//------------------------------// // Here Comes The....Baby? // Story: An Imperfect Paradise // by Ximer //------------------------------// I looked in the mirror to see a well-dressed pegasus staring back at me. He looked nervous about something, a fear of the unknown, but beneath that fear was a glimmer of hope in his eyes. It was as if he knew the fear would fade away soon, perhaps to return again, but it would never again control him like it once had. “Ready for your funeral?” I heard Timber ask. I was glad to have reconnected with the earth pony after the spell accident. He had been a good friend, one of many that I had made as my new life in Equestria unfolded before me. Each day bringing new experiences that I had missed out on, or were an impossibility with my old life from Earth. “Yeah, last few minutes of freedom,” I laughed. “Has Discord shown up yet?” “No sign of him, are you sure you can trust him?” Timber asked with a nod of his head for me to follow him. “He’ll show up, he said something about finding the suit Fluttershy made him get fitted for distasteful.” I replied. “How is a standard black suit distasteful for a regular wedding?” Timber asked as we walked down the main hallway of the large church in Canterlot. “If it made sense it wouldn’t be Discord.” I shrugged before pushing on the door that led to the sanctuary. I never expected to see so many ponies show up; putting the attendance of my wedding on Earth to shame. A few were friends I had made from races and their family. Applejack had warned me how extensive her family was, but I had never imagined how large it truly was. The list went on and on of ponies I had met and befriended, some of whom knew me better as a human than a pegasus. A loud popping sound quickly drew me out of my entranced state. The scent of spearmint gum, mixed with oranges accompanied the sudden noise. Such a mixture could only be brought about by one being. “Did I miss much?” Discord asked nonchalantly. “Not really, we’ve still got some time before we start,” I replied. “I see you made some adjustments.” Discord’s suit had originally been black, to match the others. That was no longer the case. It was now green with red and brown zigzag patterns stitched into it in different locations. This rather bold leap to a sudden extreme of colors and design was what one would expect from him. “I felt ponies needed to know who your best stallion was. I wouldn’t want to disappoint them now, would I?” Discord asked giving me a toothy grin. --- Cloudchaser fidgeted impatiently as Rarity made a few last minute adjustments to her dress. Scootaloo was busy talking with Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom. The little filly’s wings had been getting stronger and Cloudchaser credited it to having a real family to call her own now. In a few minutes, they would be one on paper, to match the bond the three-no, four of them shared already. To think, all of this started with an accident. Here I am now. Cloudchaser smiled. “I have to admit sis, I didn’t think you would beat me to it.” Flitter said admiring her sister. “Flitter, you’ll find somepony, I promise. I bet Whitefire will be here.” Cloudchaser smirked. “H-he wouldn’t want some boring pony like me…” Flitter blushed. “Mister stone statue that rarely speaks to anypony at all wouldn’t find a mare that actually interacts with him interesting? I think you’re selling yourself short.” Cloudchaser said. “Heh, maybe.” Flitter’s muzzle turned a darker shade of red than before. “Hold still dear, I’m almost finished.” Rarity said as she started to put the finishing touches on her mane. This had been the one day that she had willingly walked out of the house without fixing her mane up in its trademark style. She hoped Daniel would enjoy the look today, since this would probably be the last time she would ever leave it down, willingly that is. A knock came from the door, breaking Rarity’s concentration long enough to leave a strand of Cloudchaser’s mane untucked beneath the veiled tiara. The one responsible for the disturbance was an older looking stallion, with a foggy blue coat, and faded mane. It was obvious that the years had left their mark on his form. “There’s my two girls,” The stallion said giving both Flitter and Cloudchaser a brief hug before turning to Scootaloo to hug her as well. “And my favorite granddaughter.” Breezebuster was the proud father of Flitter and Cloudchaser. He had done his best with his wife to raise them up with solid morals and was a bit surprised, but pleased, when he found out that Cloudchaser had bonded with a decent stallion. He was even more surprised when he saw a little orange filly step out from behind the pair when they came to visit together for the first time. “I wish your mother was here to see this, I know she’d be proud of how far both of you have come.” Breezebuster said. “Thanks dad.” the twins said in unison. “I can still remember when you were trying to race against our next door neighbor’s filly…I feel like I’m losing a part of you.” Breezebuster commented as he turned to look Cloudchaser over. “You’re not losing me, I promise,” Cloudchaser said hugging her father tightly. “And that filly you knew is still here, just a bit bigger now.” “Heh, you know if this fellow mistreats you, I’m not afraid to go to jail.” her father laughed. “I’ll be fine, I promise.” Cloudchaser said, giving her father a brief nuzzle. “I know...” Breezebuster sniffled before relinquishing his daughter. “Well, we’d best get a move on. Wouldn’t want to hold up the show now would we?” --- “Ah the last moments of freedom…not too late to run. Just say the word ol’ chum, anywhere in the world, and poof, gone.” Discord offered. “Discord, I’m not going to leave her behind. It’s not in me in now, nor will it ever be.” I replied. “Well, you can’t say I never offered.” Discord shrugged. No sooner had Discord finished, the music shifted, causing all present to turn their attention to the two open doors at the back of the sanctuary. The first two to come down the aisle were Scootaloo and Diamond Tiara. I was glad to see that the two had remained friends even after the racing season had come to a brief close. The two fillies started to distribute rose petals down the main aisle, standing off to the side of the bride’s maids, with Flitter being the maid of honor. It was an almost perfect setting, but there was still one pony missing to make things complete. Another change in the music assured me that wouldn’t be an issue for much longer. All of the guest stood as the familiar Bridal Chorus began to play, announcing the approach of the one I had been waiting for. Slowly, Cloudchaser walked beside her father in a beautiful white dress. I had seen her spruced up numerous times before, but today she was absolutely breath taking, even the strand of her mane that was free from her tiara was perfect. Upon reaching the alter, Luna stepped forward. She had agreed to be the one to wed us, under the condition of a few games of chess, which turned into a few more….which ended up being a night away from home. The mare really liked chess….on an unhealthy level. “Who gives this mare to be bonded with this stallion?” Luna asked. “I do,” Breezebuster replied before looking at me. “And he had better take care of her.” His warning earned a few laughs from those present. I smiled, trying not to seem intimidated by the older stallion, but it was hard not to be. Cloudchaser’s father was tender hearted, but he could instill the fear of God into anypony that upset him. Cloudchaser walked up the rest of the steps and stood across from me, her eyes bright with hope and love. They were the same eyes I saw each morning now, the vibrant light within them captivating me each and every day. “Even before the founding of Equestria, ponies have always been tied to the mysterious, unknown power of fate. It is sometimes so subtle that we discount it as luck, other times so noticeable that we can't help but stop and give thanks, as it plays a part in our lives often teaching us valuable lessons; leading us through trials, and as is the case today, leading two souls together to find love.” Luna said looking at both of us. “We’re gathered here today to bear witness to the union of these two pegasi who have professed their love for one another, and now wish to do so publically. If there is one present who feels this process should not continue, speak now, or forever hold your peace.” Luna’s tone was almost cautionary as she studied those gathered behind us, as if daring somepony to so much as raise their hoof. “Very well then, Daniel,” Luna turned to address me. “Do you take Cloudchaser to be your lawfully wedded wife?” “I do.” I replied happily. “Cloudchaser,” Luna said turning to the bride. “Do you take Daniel to be your lawfully wedded husband?” “Absolutely.” Cloudchaser replied. “THEN LET-I mean, then let us move onto the exchanging of primaries.” Luna’s voice had caused a bit of a stir, the moment getting the better of her. “Daniel, will you present your primary feather, and repeat after me please?” Luna asked. I nodded and unfurled my left wing, ready to pluck the feather that I had already picked out. I had steeled myself for the brief jolt of pain I would feel when I pulled it out of place, but was completely unprepared for the antics of my best stallion. “Pfft, you call that a worthy primary feather?” Discord asked, causing me to stop long enough for him to pull a much larger feather from my wing, making my eyes water. “Now this is a feather!” I heard a mix of laughs, gasps, and one exasperated sigh from Twilight. The pain was almost enough to make me break down, in relation to size of the feather Discord had removed. I recovered as best as I could, pushing revenge ideas out of my mind for the moment as I took the feather from the chaotic being. Luna cleared her throat once her light laughter had ended before speaking again. “Daniel, repeat after me. This feather is of my own body-“ “This feather is of my own body.” I copied. “Its strength and magic within once mine, I now give to you-“ “Its strength and magic within once mine, I now give to you.” “To support you, guard you, and love you, all the days of my life-“ “To support you, guard you, and love you, all the days of my life.” I finished, placing the feather behind her ear. “Cloudchaser, will you present your primary feather, and repeat after me please?” Luna asked, smiling brightly at the bride. The mare unfurled her left wing as well, and plucked out a relatively smaller feather than the one Discord had so graciously aided in selecting. She flinched in pain for a split second, shrugging off any sign of discomfort as she came back up with the feather in her mouth, which she took in her hoof. “Cloudchaser, repeat after me. This feather is of my own body-“ said Luna as she started the process over again. “This feather is of my own body.” Cloudchaser echoed. “Its strength and magic within once mine, I now give to you-“ “Its strength and magic within once mine, I now give to you.” “To support you, guard you, and love you, all the days of my life-“ “To support you, guard you, and love you, all the days of my life.” Cloudchaser said with a smile as she slid the feather behind my ear. “With these oaths, and all of those present who have witnessed them today, I now proclaim you mare and stallion. May nopony ever separate what fate, and love has bound together.” Luna said proudly. A magical aura engulfed the feathers that rested on our respective ears. This was the part of the wedding I had been anticipating, it was less traditional but it made for a nice addition, one that was impossible before the unity of the three tribes of Equestria. Cloudchaser’s feather slid into the spot where mine had been pulled, and mine did the same to the spot on her wing that was missing a primary feather now as well. The aura completely covered both feathers, shielding them from view as a tingling sensation spread throughout my wing. When Luna’s aura faded, both of our wings were whole again, with a feather that was hued differently among the others. The feathers had also grown to the size of the one that had been taken. Twilight had told me about this; this was now a feather that would always be shaded differently, even if it broke, it would always grow back in a different shade. “Well, are you going to stand there all day, or kiss her?” Luna asked. I chuckled briefly before lifting the veil that covered Cloudchaser’s muzzle. This kiss felt more meaningful than the others we had shared so far. --- Nine Months later… Whitefire was still keeping up with me, even after entering the third turn. He hadn’t been slacking off during the hiatus between seasons that much was for sure. I had yet to see any sign of Thunderlane though, I had hoped that he would show up this year, but that wasn’t the case. This year, Canterlot was playing host to the final race, and despite Whitefire’s efforts, I felt pretty confident in my lead. I felt bad that Cloudchaser had to stay home though, she was well on into the pregnancy now, and had really started to show signs of foaling these past few months. I had been worried about her, since this situation had come up once before, and the outcome had been less than desirable. I was scared for a different reason now though, despite all of the ultrasounds showing a normal, healthy colt. I was still worried that something would go wrong. The sight of the finish line chased away the sense of fear temporarily as my focus returned to the race at hoof. I used all of my remaining energy to rush towards the goal, leaving Whitefire behind me. I smiled, knowing that without a doubt I had this- “Oh there you are, I hope I’m not interrupting anything important.” I heard Discord’s voice echo in my ear. “Not now Discord!” I exclaimed. “Hey, I just had my paw crushed by a mare in labor to find you, do you have any idea what that feels -“ “Labor!?” I shouted, dropping to the ground and ultimately disqualifying myself. It wasn't too hard to piece together who Discord meant, why else would he have bothered to come bug me while racing? Aside from being his usual self. “Yes, labor," Discord sighed from somewhere within my ear. It flicked involuntarily as I felt something moving inside, which had to be him. "Now if you'd be so kind as to stand sti-" "I've got to go!" I shouted, darting past the others that were racing towards the finish line. Race be damned I wasn't missing the birth of my child, I wasn't exactly thinking clearly either. The effects of the race had already taken their toll, even with the fear of not being there for Cloudchaser giving me a reason to go on despite the pain. Thankfully, I didn't have to ponder on that problem for long. In the blink of an eye I was flying muzzle first into the receptionist’s desk at the Ponyville hospital. My vision swam from the pain, followed by a bit of blood trickling out from my nose due to the impact. Discord needed to work on warning ponies about his spells. "Sweet Celestia! Are you okay sir?" the mare behind the desk asked. "I'll be okay in a few seconds after the stars stop moving..." I mumbled. "He's fine, his wife on the other paw..." I heard Discord say from behind me. "Oh, um, name please?" the receptionist asked as I shook of the dazed state I had brought upon myself. "Cloudchaser, where is she?" I asked as my hazed brain shook off the last of the effects from hitting the desk at nearly top speed. I was impressed it was still intact. My question answered itself as my left ear swiveled in the direction of a loud, painful wail. The sound was enough to jump start my brain and body back into action, darting past the desk and towards the painful cries of the mare I heard. I knew it was her, her voice was a dead giveaway. I flew past room after room, getting closer to the one that held my wife until finally I saw her. Cloudchaser's face was one of agony, her cries of pain made me feel helpless in knowing that there was little I could do except be there for her now. "Sir, we need you to stay back!" one of the nurses tried to stop me as I opened the door. "You really want to shoo me out and make me miss my son?" I asked, shocked at how intimidating my voice had become when she tried to throw me out. "D-Daniaaagh!" Cloudchaser screamed, renewing my focus as to why I had rushed past the receptionist in the first place. One nurse noticed the racing outfit I still had on and it dawned on her who I was. She stepped aside quickly, allowing me to be beside my wife as she endured one of nature's oldest struggles. Her forehead was sweaty and her feathers were a mess as her wings flapped furiously every few seconds, due to the pain. "I'm sorry I wasn't here soon-erkagh!" I tried to say until Cloudchaser managed to get her foreleg around my neck, her sudden burst of super strength cutting off the airflow to my lungs. "You! You did this to me!" she screamed before letting out another cry of pain while her foreleg was pried off me. "Take it with a grain of salt, it's natural for mares to lash out at their stallion," the doctor chuckled. "Alright just a little more ma'am, I can see the head." "You're doing great, just a little more babe." I did my best to comfort and support her, not quite sure what else to do. This upset me almost as badly as seeing my wife in such terrible pain. After what seemed like an eternity, a new sound filled the room as Cloudchaser's screams came to an end. They were replaced by her tired pants, and the first cries of a newborn. The nurses were quick to clean the foal off and deliver it to Cloudchaser. "Congratulations," the doctor said as a nearby nurse scribbled something down. "Do you have a name for him?" I looked at the newborn snuggling up against Cloudchaser, its legs stretching out every so often as if he was unsure of what to do with them. I felt tears begin to fall from my eyes and onto the bed Cloudchaser was on as they spent those first precious moments together. The little guy eventually became still, his eyes still shut tightly in protest to the light. He was a beautiful sapphire blue, his mane was solid white, but any other colors would develop a few months down the road. I could see so many traits of Cloudchaser in him, but I also saw mine as well. This foal I had helped bring into this world, he was a part of me, a mini version of Cloudchaser and myself mixed into one. Cloudchaser and I looked at each other in unison. We had already decided on the name long before today, and looking at our son now, it seemed appropriate. She had wanted him to have some part of my name, after I told her that humans passed down names, but I had wanted her to give him a more traditional name. This was a situation we met in the middle on. "Stormwalker." Cloudchaser replied, nuzzling our colt. "Stormwalker, sounds like a strong name for the little colt to live up to." the doctor said before exiting the room with his nurses in tow to give us a few moments of privacy before moving Cloudchaser to a recovery room. "Hey little guy..." I whispered quietly, leaning in to get a closer look. "Welcome to the world." A tiny hoof pressed against my nose, padding around it for several seconds like a blind man groping for something. Stormwalker let out a few cooing noises as he got comfortable once more, his curiosity satisfied for the moment. Two small little lumps on his back made up the temporary housing of his wings, which I was anxious to see who he took more after there. Pegasi weren't born with their wings exposed, they broke through about a week after birth, kind of like teeth, to ease the birthing process on both the mother and the offspring. Heh, a son...thank you. I silently thought to myself. --- Scootaloo walked through the door to Cloudchaser's room as Rainbow Dash pushed it open. Miss Cheerilee had been nice enough to dismiss her when they found out what was happening. This was the day she had been waiting for, and knew it had to be getting close. Inside the room was a bed with a rather tired looking mare. Her mane was a bit messy, and it seemed as though she had just been in a hot pursuit chase, but she had a smile on her muzzle. In her forelegs was a small foal, wrapped up in a blanket. That was him, her baby brother. "Hey Squirt," she heard her father say. "They let you out early?" "Yeah, Rainbow Dash flew by," Scootaloo replied as she walked over to her mom and dad. "What's his name?" "Stormwalker," Cloudchaser said as the filly was lifted up, and onto the bed so she could see her sibling better. "He's a pegasus, just like you." Scootaloo smiled as she watched her baby brother sleep beside her mother. He looked peaceful and content, the steady sound of his breathing barely audible, though his small body shook slightly with each heartbeat. It was natural; pegasi had stronger, and faster hearts since they had to pump more blood when flying. As he grew, it would fade. "Guess I'll have another understudy before long," Rainbow Dash commented. "Maybe he won't be as dense as his pop." Scootaloo laughed which caused the baby to squirm and wake up. For a few seconds, two tiny eyes stared back at the filly before closing again. They lacked any definitive color, and wouldn’t possess much until twenty four hours had passed. Then it would be safe to guess whose eyes the colt got. "Hi Stormwalker, I'm your big sister." Scootaloo cooed as she carefully inched closer to the foal. She could hardly wait until he was older.