//------------------------------// // Time continues // Story: It takes a village // by Sarcastic Brony //------------------------------// It’s funny how time flies when taking care of something important. Three months have gone by since Faith showed up at Anon’s doorstep. Since then, she’s been growing up a lot faster than he or his friends expected. After a discussion with Twilight and Fluttershy, they concluded that her development wasn’t part of the norm for foals. Rather than learning to crawl within the first few weeks, she started crawling a month ago. This is both faster than human standards and slower than Equestrian. Not to mention she’s been trying to say things. Babble for the most part, but actively attempting to speak. Which, as it turns out, is something foals take longer at than humans. On average, it can take a filly a year or longer to say their first words. Twilight and Fluttershy weren’t sure what else could be different for her, but offered their time should anything develop. Despite having the guide of his friends for as long as he had, Anon still feels terrible for having to rely on them as much as he does. Which is why he’s gone through the trouble of planning the party that’s today. It’s the least he can give them for the unending support they’ve provided. Each of them have found a unique role in his family. Rainbow is always coming around to play with Faith, even bringing her Wonderbolt toys, telling her stories of their adventures. Anon’s not sure if Faith understands her just yet, but she’s always happy when Rainbow comes around to visit. There’s also Pinkie. She regularly brings exciting foods for Faith to try. That’s another difference for Faith: she started to wean from milk rather quickly. Sure, she eats it from time to time, but now she’s also eating mushed up food too. As stated before, Fluttershy and Twilight offer support when it comes to her growth. Twilight even checked her magical aptitude and found traces of magic inside of her. While it’s weak now, Twilight said there’s a strong chance she’ll be able to learn spells in the future. Anon tabled that discussion for later as he has enough to worry about right now. There’s also AJ and Rarity. The both of them have always taken at least some time from their day to stop by and spend time with Faith. AJ feeds her and offers to make dinner whenever Anon cant. Rarity is consistently making clothes for Faith, as she’s steadily growing as the days pass. Anon finds it surprising that despite her running a business, she’ll offer to watch Faith, even if the other girls are free. It’s not uncommon for him to come back to pick up Faith, only to find himself going home with more than a few dresses for her to wear. He smiles at how fortunate he’s been to have these friends and Faith. Anon hasn’t had a drink since getting her nor has he gone partying. It’s funny to say that Rainbow has done the same and Pinkie even toned down her level of partying considerably too. The town knows about Faith, and luckily nothing negative has come from this news. In fact, mares come up to Anon and ask to see Faith every so often. Speaking of news, Twilight sent a letter to Celestia about what’s been happening. She’s shown great interest in the fact that Anon managed to get a pony pregnant. A few photos were sent, alongside the tests Twilight ran on Faith, and from there, Celestia requested a small study to be done on Anon to find any possible genetic link that allows him to crossbreed with their species. Anon was more than willing to undertake these tests, so Twilight did her thing and sent whatever results she obtained to the Princess. The study is currently ongoing, but Anon hopes, in the end, it’ll help him understand if this could happen again in the future. Not that he’s been dating or anything. No, he’s far too busy with Faith for such a thing. Working day in and day out, spending time with Faith and just repeating everything when the sun comes up. Though today is unique and he’ll give it his all to show his appreciation to his friends. Anon’s thoughts leave him as something grasps his leg. He looks down to see Faith crawling her way up to a standing position, but sways heavily before falling on her butt. She just sits there for a moment and looks up at him, unsure what to do. Anon just smiles and fake laughs at her. That makes her smile as she once again grasps his jeans and gets to her feet. “What’s my little girl doing?” he asks picking her up. She lets out a squeal of joy as he sets her onto his lap. “Mmmmb Daaaah ahh.” Anon feels a slight hitch in his heart... Is he hearing things? “Dada?” he calmly says, drawing her attention. “D-Da....” She looks confused for a moment before reaching up at Anon. “D-Dada.” A certain shiver washes over him as that leaves her. His lip quivers slightly as he can already feel the tears welling up. Her first words... He thought he was prepared for this, and yet the pressure in his chest is almost too much to take. “Yeah, Dada,” he speaks breathlessly. “Dada.” “Such a smart little girl,” he praises her with a hug. “I love you.” “Dada,” is all she says as she starts to wriggle around in his hold. He can’t help the laugh that escapes him as he sets her down and she takes off to explore. That’s another thing Twilight has helped him with, making sure the house was safe for a baby. Such as moving things that could break out of her reach and locking doors, cabinets, or anything else she could crawl in. A small gate to secure the stairs and even soft pads for the corners of tables and things like that. This house it top to bottom foal-proof. And while Faith has a playpen, Anon mostly lets her explore. She’s very well behaved but does get curious, like all foals do, and goes into the pen if he’s busy with dinner or something else that draws his focus. A knock echoes from the door and Anon can already see Faith cawl past him toward the noise. He smirks at her, getting up to check who it is. “Up we go,” he says to Faith as he plucks her from the floor before answering. There Anon finds Rarity at the door, a large smile on her face. “Well, talk about a good way to start the morning,” he compliments. She chuckles with a blush. “Oh stop, you smooth talker.” Anon move out of the way for her. “Where are my manners? Please, come in.” “Thank you, Darling!” Rarity trots inside with a saddlebag that appears packed. “The weather is getting colder, so I’ve been working overnight to get this ready for you two.” She enters the living room and starts taking everything out, floating each piece for Anon to see. The first being a large winter coat. “This is for you. It’ll be snowing around here soon, so it’s plenty warm and waterproof.” She sets it aside and produces a much smaller one that’s pink with flowers sewn in random places. “One for Faith, of course.” It takes a few minutes, but she explains everything she’s brought, and it just reminds Anon how much he appreciates his friends. “That’s all for now.” Rarity wipes her brow. “So, how’s the little one?” Anon smiles, looking over at Faith as she plays with the coat on the couch. She’s poking the small flowers constantly. “Why don’t you ask her?” he insists. Rarity smirks as she looks over at Faith. “Hello, Faith. How are you doing?” Faith turns her attention to Rarity. “Dada.” Rarity’s eyes light up at hearing this. “Her first words!” She giggles as she picks up Faith in her magic and brings her close. “I’m sure Daddy was thrilled to hear you say that.” “Dada,” Faith says reaching for Rarity. Rarity shakes her head. “No, sweetie. That’s dada.” She points to Anon but then rests a hoof on her chest. “Mama.” Faith looks confused again. “M-Mama?” “Yes, Sweetie.” Rarity smiles lovingly at Faith for a moment before she realizes what she just did. She quickly looks at Anon worried. “Oh, how rude of me... T-That wasn’t my place to say. Sorry if I’ve made this awkward.” A few months ago, Anon probably would’ve questioned that. However, he’s found out that ponies are very different from humans, so he’s not offended by this type of stuff anymore. “To be honest, you girls are her mother.” That’s a sobering thought for the both of them. So Anon decides to bring it back on track. “I’m still shocked she’s already talking.” “You’re right. I’ve never heard of a foal developing this fast. Then again, she’s yet to walk as well, so I guess there are a few trade-offs to her unique mix.” “Yeah, I’ve talked to Fluttershy and Twilight about it. I’m just happy she’s healthy.” Anon then remembers what’s to come this evening. “Are you ready for tonight?” Rarity rolls her eyes. “Of course I am, Darling.” Faith starts trying to climb up Rarity, but falls every so often and tries to do it again. “Seriously, you don’t need to throw a party to thank us. It’s fun and fulfilling to take care of Faith.” “I know, but this is something to make me feel better. I know you girls don’t mind either way, but I want to repay you, even if it’s only slightly.” “Well,” she picks up Faith and brings her up for Anon to take, “I’ll be there. Take care; I’ve got a few orders I must complete.” “No worries. Tonight at eight sharp.” Anon walks over to the door to show Rarity out. “I know, I know. Do ensure that Rainbow doesn’t get wasted with Faith around. You know how she can get.” Anon chuckles. “I’ll be sure she’s under control.” Faith reaches out to Rarity. “Mama.” Anon can see a certain warmth from Rarity as she walks up to him, stands on her hind hooves and kisses Faith on the cheek. “I’ll be back, Sweetie.” She looks up at Anon and blushes slightly, as she’s resting her forehooves on his stomach. “Sorry, Darling. Height difference and all.” “No problem. See you later, Rarity.” She nods and waves to them both as she makes her way back to the boutique. Well, Anon has a few hours to make sure this party is ready. He brings Faith inside and sets her down again as he gets to work.