protect against the cold.”

“I’m sure we can make time for that, we’ll ask Princess Luna to recommend a store. I’ll buy you whatever you want.” Rigel replied.

Iris slid off his back and swam in front of him. “Thanks, Rigel. I think I will go play with Selene.”

Polaris nudged Rigel’s shoulder and grinned at him. “You handled that well, Rigel. I’m impressed.”

Rigel leaned against the pool wall and ran a hoof through his mane, “Yeah, well... it’s not like I don’t know how to deal with troubled foals. I had a little brother, remember?”

“Of course I remember,” Polaris said, though he didn’t want to talk about it. It was best to move the conversation along to other things. That was a dark chapter in Rigel’s life.

“Whatever is troubling her, she’ll tell me when she feels the time is right,” Rigel said.

---------------

Outside, Aldus stood in front of a large crystal rising out of the ground near a few trees. He touched his horn to it and attuned his magic, the crystal reacted accordingly and began to turn green. Satisfied, Aldus stepped away and watched the crystal return to a clear white.

Frost trotted up behind him and looked at the large crystal. It was taller than Aldus.

“Wow! Is this going to be part of my test?”

“This is your test, Frost.” Aldus replied, still examining the crystal.

“Well, I’m ready. What do I do?” Frost asked eagerly.

“Come stand next to me and touch your horn the crystal.”

Frost trotted up to Aldus and did as he was told. The crystal began to hum as Frost’s horn made contact with the surface. It was also quite cool to the touch.  

“Now charge the crystal with your magic.” Aldus said, backing away slightly.

Frost summoned magic to his horn and began to charge the crystal. Slowly but surely, it changed from a pale white to a calm blue. Once the crystal’s color changed completely, Aldus allowed Frost to stop. Feeling slightly winded, Frost looked at the crystal, now with a blue glow. “I did it! I passed the first test!”

“Passed the first test? No..” Aldus said with a slight chuckle, “That wasn’t the test, Frost. I haven’t even instructed you on what it is yet. But I like your eagerness.”

Frost wrinkled his muzzle, “Well... what is it then?” he asked, feeling slightly frustrated.

“Now that the crystal has been charged, your magic has made it a reflection of you, or at least part of you.”

“What do you mean?” Frost asked.

“When I touched the crystal, it turned green reflecting my, well... lets just say my taste for certain types of magic and knowledge.” Aldus said with a smile. “Now that the crystal is attuned to you, I want you to sit here and look at it for the rest of the day.”

Frost didn’t understand, was the a punishment? “Did I do something wrong, Aldus? Why stare at the crystal the whole day?”

Aldus laughed and sat down next to the colt, “You didn’t do anything wrong, yet. But you will, its all part of being a student. I made tons of mistakes with Starswirl.” he said with a snicker. “You’re going to stare at this crystal, because at some point its going to show you something.”

“What will it show me?” Frost asked, now staring at it more intently.

“In the crystal, you are going to see the reason why you will learn magic. When I return, I’ll ask you what you saw. Depending on your answer, I’ll decide whether or not to teach you.”

Frost’s mouth dropped, “But.. what am I looking for?! What do I tell you?!”

Aldus stood up and shrugged, “How should I know, Frost? It’s your crystal. You have till late tonight. See you later.” Aldus disappeared in a flash of light leaving Frost alone with his crystal.

Frost frowned and began to search for whatever he was supposed to find.

------------

Later, Blue Bell, Antares, and Ruby came outside with Black Star for a walk. “Whatcha doin’ Frost?” Blue Bell asked, “Is this something to do with your test?”

“Yep...” Frost said as he sat down and rested his face on a hoof. Ruby and Antares joined him and observed their reflections in the crystal.

“What are you looking for, Frost?” Ruby inquired.

“I don’t know, Ruby. Aldus didn’t say.”

“He didn’t say anything?”

“Well, all he told me was that whatever I saw would be the reason I learn magic.”

“Cryptic...” Antares said.

“Yeah,” Blue Bell agreed.

Black Star sat down next to Frost and examined the crystal. “I think you’ll be fine, Frost. Just think on what Aldus said.”

“Well, good luck.” the three fillies said before leaving with Black Star into the woods.

Not long after that, Polaris, Pyrite and Andromeda trotted up to Frost to investigate what he was doing.

“So... this is what Aldy cooked up,” Polaris mused, “Interesting.”

Andromeda stood next to Frost with Pyrite riding on her back. “It's certainly pretty,” she said while Pyrite climbed atop her head to get a look himself.

“Did you do something to make it glow that way?” Pyrite asked.

“Yeah, buddy. It’s my magic.” Frost replied.

“Oh... well it looks really cool! You can do it Frost! You got this!” Pyrite exclaimed as he offered a hoof to his friend.

Frost smiled and hoof bumped the earth colt. “Thanks Pyrite.”

Andromeda kissed Frost lightly on the cheek and grinned mischievously at him, “Once you finish this test, you’ll have to tell me about it before we go to bed.”

“We?” Frost asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Yes we,” Andromeda replied with a chuckle. She turned around and wiggled her flank at the crystal, knowing Frost saw it in the reflections.

Frost blushed and shook his head, “I- um, I need to concentrate.”

“Yeah, he does. Come along you two.” Polaris said.

“Wait, why are you guys out here?” Frost asked.

“Polaris is going to show me how to meditate!” Pyrite exclaimed.

“Yes...” Andromeda said with a groan, “It’s going to be so exciting...”

“You’re going to behave yourself, missy,” Polaris said, “Now c’mon. Keep concentrating Frost, I’m sure you’re doing great.”

“Thanks guys, see you later.” Frost said as he waved goodbye to his friends.

About an hour later, Frost felt his stomach began to rumble. He couldn’t get up and leave for fear of missing anything, and nopony was around. “Ugh...so hungry,” Frost groaned as he fell to his stomach in front of the crystal.

“Well its a good thing I’m here now isn’t it?” a voice said from behind Frost.

The colt turned around to find Willow trotting up to him with a small picnic basket. Frost could smell the food inside and let out a sigh of relief. “Oh thank goodness you’re here, Willow. I’m starving.”

“Oh think nothing of it, Frosty. I have to admit I was surprised to learn Aldus demanded you stay out here all day.”

“All night too,” Frost said as he took a bite of sandwich.

“Really?” Willow asked, “Thats... oh...”

“Oh?” Frost asked.

“I’ve seen these crystals before. They’re very rare, only found at the far borders of The Crystal Empire.” Willow remarked.

“Really? You’ve been to the Crystal Empire?”

“A few times, yes. I’ve traveled quite a bit.”

“What can you tell me about it?”

“Well, now that it’s charged you’ll be able to store more magic in it. Also, its one of the best types of reflecting crystals.” Willow said while making a few funny faces.

“Anything else?” Frost asked.

“Mmm perhaps, but I don’t want to ruin Aldus’ test.” Willow said while she packed up the rest of the food. “Good luck, Frosty. Come find me when you’re done. I’d like to know how you did.”

Frost burped and paced around the crystal. Perhaps if he just looked at it from a different angle he’d find what he was looking for. The sun was beginning to set as Rigel and Iris descended from the sky. Both of them landed next to Frost, casting large shadows along with their reflections in the crystal.

“This is massive...” Iris stammered, “It’s going to be pretty glowing in the darkness, though.”

“What did Aldus say you were supposed to do?” Rigel asked.

Frost sighed and threw a rock at the crystal, clearly frustrated. “He said I’m supposed to see something special in the crystal, and that something is the reason why I’m going to learn magic. Whatever it is could appear at any time, so I have to be watching constantly, but I haven’t seen anything yet!”

Iris wrapped a claw and wing around Frost’s shoulders and nuzzled him, “I’m sure you’ll find it, Frost. Don’t give up.”

The light blue colt simply nodded and glanced over at Rigel who wore a pair of saddlebags. “Where are you two going?”

“Rigel has a meeting with Princess Luna, and after that we’re going to dinner and shopping!” Iris squeaked. “Do you want anything, Frost?”

“We could bring you back some food if you’d like,” Rigel offered.

Frost waved a hoof, “No, that’s alright. You two enjoy yourselves. I’ll probably be out here all night.”

Iris frowned and saw Rigel shake his head at her, “Well... I hope not, I’ll see you later Frost.”

The pegasus and gryphon flew off toward Canterlot leaving Frost alone with his thoughts. There must be something he was missing, something that didn’t occur to him. Frost paced around the crystal more and more until the sun fell completely behind the horizon and the moon began its ascent into the night. Having tried at least twelve different things with no results, Frost shouted in anger and shot the crystal with a cluster of magical bolts. The magic ricocheted off the crystal and flew back at him. Most of the bolts missed but one struck him right in the shoulder. Frost fell to the ground in pain and slammed his hoof into the dirt. Why was this so hard? Why couldn’t he find what he was looking for? After an entire day of frustration combined with the burning injury from his magic, Frost broke down and began to cry.

“It’s my first test... I can’t even pass my first test? I’m a failure...”

Frost felt his eyes become heavy as the exhaustion from stress began to take its toll. As his eyes shut he felt himself being raised into the air. Half asleep, he saw a black rod shape in front of him and wrapped his forehooves around it.

“Wake up Frost,” a soft voice cooed, “You can’t stop now, not when you’re so near the end.”

“Mother?” Frost said with a sniffle. “Selene?”

“That’s right. It’s me, Frost.”

The black alicorn had pushed her head under Frost and lifted him up. Frost opened his eyes and winced at the burn from the magic. Selene gently sat down on all four hooves and looked up at the colt atop her head. “You’re hurt, what did you do?”

“It doesn’t matter,” Frost grumbled, “I failed.”

“Oh sweetheart, how do you know that? Did Aldus come back and say that you failed?”

“No...” Frost mumbled, “But I haven’t seen anything in the crystal.”  

Selene wrapped Frost’s hind legs in her mane and touched a single tendril to Frost’s chest. He flinched at the contact but then relaxed as the tendril dissolved into tar and coated his chest and shoulder. The burning sensation began to fade, replaced by cool touch. Frost pulled himself forward and leaned on Selene’s horn while he looked at the crystal again. Light snoring caught his attention and he looked down to investigate. Pyrite leaned against Selene’s chest wrapped in a bundle of her mane.

“Why is Pyrite with you?” Frost asked.

“He wanted to come see you again, so I said I’d come with him. But he fell asleep on the way here. He cares about you Frost, you’re like a big brother to him.”

“I know, I’m glad he came.” Frost replied while he smiled down at his friend.

There was a flash of green light as Aldus appeared on the opposite side of the crystal. “Well, I think its been long enough, so tell me, Frost. What did you see and why are you going to learn magic?”

Frost frowned and looked away, “Well...I-”

“Frost wait, be careful what you say.”

“Selene?”  Frost thought, “How are you in my head?!”

“Don’t worry about that now Frost, just stop and think before you answer Aldus. What did you actually see? I can’t help you anymore than that.”

Frost stopped and looked at the crystal, seeing himself, Selene, and Pyrite. A realization dawned on him.

“I saw... myself.” Frost said.

Aldus raised an eyebrow, “Anything else?”

Frost paused, thinking about what Selene said. “I saw Ruby, Antares, Blue Bell and Black Star, they came by early in the day.”

“Oh?” Aldus inquired, “Really?”

“I saw Pyrite, Polaris, and Andromeda. Then Iris, and Rigel. Willow came by to bring some food, and just a few moments ago Selene arrived with Pyrite to stay with me.” Frost continued, “And I saw you at the beginning, and you at the end.”

“So why then will you learn magic from me, Frost? Spells, incantations, curses, magic that only I can teach you. I am one of the most powerful unicorns to ever exist.” Aldus said in a low and dangerous tone. Inky black wings sprouted from his sides as his eyes began to glow green. His face transformed into a hideous monstrosity as he ascended into the air to hover above Selene. “Gaze upon your master, Frost, and behold the power!!”

Pyrite woke up at the sound of Aldus shouting and saw him in his transformed state. He screamed and tried to burrow his way into Selene’s chest. The black alicorn wrapped a forehoof around the colt and completely hid him away with her mane. Meanwhile Frost stared at Aldus with his mouth agape. The disfigured unicorn above him fired a blast of green magic into the air which caused clouds to swirl around it. He then conjured lightning between his forehooves and shot it into the clouds to light up the sky.

“Why do you want to learn magic? What will you do with what I teach you?!” Aldus bellowed.

Frost put aside his fear and stood up on Selene’s head, “I’ll use my magic to help others! You said I’d see the reason for learning magic in the crystal. The only thing I saw was my friends who came to see me. Anypony can learn magic just for themselves, but I have a new family now, and I’ll take what you teach me and use it to help them!”

Aldus raised both hooves in the air, then dropped to ground returning to normal. “Alright, good enough. You pass, Frost. You’re now officially my apprentice.”

Frost leaned forward but was restrained by Selene’s mane. “What was that?” he asked.

“That was... that is me, Frost. Or, a part of me. I thought it would be respectful to demonstrate my power. But...” Aldus hesitated as he saw the trembling form in Selene’s forehooves, “I may have overdone it a bit. Sorry, I sometimes have a flair for theatrics.”

Selene scowled at Aldus while he bent down and removed some of the locks covering Pyrite’s head. “Hey buddy, sorry about that. I overdid it.”

The silver colt turned around and wiped the tears from his eyes, “You aren’t a monster then?”

Aldus collected the colt in his hooves and sat down on his haunches, “I might have been one once, but I’m not now. You don’t have to be afraid of me or anypony else.”

Pyrite nodded and hugged Aldus, “Okay. I trust you.”

Frost jumped down and messed up Pyrite’s mane, “It was scary at first, but it was cool too! Don’t you think Pyrite? Who would ever mess with us when we have Aldus to scare them away?”

Pyrite laughed and agreed with his friend, “That’s true!”

Frost bowed his head to Aldus, “I meant what I said, master. I’ll use the magic you teach me to help my friends and new family. I’ll serve the princesses too.”

“Will you?” Aldus asked with an amused chuckle, “We’ll see about all that soon enough, and don’t bother calling me master, unless you really want to.” he said with a wink to Selene, who rolled her eyes. “Tomorrow you’ll go to Canterlot and get some supplies and some robes. And if you’re lucky, I might teach you some elemental magic before that.”

Frost smiled and jumped up and down, “Can you start teaching me now? I’m ready!”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Selene said while standing up. She picked up both Frost and Pyrite and held them in front of her glowing green eyes. “There will be plenty of time for that tomorrow, for now you two should get some rest.”

Frost and Pyrite soon fell limp in Selene’s hold as her powers put them to sleep. Her mane coiled around them and deposited the colts on her back. “Was all that really necessary, Aldus?”

The grey unicorn ran a hoof through his mohawk and grinned at the alicorn, “You mean the test? Or the theatrics?”

“Both!” Selene shouted.

“Careful or you’ll wake the children,” Aldus said with a smirk as they both began to walk to the manor.

“They won’t be waking up anytime soon, and I’ve put them into a calm dreamscape. So where did you get the idea for that test? Was it something Starswirl did?”

“Nope, its something I thought up earlier today.”

Selene stopped in her tracks and deadpanned Aldus. “What?”

“Yeah, I thought it would be a clever way to get him to understand a very important point about magic. It is a tool best used in helping others. I used my magic to help Princess Luna, and Frost will use his to help his friends and family. The worst ponies I’ve ever fought were selfish in their lust for power. They used magic as a tool too, but they abused it in order to satiate their ever growing hunger for it. I’m not about to let Frost start down that path.” Aldus said.

Selene paused a moment, then hovered in the air. “You still didn’t need to scare Pyrite like that.” The black alicorn turned with a single powerful flap of her wings and flew off to her bedroom.

“Ugh... I’m gonna hear more about this tomorrow.” Aldus sulked as he trotted into the manor.

----------------

Iris rolled out her bed and looked at her feathers, most of them were messed up from flying and she didn’t have time to preen today. She stretched and left her room silently to not wake the other ponies. As she crept down the hall she opened the door to Rigel’s room and saw he was sitting out on the balcony. Iris entered the room and shut the door behind her.

“Did you enjoy yourself tonight?” Rigel asked without turning around.

Iris smiled and sat next to the red pegasus. “I did, thanks for getting me that vest.”

“Don’t mention it, Iris,” Rigel said with a smile. “Not tired yet?”

“I just need to preen some feathers, do you mind if I do it here?”

“Nope,” Rigel said, “It’s what I’m doing.”  

Iris smiled and began to work on her feathers, but there were always some she had trouble reaching. Rigel took notice and gently hooked his right wing around the gryphon. He lifted her off the floor and began to preen the feathers she was having problems with. Iris enjoyed the warmth of his chest and snuggled up to it as Rigel worked.

“I see some of your feathers are grey,” Rigel said with a mouth full of feathers, “Why is that?”

Iris’ mind raced through the recent memories of her home under attack, and Lord Thest gloating about killing her father. She remembered the sound of blades clashing as Kathe dueled Thest so she could escape. Tears began to trickle down her face, she tried her best to force it them back, but she couldn’t.

“It’s a marking from my father's kingdom,” Iris replied, her voice shaking, “I’m from the Grey Wing Kingdom.”

“Your father’s kingdom?” Rigel asked, clearly surprised, “So that means your father is a king?”

“Was king...” came Iris’ solemn reply. She turned around and hugged around Rigel’s shoulders, “But he’s dead now!” she screamed before bursting into tears.

Rigel wrapped his forehooves around her and gently rubbed at her back. “Dead? Why? What happened?”

“It- it’s a long story...” Iris stammered with a sniffle.

“I’m not going anywhere,” Rigel replied in a soothing tone, “Just let it out, what happened?”

“My kingdom was attacked by the golden gryphons. They brought airships and their army to our capital city. I was practicing combat with my mentor, a blue priest, when the attack happened. We fought our way to the docks where I escaped. But when we arrived there one of my father’s vassal lords betrayed us. He said he killed my father and I think he killed Kathe too!”

Iris buried her face in Rigel’s shoulders and was shaking uncontrollably. “Iris, why didn’t you tell us sooner?” he asked.

“I didn’t want to bring any unwanted attention to myself, it was by sheer luck that I ended up in Equestria. That’s when I ran into Frost and the rest of the ponies before Red Sun and Black Star saved us.” Iris replied. “My mother is dead, my father is dead, and my older brother left for the northern regions. The rest of my family might as well be dead for all I know. I’m alone!”

“Shh...” Rigel whispered as he stroked her back in an attempt to calm her, “You aren’t alone, you have us. Hey, so doesn’t that mean you’re a princess? I guess I should start treating you with more respect, huh?” he said with a chuckle.

Iris giggled a bit between sobs, “No, I’m not like Luna and Celestia.”

“A princess is a princess,” Rigel said with a shrug as he nuzzled Iris.

After half an hour consoling the gryphon, she finally lost her energy and fell asleep in Rigel’s forehooves. Rigel frowned and stroked her head with a hoof, “Poor little thing, what a horrible experience that must have been.”

Upon hearing hoofsteps in the room behind him, Rigel turned around to find Black Star standing near the bed with a concerned look on his face. “Is she alright?” he asked.

“Better now, but far from alright.” Rigel replied, “You are her guardian?”

“Yes,” Black Star said.

Rigel opened his wings revealing the curled up ball of feathers and fur he was holding. Her feathers were drenched in tears and her eyes clenched shut, “Stay with her, you have no idea what this little one has been through.”

Black Star shifted on the floor as he grew taller and spread his wings. Now almost the size of Selene, he took Iris from Rigel and cradled her in his forehooves. “Where are you going?” he asked as Rigel flew to the door.

“I’m going see Aldus, he needs to know what I just heard.”

Black Star nodded and hovered over to the bed. He covered Iris with his wing and touched his forehead to hers. “No more tears.” His eyes shined bright green as he connected her dreamscape with Frost’s and Pyrite’s, “Only fun and happiness with friends.”