Family
by not the real VAV
The family of seven was gathered at the table enjoying a well cooked meal but Fluttershy and their daughter Gala. The baked potatoes were buttered, the salad was perfection, and the apple pie…mmm-mmm-mmm!
The troublesome twins, Sun Crest and Autumn, were making faces at their older siblings and playing with their food. Though you couldn’t really expect any better than them, they were only a year older than a foal.
Speaking of foal, Red Delicious was sitting in his high chair, Fluttershy spoon feeding him his formula. The crimson colt had a big goofy grin as he spewed some of the formula on his mother’s face. Fluttershy and Big Macintosh were not amused but the other ponies were cackling at their baby brother’s antics.
The canary Pegasus grabbed a napkin and wiped her face. Red Delicious’ smile disappeared when his mother started to scold him.
“Sworry mwom…” he said sadly. Fluttershy gave him a peck on the forehead and smiled. Her son’s smiled returned.
“It’s okay, Red. Let’s just not spit our food next time.” She set a deal.
“And not spit it at your mother.” Mac added.
Red Delicious nodded and shook his mother’s hoof. “Okway.” He said cutely.
Everyone settled down and started to finish their food. Just when they were about to begin on the pie, Jonagold, the eldest child, spoke up.
“Hey mom? Hey dad?” He gathered everyone’s attention. He didn’t have his father’s southern drawl like Gala or the twins.
“Yeah Jon?” Mac asked. Fluttershy still fed Red Delicious but twitched her ear, signaling she was listening.
“Um…you know how my friend Topaz joined the Canterlot Guard?” Jonagold asked. He was tapping his hooves together nervously.
“Yes?” Fluttershy dragged out, currently occupied trying to feed Red Delicious apple sauce but failing miserably.
“Well…I was thinking…and well…I was thinking of joining the Canterlot Guard, too.” He added quickly.
There was silence. The twins stopped bickering; Gala was in mid-sip of her water, and Mac let the food in his mouth slowly tumbling down.
Suddenly there was a loud crash and Red Delicious started to cry. Everypony’s head snapped towards the foal. Where was Fluttershy?
Autumn got a closer look and saw her mother on the floor. Sun Crest peeked over to see and wailed, “YOU KILLED MOMMY!” Gala’s mouth was still agape but her lips curled a little as she smiled.
Jonagold’s eyes were wide as he studied his unconscious mother. Mac had gotten up and was trotting towards his wife.
“Shy?” He lifted her onto a chair. “Shy?” The concerned husband asked. Fluttershy didn’t respond at first but finally mumbled something inaudible.
Her eyes opened and she leaned up. She studied her shocked family. “W-what happened?” Fluttershy asked.
“Do you remember anything?” Jonagold asked.
“A little. I was feeding Red Delicious and then nothing. I don’t remember anything else. Why? What happened?” The Pegasus asked.
“Well I-,” Jonagold was interrupted.
“Jon said he was going to join the Canterlot Guard.” Gala said smugly.
“WHAT!?!” The mare almost fainted again. Mac made sure she stayed awake. He helped her up and gave her a drink. Fluttershy calmed down a little and took deep breaths.
“Gala? Sun Crest and Autumn?” Mac called out from the kitchen. “You are excused. Please head to yer rooms.” Gala nodded and headed upstairs.
“But is mom okay?” The twins both asked in unison. Fluttershy smiled warmly and ‘awwed’ mentally at her children’s concern.
“Yes dears, I’m okay. But your father and I want a word with your brother.” Jonagold gulped nervously. Mac gave him a hearty pat on the back.
“Okay.” The twins listened and followed Gala up the stairs.
Fluttershy had managed to calm her heart beat and gave Jonagold a nervous smile. The young male Pegasus mirrored her unsure grin.
“Y-you really w-want to join t-the Guard? A-are you sure?” Fluttershy asked, stopping herself from wailing. She wanted to beg for him to re-decide and to stay with her where he’d be safe.
“I’m sorry mom but…yes.” His teal eyes met hers and she knew it was the right thing. But why her son? Why did her precious, handsome, wonderful Pegasus have to get himself involved?
Equestria wasn’t in war often, thank Celestia, but what if they got in a fight with the wrong bunch? What if they had to fight Draconia? DRAGONS!? DRAGONS FIGHTING HER SON?!
Her unrealistic but unsettling thoughts were cut short by her husband. “That’s very brave of ya’ Jon. Ah’m very glad my son wants to help Equestria in any way he can. And so does your mother-,” Fluttershy gave a startled but assuring nod. “-she just doesn’t want to see you get hurt.”
Mac pulled the orange Pegasus in for a hug. He used his hoof to scuff his son’s short brown mane. “You’re growing into a fine young stallion, Jonagold.”
The canary mare joined in. She kissed Jonagold on the forehead with small tears in her eyes. “I just wish you’d stop growing so fast. I’m feeling old. I swore I saw a gray hair in my mane the other day.” She said, looking into her pink locks.
The two stallions started to laugh at Fluttershy. The mare finished her look and joined in their laughter.