//------------------------------//
// 73 - Drinking the Kooled Wine 
// Story: Fading Suns: A New World 
// by David Silver 
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Ocellus raised a hoof, breaking her curious and quiet stares. "Our teachers are great ponies." With a rush of flames, she became Twilight, taking up a studious pose. "Some of them are very intellectual and proper, showing us the mechanics of life."

She became Applejack, even affecting the speech patterns, "Some of 'em are more down t' earth and show us how friendship helps in the day t' day t' get things done as a community."

She became Rarity. "Some remind us of the delicate things, dear, how we add to the charm of the world, and should appreciate what is there." She tossed her mane as Rarity did sometimes. "She also likes to go over sewing, not that we directly need to know that, but it doesn't hurt."

She tittered like Rarity as she went on to the next teacher, becoming a cyan pegasus. "Some of them like to take it up to 11 out of 10! They show us how exciting the world can be and how we can take part. They also remind us how having friends helps during the scary parts, and the fun parts."

Gregor was almost hypnotized. The shapeshifting ability of that student was beyond measure, but also extremely educational. He didn't dare interrupt.

Ocellus became Fluttershy. "Some of them, um, they show us how delicate things can be, and how to... you know, be a caring hoof. A little kindness makes the world a better place, so we can all enjoy it, together."

Pinkie Pie was last, grinning at Gregor brightly. "And at least one of them defies definition. Always ready to put smiles on pony faces, she's a blast to be around, if you can keep up with her thoughts. On the bright side, she's rated #1 most likely to have a snack to eat during class."

Ocellus returned to her normal self, smiling awkwardly. "Um... that's most of them..."

Gregor was considering what he had seen. Teachers all, priests in a way, but of no religion he knew... "Tell me, if you would, what higher power do these teachers ascribe to?"

Gallus snorted loudly. "If you mean like a god, the closest they have is Destiny. If you mean like what they try to be, that's Harmony. What are we looking at next?"

Yona nodded emphatically. "Yes. Act in harmony, make good things."

Could he fault that line of reasoning? "I would like to offer an opportunity." He could see Laud watching, ready to act. Such caution... "I know you are here to see and explore, and may not wish anything that resembles schooling, but would you like to experience a mass? I will gladly serve as your teacher, and we can read from the books you just got." He had a secret weapon that he brought free. "There are songs."

Sandbar's ears went up. "You have songs?!"

Smolder wandered towards the nearest open door. "Pass. What's in here?"

Silverstream lifted into the air, her hands coming together with a bright smile. "That sounds fun. C'mon, let's give it a try!" She was not alone, Ocellus, Sandbar, and Yona all seeming eager to give it a go.

Gallus set a hand on Smolder's shoulder. "We'll get through this, together."

Smolder snorted a little puff of smoke with a smirk. "I always knew you had my back," she laughed out as they found a seat.

And thus began the first mass delivered to the people of that strange world. Gregor casually skipped mentions of violence and misery. They had innocent ears, he had decided, no reason to even bring that up. He focused on tales of healing and redemption, and the songs. It was a surprise, even with some faint warnings.

They sang with him. They had the books, certainly, but no time to read the songs he was performing. Despite that, they followed along with an almost instinctual ease. They praised the Pancreator and the saints that echoed his brilliance across a seemingly dark cosmos. They gave thanks, and they even danced, seemingly unable to remain solemnly seated for each one.

They were cherubs, terrifying angelic creatures with inhuman powers that knew not what sin was, to whom grace came as naturally as drawing breath. Even the most hesitant of them, Gallus and Smolder, could not resist the call of the holy word and participated in the performances.





A human made a stern statement, maybe a question. He was pointing something at Spike, something dangerous likely.

Spike had tried to, you know, be a spy. It had not gone well. He raised his hands sharply. "Woah, uh... just looking around..."

The human pointed back where Spike had come from with a scowl. Though no words had really passed between them, the meaning was clear.

"Yes, Sir..." Spike retreated back towards the others, rather than test his luck with the human guard.





"There you are." Twilight descended the stairs towards BonBon. "I thought I heard somecreature coming in. How'd the checkup go?"

Bon Bon smiled awkwardly. "Well... it's... exactly what we thought it was. I mean, there aren't a lot of other reasons for a mare to have a naming dream..."

Twilight took a slow breath. "What... was it like, if you don't mind my asking?"

"I wish I knew..." Bon Bon sat down lightly. "I remember having it, and I remember the name... but the dream itself... all I really know is that I had it... I was thinking up names. Something... Something else was helping."

Twilight's eyes widened at the thought of it. "The child?"

"Maybe?" Bon Bon rubbed behind her head. "That would be crazy... I'm not sure... I wish I could help, but we thought of names, so many names, until one clicked, and I woke up."

Twilight shook her head softly. "I... thought you didn't like him? I mean... I thought Lyra would be the one."

Bon Bon began to go a dark color. "Look, I thought that too! It wasn't... I didn't plan this, but I'm not running, alright? This is my responsibility."

"Wrong." Twilight reached out to boop Bon Bon softly. "This is our responsibility. You're part of a herd, remember? You fought pretty hard to make that happen. Herds do not let a mare deal with this sort of thing alone. That just isn't how that works." With a glowing horn, books began to emerge from her pockets. "In fact, I've gathered a few, oh, do you have this one?"

Bon Bon smirked, seeing that one of the books was the same one the doctor had passed her. She pulled her copy from her pocket so Twilight could see it clearly. "He gave it to me with the good news."

"We can read it at the same time then." Twilight nodded, looking pleased. "We'll learn, all of us. It's not just you, Bon Bon. We're all pregnant."

Bon Bon hiked a brow high. "... That's not how that works, Twilight. But... thank you, for the sentiment."

"It is, in a sense." She wrapped her magic around Bon Bon. "You are now priority #1. What can I do for you?"

Bon Bon waved at the magic, trying to ward it away with very limited success. "You can relax. I am quite capable of tending to myself. I appreciate the thought, but I will not be carried around like a foal."

"You may change your mind later on." Twilight had a mischievous smile on her face. "And if you do, the offer is still on the table. As head mare, I accept personal responsibility for you to be healthy, happy, and loved."

"Being loved is what started this..." She huffed softly. "That reminds... I shouldn't have a foal without... true love."

"That's a question and an answer wrapped up together." She released her magic grip on Bon Bon as she brought her hooves together in a sphere like shape of movement.

"But..." Did she love him? She would have denied it... but what grew inside her spoke a different story that was hard to deny. The fact that she thought she didn't was part of the reason she had let her guard down. They were just two people having physical... fun... nothing more... "Well... he is an honorable fighter, I respect that. He works hard for his people, and I respect that too. He's serious, especially when you need to be, and I respect that."

"Enough respect can become love," Twilight spoke in soft tones. "My admiration of Celestia began with respect... But..."

"You love her."

Twilight lit up suddenly. "Don't put it that way! I... maybe..." She sank to her belly. "Beside the point... I mean, what even is love, really? You respect a lot about him, and like him, as a person. You're married to him and willing to engage in... that sort of activity... sounds enough like love to me."

Bon Bon glanced back at her belly where the universe had already voiced its opinion. Good enough. "Right... Look, look... I'm going to handle this." She moved past Twilight towards the kitchen. "So I'm becoming a mother, fine. I'll be a good mother, and raise a good... whatever it is I'm making. They'll grow up and be happy and successful. Just another job for--" She suddenly cut off.

"Bon Bon... Lyra!" She shouted out the name. "Please come down here!"

With a pop, Lyra appeared. "Whassup? Hey, Bonnie! How'd it go?"

Bon Bon shrank away a step. "You must hate me..."

Lyra blinked softly. "What? Why would I hate my dear Bonnie?"

"I cheated on you," she whispered out. "I stole your stallion, took his first away."

Lyra glanced aside at Twilight before taking a step forward. "Uh, Bonnie, seriously. We're all, you know, married, right? It's not... a race or anything."

"Lyra!" Bon Bon suddenly was on Lyra, her hooves on her girlfriend and wife's shoulders. "You are the reason we're here, and I went and jumped the gun, and you're alright with that?"

Lyra edged back in surprise, but calmness returned to her. She leaned forward and nuzzled Bon Bon's belly since it was right there. "That just means I get to be extra helpful to my favorite mare in the whole world. No offense, Twi. She's still my #1."

"None taken," assured Twilight with a gentle smile. "You two have been a couple for... quite some time. You're quite adorable, if I'm allowed to say so."

Bon Bon fell back to all fours, backing up quickly with a renewed blush. "I am not adorable!" She was a secret agent, not a cute thing... "Ugh... fine. If you're really alright with this?"

"I'm just waiting for your request. Want a massage? Maybe some special tea?" Her lyre appeared with a pop over her head. "Soothing music to relax by? We're here for you."

"Exactly so." Twilight nodded with confidence. "We're both happy for you. Your child? That's our child too, and we're going to love them, and you. We're going to love both of you--"

"Until you explode!" Lyra sat and threw her arms wide. "Of happiness. Welcome to the family." She was looking at Bon Bon's belly. "Go on and grow up nice and strong in there, so you're ready to get so many hugs when you come out."

"You two..." Her objections, for at least that moment, felt small. She approached the two, and they hugged. There was a quiet moment of mare to mare squeezing. Maybe Twilight was right, they were all pregnant, even if only one of them would have to deal with the physical impact of it. Their family was heavy with foal, and they would all work together to greet the newest member of their family. All of them.

"So when are you going to share the name?" Lyra nipped at Bon Bon's ear with a silly grin. "Don't tell me you're one of those 'save it until they're here' sorts. I gotta know!"

Twilight gently booped Lyra across Bon Bon's back. "Calm yourself. She'll share that when she feels it's right, and not a moment before then."