Grace's parents were frozen in shock by the news; hearing that their daughter was carrying Foals was something neither of them had been expecting to hear for some time yet. They knew that Grace wanted Foals of her own, they just weren't expecting that time to come so soon. Flower was the first to snap out of her shock and took Grace's hooves in her own.
"Sweetie, it's okay. We're here." She gently cupped her daughter's cheek, Grace immediately leaning into it like she use to as a Filly. Trapper finally snapped out of his shock and sat next to Grace, wrapping a foreleg around her and pulling Grace against his side, much like he would when she was a Filly.
"Grace dear, talk to us. We're not mad or disappointed, just surprised." His soft voice going even softer.
Grace let out a shuttering breath and began speaking after a few moments.
"Okay; When... when Nightmare Moon was defeated that first night Dusk and I... did the deed. It was wonderful, while it was a little awkward he was very gentle." Grace smiled fondly at the memory, but quickly refocused. "We've entwined several times since then, but... I remember that night before I fell asleep, it seemed the moon was brighter for a few moments."
Grace started to cry. "Mom, dad. What do I do now? Dusk has no idea that he's going to be a father and I'm terrified at how he's going to react, and I know I've said I wanted Foals of my own but I didn't mean so soon."
Flower and Trapper hugged their daughter tightly, trying to comfort her. They had sat there for a few minutes when a knock sounded on their door, causing Grace to nearly panic thinking at Dust was at the door, and she was no-where near ready to tell him. Trapper got up and opened the front door, finding not Dusk but rather his twin sister Rose, who looked concerned.
"Mr. Trapper? Sorry for the unannounced visit, but I saw Grace walking this way looking very upset so I came to check on her." Before Trapper could response Grace noticed her. "Rose?"
Said Pegasus took one look at Grace's reddened eyes and was next to her in a heartbeat looking over her. "Grace what happened?! Are you hurt? or..." She stopped as Grace shook her head.
"Rose... I just found out... that I'm carrying Foals, and Dusk is the father."
Rose stood stock still at the news, normally she'd be squeeing and jumping all over the place but the look of fear in Grace's yellow eyes stopped her. Gently Rose reached over and gently rubbed Grace's cheeks, soothing the Mare as she took slow deep breaths.
"Grace, I understand you're scared. It's going to be okay, I know that my brother would never hurt you. If anything he's going to be very happy at the news."
"How can you be sure?! What if he-" Grace's panicked words were stopped when Rose put a hoof over her month and spoke in a firm, yet gentle tone. "Graceful Petals, listen very closely to me: I know Dust Storm very well because I grew up with him. My twin loves you with all his heart. He would never even dream of hurting you Grace, he'd cut his good eye out and both of his wings off before he would willingly hurt you." She let out a sigh and continued. "Grace... While it was only a single year, Dusk was hurt very badly by his ex. You, quite literary, walking into his life was the best thing that happened to him; he told me himself. I understand you're scared Grace, but you have your parents and friends to support you. And you as well as I have seen him interact with his nieces and nephew; he loves the three Foals."
Grace sat silent after Rose's speech, then nodded as she leaned against her, taking comfort in Rose's embrace as the Pegasus wrapped her her forelegs and wings around her.
"I... I want to tell him, with the others present." Grace said after several minutes.
"Okay Grace." Rose said as she looked at Trapper and Flower, who nodded at her.
Soon after
Trapper and Flower's house
Thankfully Blades, Sparks, and Indigo had the day off so getting them was no trouble. Dusk was finishing a short shift and would be there a little later, but that worked out in preparing Grace for dropping the bombshell news on him. Bluebelle and Dancer were with Dragonfly in Ponyville so they would be told later, though they all knew that the two Mares were going to be very happy by the news and it was quite likely Dragonfly would be too.
Both Blades and Sparks had been real happy at the news, so had Indigo but he immediately started checking over her and asking questions like how long she had been carrying and if there were any problems so far. His friends, Grace included, couldn't help but smile; while Indigo was a shy sort, when it came to anything medical that side took a backseat and he became very focused on helping others.
Soon Indigo gave Grace a clean bill of health, after which Sparks looked to her and asked, "How are you feeling Grace?"
"Better, though still scared. But not as much with you guys here."
"It's okay to be scared Grace." Blades said. "We've got your back, and as Rose told you; Dusk will at first be shocked, but then he'll be very happy. You also know that Thestrals are very loyal to their mates, which by you two doing the deed pretty much means he's marked you as his... and him as yours."
Grace nodded, though she was unsure of how to tell him. She knew she loved Dusk, trusted him, and enjoyed even the simple gestures like when he placed a wing over her. She was brought out of her thoughts as a knock on the front door, which caused her to freeze as Flower opened the door. Sure enough; there was Dusk without his armor, though he looked worried. Flower greeted him and let Dusk in, who immediately after greeting Flower back focused on Grace.
"Grace me lass?" He asked, his worried tone filling the ears of the others as he slowly and carefully walked towards her. "Are you alright? I heard something 'ad 'appened. are you 'urt?"
Grace shook her head. "No... I'm not hurt... it's just..." Dusk reached forward with a wing once he was close enough, only for Grace to suddenly whimper in fear which caused him to retract the limb like someone had poured boiling hot water on it as a look of shock came over his face. He knew that Grace loved those wing hugs, so for her to whimper in fear like that told him whatever was bothering her must have be really serious. It was then that a dreaded thought ended his mind;
'Is Grace... scared of ME!!??'
Immediately Dusk started to panic internally as he when over everything he and Grace had done together; the possibility that Grace was scared of him terrified him more than he could even believe was possible and he knew he always treated her well, so what had he done to scare her. Fortunately for him, Grace noticed his reaction and called out to him.
"DUSK!" After said Thestral snapped back to reality she continued. "Dusk, it's not what you think. It's..." She trailed off as her own fear of telling him started to come back, but Rose, having had enough, placed a hoof on their shoulders and once they were focused on her she drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly. Much like Princess Cadance had shown them, that method had come in handy more times then any of them could count.
After a moment Grace spoke again. "Dusk... it's something that you did, but..." She trailed off again, Rose sighed but she didn't have to do anything more; Dusk realized what Grace was trying to say.
"Grace lass..." He said slowly, his eye glancing at her belly. "Are you..." He didn't finish, he didn't need to; Grace's nod was all the answer he needed.
"'Ow... 'ow long?"
"I only found out this morning. I'm carrying three Foals Dusk, and after some thorough checking; you are the father. I think it happened on our first night." Grace started to cry. "Please don't be angry Dusk. I..." She stopped, noticing that Dusk was frozen as his mind processed what Grace had said. For three long seconds he stood there, then he finally reacted.
But not how Grace was expecting; she had thought he would be mad. Instead a huge smile appeared on his face as his eye brightened so much one could think it was a star.
"I'm... I'm gonna be a dad!?"
He then stared to prance in place as his wings flared and flapped, though this didn't last long as he remembered Grace and when up to her. Next thing Grace knew was his lips locked onto hers, she let out a surprised squeak, only to melt into the kiss as Dusk gently embraced her with his forearms and wings. She didn't know how long they were like that, but she enjoyed every second of it, her fear melting away as she relaxed.
Finally after what seemed to be hours, when it was actually only a few minutes, they pulled out of the kiss. Grace was on cloud nine as Dusk nuzzled her, while behind them their friends and Grace's parents smiled at the display of love. Rose especially was widely smiling, knowing she'd been right from the get-go.
Dusk rubbed circles on Grace's cheek, causing her to refocus on him.
"Grace me lass, I get why you were scared but I'm not at all mad; in fact I'm quite 'appy by this. I've always wanted to be a father, I just wasn't expecting that time to come so soon. But that changes nothing between us, I love you Grace and I've wanted to do this for a long while now but could never find a good time. So I think now is as good a time as any." Dusk released her and took a few steps back, pausing as he took a calming breath and looked her in the eye.
"Grace, the day I first met you was one of the 'ardest I'd had so far, the sting of betrayal of my ex 'urt like I couldn't despite. But on that same day, we ran into each other, literary. When I saw you, you were the most beautiful thing in the Royal Greenhouse, and that's saying a lot considering the exotic flowers that are in there." Grace couldn't help but giggle as Dusk gave her a smile. "Grace me lass, you 'elped me 'eal from what my ex did. You made me laugh and smile, these past years have been some of the best in my life and I can't imagine a day without you. Grace... you're the one who makes my life bloom."
He then reached under his wing and pulled a small black box out, Grace and the other's gasping at the sight. The he flipped the lid open, revealing a beautiful hoof-crafted hair pin of a bundle of roses being encircled by a pair of Thestral wings. The roses and their stems were rubies and emeralds respectively and the wings were sapphire. Dusk lowered his front half.
"Graceful Petals, will you marry me lass?"
Grace's hooves covered her mouth in shock, while she may not have been a jeweler she knew the hair pin was custom-made and it was clear Dusk had spent a long time on it. She couldn't answer as happy tears began to flow down her face, with a wide smile appearing. She leap off the couch and wrapped Dusk in a bear hug, trying to say yes but so overcome with happiness she could only squeak. Dust hugged her back, knowing her answer. The others were watching with all smiles, Flower wiping her eyes as her own tears flowed. Trapper placed a foreleg over her shoulders, happy that his little Filly had found a special somepony like Dusk. Blades and Sparks pulled Indigo into a two-way hug though the Unicorn didn't mind at all as he relaxed into it and Rose smiled huge, though she couldn't help but wonder what would happen when her and her brother's family found out.
Ponyville
Around the same time
The teleporter lowered towards the floor spreading its claws and a green flash appeared under it, the teleporter raising again after Dragonfly and his guests and been set on the floor. Twilight, who was used teleporting, was more or less fine though she had to get her bearings. Pinkie Pie was also fine. The others... not so much; Applejack suffered the worst and was green in the face, Rarity and Fluttershy weren't much better but at least didn't looked like they were going to lose the contents of the stomachs. Spike was rather dizzy and was leaning on Twilight for support while Dash had to land to reorient herself.
Once they had recovered the seven started taking in their surroundings, looking over the features of the Throne Room such as the banners and the Throne itself.
"As you likely guessed, welcome to the Hive's Throne Room." Dragonfly said waving a hoof around, the seven looking around in wonder at the room, Rarity commenting on the banners though she did say that the room could use more decoration to which Dragonfly explained that events had shifted attention elsewhere for now. By this point Seeker had come up and Dragonfly introduced him, explaining that Seeker was his Advisor as said Changeling greeted them.
It reminded Twilight of how Princess Celestia had Raven Inkwell as her Advisor, though it was clear not just to her but the others that Dragonfly and Seeker had a muck more casual relationship from their interaction and how they snarked at each other.
Dragonfly lead the group through the Hive, showing of the various places such as the Hive's Heart, which the girls were awed at as Dragonfly explained how it worked though Spike tried to take a bite and got zapped for his trouble before Dragonfly could warn him while Twilight scolded Spike. Dragonfly showed them the Hive Chambers where they met the current Breeds available to the Hive as Twilight took notes on how most Breeds started off as Changelings. Next was the Egg Chambers where the Mane Six couldn't help but comment on how cute the Nymphs were and they even got to hold a few, Spike ended up in a cuddle pile as he have one an ear scratch and the Nymphs around him started to nuzzle him and quickly found out the baby Dragon was very ticklish and next thing Spike knew he was under playful attack from a dozen Nymphs. He did play back though it was hard with the Nymphs tickling him, the Mares did get a good laugh out of it, especially Twilight who thanks to Pinkie was able to snap a picture of the scene and even Fluttershy was giggling. Speaking of said Mare, Fluttershy was also introduced to the Hive Spiders which (to nopony's surprise) she liked right away and even stroked one just behind the eyes, causing the spider to droop in relaxation.
When they got to the next place;
Dragonfly chuckled as they came up to the doors to the next area. "Well I know for certain Twilight is going to love this area." At his guests' expressions he opened the doors.
Sure enough, the second Twilight entered she froze mid-step before her eyes grew so wide everyone around her was surprised that they didn't pop out of their sockets as stars glowed and a long gasp sounded from her wide open mouth.
"OHMYGOSHOHMYGOSHOHMYGOSHOHMYGOSHOHMYGOSHOHMOYGOSH!!!!!!"
Dragonfly had just shown Twilight the Archives.
Darter, who was at the center Desk looking over the projection, couldn't help but laugh as Twilight ran about the Lobby pulling books of the shelves while trying to speak but was too excited as her friends also laughed at Twilight's excitement.
"So Darter, meet Twilight and her friends. Spike, Girls, this here is Darter Tail; the Hive's Wing Commander." Dragonfly introduced the Changeling who greeted them back before Spike when to get Twilight, who Dragonfly told could come back at a later time to look over the books. Dash, after hearing how fast Darter was, challenged him to a race, Darter gave her a smirk and slid his goggles over his eyes and asked "Where and when?"
After that Dragonfly showed off the rest of the Hive while explaining various topics and answering questions the seven had, at the end they had gathered back in the Throne Room when the Teleporter activated and from the beam Thunderlane appeared, but he wasn't alone: With him was Rumble but it was the second Pony that had their attention.
Dragonfly went forward and greeted them, asking the new Pony who she was.
"Well Dragonfly," Thunderlane began. "this is my twin sister Lightning Street."
Naturally the Girls were surprised by the news, though Dragonfly raised his eyebrows. "The same one you believed to be dead?" Thunder nodded and Dragonfly turned to Lightning who smiled back, he leaned down and touched his horn with her's after she dropped her disguise, lowering her head and ears to show submission towards the Royal and offering no resistance as Dragonfly searched her mind, quickly finding the answers he was seeking.
Flashback
Seven Years Ago
With a heavy and pain-filled grunt Lightning Street pulled herself into the river bank, wounded but alive and while she didn't know how long she had floated down the river (by her guess it was hours but she was unsure) but the important thing she was far away from her enemies. But Lightning didn't think it was going to matter soon; she was so stiff and sore she could barely move and doing so hurt like Tartarus, her left wing was surely broken from the magic bolt that struck it and the dive off the waterfall and she was all but sure that the open wounds on her body were all but infected by now.
Lightning laid there on her as pain ran through every part of her, the only parts of her still in the water was her back hooves and tail.
"I guess this is the end for me." Lightning whispered sadly to herself. "I'm sorry Thunder and Rumble, I'm sorry to leave you alone in this world." Soft, gentle tears flowed from her eyes as she waited for death to take her in peace.
Fate however had another plan...
The sight of a large black and chitin-covered hoof stepping into her view caused Lightning to panic, trying to get up and escape. But the soreness and pain hit her like a train and she fell back to her side, closing her eyes and praying to the First Mother that the Changeling would be quick, though she knew that wouldn't be the case as she knew what happened to Hybrids that her Hive got, especially the female ones.
So the sound of a gentle voice ringing in her ears, plus magic softly flowing into her and healing her surprised Lightning.
"You don't need to fear me little Hybrid, I'm not her."
Lightning with a bit of effort was able to look at the other Changeling, and was shocked at who she saw.
"Jewel... Jewelbeetle??"
Said former Royal now Valkyrie gave Lightning a warm smile as she reached forward and rubbed the Hybrid's ear. "Indeed it is me little one, the Empress told me to keep an eye out for the lost ones. I'm glad I found you before it was too late. What's your name?"
"Lightning Street."
"Do you have any remaining family Lightning?"
"My twin brother and a little brother."
"Well just hang on Lightning, you'll see them again someday."
Present Time
Dragonfly pulled back, smiling at Lightning how smiled back, her wings and backplate showing his Hive's colors. By this point Belle, Dancer and the Founders had joined the group in the Throne Room and were smiling at the two.
"Welcome to the Hive Lightning Street, and I see that Jewelbeetle is alive and well. She never was one to go down without a fight, I'm also happy to see she's been helping the Hybrids out."
Lightning nodded. "She took care of us during these years and kept us hidden from our enemy..." She paused for a moment, then spoke again. "Dragonfly... it's a great honor to finally meet you, I'm not sure if you're aware but you gave my fellows hope and when news of your death reached us." She stopped to wipe her eyes, not needing to finish her sentence. Dragonfly reached over and pulled her into a hug, surprising her but Lightning was quick to return it happily.
"I'm only doing what's right Lightning, Hybrids have a right to live like other Changelings and mom couldn't just stand by while they were hunted, so here I am doing the same thing; giving Hybrids like you and your family a place they can call home. And we all know that the free Changelings need to stick together, now more then ever."
A few Days Later
Dragonfly sat a little into the Everfree, his bodyguards nearby but out of sight and ready to make sure their Prince was protected while Belle and Dancer sat with him. Dragonfly was waiting for somebuggy, specifically Jewelbeetle, who he had been told had been hiding with her Hybrids within the forest. To him that made sense; sure it was a dangerous place, but it was also the prefect place to stay hidden. He would not be surprised if many free Changelings had chosen the Everfree as their place to keep away from Chrysalis.
The sound of bushes rustling alerted him, his two Mares, and his guards to something moving and in a few moments a tall Changeling appeared, clearly female by her body shape. Dragonfly smiled wide, which she returned just as wide.
"Jewelbeetle, it's been a long time."
"Hello Dragonfly, you look good for being dead." She joked, to which he chuckled.
"Well it was too close, but as you can tell I got better."
The two embraced each other as Belle and Dancer took in Jewel's appearance; She was a little shorter then Dragonfly by about an inch or two with a long braided silver mane and tail along with eyes and wings the same color, and a red back plate. She wore what looked like a harness with a large and long double-headed four-flange great mace with large green crystals within the heads across her back and a pair of large saddlebags on her flanks.
The two Changelings pulled apart and Jewel took a closer look at the two Mares, before widening her eyes as she looked at Dragonfly in surprise. "Dragonfly..." She asked, "are these two..."
"Yep." Dragonfly answered with a wide smile as he used his wings to hover over and land in between the two Mares. pulling them into a hug.
"Jewelbeetle, meet Bluebelle and Diamond Dancer; my Marefriends. Girls, meet Jewelbeetle; one of the few Royals I got along with and one of my closest friends."
The two greeted Jewel warmly and the former Royal did the same, soon returning to the Hive where Dragonfly and Jewel shared stories about what they'd been up to all this time, which lasted well into the night.
In the Hive's upper levels two creatures, one Pony and one Changeling, were entwined as they cuddled. The Pony, a Pegasus, purring as she deeply kissed the Changeling who was under her. The Changeling made his own sounds of pleasure as his hooves ran over the Pegasus' body, eventually reaching her Cutie Marks and gently rubbing circles on them, causing the Mare to moan in delight as lightning traveled through her spine and into her wings and tail which spread wide and twitched in an arc respectively.
"Oh Darter..." Rose said as she lovingly looked Darter in the eyes. "You know I love it so much when you touch me there."
"I know, and I love how you melt when I do." Darter said with a smirk, to which Rose giggled. She then reached over and nuzzled his ear, causing Darter to relax into it.
"Darter..." Rose said as she pulled back. "I think it's time we take the next step." Darter blinked, then frowned as he glanced off to the side.
Rose noticed the change and gently said, "We can wait if you're not ready."
"No no, it's not that I'm unwilling Rose... it just... well..." There was a pause as Darter thought something over while Rose waited patiently, after a few minutes Darter sighed and looked at her. "Rose... you're about to see something that no creature else knows about; unzip my flight suit."
He turned over so Rose could access the zipper on his back, which she took hold of and unzipped his suit before pulling the open sides apart.
She was not prepared in the slightest for what she saw, not at all.
"Oh dear Faust!" Rose's hooves clapped over her mouth in shock at the sight before her, she'd seen things she would like to unsee, but nothing could have prepared her for the sight on Darter's now bare back.