"A party is still a party, even if there are only three guests."
You know what sucks? Being the only sober pony at a bar.
I blew air from my nose as I propped my head in my hooves at the counter. The Beacon was absolutely packed, thanks to everyone showing up at once. Violet was the main one taking advantage of the drinks. She threw them back, one after another. Gladys was pretty happy about it, too. The amount of flirting between the two was almost too dirty. Nico and Redd were pacing themselves much slower. I secretly ordered a virgin Bloody Berry. I mentioned to the bartender that I had an upset stomach. The others didn't seem to notice.
"Sweetheart, what's the matter? I thought you would be having fun." Dad said from behind the counter. He and Specs offered their skills to the casino while there were so many there. I'm sure the casino didn't mind since they were making a killing from the gambling.
I sighed. "Nothing's wrong. Still a little tired. I'm not really in the mood to drink much, anyway."
"Never heard o' that phrase." Specs chuckled.
I shrugged. "I guess there's always a first."
"Well, if you need to rest, you should." Dad said.
"I will."
He smiled, sadly, and went back to work.
I hated to sit there in the midst of celebration and think about defeating evil and saving the world. If I was the only one worried about, it would drive me nuts. So, I hopped off the bar stool and walked towards the exit. I needed to breathe. It was hard to get through the crowded place. When I finally reached the doors, a hoof grabbed my foreleg, making me jump back.
"Sorry, it's just me." Nico. "Where are you going?"
"I need some air. I can't breathe in here." I said, matter-of-factly.
"I'll come with you." He told me.
Not a good idea.
"No, that's okay. You go tell the others I went to the restroom or something." I smiled.
He narrowed his gaze. "Are you sure you're alright? You're acting strange."
Rolling my eyes, I removed my leg from his. "Yes. I swear. I am perfectly fine." My eyes wandered to Redd. He didn't seem very into the scene, either. My fault, probably. I quickly turned, before Nico noticed. I walked off, leaving him standing on the other side of the doors. It may have been a bitchy thing to do, but I needed the space. I still had a lot to think about.
Once I was outside, I propped against the corner of the building. The wind blew through my mane and feathers. I closed my eyes to take in the nicer weather. No rain, plenty of breeze, and no raiders. It was about as good as the weather was going to get. I stretched my wings, flapping a few times. Finally, I took off, staying over Floater. The Beacon was a beautiful sight to behold at night. Colorful lights beamed into the sky, giving meaning to its name. I maneuvered through the gusty winds, gliding lazily. I wanted to enjoy being a pegasus, again.
I looked up towards the thick clouds. "Wick. I wished you could be here to celebrate with everypony. I wish you could see how much I've changed. I think you'd be proud."
A tear fell from my eye as I let out a breath, circling back around to stay in the town limits. "Chaser. I'm going to listen to that holotape, one day. I don't want to believe you were doing those things. Just... promise me I won't be too heartbroken." I wiped my eyes. "I forgive you, either way."
Call it self-sabatoge, but I was especially hating myself that night. The voice in my head that was Blight was no longer there, but the blame was too real. It really was my fault that they were dead. I hated myself. It occurred to me that I had only changed to get away from myself. It was a good thing, but I had all the wrong reasons. I didn't change to become braver or stronger. It was just to run from my past. The faster I ran from it, the closer it was to biting me in the ass.
When will the guilt just leave?
After that five minute flight, I began to feel extremely fatigued. I dove towards the roof of The Beacon. The cloud curtain had been lit up by the beams of light. It was tragically beautiful. I sighed, lying down on the hard concrete. "Grandma, Grandpa. What do I do? This world is so broken. It's so... corrupted. How irresponsible would I be for bringing a foal into this place? I would only be able to do my best, but I can only do so much. I wouldn't even know how to prepare for that." Tears welled up, again. "I'm already leading a small army into a battle that is my fault to begin with. What if we lose everyone? What if we lose everything?"
I broke down, sobbing. My soft wails struggled to stay in the immediate vicinity. "I d-don't want to get rid of it. I-I still want to try, but I'm scared. I'm so scared. How do I even tell Redd? How do I tell him I'm carrying his foal, when he probably hates me?"
"How?"
Bitter cold stopped my blood in my veins. I swung my head around, facing the very stallion I should have been talking to, earlier.
"Redd! I-"
"How? How could I hate you?" He flapped his wings, landing right in front of me. "Y-youre... pregnant? I'm... I'm a father..." His face was indecipherable. I thought he would faint.
I shook, violently. Finally, my head fell in my hooves. I cried, loudly, not even caring who heard me. "I-I'm so sorry. I tried to tell you, earlier! I swear I wanted to tell you, but... Violet came in and I didn't want anyone else to know, right now! I-I was t-trying to tell you! You seemed so upset with me! Please, forgive me! Please, don't be mad!"
I didn't bother to look up. I just kept sobbing. It took way too long for him to say anything to me. I almost thought he had left, until I was suddenly wrapped in a warm embrace. His wings wrapped around me, stilling my shivers. I felt wetness on my forehead. "S-Sia, I... I don't know what to say. When did you find out?"
I melted into him, hiccuping. "Yesterday. Fleece told me and I thought... I was so scared, Redd. I was scared that... raider was the father! I had these thoughts in my head. I wanted to get rid of it, but then she-she did the DNA test and it turns out that it's you and not him, and now, I want to try. I want to try to be a mother. I want... I want to be with you!" I grabbed at his barding and sunk my face into it. "I want you to be there with me..."
He held me tighter, his tears falling into my mane. "Do you love me?"
I looked up at him. His usual fiery eyes were now glassy, full of both hope and fear. "What?"
"I would give anything to be with you. I would give my life for you. You're carrying my- our foal. But I only want to be a part of your life if you're going to be happy. I want to make you happy." He pleaded. "Do you love me?"
You know that weird feeling when you have a sudden burst of emotion in your chest? Like when you've been trying to contain a certain feeling inside of you but then it overflows and breaks out? Yeah, it's awesome.
"I-I do. I know I do! When you told me we couldn't go home, I now know why I wasn't upset." I rested my head on his chest. "It was you. You're home to me. You bring me comfort and you make me feel safe. I... I thought I was happier being friends, but... Redd, I don't want to just be friends. I have no idea how to love. How to truly love. I want to love you. I want to try! I can't get rid of our baby! Please, don't be mad."
"I can't be mad at you. I just can't. I mean, it would have hurt a little if you decided to go that route, but... I couldn't stand to force you to do something you didn't want to do." He gulped. "Are you sure you want to raise a foal with me? Here?"
I felt his muscles tense. He was afraid I'd change my mind. I wasn't going to, though. I was so sure about this. Redd had always been one of my best friends. He was an even better lover. I knew right then, my answer. "Yes. Yes! I do."
He kissed me, squeezing my body into his, being extra careful with my abdomen. When he pulled away, I went back for more. His wings shielded me from the chilly wind. I was finally able to let go and wipe the tears from my burning cheeks. I smiled up at the already grinning stallion.
His forehead rested on mine as he nuzzled me. "You have no idea how happy I am, right now."
I sighed, peacefully. "Redd, you're going to be a great father." My hoof placed his over my belly.
He gazed down, proudly. "I promise, I'll do everything I can to keep you both safe."
I wish I could say that gave me chills, but I was too calm. Too at peace.
As fast as this seemed to be moving, I hardly thought it mattered. We were either about to save the world, or be killed in the process. Either way, I didn't want to die not knowing if I could ever be happy. I was scared of motherhood. I was scared of love. I was scared of the future. But, what is the point of fear if you choose to protect the ones you love?
And the reward was pretty awesome, too.
I inhaled, deeply. Taking in his scent. Goddess, if I wasn't already pregnant, I would have ended up that way anyway. We sat like that for a few minutes until he finally broke the silence. "Do you ever wonder if you have a virtue?"
"A virtue?" I asked.
He nodded. "You know, something that makes you... you."
I shrugged. Virtue. That is something I never even once thought about. Mostly, because I didn't have one. I had quirks, sure, but a virtue seemed too... surreal. "Mine isn't as much a virtue as it is... whatever 'cowardice', is."
"Nah. You're not a coward." He squeezed me with the prosthetic wing. It felt too real. "You're brave-"
I glanced at him.
"-er. Brav-er than you were." He flashed a sheepish grin.
I sighed. "I don't really care about virtues. If I was meant to be one thing, I think that would be... boring." I liked the way I had said that, like boring was a bad thing!
"I guess that's true. Still, what do you think stands out for me?" He nudged, playfully.
I tapped my chin in thought. "Hmm. I think valor."
That ego was almost as big as his head, now, for sure. Redd puffed out his chest, resembling a memorial of a war pony. Real modest, Redd. I poked him, deflating his demeanor.
"I said 'valor', not vanity." I giggled.
I felt him nuzzle my cheek. "But... you do think I'm cute, right?"
I blushed. "Y-yes. I guess our relationship warrants that confession." I patted my belly. "I still can't believe this is happening." My smile faded. The crawling skin was uncomfortable, even under Redd's embrace. "What if I... what if I fail?"
He looked at me, worried. "Sia, don't do this to yourself."
I shook my head. "But this isn't just me, anymore. It's us. What if I failed you and the foal?"
"You won't."
"But-"
He put a hoof to my mouth, shutting me up. "You will be great. If I thought you were going to fail, I wouldn't believe in you as much as I do. We all believe in you. Redd Junior is gonna be the happiest colt or filly in the world. You and I are going to make sure of that. You won't be alone. And even if you fall, we will catch you. That goes for our friends, too." He snorted. "And Nico."
I let a smile through, as I wiped a tear away. "Redd Junior?"
"Yes."
"Not gonna happen."
"Even if it's a colt?"
I shoved him, gently. "Anything but Redd Junior."
"Uh..."
We both jolted upright at the voice behind us. Pepper stood in front of the rooftop exit door. Her eyes were wide. "Y-You guys are..."
"Shh!" I hissed. "Please, don't tell anyone!"
Redd facehooved. "Me and my big mouth."
"No, it's... my fault. I was looking for feath- I mean, Sia." Her pink coat slightly reddened. "I didn't mean to overhear."
I nodded. "It's okay. Redd, can you head back? Let everyone know we're alright."
He agreed, turning to leave and looking back every so often.
Once he was inside, Pepper chuckled. "So, when are you going to tell the others?"
I shrugged. "Maybe, after all this is over. I don't want to give everyone something else to worry about." I folded my ears back.
"I'm sorry I found out this way." She rubbed the back of her neck.
"Nah, it's fine. I trust you." I smiled.
She perked up. "Y-You do? I mean, after everything that's happened... I know I've said some things..."
I hugged her. She seemed uncomfortable at first, but she finally relaxed. "You are my friend, Pepper. What's in the past, it should stay in the past. We mess up, we learn, we grow from it." I let go.
Her jaw stiffened as she tried to hide the water in her eyes. "I... I-I'm glad to hear that." Her genuine smile was pretty. I wasn't sure why she didn't smile, often.
"I know you said before that you were going to leave when I was back in my body." I looked down, grimly. "I don't want you to go, though."
She wiped her eyes, again, before turning to me and sighing playfully. "Eh. Maybe I'll stick around." She wilted, slightly. "You know... you don't have to listen to the holotape. I-I'm sure there were reasons-"
"No, I'm going to listen to it." I assured her. "I owe it to you. It might be hard at first, but... I'll be giving birth in almost ten months. If I can get through that, I can listen to a recording."
She laughed. "I totally knew you'd get knocked up. It's always the shy ones."
I felt heat in my cheeks. Quick to change the subject about my sex life, I spoke. "I wonder how Moondancer is doing." I was legitimately curious. We hadn't seen her in a couple of days.
Pepper flicked her tail. "Let's go find out."
"You don't want to stay behind and party with everyone else?" I nudged her.
She snickered. "I don't think so. I'm... uh-I'm sober, now."
I beamed. "That's great to hear!"
"Yeah, yeah, sobriety and morals. Let's get going before they turn the party into and outdoor shin-dig."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The tunnels were still dark. It looked like Fleece had begun to hang a few lanterns up, but hadn't quite made it to the lab. I still had to turn my Pipbuck light on. Once we got to the scattered turret pieces, I picked up a few of the intact pieces to give to Moondancer. I didn't know what she would do with them, but maybe she could find something useful.
"Moondancer?" I called when Pepper opened the door. The facility was still the same as when we left.
The robopony emerged from her room and walked over to the reading tables. "Sienna. Come sit."
Pepper and I did as instructed and took a seat at the table she had chosen. I set the parts next to her as she nodded in thanks.
She gave her best robotic smile to me. "I see you've returned to your biological vessel."
I nodded. "So, you saw the camera feed from around Blossom Farms?"
"Yes. How are you feeling? Any brain damage?"
I faltered. "Uh, not that I'm aware of."
Pepper snickered.
Moondancer brightened. "That's wonderful. You look perfectly healthy. I can hardly tell you've been through a traumatic experience."
I chuckled. "Yeah, everything is fine, I guess. I'm just tired."
Moondancer perked up. "That would tire anyone out. Of course, a mare's body also has to spend a lot of energy to take care of the growing organism inside of them." She gave a weird wink.
"What?!"
"How did you know that?"
She pointed towards the computer. "I told you there were cameras in a lot of places around here. Including the rooftop of the Beacon. I keep that security footage on in case of any danger." Her usual monotone voice hadn't broken its pitch.
I nodded, slowly. "I... guess that's good."
"Don't worry, I won't say anything." She said.
Well, it won't matter if everyone finds out "accidentally".
"Congratulations, though." The robot stood. "Would you like to see the embryo?"
Pepper and I shared a confused look, then I turned back to Moondancer. "Y-you mean I can... see it?"
"Of course. You've never heard of an ultrasound?" She trotted to the tables and pushed the button on her temple, summoning a screen that looked like the x-ray machine, except a little bit smaller and shaped differently.
I hesitantly got up and walked towards the table. Pepper decided to join me.
"Remove your armor and lie on your back."
I obeyed, setting the black barding on the table next us. My chest began to crawl and I instantly knew why. My mother's memory orb had left that trauma deep in my conscious. The cold metal sent a chill through my body. I looked over at Pepper who watched the robopony tinker with the screen with an uncertain face.
"Okay. Hold still."
A gray remote-like thing came from the screen as Moondancer levitated it over my belly. When she pressed it into my stomach, the image of my womb came into view. I watched as she rolled the wand back and forth trying to get a good picture. I was starting to think Fleece had played a cruel prank on me, until I saw the small, bean-shaped life form. It wiggled around, as if trying to escape the camera. My heart melted, instantly. It was adorable. That was my baby. My very flesh and blood. I only wished I knew the gender.
"It's... cute? It's kind of shaped like a kidney." Pepper teased.
"This is strange." The pale, yellow robocorn said.
My heart dropped. "What's wrong?"
"The fetus is fine. It's the data that is a little hard to read." She adjusted her eyes. "It's saying the gestational time frame for the foal is six and a half weeks, but it says conception was only two weeks ago. I should have checked over the equipment before I performed this scan."
I sighed. "No, it's right. According to Fleece, the pregnancy was magically sped up thanks to the pearls coming in contact with my body while I was pregnant."
"Whoa. Does featherbrain know that?" Pepper asked, studying the screen.
"No. I don't know how to tell him that. I don't want him to think... I don't know. He might think it's a lie." I settled my gaze on the bean-baby. Its heartbeat on the speaker made me smile.
"Tell me what?" I darted my eyes to the door. Redd was already walking towards us. I take back what I had said. Redd's virtue was definitely poor timing. "Fleece said you guys came down here." He stopped and looked at the screen. "Is that...?" His eyes moistened.
Another smile crept up on my lips. "Yep. Say hello to our little one."
He nuzzled my cheek. "I can't wait to meet the little guy."
"Filly." I corrected.
"Colt."
I chuckled, rubbing his hoof.
Is this what wholeness feels like? Is it supposed to feel this good?
"Redd, I presume you are the father?" Moondancer interrupted. "The unborn foal was only recently conceived, but because of exposure to the large quantities of arcane energy, the development has slightly increased in less time than normal. I'm getting readings of magical residue in the amniotic fluids. While this is probably nothing to worry about, it may make pregnancy symptoms slightly worse. Hence, why you feel more tired than you should." She turned the screen off, sending it back to its station. "This is certainly an oddity that I will continue to research."
"Uh..."
She gave a tinny sigh. "The foal is a month along, already, because of exposure to powerful magic."
"Oh." Redd looked at me, concerned.
"So, you're sure that its not hurt?" Pepper asked.
Moondancer's eyes glowed as they rested on her. "I'm certain. The speed increase was only temporary. Sienna's body is adjusting to the correct hormone levels, now. In nine to ten months, you'll have the infant."
Redd noticeably relaxed.
I slipped my armor back on. Just as I did so, Moondancer's computer started beeping. All of us turned to see a blip marked on Blossom Farms blinking. Moondancer rushed over, tapping a few keys and selecting the blip. "I've been keeping an eye on this area. Since your last visit, I noticed a lot has happened, so I set this to give a warning every time there is a change in energy waves. It appears there's been an extreme drop in energy in the last few minutes."
I bit my lip. Blight had made her move. "I have to go back to Blossom Farms. There's gotta be something there that will tell us where she's going."
"I'll go with you." Pepper told me.
I faced her. "No. I need you to warn the others. Redd and I can fly there and straight back if we find anything. Once we're back, everyone will be ready to go."
The unicorn mare clenched her jaw, but didn't object.
I galloped for the door. "Redd, get your rifles."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As Redd and I flew through the night air, I worried. This was sooner than I had anticipated. If Hope and Blight were on the move, I was certain they were looking for their next base. If I couldn't stop them before they went after the Enclave, we were all in trouble. I hadn't seen what she had done to the harvesters but if they were moving, they were functioning. I rubbed my chest.
"Don't worry. We got this." My pegasus companion reassured.
"I hope you're right." I looked over at him. I had never seen Redd so happy. Even with our impending doom, he glowed with contentment. For a moment, my worries were gone. Seeing his beaming smile brought comfort to my heart. "Redd, I'm so glad you're here." It took little effort for me to get close enough to hold his hoof.
He squeezed it, flipping upside down and flying under me. "I'm gonna be honest, Sia. I'm glad we didn't stay in Thunderhead."
My smile waned. "Why?"
"Then, we wouldn't have been where we are. Look how much we have grown. I always wanted you, but... since we got here, I watched you become a great mare. My love for you grew. I was terrified I'd lose you to Nico, but I don't think that would have changed how I felt. I would have incinerated him at first, but now I think if it had happened, I'd just break his leg." He laughed, then went back to serious conversation. "Maturing is probably the best thing that could have happened to me." He reached up, stroking my chin. "I never want to leave your side, again."
Whew, if we weren't in the middle of a war I think I'd ruin his mane style.
This was another side of Redd I had never known. I wondered if all of his past marefriends ever got to enjoy this.
"Don't talk like that." I grinned, slyly. "You know we're alone, right?"
He smirked. "As much as I would absolutely love that, I think we need to finish this task, first. Then, you can do whatever you want to me."
I giggled. We had a good bit of ground to cover, so I wanted to enjoy the trip without worrying for a few more minutes. I'd have plenty to panic over once we got there. I tilted as I rolled next to him and bit his ear, gently. "Hey!" He laughed, "You know what you're doing!" I giggled, again after he flew after me. I was a little slow since I was so tired, but I pushed through..
"Gotcha!" He grabbed my waist, pulling me to him. He snuck a kiss. I was a little relieved to not be flying by myself, for a few seconds.
"Oh, Luna. What did I do to deserve this?" He whispered.
I pecked his cheek. "Maybe it's the valor?" I winked.
We embraced one last time before he let go and I flew on my own, again.
"So, do you think Violet will babysit while we go on more flights like this?" I tapped my chin, playfully.
"She'll have no choice. I know some of her secrets." He gave an evil laugh.
"Yes, I think Gladys would like to hear them!" We hoofbumped.
"I still can't believe Vi is into griffons." He shook his head. "I have nothing against them anymore but, I just can't imagine."
"You love who you love, I guess. Violet is wild so I'd assume she likes them... wild." I shrugged.
The farm came into view as we approached the area. I really dreaded to land, but I had a job to do. We hovered just above the mist enough to make out any shapes. There were no followers anywhere, so we set down next to the hay bales. Once we were grounded, Redd stumbled. He grabbed his wing and winced.
"Redd? Are you okay?" I checked his wing. It was bleeding a little bit where the material connected to the skin.
"Yeah, I jus -ngh-... I shouldn't have pushed myself." He tried to smile, but he squeezed his eyes shut.
"You dummy! Why didn't you tell me?" I dug in my bag and pulled out some healing bandages. I began wrapping the joint so the bleeding would stop. It was only a small tear, so it would do.
"We were having fun. And you were happy. I didn't want to ruin it for you." He nuzzled my neck as I finished up.
I pushed him away. "No! You don't get to do that, right now! Your punishment is that you can not touch me for twenty-four hours!" I thought a moment. "Okay, one hour. Just don't do that, again! Promise me you'll let me know, next time."
He sighed. "Fine."
I put away the supplies and lead him to the door. Nopony was there, either. Inside the silo, the entrance to the bunker had been opened. I couldn't hear anything, so we walked downward into the place. The machines were gone, leaving a huge space on the back wall. I couldn't believe it. They got what they wanted.
"They... did it. Hope and Blight actually went through with it." I stared at the wall, misty-eyed.
"Uh, Sia. I don't think Hope got as far as Blight." Redd spoke from the other side of the table.
I trotted over to where he was inspecting. Lying on the ground, was an unconscious Hope. Her cloak had been torn and she was injured, pretty badly. Her hind leg had been chained to a home-made cage that held six followers. They stared at us, pleading. Hope's Dashite brand was showing. It stung my hide to see it. My own cutie mark began to burn as I winced. After I shook the memory from my thoughts, I took out a healing potion.
"What are you doing?" Redd asked, watching me cautiously.
"I'm saving my mother." I told him.
He gasped. "Your mother?! Wha-when did you learn this?!"
"Oh yeah. You were in surgery getting your wing when I found out. Sorry I didn't tell you." I grinned sheepishly.
One of the followers, a mare, came forward. "Blight betrayed us."
Ya don't say?
I searched her eyes. "Where are the others?"
"They follow her now. We are what's left of Hope's coven. We believed Hope wanted something better and we stuck with that." A stallion said. "Y-You're the one who Blight had possessed."
"Yyeaaah... I'd like to not think about it." I said, flatly.
"Hope was going to return your body. Is it... true? Are you really her daughter?" The mare asked.
I sighed, picking up Hope's torso and resting it on my lap. "Yes."
The mare pulled out a box. "Here. These are her memories."
I took the box and opened it. Eleven memory orbs sat inside, swirling with energy. I had to close the box to keep my necklace from glowing. "What memories are these?"
"All of them except for basic knowledge. Blight had them removed in case she decided to come back and use Hope for her new following. She used normal orbs, but stuffed them all to the point where if you used magic to view one, you'd be stuck in the memory for days." She told me. "We managed to swipe them from 'Blight's' followers before they left."
I gave the box to Redd. "Put them in your bag, then get the followers free."
"No offense, Sienna, but I think the hormones are getting to you." He said, sternly. "They might try to kill us."
"We follow Hope's orders and nothing else. She is unconscious so we would have nothing to do but pray that she is alright." The mare scoffed. "Besides, she would kill us if we were to hurt her child."
"Redd, please." I gave him the ole' sparkly eyes.
He pursed his lips. "Okay! Okay! I will do it. Only for you." He faced them, kicking on his rifles. "Stand as far back as you can." He instructed. With one zap, the bars had melted enough for the cloaked ponies to escape.
"Thank you. What will you need us to do?"
"Uh... I guess you could give me what information you can about Blight." I put the potion to Gale's mouth and poured, slowly. She swallowed small amounts at a time.
"We don't know anything other than she has gone on the other side of Shattered Hoof to collect more parts for her machine. It's hopeless to fight her."
"What sort of parts?"
"She mentioned heavy guns. Worst case scenario, she comes back with an undetonated megaspell." She said, gathering what was left of their things. She hoofed another potion to me. "Here. They missed this one."
I sighed, taking it from her hooves. "Thank you."
Hope gasped for air, coughing and sputtering. Her eyes fluttered open and she looked at me.
"You have her eyes." Redd whispered.
I blushed, focusing on the yellow pegasus, again. "Ho- Gale?"
She looked around, confused. "Where am I?" She gazed at me. "Who are you?"
Level Up!
S- 3
P- 6
E- 7 (+1)
C- 4
I- 5
A- 4
L- 5
New Perk
Comrade Coach - While in Redd's company, your stamina depletes 15% slower.