SkunkyArt | MiaMaha — MLP

Raised by a researcher mother and a gem-hunting father, both fields influenced Astral at a young age. While he loved science kits and learning from Sunset, he would eagerly await his father’s returns from his expeditions to see the beautiful gems he had collected. Valiant would always bring one gem back for his son’s keeping.

Astral was especially fascinated by gems. In time he aspired to become a researcher like his mother, to better understand gem properties. It’s likely the idea of studying the magical properties of gems was partially prompted by Maud Pie, the one pony young Astral could geek out and thoroughly discuss gems with.

With his uncommon interests, young Astral had a harder time connecting with his pony peers. Sunset noticed her son’s struggle to create close friendships and thus she and human Twilight had the idea to plan a playdate for their kids, both children having unique interests. This led Astral to meeting his childhood best friend, Terra Rosa.

After that, Sunset always brought Astral along with her during her visits to the humanverse. Astral adapted rather well, and though Terra had a much more energetic personality, the two happily bonded over science and their individual hobbies.

Ironically enough, when pre-teen Astral met Princess Twilight’s young son Nova Spark, the two could not get along and ended up with a sour relationship, one that simply worsened over time. Due to their mothers being best friends, the two begrudgingly put up with one another, though that did not stop them from bickering or exchanging snarky remarks in passing.

Reminiscing on her Canterlot High days, Sunset had the idea (after having it approved by Princess Twilight) to have Astral enroll at her old high school, where he’d get to attend with Terra Rosa and hopefully branch out and better learn the “magic of friendship” where it had reached her. These were Astral’s fondest days; simple studies, seeing his best friend almost every day, and freely traveling back and forth between worlds.

Fond of Astral and admiring his passion, Princess Twilight happily gifted the newly graduated stallion a lab of his own within her castle. Due to having too many empty rooms in her castle - and seeing as Astral had been following and helping with her and Sunset’s research and experiments over the years anyway - she believed it was the least she could do.

Astral has a bad habit of staying up late and outright pulling all-nighters in the name of science. No matter how many times Sunset scolds him, the habit is rather engraved, worsening in his adult years. Sunset has somewhat given up on nagging her son, providing caffeinated drinks during nights when he’s especially focused on a project.

He would never admit it, but Astral is envious of unicorns and their ability to freely use magic. As a researcher who studies the magical potential of gems, one can imagine the frustration of needing to seek the help of his mother whenever he has to perform magical tests. Sunset, though, is always happy to assist.

Overall Astral is reserved and aloof. He can be pretty moody (and loopy) during days of little sleep to the point of talking to himself as well as inanimate objects in his lab. While he enjoys long walks and fresh air during his down time, he seems to avoid most social interaction with anyone outside of his own family. Most conversations (especially idle chatter) he tries to cut short. Any pressure put on him to socially engage annoys him quite quickly and brings out his moodier side.

His scarf is his prized possession. Don't touch it. Don't even stare at it for too long.