In the foothills of the Foal Mountains, a double story cloud home of five young pegasi floated high above a sea of green. Several clouds had been formed into hoops, haphazard poles and other course markers at varying altitudes above the forest. A monstrous tree towered above the canopy at one end of the course. Four pegasi banked hard as they rounded the giant tree then ducked and dived through a series of hoops.
An obviously pregnant Spitfire sat on the porch overlooking the course laid out for her team, wishing she could join in the fun. The little baby bump had grown to a clear bulge in her lower barrel and flank. Not yet large, but the added pounds were clear now as she sat with more care, wings draped across her tummy.
Malestrom, sat on the opposite end, focused on the speeding forms of the pegasi before them. The team of students finished their final lap and hastened to meet with their inspector. The stormy blue and grey stallion took a few notes as the four young ponies hovered before them.
"Very good. I will now fly with you and I expect Silver Zoom to lead me as though I were a member of your team. Show me this routine you have been working on then finish with two laps of my course."
"Yes sir,” Silver Zoom agreed obediently.
Malestrom turned to Spitfire. "I understand you had a hoof in this route?"
Spitfire nodded. "I helped."
"She did more than just help," Fleetfoot retorted proudly. "She has this amazing talent for making cool moves fit together."
"As should any who lead.” The dark stallion regarded his pupils for a moment.
The wingbeats of the four airborne pegasi filled the silence as the younger ponies waited for their teacher to continue. Soarin looked like he wanted to say something but held his silence.
“Hmm... I have an idea." Malestrom mused as he regarded the young cloud bound pegasus. "GIven your condition, your team will reflect your grade."
"They will?" Spitfire perked up.
"As though you yourself are flying." The dark stallion smiled keenly.
Soarin and Spitfire shared a look. The light blue colt nodded with a confident grin. Spitfire smiled and relaxed, "thank you."
"Alright! Lead on Silver Zoom." Large stormy wings flared. The moment the younger pegasi moved, the flight instructor launched himself into place at the back of their unit.
Blackout withdrew to the side, surprised.
"Blackout, up front. You take far right!" Silver Zoom ordered.
The young dark stallion promptly took up his new place, beside Soarin. Fleetfoot held her position steady on Silver Zoomk's left as the four pegasi banked hard and began to twist and turn through the air.
Spitfire sighed as she watched the rather impressive display from above. The foal growing inside her felt like an anchor, pinning her to the cloud. She was supposed to be out there... flying fast and having fun... performing.
Not sitting here with a fat lower belly that by now was a clear giveaway of the new life carried within. If this was how unwieldy her body already felt, then she did not look forward to the next two to three months.
A burst of color shot past her vision and Spitfire jumped.
The frazzled mare tucked her wings back down and forced herself to sit and watch the areal display. Soarin waved at her as they arced past the cloud home then sped high into the sky. Spitfire's gaze locked onto the pale blue stallion’s form as he flew with great precision, keeping in position with his peers as they looped around wild, high clouds and made the final dive toward the forest below. Spitfire smiled, delighted that her husband was on form. The whole group was doing her proud today.
With the routine finished, the group settled into single file and sped around the large course.
Spitfire rose and glided down to the second to last turn of the course. Soarin pulled a silly face as he zipped past. Spitfire giggled as she watched the pack of pegasi finish their lap. Now they were onto the final lap. With the coast clear, she flew around the turn then put on a small burst of speed, easily ducking and diving through the series of hoops that led to the final corner. Maintaining her comfortable, yet annoyingly slow pace, Spitfire headed for the finish line then pulled off to the side.
She didn’t have to wait long for the speeding pack of pegasi to round the final corner and sprint for the finish line. Seeing he was being watched, Soarin put on a burst of speed, he passed Fleetfoot and drew level with Silver Zoom, aiming to secure first place. The vibrant stallion noticed and was quick to match his competitor's speed. Faster and faster the two stallions flew till they basted past the finish line in a tie.
Buffeted by her peers' gusts, Spitfire withdrew further to the side. Soarin arced around, returning to his wife. He pulled off a nice little flip as he drew by her side.
“How was that?”
Spitfire grinned at her husband, “you flew well, you get pie tonight.”
“Yes! Wait... I didn’t know we had any more pie.” Puzzlement filed the young stallion and he hovered there.
“You didn’t need to pull that stunt at the end. Spitfire took quite a blast of wind as you two flew past.” Malestrom reprimanded as he joined their conversion. The teacher locked eyes with Soarin then gazed the guilty looking Silver Zoom at his side who shot a brief sheepish smile back.
Alarm bells went off inside Soarin as his actions hit home. “Are you okay? I’m sorry I-”
“I’m fine.” Spitfire cut her suddenly worried husband off. “You were showing off, I get it.”
“You sure?”
“Soarin, just because I’m pregnant doesn't make me fragile.”
Green eyes surveyed every inch of the precious mare. “Right. So I still get pie?”
“Yes. There's a town nearby that should be able to fill an order for one glutton...” Spitfire smiled.
“Foaledo is a nice little town,” Maelstrom added. “And I happen to know that The Rose Down Under makes excellent pies as well as many other popular meals. I would gladly shout you all a meal there tonight if you like.”
Soarin lit up, “thank you, sir.”
The others who had followed their teacher chimed in with other words of thanks, all keen for a good night out.
The stormy blue and grey stallion chuckled. “Aside from that silly stunt at the end, you all impressed me today. Fleetfoot and Silver Zoom. Your tandem flying was excellent.”
Silver Zoom's chest welled with pride and his two toned white and grey mane shone proudly in the sun. “Well, I was leading-”
“Doesn’t stop me from being your equal.” Fleetfoot cut the cocky pegasus off.
Malestrom stared at the duo as they hovered just off the deck. “Every leader needs a good wing pony.”
Fleetfoot drifted over to Spitfire, clearly pleased with herself. Silver Zoom huffed as he began to head back up to their home.
Malestrom led the others as they leisurely followed suit.
“Soarin.”
The young pegasus in question turned his attention to his teacher.
The dark middle aged stallion took a moment, “you’ve made great progress in the last few weeks. I don’t know if it has anything to do with Spitfire being benched, but I can assure you that if you keep this up, you will pass with flying colors.”
“Thank you, sir.” Soarin grinned as he pulled off a delighted flip.
The group of pegasi alighted on the veranda of their home and took a moment to stretch their wings and wind down.
“Since yours shouting us dinner, do you wanna come inside for a bit?” Spitfire offered.
Maelstrom lay down near the edge of the cloud veranda. “I think I’ll enjoy the view, thanks.”
Soarin settled down beside the older stallion. “So... know any other good places to eat in these smaller towns?”
The dark storm of a stallion smirked. “As a matter of fact, yes I do...”
As evening fell, the lights inside the Rose Down Under shone bright, inviting all inside into the vibrant atmosphere. A large ornate carved rose hovered over the bar. Several ponies hovered around the bar drinking with several more small groups seated at ornate circular tables. In the corner sat a certain group of students and their teacher, everypony except Spitfire had a cider next to their mostly eaten meals.
“I ate like a pig…” Soarin sighed happily as he relaxed back into his seat, meal demolished.
“That’s because you are a pig.” Spitfire playfully ribbed her spouse.
“No, he’s a pony.” Fleetfoot giggled.
“Who can eat like a pig.” Blackout smirked as he finished off his own rather large morsel.
“Speak for yourself.” Soarin shot back at the dark pegasus.
“I am. And I’m glad I can out pig you.” Blackout poked his tongue out at Soarin.
“Stallions… This isn’t a measuring contest you know.” Fleetfoot muttered.
“Hey, it can be.” Blackout straightened up. “I bet mine is bigger too.”
“Don’t go showing off, Spitfire might want her deposit back.” Silver Zoom added pointedly as he took a swing of his hard cider.
Horror shot across Fleetfoot’s muzzle. “Woah, Silver, come on...”
Spitfire shot Silver Zoom a dangerous look as she lent on the table, facing off against the stallion who had spoken out against her. “What did you say?”
“You ain't deaf.” Silver Zoom scoffed as he downed the rest of his drink, rose then headed for the door. “I’m going to cruse.”
"He's not a lightweight is he?" Malestrom stared, shocked after the moody colt. "I mean... that was one drink."
"Na. Hes just an ass." Fleetfoot replied sourly.
"Well... I'm afraid I will have to note his poor attitude toward his peers." Malestrom sighed as he resumed his meal.
"That's fine." Soarin carefully pried his wife's forehooves off the table and gave her a cuddle, "hey, you okay?"
“If he mentions our foal like that again and I’ll bash him.”
Blackout shrank back into his seat, “remind me never to piss you off again.”
Soarin began to rock his mare gently from side to side. "You're okay Spitty... I'm here..."
Spitfire sighed and relaxed into the light blue coat. “Our little one is a happy mistake. She... She...”
"I know." Soarin softly murmured back.
Malestrom glanced around the table. "Are you okay Spitfire?"
The pegasus in question noded. "I'll be fine..."
"Alright. I'm going to finish my meal in peace then head home. Unless you all want dessert?"
"What about Fire?" Blackout asked.
"If he doesn't come back, that's his problem. He knows where the house is." Malestrom shrugged and resumed his slow and steady enjoyment of his meal.
Fleetfoot smiled. "I would love some dessert."
"Yeah." Soarin rubbed his forehooves together eagerly.
Malestrom chucked. "Well go get it while it's free."
Soarin eagerly pranced off, Backout hot on his heels to order dessert.
"They could have just asked a waiter..." Fleetfoot giggled.
"Na. Food bin wants it now." Spitfire smiled as she admired the delight on her husband's face as he ordered at the bar and swaggered back.
"Miss me?" Soarin asked as he slipped in beside his mare.
Spitfire poked her tongue out at her husband. "Seat's gone cold. Where were you?"
"On an important mission." A light blue wing snuck out and fell into place over Spitfire's shoulders.
"I bet..."
Rainbow Dash strode onto the Wonderbolts training ground. This was where she was meant to be. She would show everypony just how awesome her flying was and by the end of the tour would be a permanent part of their team.
"Everpony, meet our newest member." Spitfire declared. "I'm sure Rainbow Dash will become a valuable part of the team while Fleetfoot is away. Please try and make the rookie feel at home."
Rainbow Dash smirked. Rookie? "What happened to Fleetfoot?"
"Maternity leave." Spitfire shrugged. "Team put in a vote and you were chosen. Don't let us down."
Rainbow Dash stood tall and proud, "you can count on me."
"I hope so. We will be running through some drills and warm ups. Then it's routine time."
An ever so slightly rounder Fleetfoot strode up to the collected group of Wonderbolts. "I'll guide Dash through a run. You learn quick, right?"
"Yeah."
“Good.”
Rainbow Dash banked hard and found herself out of position as the tight knit unit of pegasi swiftly passed around the large cloud. "Hey!"
The young speedster put on a burst of speed to catch up. As she pulled into place once more, Soarin caught her eye. The light blue stallion nodded once then returned his gaze forward. Rainbow Dash returned focus to the front as they looped around, dodging several other hopes and clouds before thundering toward the finish line where they split, spiraled around then landed neatly together.
Fleetfoot watched the group from the top of the headquarters building. She leaped off and glided down to meet her teammates. "Not bad. I want to run the middle with Rainbow Dash slowly a few times before we give it to her full speed again."
"I can do it."
"It’s not all on you Dash. Once you can fly with me, you can rejoin the others." Fleetfoot leaped into the skies.
Rainbow Dash sighed. It was no fun flying at pregnant mare speeds... She quickly took off and caught up to the cruising Wonderbolt. "But more fun when we do it faster."
"I want you to get the rolls and flashy group turns right. It's a lot of maneuvers to remember so pay attention. I'll be Soarin." Fleetfoot instructed.
Rainbow Dash held her peace, opting to fall into position next to the ice blue Wonderbolt.
With Spitfire nearly nine months pregnant, the traveling band of students had set up house over the Tenneighsee River near Las Pegasus on the west coast of Equestria. As they had made good time with the morning's travel, three of the team had elected to spend the afternoon in Las Pegasus. Spitfire had elected for a nice easy flight over to the sea. Soarin naturally insisted upon joining her.
Cool wind buffeted the couple as they flew at an easy pace across the bushland toward the sea. Soarin slowly led his wife through the easy parts of their routine. Despite her growing lower section, Spitfire dived slowly then looped wide. The extra drag on her lower barrel and wing strain led to her falling into a glide afterward.
Quick to notice, Soarin fell back to her side. “You okay?”
“Fine. See that inlet?”
“Yeah.”
“I wanna float downstream.”
Soarin nodded and blew his wife a kiss. With an easy burst of speed, the light blue colt took the lead once more and the couple began a circling descent toward the wide river below.
The light blue stallion flipped around to glance at his wife, pulled a silly face then resumed course. Spitfire rolled her eyes. Now he was being silly and annoying. There was no way her weird new center of gravity would allow her such maneuvers. However, he was just begging for a response so Spitfire tentatively allowed her dive to collect more speed.
Soarin noticed and flipped onto his back, forelegs spread out to accept contact. Spitfire lightly docked with her stallion and leveled out a hundred feet above the treeline. Enjoying their tender embrace, belly to belly, the lovers locked lips. During their tender kiss Soarin gently flipped them over.
Now upside down, Spitfire broke liplock, a light smile played across her muzzle. “You’ve got me?”
“I do.” Soarin gave his wife a light peck on the cheek. “You’re safe.”
Vibrant yellow wings drooped as Spitfire allowed the wind to simply wash over her wings. Soarin dipped as the added weight hit. A few large flaps lifted them higher once more. Spitfire nuzzled her lover’s chin, enjoying the secure feeling of his hooves wrapped around her body. Although his grip on her upper body was perhaps a bit tight, Soarin had successfully avoided putting pressure on their growing foal. Spitfire closed her eyes and resumed pleasant, sensual nuzzles. She enjoyed the weightless feeling of being carried through the skies. Upside down was admittedly a bit unusual for extended periods, but it was still nice. A smirk crossed her face as she felt how her colt’s muscles worked to keep them together and airborne. She could even feel his building excitement and respected that he wasn’t trying anything cheeky. To test, she added a few kisses under his chin then nuzzled back in close. Right on form, Soarin’s breathing hitched a bit but he otherwise held his course.
“Cheeky minx. Time for a swim.” Soarin gave his mare a quick kiss then carefully flipped over so that he was on the bottom.
Spitfire’s wings protested at the sudden weight as they kicked back into action. She carefully relinquished hold on her husband and gained a few feet of air before allowing herself to fall into a gradual descent. Soarin pulled up alongside and together they glided below the tree level and dived into a deep looking section of the river.
The cold water sent a shock to Spitfire’s vessel and she promptly shot back up to the top. Both pegasi broke the surface gasping for air.
“Cold!” Soarin gasped.
Spitfire laughed at her husband’s reaction as she relaxed. A few brief shivers shot through her system and she took a few deep breaths to settle herself.
“Spitty! Help! Cold!” Soarin kicked and splashed, floundering around as he fought against the cold shock of the water.
“Relax dummy! You get used to it. The water’s actually kinda nice.”
“No, it’s cold!” Soarin continued to flounder as he was carried along.
Spitfire closed her eyes. “Stop splashing me.”
The loud sloshing of Soarin stilled and Spitfire quickly shook her face. When no further waves hit her, she opened her eyes and beheld a sheepish looking young stallion.
“You know... maybe it’s not so bad...”
“No kidding,” Spitfire rolled her eyes.
Soarin used a wing to flick some water at his mare. “Hey, just because you like the cold more than me...”
Spitfire again shook herself. “Doesn't mean you have to flounder around like an idiot.”
“Yeah, I guess...” Soarin trailed off as his eyes wandered from his mare to the thick forest around them. “This place is nice...”
“It’s private.” Spitfire kicked off and joined her husband in the middle of the wide river.
“You know... before you well... I got you pregnant... uh... this place would totally be a good spot for some loving.” The light blue stallion grinned.
Spitfire smiled at her husband. “Snuggles are nice... and loving.”
“Heh, yeah. Wanna go snuggle on the beach?”
“Sure. Gives us some time to enjoy the cool water.”
After five minutes of slowly floating downstream and the couple passed under a train bridge found themselves among sand dunes. Spitfire headed left out of the water and up the large bank. Soarin vigorously shook himself then eagerly cantered up the hill.
Spitfire smirked at the display, enjoying the view. She followed slowly up, her hooves sinking slightly into the warm sand. As Spitfire reached the top she found her husband admiring the beachscape the led off toward Las Pegasus. The cloudy city lay inland and was a distant puff of white that stood out over the treeline.
To their right, across the river's opening, lay the flat beach that led to San Pranciscolt. The distant city stood tall and proud, jutting out into the sea with many boats on the move. Small forms of ponies playing along the beach brought a smile to the young mare. Spitfire turned her back on them and returned her gaze to the side of the beach they had emerged onto.
It was peaceful, with not a single soul in sight before the beachline vanished around the coast. The dry golden sand was warm on their hooves and the wind was crisp in their manes. Spitfire closed her eyes and allowed the sun to soak into her. Sunny wings sagged as the mare enjoyed the soft breeze.
Soarin watched, a huge grin on his face. The happy stallion admired his mare, content to watch her being at peace. Away from all the stress of their course and life's complexities, it felt good to see her simply happy. This wonderful creature really was his special pony.
His Spitfire.
Soarin slowly drew close and from the way Spitfire’s smile shifted, he knew his presence was felt. The light blue stallion reverently approached the rounder lower barrel and pressed his snout against his mare’s side. He drew slow circles round and round then stopped.
He felt as much as heard the soft hum from his long time friend. Soarin tenderly kissed the spot he figured was close enough to where their foal was growing. With a dopey grin, he withdrew and found bright orange eyes watching him.
“I love you, you know.”
Soarin again pressed a tender kiss into his mare’s pregnant side, “love you too, Spitfire.”
“You sound awful serious, stud.”
Soarin drew alongside his lover. He placed a wing carefully over her back and nuzzled chin to chin. “Yeah, you’re looking really beautiful today.”
A dark comment about her harsh reality faded before it even formed on her lips and Spitfire simply smiled and kissed her husband back. “I’m glad you think so.”
“Yeah...” Soarin grinned back.
Tearing her gaze from the loving green irises beside her, Spitfire admired the windswept beach. There were tiny specs far down the beach of a few pegasi enjoying the ocean skies. Otherwise, there was not a single pony around. It was wide, wild and calm. The young mare smiled. “I think we have our own personal slice of beach.”
“Agreed.” Soarin used his wing to gently prompt his wife and together they wandered down the large dune and began to meander along the beach.
Spitfire once again allowed her attention to drift off as she admired the waves as they washed up against the golden sand. The couple simply wandered, enjoying the moment together. Spitfire eventually found a good place to stop and together they snuggled up on a sand bank just above the lapping tide.
Neither pegasus knew how much time passed as Spitfire drifted off into a nap. Soarin lay there, holding his mare, too fascinated by her close his eyes. Here she was, his little spoon. Precious. Carrying new life that was bound to enrich the lives of many other ponies too. Each time the wind ruffled her mane he would tenderly nuzzle it back into place. A happy tingling ran through him at seeing her pretty face revealed and mane free. She was his angel.
It was so nice...
So warm...
Soarin snapped awake and quickly sat up. He was sure his power nap had only lasted a few seconds yet his body felt limp and his buried foreleg was tingling sharply. Spitfire, his wonderful mare was sleeping on his right foreleg and it felt very dead.
A chill ran down his back.
Since when was it getting cold?
And why had Celestia's sun sunk quite far down the horizon?
A yawn broke from Spitfire's maw and she stretched.
Soarin ripped his foreleg out from under her side and grimaced as sharp tingles exploded through his leg. He rolled on his back and shook it, trying to restore feeling.
Spitfire blinked owlishly a few times as she watched the light blue hoof shake madly in the air. “I think somepony is getting cold.”
“No...” Soarin refuted her. He ceased his wriggling and shuffled closer. "My leg went to sleep is all."
Spitfire nuzzled up under her stallion’s chin. “I can feel the signs. I woke up and felt that little shiver you do when your starting to get cold. How about we cruse and see if the others have made it home yet?”
“Sure.” Soarin agreed.
Soarin helped Spitfire to her feet once more. The firey pegasus shook some of the sand off her coat and flicked her wings. “I think one of my wings is full of sand.”
“I can fix that.” Soarin was quick to investigate.
Spitfire giggled as his hot breath tickled her feathers. “I was thinking of a swim.”
Soarin paused, mouth half open. The blue maw snapped shut. “That works.”
“Were you going to give my wing a preen?”
“Uh... maybe?”
The sunny pegasus chucked. “Oh sweet, sweet Soarin. I appreciate the gesture, but no.”
“Okay.”
With a quick nuzzle, Spitfire led the way back to the stream. “Come on loverboy. Want to give me a wash in the stream?”
Soarin lit up and was quick to catch his wife. Spitfire laughed at his eagerness. “Thought so.”
“Hey, I’m here to help.”
“Like you need an invite. Pretty sure somepony can’t keep his hooves to himself.”
“I’m being good...” Soarin pouted, stopping in place for a moment for maximum effect.
Spitfire laughed and flashed her spouse as they crested the ridge that opened up to the river. “Then be good and help your pregnant wife clean all this sand out.”
Soarin hit the water before he even realized they were headed down the other side of the dune. The shock of the cold water was accompanied by his wife’s laughter.
“Oh, you’re so easy...” Spitfire paddled into deeper water and allowed her wings and tail to drift fee.
Soarin’s wings betrayed him. His gaze tore upward to meet her keen orange eyes.
“See?”
“You’re not playing fair, you know that’s off limits.”
“I know. But you’re too much fun to tease.” Spitfire replied as she drifted back to her spouse and presented herself ready for cleaning.
Soarin pouted as he got to work. He ran his forelegs across his mare’s coat, carefully working her coat in the water to ensure she was as clean as possible.
His frown faded quickly, replaced once more by a tender smile filled with love.
Spitfire lay on her back, alone, on her large cloud bed. Her gaze drifted from the bulge in her lower barrel to the empty space beside her. The mare rolled onto her side to gaze out the window. Clouds passed by, indicating the team outside were making good speed toward the next location they were to set up at.
Spitfire wandered over to the bedside window that looked out the side of their home. It was hopeless. There was no way she could nap alone. Soarin was outside working and she was stuck inside feeling like a walrus. A gurgle from her belly alerted her to the pang of hunger she knew was incoming.
Choosing to ignore her body's calls for the moment she closed her eyes and allowed the wind to ruffle her mane.
A sudden beat of wings caused the vibrant yellow mare to smile. Cold lips pressed sideways to her muzzle then slipped off. Spitfire opened her eyes and saw that her grinning stallion was flying alongside her window.
“What was that supposed to be?”
“A kiss.”
Spitfire leveled a stern, unimpressed look at her spouse. “Aren’t you supposed to be flying this thing?”
“Na. It’s Silver Zoom and Blackout’s turn. Fleet is already up front on lookout.”
“Get Fleetfoot to make me something really salty.”
“I could...”
“No touching my kitchen. You’re on watch.”
Soarin pouted. “Okay, okay. I’ll- yeah.”
With a burst of speed, the pale blue colt vanished around the front side of the dwelling. A second gurgle caused Spitfire to shoot her tummy a look. “Yes, yes. I’m about to get something already. Now shush.”
Spitfire ambled away, muttering under breath about babies and strange food.
Spitfire and Soarin lay on their cloud bed.
With another relocation all finished, it was time to rest.
As Spitfire closed her eyes, she felt movement within. A most peculiar sensation that had become something of an increasing fascination for her husband. Her foal was moving.
“Soar.” Spitfire’s hushed whisper caused her stallion to groan.
“Yeah?”
“She’s moving.”
“He is?” Soarin lit up and carefully shuffled around. With great care, his ear came to rest on her lower barrel. Just then a small shift was felt and Soarin grinned. “He moved!”
“I know...” Spitfire couldn't help but smile too.
Another tiny movement caused the powerful colt to coo softly. He pressed a kiss softly to the pregnant belly then nuzzled the spot.
A little liquid pride pooled at the corners of Spitfire's eyes. The strange movements from within that were not her own coupled with her husband's doting love was magical. She ran a hoof daintily across her lower section. Her hoof brushed against her husband’s cheek and he nuzzled her hoof too.
“Daddy can’t wait to see you, little one. I already love you...” A hint of happy tears shone in the stallion’s green eyes as he resumed slowly rubbing his nose into Spitfire’s pregnant belly.
Eyeing her spouse atop her bulge sent a blissful rush through Spitfire’s system. "I can't wait to see her."
Soarin locked eyes with his wife and placed another kiss for their baby. "If it is a filly, I bet she will be just as pretty as you."
"And if it's a boy... I think he will take after his father."
Soarin softly nuzzled their growing young one. "Oh yes, you will... You will be the cutest little filly or colt you will. And you will be amazing, and-"
“Please, enough with the lovey baby stuff. I’m trying to sleep!” Silver Zoom called out.
Soarin sat up in bed and shot the hallway wall dark look. "He was moving, come on..."
“Wait!” Fleetfoot threw open the couple's door. “Does this mean he's headbutting again?”
“It feels amazing...” Spitfire smiled proudly,
Fleetfoot’s eyes lit up. "Can I feel too?"
"I claim foal mountain. It's mine." Soarin sank lower till he was between Spitfire's hind legs and placed his head on his wife's crotch. With his forehooves holding her hind legs tenderly in the air, he watched the baby bump like it was some epic mountain.
Spitfire shot her husband an odd look. "I guess..."
A groan sounded from Silver Zoom's room. Fleetfoot giggled.
Soarin watched the intruder approach like a hawk, only his eyes moved as he maintained dominance of Spitfire's hindquarters.
Fleetfoot shot the defensive stallion a look. "Cool down Soarin. I only wanna feel the baby."
Spitfire carefully lifted her left forehoof and pointed to the spot she had most recently felt her growing foal move. "Try there."
Fleetfoot carefully lent down and placed her ear against the baby bump.
Soarin watched from the bottom of foal mountain as Fleetfoot waited hopefully to feel further movement.
Fleetfoot and Spitfire lit up with joy as the growing foal wiggled a little.
"He moved... So precious..." Fleetfoot squeed.
Soarin was quick to displace his long time friend, capturing the coveted mount bump. "Mine again. Get your own baby bump. I did this."
Spitfire rolled her eyes. "And they say pregnant mares are the moody ones."
Fleetfoot giggled. "Yeah. Enjoy. Thanks for letting me have a feel."
"You're welcome Fleet," Spitfire replied.
Green eyes lit up wide and greedy as Soarin gently smothered his mare's baby bump in kisses. "So precious... all mine."
Spitfire scoffed. "It's my body."
Green eyes flickered up for a moment before returning to their prize. "Mine. No pony else gets to touch."
"Uh huh... Go to sleep Soarin."
The giddy stallion lit up excitedly again. "But he's still moving a little..."
"Sleep."
Soarin returned her stern expression with a pout and nuzzled his way down mount bump. "Mmmm..."
Spitfire giggled. "That tickles."
Soarin grinned back then placed his lips to the peak of their growing foal's bump in a tender kiss.
Spitfire drew Soarin up for a proper cuddle. "Come on stud... we all need our sleep."
"Okay..." Soarin agreed and quickly snuggled up.
With the sun low on the horizon, Rainbow Dash angled toward the large open clouds far below. A field of white led to the Wonderbolt headquarters. Up ahead, Soarin glanced back at the younger pegasus and cracked a grin. He nodded to Fleetfoot who pulled up alongside Dash as they descended.
Together the trio landed neatly before Spitfire. The staunch mare eyed Rainbow Dash. “I’m pleased to see at least some measure of improvement out of you. We only have twelve days left before your first show.”
“I think she can make it.” Soarin confidently replied. The light blue mare’s chest was quick to inflate.
Spitfire eyed the cocky younger mare. “You’re not the one she needs to impress. I can always run the show a 'bolt down if I have to. Thank you for coming in today Fleetfoot.”
Fleetfoot smirked back. “You’re most welcome, boss. I plan on spending another two days to make sure Dash is fully up to speed.”
“Take it easy.”
“Them’s some fighting words.” Fleetfoot shot back.
“They are.” Spitfire nodded. “Dismissed.”
The fiery mare immediately stalked off. Fleetfoot hurried after her boss, quick to deliver more sass.
“That was high praise from Spitfire there,” Soarin spoke up.
“Really?” Dash regarded the pale stallion curiously.
“Yep. She normally just blasts the new recruits. Long as you keep trying to be a team player, I’m sure you can make it.”
“Thank you, Soarin. That uh... means a lot.” Rainbow Dash stood proudly as her companion wandered toward the building.
“Hey!" Dash perked up and hurried after the relaxed stallion. "You know like... a lot of ponies, right?”
Soarin shrugged. “Yeah.”
“Maybe you know this colt... uh...”
Soarin trotted up the stairs to the Wonderbolt’s HQ. “I know a few cool stallions. Why, you on the market for somepony special?” The smirk that crossed his lips as he held the door open caused the younger mare to blush.
“I’m not after any of that sissy stuff. I’m looking for a colt called Soaring something... uh... he's got a blue colt.” Rainbow Dash halted before the grinning stallion as she considered what she had been told.
“Yeah?” Soarin thoughtfully asked as he continued to hold the door open.
Dash nodded then headed inside for the showers. “Yeah. He has a daughter called Scootaloo. Do you know him?”
Soarin froze.
Rainbow Dash made it five paces before she realized she was alone. Wondering what had caused the hold up, the speedy mare turned to investigate. “Hey, you alright?”
Soarin shook himself and quickly strode inside. “Yeah...”
Rainbow Dash eyed the thoughtful stallion as he wandered up to her. “So, do you... know this pony?”
Soarin’s shocked yet thoughtful gaze returned as he once again halted in his tracks. “What did you say?”
“The Soaring part? I don’t know his last name. Is he like a relative or something?”
“No. Scootaloo. You said Scootaloo.”
“I did...” Dash agreed slowly.
...and then it hit her.
“Wait. It’s not Soaring, is it? ...It’s Soarin.” Dash stared at the stallion before her with wide eyes.
“Yep. And if we are talking about the same orange filly. Scootaloo is in fact, my daughter.”
Rainbow Dash stared at the pale blue stallion in shock.