//------------------------------//
// 02 - Am I Ready to be a Father? 
// Story: Shining Cadence 
// by Yosh-E-O 
//------------------------------//

	The Equestrian Games were at an end.  Now, at last, Cadence and Shining Armor could focus on preparing themselves for the forthcoming birth of their foal.
“How’s daddy’s, little prince doing?” asked Shining Armor towards his wife’s belly.
“Sorry, hunny,” said Cadence.  “But you’re addressing a young princess.”
Shining Armor faced his wife and smiled.
“What’s wrong with having a boy?” he asked.
“Because she’s a filly,” replied Cadence.

That night, the Royal OBGYN met with Cadence and Shining Armor to discuss what to expect when the princess delivered her foal.
“Cadence is going to be in a lot of discomfort at first,” he said to the couple.  “So, Shining Armor, it is up to you to do all you can to care for your foal while Cadence recovers.”
Shining Armor put his hoof upon Cadence’s and gave her a concerned look.
“I’ll be fine,” stated Cadence.  “Mares have given birth since before the dawn of Equestria.”
“But,” he said.
Cadence gave her husband a nuzzle on his muzzle.
“Everything will be fine, dear,” she said while rubbing her tummy.  “It’ll all be worth it when Princess Harmony comes into this world and officially joins our royal family.”
“You mean, Prince Steadfast Sparkle, right?” asked Shining Armor.
“Oh, sweetie,” stated Cadence.  “Just accept that we’re having a filly.”
Shining Armor shrugged and smiled.  This wasn’t the time for one of their ‘Colt / Filly’ discussions.
“Now,” stated the OBGYN.  “My assignment for both of you is to read the books I’ve given you on raising a foal.  This will help you understand what it is like for them so you can best meet their needs until your foal is able to verbalize them to you.”
“Will do, doctor,” stated Shining Armor.
“Alright,” the OBGYN said.  “I’ll see you two next week at the same time.  If you should need anything, Princess Cadence, do not hesitate to send word for me.”
“Thank you, doctor,” said Cadence.

That night, after making Cadence a hay and pickle sandwich, Shining Armor took to his book and started reading.
“There’s just so much t know,” said Shining Armor.  “And Cadence is counting on me.”
The prince continued to flip through the pages.  His anxiety rising as he remembered how Cadence was due in just a matter of weeks and how she was counting on him to be a good father and how he felt totally unprepared.
He had some experience with foals by being Twilight’s older brother.  However, a lot of the material in the book was things he either never heard of, or that his mom and dad did for Twilight.
“I can’t fail Cadence,” he stated.  “She’s counting on me and I’m not going to let her down.”
“Is that you, dear?” asked Cadence as she entered into the Royal Study.  “How are you doing?”
Shining Armor groaned in frustration before doing his best to turn and smile at his wife.
“What’s bothering you, dear?” asked Cadence.
“I,” he said.  “I, well.  I just.”  He then just stated, “I don’t feel I’m ready to be a father.”
“What?” asked Cadence.  “Why do you say that?”
Shining Armor used his magic to levitate the book he was reading and flipped the numerous pages of it at a rapid pace.
“There’s just so much to know!” he exclaimed.  “What if I drop him?  What if he stops breathing and I’m not there?  What if-“
Shining Armor was cut off by Cadence embracing him.
“I think someone just needs to get his rest,” she said.
“I can’t rest!” he insisted.  “Not when I’m so unprepared!”
“Oh, darling,” she said.  “You were a wonderful, big brother to Twilight.  Raising our filly will be no different.”
“You did more with her,” stated Shining Armor.  “I was off at school training for The Canterlot Royal Guard while you foal sat.”
Cadence watched as a tear formed in Shining Armor’s eye.
“Dear,” she said.  “You really need to relax.”
“I can’t!” he sniffled.  “Not knowing how I am as unprepared to be a husband and father as I was for the changeling queen’s invasion.”
Cadence sighed and this made Shining Armor immediately try to stop making things all about him.
“I’m sorry, darling,” he said.  “I don’t mean to stress you out.  You don’t need my problems when you are already doing so much for our foal.”
“You know,” said Cadence.  “Maybe I could use my magic to help soothe you and remind you of what a good, big brother you were?”
“Huh?” asked Shining Armor.
“You feel like you are not ready because you are so caught up in training the guard and caring for me that you’ve forgotten about just how wonderful of a big brother you were to Twilight.  My magic can help you remember those positive feelings that made you a great, big brother and, soon, a wonderful dad.”
“Sure,” he said.  “So long as using your magic doesn’t put any pressure on you, or the foal.”
“Don’t worry,” stated Cadence as she began to conjure her spell.  “This one’s a piece of cake.”
Shining Armor suddenly felt himself growing very tingly as his thoughts seemed to shift from panic to something else.  Something that felt pleasant.  Something that felt safe.  Something that felt like…
*THUD*