//------------------------------//
// The Big News 
// Story: The Road to Democracy 
// by WriteAboutHorses 
//------------------------------//

"What!? Did you just say you're... you're..." Shining Armor was in disbelief at what Twilight had just told him.

"Pregnant, yes. I just told you that." Twilight answered her brother. "I'm going to have a foal."

Shining Armor fought hard not to collapse on the floor then and there. His little sister was pregnant!

"How could this happen?" Shining asked himself.

"You were in school for that day in health class, Shining Armor. I think you know how this happened." Twilight answered the question.

"No, obviously I know how it happened, I just didn't think something like this could happen to early. I mean, Cadence is a good ten years older than you, and we still haven't had a foal."

"Some ponies are just different. Flash and I decided that the sooner Equestria has a new prince or princess, the better. So we.. um.. y'know.." Twilight explained.

"But we all know for a fact that Equestria isn't completely out of danger, Twilight. Back when you lived in Ponyville, you faced some thousand year-old super villain, like, every other week. What if something happened to the most important pony for Equestria's future?" Shining Armor worried.

"You worry too much. Rainbow Dash has trained the Royal Guard to be the very best possible. We have the best military in the continent, and Canterlot Castle is almost impenetrable."

"Yeah, nothing says impenetrable like having the front door of the castle plopped down in the middle of one of Canterlot's busiest streets."

"This castle is over a thousand years old, you know that wasn't by decision!" Twilight snapped.

"I never said it was!" Shining Armor yelled back.

"Is everything ok in here?" Flash opened the door and walked in. "I heard yelling."

"Yes, dear. Everything's fine.." Twilight glared at her brother, who still had a look of anger on his face.

"You sure? It sounded a lot like you were fighting."

"We're fine!" Twilight gritted her teeth, trying her best to keep a smile on her face.

"I think I'll turn in for the night." Shining Armor walked out of the room. "Good night, you two."

"You can tell Cadence if you want to." Twilight called down the hall to her brother.

"Whatever!" Shining walked down the hall.





"Is everything ok, Twilight? Shining Armor seemed a little.. uncomfortable last night." Cadence walked out to Twilight's balcony the next morning. Twilight was just sitting at the edge, watching the clouds.

"Twilight?" Cadence said again. This time, Twilight turned around. 

"Morning, Cadence..." Twilight sighed.

"Are you alright?" The Crystal Empress asked her dear sister-in-law.

"Did Shining Armor not tell you?" Twilight asked.

"Tell me what?" Cadence asked.

"I'm pregnant."

"You are!?" Cadence beamed with excitement. "That's fantastic Twilight! I'm so happy for you!" Cadence smiled in delight.

"Glad you're taking the news better than Shining Armor did." Twilight sighed again.

"Is that why he was so upset? Is that what's up with you?"

"When I told him, he freaked out. He had himself convinced that some big bad guy was gonna pop up out of nowhere and do something to the baby."

Cadence began to chuckle. "Twilight, you know how over-protective Shining Armor is. He was just shocked. What would you say if you found out I was having a foal?"

"I'd be happy or you, Cadence." Twilight answered. "I certainly wouldn't get all super freaked out and worry about everything. I don't do that."

Cadence glared at Twilight.

"I don't!" Twilight giggled. "Ever since I became Queen of Equestria, I knew I couldn't freak out about little things, I mean, I still do sometimes, but most of the time I need to control it. What if I set the entire Royal Guard on an illegal immigrant? Or had some sort of magical meltdown just because I didn't file some paperwork on time?"

Cadence laughed. "I'm sure Shining Armor's calmed down. Come on, Flash's speech is starting soon. I'm guessing it's about your news and I think you should be there for it.

"Ok, just give me a minute." Twilight trotted into her and Flash's bedroom. She picked up her crown, the same crown she had been given for the Summer Sun Celebration of 1001 ACLR. She followed Cadence down to the balcony where Flash was about to make his speech, announcing to the world that there was life growing inside of Queen Twilight Sparkle.