~ 1000 years ago

Rigel let out a sigh as he descended to the fortress, his home since arriving to train with the Wonderbolts. Cirrus fortress was built atop four separate, massive clouds. Each were held together by tightly woven clouds assembled by the most skilled pegasi cloud architects. His father spared no expense, after all, why would he? Solaris Hurricane, proud direct descendant of Commander Hurricane, the ancient hero of all pegasi.

Rigel let out another sigh knowing he would have to sit through another dinner and evening meeting discussing the day’s events. His father wanted to make sure he was doing everything expected of him. Everything expected by everypony with wings. It was exhausting, but he had little choice in the matter.

However, there was one thing that made it all worthwhile. Rigel saw it as he flew down to the courtyard nestled between three large towers.

There, a small yellow pegasus colt was throwing a ball at the hardened cloud walls. He was using his wings to smack it back and forth between the wall and himself. Something Rigel had taught him to build up wing strength.

“You’re going faster now! That’s good!” Rigel said while landing behind him.

“Hey Rigel!” the colt exclaimed while catching the ball in his hooves. “I’m doing exactly what you said, do you think it’ll help?”

Rigel stared down at the colt trotting over to him. Epsilon was not an athletic pegasus by any stretch. He was chubby, and his joints were weaker than most colts his age. His head was large, and his wings were small. Too small to support his current girth, and he had a very hard time losing weight.

“I know it will, you need strong wings to fly.” Rigel said.

“Wings like yours, I know.” Epsilon said with an innocent smile.

Rigel frowned, looking at his large wings. His father and uncle had them, too. Wings that were larger than even the largest normal pegasi wings. Feathers, joints, wingspan, and resistance were all well above the typical pegasi. Male or female. It was a trait in the Hurricane bloodline. Unfortunately for Epsilon, it didn’t appear in all foals with the blood.

Epsilon sat his ball down and crouched low, then launched himself into the air. He only made it a few hoofsteps off the ground, but he did manage to hover for a few seconds.

“Hey, that’s better than last time!” Rigel applauded with a few hoof claps.

“I know! I’ve been practicing!” Epsilon said with a happy grin.

Rigel smiled, “That’s all you can do, and that’s all I did when I was your age.”

“Yeah, but your wings were bigger than mine when you were my age.” Epsilon said.

“Yes... that’s true,” Rigel said.

Their conversation was cut short by one of the many servants flying out to the courtyard. The stallion informed them that dinner was ready and they were wanted in the dining hall.

Rigel flew in with Epsilon on his back and deposited him in his seat. He took the chair next to him and looked to the head of the table. There, his father glared at him in disapproval.

“I told you to come straight to me when you were done, son. Helios and I were eager to learn of your first speed test.”

Rigel rolled his eyes and leaned back as a servant placed his food. “Waiting til after dinner won’t kill you, dad. Besides, I’m sure you were busy with other important pegasi business before I got home.”

“Hmph, too true,” came a voice from the banister above. “Dealing with earth pony business is so tedious and boring.”

Rigel watched as his uncle Helios hovered down to the dining room. He took a seat nearest his brother by the head of the table. Both his uncle and father were born during the day. In fact, they were born when the sun was high in the sky. Bright and glorious days. Thus, tradition dictated as members of a strong noble family, they take names reflecting the sun. Strong, powerful names to pay respect to the Princess Celestia.

Rigel and Epsilon were not so lucky. They were born during the night, and so took names of constellations or individual stars. It was not looked well upon if a pony was born in the night. It made everypony stay up and prevented them from sleep, plus it was the domain of the lesser princess. Rigel’s father had tried to subvert the tradition to get him a better name to honor Celestia, but his mother forbade it. She gave him his name, and she had no intention of changing it.

“What were you doing, Helios?” a boisterous, snobby voice whined.

Rigel and Epsilon saw their aunt Cloudburst saunter into the room, and could smell the cider from where they were seated. Solaris and Helios’ sister followed them wherever they went, and did nothing but leech off their names and fortune.

“The earth ponies that own farms below Canterlot mountain want more rain for their crops and less wind,” Helios said while a servant put food on his plate. “But the poor simps don’t understand we can’t produce rain without wind...”

“Oh, to be a mud pony...” Cloudburst mockingly lamented. “To be so short of wit, and so dependant on the needs of their betters.”

“They’re lucky I give them any rain at all,” Solaris said with a harumph. “The amount of food they kicked up to us was pitiful this season.”

“Tell me about it,” Cloudburst said while taking a heaping portion of food onto her plate.

“We’ll need to tell them to send another full shipment just to get you through the winter,” Rigel said with a smirk.

Cloudburst stared daggers at him and pointed a hoof, “You watch yourself young stallion, such disrespect will not be tolerated.”

“Funny, I bet the earth ponies feel the same way...” Rigel said absentmindedly while giving his little brother some of his food.

Epsilon gladly accepted the extra portions and began to dig in.

Cloudburst fumed but was cut off by Solaris putting down his silverware. “You disapprove of how we treat the earth ponies, son?”

Rigel shrugged, “You don’t decide, father. Celestia and the the court does, you merely follow their orders.”

Solaris’ eye twitched, “We do so because it is most profitable, for ourselves and for all pegasi.”

Rigel chuckled, “You do it because Celestia and Luna would stop you if you tried taking advantage of the other races. And because it honors the agreement made by Commander Hurricane, thus keeping your last name relevant.”

Solaris gave Rigel a dangerous glare, “It’s your last name as well, boy.”

Rigel took a bite of hay fries and shrugged, “So it is.”

Helios and Cloudburst looked at each other and decided to keep silent. Solaris, seeing he wasn’t getting through to one son, changed his attention to the other.

“You realize if you keep gorging yourself like that, you’re never going to get in the air.” he said with a pitying glance to the young colt.

Epsilon realized after a few seconds his father was talking about him. He quickly wiped his face and pushed the plate away. “I hovered a bit longer today, dad.”

“Hovered a bit longer...” Solaris said with disinterest. “You should be flying in junior flight school by now. Your wings should be able to keep you off the ground for more than a few seconds.”

Epsilon slumped into his chair, “I’ll work harder, father.”

“Yes you will,” Solaris said with an edge to his voice. “Your brother was leagues ahead of you by your age. If you don’t pass the exam for junior flight camp in a week... I don’t know what we’ll do with you.”

Epsilon scrambled out of his chair and trotted away. He hurried so fast he tripped on his way out, earning a snicker from Cloudburst and Helios.

“You weren’t excused!” Solaris yelled after him.

Rigel glared as his father and stood up to go after him. Solaris got up as well and pointed a hoof at him. “You’re not going anywhere until we talk.”

“Oh please, you expect me to listen to you after treating my brother... your son like that?”

“You will listen to me, and you will obey me...” Solaris dangerously intoned.

Rigel sat down and finished his meal, then followed his father and Helios into the study. As he left, he didn’t miss the satisfied smirk on Cloudburst’s face.

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

“How can you treat him that way?! He’s trying his best!” Rigel shouted.

“His best hasn’t even gotten him in the air yet,” Solaris replied.

“He loves you, father. Why can’t you see that? He’s practicing every day and trying to get stronger for you.”

“When he succeeds, he’ll have my respect and appreciation, until then... there is only one son who deserves my undivided attention. So...”

Rigel let out a sigh and took a seat across from his desk, “My speed is double that of the academy record holder. But I’m still not as fast as Sun Streaker.”

“What is the difference between your two times?” Solaris asked.

“It can’t be that much,” Helios said. “He’s been in the Wonderbolts for a while now. Has he taken notice of you?”

Rigel raised an eyebrow, “My name is Hurricane, they noticed me before I enrolled.”

Solaris and Helios laughed a bit, it was true. Solaris made no effort to hide the natural prowess of his oldest son, and made every effort to hide the youngest.

Rigel got up and put his forehooves on the desk, “I’m doing fine, dad. I’ll be accepted for formal Wonderbolt training in no time. But you really should spend some time with Epsilon. You taught me the basics, why not do the same for him?”

Solaris growled and stood up, “I taught you the basics because you were worthy. You had the physique, the talent. You picked up everything I taught you so quickly. Epsilon won’t even listen half the time, that’s his mother in him. And it’s his fault she’s gone now.”

“That’s not true, dad!!” Rigel shouted, “What in the north winds could make you think that?!”

A sound that came from outside drew Rigel’s attention away from his father. He rushed to the study doors and looked down the hall. He saw a small shadow shrinking away around the corner.

Great... Rigel thought while turning back to his father. “I’ll never understand you.”

Over the course of the evening the sun was beginning to set. Being so high in the clouds, the pegasi were afforded a bit more daylight than earth ponies or unicorns. Rigel searched the grounds until he found his little brother. He was throwing the ball with his wings and letting it roll back to him.

He noticed Rigel land behind him and flapped his wings as hard as he could. Yet again, he could only remain airborne for a few moments.

“Father doesn’t love me...” Epsilon said with tears falling onto the clouds.

Anger and sadness swelled within Rigel as he picked up his little brother and closed his wings around him. “That’s not true. He loves you, Epsy. He’s just too proud to show it.”

Epsilon traced a hoof across Rigel’s large wings. He picked up a stray feather and looked at it, “What happens if I never fly, Rigel? What happens if I can’t live up to what our family wants?”

Rigel sat his brother down and lovingly caressed his mane. He bent over and looked him in the eyes, “Then you don’t. It doesn’t matter, Epsilon. There is so much more to life. You’ll find a talent somewhere. And no matter what dad thinks, I’ll always love you. And I’ll always be there for you.”

Epsilon began to tear up even more. He buried his face in Rigel’s shoulder and balled his eyes out. “I-I’m the reason mom’s dead! It’s all my fault!”

Rigel now felt himself getting teary eyed. Their mother had died shortly after Epsilon was born. It was a complication resulting from his birth. Ever since then certain ponies had resented him, and the fact that he had trouble flying, thus not living up to the Hurricane name, didn’t help.

“Listen to me, Epsilon,” Rigel whispered. “It’s not your fault. Don’t ever think that. Mom would never want you to think that way. She loved you very much.”

Epsilon frowned and picked up his ball. He stood in front of Rigel and forced a small smile, “Father has entered me in the young wings competition at the Pegasi Sun Celebration. I need to train harder to be ready. I’m going to practice more before I go to bed.”

Rigel’s stomach turned. His father never knew when to quit. Epsilon was not ready for that. He watched him turn away to leave the grounds and realized something. As the sun was disappearing below the horizon, he saw his own shadow. It was so large it could have hidden twenty Epsilon’s. The image of his small form being completely covered in his own darkness made Rigel understand. A wave of self loathing washed over him like nothing he had ever felt before.

“Epsilon, wait...” Rigel said while gliding over him. He picked him up and playfully sat him on his shoulders before kicking off again, “You’ll be ready for the competition, I promise you that.”

His little brother’s laughter was music to his ears. At least he could still get him to be happy, and he was determined to keep it that way.

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

Rigel stretched in his Wonderbolt recruit uniform. He looked down at the three medals he received for the competitions he had already won. Very few on his team of recruits could stand up to him, but there were a few. One in particular was a young mare from Trottingham. Her name was Crosswind. She wasn’t phased by Rigel’s natural skill, rather she ignored it and worked harder than everypony else. Due to that, she had even beaten Rigel a few times at some of the more involved exercises. Her carefree attitude and bubbly personality made her fun to be around. Right now she was fidgeting with her uniform and kept blowing her green mane out of her face. The wind at this altitude wasn’t helping. Both of them were on display at the front of the parade as it was beginning to depart.

“So, Wondercolt... am I going to meet your family today?” Crosswind asked.

Rigel rolled his eyes at his designated nickname. She ignored his skill, but the constant reminders of his last name must have struck a chord. She saw fit to knock him down a peg or two with that monicker.

“I hope not...” Rigel groaned. “But you might meet my brother.”

“Ahh, right!” she chirped and flapped her wings happily. “The little one you’re always going on about.”

“That’s the one,” Rigel said as he looked ahead. The parade was about to get started. He saw Sun Streaker land ahead with the rest of the Wonderbolts and began to march. “Alright, let’s get this over with.”

Crosswind playfully slapped his flank with her wing. “What’s the matter? You’re practically a star here. Don’t you want to enjoy it at least a little bit?”

Rigel frowned, “Not really. I’d rather just disappear right about now.”

Crosswind leaned up and brushed her wing against his feathers, “Wait til the end of festival and we can both disappear...”

Rigel saw her slip him a lewd wink and couldn’t help but laugh. It was short lived however. As they walked through the streets of Celestis more and more pegasi gathered to watch the parade. Soon the large clouds that served as balconies came into view. Notable pegasi from across Equestria were situated above the parade looking down on all the fliers marching. From the Wonderbolts, to the weather team, the royal guard, and the competitive air racers.

Eventually they came to the cloud of the princesses. Naturally, Rigel noticed his father positioned himself as close to Celestia as possible, with his uncle not far behind. Celestia herself wasn’t watching the parade, at least from what Rigel could tell. Her head was bent and her ear was to all the nobles around her vying for her attention. However, the Princess of the Night was a different story. She stood away from her sister near the edge of the cloud, watching as the parade passed by. Though she was there out in front of everypony, nopony cheered for her, only her sister. Luna looked tired, though she was watching the parade, she seemed disinterested at the same time. Rigel did notice her stare at him for a brief moment. She appraised him, then offered a small smile before turning her attention to the crowd.

Rigel shrugged as the parade continued. At least he wasn’t the only one not crazy about this whole thing.

As the celebration continued through the day, many events were held in the central park of Celestis. The city was a massive cloud bank that was constructed to celebrate the joining of the other races. Named after the sun princess and host to a special sun celebration only for pegasi. The city was a cultural center where goods and merchandise would be distributed to other smaller pegasi cities, and to the earth ponies and unicorns below.

Rigel was standing in a medium sized crowd for the young wings competition. A small stage was erected with six tall posts. Each foal would be assigned a post. When the official blew the whistle, they would hover straight up to the top of the post. No movement except vertical. It was designed to test the strength of young wings and endurance, both in ascent and descent.

Epsilon took the stage with the other foals. He shifted nervously but stood at attention when the official took the stage.

“Young fliers! Let’s get this started, there’s many more events to go before the day is done! For the princesses!”

“For the princesses!” the foals shouted in unison.

No sooner had the whistle sounded, all the foals were in the air. Rigel watched with baited breath as Epsilon climbed higher and higher. He couldn’t believe it. The little guy was higher than he had ever been before. Unfortunately it didn’t last. He was soon passed by the other foals, and couldn’t ascend any higher than just above the halfway point. He panted and strained his small wings to take him higher, but to no avail. The whistle sounded, signalling the winner. It was an arrow to the heart of both Hurricanes. Rigel shut his eyes, while Epsilon was forced to endure the quiet mockery of the crowd as he hovered back to the ground.

The snickering soon gave way to laughter as a few other foals and young adolescents mimicked his struggle. The official waved his hooves over the crowd to silence them and present the medals to the winners. After that, they departed the stage. As Epsilon was leaving something struck him in the head and flank. A few of the foals had thrown tomatoes at him and the other foal who hadn’t done so well in the competition.

Rigel saw and was livid. But before he could even think to do anything, a voice shook the area around them like a thunderclap.

“How dare you!”   

Princess Luna suddenly appeared as if from thin air among the crowd. She was wearing a cloak to hide her identity. She glared at the five offending foals and stalked toward them.

“To gain pleasure from embarrassing foals who tried their hardest. I don’t see any of you up there competing.”

The foals all huddled together as the Princess of the Night came closer. “You will learn some respect...” Her eyes began to glow white as she prepared to cast a spell. However, instead of putting a hex on the children she simply shouted a name.

“Aldus!” 

A bright white flash appeared next to Luna. A grey unicorn stallion in green robes performed a deep bow before looking up at the angry alicorn. Rigel smiled, his old friend was here. He had wondered if he would show up with the princesses. His mane was longer than it was the last time they saw each other. He had some strands in braids adorned with silver gemstones.

“What seems to be the problem, princess?” he asked in a neutral tone.

Luna pointed a hoof at the offending children, “These foals have bullied and embarassed the proud young foals competing in this contest. I witnessed their heinous acts myself.”

Rigel took this moment to hover over to Epsilon, who was getting a little frightened by all the shouting and the sudden appearance of a diarch. He draped a wing over him and whispered there was nothing to be afraid of. As he did, he gave Aldus a friendly nod.

Aldus, for his part, slipped Rigel the quickest of devious smiles before returning to a stern expression.

“I see,” Aldus said. “And what does my princess wish to be done?”

“The dungeons in Canterlot should be more than adequate.”

Aldus’ eye’s widened, “While I share an intense dislike of bullies... perhaps a more tempered reaction would be appropriate?” Aldus stepped between the offending foals and Luna, “Allow me to resolve the situation. There are more events taking place as we speak, I think the citizens would be overjoyed if you came to watch. Ah, here are your guards now.”

“Very well, Aldus.” Luna said with a sly smirk. One only Aldus and Rigel caught. “I’ll leave you to it.”

After Luna departed, Aldus slowly turned on the children and let green magic fill his eyes. “You’re all going to get your parents and bring them back here, now. Understood?”

The foals dispersed practically tripping over themselves to find their mothers and fathers. Aldus smiled and turned to Rigel, who just shook his head.

“Been a while... you look well...”

“So do you...”

“Finally talk your way into the court?” Rigel asked.

“Finally snooze your way into the Wondercolts... Wondercolt?” Aldus asked in return.

Rigel laughed and grabbed Aldus and giant hug. “Oh that sense of humour, I’ve missed you Aldy.”

“I’ve missed you too, Rigel.” Aldus replied. “I’ve wanted to visit, either at Cirrus or have you come to Canterlot, but things are complicated lately...”

“I know, my father has me doing so many things. My career in the Wonderbolts is top priority right now.”

“Your father...” Aldus said, “I hope he is well.”

Rigel smiled and rubbed Aldus’ shoulder. When they were foals going to special classes at the castle, Aldus was picked on a lot by the other foals. Rigel had stepped in a number of times, and they became friends ever since. Rigel knew that Aldus didn’t have much, he had no family to speak of except for the night guard mare who adopted him. He invited him to the fortress to hang out a lot. His father never really approved. Solaris considered Aldus a scrawny weakling who couldn’t stand up for himself, plus he was another foal who had a name linked with the night. Even so, Aldus was sincere about wishing him good health. Knowing full well what Solaris thought of him. That was his character, and made Rigel value him that much more as a best friend.

“He’s doing fine, I just wish he’d give Epsilon a break.” Rigel said while nuzzling his little brother.

Epsilon stared in awe at Aldus, “You’re friends with my big brother?”

Adlus knelt down and smiled, “I am. He’s a great stallion.”

“What’s going to happen to the one’s who threw stuff at me?” Epsilon asked.

Aldus heard the parents approaching from behind. He donned a goofy mischievous grin, “Watch this...”

“What business does the Princess of Night have in scaring our children half to death?!” one stallion shouted at Aldus.

Aldus was now standing erect with his head cocked slightly to the side in amusement. “First, she is a princess... she can yell at whoever she wants. Second, your foals threw tomatoes at Epsilon. Care to explain that?”

Another parent stepped forward, this one a mare flanked by her well dressed husband. “We’re not going to tolerate such behavior directed at our children! Simple foals doing foalish things doesn’t warrant being threatened the dungeon!”

“Nopony is going to the dungeon...” Aldus said. “However, I think Epsilon deserves an apology.”

“I think we deserve an apology. The lesser diarch won’t get away with treating us this way...”

Aldus lowered his head, thin magical energies began to swirl around him. Barely noticeable, then they were gone. “There are worse punishments than the dungeon. I am a member of the royal court, and though I serve the ‘lesser diarch,’ in a few years I’ll know everypony who is anypony in Canterlot. Once I do, it would be no trouble to remember a few names. Names which I’ll advise ponies to avoid at all costs. No opportunities, no chances for advancement, no preferential treatment. No future...”

Aldus looked up and smiled, “What are your names?”

The parents all looked at each other, then pushed their children forward. Each of them apologized to Epsilon and ran behind their parents.

“Smart...” Aldus said. “You may go now.”

As the parents and children trotted away, Rigel led Epsilon over to Aldus. “That was very clever, Aldy. Thank you.”

“Yeah, thanks.” Epsilon said with a grateful smile.

Aldus sat down next to Rigel and produced some bits. “You were great up there, Epsilon. Here, why don’t you go get yourself some lunch. That is, as long as your big brother doesn’t mind.”

Epsilon looked at Rigel, “You don’t mind, do you big bro?”

“Nah, go get something good. You’ve earned it.”

As Epsilon began to gallop away, Aldus caught him in a magical field. He levitated him back and laughed, “I almost forgot. You’ve been invited to dinner with Princess Luna tonight! So don’t eat too much, alright?”

Epsilon gasped, “I have? Why? What did I do?”

Aldus shrugged, “I dunno. She asked for you by name, same with your big bro here. I think you impressed her up there.”

Rigel grinned, “Even I wasn’t impressing mares at that age.”

Epsilon grinned and hugged his brother’s leg. “I’ll be back later for the dinner, bye Aldus!”

“See ya later, kid.” Aldus said while waving goodbye.

Rigel turned to Aldus, “You handled that well, how are things in the court?”

Aldus sighed, “They’re... complicated. I’ll tell you about it, but first... let’s get a drink.”

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

At the feast, Rigel and Epsilon were seated near Princess Luna and her small entourage. There was a painter, a musician, and a stylist who appeared to be friends with Aldus. Aldus himself was enjoying his meal, but still watching everything as it happened, ready to lend aid to Luna at any time. Princess Celestia was seated some distance away with her own set of tables. She could barely be seen surrounded by so many ponies. Solaris was seated near her and had glared at Rigel on more than one occasion.

Luna took a few bites of her food and looked up at Epsilon, “The young colt at the competition today, come here child.”

Epsilon froze, he looked up at Rigel who nuzzled him in reassurance. “Come on, Epsy. It’s okay, I’ll go with you.”

Epsilon walked over to Luna and took a seat next to her on her pillow. “Princess,” he said with a small bow.

“I’m sorry about what happened today, you didn’t deserve such treatment.” Luna said while rubbing his back.

Epsilon nodded, “It’s alright, I’m used to it by now. The other kids in school sometimes throw things at me, too.”

“Children can be cruel, but it get’s better, don’t be discouraged.” Aldus said from a few seats down. “If I could get through it, so can you. Besides, we both have your big bro, right?”

Rigel smiled, “You most certainly do.”

Luna whispered something to Epsilon and looked up at Rigel, “Do you mind if I talk with him in private for a moment?”

Rigel looked at Epsilon to make sure he was alright, then nodded. “I don’t mind at all, Princess.”

Luna got up and walked over to one of the many balconies in the large room. Once Epsilon joined her she looked out at the setting sun. Princess Celestia had set the sun on it’s path a few hours ago, and it was time for Luna to perform her own duty.

Epsilon watched in awe as Luna spread her wings and ascended into the air, all the while conjuring magic to lift the moon. He let out a small gasp as he began to rise into the air to float beside Luna. Her magic held him aloft as the air shimmered around her mane. The moon rose higher and higher until it was at the center of the night sky.

She let out a quiet sigh and let her eyes return to normal from their brilliant white glow. Epsilon could barely contain his excitement. “That was awesome!” he exclaimed with a cheer.

Luna smiled turned to face him, “Thank you, Epsilon. Not many ponies get to see me perform my nightly duty. Do you want to see something else?”

“Yeah!” Epsilon said with a quick nod.

Luna brought him around in front of her and held him against her chest with one forehoof. She flapped her wings and ascended higher and higher. They were now above the highest clouds in the sky. Luna conjured a spell to keep the chilling temperature at bay. She pointed out over the horizon, Epsilon could actually see the world curve, and the light on the edges.

“Wow...” Epsilon said in awe.

“Look, up there... do you know what that is?”

Epsilon looked at the bright star Luna was pointing to, “It’s a star, a big one...”

“That is Rigel...” Luna whispered in his ear. “The star your brother was named after.”

“I’ve never seen it before,” Epsilon said. “It’s so pretty.”

Luna chuckled, “Of course you’ve seen it before, you just didn’t know what it was. Now, look over there. Do you see that one? Do you know which one that is?”

Epsilon shook his head, “I don’t know.”

“That’s Epsilon” Luna said while pressing her head against his. “That’s the star you were named after. The one your mother chose.”

Epsilon smiled, but it didn’t last.

Luna began to lower them back to the balcony, “Your mother loved you very much, Epsilon. Same with Rigel. I knew her, you know.”

“You knew mom?” Epsilon asked in disbelief.

“I did... she consulted me for possible names to give you and Rigel, if you happened to be born at night. She did the same with my sister if you were born during the day.” Luna answered. She turned Epsilon around and nuzzled him, “I know about the nightmares, it is my job to watch over the dreams of Equestria. Epsilon... your mother loved you very much. Whatever they say, do not believe them. It is not your fault that she’s gone.”

Epsilon blinked, trying to stop the tears forming in his eyes, “If you know my dreams, you know that’s not the only thing I’m afraid of...”

“Shh...” Luna said while gently rubbing his back. “You’re right, I know. Don’t give up, Epsilon. You’re still young, and I’ve seen late bloomers all my life. I’ve lived a very long time, and I think at the next sun celebration you’ll be flying alongside your brother.”

“Really?” Epsilon asked, looking up with hope.

“I think so...” Luna said with a loving smile. “But I’m just a Princess of Equestria, what do I know...?”

Epsilon giggled as she tickled him. They both touched down on the balcony and returned to dinner, but not before Luna reassured him that she would be watching, and if he ever needed anything, he should write a letter.

After sitting down, Luna decided to talk with Rigel about his budding career in the Wonderbolts. Rigel enjoyed talking with the Princess of the Night. He had met her a few times before, and she was not at all how the other ponies described her. She was not cold, or intimidating. She simply was about business, and if the environment was calm, so was she. Luna was a mare who wore her feelings on her shoulders for all to see. She could read ponies like a book, every bit as well as her older sister. However, the way she handled politics was not at all like her sister.

While Rigel was talking with her, he didn’t notice his father get up from his table and walk over. Solaris interrupted their conversation by not only speaking to Rigel while the princess was talking, but by deliberately stepping in between them, showing his back to her. All conversations at Luna’s small table ceased.

“Son, I think it’s time you spent some time with Celestia, don’t you think?”

“Princess Celestia...” Aldus corrected while leaning forward in his seat.

Solaris ignored him and leaned in closer to Rigel, his voice now a whisper, “I don’t know what you think you’re doing, but you’ve had your fun. It’s time to get noticed by the princess.”

Rigel also leaned forward, “I’m with a princess right now, father. Luna requested that Epsilon and I-”

“Epsilon?!” his father hissed. “He’s the reason why you’re sitting here and not with Celestia, Sun Streaker, and your family?”

“Father, you’re being incredibly rude, and you’re not even drunk... what’s wrong with you?!”

Solaris grinded his teeth, “Why can’t you see how important this is, boy? This is your future!”

“No, father... It’s the future you want for me.”

“Lord Solaris Hurricane...” Luna spoke in a neutral tone. “I almost thought you’d forgotten about me.”

All eyes snapped to Luna. Solaris slowly turned around and looked down at the blue alicorn seated on her cushions. “Princess...” he said with a small bow, “If you’ll excuse me, I must collect my son. We have business with your sister.”

“My sister... I see,” Luna said with a polite nod. “I assume this business is far beyond me.”

“It is for your sister, whether it is beyond you or not, I cannot say.”

Silence, then Luna spoke again. “Well, I’ll release your sons then. But let it be known that the Hurricanes are always welcome at my table and in my presence.” she said while smiling over at Epsilon.

Solaris bowed at turned to leave, Rigel in tow. However, before they took two steps, Aldus teleported directly in front of Solaris, appearing just inches away. If he wasn’t paying attention, Solaris would have walked right into the unicorn. The other guests at Luna’s table gasped. To perform magic like that in such close proximity was considered extremely rude.  

Solaris, who was nearly twice the size of Aldus, looked down at him with a mixed expression of amusement and anger. “What is the meaning of this, boy?”

Aldus stood his ground against the imposing pegasus. “I believe I’m countering your rudeness with rudeness of my own.”

“Rudeness?” Solaris hissed.

“To just walk in front of a princess and not only cut her off, but show her your back? Your sense must be leaving you at such an old age... have you completely lost your mind?”

Solaris smirked, “Tough talk coming from such a little pony. You’re new to politics, so I’ll humour you this once. What you demand is great respect for yourself, and your princess. But as far as I can tell, the respect shown is more than appropriate given the current environment.”

They were speaking so softly now that only they could hear each other.

“The current environment...?” Aldus queried.

Solaris smiled and bent even closer to the unicorn, “The size of her table, the amount of her guests, the amount of her influence, the amount of her presence at court, and the... size of her servants...” he said with a smug grin. “Now, out of my way.”

Solaris attempted to walk by, but Aldus blocked him. He put a hoof lightly on Solaris’ chest and looked up at him with a placid smile, “I think you owe my princess an apology.”

Rigel couldn’t believe what was happening. He had never seen Aldus like this. Also, he didn’t know what to do. He had never seen his father be pushed this far before, and by his best friend no less. It was surreal. Normally, despite their differences and arguments, he would have leapt to his father’s aid. But the opposing party was Aldus, and he had to admit, seeing his father be pushed like this was quite cathartic. Rigel noticed Epsilon hiding behind his rear leg. He turned around and reassured him that everything was going to be alright, despite not knowing if he was telling the truth.

“Move boy... I won’t ask again.” Solaris snarled.

“Or you’ll what... ?” Aldus asked, further getting in Solaris’ face. “Or you’ll what?”

“Aldus, stand down...” Luna commanded.

The sneer on Solaris’ face was an image that would remain in Aldus’ memory forever. With reluctance, he stepped out of the way. As Solaris walked by, Rigel stopped Aldus before he returned to his seat.

“I’m sorry, Aldus. I don’t-”

“It’s fine, Rig.” Aldus said with a small smile. “Go, I’ll see you later.”

Rigel followed his father to stand around Princess Celestia, he looked back once at Princess Luna’s table. He saw her get up and leave with Aldus and the rest of her guards. His heart sank, he couldn’t shake the feeling that more of this was to come.