//------------------------------// // Chapter 2: Rainbows and Stars // Story: Midnight Star: Recovery // by Nebula Star //------------------------------// Midnight Star: Recovery By Nebula Star Rainbows and Stars *** “Wind! It's so good to see you again!” Wind Blade just stood staring dumbfounded at the strange mare standing on the doorstep of his and Midnight's home. She was an attractive earth pony mare with a golden-brown coat and a reddish-brown mane and tail, but Wind was fairly certain that he'd never met her before in his life. “Um... can I help you?” She went from ecstatic to hurt in the blink of an eye. “You... you don't recognize me?” She whimpered, sounding as if he'd put a knife in her heart. His eyes widened. He hadn't meant to upset her, but he was still pretty certain that he'd never met her before. Then he saw it, a tiny twinkle of amusement in her eye and it clicked. “You're a changeling, aren't you...?” She burst into a grin. “There you go!” “I still don't know who you are though. I've met a few changelings.” He told her. “Well maybe this will help,” she said and with a small flash of green flames a scar appeared running nearly halfway across her chest. “Commander Sallis!?” She smiled. “Just Sallis. We only use our military titles when we're actually going into battle.” “Oh good, so you're not here to take over Ponyville?” Wind asked with a sly grin. Sallis snorted. “Of course not. Actually, I wanted to talk to Midnight, is she up to having company?” “Well, she's awake...” He said with a slight roll of his eyes. “Whether she's up to having company or not is the real question,” he told her as he stepped back, letting her in and closing the door behind her. “You can take your true form if you want. Midnight warded all the windows so nopony can see in through the glass.” Sallis nodded, and with a flash of green, shifted back into her true body. “It’ll be nice when I can just be my real self all the time without ponies freaking out.” She sighed. “If we ever get that far…” Wind gave her an encouraging smile. “Hey, we’ll get there. It may take some time, but you’ve got both Midnight and Twilight on your side. Anyway, let me go get Midnight.” Sallis smiled as she looked around the livingroom of Midnight and Wind’s home. It wasn’t exceptionally large or fancy, but it seemed perfect for the young couple just starting their family together. Even if one of them was technically royalty. Stretching, she went over to one of the cushions near the couch and took a seat to wait. A few minutes later, she heard hoof-steps coming from the hall. “Sallis? Hey, what are you doing here?” She smiled looking up at Midnight Star as she slowly made her way into the room, clearly straining a bit with every step. “Oh wow, you look about ready to pop!” Midnight laughed weakly. “I feel like it… But I’m not due for another two weeks.” Carefully, she lowered her gravid form onto the couch, Wind doing his best to help. “You need anything?” He asked, loving concern filling his voice. She smiled up at him. “Some chocolate covered strawberries?” He gave a soft laugh. “I’ll see what I can do.” He said then, with a nod to Sallis, he left, heading for the kitchen. “So, what brings you to Ponyville?” Midnight asked once he was gone. “I’m assuming you came to talk to me specifically since you have an ambassador in Canterlot now.” Sallis nodded. “It’s a personal matter actually. I was hoping you would give me a recommendation to live in Equestria for a time.” “You want to live in Equestria? What for?” “I’d like to learn a new trade. I already know the basics of blacksmithing and metalworking, but I was hoping to learn jewelry making. And I thought it would be a good way to help improve our relations with Equestria.” Midnight raised a brow. “You planning on staying in true form?” Sallis bit her lip. “Well no, not at first anyway. I’d probably stay in pony form most of the time, but I’d make sure everyone I work with knows what I am and if anyone asks I won’t lie about it. Maybe once ponies got more comfortable with the idea, I’d start staying in true form, but that could be a while.” Midnight nodded then winced, drawing in a breath through clenched teeth, her whole body tensing. “Something wrong?” Sallis asked concerned. Relaxing, Midnight shook her head. “I’ve just been having contractions all day, but the doctor told us that this early it’s probably just a false alarm.” “Oh. Yeah, that’s fairly common.” “They still hurt though.” She sighed. “Anyway, I think it would be a good idea for you and any others that want to, to start working with ponies more openly, let them see for themselves that you’re not the monsters many think you are. I’d be glad to give you a recommendation.” Her horn lit up and she levitated over a quill and some paper as well as a book to use as a writing surface. Sallis smiled thankfully. “Thanks. I’m hoping my example will get others to brave living in Equestria more openly.” Midnight nodded while writing. “And until ponies get more used to the idea, it’s probably a good idea to stay in pony form, even if they know you’re really a changeling. No point in making ponies more uncomfortable than you have to.” “That’s what I figured.” Midnight took a few minutes to finish the recommendation letter, then levitated another pre-made letter and gave them both to Sallis. “There you go, a letter of recommendation and written permission to travel further within Equestria. You probably won’t be bothered in pony form, but if any guards question you, just show them the first letter.” Sallis nodded. “Thanks, Midnight.” Midnight started to nod, but instead winced again in pain. Then her eyes went wide. “Wind!” She called urgently. “What is it!?” He called back, rushing into the room. “The contractions weren’t a false alarm!” Both Wind and Sallis’ eyes went wide. “We’ve got to go!” Wind exclaimed rushing to help Midnight up. “It’s not that urgent yet.” Midnight told him, trying to keep him from panicking. “But let’s hurry.” Sallis slipped the letters into her saddlebags and quickly went to help Midnight as well. The wet spot on the couch where she’d been laying made it clear what had happened. “Do you have a way to get her to the hospital?” Wind nodded. “There’s a carriage in back,” he told her already guiding Midnight that direction. Together they got Midnight to the carriage and got her settled, then Wind went about hooking himself up to pull. “You want me to help?” Sallis asked. “Wind can handle it.” Midnight told her. “But could you go tell my mom for me?” She nodded. “Of course!” “She lives in the Golden Oaks library in the center of town.” “I know the way!” With a flash she shifted back into pony form, though this time she’d given herself some wings. “We’ll meet you there!” Midnight smiled thankfully as Wind set off at a swift but smooth pace toward the ponyville hospital. Sallis gave them a wave, then took off, heading to what was likely the best known library in Equestria. Swift as she was in Pegasus form, it wasn’t long before she arrived. As usual, the library was guarded discretely by two armorless royal guards who were nearby, but not obtrusive. Being normal business hours, the library was open to the public so Sallis went straight inside. There she found the only armored guard in sight, standing at the base of the stairs that led to the princess’s residence. Quickly, Sallis approached the guard. “I have an important message for Princess Twilight!” “You’ll have to make an appointment, or if you like, I could relay the message to her.” The guard replied calmly. “That won’t be necessary, Backslash.” Princess Twilight Sparkle said, appearing at the top of the stairs. The guard nodded respectfully and stepped back out of her way as she started down the stairs to join them. “You said you have a message?” Sallis nodded. “Midnight sent me, she just went into labor, she and Wind are headed to the hospital now.” Twilight’s eyes went wide. “What!? I… we have to go now!” She turned toward her guard. “Backslash, I need an escort to the hospital, and you, miss…” she trailed off knowing she didn’t know the mare’s name. “Golden Spark,” Sallis supplied automatically. “Or, um… Sallis, if you prefer.” Twilight did a doubletake. “Sallis?” “I’m a changeling.” Sallis said, knowing it was probably for the best not to hide it. “Oh… You’re supposed to go straight to Midnight to get her approval to travel through Equestria.” “I know, that’s why I was there when Midnight went into labor.” “Right… did she give you her approval?” Sallis nodded and pulled out the letter. “Alright, well, thanks for bringing me the news. I guess you can be on your way.” She hesitated. “Actually, if it’s alright with you, I’d like to come with to the hospital.” “You would? Wait… Sallis? That sounds familiar.” “I was Midnight’s escort when she visited the hive a few months ago. That and I led the squad that protected Princess Luna during the badlands battle.” Twilight nodded. “That’s right. Luna was rather impressed with you. Well, if you want to come with, that’s fine with me.” “Thanks.” “You’re welcome. Now, let’s get going.” By the time they got outside, two of Twilight’s Pegasus guards were waiting in armor. They knew their princess well enough to know that she’d want to fly herself. It was a short flight to the hospital and Twilight went straight inside, Sallis and her guards trailing after. Inside, one of the receptionists quickly bowed. “Princess Twilight, Midnight just checked in. If you’ll follow me.” Twilight smiled. “Thank you.” She said, following the receptionist down the hall. She led them to the maternity ward waiting room, where she opened the door for them. “Someone will come to keep you updated.” The receptionist said, letting them in. To Twilight’s surprise, they weren’t alone. “Rarity, Fluttershy, what are you doing here?” Fluttershy looked up from where she was sitting with her youngest curled up against her side looking confused, while Rarity raised a brow. “What do you mean, Darling? We’re here because Rainbow finally went into labor.” Twilight’s eyes went wide. “Rainbow’s here!” “Yes,” Fluttershy said softly. “But if you didn’t know that, then why are you here?” “Because Midnight just went into labor!” Twilight told them. “Oh my, I thought she wasn’t due for a few more weeks.” Rarity said in surprise. “She’s two weeks early.” Twilight told them, entering the room. Sallis followed her in, hesitating for a moment at the door. She didn’t go unnoticed. “Oh, who’s this?” Rarity asked looking up at her. “A new member of your guard?” Twilight shook her head. “No, my guards are stationed out in the hall. This is Sallis.” Fluttershy looked at her confused. “Sallis? That’s an… interesting name.” Sallis tensed slightly wondering how they would react. “Well I’m… a changeling.” For a brief moment fear filled Fluttershy’s eyes and she hugged her son close, but then she glanced at Twilight and seemed to relax. “Oh, that’s um… interesting…” Rarity said sounding a little nervous as well. “If you don’t mind me asking, why are you here?” “I was on my way to Canterlot, but we’re supposed to check in with Midnight before traveling further through Equestria. I happened to be there when she went into labor, and she asked me to tell Twilight.” Sallis explained. “I see, and I suppose you wanted to make sure she got to the hospital alright?” She nodded. “Midnight is important to the changelings. Queen Chrysalis believes she may be the key to establishing a lasting peace with Equestria, and I think she’s right. Besides, I fought alongside Wind Blade in the badlands, and I was Midnight’s escort when she visited the hive, so I like to think we’re friends. I hope you don’t mind if I stay.” “Of course not,” Fluttershy said, seeming to be at ease again. “Thanks, and if you like, you can call me Golden Spark. It’s the pony name I chose for myself.” “That’s a lovely name darling.” Rarity said, smiling. “Come on in and relax; we’ll probably be here a while.” Sallis gratefully took a seat across from them while Twilight sat down next to Fluttershy. “Has anyone sent word to Pinky and Applejack?” Twilight asked. Rarity nodded. “Yes, we sent Scootaloo to tell everypony, you must have missed her.” “What about Sky and Copper?” “Oh, no, we didn’t send word to them since we didn’t know about Midnight…” “That’s alright.” Twilight said with a smile. “I’ll just contact Sky myself.” Reaching out with her magic she began to sense the magic of all those around her, casting her senses outward further and further until she was sensing almost all of Ponyville. Most ponies she couldn’t tell one from another like this but there were several in town that she’d learned to sense; finding one of those she cast a spell, creating a link between them. “Sky, this is Twilight; Midnight just went into labor. We’re at the hospital now. It will probably be a couple hours though so just come when you can.” Twilight sensed an acknowledgment from Sky and broke the connection. “Alright, Sky knows.” “You can just contact ponies with magic?” Fluttershy asked surprised. Twilight nodded. “Yes, it’s a bit limited though, I can send fairly clear messages but I only get vague impressions back. And I have to know how to recognize a pony’s magic to even find them.” The door opened and they all looked up as Applejack entered the waiting room with Apple Bloom right behind. “Howdy y’all.” “Did Rainbow have her foal yet?” Apple Bloom asked excitedly. Rarity smiled. “Not yet, darling. She only went into labor twenty minutes ago. It’s going to be a while still. But there’s more exciting news.” “Really!?” “More?” Applejack raised a brow, wondering what she meant. She nodded. “You want to tell them, Twilight?” Twilight smiled and turned back to the Apple sisters. “Midnight went into labor too.” Apple Bloom’s eyes went wide. “She did!” “Well Ah’ll be. So Rainbow and Midnight’s foals are goin’ to share a birthday?” Applejack asked smiling. Twilight nodded. “Yep, unless one of them has an unusually long labor, it looks like they’ll both have their foals today.” It was nearly four hours before they heard any news from the medical staff and then it was just a nurse telling them that Rainbow Dash was about to give birth. By then Scootaloo had arrived with Pinkie Pie, having stopped by the library only to find Twilight was gone. They had been followed soon after by Sky and Copper. And finally Big Mac had arrived as well with the rest of he and Fluttershy’s foals: a three year old filly and four year old colt. The young family was all together in the corner of the waiting room, Fluttershy and Big Mac, doing their best to keep the foals entertained with Pinkie Pie’s help. Finally, the door opened and the large group of ponies looked up as a nurse stepped in with a bright smile. Seeing she had everypony’s attention, she didn’t hesitate to tell them the news. “Rainbow Dash would like to introduce you all to her newborn foal.” “Everything went well then?” Twilight asked eagerly as she and the rest of the group got to their hooves. The nurse smiled and nodded. “Both mother and foal are happy and healthy. Though they are tired so we shouldn’t keep them waiting. They didn’t need any more encouragement, all of them heading for the door. All except Sallis. Twilight glanced at her noticing that she wasn’t moving to follow. “You coming?” Sallis smiled but shook her head. “Nah, I don’t really know Rainbow Dash. I shouldn’t intrude.” “Alright. I doubt we’ll be long.” Twilight told her then left with the rest of the group, following the nurse to the delivery room where Rainbow was waiting with her family. Valor was sitting right next to the bed where Rainbow lay, looking more exhausted than Twilight had ever seen her Pegasus friend. But despite her exhaustion, she had a radiant smile on her face as she looked down at the bundle she held against her chest. The group gathered around, eager to see the new foal. “Everypony,” Rainbow said softly, when she saw that everyone was there. “Meet Spectrum Spell.” She turned the bundle in her hooves so they could all see the tiny colt. With a blue-gray coat a little darker than his mothers, and a rainbow mane and tail, he clearly took after his mother, but with one major difference, instead of pegasus wings on his back, he had a tiny horn poking through his mane. “Well Ah’ll be; a unicorn.” Applejack said smiling. “Well he got everything else from his momma, he had to take something from his daddy too.” Pinkie Pie said grinning. Rainbow just continued to smile looking down at her son with pride. “He’s beautiful, Rainbow.” Twilight said softly. “He’ll be quite the dashing young colt.” Rairity agreed. Rainbow looked up at her friends, her face radiant with a look of sheer happiness like they’d never seen from her before. “You’ll help teach him magic, won’t you, Twi? When Valor isn’t able too?” Twilight smiled. “Of course, Rainbow. But I’ll make sure Valor always has time to spend with his family.” She added with a wink. Rainbow grinned at that and Valor smiled thankfully as well. “Thanks, Twilight.” The room fell silent for a few moments, everypony’s attention on the newborn foal sleeping soundly in his mother’s hooves. Finally, Twilight noticed Rainbow’s eyes starting to droop. “Why don’t we let the new family get some rest.” She suggested and the others nodded in agreement. “Oh, but before we do. I have an exciting bit of news for you two!” Twilight told them. “What’s that?” Rainbow asked and Twilight grinned. “Midnight went into labor just a little after you did!” Both Rainbow and Valor’s eyes widened in surprise. “Really?!” Twilight nodded. “Yep, so your foal and hers are going to share their birthday.” “Wow… heh,” Rainbow grinned. “Lucky her; getting out two weeks early, instead of a week and a half late.” Twilight laughed. “Well, we’ll let you get some rest.” “Thanks girls…” Rainbow said sounding tired and with one last chorus of goodbyes and congratulations, the group returned to the waiting room. It was nearly a half hour later that a nurse came to tell them that Midnight was about to give birth, at which point Twilight couldn’t hold still any longer and began pacing the room. Sallis couldn’t help grinning a little at that. Though she had to admit; it was a bit worse waiting. Usually, in the hive, she was present whenever one of her brothers and sisters were born, having long ago learned the trade of a midwife. Twilight for her part, couldn’t help pacing. She’d never had a foal of her own, she didn’t know what Midnight was going through. She’d read every book she could find, of course; but one thing she’d learned over the years, was that all the book learning in the world couldn’t compare to actual experience. It had been a hard lesson for her to learn, but an important one. After what seemed an eternity, a nurse finally stepped into the waiting room, an oddly excited look in her eyes. “Midnight would like to see you, Princess, as well as Sky and Copper.” Twilight blinked and glanced around at all the rest of her friends. “Just us, is everything alright?” The nurse nodded smiling. “Everything is just fine; she just wants family for now.” “Okay.” Twilight said, still hesitating slightly. “Go on, Sugarcube, Ah’m sure we’ll have plenty of chances to meet the youngin’.” Applejack said, making a shooing gesture toward them. The nurse led the way down the hall to the room where Midnight was, which was right next door to Rainbow’s room. They entered, finding Midnight lying on her belly, wing outstretched, presumably covering her newborn foal. She was a mess; her mane had reverted to its normal form, likely due to her exhaustion and was matted with sweat, her coat also showed signs of a great deal of exertion, and even her posture spoke of extreme exhaustion. Wind was next to the bed, one wing stretched over Midnight. They both looked up as their family entered. Midnight smiled. “Mom, I’d like you to meet your granddaughter,” she said softly, then slowly lifted her wing, revealing the tiny filly curled up against her side. She was a pale purple in color, with a mane and tail of an icy blue-purple that seemed to shine in the light. The little filly whimpered slightly and nuzzled her mother’s side; but what really caught Twilight’s attention were the tiny wings, and stubby horn. Twilight gasped, putting a hoof to her mouth. “She’s an alicorn!?” “I’d like you all to meet Star Bright.” Midnight said smiling, joyful tears in her eyes. Though they still didn’t know whether partial blood alicorns were immortal or not, the evidence so far seemed to indicate that they at least had an extended life span. Even nearing forty; Cadence still had the body of a twenty-year-old mare. Twilight couldn’t hold back, she stepped forward, wrapping her daughter in a hug, knowing what a gift this would be for both of them. Midnight hugged her back, careful not to disturb the sleeping filly. Finally, they separated again and Twilight looked down at her granddaughter. “Hello, Star Bright.” She said softly though the filly didn’t respond. “She’s beautiful Midnight.” “Way to go, Wind.” Sky said with a grin; “an alicorn…” He smirked. “I think that was a little more Midnight than me.” Sky moved closer to get a closer look at her niece. “She’s so cute!” Midnight smiled tears in her eyes. “I keep thinkin it’s too good to be true… then I look at her again.” Sky smiled up at her understandingly. “Congratulations, Midnight.” She said, then gave her sister-in-law a hug, careful not to disturb the sleeping filly. Then she looked up at her brother. “I’m not quite sure whether to congratulate you or feel sorry for you, Wind; raising an alicorn isn’t going to be easy!” Midnight laughed softly. “He won’t be raising her alone.” Sky giggle. “She’s beautiful, Midnight,” she said then gave a meaningful look to her husband. Copper caught her meaning and snorted. “I highly doubt we’ll have an alicorn.” “It doesn’t have to be an alicorn!” Sky objected. Copper laughed putting a hoof around her shoulders and hugging her. “You’ll have your own soon enough.” He told her. She gave him a smoldering look. “You promise?” Copper blushed and simply gave her a squeeze. Twilight laughed softly at the young couple’s antics. “Well, congratulations. Are you up for more visitors? The rest of the girls are here with their families; as well as your changeling friend, Sallis.” “They’re all here?” Midnight said in surprise. “I didn’t think they would all drop everything to be here.” Twilight grinned. “Well it’s not just you they’re here for.” “It’s not?” “Rainbow is in the next room.” Midnight’s eyes widened. “Is she…!?” “She had her foal about an hour before you did.” Twilight told her. “A hansom little unicorn colt named Spectrum Spell.” “Wow… I can’t wait to meet him. Tell her congratulations for me, when you get a chance.” “I will, So are you up to a visit from the others?” Midnight took a deep breath. “Yeah, as long as we keep it short.” “I’ll get them.” Sky offered and left without waiting for a reply. Sallis looked up at the door opened, and Sky Slice looked in. “Everypony; Midnight’s up for a short visit now.” Everypony in the room got up, including Fluttershy and her family, and they were soon crowding into Midnight’s room. Sallis stayed at the back, standing in the doorway while the rest of Midnight’s friends and family gathered around. Midnight was laying in her bed with her wing outstretched, presumably covering her foal. “Everypony; meet Star Bright.” Midnight said, lifting her wing and revealing her daughter. Several gasps were heard as they all saw the foal’s horn and tiny wings. Even Sallis’ eyes widened. An alicorn!? “Oh wow!” Apple Bloom said, being one of the closest to the bed. “She’s adorable!” Several others expressed similar sentiments and offered their congratulations. Sallis didn’t pay attention though. She couldn’t help herself; she just had to share the news with her mother. ‘Mother! Midnight Star had her foal, and it’s an alicorn!’ She sensed surprise come back from her mother. That’s wonderful news? A filly or colt? ‘Filly, her name is Star Bright.’ Just then, the tiny filly gave a yawn and tried to wiggle her way tighter against her mother’s side. ‘Oh, she’s so adorable!’ Chrysalis seemed amused by her oldest and most respected daughter showing such a soft side, but didn’t say anything, knowing Sallis well enough that it wasn’t unexpected. Well, tell her congratulations from me; this will be quite a gift for her. ‘I will.’ Fluttershy was letting her own children get a look at the newborn foal; while keeping them in check so they wouldn’t disturb the little one’s sleep. Young as they were, they soon grew bored of just looking and Fluttershy guided them back away to let somepony else get a good look. “Sallis? Thanks for sticking around.” Sallis looked up and smiled. “I wouldn’t miss it, Midnight. And by the way; Queen Chrysalis says congratulations as well.” Midnight laughed. “Tell her ‘thanks’, for me.” Sallis nodded, glad she’d chosen today to come to Equestria. She’d have to wait until tomorrow to continue on to Canterlot; but this was definitely worth the delay.