//------------------------------// // Nightmare Negotiations // Story: Mousey Harmony // by ScarletRhine //------------------------------// Alex yawned and climbed out of bed. She looked about her room and noticed that Daring was already up and about. She then walked to the edge of the dresser and jumped down, growing to human height as she did, and walked to her closet. She picked the green explorer style getup that Rarity had made for her and collected her (formerly Meadowbrook's) Satchel. After using a bit of her chaos magic to instantly get dressed, the mouse adventurer went to the kitchen for breakfast. There, Twilight, Daring, & Serine were at the table eating breakfast that Spike was cooking. Of course the thought of food made her queasy. Moments later Ayumi joined them, “Morning all.” Alex said. As everybody ate Daring Do said, “I managed to get in touch with the Princesses and they have gotten in touch with the government.” Twilight looked up from her breakfast and asked, “So you can work in Australia, right?” “I’m glad this mess is happening in Australia and not in America.” Ayumi commented. “That’s right Twilight.” Daring Do replied. “It also means my credentials as a professor of Archaeology and my being an archaeologist are official now. Though that means me and Alex will have to do a few archaeological favors for the government.” “I hope they will wait for your spawn to be at least three years old before they ask for the first favor.” Serine says as she eats. Daring nodded before placing a bowl of what appeared to be semisolid oatmeal in front of Alex. Her face took on a greenish cast as she smelled how good it was and caused her morning sickness to flare. “Morning Cure.” Daring said. “An ancient pre-unification pegasus remedy.” “Works for all races too! Chrissy uses it to keep her ‘brood sickness’ as she calls it from messing with her mornings.” Ayumi said. Alex takes her spoon and attempts to dig in and gets the spoon stuck. “Ummm. Is this supposed to be this thick?” Daring nodded. “It’s supposed to supply you with not only nourishment for this meal but for all the meals that you had to throw up. Fortunately for you, later bowls don't have to be as thick.” Alex mused it would have to be thick to supply as much nutrients as it was supposed to. She then took the first spoonful and ate. A few moments after she swallowed she felt her nausea disappear. She smiled as she finished her meal. One good thing about the location of the Library was the fact it was across the street from the school. So when Alex, Ayumi, & Twilight left for school all they had to do was walk across the street. Alex had ALL her schoolbooks in the satchel, because she was never assigned a locker when she first arrived because she was only three inches at the time. They met the others at the gate. Rarity walked up to Alex and hugged her. “It’s simply criminal you had to get pregnant, so you wouldn't have to worry about that horrid breeding paralysis darling.” Alex placed a hand on her abdomen and said, “What has me worried is the number of buns in my oven.” Ashley looked at her and said, “Consarnit! That’s right. Mice and rabbits are known for multiplying like crazy.” Flora quietly said, “How many are you going to have?” “Twelve at the most.” Alex replied. “Chances are high I got twins inside, though I’m hoping I beat the odds and there’s only one in there. But I won’t know for certain until I’m far enough along to get an ultrasound.” Micaela then said, “ Yeah, yeah. That’s fine and dandy but if we don’t get walking, we’ll be late for class.” The group than quickly walked in to school. Alex felt odd walking into school instead of riding on Twilight’s shoulder. But since she could now maintain human size with the help of the enchanted satchel she became the guardian of she was going to enjoy it. As the group of friends walked to their lockers due to their hearing being better than humans they heard several snippets of conversations. “Is that Alex? I thought she was only three inches tall.” One student said. ‘She probably learned a spell to allow her to be as big as a human.” A second replied. ‘Why would she waste magic on that?” A third snarked. “Dude do you know how many predators that love to dine on mouse?” ‘No.” ‘Enough to fear for her life. Fortunatlely most aren’t to keen on taking on human size prey.” “AW COME ON!!!” One girl shouted in frustration. “She’s as big as Flora.” She complained. “It’s so unfair.” another moaned. “Both she and Flora used to be guys and they get big tits when they get changed into girls.” “At least they don’t lord it over everybody else like Sayoko did before they appeared on the scene.” A third tried to soothe her companions. They separated and went to their homerooms. Alex shrank back to mouse size and Twilight lifted up with her magic. Both mouse girl and Alicorn princess entered to attend class. Ayumi teleported in after a minute “Sorry bout that! I was with the princess aka the principal. He’s kinda been letting me call him that after his Nightmare Moon transformation as a way for him to cope. Seems he has some of Selene’s parental feelings towards me and Twilight.” Ayumi sat down in her seat with a chuckle. “Also wanted to let you know it’s at best twins Alex anthros besides changelings rarely have more than twins no matter the base species. Otherwise griffins would overpopulate the planet in five generations due to their combined natures.” Alex sighed. “That’s good to know.” she said. “I hope, I’m still a bit nervous but when has any new mother not been.” “Also my human mother is going to be visiting so we’ll need to make sure she meets my fiances and Twily’s family. She hasn’t turned anthro yet but I think her transformation will be this world’s Selene.” Ayumi said with a smile. “Fiancés?” “Both you and Daring.” Ayumi said. “Remember when your told your mother you would marry the parent of your kid? Now that I’m the dad of one, i guess that means you’re soon to be part of my herd.” “Oh.” Ashley shook her head, “This is way too confusing. Just who is the father of Alex’s kids, anyway?” Alex nods to Ayumi and a note appears on Ashley’s desk which reads, “Ayumi used changeling magic to turn herself into a cutie marked mouse (gah! We got up with a better name) male and knocked me up so Hak Foo wouldn’t catch me and knock me up.” “That mouse looked like a nasty character. Ah’m glad Ayumi was able to help. Something tells me that he isn’t parental material.” “Trust me he isn’t.” The day went on normally from there though Alex noticed that Ayumi seemed nervous. “What’s up?” Alex inquired. “You look as nervous as a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs, as Bunnie Rabbot would say.” As they headed to lunch, Alex walking in human size and enjoying the fact she didn’t have to ride on somebody's shoulder to get to the cafeteria in a reasonable amount of time. “It’s my mother.” Ayumi said as she ate a bacon cheeseburger “I just hope she doesn’t get mad that I haven’t told her how big our family has gotten. After all it used to be just me, her, my sister, uncle Dirk, and uncle Don. Now she’s got another whole set of kids and will be part of Velvet's herd by proxy.” She sighed and started on her chips. “I know poly marriages are rare on earth so I just hope she’s ok with my herd and my soon to be herdmates. Sorry for dropping this on you hon I just don’t know what to do if she disapproves.”She chuckled as she finished her meal. “I may an adult by law but your always your mother’s kid, you know?” “Tell me something I don’t know.” Alex replied. “I just hope she not one of those who fear mice. I got enough of the female scared shitless at the sight of a mouse cliche when I got here. Nearly getting nailed by Rarity’s purse was too close a call for me. “Getting back to your mother I hope she’s O.K. with as daughter-in-law that’s an adventurer.” Alex said as she ate another a spoonful of cheeseburger mac & cheese. “I was an adventurer myself why would she be mad and remember it’s two daughters in law. You keep forgetting the wedding is for the three of us and Daring already agreed before we went through with it. The one thing I’m worried about is if Chrissy will show up she always tends to after all she was my beta.” “I know.” Alex said. “but how will your mother react to the knowledge that three of her grandchildren will be fated to be adventurers themselves. Thanks to the curse they will have no choice. *Sigh*” Suddenly Alex gets a feeling that someone’s behind her and it’s not one for her friends and Ayumi is looking behind her. “ Chrysalis is standing behind me right.” She says Looking at her soon to Alpha Mare. “Worse,” Ayumi said as she gulped “Hi there Moondancer! This is Alex and… Pleasedon’tkillmebutbothsheandtheDaringDoofherworldarejoiningtheherd!!!!” Ayumi was visibly shaking in fear of the one mare (other than her Equestrian counterpart) who had equal standing in her herd. Since they group was still in the lunchroom Ayumi whispered the next bit. “Please don’t be mad at me mistress but I made a deal to save her species and we’re now going to have foals running around soon. Again please don’t kill me!” Moondancer looked at Alex and noticed the mousette was tensed ready to fight. She then noticed the way Alex held herself. It wasn’t like a pony off the street, but like someone who was ready to defend herself and her family. She smiles and says, “getting any version of Daring Do would benefit the herd. But this one feels like she's dealt with your father, Discord. Getting both of them in the herd is better than great.” She then walked over to Ayumi and whispered, “We got to get the herd together.” “Sonata isn’t welcome yet and let’s just say that we’ve have dealings with a bad bug before so while I think you're right I also don’t think it’d be a good idea till later on. While your here though how's my twin doing and can you spare time enough to meet my human mom? I think you’d like her.”Ayumi whispered back. “I can hear you like you’re talking normally with my ears.” Alex groused flicking her ears with annoyance. She took another bite of mac & cheese and hmmed in pleasure. “You never appreciate eating mac & cheese with a spoon alone or eating it bowlful until you spend a couple of weeks eating three noodles with a magically reduced knife and fork.” She commented. “You’re our herdmate of course we’re letting you hear us. We’re whispering because of the others in the lunchroom.” Ayumi said. Alex finished her lunch and said, “I’m not sure how it goes but Daring and I might form a smaller herd. Do smaller herds get absorbed by a larger herd? Herd interactions aren’t something family training has ever considered covering.” She looks at the clock and says, “We better go it’s almost time for PE and my magic studies.” “Microherds aren’t unheard of in fact they are quite common in large herds. A microherd is basically just the individual family groups in the larger herd. Those smaller groups of ponies or other species that spend more time together than with the whole herd.” Moondancer informed them as the small group headed out of the lunchroom “You and Daring are fine forming a microherd just as long as you inform other herds that you are part of a larger herd and such while out and about together.” “Okay.” Alex said. “One thing I’m afraid of is the curse that haunts my family might reach out and add any children you might have in the future may grab them. \ Daring and my foals will be adventurers there’s no doubt in that. I hope that won’t get on your nerves.” “It’s no biggie mom’s blessing should negate some of the darker aspects of the curse and our kids we’re going to be royalty anyways so them adventuring would be a good way to relieve the stress of being royals.” That day had Alex nose deep in Equestrian unicorn school books all the way up to high school level. She had two hovering in front of her in her magic and a tablet sitting in front of her with a stylus in her magic moving about as she was taking notes. Moondancer had both came back after a trip to the young mares room with Ayumi and did a double take. “Okay. If I had any doubts she was your student, that just dispelled them.” She said to Ayumi. Ayumi covered her mouth to conceal a giggle as Moondancer continued, “She had picked up one of your habits, reading multiple books on a subject and taking notes.” Without looking away from the books Alex said, “Trying to learn sixteen years worth of magic education to bring me up to snuff.” “Been there. Done that.” Both mares deadpanned “Moondancer was my counterpart’s study partner both in the main timeline and the two we come from and since I have all 575 year of my counterparts memories I’m the same deal. Still I’m surprised that those memories integrated seamlessly with my own.” Ayumi said “By the way if I start talking like I have been in equestria just assume I’m pulling from my counterpart’s memories. I know I have said this before but the readers haven’t seen it yet.” Alex stopped, she put the books down and said, “I think my rescuing Serine may have synched me with another me. Because I remembered getting caught in an alicorn’s crash landing.” Alex winced at the memory. Please don't channel Pinkie sensei.” After about five minutes it was time for the next class. “Actually I was using some of my own chaos magic not my younger sister’s but I’ll refrain from fourth wall breaks till Deadpool somehow shows up he always does.” Ayumi said with a shake of her head as the group headed to their last class of the day “After that no promises cause I might need to repair the wall if he shows up.” “ugh.” Alex groaned. “The less said about him the better.” Moondancer shuddered “He needs to learn that being tri and try are different things on Equestrian soil. And yeah the less said the better” “I watched an ep of Death Battle where he and Pinkie Pie were put into the area. No one died that day as the show ended in a Pinkie Pie party.” Alex said. “I should’ve went to Brazil with Indy and missed it. But that’s neither here nor there.” “Uncle Dirk knows Indy. They’ve never met face to face but they send letters to each other also Uncle Dirk is the sole reason the sun set on the British empire. He recovered the only intact copy of the bill of sale of Canada making the whole country part of the USA.” Ayumi said “Though the two governments have still remained separate due to how old said bill is.” “With what is happening, I won’t be surprised that the US & Canada become one sooner or later rather than never. Well here is history see you later, Moondancer.” Alex said as she and Ayumi entered their last class of the day.” Meanwhile, Daring Do was sitting at the Head Librarian’s desk keeping watch over the library and its books. She kept a secret smile on her face as she used an enchanted stamp that read “Property of the Golden Oaks Library” new books that had been donated by the city knowing that the enchantments would prevent the books from being stolen. She thanked Celestia for that piece of mind. Basically with the Library enchantments prevent the books from being snuck out of the library, as the books are teleported to the sorting shelves if they leave the tree without being checked out. If they were checked out, if the books weren’t returned after seven days fines would be rendered for 21 days before the book is magically teleported to the sorting shelves and an additional five days worth of fines would levied. Of course the magic recorded the fines in equestrian bits but using the a improvised conversion of 1 bit = 12.5 cents with the half cent being rounded up in the case of odd number of bits would work until an official exchange rate could be arranged covered it. She smiled as Alex, Ayumi and the anthro mane six came in from school. Daring noticed Alex seemed agitated than saw Flora looking like she was going to break down in tears. The look of the others showed they were upset at something. Ashley spoke up, giving Flora a side hug, “Hey, what’s wrong, sugarcube? Bad day at school?” “What’s wrong? One of the other students and her cronies cornered Flora and the started berating her.” Alex said her temper close to exploding. Ashley nodded grimly and added, “Soyoko was expressing her displeasure at both Flora and Alex being bigger in the chest than she was.” Alex just nodded and went to the living area. Daring Do just sighed saying, “Let me guess, this Soyoko verbally assaulted Alex when she went to help Flut… Flora.” Micaela snorted and said, ”Damn straight. She accused Alex of pretending to be a guy until her boobs had a growth spurt and made to painful to bind.” “I nearly let Nova out when Soyoko slapped Alex after she stood up for herself and Flora. “ Ayumi growled as smoke poured from her mouth “No one touches my girls! No one not a stuck up prick or a demon from hell.” With that everyone save Daring went up to the living area. When they got there they found a translucent emerald cube where they saw Alex fighting a human Hak Foo. She fought her opponent until she manifested a disk and destroyed the Hak Foo simulacrum by throwing it through the image. The cube faded away and Alex took a calming breath and started when she saw the others. “uh… hi guys" Alex said. Ayumi and Twilight looked towards her with both puzzlement and intrigue at the spell they just saw in action. Alex started to head to the bathroom saying, “Let me freshen up and we’ll head to Sugarcube Corner.” When she got to the bathroom she disrobed then turned towards the shower and froze. Staring back at her from a full length mirror was a mouse woman with black fur, fire for hair & solid red eyes giving the impression of live coals. Alex felt chills go through her soul as she looked at the mouse. The nightmarish mouse smiled and said, “Soyoko was lucky I didn't fully awaken.” Alex gulped and said, “Why are you …” “Awake? Oh come on, I woke up to protect Flora.” Alex glared at the nightmare mouse. “Your protection is the last thing anybody wants.” Her dark self smiled and Alex felt like she was being sized up by a predator. She got a sinking feeling who she was taking to. “You know what I am Alexandra.” “You're my desire to protect my Precious people.” “Oh I am more. I AM THE RESENTMENT AT THOSE FALSE FRIENDS THAT ABANDONED US. THE THIRST FOR VENGEANCE TO TASTE THE SUFFERING OF THOSE WHO WRONGED US. I AM THE RAGE YOU FEEL AT THE CURSE THAT PLAGUES MY FAMILY. I AM ALICE NIGHTMARE!” Alex steps back as Alice says, ’’When I fully manifest at my own choosing I will hunt down all those false friends and collect the debt they owe. After I will find a way to plunge this world into eternal twilight and night." As Alice laughs Alex bolts into the main living area, her being naked forgotten in her terror and glomps Ayumi in terror saying, “Aliceisaawakeandwantstohuntdownthefriendsthatabandonedmeandplungethedaysideintoeternaltwilight.” Ayumi pulled Alex away and held her at arm's length and said, “Whoa. Calm down. Take a deep breath! Slow down. You’ll lose your young if you get too worked up. Now tell us what you said slowly." Alex took a calming breath and repeated slowly, “Alice is awake and wants to hunt down the friends that abandoned me and plunge the day side into eternal twilight.” “That’s actually the best option for plunging the world into. The Arctic and Antarctic already experience that for half of the year so as long as we adapted to the cold and all that the earth would be fine. But the false friends thing? That might be a problem.” Ayumi said grimly. “Next time you see her, try finding out who they are. Now I think you were about to freshen up before we head off to Sugarcube Corner?” Alex looked down and did a full body blush and squeaked before running back to the bathroom. Alex looked in the mirror and sure enough there was Alice, mirroring her movements. Her dark side smiled and said, “You want to know who the false friends are.” “Yes.” “All I’ll tell you is that they are already at the school you’re going to and are the opposite of the Elements of Harmony, HONESTY, LAUGHTER, LOYALTY, KINDNESS, MAGIC, & GENEROSITY. B’BYE.” After that the reflection returned to normal. Alex sigh and she took her shower. Alex came out and walked to a closet and put on a khaki shirt and trousers. Both locked like the kind that explorers on some adventure movies wore. “I’ve good news and bad news.” She said as she got dressed. The others looked at her with some concern and Rarity said, “So what is the good news and the bad news?” “The good news is that the number of targets is small, they're in Australia and …” Alex said before looking at the anthro mane six before adding, “but they're your polar opposites. Or to exact the polar opposite of you element.” “So no one.” Ayumi said with confidence “If we’re going by the show the biggest target might be Sombra but we have a good Sombra to balance that out in the comics and those are considered canon where they don’t break show canon and the second mirror doesn’t.” Ayumi patted alex on the back “ even in the comics the Elements of Chaos never found somepony to bond to so they never could fight the Elements of Order.” Ayumi smiled at the confused looks she was getting “The Elements of Order’s secondary physical forms may have come from the Pillars. While the whole of the elements of harmony are both the elements of Order and Chaos used together which have existed since the Omniverse began. After all the true definition of harmony is the balance of Order and Chaos. It’s why Discord exists to maintain that balance and since he lives Alice has on target as he is the Elements of Chaos in physical form unless every version of him/her/it dies then she’ll have no target. And if Murphy ever tries to touch my father I’m finding it and letting nova’s full power out upon it.” “Sensei.” Alex said face palming. “Alice gave us a clue to who her targets will be by naming the bearer of the Element of Harmony they will be bumping heads with. Honesty meaning Ashley as she's Earth’s Applejack, Laughter means Pinkie, Loyalty is represented by Michaela aka Rainbow Dash, Kindness you got Flora, Magic well Twilight fits the bill, and the fabulous Rarity represents Generosity.” Alex looks at the Anthro Six and says, “Each of you has come into contact with one of Alice's targets.” Later at Sugarcube Corner the anthro 6, Ayumi, Alex, and Daring Do were enjoying some snacks when the door was slammed open and an anthro of Tempest Shadow complete with the shattered horn. She marched up to the table and slammed her fists on it and demanded, “WHERE IS HE?!” “Where is who?” Rarity asked a little confused, as everyone save Alex looked at her in bewilderment. Tempest Shadow looked at the fashionista and said, “Alex Viator. We had an argument after he saved me and my family from a creep called Cabellaron. During that argument a green glob of energy shot out of him and nothing happened. Earlier today I was with my boyfriend watching the new my little pony movie and I turned into a Fizzlepop Berrytwist or Tempest Shadow Anthro. So where is he?” “She’s my fiance Fizzie.” Ayumi Said “If you want to hurt her I’ll use lightning stronger than the pitiful horn shocks you can produce.” “Her?” Fizzie says puzzled for a moment before busting out in laughter, she laughs for a few minutes. “Oh mister ‘give everybody chance’ got bit in the butt finally.” Alex glowered at Fizzie’s jab at her. Her friendship with the anthro woman in front of them ended when a surge struck her. “Berrytwist, I told you that surge was partially focused on you but could of had a delayed effect.” The broken horned unicorn glared at the mouse then her nostrils flared and she then started laughing again. “What’s so funny?” Twilight asked sourly. Fizzlepop Berrytwist got control of herself and replied, “I don’t know how but I know you’re pregnant just by smelling you, Alex. I don’t have to lay any hurt on you.” Ayumi’s hair turned to black smoke as she shifted into Tempe “Are you insulting the mother of my child?” she growled “Cause if you are, you’d better step down Shadow, if you want to live.” Shadow stood up and turned to leave saying, “I don't have any of those globes from the movie, so I’m leaving. But I intend to watch the birth, seeing the jerk suffering through labor will make my day.” She then leaves. Ayumi decided to follow her to apologise. “Fizzle, wait!” Alex watches as Tempest shadow leaves sugarcube corner. Alex sits back and sighs. “ What is it with me and friends with the name Tempest. 1st I Befriend a person who called themselves Tempest. I lose that same friend a short time later. I gain 2 mates, one of which goes by the name Tempest Flare. And the The Tempest I lost a friendship to turns into Tempest Shadow.” She then plonks her head onto the Table and groans in frustration. She looks at her sensei and asks “How did the the magic that came from me affect her now instead of years ago when the surge happened changing her into anthro Tempest Shadow. I thought on the unfocused magic would've dissipated by now.” “It might be due to the increasing magic field. This world starting to feel more and more like Equus magically.” Daring Do says thoughtfully. Meanwhile, Tempest Storm was walking down a street in the rundown area of Perth. She was fuming over the latest turn her life had taken. Ayumi walked up to try talking to her. “Fizzle, do you have a minute?” Fizzlepop looked back at Ayumi before saying, “What do YOU want?” "I just want to apologize…” Ayumi started. Fizzlepop stopped and turned to face Ayumi and said, “First, you can take your apology and shove it between Alex’s legs for all I care. Second, how can Alex be pregnant by you? Last I checked, two females cannot get each other pregnant. Third, why are you still human when there’s a growing anthro population.” “I used changeling magic to turn myself in a male of her race,” Ayumi said “it’s also why I look human. I can change between my anthro form and a humanized anthro” she spread one of her wings which had been hidden by her hoodie and transformed in a flash of purple fire into her normal anthro form “I’m actually an alternate Twilight Sparkle. I remain human-like to keep the mix ups between me and my sister to a minimum. And while you won’t accept it, again I’m sorry for threatening to hurt you. I don’t know what came over me but i’d never hurt another of my counterparts herd mates normally. Also I’m glad you at least seem civil enough to not fight with any of us we’ve already had to deal with too much darkness for friends gone bad. And yes you are invited to Daring’s and Alex’s baby showers if only so that you are safe from this Starlight who seems to never have reformed and become some thorn in everyone’s side.” “I’m not stupid, Tempest.” She took a deep breath and said, “I am going to go by the name of Fizzlepop Berrytwist as have become the anthro version of her. I think I was a lot like Tempest Storm before my transformation.” At which Fizzlepop hands Ayumi a photograph of a Polynesian girl with a huge scar right where Fizzlepop had broken her horn is now located. She then looked at Ayumi then said, “You can be assured that as long as she has buns in her oven, Alex is safe from me. There’s no honor in attacking the innocent.” with that Fizzlepop left. While Ayumi was talking with Fizzlepop, Alex and the others were walking back to the library when they spotted someone in a cloak waiting outside the library. Daring Do walked up and said, “Hello, sorry about the wait. One moment and the library will be open for business.” “Are you Daring Do?” the cloaked woman asked. “Yes I am.” the Equestrian pegasi replied. “Who’s asking?” Close to her a certain anthro mouse tensed as Daring walked upto the door and opened it. “Before I answer do you know the background of Nightmare Moon’s creation?.” the woman asked. Alex spoke up, “In the timeline of the show, it was due to the combination of the ponies avoiding her and her night and jealousy. In the timeline Ayumi hails from it the fact Luna & Selene had been forcibly merged prior in addition to the reasons given by the show.” “So you know my daughter.” the woman said as she pulled down her hood revealing Nightmare’s face “That makes this easier on me. While I told Ayumi I had become an anthro myself I never told her who I became. I Became the Nightmare as I am the only mother she has in this world meaning Luna and Selene never split.” Alex eeped and seemed to explode into a cloud of emerald orbs which spiraled down and vanished revealing her at her 3” height. Then promptly fell to her knees and began to throw up. Daring carefully picked her up saying, “I guess changing size quickly is out.” Nightie opened the door to the library “I apologize if my appearance startled you, i’m still getting used to my new look myself though i am glad my earrings remained. The horn ring seems to be a lunar steel ring and is a wedding ring mine disappeared when changed so i assume that the horn ring took its place.” She walked in taking off her cloak revealing the unique “outfit” she wore underneath. “I was always a nudist back home so these were the most I tended to wear when not out doing shopping and such. Plus the armor I had on after the change is 11 too hot for this weather. Though the dark blue now matches my coat color.” Alex just nodded as she recovered from her attack of morning sickness. “If I had known that morning sickness would be this bad i’d have asked Ayumi to not knock me up.” Daring moved behind the information desk and sat down allowing her mousey mate to step on to the desk. Alex then sat down on the outer edge of the desk and slowly grew to human size. Once she was human sized again Alex said, “I have to apologize for the light show earlier.” “It’s of no concern. Morn sickness hits all of us hard.” Nightie said “But correct me if I’m wrong you said Ayumi is the father?” “Yes.” Alex replied. “You see my first heat me very hard. It took my running into the only other of my kind who was male and one of my old foes.” Alex shudders before continuing, “The moment I scented him… my body refused to do anything but wait for him to mate me. Fortunately my friends rescued me. Me and my friends gained heat suppression amulets which helped me when I ran into him again. After I tricked him to hunt down his cutie mark. Sensei offered to use changeling magic to turn herself into a male of my kind.” Alex gets a wistful look. “It was the best sex I ever had.” “I bet it was.” Nightie said “though i would refrain from details till my daughter returns. While my family doesn’t look down on it in the same way most do incest is still taboo with most of the world.” She blushed “i’ll explain the reasons for this outlook later but part of it is the fact my mother and i never stopped lactating after giving birth the first time so we had to pump every day. That meant that i was always aroused due to buy the vibrating pumps for the comfort they bring. I still lactate but the flow was reduced after my change so if you want you two can have some of my milk when your foals and mouselings are born.” Alex smiled and said “Daring’s foal might have no problems with it, but my mouselings might have trouble with it.” Ayumi walked in “hey guys uh… Mom? Is that you?” She asked as she headed into the kitchen “if it is i’ll make some tea you still have the ‘problem?’ if so add the milk yourself.” “I am my Princess and I’ll have a cup of cherry tea thank you.” She then looked at Daring Do and said, “Pretty crafty publishing your journals as ‘works of fiction’ and using the profits from the sales to fund your research and adventures.” Nightie said with a glint in her eye. She then turned on the TV as Ayu”mi and Daring went downstairs either maintain the library or make the tea. On the TV an anchorman said, “A.K. Yearling has surprised the literary world by releasing, ‘Adventures of Alex Viator & The High Flying search for the mirror of Laptrop Htrae featuring Daring Do, Equestrian Adventuress extraordinaire.’” “Huh surprised that they knew of your other name already Daring.” Ayumi said as she brought out three cups of tea and one mug of coffee. “Thought you would have to establish a fanbase on this earth for that to happen. Did you let Alex publish your older works here to give her a steady income as a reward for her help or something? By the way mom could i get some milk the dairy in the store is too… watery after you spoiled me for 16 years of my life.” Both adventurers grinned as Daring replied, “Yes.” Daring continued “As a thank you for helping in that adventure trying to find that mirror. Unfortunately, Dr Callabron got to it first.” both terran and equestrian adventurer looked upset at that out come. Nightie gave Ayumi a glass and floated glasses to everyone else. She then said, “You two be careful how much of my milk you drink or you’ll start lactating as you’re both pregnant.” “Hell the only reason I stopped drinking it straight every day is it caused me to start lactating after my chest filled out.” Ayumi said after mixing some of the milk into her coffee. “The biggest reason we could find for the family ‘problem’ was that hormones would overflow after giving birth and never fully stop thus the ‘problem’ persists.” she took a small sip of the now ¾ full glass. “Those same hormones are in the milk itself though it takes quite a bit to actually start the milk production in non pregnant females so it’s mostly safe.” Alex thought a moment before saying, “Any one of my spellcasting relatives except Uncle Sea Heart could either look up, find or research a spell that could reset your body hormone levels to prepregnancy levels. But if you drink any human breast milk you’ll start lactating at double the rate. Another disadvantage that such a spell has is the recipient of the spell will be more likely to get pregnant and start making double the milk.” “While my little princess calls it the ‘family problem’ it’s actually a boon to many who can not breastfeed on their own.” Nightie said “i started selling my milk after Ayumi’s older sister was born and the doctors who examined me and my milk suggested that the milk i produce may help pregnant and nursing mothers produce more or start producing if they had problems with doing so before, so i shall not take the offer. I would be devastated if i could not help others as i have before. Even Ayumi if she wants to provide for the young ones when they are born.” Alex nodded. “I only offered in case you didn’t want to be continually lactating, or wanted to have a break from...URK!” She said before covering her mouth and dashing to the bathroom. Daring Do got up and carefully walked to the stairs and said, “Ayumi? Would you help me with the library as you were the librarian in this place before Sea Heart brought it here? “Actually i think i should help Alex she shouldn’t be throwing up so much at this point in her pregnancy i worried about both her and the kid, but Mom could help she used to work at my hometown’s library before she had Airra so she can handle some of the load.” Ayumi said as she headed into the second floor bathroom “Oh and i would suggest changing into your Yearling outfit soon. Just in case we get another pony who doesn’t know your secret crossing over for a few days.” Daring sighs and says “Give me a moment.” She then went into a side room and changed into her disguise then went back into the library proper with Nightie following. Meanwhile, in the bathroom Ayumi entered and found Alex sitting on the floor next to the toilet. She weakly looked up and said, “We have a problem.” she got up and placed her hand on her belly. “Not really.” Ayumi said with a small smile. “I suspected you would have a fast pregnancy due to how fast mice breed so this wasn’t out of the question in fact that is why I wanted you to live with me during this time, just be glad that you're not dealing with a actual mice pregnancy.” Ayumi rubbed Alex’s swollen belly “from your size I expect three months not nine or eleven but that’s just a rough estimate.” Alex sighed in pleasure from the belly rub before she slowly got up before saying, “Might as well show off my new baby bump.” She said with resignation. “Heh might as well; Mom’s going to have a fit though she wants me to have kids as well.”Ayumi said with a smile” this’ll just give her more ammo to use.” Alex and Ayumi walked out of the bathroom and into the living area. The moment she and her sensei the both of them heard gasps from the others. “Darling. Your belly!” Rarity said. “Are you alright?” “I hope there’s nothing wrong." Flora meekly said. “YIPE!” Micaela cried out. “You just ballooned!” “Land sakes, girl! No wonder you’ve been sick. Yer expectin’ young! Ah reckon Pinkie will be throwin’ you your own baby shower after yer appointment with Dr. Fauna, the veterinarian Flora works with.” Ashley said, also with concern for Alex’s condition. “I hope that is normal for your new race.” Twi remarked in concern. “It might.” Alex said. “Given the speed mice pop out litters, Sensei and I estimate my pregnancy may be two to four months long. Which means if my pregnancy is five months long, Daring & I will pop out our kids at the same time.” Ayumi nodded and added, “That means our mouslings will go through at least one or two of these growth spurts.” Nightie walked in wearing her cloak due to the company. “Little Princess are these your friends and sister?” She dipped her head to Twilight “I’m glad to meet my other daughter.” “Um.. Mother Nightmare I’d like to ask you something but I’m afraid…” Alex trailed off. Twilight shuffled in embarrassment saying, “I am pleased to meet you as well.” “What is it, Young one?”Nightie said somehow slipping into Luna’s older dialect “You need not fear us.” Alex gulped then took a deep calming breath and said, “Last month I encountered some old enemies of mine. Three of them threatened to rape friends of mine if they succumbed to breeding paralysis. Add to that the Pony of Shadow’s shadow minions grabbed Twilight if front of Sensei. We both almost lost control of our nightmare forms. It took all my friends help to prevent me from going Nightmare. I thought it over until earlier today when I got back from school.” Alex hugged herself and closed her eyes then. “I discovered that Alice had been awakened by an encounter I had with a classmate who was jealous of mine and Flora’s busts. She then revealed she planned to hunt down former friends and afterwards plunge the world into eternal twilight. Can a Nightmare affect the world without fully manifesting?” “Most definitely i’m the night from of luna and selene and the sun is still out right?” Nightie said smiling “if i can resist the darkness so easily Alice should be able to.” Alex sat down slowly then asked “How can I get Alice to resist the darkness that spawned her?” “Convince her that the consequences aren’t worth the effort put in.” Ayumi said “if one thing is universal with all nightmares it’s the fact that they have limited energy to stay awake with” Alex thought a moment before saying, “I’m going to use a family spell that usually is used for training and working out frustrations. It’ll create a safe environment where she can fully manifest and in a separate body. That way others can help if they choose.” Alex then concentrated and her hands started glowing with with Alex’s Emerald aura. Moments later the translucent cube appeared. Alex stepped into it and closed her eyes. As everyone watched Rarity said, “Alex is full of surprises.” Ashley watched as Alex entered the cube. “Good luck in there, sugarcube!” Alex looked about the interior of the cube and then leaned out of the cube and said, “Guys? Would you mind if I expanded the spell to encompass the room and you guys? I would like some help with turning Alice from the dark side.” “Pfft!” Micaela said, “Like you had to ask!” Everyone else nodded and Alex went back into the cube. Alex moved her hands like she was using a touch input device and the cube expanded and engulfed the room and everything in it. A moment later Alex's image seemed walk from Alex and what appeared to be Alex without the baby bump turned to face them. She had black fur and red eyes; it’s hair was colored red, orange, and yellow and wavy. It hung down to her shoulders. She was wearing a outfit that seemed to be leather. A black glossy gleaming leather shorts and halter combo, with calf-high boots and a chain link belt. The other figure then said, “Why do I have the feeling you’re going to try to bore me to death?” Alex crossed her arms and said, “Listen Alice, I may .. no I am upset that those six abandoned me when they could have helped, but holding grudges is nothing but bad news.” Ashley narrowed her eyes at “Alice.” “Ya must be “Alice,” Alex’s dark half. “And you know who we are?” The anthro Applejack asked the dark mouse girl. “Of course I do.” Alice replied. “You're this world’s answer to Applejack, bearer of Honesty.” Ashley smiled, “Mah closes friends and family call me AJ. And Alex brought us all here t’ solve yer friendship problem. C’n ya tell us a bit more about it?” Alice just looked at AJ then snorted saying, ““Tempest fled after she was hit by a mostly diffused surge. Erma went and hid after Alex freed her from Dr. Caballeron. Twister, Alfred Just left without telling Alex why. The others left calling Alex a ‘freak and a blood traitor’ There are now no more.” Ashley looked over to her friends, “Who here has some advice fer Alice? Micaela? Pinkie, Rarity, Twilight, Starlight, Flora?” Serine was watching Alex’s friends interact with the entity known as Alice when she spoke up, “ I can - sorry Marry i mean we can try to give you because who better to give advice then someone who is in the same boat and before you ponies worry what Mary gets out of it she only asked me to show you her form.” Serine asked Alice’s fur lightens as she listens to Serine. Ashley nodded, “If no pony or mouse has any objections, Serine, ya want to try to help Alice? Sounds t’ me she needs to find the right kind o’ friends who are honest, loyal, funny, generous, kind, and o’ course, we have the “Princess of Friendship” and her student here t’ help.” Ashley smiled at the scene, “So ya think Alex and Alice will be sisters or just friends who happen to be anthro mice?” “Sisters?” Alice says wistfully. “Yes.” Alex says. “you can be my sister." Alice shakes her head. “No. Not Sisters; I haven't the right.” Pinkie walks up to Alice then asks, “Why not?” “Because I cannot exist unless this spell’s used or I manifest.” “And the usual conditions of your manifesting means I become trapped in my own body.” “That's the thing; you can edit or modify that spell to not make the possessee have free of the mind while the possessor controls the body which is what we do which makes it near impossible to sneak up behind us.” “That’s good and all, but I want a real existence, not a partial one.” Alice says, “And I don’t want to take over Alex’s body. I… want a body of my own.” “Ok that i don't know how to do because of two reasons one me and probably everyone else do not trust Mary with her own body and two both me and Mary agree that she’s crazy when she manifests” Serine said. Alex approach Alice then Said, “Alice, you and I are two sides of a coin. Light & Dark. Order & Chaos. If we split we could be doing ourselves harm. How about after the mouslings are born I give the second weekend each month to enjoy yourself. That way you can have some fun.” “What’s the catch?” Alice asked. “Forget the ‘false friends’ and forget the eternal twilight thing.” “Deal.” Ayumi then stepped up after thinking of something “We could actually use the mirror pool to give…” “Alice a body.” Alex finishes for Ayumi. “One problem though. The Mirror pool is in Equestria and the Mirror of Latrop H’Trae is currently in the possession of one Dr. Caballeron.” “We can ask Selene to bring in some of the pool’s water through the portal at Ayers Rock!” Twilight said with excitement. “It connects to Ayumi’s timeline so it may also have a mirror pool; plus with the two Equestrias already connected to our earth, who’s to say there isn’t a mirror pool on earth too.” Alex thought about it then said, “Twi you’re a genius!” She got up slowly and headed for the kitchen. “I’m going to make carrot lasagna and visit uncle Sea Heart; he’ll know where to look to find it.” Ashley nodded as Alex went to prepare her meal for her uncle. “Ya mind me helpin’ ya with this meal? Ya have the recipe memorized?” “Don’t mind if you do.” Alex replied. “And yes I do. Given Uncle Sea Heart was vegan before he ended up transformed into an unicorn. Also, Grandma invented it and made sure Mom, Dad and I knew it by heart.” Meanwhile in Equestria, Rainbow Dash came flying into the Castle of Friendship leaving a rainbow contrail as she made her way into the library, where Sci-Twi was reorganizing it. “IS IT FINALLY HERE?” she called out to her. Sci-Twi adjusted her glasses saying, “They’re here, Rainbow.” She levitated a pair of books. Rainbow Dash took the books then said, “Wait! who is this Alexandre Viator?” Twilight looked the cover and said, “This Alex appears to be an adventurer himself on a human world. Hmm. No Cutie mark on his clothes like the humans of the human world Sunset is on have. I wonder…” Alice then closed her eyes and she vanished as the spell ended. Alex and Ashley went to the kitchen to make the carrot lasagna. As they entered, Alex went to her knees near one of the cabinets a little too quickly for Ashley’s taste. “Ya o.k. Alex?” She asked as she helped her friend after she found the casserole pan. “I’m okay.” Alex replied. “It’s that spell is a magic hog. The constructs created by it are solidified magic. Of course that spell was created as a magical combat simulator and the constructs dissolve and return to my magic reserves when beaten.’ “And your using it to talk to Alice was more draining than it usually was.” “Correct.” Alex stated as they gathered the ingredients. “Good thing I have two reserves.” Ashley and Alex gather the ingredients and make the dish. As the carrot lasagna cooked, Alex began to make a second lasagna and to Ashley’s surprise replaced the carrots with apples. “What in tarnation?” Ashley asked as Alex began to prep the final stage of preparing the dish. Alex looked at her friend and said, “I felt I owed you something after you stepping in while Rarity was flipping out at the sight of me, so I figured modifying the Carrot lasagna recipe would do it.” Ashley smiled and gave her mouse friend an affectionate rub on the head with her finger, ‘Oh, sugarcube, Ah reckon Rarity and the rest o’ the gals will love it as much as it looks now. We callin’ this dish ‘Apple Lasagna?’” “Apple pasta cake sounds better but kialso wrong for some reason.” Ayumi said as she headed over to the fridge to grab some bottles of hard cider. “There’s more in the fridge if you want some. I stocked the regular stuff for the cooks but the hard stuff is about 5%, so have at it.” Ashley smiled and helped herself to one of the non-alcoholic fizzy apple cider. “Alex shouldn’t have any o’ the hard cider ‘cause she’s pregnant. This here fizzy apple cider is non-alcoholic.” She pours a glass for herself and the smallest glass she can find for her mouse friend. “This is the smallest glass Ah could find, Alex.” Alex smiled as she slowly grew a bit larger and took the glass, ”It’s okay Ash I can adjust my size. I agree about having hard cider, don't want the little ones having a taste for it before the had a chance to live their lives.” She said. She then placed her hand on her belly and added, “I am dreading going to class tomorrow. I look like I've been knocked up for six months instead of two, and I don't want the aggravation of having to repeat myself.” Ayumi walked up and kissed Alex on the lips. “They say anything and both me and Nova will teach them why NOPONY fucks with my family.” Alex returned the kiss, not just because it was coming from Ayumi, but it was coming from her mate and sire of her unborn child(ren). After they broke the kiss, they began to set the table. As they placed the lasagna pans on the pads placed there, the scent of Italian spices and good food filled the dining area as the others sat down. The unique aroma of Italian sauce, apples and cinnamon filled the air. Alex cuts the lasagnas into 18 servings each as Daring Do enters from closing the library. She smiles as she says, Who wants lasangs?!” the cries of those gather and she serves everymouse.