The First Spark

Back in the little house, Golden was staring at her parents.

"Daddy thought Mommy was pretty!"

Ember Heart smiled.

"Very pretty."

Golden turned toward her mother.

"And Mommy thought Daddy was pretty?"

Her mother giggled.

"Well ..."

Ember Heart looked hopeful.

"Yes?"

She smiled mischievously.

"I thought he was a very handsome Kirin."

Ember Heart beamed.

"See?"

"But also a little silly."

Golden burst into laughter.

"DADDY!"

Ember Heart sighed.

"I walked straight into that one."

Her mother leaned over and kissed his cheek.

"But he was very kind."

Ember Heart's expression softened.

"And your mother helped me find my way out of the forest."

Golden smiled.

"Because Mommy can see in the dark!"

Her mother nodded.

"That's right. Bat ponies have excellent night vision."

Golden puffed out her chest.

"ME TOO!"

Ember Heart smiled proudly.

"Yes, my little phoenix. You inherited that from your mother."

Golden spread her tiny wings.

"And these!"

Her mother kissed her forehead.

"And those."