//------------------------------// // It Takes Three // Story: Her Only Child // by Rhonie8k //------------------------------// "All the results are back and as to be expected Rarity you are an absolute picture of health." The doctor explained. "Have you decided on a donor yet?" The question was directed at the earth mare beside the unicorn opposite her. "Donor?" Bon Bon asked. "Oh deary me. Have we come this far without bringing this up?" The orange unicorn said shuffling around the papers and folders on her desk. "I swear I'd forget my horn if it wasn't attached." She finally found the bulky pink folder she was supposed to have given the patients during the last visit. "As I'm sure you're aware it takes two to make a foal, well I suppose three in cases like this. To move onto the final stage we need two genetic samples. Your's and another pony's need to be bonded to develop into a new and unique foal." She explained passing the folder to Bon Bon. "That folder contains information on most of the donors whose genetic samples we can use. Since the samples can be stored long term in the right conditions and because the demand is high enough for a wide variety of candidates to be available we offer monetary compensation to those who wish to help provide this service." "I suppose that all makes perfect sense." Rarity chimed. "So Bon Bon are you seeing anypony who sticks out to you." She asked as her friend had already started looking through the folder. "There are other mares in here?" Bon Bon said quizically as she turned through the pages. "Oh yes of course. I understand how that may seem strange. It's quite exciting really. Thanks to a rather recent breakthrough in the science and magic of reproductive health a process to modify the proper genetic samples between male and female states now makes it possible to offer both mares and stallions as suitable donors. It also allows same-sex couples the option to have a foal that's a part of each of them." The doctor explained enthusiastically. "It's quite the simple process and tests have even shown there is very little chance for the samples to become damaged during the change even when the same sample undergoes the metamorphosis multiple times." "That's remarkable." Rarity exclaimed. "I had no idea such a monumental breakthrough had occurred." "It's only been available for the last couple of years. Unless you follow science journals or you or somepony you know has had a direct experience with it is not surprising you wouldn't know about it." The doctor stated unsurprised. "More options are always a good thing I suppose." Bon Bon said absently. The earth mare was only half-listening to the unicorns' discussion as she read through the candidates. Each page in the folder gave a brief overview of two or three candidates depending on the level of detail. There were no pictures just a written description that always included the same basic information; Species, Gender, Mane/Coat Color, and Cutie Mark/Special Tallent. There was also a space for a name but Bon Bon noticed most of these were labeled Undisclosed. "I think this one is Rainbow Dash." Bon Bon blurted out suddenly. She had come across an undisclosed entry for a blue pegasus with a multicolored mane and speed listed as a special talent. "Donors are given the option on whether or not they wish to remain anonymous. If there is no name given I'm not at liberty to discuss the matter." The doctor stated directly. "However if the information provided sparks to mind somepony specific I would advise looking at other candidates just to be safe." "I highly doubt you'd actually consider Rainbow Dash a suitable donor and I have to agree with the doctor even if we can't be sure if it's her or not it's best to consider other options." Rarity said. She looked over the earth mare's shoulder at the file and agreed it was most certainly Rainbow Dash. "Is it necessary to use one of the donors provided here or would it be possible to use somepony else?" The unicorn questioned. "While it's not required by any means to use our donors it is recommended. When somepony offers us donated material they sign a contract that protects everypony involved from possible legal pursuits. So they can't suddenly try to seek paternal rights or the reverse it protects them from being pressed for child support. If a patient does wish to use their own donor similar legal paperwork should be completed but that would be done without our involvement." The other unicorn explained. "This one seems good." Bon Bon said happily oblivious to the ongoing discussion. "Earth Pony, Mare, Coat Amethyst, Mane Light Yellow, Talent Sculpture." She read the required fields out loud. What had really caught her attention was the optional summary the mare had included. Hello, my name is Amethyst Stonecutter. If you're reading this congratulations. We probably don't know each other and even if you find somepony else more suited to your needs I still think it's great you've decided to expand your family. I recently learned they had opened the donation process to mares and it sparked my curiosity. After reading up on the process I knew I wanted to make a singular donation. Art and creating something new and unexpected are my greatest passions and to me, this seems like a way I can do that while helping somepony out along the way. I hope that doesn't come off as vain. I promise I'm not like that. If you do choose me I'll have left my information available so that you are free to reach out but please don't feel you have to. That wraps up everything I wanted to say, congratulations again. "Yes, I think I've decided." Bon Bon said after reading the attached message for the third time. "Are you sure? The doctor asked. "I was supposed to give you the folder on your last visit so you would have more time to go over the options." "I'm quite certain. The attached personal note she left as a summary really speaks to me and I quite like that she is open to contact if that's something I feel is necessary to do in the future." Bon Bon stated cheerfully. "I agree she seems like a wonderful choice." Rarity said having taken the folder and read the memo for herself. "In that case, let's schedule our big appointment." The doctor said with a smile.