Chapter 3: Origin of Heritage

With success of capturing the Heart of Ponyland, Fluttercruel appeared in dark location. She smirked proudly as she held the bright light of Heart of Ponyland. MechaStahl and Houndkiller emerged from the shadows, along with both Dr/ Lizardo and Wilco. The mad Dark Mystic Pony scientist smirked darkly and evilly.

"Well done... The plans went perfectly well." MechaStahl said in please and dark, "Well done, Fluttercruel."

Fluttercrueel chuckled evilly, "With pleasure. It was so easy to deal with these fools. They should have chose some best soldiers. I'd rather fight with them than being errand girl."

"Now... Now... Fluttercruel, my dear," MechaStahl chuckled evilly, "You will get the chance to hunt them. But for now, we begin building the Terrorstorm Blaster."

Wilco nodded, "Yes... With the combination of our greatest discovery: Stormshock Crystals, Dark Stones and Heart of Ponyland, we can finally create the most powerful weapon in the universe. None and not even the Mystic Ponies can withstand that such powers."

Dr. Lizardo chuckled evilly and maniacally, "Good... Good! I can't wait to start! And I can feel it! Those fools will fear us!"

Fluttercruel smirked, "Excellent... I can't wait. What should I do next?"

"When time comes," MechaStahl smirked, "you will test the weapon on any intruder, spy or imbecile. Let them feel the power of Three Lords of Equestria!"

"As you wish," Fluttercruel smirked while bowed.

Houndkiller and Fluttercruel left the lab as three mad scientists began their works in building Terrorstorm Blaster. Something bad is about to happen...

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The Land of both Equestria and Ponyland's atmosphere and light slowly turned into darkness and the nature slowly dying: the trees whithered and died down, leaves turned into ashes, water evaporated into dried land, the storm with chaotic lightning and destructive twisters, sun and moon got split again, the land rocked and quaked wildly, mountains launched river of lava, and the dead spirits and ghouls raised from the ground as they screeched and screamed wildly in scaring the ponies off. The land is in chaos...

At Princesses' Ponyland, Imperial Phoenix Warriors and Royal Guards were on patrol and defense in defending their home from danger. Princess Ponies also sent some squadron in finding and seeking their enemies and retrieved their Heart of Ponyland back. And at the same time, some crew and soldiers helped and treated the injured ponies and scared ponies.

Golden Heart's Company were helping them as well. Pinkamena's tail shaking and quivering in fear.

"I sense danger is coming!" Pinkamena said in fear, "I don't like it. She should have done what Tao had said. What was she thinking?! This isn't good!"

Golden Heart gasped, "This mean one thing. I prayed Celestia... I prayed that your son forgive you..."

Axen and Clawdestroyer were in-charge of defense and protection of Ponyland's entrance. Strikespell, One-Eyed Anger and Schemetrick looked around of their surroundings in search of clues and answers of how and why the enemies wanted Heart of Ponyland. They suspected that there is more to this than just cause some chaos. 

Strikespell hummed, "This is very unlikely of them..."

Schemetrick nodded in agreement, "Indeed. If this is what they wanted, they would have destroyed the talisman from the start to cause the chaos. And yet, they chose to steal it. They need it for something important..."

"Whatever it was, we have to stop them before they could cause more ruckus," One-Eyed Anger commented, "They owe me a punch."

Twilight and her friends witnessed the tragedy. They all sighed in upset and pain. They hated so much to see their friends sufferings...

"It never ends..." Twilight said in concern, "How much long can we survive this?"

Applejack nodded, "Poor ponies... We won't able to last long. So many ponies get hurt and dying. How can we stop this?"

Sunset sighed, "I wish I had the answer that can help you. Evil never stops until all pure good are destroyed and gone for good. That's the reason why Three Lords are so determined to achieve it."

Rainbow Dash groaned, "I'm just sick of it! I'm sick of their bad attitude and stupid goals! They don't ever give up."

"I don't think they even care of what we think..." Rarity said in concern.

Fluttershy squealed in fear, "So how can we win?"

"Why can't this war stopped?! WHY?! WHY?!" Pinkie cried and sobbed tearfully and painfully, "Why can't this stop? Why... It isn't fair!"

Twilight sighed, "I know... But we can't give up yet. Once Azure Phoenix's scouts found them, we'll be ready to fight. We'll use our Rainbow Power to fend them off and get the Heart back. That's the promise. Right, everyone?"

"Right!" Mane Six agreed.

"Come on! Let's go help our friends," Twilight commanded, "Applejack and Rainbow Dash should scout the area. There could be clues that leads to enemy's base. Rarity, Fluttershy and Pinkie should stayed behind and helped the innocents. They need some help. Sunset, I might need your help. We'll be more prepared for the battle."

Twilight and her friends headed off at once in search and helped their comrades and innocents in getting their feet up and prepared them for the defense and battle against their enemies. They won't give up without the fight.

Princess Ponies have discussion with Azure Phoenix, Royal Sisters and Megan's Family as they planned of how to end the chaos.

"Without the Heart of Ponyland," Princess Sparkle said in concern, "Our whole land will be in grave chaos and danger."

Princess Serena nodded, "This isn't good! We've gotta do something."

"If only we have kept the wands with us," Princess Primrose groaned, "we could have save the land in time before the chaos could have gone wild."

Azure Phoenix cleared his throat, "Do not worry, your highnesses. We've sent some soldiers in search of the enemies' location. We'll get the Heart and your wands back."

Princess Starburst sighed, "I hope so. We need them now. We don't have much time."

Princess Tiffany groaned, "I can't believe that we let our guard down! I wish we could have been stronger and powerful enough to stop this..."

"Yes... We've been out of battlefield for too long," Princess Royal Blue agreed sadly, "And now... look at this. It's gone."

"Don't give up now. It's not over. It's not." Megan begged calmly, "We've been through so many hardship and dangers before. And at the very end, we've overcome it. So, don't give up now."

"She's right. We can't give up. We have to get the Heart back. One way or another," Princess Luna agreed confidently.

Princess Celestia nodded, "Indeed. We will give our fight yet. We will fight till the very end."

Princess Ponies smiled as they were glad and relief to have such friends and daughters to count on.

Ben then led Stallion Seven (Flash, Caramel, Soarin, Dexter, Brian and Lord Eric) in handling the situation while helping their friends as well.

"Come on, guys! Our girlfriends and friends need us." Ben said firmly. His friends nodded in understanding. He continued, "Soarin and Caramel, you'd better help Azure's army to find the enemies and the Heart. But don't fight with them. There's no telling what they can or traps they had. Brian, Dexter and Eric; helped the injuries and take care of the innocents."

"What about me?" Flash asked curiously.

Ben smirked, "You, Carmine and I are gonna make preparation for the battle with Delta Squad. I had the feeling that they'll be back."

Flash smirked, "With your Triforce and my Win Elements, we're so ready for it. No way, we're gonna lose. And by the way, I still don't get one thing. Why do we need Carmine? I heard that he was the rookie from Delta Squad. No offense, just curious."

"I want to prepare Carmine ready for anything. The last time I went with Mane Six, Spike and Nyx to Mystic Universe; Carmine sacrificed his life to save mine. He wasn't prepared for anything when we're on the mission. And this time, I'm gonna make sure he's ready for the battle. Plus, I could use some advice from him. He hit my head quite hard."

"I see... I guess I taught you too well. Listen to soldiers, even they're just rookies."

"Yeah. Thanks. Let's move it!"

Ben and his friend split up and helped their girlfriends in ready to fight with their enemies, despite the land is completely in turmoil and chaos.

Captain Jack Silver looked around of his surroundings. Everything was in destruction and ruined. Ponies were suffering as they lost their lives, their friends and family and they were traumatized and pained. The land is completely in chaos and turmoil. It's hopeless...

Captain Jack Silver sighed, "I have to... Ben deserves the truth..."

Captain Jack Silver looked around in search of his son. He then found Ben and Flash speaking with Sergeant Fennix and Delta Squad in building the defense.

"We should set some perimeter at the entrance with both Axen and Clawdestroyer," Ben spoke, "We have to ready and expected the Dark Mystic Ponies and Dark Elves used their magic on us. Used the Diamond Snipe Blaster or Megaton Canon to shoot them down."

Flash smirked, "If the scouts did found something about the enemies' hideout, your squad will infiltrate and get that Heart while we distract them. But there might some enemies provide the heavy protection."

Sergeant Fennix nodded, "Sounds the plan. The rook will stay with you while the rest will make the preparation. Let's hope we can survive this."

Sergeant Fennix and his Delta Squad headed off at once now. Ben, Flash and Carmine were about to move on. They were stopped by Jack Silver who smiled.

"Hey, dad. As much as I want to have a chat, we've got to make some preparation. There's no telling when the enemies strike," Ben said firmly.

Flash nodded, "Yeah. These guys are tough and strong to deal with."

Captain Jack Silver sighed, "Son, we need to talk..."

"Later, dad. We'll talk about the fight," Ben said firmly.

As Ben and his friends were about to head off, Captain Jack Silver interrupted, "It's about your mother... Your real mother. I should have told you from the start..."

Ben stopped at once as he turned and looked at his father. Was he serious?! He's telling him about his mother?!

Nyx, Spike and Phobos overheard of what had happen. Both Alicorn and purple dragon looked worry and scared.

Nyx gulped, "Oh no! Grandpa Jack is going to tell daddy about this!"

Spike nodded, "We've gotta tell Twilight and others about it. Ben's gonna be upset if he finds out about this!"

"Wait! What! What are you talking about?! HEY WAIT!" Phobos exclaimed in concern.

Nyx and Spike headed off in search of Twilight and her friends while Phobos followed them. Something is bound to happen...

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Princess Celestia looked up at the night sky in worry. The heroes must get the Heart of Ponyland back before everything is destroyed. But who knows where the enemy has even taken it?

Princess Luna looked at her sister, sensing she is in sadness right now. She knew what her sister was thinking. The older sister was thinking about her son. But before the Goddess of the Night could ask, she saw a portal appearing, along with a familiar Pegasus who is the reincarnation of her former love-interest: Han Zane.

Han Zane was in shock and concern, "What the hell?"

"Han!" Princess Luna purred as she trots in and hugged her lover. "Thank goodness! You're alright. I thought I've lost you again..."

"Can't get rid of me that easily. But what the heck is going on here? This place is a mess. And not to mention, my home got whacked."

"Our enemies has stolen the Heart of Ponyland. We are looking for it but we don't know where they've taken it."

"What?!" Han asked in shock and concern. He hissed, "Damn it... This isn't good. Why do I always get into tight situation like this? Zhen De Ma Fan (This is just great)!"

Princess Luna giggled in amusement as she loved Han Zane's jokes, even though he doesn't share similarity as his incarnation. Nevertheless, she loved him dearly.

Han sighed, "At least we don't need to be worry about the secrets like 'I should have told him from the start'. I don't even want to imagine of how bad it is."

"You're right, Han." Princess Celestia said thoughtfully and sadly. She was silent throughout the conversation but heard it all. The Alicorn recalled the real reason why Tao and his family refused to show. "Secrets almost driven a family apart...and it's time I stop doing so without them knowingly."

"Huh?" The two puzzled as Princess Celestia begins to trot off.

"Now where are you going?" Han ask Princess Celestia puzzled.

"To do what I should've done long ago. I am telling Ben the truth!" Princess Celestia exclaims in determination. With the whole world in danger, it's time for the princess to stop delaying once and for all!

Luna gasped in concern as she knew what Princess Celestia was going to do. Han gave concerned looks. They both followed Princess Celestia. Something's up.

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The trio pirates of Loudmouth, Brainless Mongo, and Crazy Louie were doing some talking. Loudmouth remarks, "The boss is worried that with the whole place going to Tartartus, we may be dead at the end."

"Noooooo! I don't wanna die! I feel too pretty to die!" Brainless Mongo sobs a bit, putting his hoof onto his face.

"Pretty?" Crazy Louie ask uneasily.

"Say, where the boss say he was going? He was going to talk to his son about something?"

"He told me, but insist that it's private and no pony else needs to know." Loudmouth said to his colleague seriously.

"Private? Must be something cool!" Crazy Louie exclaims eagerly. "Let's listen in!"

"Yeah, I'd love to hear some secrets!" Brainless remarks with a stupid laugh.

"You wanna get us into trouble?! It's private and..." Loudmouth pauses to do some thinking however. "Actually, I am curious myself. Okay, let's listen in but don't tell anyone, got it?"

The trio nods as they head off to where Jack is talking to Ben right now. Pipsqueak spots them, calling, "Hey, where are you blokes going?"

"Oh, Jack is going to tell Benny a big secret, but don't tell anyone, okay?" Brainless, living up to his name, asks happily while putting a hoof to his mouth to make a "shush" noise.

Pipsqueak hearing that looks a bit excited. A secret about Ben? He got to hear this!

"Hey, Ben is going to have a secret be revealed and I'm going to hear!" Pipsqueak calls out to somebody before trotting over.

Unknown to Pipsqueak, he spoke so loudly that any pony within 50 miles of him can hear him. The folks hearing this look at each other in surprise...then follows after.

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Nyx and Spike toled Twilight and her friends of what was going on. Twilight, Applejack and Rainbow Dash gasped in concern. Azure Phoenix and Strikespell remained silent for the moment. The time has come...

"So... It is time..." Azure Phoenix said calmly, "It will not be good..."

Twilight hissed, "I'm sorry, Ben. We have to stop them! This is not the right time to talk about Ben's origin! Come on!"

Azure Phoenix and Twilight headed off at once. Everyone excluding Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Nyx, Spike and Strikespell were concern yet confuse at they all followed their friends off to find Ben...

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"Well, start talking, dad." Ben said seriously to his father. "Who is my mother?"

"Right, may as well figure out that part of the mystery." Flash said, nodding in agreement. Since all of Equestria is in danger of dying, perhaps it's best to speak about some well unknown secrets right now in case the Heart isn't recovered.

Jack sighs, putting a hoof through his mane, then adds, "Okay, Ben. Remember how you never knew who your mother was? And how you think she died, giving birth to you?" Ben nods a bit. "Well...that isn't true. Your mother, she's still alive?"

The two ponies gasp in surprise, yet Ben is a bit delighted. His mother is alive?

"Who is my mother, dad?" Ben ask Jack with a pleading look.

Before Jack would talk, a familiar voice spoke up, "Ben!" Everyone turns to see Celestia arriving with Luna and Lorcan. The adopted mother spoke up seriously, "Ben, there's something I must tell you."

"Oh, mom. You're just in time. Dad was about to tell me who my real mother is."

"Real mother?" Han asked in shock and surprise.

"Tia, good timing. I was about to tell Ben right now. Benjamin, it's time you find out the truth." Jack said seriously to his son. Celestia sighs, knowing that the time has indeed come.

"Jack, wait!" Twilight spoke quickly. The Princess of Friendship and her friends arrives with the Dragons and Nyx in tow. "I don't think now is the time."

"I must! No more delays! Listen, Ben, your mother...she's....right there." Jack said as he points a hoof...at Celestia.

Most of everyone looks a bit confused. Pinkie awkwardly spoke, "Uh, Captain Silver? Everyone knew that the princess is Benny's adopted mom."

"No, no. I mean she is Ben's REAL mother!"

"What?!" Most of the Mane Six exclaims in shock and alarm.

"What the hell?!" Flash and Han ask in shock and surprise.

"Oh come on, dad, don't kid around!" Ben exclaims, rolling his eyes at this poor attempt of a joke. "The princess isn't my real mom."

"No, your father is right. I am indeed and always been...your real mother." Celestia said sadly, looking down.

"WHAT?!"

"Celestia is Ben's real mother?!" A familiar voice of Brainless yells out in surprise from outside the room.

Twilight narrows her eyes as she uses her magic to open the door. The pirate trio fell into the room...along with Pipsqueak and the rest of Ponyville who was listening in.

"Ahoy, captain." Loudmouth said, giving a sheepish look to Jack.

"Loudmouth, I thought I told ye that this is a big secret." Jack said with an annoyed sigh.

"Yeah, I know...but I got curious and we decided to listen in. I told Brainless not to tell anyone!'

"Yeah, and I told the little guy and told him not to tell anyone!" Brainless adds off with a smile.

"And I...told every pony else. Eep." Pipsqueak said, feeling a bit worried.

"Oh, Pipsqueak." Nyx said, shaking her head. Now everyone else knows.

"What's going on here?" Princess Tiffany demands as the Princess Ponies and Megan's family came in. "Why is everyone gathering here when there's so much work to do?!"

"Celestia is Ben's real mother!" Lyra exclaims to Princess Tiffany, making her gasp.

"Wait, what?"

"Seriously, we all overheard it!" Minuette exclaims in surprise and disbelief as most of Ponyville begins murmuring. "Our Goddess of the Sun is Ben's real mother the whole time!"

"What? Okay, young lady, you owe us all a big explanation." Megan said sternly, putting her arms on her hips like a mother demanding her daughter to tell her what she did last night.

"Yes, Tia." Azure said seriously as he appears nearby with Strikespell. "The time has come. No more delays."

Celestia's eyes darted back and forth, seeing everyone looking at her, even the stunned Ben and the worried Jack. The Princess sighs, "All right, very well. You see, years ago, a year before Ben was born, I was still saddened over the loss of my daughter Iris Crystal."

"Wait, Iris Crystal was your daughter?!" Ben ask in surprise and disbelief. "I thought she was a student!"

"That was...a fib. I will explain later. Anyway, I decided to take a little vacation, help clear my mind and my heart. So I used a little spell to make the sun and moon rise up and down whenever I wasn't around."

"Wait, what?! You could do that?!" Luna ask in shock. She never knew that there was a spell that can raise and lower both the sun and moon whenever their princesses aren't around. "How come I wasn't aware of this?!"

"You were gone during that time, sister." Celestia points out to Luna, making her blink and concede the point somewhat.

"So how were yew able 'ta go on vacation wit'out attracting attention?" Applejack ask, arching an eyebrow at this.

Celestia then casts a spell, changing her spell to look like an Earth pony with yellow hair and green eyes. She then spoke, "A little spell my ex-husband taught me which allowed me to change my forms." The princess changes back as she continues, "Well, I took a trip over to an island somewhere in the pirate seas..."

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At a bar on a island somewhere in the pirate areas, sailors were either eating, drinking or something some talking. Not one of them paid attention to a certain mare sitting at the bar, trying her best not to make any attention to herself.

"I was sitting at a bar, minding my own business and keeping to myself. I figure the less attention I get, the better. I tried my best to cheer myself up...but Iris's death was still on my mind." Celestia narrates. "I felt like I would never move on...then he show up."

"Ahoy, lass!" An Earth Pony with blonde hair and in a suit exclaims, coming over to sit down. "Come here often, lass?"

"This is my first time, to be honest." Celestia said, looking downward. She notices Jack giving a concerned look. "Oh, I apologize. I am recovering from a loss of long ago. I don't feel like talking..."

"Oh, I apologize then, miss. You have gone through a lot, I bet."

"Yes, I know. I used to be wedded years ago to a great pony...I made a mistake...I don't know what to do now..."

"That's why they called them 'mistakes', love. If we don't learn from them, we may never move on to our future." The pony said, patting the mare on the back. "I learned from mine. I've sure you were sorry for them."

Celestia pauses, then gave a little smile. It's true, she was sorry for betraying her country to be a slave for another emperor...for the sake of a love whom she forsakes for a version of an unicorn king from another world...and felt more depressed for losing her daughter. Perhaps she couldn't let the sadness overtake her. It wouldn't do well for her mental health.

"Perhaps, you're right, sir. I should move on from my mistakes and lead on to my future." Celestia said to the pony with a chuckle.

"Good lass. Listen, how about I show you the town? I just came into port and would need some company right now." The pony said with a chuckle. "Of course, I won't be nasty unless you want me to."

"I would appreciate some company and for somepony to show me around."

"Glad to hear it. Oh, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Silver...Jack Silver at your service."

Jack bows to the disguised princess, kissing her hoof. Celestia blushes and smiles happily. This is the first time in a long time that she felt like this.

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"Wow, Jack." Fluttershy said, impressed with Jack's performance. "I never knew you were a gentlepony."

"Ay, I may be a pirate but I am a gentlepony pirate." Jack said in agreement. Even the Princess Ponies are surprised that a pirate like Jack would be a gentlepony.

"Jack show me around town where I spent the rest of my vacation. He was...a nice pony. Even nicer as Azure." Celestia said with a lovingly sign, making Azure cleared his throat a bit. She continued, "Then..."

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

"Thanks for showing me around town, Jack...I've never felt this much happy in a long time." Celestia said to Jack with a happy sigh. The two were standing on a bridge overlooking a river.

"No problem. I must confess, whenever I'm with you...I feel happy." Jack said with a smile to the princess, unknown to him. "I feel a bit...okay, great. I ain't often great with words."

"I know, you're silly."

The two ponies laughs a bit, then smiles. They then lean over...and kiss one another. Celestia's heart pounds as she feels something that the mare hasn't felt since her divorce from Azure: love, love. The princess never felt like she would again.

However Celestia grunts as she pushes Jack away, "No, I can't."

"Why? It's obvious that we love each other, lass...or is in the moment?" Jack ask a bit concerned. "Did I do something wrong?"

"It isn't that...you're the greatest pony I have ever met since my former husband. I'm glad to met you and...oh! If only this wasn't so difficult."

"What is?"

"This." Celestia said sadly as she transforms into her real self, much to Jack's surprise. "I am really Princess Celestia, the ruler of Equestria."

"Oh...that explains things." Jack said, rubbing his mane through his mane. "Listen, I wasn't honest about all that I am myself."

"I know, you're a pirate. I saw your face on a wanted poster while we were at one of the shops. I'm stunned...but I did not say anything. I couldn't bring myself to do so. You are a gentlepony pirate, different than all the other pirates who would only lust for treasure and themselves. I don't care who you are."

"In that case, I don't care if you're a princess or not. I love ye just the way ye are, Tia. You're a smart mare, a beautiful one at that...and a great friend I had besides me crew."

Celestia couldn't help but gave a happy smile. She was worried Jack would react badly because of her being a princess...but the pirate doesn't care for that. He only wanted her because of Celestia being herself, a true friend! And Celestia? She doesn't care if he was a pirate. Jack was being his true self as well.

The true lovers kiss each other once more.

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"For a moment, I was happy....I felt like I wanted to be with Jack forever...but then...it happened." Celestia said, sadly, looking downward.

"What happened?" Nyx ask her grandmother curiously.

"Something happened and..."

"Let me guess: you and Jack played "buried treasure"." Rainbow said with a smirk, as if saying Jack and Celestia were having "fun" in bed.

"Rainbow!" Twilight exclaims, annoyed that her friend would say that, especially around foals.

"Sorry, Brave Heart's habit has got to me."

"Yes, that is correct." Azure said with a sigh.

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

"I'm pregnant?!" Celestia yelps out in shock. The princess had returned to her home once her vacation is over. Celestia is happy and is ready to continue searching her country once more...that is until she got sick and have to see a doctor, finding out about this.

"I know, princess. It's shocking." The doctor said with a nod. "This is the first time since you had Iris Crystal that you were pregnant. Congratulations, who's the father?"

"I...uh...there was no father..."

Celestia looks worried as she looks away. The princess knew who the father was...but if anyone found out that it was a pirate who impregnanted the princess, it will make a scandal and make ponies demand that Celestia resigned.

It was bad enough she once turned on her country years ago as well as her divorce from Azure Phoenix. Strike three and she's out.

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"You were worried about the scandal?" Danny ask Celestia in concern.

"Yes, I mean, princesses' relationships with pirates are often frowned upon." Celestia admits to Danny as she looks down, feeling more ashamed.

"Princess, we would've understand." Mayor Mare said calmly to her princess. "We cared that you helped us all, even teach ponies friendship."

"Thank you, Mayor, but I wished I knew that after Ben's birth...I...I was forced to..."

"You abandoned me, did you?" Ben ask Celestia, stunned.

"Not abandoned...just left you in your father's care.." Celestia sighs as she continues the story. "It was supposed to be the happiest day of my life...but..."

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

Azure Phoenix and Strikespell went to Canterlot for their visit to someone they loved and missed so much since the day. At Canterlot Castle, they decided to visit and see her before the trio could visit someone else. They were at throne chamber as they noticed Princess Celestia's behavior. She looked very sick. They were concern as they went and checked on her. As much protests Princess Celestia had, both ignored as they checked on her until they came across on her stomach. They noticed something a miss.

Azure Phoenix dispelled the invisibility spell off as he looked at the big stomach which cannot be fat when he felt alive. This meant one thing. It didn't go so well...

"You were pregnant?!" Strikespell demanded in anger. Azure Phoenix, angered, looked away. Princess Celestia looked down and silent. His son continued, "You've got a lot of nerve for trying to backstab at my father! What's next?! Putting our world at risk?! Is that it?! You want that bloody unicorn again?! Didn't you! I'm gonna kill this-!"

"Enough!" Azure Phoenix exclaimed. Both Princess Celestia and Strikespell looked at him. He continued, "It wasn't King Sombra's Counterpart. Captain Jack Silver is the father..."

"What?! How did you-?!" Princess Celestia asked in shock.

"I know you too well, my dear. The pain you suffered when you've lost both Luna and our daughter, you will go a place to find peace to move on. And there's one pony I can't stand the most at my home is my hated rival and prisoner of war!"

"You followed me?!"

"I want to make sure that you were alright! You had me worried."

"You and I had divorced! I can handle myself! And above all, you have no right to control my life! I have my own rights and freedom to choose, not you!"

"Are you saying my father is stupid because he fell in love with you?! It was you who loved him! You chose him to be your husband! You bear my sister! And you dare insulted him?! You rather my sister died?!" Strikespell demanded in anger. Princess Celestia remained silent. He scoffed in anger, "Selfish and spoiled princess!"

"Strikespell, I-!" Princess Celestia exclaimed but interrupted as she felt her stomachache ached again. She moaned, "Oh no..."

"That's right... I tolerate you too long, mother! I'm gonna-!"

"Strikespell, stop!" Azure Phoenix commanded. Strikespell stopped. He turned and looked at him, "She's in labor! We must help her now!"

"But father-!" Strikespell interrupted.

"It doesn't matter..." Azure Phoenix said darkly, "Once we're done, we'll visit your sister's grave without Celestia. After this, we're done visiting Canterlot. Northern Ma is no longer make some trading or building the defense for them anymore..."

"Azure..." Princess Celestia said weakly and painfully.

Azure Phoenix levitated Princess Celestia up and gently, "Come, my dear. You need to give the birth of your child. You deserve this chance. Don't waste it. Don't make mistake like before. After this, I will erased the records and everyone's memories. You have nothing to worry about the scandal..."

"Father..." Strikespell said in shock.

"Azure... Thank you..." Princess Celestia said weakly.

The trio then headed off to the hospital in giving the birth of Princess Celestia's child...

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Months later...

"Congratulations on your new son, princess." Tao said to Celestia who is using her magic to hold up her new son who is wrapped in a white cloth. "The Mystic Ponies are pleased to hear of it...well, all but Azure and Strikespell, but you know why."

"Yes, which is why I asked you to come here." Celestia said sadly as she gives her son to Tao. "Please... give Ben to his father Jack."

"What? You are abandoning him?!"

"I don't want to...but if ponies found out about his birth and discovered that his father was a pirate...I don't want my son to go through it, I just can't...please, Tao..."

Tao sighs as he takes Ben, "Very well, I will do so. But someday...you may have to tell him."

"Yes, I may have to." Celestia said, watching with a heavy heart as Tao takes her son away into the night.

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At the Horsetugo, home and workplace for all the pirates and thieves, Tao in his white cloak and on his left saddlebag holds the white cloth in shaped on vase-like, covered something, continue his walking across the filthy, dirty and dark streets of the pirate's land. Tao looked around in his surroundings in hoping and finding someone he knew. Tao gasped as he found someone sitting and sleeping on the table.

Tao approached to the table as he gave the hard kick on the table. Shaken, shocked and awakened by the table's shaking, Captain Jack Silver awaken up rudely.

"Captain Jack Silver?" Tao spoke humbly.

"What do you want?" Captain Jack Silver asked while mumbling, "Can't you leave me alone?!"

"It's Tao." Tao introduced himself.

Captain Jack Silver gasped in surprise. He quickly slapped himself hard before he shook his head in waking up. His dull and weak face turned into happy expression, "Mr. Tao! What a pleasant surprise of you to meet up here!" Captain Jack Silver shook Tao's hoof before they sat down on their cushion. "So mate, what can I do for you? If this involve the prison, you can forget about it! I've done nothing wrong!"

Tao waved his hoof at Captain Jack Silver to come closer to him. Tao whispered to Captain Jack Silver. As the pirate listened carefully to what Mystic Pony saying, Captain Jack Silver's eyes widened in shock and fear. He quickly pushed out hard like something had crawled on his hooves.

"But... but that's not possible..." Captain Jack Silver said in shock and disbelief.

Tao nodded his head, "It's true. She was lucky that no one had known of his birth yet. But that is why I am here, Jack."

"But can't she......"

"You know the citizens won't be liking of it, Jack. You and I know that ponies will disgrace and disliked of how you and her be together, especially the boy you had know. Please, don't tell me, you're willing to abandon the poor child?!"

Tao took the white cloth out and passed it to Captain Jack Silver. The pirate pony opened. He gasped in looking at it. Captain Jack Silver's eyes are covered in tears as they flowed down on his cheek while showing his smile.

Captain Jack Silver looked up at Tao, "He's handsome and beautiful. He's so much like me but I can tell, he's gonna have his mother's heart and my stubbornness."

"Does this mean..." Tao asked hopefully.

Captain Jack Silver nodded his head firmly, "I'll take of him. I promise you and his mother."

Tao smiled, "I'm glad. But I'll come by and check on you. I only hope you don't give bad influence to this boy."

Captain Jack Silver laughed and chuckled out loud, "Since when did I gave the bad influence to my son?"

Tao shook his head while chuckled, "Since you caused some troubles at Land of Ma, especially you're making Lord Azure... pretty mad. Trust me. Just make sure, he gets good influence. But Let's meet someplace quiet and peaceful."

"Maris?"

"That will do. I will come by first day of every month."

Captain Jack Silver smiled as he held while rocking the familiar brown foal in white cloak. The foal giggled happily as Captain Jack Silver moved his hoof on the baby gently, ticklishly and softly.

------

"Is this is why Tao and his family didn't come?" Twilight ask the princess in worry. "Because they were upset that you kept the secret for so long?"

"Yes....Ben was in Jack's care for years...until he has to be given back to me." Celestia said in sadness, looking down.

"So you're basically just used an Alicorn-class illusion spell to keep your pregnancy from showing to other ponies and thus adopted Ben so you can acknowledge him as your son while avoiding a scandal." Rarity said, arching an eyebrow at this.

"Yes..."

"Who...who else knew about this?" Ben ask, stunned and worried. He is still absorbing the fact that he now found out the truth: Celestia was his mother all along...and she gave him up just to avoid a scandal!

"Besides your parents and the Mystic Ponies? The Wind Assassins, Princess Luna, Your Cousins, Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Rainbow Dash and her children." Azure said grimly.

"Sorry, guilty as charged." Rainbow said with a guilty look.

"Ben, I wanted to tell you...but Applejack, Nyx, Spike and I made the promise to Lord Azure not to reveal the truth to you. Princess Celestia will decide to tell you." Twilight explained sadly, "I'm sorry..."

Ben looks at his mother in an upset matter. Celestia uneasily said, "Ben, now don't give your mother that look."

"Oh, should I even call you "mom"? Or maybe "Princess Celestia"? Or maybe "Backstabber"!" Ben exclaims, hurt and upset. "I am stunned, stunned that I was kept in the dark for this long. And now? You have the gall to tell me right during a crisis!"

"Awkward."Han hissed awkwardly.

"Err, can you give us some alone time, please?" Megan ask the ponies in concern.

The Ponyville ponies decided that it's best to get out of the family feud right now. They head off, murmuring with Crazy Louie saying, "You think the princesses mind me going through their garbage?"

Most of everyone left, leaving the Mane Six, Spike, Nyx, Phobos, Ben, the princesses, Azure, Strikespell, Megan's family, the Princess Ponies, Flash, and Sergeant Fennix behind. Ben groans, "Mother, I understand why you chose to abandoned me. I really do, just to keep me protected and all...but the real reason? You abandoned me all because of a scandal!"

"Ben, you think I didn't feel sorry about that?! I feel terrible that I gave up one of my foals upon foal birth! I betrayed Strikespell when I betrayed Azure! I lost Iris Crystal... I am a terrible mother! And when you came to me on that stormy night... I couldn't bring myself to abandon you again." Celestia explains sadly to her son. "I was hoping to protect you...and love you like I should...."

"Well, you should've told him the truth years ago, Tia!" Jack scolds his love sternly.

"I did it because I care! Besides, I was also hoping you would tell him the truth when he met you!"

"Oh, what? Tell Benny how his mother was the ruler of Equestria all along and how she abandoned him because of a threat of some scandal over some pirate?! Oh yes, that feels so nice, enough that I made a picture of us with him with a magic users' help!"

"I once tried to ask you to give up your pirate life so you can be Ben's father, then it would've been avoided years ago, but you wouldn't do it!"

"Hey, you were me main love all right, but I can't give up me life on the sea, ye know that!" Jack snaps, explaining how leaving the sea is difficult for a pirate like him!

"SHUT UP, SHUT UP THE BOTH OF YOU!" Ben exploded angrily, much to the parents' shock as they look to him. "Have you forgotten that I was kept in the dark all these years?! How my parents never told me that they were once in love and...I was happy that I was adopted and now this?!"

"Ben, I'm sorry, I truly am. We're family, we make mistakes." Celestia explains sadly to her son. "You're my son, my true one..."

"Sometimes...I wish that never came to be."

Ben then sadly begins to trot out, much to the concern of the others. Twilight spoke out, "Ben, I..."

"Not now, Twiley...not now." Ben said gloomy as he leaves the room.

"Twilight? Ben needs time to do some thinking right now." Megan said to Twilight calmly. "This whole revelation has really hit him hard."

"Yes, give him time before you two could talk again." Molly said, nodding in agreement.

"Yes, too much time." Stirkespell said, giving a frown. Seeing Ben acting like that? It is much to be concerned about.

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

Ben sat outside on the ground with Cadance. She is his favorite cousin and the colt needed someone he could trust all the time right now.

Of course, the Cloudsdale Jocks show up, deciding to have some Fun. Dumb-Bell taunts, "So, what's it like dating one of Rainbow 'Crash's' friend? You know, Twilight Sparkle since she is the princess and you're the prince." Ben is silent. "Come on, there's no need to be shy about it. Oh, and a followed up question: how does it feel finding out Celestia is your mother?!"

Ben curtly answers, "There's nothing to know, okay?!" The stallion calms then takes a deep breath. "It's too complicated...because..." The stallion sighs. "It's worst when I once broke up with Twilight."

Cadance, surprised that her cousin did such a thing, ask, "You once broke up with Twilight? When?"

"During Winter Wrap-Up sometime ago."

"But why, Ben?"

Ben groans, "The breakup was temporarily. Twilight and I worked it out."

"Well, what happened between you two?" Cadance ask her cousin, pressing for more information.

"Didn't Shining Armor tell you?"

"Only that there was a disagreement, but other than that, I guess not."

Dumb-Bell starts laughing in disbelief, "Yeah, right. You broke up with the princess once. Like that ever happened." He turns to Hoops and Score. "Hey, Hoops, Score! Ben Mare says he once broke up with Princess Sparkle."

"Sure, he did." Score remarks sarcastically.

Hoops sarcastically remarks, "Yeah, I did too!"

All three start laughing. This is enough to tick Ben off as he yells, "Would you three knock it off?!"

"Don't listen to those three nincompoops, Ben." Cadance said with an annoyed sigh. "They are trolls."

Dumb-Bell stops laughing as he demands, "Excuse me? What did you call us?"

"Well, do I feel sorry for you, Benny-Boy." Hoops said as he puts a hoof around Ben's shoulder.

"Hoops...did you not hear what she called us?!"

"Ben, come on. Let's just go." Cadance groans as the two cousins walk away from the laughing trio.

"Thanks for backing me up there." Ben said with a glum look.

"Anytime. Listen, about your mother..."

"I don't know if I should call her that anymore! I mean, she abandoned me right after I was born! I can't believe that! I thought she loved me, but...she took me back after dad abandoned me to keep me safe! What kind of mother would keep her son in the dark of whom his real mother was when she was her the whole time?! Doesn't my mother love me?!"

"She does, Ben, she does! Family has trouble keeping secrets, but to keep their loved ones safe." Cadance said with a sigh. 

"I was lied to because Celestia abandoned me!" Ben exclaims bitterly to his adopted cousin. "Why?!"

"Your mother loved you, Ben. She regretted being forced to let you go. She loved Equestria, which is why she fears that the threat of being forced to resign and living Equestria in the wrong hoofs or worst. Celestia couldn't risk abandoning you when she took you back..."

"I...I got to go. Do some thinking. Thanks for the talk, Cadance."

Ben trots away sadly with Cadance walking him go. Unknown to the two, Celestia was watching the scene from a balcony of her mothers' room. The Princess Ponies were having tea with Luna, Megan and Molly right now.

"I must be the worst mother in all of Equestira!" Celestia sobs as she comes back in.

"It's okay, Celestia. Things will turn out fine." Princess Sparkle said calmly to her daughter.

"But Tao was right! I should've told the truth earlier on! And now...I lost both my good friend and my son!"

"Granted, we didn't like the fact of you lying to ponies and keeping Ben's truth a secret." Princess Luna said with a nod. "But what you did? You did what Twilight has done, out of love."

"I know...I am fearing what would happened from all this." Celestia said, sitting down near Molly.

"I'm sure it will all work out." Molly said to Celestia in reassuration. "Everything always does, you'll see!"

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

As thousands of scientists were working on creating the Terrorstorm Blaster in their lab, Fluttercruel walked through the hallway in searching for something to bring her boredom down. She hated doing nothing. She rather do something terrifying and painful to her enemies.

"Ah... Fluttershy! There you are! I've been looking everywhere!" The sinister voice called. Fluttercruel snarled as she turned and found Psychopath Joke smiled darkly and sinisterly. Fluttercruel hissed in anger. Psychopath Joke chuckled evilly, "Priceless... Still hate your own name."

Fluttercruel snarled, "My name is Fluttercruel! That name is nothing to me!"

"Sure it is, Shy! It is your name! Everypony should not forget that!" Psychopath Joke joked in amusement, "Even I wouldn't forget mine Mr. Psychopath 'P.J.' Joke the Crazy Clown Prince of Crimes is King of the World!"

"Get to the point, clown!"

"Fine, Ms. Party Popper. Dr. Guildenstern needed us for important mission."

Fluttercruel sighed in annoyance, "This better worth my time. I hate waiting and especially delivering the errands to the likes of you."

"Now... now... my dear," Xiao Fung said calmly as he emerged in spiritual form, "Be patient. It could be fun. We might have the chance to torture on poor souls for good."

Fluttercruel chuckled evilly, "Now you're speaking my language."

Psychopath Joke smirked darkly, "Good... Follow me..."

Fluttercruel followed Psychopath Joke to find Guildenstern within the meeting chamber where both Shadow Dragon, Guildenstern and Spiritshadow were waiting.

"Ah good... Everyone is in the room," Guildenstern said sinisterly, "Now we can begin the plan..."

"What plan would that be?" Psychopath Joke asked curiously.

Guildenstern smirked, "The Demise of a Great Heroine..."

Everyone in the chamber smirked darkly and evilly as they all were looking forward to this. They will put the end to their enemies for good...

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

Ben was alone sitting on the crystal stones. He remained upset and raged that he was kept in the dark. He always wondered who was his parents and why they weren't there for him. He was told by his adopted family's friends that they were killed during his birth. But all the times, it was a lie from the start. He couldn't believe that his parents were alive - his father was a pirate Captain Jack Silver and his mother was Princess Celestia. And they lied to him...

It pained him so much. He wanted to believe in them but his heart ached painfully to do it. It was too much...

Ben heard some hoofsteps. He turned and found both Flash Sentry and Private Ben Carmine approaching them. He sighed as he looked away from them both.

"You okay?" Flash asked in concern.

"No, Flash! I'm not okay!" Ben snapped in annoyance. Both Flash and Carmine remained silent for the moment. He sighed, "No wonder my mother's other version and even Shadow Dragon's Good Version asked me about my blood..."

Carmine hummed in concern, "What do you mean, your highness?"

"Don't call me that," Ben snapped calmly, "And about that... It happened when we were at the Power Master's Equestria Version in finding and getting my Cutie Mark back from Claudius."

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

Flashback:

As Twilight and her friends (Mane Five, Nyx and Spike) followed both Lieutenant Flash Sentry, Sunset Shimmer and Private Ben Carmine out of Royal Throne Chamber, Ben was about to follow them. Their discussion is complete.

Princess Celestia (PM) turned and looked at Princess Luna (PM), Azure Phoenix (PM) and Strikepell (PM). They all nodded their heads in agreement.

"Benjamin..." Princess Celestia (PM) called. Ben turned and looked at her. She asked, "Tell me... Did your adopted mother truly adopted you?"

"Huh? What do you mean?" Ben asked in concern.

"Did your mother have told you about your 'mother'?"

"No... She told me that when I'm older, she will tell me."

"Really? Funny to hear that," Strikespell (PM) remarked, "You are now stallion and yet you have no right to ask about your 'mother' from your 'mother'?"

Ben groaned, "What are you implying?"

"Ben..." Princess Celestia (PM) spoke sternly. Ben remained silent. She continued, "Forgive him. He didn't mean it. What we're trying to say is that your adopted mother haven't told you anything?"

Ben sighed, "No. But I was Pinkie Promised with Flare Tiger that I will wait until my mom agreed to tell me. I don't know when she will tell me. For some reason, she scared about telling it to me."

Princess Celestia (PM) sighed, "Whatever the reason was, I'm sure she was trying to protect you. Whatever happen, do not be rash or angered of it."

"Whatever that was, I won't." Ben smiled happily. He bowed down, "Thanks for giving me the advice."

Ben then turned and left the chamber at once.

Princess Luna (PM) sighed, "You should have told Ben the truth about his origin and the blood. That could have avoid some catastrophe."

Azure Phoenix (PM) nodded, "I sense grave and terrible fates awaited for Ben to face. And he would and may betray them, instead of forgiving and helping them."

"I know..." Princess Celestia (PM) nodded, "But sometimes, it is not always the terrible fate. I believe that my father's version has stored something important for him to use. I know him well, even though my father is just the ancestor to my other version. He always prepared something for the future, just like what happen today."

Azure Phoenix (PM) sighed, "I hope you are right. I prayed that Iris Crystal will be there to help and guide Ben at all cost. Just like how our daughter did for Shadow Dragon."

"Let us hope so..." Princess Celestia agreed.

Flashback Ends

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