//------------------------------// // Chapter 13 (Ever wonder what they were thinking? Part one) // Story: The Second Year; Gravidity // by TwilightsmyMare //------------------------------// "Daaad!" I sighed massaging my temples for a moment. "Angel..." "It's not fair! How come you and mom get to go to the Crystal Empire again and I have to stay here?" "You've got school still, Magnum and Pearl said you could stay with them again, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom will still be here. It's only for a short while..." "But... But... How come Star gets to go then?" I sighed again, despite her tantrum or maybe even because of it she was so adorable glaring up at me stomping her little hooves, it was all I could do to keep from hugging her. "Star doesn't even start preschool until next year..." "Okay... But you said it's only a short while, I wouldn't miss much at school! I could make it up easy, please, please, pleasepleaseplease!!!" She begged staring up at me with her big purple eyes wings beating hopefully. She did have a point... She wasn't the best student to be sure but I doubted missing a few days would hurt any, and there were so many things I wanted to show her... "Well..." Her face lit up with excitement and hope quickly dashed by a voice from the door. "Just a minute there mister push over, you young filly aren't doing so well you can afford to miss anything. The Wonderbolts aren't likely to accept any prospects who flunked out of school." Twilight stated getting home with Star riding on her back. "Aww..." She turned back to look up at me hopefully. I ruffled her mane smiling to her. "She's right Angel, we won't be gone long." She hung her head her ears drooping breaking my heart, I knelt down pulling her close. "I know we promised to take you there and we will I swear, it's just bad timing right now. You know I wouldn't lie to you right?" "Yeah..." She hugged me back with a small smile. "Love you." She zipped off to share a hug with Twi. "Love you. Come on Star lets play!" "Play! Play Ootaloo!" She jumped off her mothers back onto Scootaloo the two of them wrestling a moment before they were off chasing each other around the house. I got up coming over to give Twi a kiss taking the grocery bags from her into the kitchen as she followed me in. Why do I always have to be the bad guy Rick? She sighed. I smiled wryly nodding my head. I know... I’m sorry I just can’t say no to them… I tried really it's just hard... I know, but we just can't give them everything on a silver platter, you don't want them to turn into a spoiled pair of brats do you? I seem to recall you weren't so fond of Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon... They've gotten a lot better! But I know what you’re saying... And I know it can't be easy always having to be the one who says no... I'm sorry, I'll try harder I promise. She stood up leaning against my back her head over my shoulder. That’s all I'm asking... I turned around holding her close kissing her fiercely. "I'm not sure but I think this counts as a fight, how about a little making up?" I grinned kissing and nibbling her neck making her gasp. "Rick! Not now... Later tonight..." She giggled. Since the re-emergence of the Crystal Empire and its strengthened ties with Equestria many things changed for both of them goods from each country passed back and forth enriching both. The Equestria games a once every four year occurrence normally only held in one of Equestria’s larger cities and even once in the capital city of the Griffin Empire, this year the Crystal Empire joined the considerations and it would be a tremendous boom for their just re-established economy not to mention showcasing the Empire to every visitor who came for the games hopefully promoting an influx of new residents and businesses. Cadence and Armor had sent a request for Twilight and I as well as Pinkie, Rarity, Fluttershy, Applejack and Dash to come and see them and if we were willing assist in the preparations welcoming and showing off the Empire to the inspector for the games. Everyone was more then willing even Dash again being given permission to go. I felt bad for my little Angel but I had an idea how to make it up to her, if the Empire was chosen for the games and I thought it would be for its location alone! We would make a special trip here the four of us to see the games. And if they didn't... Well we'd still make the trip regardless. The day before our departure I made sure to check the border thoroughly recharging each stone as I went, normal animal traffic all seemed well then I headed to the schoolhouse making it a bit before the bell, I waited until the doors burst open school fillies and colts racing home or out to play. "Dad!" A warm bundle of fur and feathers flew into my arms letting me hug her a moment before remembering where she was pulling away with a little blush embarrassed. "How was school?" "It was ok... You'll bring me a souvenir won't you?" "Of course, don't worry you'll have plenty to keep you busy. Pan will be with you and you'll stop by to check up on Owlicious right?" "He doesn't need me for anything..." The two of them never really bonded not that they didn't get along but he was a very independent owl. "Maybe not, but you'll still check right?" "Yeah..." "Is Opal staying with you and your parents Sweetie Belle?" "She sure is she gets along well with mom thankfully!” "Great..." Scootaloo moaned. "Um... Dad?" "What’s up Angel?" "I was thinking..." "It was my idea!" Apple Bloom broke in. "No it was mine!" Sweetie Belle contended. "What idea?' "Well... I thought... We thought maybe I could stay home rather then at Sweetie Belles..." "Angel..." "And then I thought I could come over and stay too! Too help look after the house you know?" "Sweetie Belle I appreciate..." "An it's only a couplea days so ah thought I could help too!" "That’s a... Unique idea girls but it's a big responsibility and you’re all still quite young..." "My mom and dad were ok with it! They said I should take Opal with me too! Something about learning responsibility..." "I..." "Me too! Applejack an Granny thought it was a great idea, they said ah could take Winona ta keep us company an fer security!" I looked down at the three fillies still not convinced this was a good idea. All three beamed up at me their cutest and most innocent smiles and I crumbled... "Well..." It must have shown as all three hopped up into my arms knocking me over. "Yayy!" "Now just a second, I'll talk to your mom about it ok? That’s not a for sure." "Ok!" I was a bit surprised that Twilight was ok with this plan. "It's only for a few days Rick, Scootaloo is pretty responsible already but it never hurts to learn a bit more. Now that’s an idea..." She smiled slyly. "What?" "If Winona and Opal are going to be staying here anyhow perhaps Tank, Angel bunny and Gummy should stay as well? We know they all get along but we also know how crazy things can get, it should challenge the girls nicely don't you think?" "You little vixen..." I kissed her softly. "But what about when their at school?" "Hmm... Most of them will be sleeping but a few trips to show and tell might be in order..." She giggled. "Sounds like a plan... Are you sure though? I'm not saying they can't do it but..." "They'll be fine, worrywart." She kissed me softly with a smile. "I love how protective you are of her and all the Crusaders, adorable..." She giggled climbing atop me on the couch and cuddling close. "I'm a big softie I know..." "Well, unless one of them got hurt then I think you'd stop at nothing..." "True, but that won't happen. Anyhow, we better critter proof the library a bit again don't you think?" "Definitely! Ooh!" She shivered as something white crawled up her back to her neck poking his little head thru her mane sniffing. "Hello Pan." I reached over to scratch behind his ears. "You'll be having lots of company for the next few days buddy." Scootaloo had brought him on a few pony pet play dates so he was well acquainted with the others, he and Winona got along famously, Opal... Not so much, he was fascinated by Gummy sniffing him often as if unsure just what he was. Tank was slow and he was fast but still they were often found together heads side by side as they were talking about something... And Angel bunny... Him I thought we were going to have a problem with but I guess they both lived together at Fluttershy’s before and Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom all loved him so it seemed that was good enough for him. We moved a few of the more valuable and old tomes into the study downstairs locking that door and making sure the rest of our home was more animal friendly not to mention three energetic young fillies! Magnum and Pearl as well as Big Mac and Inkie promised to look in on them occasionally just to be careful taking a load off my mind. We were leaving fairly early in the morning so we all turned in early tucking our little Angel in (with Pan) snuggling down in our bed Star between us, she was getting a little better at sleeping in her crib she had slept two whole nights and more then a few partial ones even once or twice with her sister. I loved having them both with me gently rubbing Twi's neck and Stars chest as the three of us slipped off... He was awake instantly, there had been a creak up above and he had learned that meant someone was getting up. He sniffed around nuzzling his one, his best friend and companion. She who fed him, played with him, loved him... There had been another before, Fluttershy he still missed her sometimes... Her kindness and loving nature, truly she had been as a mother to him so alike and yet so unlike his one now. She was brash and impulsive yet still kind and loving. He knew she was special when he first met her, her scent and voice but more so he could just feel it... There was no sound of hooves descending the stairs so it must be the strange one; he'd never smelled anything like him. But he and his one had a bond of love and that was more then good enough for him, plus he was always good for a scratch and a treat. He nuzzled her again giving her a lick before hopping down off the bed navigating his way through his new home there were scents everywhere, the tree itself the feathered one, in a different place an enemy but here a friend, his one, the little one so curious and loving, the one who smelled of papers, ink and the others and lastly the strange one, his family... He knew his new home by scent, feeling and sound and it didn't take long to make it to the kitchen, the strange one was making the bubbling liquid his mate enjoyed every morning, it smelled pretty good but from his one stolen taste and scalded tongue it was far too hot to enjoy he couldn't understand how she did it. "Gowd murhfge Pan." (Good morning Pan.) He perked his ears up not really understanding their language, sometimes he had an idea what they were talking about, good, bad but mostly he couldn't understand. Fluttershy could communicate with him but not any of the others, well one word he knew well... Pan... His name... Given name, but he accepted it. He hopped up giving his usual greeting. "Dook, dook, dook?!" (Good morning, glad to smell you, can I have a treat?!) The strange one lifted him up carefully sitting down and putting him in his lap stroking him and scratching behind his ears gently putting a slice of apple in front of him which he eagerly grabbed in his paws and munched on enjoying his scritches. The strange one talked some more while he finished his snack setting him down with one last pat as he started making some sort of food on the big hot thing. He sniffed hoping for a little more but with nothing forthcoming his mind wandered back to his one, time to wake up and play! He scrambled off eliciting a chuckle from the strange one as his claws scrabbled on the floor until he got purchased and beelined for her room. He hopped up the convenient steps she had put by her bed for him, she was still asleep. She was a good sleeper, not quite as good as him but still pretty good. "Dook, dook?" (Wake up, time to play?) He nuzzled against her squirming up between her forelegs resting a moment listening to her heartbeat, his favourite place to be... He was different then other ferrets that much he knew, smarter, more aware... Sometimes he wished he wasn't... He knew the ponies lived long lives and he might not even outlive his ones childhood... He sniffed her again wiggling a little higher to lick her nose; he'd be there for her as long as he could, as long as she needed him. That alone made it all worthwhile... He licked her again eliciting a small giggle. "Pan..." Her eyes opened and she squeezed him gently nuzzling him as he licked her happily. "Lhgw gk gjc suem bwhacseca Pan." (Let's go get some breakfast Pan.) He couldn't understand her but it didn't matter, she got up and he hopped on her back. She was his one and wherever she went so would he... She woke up with a yawn and luxurious stretch, silk really does make the most comfortable of beds she thought. She heard the clip-clop of hooves approaching; her pet must finally be done in the water room. She spent an appalling amount of time in there everyday primping, preening and soaking in hot water of all things! Oh well she supposed she could forgive her, not everyone could have as much natural beauty as me. "Opalescence! Mf nkd dkcsj!" She cried out. (Opalescence! My new dress!) She let her chatter on a bit, it was important to pretend to pay attention to your pets concerns. So she listened a bit as she washed herself. That was enough, she strode past her pet and down the stairs to the kitchen glancing behind her she was pleased to see she was following obediently. She sat down in front of her bowls. "Meow?" (Food now?) "Oh Opal... Wndu ah I gehnd tk da whfb yne?" (Oh Opal... What am I going to do with you?) She sighed picking up the two bowls with her floatie powers bringing them back moments later one with her favourite food and the other with crisp clear water. She was about to eat but stopped, she supposed she should show some gratitude. She walked over rubbing against her pet’s leg favouring her with a small "Purr..." (Your mine and I'm glad.) She went back and started eating as an immaculately polished hoof rubbed her back gently. This was the life... It had taken a lot of work and training but she finally had her just the way she wanted her, it hadn’t been easy at first meals at odd times, substandard toys and the like. More then once she was forced to show her... Displeasure. Even now there was the occasional lapse and with her interaction with the others of her kind and the little one... At first she had hounded her relentlessly chasing her, pulling her tail, her whiskers the gall! She was forced to give her a scathing hiss and several hard smacks with her paw. No claws though, as irritating as she may have been her and her per were family that much she could easily tell. And she had learned her lesson, she finished her meal savouring the last few bites and the pleasant back rub she was receiving before taking a few laps of water then wandering over to her large downstairs bed that sat in the gathering room, it smelled of her pet and it always comforted her. She got comfortable letting her pet play with her toys, fabric and ribbon, shiny rocks and thread. Yes, life was good... They were going away, he knew the signs. Packing their bags, less time spent on reading and research, things for the baby gathered... He watched it all from above but he wasn't concerned, they had left before and doubtlessly they would again in the future they always came back. He counted himself lucky, that one fateful night, that one moment he saw a piece of parchment fly by driven by the wind not the first time but the cry he heard from within the tree home it came from is what got his attention. He took wing and snagged it returning through the window it likely came from. The creature within was surprised and grateful, he'd lived near them for some time and had picked up a fair deal of their language so when she offered to let him stay he was happy to keep her company within the warm tree. He made himself useful and she asked him if he'd like to stay, it was surprising most of the four legs just ignored him but as her companion he got far more attention, he didn't mind at all. There was a bit of conflict to start with, her small lizard got a bit jealous even going so far as to run away into the forest! Together they saved him bringing him home and after that they all got along fine. Then came the other one, a strange two legged creature the likes of which he'd never seen before, other then a formal introduction they hadn't spent much time together but he watched him carefully. He only seemed to have eyes for his companion the attraction between the two of them was clear yet they seemed oblivious to it... Time passed and they grew closer and closer but still seemed to be denying in, he was almost ready to take matters into his own talons when they left one morning and didn't return for more then a week but when they did everything had changed... They were bonded then and to this day in ways he couldn't fully comprehend but they were happy and that was good enough for him. Soon after came the little four legs but with wings too, he quite enjoyed watching her as she learned to use her wings and once she had they spent many an hour together flying. And then a short while ago came the tiny one, a true extension of his companion and her mate already he could see some of the best quality’s of both in her. And then there was Pan, the latest addition to the family. Out in the wild he either would have been a competitor or possibly even prey but here they could interact and had a few conversations. He wondered what excitement this trip might bring... Morning! He stuck his head and legs out of his home and stretched slowly looking around at Fluttershy's home, it was still early but he knew she would be up soon. Some of her other friends were up as well a few flyers and tree climbers, he nodded to them and slowly made his way to his food and water dish's stopping a moment to look at the symbol emblazoned on the side of them the very same as on the flank of his 'owner'... Fluttershy always made sure to show her distaste at any animal referred to as property, he understood her feelings he'd known her a long time ever since she'd fallen from the clouds above and decided to make her home down below a few years later. He's enjoyed living with her immensely but she had so many, who depended on her, he wanted... A friend, companion, someone who needed him and vice versa... And amazingly that chance finally came when Fluttershy’s friend was seeking a pet of her own and somehow she convinced her to let him try! He was surprised; this four hoof with her two beautiful wings was brash, bold and so amazingly fast! Pretty much his exact opposite but somehow he felt they had a connection... It wasn't easy, he was in a contest for her affection with others who arguably were far better suited to being her pet. Failure after failure he suffered but he didn't let that deter him, it simply wasn't in his nature. He tried his best but things seemed bleak... Fate however, has ways of making things work out. He saved her... Well; he wasn’t so sure about that. He know her friends would have come for her soon after the others had finished the race but he wanted to help her so he did, he didn't expect any special treatment in fact he was sure he'd lost the race altogether but he just did it. He still wasn't sure how but that moment... Something changed, she accepted him as he was, choose him over the others, made changes in her life for him! She got one of her friends to make a strange device that strapped to him enabled him to fly! She even moved her home aligning her bottom floor with a nearby small mountain creating a flat area to be her ground floor so he wouldn't fall through. They did all kinds of things together flying, swimming, she'd read to him and even though he didn't understand her he cherished it, he wasn't ashamed to admit he loved her... He sighed and took a mouthful of food, but they were separated... Fluttershy tried to explain it to him and while some of things she told him he couldn't understand he knew what she meant. It was clear it was something so important to her therefore it was to him as well. He would wait, he had time... Her legs twitched as she dreamed, chase and be chased, howl at the moon, the golden goddess... Her golden goddess... "Winona!" Her eyes flew open and she jumped to her paws ears cocked sniffing the air as she located her goddess's call then she was off like the wind, nearly everyday she got to assist her golden goddess. Round up the woollies, keep the big milkers in line, chasing off the hoppers, climbers and flyers. Anything that threatened the goddesses round shinys, they were tasty and she was allowed to have them sometimes not as good as her food but good and the goddess loved them so she would protect them with her life! Not everyday was busy though, sometimes just a long walk, lots to see and smell friendly hoovers all over and lots of attention, she loved it but her goddesses favour was all she needed. She passed by the goddess in training's room she loved her too, so much like her goddess but still so different. Big red, she remembered being so intimidated by him his size and how quiet he was but once she'd spent some time with him she grew to love him too. Always time for a friendly scratch or to play the get the stick game no matter how tired he was after a long day. And his new mate, she was so nice and good to him and everyone in the family. And the matriarch, all her life she'd been in awe of her. It was she who first brought her to her goddess, all the others in the family listened to her obeying her every command not out of fear or training she realized but love... She ran up to her goddess jumping on her, licking her absorbing her love and affection and giving all she had in return until those magic words. "A'hnsge Winona tjve tk work!" (A'right Winona time to work!) She snapped to attention ready and willing for another day, any day, every day for the rest of her life happily following her golden goddess wherever she may lead... Morning... Another day, another chance. He'd been stuck in this eternal battle for as long as he could remember. With his superior mind he should have been able to easily outwit her, bend her to his will... This... Pink menace, this... Pony. Every attempt thwarted and for all he could tell unintentionally! She had strange abilities, a rapport with every pony in town, that’s why he chose her with her strange powers and his brains he could rule this town and one day... The world! But first some breakfast, he rolled off his comfy heated rock, when he ruled every home would be required to have one! Right, breakfast... He ambled on over to his bowl, ahh delicious pellets food of the gods. He mashed them up crushing them in his powerful jaws enjoying each crack when he was suddenly grabbed from behind in a sneak attack! Spun around and around until abruptly stopped face to face with his erstwhile 'partner'. "Ghhe mherahe Gummy!" (Good morning Gummy!) Gummy... Bah, a silly moniker but... well he supposed it really didn't matter if that’s what she wanted to call him as long as she used her powers for his benefit... But she didn't! Plan after elaborate plan foiled by her air headedness, her complete obliviousness and her other close pony friends... He played the fool and played it well, he was sure none of them had any inkling that the alligator with the blank thousand yard stare plotted the subjugation of them all! "Wjst slfkn wf dh thvek Gummy?" (What shall we do today Gummy?) He sighed as she swept him up hanging on for dear life as she galloped downstairs to converse with her patrons and play with their little infants... Admittedly they were very cute and showed the proper respect never pulling his tail or poking him though the constant humiliating cuddles he might do without... The rest of the day despite his best attempts to influence her were a whirlwind of packing, unpacking, trying on different clothes and even gathering up his own things. What could she be planning...? Eventually he just gave up; sometimes she just couldn't be persuaded. Oh well, it wasn't the first time and it certainly wouldn't be the last. It was her tenacity and go-to spirit that drew him to her in the first place, that’s why he loved... Loathed, loathed her... Yes... The end of a long day and she collapsed onto her big fluffy bed still entrapping him held tight to her warm soft chest, he sighed resigned to his fate snuggled against her. It wasn't so bad, not quite as good as a hot rock but it'd do... He yawned feeling warm and cozy, another day, another failure... Well there’s always tomorrow... "Good morning Angel, I made you some breakfast..." He popped his eyes open smiling despite himself at the pony looking down at him, his pony Fluttershy. He held the honour out of all her animal friends to be closest to her. An honour he didn't lord over the rest... Well, maybe a little... He hopped up and they rubbed noses then she extended one of her wings letting him climb up, their morning ritual. He was always careful to keep how much he care about her under wraps, it wasn't that he didn't love her far from it but as long as everyone thought he was just a pain in the butt they'd never guess what he was really up to... He knew how they saw him, a freeloading bunny who was a bit of a jerk too... Well he could live with that reputation as long as he could help her. Ever since he was a baby when she had saved him and his family, they had been on the brink of starvation the area they'd been living in couldn't support them anymore but they were too many and too weak to move to a new home... Like an angel from above she came flying by and seeing their sorry state stopped sharing food she had bought for herself! Even more amazing was the fact that they could understand her and she them! Before too long she had them moved to nice meadow out of town but close enough she could come visit. One day he really wanted to see her so he snuck into town thinking she lived there and he found her but what he saw surprised him, the other ponies scared her, ignored her and just plain took advantage of her! He wanted to help but he didn't know what he could do... He followed her home sneaking in behind her before she closed the door, he needed to be near her and somehow he knew weather she knew it or not she needed him. When she collapsed crying he couldn't help but hop over to comfort her, she was surprised but grateful, he stayed that night and they talked for hours though he was careful to steer clear of any conversation that would upset her. It seemed just having someone to talk to was making her feel better, he already knew he wanted to help her and made up his mind then and there to stay to do just that. He knew his family wouldn't miss him they were... Well, ordinary. He never really fit in with them he was too different, and so it went years passed and he grew up she remained very reclusive but liked to think she was opening up very slowly with his help and encouragement. But one day things changed, she came home and told him about how she'd met a new pony and she had a baby dragon! Despite her hermit like existence her rapport with the animals and birds was often needed by the townsfolk and farmers nearby to gently encourage them to keep away from flowerbeds, seedlings and crops as well her songbird choir was often sought out for weddings and special occasions so she couldn't avoid all contact with other ponies which he was glad of. The next day she went to the Summer Sun Celebration her choir requested naturally but she didn't come home the next morning! Or the afternoon, nor that evening! He was becoming frantic with worry but the next morning she finally came back but again something had changed... She spun a tale of a returned Princess, lost elements and a new even closer bond with her four friends as well as a connection with her new one. She was so vibrant, excited and animated he was happy to see it. She backslid a bit after but he hoped with her friends and his help she wouldn't hide any more, and sure enough she came out of her shell bit by bit... well crawled out might be more accurate, he was there with her ups and downs sometimes he had to give her some tough love... He thought... Well he hoped somewhere deep down she knew what he was doing, every time he made her stand up to him, admonish him it made her stronger... He started this journey just to repay her for saving him and his family but as time went on he realized as much as she might need him he needed her more. So he'd stay with her as long as he could just a pain in the butt bunny who loved an amazing yellow pony...