//------------------------------//
// Chapter Five: Getting to know you. 
// Story: A changeling in the beginning. 
// by inum76 
//------------------------------//

Chapter Five: Getting to know you.

Patience got into line. Misty stood right next to her. This made Patience wonder what Misty wanted. She was sure it wasn't ice cream. "OK' Misty, go on. What is on your mind."

Misty tried to look sympathetic to Patience's loss. She knew it was her fault, and wished to at the very least make amends with her. "I just wanted to apologize for my outburst earlier. I see now that Chaser did indeed have some business to attend to with Kicker. 

"Not that I am happy with the interruption to our date, but I am sorry for getting upset with you. 

"I was suspicious that you might have had some other motives or intentions for taking him. And I am sorry for misjudging you. 

"I am also sorry I took him from you, knowing that you are interested in him too. But I have no intentions on giving him up. I hope do you understand. Please don't be upset with me for that."

Patience felt the need to come clean with Misty of her earlier intentions. "To tell the truth, your assumptions of me was correct. I did wish to try and steal him away from you. I intended to try and talk him into seeing me instead of you, while I took him to see Chaser. And now I do feel bad about that. 

"As I said to myself earlier, all's fare in love and war, and you won him fairly. I will not try and take him from you again." 

Patience put a hoof out to Misty. "Truse?"

To much of Patience's hope and feeling that she would, Misty smiled and accepted this gesture. Misty shook Patience's hoof in return, hoping as well to put this rivalry behind them. "Truse. I don't want us to fight. I never did like fighting with others."

Patience smiled in return, while moving up in line. "Well, that is good to hear. I would also like for you to consider me as a friend. I still like Kicker and don't want to never see him again. The two of us do have a history after all."

Patience stopped as the line did, and she thought for a bit. "Something has gotten me curious though. Why did you chose Kicker in the first place. Not to be rude, but I did not think he was your type. You always seemed strait cut, proper, and very reserved. And Kicker, he is anything but that. I know this all too well."

Misty rolled her eye. She didn't like being thought of as being snobbish and such. Her intentions towards kicker she hoped might help change that image of her in the eyes of others, at least a little. "So, it has come to that. OK, Yes, I do like to keep a certain image for myself. I don't like causing waves. I don't like trouble. And your right, Kicker can be trouble at times. So why him?"

The line moved again. Patience waited patiently for an answer.

Misty sighed and felt the weight of her past as she talked. "I feel I have to be proper all the time. It is in part of what my mother has told me when I was young. If you do things that will make others unhappy with you, you will find life hard without others feeling they can trust you, or even so much as like you. And I did not want that."

The line stopped, and Misty continued. "So I always try to behave myself, and keep to myself, and not cause problems. I guess it only made me look stuffy about things to some ponies, rather than calm and reliable, as I would rather be seen as."

Patience felt this did explain a little about Misty, but not why she is interested in Kicker. Patience decided to say so. "OK, that much I understand, I just don't see where Kicker fits in with all of this."

Misty gave a comical, over the top, pouty face. It was her attempt at being silly, as she felt Kicker can be. "I don't like others to think I am stuffy and no fun. Because I can be."

At this Patience was surprised. This was not the Misty she knew at all. Though she had to remind herself that she really didn't know Misty at all. She thought to herself, perhaps there is something about her that she did not see, something Kicker did. And this was probably only some of it.

Misty relaxed a bit after her openness to try and be comical to make the situation less serious as she continued. "I feel Kicker is kind of my opposite, you know. And when I see him, I feel I don't have to be all proper around him. I guess I just wanted someone I could feel more free with. Someone I can feel more myself around. I guess you could say I have two sides to myself. One I show to others, one I keep to myself." 

The line moved again and Patience felt she could understand this much as well. But it seemed Misty was far from over. Patience was not expecting what Misty did, and said next.

Misty smiled broadly as she thought more about him. She also looked lost in thought to Patience as if Misty was thinking of someone Dreamy. Misty's voice flowed, almost to the point of song. "Oh' he sets me free when I am with him, and I feel so much more open around him in a way that I like. And in a way I like to be with him. Someone I can feel warm and passionate with."

Patience's mind focused on one thought, based on what Misty just said. Just look at her. She feels open around him all right, if he can make her act this way around him. I bet... I can well imagine what she passionately has freely open to him, and around him, when she is with him, alone... 

Patience caught herself in mid thought as the line stopped. Steady girl. No need for such thoughts right now. Not here, and while she is just trying to talk to you. Don't turn this into what it's not.

She is just talking about having a romantic kiss and a warm embrace with a loved one. Try and focus on that.

Yes, a warm and sensitive embrace, to one of his most sensitive spots, with one of her own.

No, No, No! Patience you stop that!

Patience pulled herself out such thoughts as she caught Misty staring at her.

Misty noticed Patience looking a little flushed, and beside herself for a moment. Misty felt it was just due to how she was talking about Kicker to her, and that Patience has known Kicker for a while. She figured that Patience never heard any pony talk of Kicker in that way before.

She paid no mind to that, as she continued. Her own mind instead drifted back to thinking about Kicker. "I also did spend some time getting to know him, before I ever asked him out. That is, I watched what he is really like to others. It was hard for me to believe at first, but he has a real kind heart. It was hard to notice with how much he jokes around, but I did see this. From what I saw, I trust him not to be a jerk and hurt me. Sure, he kids around a lot, but that is part of his charm too. I never saw him get mean, angry, or violent, with anyone. Not even a little bit angry when he was alone. And he is not like me, he doesn't try to hide who he is around others."

Patience felt she agreed. She never saw Kicker to be the violent type. To her, if anything he is, that much he is not. And he did make a point to always be himself, no matter how other may think of him for it. 

The line moved as Patience prodded Misty for more info. "Okay I get that much, but what else." 

Misty could not stop herself. Patience did not need to push any to keep Misty going at this point. "He is so much more outgoing than I am, and willing to do crazy things, but he does care for others. And I think he will make a great father one day. He loves kids. He is passionate, kind, and funny. 

“And I don't feel I have to worry about him getting angry at them, or even me. Ever. There is something that just feels comfortable, and safe about him. Like he is more of a big kid himself than an adult stallion who feels the need to be forceful, or to prove something to everyone. As I feel at times I have too."

At this Patience felt she completely understood Misty's attraction to Kicker. She felt much the same herself about him. Not that she felt she tried to hide who she is to anyone like Misty apparently does. Or did till now.

The line has stopped at the main counter for ordering, but Misty was still not done yet.

Misty is now in a lovers dream like state, as she talked without concern for where she is. She practically gushed while talking. "For all of that, and more, I love him. I have for a while now. It didn't just happen. He may not be perfect, but out of all the others I have considered." 

Her voice got softer with a swooning in her voice to her last few words. "He is perfect enough for me. And I wish him to be in my life for as long as it lasts!" 

Patience just stared at her as she took all of that in. She could tell Misty was in love. Of that much she was sure. She wished to say something to Misty about it, but she was at the counter now, and had an eavesdropping Floater waiting on them.

Patience lifted a hoof to Misty's chest. "Hold that thought. I will get back to you." 

Misty suddenly felt flustered as to how she was just talking about Kicker so openly in front of other. She knew this was not her at all, and some embarrassment kicked in. I can't believe I just said all that. And now of all times, and places.

Misty looked around as she saw others had been paying attention to her, as well as Patience was. She did her best to ignore that fact. So what if they know how much I love Kicker. Well, at least they now know. I am sure Kicker would just tell me it is all for the better that they do anyway. I know he would not mind everyone knowing how I feel about him. So I guess, there is no need to fret about this. 

Patience turned her attention to Floater. "Sorry for the wait."

Floater chuckled. "No problem. I like to hear a good love story." 

At this Misty blushed a little, aside from her already flustered state. Patience's earlier interruption of her date, and knowing how Patience, made Misty wish to explain herself. She wanted Patience to fully understand just how she felt, in hopes Patience could truly be accepting if the situation. 

She didn't intend to be so expressive in a small crowd of other ponies though.

Floater leaned over more. "So back for more so soon are you? Didn't know my Tutti Fruity was that good."

Patience sighed over not getting to have some at all today, due to why. "No. Well yes, it is that good, but I didn't get to have any yet. I was out on a hunt, and mine melted before I got back to it. So I would like to order another one. I feel by now I could use it."

Floater smiled to her. "I think I can fix that." He moved aside and got out a big cup and put three big scoops into it. He brought it back to the desk and gave it to her. "Here you go, free of charge."

Patience looked surprised. "Thank you, but why?" 

Floater continued to smile. He was in such a good mood this morning. Everything seems to be going well today for him, and some interesting info was keeping him entertained. He was being entertained now, more than most days. "Well, it was part of Chaser and Stella's order, and I gave them free ice cream for today. And I don't want you to miss out, seeing that you are with them today."

He quickly turned to Misty and asked, "Would you like some more? My treat." Misty just replied with a small shake of her head, no.

Patience chuckled, and said to Floater, "With such generosity Floater, I wonder how you stay in business? Must be hard making bits when you are giving this stuff away."

Floater chuckled in return. "Oh' I manage," He finished saying with a wink.

Patience smiled once more to him. He is certainly in a good mood today. "Well, Thank you again Floater."

The two walked outside. Patience paused shortly after, then turned to Misty. She wanted to address what Misty had said right then while it was fresh in her mind. "I do understand why you wish to be with Kicker. I wanted him for much the same reasons." 

With that out of the way, Patience's mood changed to something more friendly. "I do hope the two of you will be happy with each other. And I hope you do consider me when you are with foal. I am sure you are looking forward to that in the future, as you sounded to be. 

“It's not just business. I like to care for those I know. And I feel I know you a little better now. And I think you will make a fine mother as you wish to be, as well as a good wife for Kicker. Sorry to say, I didn't think so at first, but now I do."

Misty felt touched. She rarely made friends and kept to herself. She did like Patience's offer, for being both a caregiver to any future foal she might have, and as a friend. "Thank you Patience. I am still reminded of what my mother has told me. It's nice to have those around, you feel you can trust. And I feel I can trust you. I am sorry if me taking Kicker has upset you any."

Patience sighed. "It does, but not as much anymore. Besides, he is not the only young stallion around. I have my pick, when I am ready to go looking for one. 

“And I am not so sure I would want Kicker if he was actually so willing to leave you for someone else, even if it was me he left you for. Now that I think about it, I wouldn't want a cheat if it came to that, at any time. So don't you worry about me none."

Misty smirked. She felt it funny that Patience with all she has going for her, that some simple work shop mare might be worried about Patience's future. "Me. Worry about you. I am just a worker at the weather factory, just like Kicker. But, you. You got a fine and well paying profession. You are still young like me. And I don't mind saying that you got looks that could get yourself most anyone you want, except for Kicker. He is mine." 

At this Patience laughed. "Come on, let's get back to Stella as we wait for Kicker and Chaser to come back."

The two walked back to the table together. Each feeling a little better about the other.

Patience and Misty returned to the table. Stella had just finished feeding the two foals shortly before they arrived. She was already thinking about what to do next when they did show up. As her thoughts was interrupted she greeted them. "Welcome back you two. Is everything alright?" 

Stella did not see a problem, but the fact that the two went in together, likely to talk, and that the two share an interest in the same stallion could mean trouble.

Patience sat facing her while Misty sat next to Patience. Patience smiled. "Nothing to worry about. Misty and I just spent some time developing an understanding. We're good." 

Misty folded her two front hooves on the table, then quickly put them back down remembering that doing such, mostly in front of others is impolite and improper. Her own mannerisms kicked back in as she was trying to settle herself. 

In a way, she now felt like she was intruding while being there. She just wished Kicker would return soon so they both could take off. She felt like a fifth wheel among these other four. 

She also felt on the spot feeling she should say something instead of just sitting there ignoring what was being talked about. "Yes, the two of us have come to an understanding, so too speak." Misty wished to change the subject, she did not want her conversation with Patience to be the center of conversation here, despite that she had it inside surrounded by others. She felt it is now a closed subject between them. 

Misty turned her attention to the two foals. "So Stella, how are your two little ones getting along?" 

Stella felt eager to answer that. "Oh' they are doing great. I can hardly believe how much alike the two are." That is practically understatement. The thought of the two as true twins is getting easier all the time. "I am so glad to have them both. And they will be good company for each other as they are away from home at a sitters, and at school or just out playing."

Stella still had that thought in the back of her mind while speaking. Wondering if she could let Triumph off at a sitters, or even let her off at school. She was not like any other foal.

Triumph shuttered at the thought of being without Stella or Chaser around. Patience saw her look of concern and decided to try and pull her away from some bad thoughts Patience thinks she might be having, and try and cheer her up. She felt her concern might be about not being at home with her own kind, and did not want to bring up that subject with her, and mostly not while Misty and other ponies are around. 

Patience already had a few spoonfuls of her ice cream and did not mind sharing some of it with the two foals. The thought of sharing it with the foals made her feel better than just eating it alone in front of them. She got Triumph's attention with a question. "Triumph, would you like to try some of this," she asked as she held out a small dab of it on the tip of her spoon. 

Triumph could smell it, and despite feeling full from her own cup of ice cream, she did wish to try a taste of what Patience is offering. She gave a slight nod then opened her mouth wide. Patience brought the spoon to her as Triumph took a taste. 

After having something creamy, this new flavor blast hit her. She has had fruits before, but not in this way. The combination was of smooth, but also tangy fruitiness mix. A pleasant contrast to the vanilla and chocolate. Her eyes widened again to this new taste as her mouth formed a smile. She hummed her pleasure to this new experience. And wished to have another taste. 

Stella glared at Patience. "You are going to spoil her."

At this statement. Triumph felt she did something wrong in taking that from Patience. Stella did not sound happy to her. She did not wish to misbehave and give Stella any reason to not like her anymore. She kept reminding herself, despite what she may look like, she is not a pony, and not really Stella's daughter, and Stella may still send her away, if she is not good. 

Triumph did not fully understand just how much Stella loved her, and was imprinting on Triumph as her child, and would not ever be sending her away like Triumph thinks she might.

Stella's motherly instincts to love and protect Fluttershy was also being projected onto Triumph, in a way even Stella did not expect. Their time spent together was creating an unbreakable bond, one that could not so easily be undone. This was do to Stella being in a motherly mode in her life from being a mother already. Her emotions towards Triumph was slowly taking control over her. 

Patience replied, "Oh' pony-feathers! I was just trying to cheer her up. Now look at her."

Stella saw Triumphs state, and felt sorry for butting in. She just didn't want Triumph to over do it on her first time with the ice cream. 

She leaned over past Fluttershy and said to Triumph, "You go ahead, I did not mean to make you upset. You didn't do anything wrong sweetie. I was just concerned that you might have too much all at once. I didn't want you to get sick or something." Stella finished with a loving smile and a brush of a hoof, petting the side of Triumph's cheek."

Triumph's mood has lighted up. She felt it is okay to try it again without worry, but she still did not wish to over do it as Stella suggested not to. It tasted good to her, but she was no longer hungry. She now felt she understood what Stella might have meant by spoiling her. It had nothing to do with Stella being upset with her, it was concern for her.

For Triumph releasing for herself that Stella was only worried for her, and not upset with her, made Triumph feel all that much better about being here. And better about Stella. Stella and Chaser care so much for me but I do not understand why. I am glad they do though.

And Patience too. She has been real nice to me as well.

As Stella stroked the side of her cheek before sitting back down next to Fluttershy, Triumph felt that same feeling she now associated with as love. She continued to question herself as to how she should think of Stella. Does she really care for me that much? Can I actually think of her a my mom? She told me to. These questions still swirled in her mind. 

She looked over at Fluttershy. Maybe I can, think of them as family. They have been so nice to me so far. I just don't want to lose this. 

Further watching Fluttershy smiling at her got her thinking again. I am here now, and I must try my best to be like her. She looks so happy, and that is how I want to be as well. She smiled back, imitating Fluttershy perfectly.

Misty saw this interaction Stella had with Triumph. Stella doesn't just talk to her like she is just a foal. And Triumph seems to understand her better than one, as young as she looks. She is also supposed to be the one missing for well over two months. Peculiar. 

Misty looked over at Fluttershy then back to Triumph. There is no mistaking it. Those two are indeed twin sisters. But Triumph seems more easily worried, then Fluttershy, I can see that. She seems kind of like me, when I was little

I hope not. Worrying about things as I have as a young filly, is not the sort of life for a little one.

I do hope my own foal does not grow up worrying as I did. That is when I do have one. He, or she, should be more like Kicker. He seems to enjoy life more than I. He does not seem to worry about a thing. I like that. I wish I had been more him myself when I was younger. 

Patience did not want to leave Fluttershy out of this, and presented her with a spooning of her ice cream as well. This was a first for her too, of trying Tutti Fruity. She received the same sensation as Triumph did. 

Triumph enjoyed seeing her sister happy. There was just something good about it to her. It made her worry less. There was joy in the moment. A joy that melted away concern, and just let oneself be happy for a time. 

Patience past around two more spoon-fulls, one more to each before they both refused another. 

The two were starting to get tired. Stella and Patience could see this. Stella faced Patience. "I have one last place to go today, after some shopping. Looks like these two are nearing ready for a nice two hour nap though. I think I will just take them home for one, then go shopping and looking for a sitter after, before the day is over. Let Chaser know I am heading home with our two daughters. OK?"

Patience put down her cup and helped place Fluttershy first then Triumph on Stella's back. She sat back down to finish her ice cream. "OK. I will let him know. The two of them should be back soon. You take care now."

With a nod Stella opened her wings then carefully took off. 

Patience looked over to Misty. "So, what now?," she finished asking before taking another big spoonful of her ice cream, while trying to use it to help her get over losing Kicker. 

Misty raised an eye as if she was expected to come up with some revelation for this moment. She had none. "I guess we just wait. And I would like to get back to my date with Kicker. As Stella said, there is still much left to the day, and I would not want to waste it. Not that this has been a waste. I feel good about our talk. I am glad we could settle things between us. So, what are you going to do?"

Patience thought about it for a moment. I could just go back to the clinic, but I have no appointments. None that I know of. I already said I was going out for the day. Might as well enjoy my self-set time off. "First, I am going to finish my ice cream. But I have no big plans for the rest of the day. And no, I am not going to ask if I can just hang about with you and Kicker. Three's a crowd, and all that. No, I think I will just fly around a bit, and enjoy the day as best I can. Maybe I will find a future prospect, while I am out and about. Who knows?"

Misty, chuckled a bit. "Future Prospect? Well, I wish you luck in that. Not that you need it. I have said that I had been looking around myself, before settling on Kicker. I think I might have a few ideas."

Patience clopped her two front hooves together after putting her cup back down. "Ooo. Do tell."

Patience leaned in to listen more as they were interrupted. 
Chaser and Kicker landed quickly from high above without warning, startling the two young mares. 

Kicker and Chaser chuckled. Kicker leaned over as he saw Patience was doing. "So, what have the two of you been talking about? Something good I hope," he finished with a sly grin. 

Misty stood up and bumped him on the side. "I could ask the same of you two. But I guess we will both have to contend with not knowing what the other was talking about, now won't we?"

Kicker chuckled some more. "Yep, I guess so. And I guess that is fair enough. Come on, let's get back to where we were before."

Misty smiled. "I thought you would never ask."

Kicker snickered. "Well, I guess I am just full of surprises, now aren't I. Wonder what I will surprise you with next." 

He leaned over to her to give her a quick kiss, full on the lips, really surprising Misty this time. 

As they parted he stated, "Yes, I think that is about where we left off."

Patience interrupted. "Get a room, you two!"

Kicker replied, "Oh’ but the open air is so much more pleasant." He then leaned over to Misty again. "Don't you think so, hun?"

Misty gave him a quick peck on the cheek in return. "Yes, But she is right. We should find ourselves someplace a little more secluded, like before."

Kicker smiled. "Well, let's not waste anymore time." With that he quickly leaped into the air. And started off back in the direction of the falls. Misty without further adieu, chased after him.

After watching the two take off, Chaser turned to Patience. "So where is Stella? Did she go back home?"

Patience nodded. "Yes, after a good feeding on ice cream, the two foals were feeling tuckered out. So, Stella took them home for a quick nap. As young as they both are, they could use it. And often. But I think you know that about now."

Chaser nodded as well. "Yes, I do. So, what are you going to do now?"

Patience gave him a frown. She had the day open, and she did not want to spend it alone. "Well, after watching Kicker and Misty, I think I am just going to go for a nice little flight to cool off a bit."

Chaser snickered. "So, the ice cream is not helping at cooling you off enough?"

Patience put her cup down. "Well, no. I can't keep from thinking about them, or what Misty said to me earlier. Something about Kicker helping her to feel more open around him, I think it was. Something like that. Anyway, I think there will be a lot more of that going on soon enough."

Chaser lowered his head some. "Wow, you got it bad. No wonder you were so upset at finding out Kicker is now seeing Misty. You have been playfully flirtatious with him a little in the past, but you mean it this time, don’t you. You do have the hots for him. I am sorry it all didn't work out the way you thought it might, or hoped."

Patience plopped a hoof on the table, then laid down on it, and grumbled a bit. "Well, what do you expect? I am in the prime of my life, and the one I wanted to be with is with someone else, because I waited to get my life in order. I can't be upset about it, it's really no one's fault. But I am."

Chaser sat next to her and put a hoof around her. "Sure you can. You have every right to be upset. You worked hard to get where you are in life. You should not be made to miss out on what you want because of that. But you do know it is not the end of your life, just because you can't be with him the way you want now."

Patience leaned into him some. "I know that. Oh' I wish I can find someone like you. My Lucky Star, Stella has found her love life with you, and so has Misty with Kicker now. And to think I have known the both of you for far more time than them."

Chaser leaned over to her more and gave a light kiss to her forehead, and a rub of her back. "I will always be your lucky star when you need me to be, just as you have been for me all these years. And look at what you are willing to do for Stella and I now. How can I not care when I see you upset over something. Even this.

"After All, you were the first to start calling me Lucky Star as we were growing up. My life with Stella will never change how I feel about you, as it never changed how you felt about me. You may not have me or Kicker as you may want us, but we will always be there for you, and I will always love you like a sister to me. Few know that is how I felt about you then, and still do now."

Patience looked over at him. "Thanks a lot," She said sarcastically. "Don’t get me wrong, I am grateful that you do feel that way for me. Still it does not change my current situation. I lost the only two stallions I ever wanted to be with, to two other mares. 

“And seeing you and Stella with two adorable foals, while watching Misty go off to have a good time with Kicker, and possibly soon to have a foal, or two of her own, kind of makes me feel left out. I am the only one out of the three of us, you, Kicker, and I who is without someone." 

She took another bite of her ice cream. "And if I just wallow in self pity like this, and eat ice cream, I will just get old and fat."

Chaser laughed. "Now you are being pitiful and ridiculous! I swear." He rubbed her back some more. "You will be fine. Just have patience!"

Patience started to laugh and shake in place from laughing so hard. "Oh' you always knew how to cheer me up. Just like Kicker. Your right though. And Misty said so herself. That I am a successful, young, and good looking mare that could get any stallion I wanted. 

"Could you imagine that coming from her?"

Chaser gave her a light squeeze. "Misty said all that did she? She is right, you are an attractive mare. But there is more to you than that. You are loving, as well as fun loving, aside from just good looking. You have a wonderful and personable personality. You care for others, and it shows. 

“You have nothing to worry about. You will find the right one for you. You are all that a stallion could want, and more."

Patience sighed. "Well, there is no time like the present. I could always start looking, even now. I told Misty I would, and not to fret over me. 

"I will not bother her or Kicker again. The three of us will just be friends from now on. 

"Look at me. I have taken too much of your time. You got to get back to Stella. She said she to go shopping then to look for a sitter, after the foals have a short nap. And I got some looking to do of my own."

Chaser gave her one last kiss on her forehead. "You have not taken too much of my time. More like I am taking to much of yours. Now you get out there and start enjoying yourself. And if you do need Stella and I, you know where to find us."

Chaser put a hoof down quickly on the table. "And if you find one that does not treat you right, and hurts you in any way, you come and tell us. Kicker, and I will chase him down and kick him all over Equestria for it."

Patience got up and gave him a big hug before she opened her wings, ready to take off. "Yes, I will be sure to tell you both. However my search turns out. Thanks again, my Lucky Star. I will be going. May your luck be with you."

Chaser stood up as well. "Thank you so much for your help with Triumph. I really appreciate it. And good luck to you as well."

Patience gave a nod then took off. Chaser saw she left some of her ice cream behind. He decided to toss it away for her. Neither her nor him released she was still carrying the few bits he gave to her for some more ice cream. Ice cream she didn't have to pay for. 

~~~~~~

Stella made it back home without incident. Intent on putting her two bundles to rest, she opened the door. 

She had worried some that one or both might fall asleep on her back, and perhaps fall off. After getting in she found part of her worry has happened. Both of them fell asleep while she was in flight. But both were safe. Fluttershy had a good hold onto her, and Triumph had a good hold onto Fluttershy. She almost felt bad about having to disturb them while putting them into a shared crib. 

It was a good sized crib. Big enough for the both of them. She first reached back and took a hold of Triumph, and set her down. Then did the same with Fluttershy. Shortly after the two snuggled close to one another. Stella could not help but feel this sight as so precious. 

She enjoyed all the more having both of them to look after. She felt Fluttershy was such a blessing, and Triumph was an unexpected but very welcome addition.

She spent some time just watching them sleep, not caring about the time. But time did pass, and she heard someone come into the house. 

She felt it is likely Star Chaser. She finally took stock of the time and found he had been gone a little longer than she expected. She worried if everything had gone OK with his talk with Cloud Kicker. 

She let her two little ones sleep as she went to go welcome Chaser home. 

As she came into the living room she saw him slowly closing the door. She felt he got the word that the two foals would likely be sleeping. He turned around and smiled. He quietly closed the gap between them, and gave her a long kiss. After they parted he said in a whisper, "I have been waiting a while for that."

She smiled back too him. "Was it worth waiting for?"

He smirked. "Always."

Now she felt it was time for some serious questions. "How did it go with Kicker?"

Chaser shrugged. "About as expected. He is game, and he will keep what Triumph is, a secret. As I though, the goof likes the idea, and thinks it is funny. 

“He also admires that we are both willing to help some strange foal we barely know, and one that might be dangerous for us to keep. I told you he is a good guy. He promised to not even tell Misty. So we can count on him. I know we can."

Stella stood beside him and gestured that they both go sit on the couch. "Well, I am glad you think so. I don't like the idea that we are putting our trust in him. How is Patience by the way?

After sitting he answered. "Good I think. I just had a long talk with her. She feels she is missing out in life. She has a great job. The very one she worked so hard to get. But in her time getting it, she lost something else she was after. Her head was quite literally in the Clouds. Namely Kicker, and I as well. 

"You of course know the three of us grew up as friends together, as such she grew to liking Kicker and I in other ways, than just as friends. As I found out, Kicker and I were the only two she felt this way about. Now she lost us both. Not as friends but as a potential companion to start a family of her own with, as she now wants.

"I feel sorry for her. I have known her for so long. I admit, if I did not meet you I likely would have hooked up with her in time instead. 

“Not that I would ever wish to change things. I love you, and Fluttershy. And now we have Triumph. But Patience is feeling like the one left out among her two best friends, even though she worked hard to get what she now has. It's just not enough for her. She wants a family now as well. And she does not want to wait. 

"I can only imagine what she must feel like, tending to other ponies’s foals, while not having any of her own. Now that I know she wants some of her own, as well as a companion. I know she enjoys her work, but at the end of the day, she must be lonely. I never thought about it till now.

"It would seem Misty and I have both convinced her to go out looking for someone. And that is what she is doing right now. She is on the search for a new potential special somepony for herself. And it is about time. 

"No moping about for her. She was always the go getter. The only thing she has had patience for is what she intends to accomplish. She will have to be patience with this as well. 

“I am sure she will make the right choice when she finds who she is looking for."

Stella brushed up against him lovingly, and relaxed. "You do care about her a lot, don't you?"

Chaser noded. "Well, yes, I do. She is like a sister to me. Always has. I guess I just never developed the very same feelings for her as she did for me. But all will turn out right in the end. Whoever she chooses will treat her right, or else Kicker and I will chase him down, and kick him all over Equestria, as I told her we would."

Stella rubbed his chest. "I am sure you both will. But let's not talk about something so violent. I was wondering what we could do for the rest of the day. I was thinking after shopping, that we look for a sitter. Then after we could make preparations for a nice picnic tomorrow. 

"Speaking of which, we really need to get Fluttershy and Triumph something better to have today then ice cream, that is something more nutritious for them both.

I am about out of formula for Fluttershy, and..." Stella paused in mid thought. "You know, we never thought to ask Triumph what it is she does eat. Has she been on formula as well? Did she have anyone that nursed her. I am not too sure she has, but if she has...

"I wonder what her clan has been feeding her. Did she have a mother that fed Triumph her milk, as I do with Fluttershy? 

“She took to ice cream, but I did not stop to think if she should have had it. We know so little about her. I think we need to spend a little more time getting to know her more. And her to know us better. 

“Much of what we will need to ask her will have to be kept between us, and any possibly chosen sitter."

Chaser nodded again. "I agree, to all of it. We must know more about her. What she has to eat, how she has lived. But we can't expect her to tell us everything. Especially not all at once. 

“But the food business, I think that will be the most important to know right now. I think we should have a short talk to her again, after they get up. Then we do some shopping. And a picnic for tomorrow sound real good. We have not had one of those in a while."

Stella rested her head against his chest. "Wow, I am actually feeling tired myself. I think I will just take a short nap right here just like this."

Chaser stroked her side as she rested herself against him. "You do that. Patience told me you might still have moments you might feel tired during the day. I think we both can spare a short nap."

With that Stella dozed off. Chaser shortly after.

Time has past as Star Chaser woke up. He found Stella still fast asleep. He hated to wake her up, but he heard some commotion from in Fluttershy's room. Both were calling out mom, and he had a good idea as to why. What comes in must come out.

He gave Stella a light shake as he tried to rouse her awake. "Honey we need to tend too the little ones. They are awake, and I think Fluttershy may need a change. Triumph as well, perhaps." 

Stella got herself off of Chaser and stretched. "Okay, I'm up."

~~~~~~

Sometime before then, Triumph woke up to an awful smell. She has a good idea where it is coming from, and what it is. She got Fluttershy up by giving her a shake on a shoulder. "Fluttershy, get up. You made a mess." Triumph was feeling the need to go as well, but did not want to do what Fluttershy did. She was now wondering where she could go to relieve herself. This is not good. I don't know where to go. I never asked. I hope someone comes in here soon. Or I will end up doing what Fluttershy did. 

Triumph jumped up to the bars on the crib. She pulled herself up and over the bars. Fluttershy who was now awake said to her. "You not to do that."

Triumph grimaced, and felt surprised to hear Fluttershy say so much, not that Fluttershy had not said anything before. She can talk more than I thought. Must be important if she is. Perhaps I should not have gotten out, but I got to do something. I am already hanging here, and I don't think I can pull myself back in. Not while trying to keep from doing what she did. It is too late. I must get down now. 

She told Fluttershy so. "I am not to do what you did. I need to get out of here and find out where to go." 

After dropping to the floor she turned her attention to the door. The door was closed, but not locked. She pulled it open. 

Fluttershy shouted out to her. "You not to do that!," She said again. 

Triumph felt like she was in a fix. If going out of this room is something I am not supposed to be doing, I don't want to be doing that either. But I need to. I don't want to get in trouble for doing what she did. But I will if I don't get out of here, and soon. I don't want to get in trouble for leaving. What do I do? 

She felt like crying. She blurted out in a sad whine, "I don't know what to do!"

Fluttershy saw her sister getting upset. But had no answer for her. I do not like making a mess, but it happens. That is why we have a diaper, she thought. She just did not have the words on how to tell her sister this. She did her best to though. She pointed to her diaper. 

Triumph was not getting the idea. "I know. I will try not to." This was the first thing Triumph did not feel like copping from Fluttershy. 

Fluttershy felt she needed to do something to help Triumph, who was looking more upset by the second. Mom will fix everything. 

Fluttershy called out. "Mom!"

Triumph felt that should get someone's attention, and something she did feel like copying right now. So she called out with Fluttershy, "Mom!" 

A moment after both Stella and Chaser stood at the open door. Fluttershy was still in her crib, while Triumph was on the floor in front of the open doorway, and she did not look happy. Stella got a load of the seen and said. "OK, what is going on?"

Triumph did not want to yell, but was feeling desperate and did so. "I got to go, now!" 

Stella quickly scooted Triumph over to Chaser. "Take care of her. Show her to the bathroom, and show her how to use it. By the smell of things, I got to tend to Fluttershy."

Chaser put his attention to Triumph. "Come with me." He lead her down the short hall, and to a small room. He opened the partly closed door all the way. 

He did not wait to ask if she knew how to take the diaper off, he just did it for her. He then pointed to the large bowl on the floor with a small amount of water in it. "I don't know what you do when you need to go where you came from, but here you use this." 

He pointed in the bowl. "You go in here. After, you push down on this," he said as he pointed to a silver looking peg on the side of the bowl. "Do you understand?"

Triumph felt she understood. She used such things before. But when far from home she would just go outside. She felt she should use this as instructed. She gave a nod and Chaser moved to exit the little room. 

He turned right back around as he remembered that she is too small to use it well. They got a training seat for Fluttershy a few days back. He put it over the bowl, and seated her on it. "There, that should help. I will be just outside if you have any questions. 

"Oh' one last thing. You stay sitting after you push that. It will clean you. Thought I should tell you that as well." 

He finally left the room, and her to her business. 

She relaxed enough to relieve herself. She was relieved in more ways than one. She felt she did not have to worry about getting into trouble for doing what Fluttershy had done anymore.

She set her attention to the silver peg on the side, and stayed sitting as she pushed down on it. To her surprise, even though she was told of this, her hind quarters was sprayed up and down with water. The felt thankful it was warm. This lasted about a half minute. Then warm air blew, drying her off. She had to admit this thing was neat, and felt good. She felt nice and clean after.

She got herself down and headed out the door where Chaser was waiting. He looked down to her. "Ready to head back to the room?"

She thought about this question, then had to ask. "Fluttershy in trouble?"

Chaser did not know what to make of this question. "Why do you ask that?"

She was now unsure if she should be asking at all of such questions, but she felt she will not learn if she did not ask. This was something her clan taught her. Ask if you don't know something. 

The clan was intent in making sure everyone knew what was going on, and what one is supposed to be doing, for the purpose of keeping order. "Fluttershy made a mess. She in trouble for that?"

Now Chaser felt he was getting somewhere. He saw she did not put back on her diaper either, but felt she did not need it. He also felt he needed to explain the diaper to her, seeing that she seems to not understand it. "No she is not in trouble for that. The diaper you was wearing is for such an accident. See, our young at her age are not yet old enough to control themselves as you have, not all the time. So they wear a diaper just in case that happens. she has not yet learned to use the pot as you just have. Not that we like it to happen that way, but we do kind of expect it. She will grow out if it in time. We actually intent to be teaching her soon." 

Triumph did understand, and felt sorry for Fluttershy. She was also wondering about the diaper she had to wear. "Do I have to wear one of those still? It felt odd." Though being something else for as long as I have feels odd too. Not that I do not like it. I feel so different all over. I am just not myself. And yet it has all been good. I think I will like being a pony like them.

Chaser felt it was OK, and also felt he would need to talk to Stella about it. After all, he remembered it was her idea to put Triumph into one in the first place. "I got to talk to Stella about that first, but I think that will be okay if you don't wish to wear one. Fluttershy still needs to though, at least for now."

Triumph thought some more on it. It is not bad. I like the color. And if it makes me look more like Fluttershy, even if I don't feel I need it, that should be OK. I don't hate it, it is just odd, is all. 

It is nice to sit in. I think I will wear it as Fluttershy does. I like looking like her.

Triumph went back into the room she just came out of and came back out with the diaper she was just wearing. She held it out. "You put it on me? I do not know how."

Chaser did not understand why she still wished to wear it, but if she did, he was not going to question, besides at her age it did not look unusual or anything. "OK, But I will do it slowly and show you how it is done. I can tell that you like to learn what you can."

Chaser spent the next few minutes fixing the diaper to her. He started with showing her how the sticky tabs work "See those tabs, they stick to the side, like this." He pulled on the tab and stuck it to one side. Then he took it off. "Now to put it on you." 

He slipped it between her legs then he took the other side and wrapped it over her backside. When he was done there was a hole for her tail. The way it was made, part of it wrapped up and around the back of her tail. Chaser pulled on the tabs again sticking them on the side to show her and finished the job. "OK, now you are done."

She looked it over and was satisfied. She also felt she could now take it off, and put it back on herself, if she wanted to. 

She remembered how funny it felt wearing it for the first time. That feeling did not diminish.

Triumph and Chaser stepped into Fluttershy's room. Stella recently finished changing Fluttershy. She now had Fluttershy resting in her crib again while waiting for Triumph and Chaser. 

She saw that Triumph is still wearing her diaper. "Triumph, you don't have to wear that sweetie." 

Triumph sat after getting in. She repeated to Stella just what she had been thinking about it. "I do not mind. Is nice to sit in, and I like the color."

Stella felt this was fine. Stella still wanted her to wear one for appearances, at the very least, while on any outing in public. But she was not going to force her to, if she did not need it, and did not want to have it on while at home.

Stella put Fluttershy down. Fluttershy joined her sister again. Stella stepped over to them. "Triumph, come with us out to the main room. We have a few more questions for you before we head out again." Stella walked past and out the door. Chaser was already heading there, and the two foals followed Stella out together.

They all sat in the main room facing each other. Stella started. "Triumph, Don't worry about these questions, they will not be like before. But they are still important. We just feel we need to get to know you better. See, we brought you out to have some ice cream, and, well, we are not to sure if we should have. We don't know the kinds of things you have eaten, or even what you need."

Chaser continued, "Remember what I told you about the diaper? Well, Fluttershy is still quite young. For her age, the ice cream was a rare treat. Most of the time she has a nutritious drink we call formula. It keeps her healthy. That and Stella feeds Fluttershy her own milk. She needs that at her age too."

Triumph did not understand about the milk he was talking about. But did understand the idea of a treat. Honey on apples was one she has been given, but not often. It would usually be apples without the honey. It was the honey that was the treat, more than just the apples alone.

Stella finished, "What we need to know is, what do you usually eat? We don't want to make you sick by giving you the wrong things."

Triumph was rolling around in her mind a list of things she has been given. "Apples, oranges, melons, lot's of things. I like honey. And I liked the ice cream. That was the best!" She stood there smiling.

At this Stella and Chaser breathed a sigh of relief. Stella turned to Chaser. "Well, it seems we don't have to worry too much on what we do give her. She eats everything we do. But we should not over do it with sweets, or anything like that. Seems most of what she has had is raw fruits and such. We should be good giving her vegetables as well, I think. And also some grains, like muffins and such even though they were not on her little list." She turned back to Triumph. "Is that okay with you?" 

Triumph nodded while not really knowing some of what Stella was talking about.

Chaser asked her, "Out of what you did have most of the time, what did you like the most?

She simply stated, "Like apples."

Stella smiled. She felt happy they do get something she likes. "Apples we can get. And plenty. There is a farm bellow that grows lots of them. We get apples from them all the time. They make many of tasty things with them that you should try as well. Apple pie, Apple Fritters, Apple Crisp. You do need to try them."

Stella paused as she consider the outing she is planing with Chaser. "As a matter of fact, I was just telling Chaser about us going on a picnic. We will be looking for things to take on it. Any of those apple products would go great. I can send Chaser down to get something, possibly just a pie. You will get to try some tomorrow. How does that sound?"

At this Triumph was excited. She did not know what any of those things are, but if they are made of apples, she felt they must be good. By the way Stella talked about them, Triumph was under the impression that they are some kind of treat like the ice cream. She now can't wait till tomorrow. Triumph sat tall and smiled broadly.

Stella took this as a sign Triumph was happy with that. Stella wondered though about her having been fed on Milk. She thought to ask on that seeing Triumph did not bring it up. "Triumph dear, tell me, have you been fed by your mother or any other their milk?"

Triumph did not understand the question. "Their milk?"

Stella was not sure if Triumph even had a word for what she was trying to get out of her. She decided to try the more simple approach. She lay on her right side and moved aside her raised left leg, exposing her belly. She pointed to a teat, and asked, "Did your mother feed you her milk from here?"

At this Triumph was at a loss. She still did not understand the question. She gave the only answer she felt she could give. "No."

Stella is now about as confused as Triumph is. She struggled with this for a moment till a thought came to her. When I first saw her in her true form, I thought of her as a bug. Or even possibly part reptile, or something unusual like that. If any of this is so, she might just indeed be more like them, and not like a mammal like us at all. She might have hatched from an egg, and just eaten whatever was given to her, Like bird chicks. Or even made to forage on her own, and just told from what, and where she can eat. I am sure any of this might be it.

Stella asked her about that. "Do you know, if you came out of an egg, Triumph?"

Triumph nodded. "We all do."

Stella also wondered if she is part of a collective hive as some insects are. Stella felt it would explain why they all look alike, as she was told. "Did you have a mother? Did all of you come from one mother?"

Triumph nodded again. "Queen Mother. We are from her. We live for her."

Both Stella and Chaser stifled a gasp, but they did look troubled to Triumph. Triumph got worried about their reaction. "Is bad?"

Stella realized that they both overreacted, mostly after her feeling she was expecting this answer. But hearing it, was still a surprise just the same to her. "No hun, nothing is bad or wrong with that. It was just another surprise to us is all. I am glad you told us. I think we can much better understand you now."

Stella though it was a lost cause questioning her further about being feed milk, knowing she likely has not. To her knowledge, it was just not anything that any bugs or reptiles do, And Triumph did seem like one, though not looking anything like one now. 

Stella sat herself up as she addressed Chaser. "Did you have any other questions for her that you feel can't wait till later?" 

Chaser rolled the question in his mind. What could I ask that would not upset her, and be something she could possibly tell us? 

Seems odd to be asking so many questions from such a young foal. All in one day too. But Stella is right, we should get to know her some more. Seeing she is willing and able to talk to us like this. "Can you tell us a little more about yourself? What was some of the things you did in a day, and what did you like to do?"

Triumph still did not like talking about her life with her clan to them. His questions however was not so bad to her. "I learn a lot, for the clan. We lived as one. I forgot this. I wandered away. I was not to go so far. That thing near got me. I be eaten for it. If not, for you." 

Chaser sat beside himself noting she still blames herself for all of this. "I am sorry you feel that way. Yes, wandering away was not good. But don't you like it here? Do you still wish you were back with them?"

Triumph looked down. "Yes... I was with so many. I did not hide. I am scared here. I do not like to show myself here. I do like you. I am glad to be with you."

Chaser was again beside himself to see such a young foal open up like this. He spent some time trying to evaluate all that he has learned about her so far.  

She must have spent so much of her time learning everything possible. No foal I have ever heard of talks like this. Some hardly says a word. From what I have seen, she is a fast learner as well, this is probably why. 

I don’t think even Fluttershy fully understand the current situation we are dealing with, not as Triumph does. As for Fluttershy, Triumph is just a fun new friend to have around. I am not too sure she really knows why Triumph is here, or why we are keeping her, even though Fluttershy has been here to hear about all of it.

Triumph feels so much, for one so young. I still wonder if this will continue to have a bad effect on her being around us. And will she always feel this strongly about everything? She just seems so sensitive.

Now she says she doesn't want any to see her true changeling form. That is sad she feels she has to hide around others now. And we did that to her. All of us. She does it for us on her own, but we can’t change that. There is too much at risk. For her, and us for her not to.

She likes us, and likes being with us, yet she is still afraid. I just hope we can turn that around for her. No foal should feel so sad and concerned about so much in her life, or who she is, while around others.

I  want to help change that, but how? With as smart as she is, and her being able to see things for the way they are, as she does, I am not sure I can make her happy. I will continue to try though. I am not going to lose hope on her. I do hope she can learn to adjust, and to be happy here in time.

I must admit to some selfishness. In a way, I am glad it is not a good option to try and return her. I do wish to keep her now, even if she would be better off back with her own.

But knowing a little of what her kind is like, I am none too sure she would be better off with them, or us.

I would like to think I can give her a chance for a better life than what they may have had planned for her.

Chaser wished to change the subject to one of his earlier questions. "Can you tell us what you liked to do? Did you have fun, or was it all learning?" 

Triumph felt a little better about this question. "Yes, did have fun. Exploring, hide and seek, and tag. I liked those. Was told to be active. To get strong. To explore. To learn everything. To prepare to help the clan when needed, is most important."

Chaser noted, Even her games was centered around training it seems. It is as if her life was like growing up to be a soldier or something like that. Is that what they are? All of them, worker-soldiers? I do think so, it fits with what she is saying. And It is a lot to go on I think.

I'm not liking this, but it is good to know. I am glad she told us about them, or was even able to tell us not to go looking for them, when she did.

If it was one of our pony foals at her age, they likely would not have thought to warn us about such a thing, never mind being able to. She is more kind and caring than I would think something of what she has described she is, would be. That much dose not seem to fit. But how could it? I still don't know them as she does, that much I do know.

Chaser felt he asked enough questions. This extra revelation into her lifestyle did help for him to understand her more. He felt if exploring was one of the games she played, wondering off as she did, was just another game to her at the time. One that had consequences. This time, she learned of it. And to him she did seem to be learning it well. 

Chaser wished to say more to her about her past. "I understand why you would be home sick. You had a safe, and structured life. One where you were guided on what to do, and did so with many others to play with. It seems you were never alone. 

“Now is the first time you are not with them, and not sure what to do, and you don't have them to tell you. You also feel you may never see them again, and you are still not sure what to think about us, even though you do like us now. 

"None your age should have to go through this. But I think you are doing so well, just by talking to us as you are. 

“I hope you do understand that you are not going to be alone here. We won’t let that happen. We will make sure you have a good life here, as best as we can help provide for you, while you are with us."

Triumph felt joy in believing he would. She knew he has been doing that this whole time, from the moment he found her. He saved her life, took her home, made her part of his family. It brought her some comfort to be remind of this by him.

She went over to him to hug him again. She rested her head against his left leg as she grabbed hold of it.

She smiled up to him as she did this. “I know you will,” she said before lowering her head and rested there, snuggled against his leg. 

She felt shorty after getting to know him before he took her home with him, he would be there for her. And to her, he has so far.

As she has hold of his leg, he knelt over to rub her back again, as before. 

Fluttershy came over to join in once more, seeing the chance to get in on this. 

Chaser saw Fluttershy come near and he pulled her in closer. "Come here you." He held them both together. 

Stella sitting there watching felt she had for herself the best stallion she could hope for. A caring and loving husband and father. She moved to join in as well.  

After a short time had past Stella asked, "Still have any more question for her dear?"

Chaser sat in thought for a bit. "Nothing important for the moment. No. I would say, what she eats was my main concern for now. And I think I got everything else I feel I needed to know, for now as well. I think we can get going. We need to find a sitter and get food for the next few days. 

“Come to think of it. I don't actually like the idea of a sitter watching over Triumph. Not just yet. She is till trying to adjust to living with us. Never mind, with any others."

Stella understood his concern. She had been thinking about it herself. "Well, what can we do? We both work, and our time off is near over."

Chaser shook his head. "Not for another month. We only used about most of our first month. We could take the next one off as well, until we can figure something else out. And so she can at least get more use to us, and living her. This is only her first day as a pony. And not for that long either."

Stella felt stuck for an answer herself. "What do you suggest when that time is up as well?"

Chaser shrugged. "I'm not sure at the moment. You could probably quit you job and stay at home to take care of the two."

Stella shook her head. "I would love too. I really would, but we can't afford it. Well, we could afford it, but we are going to need the bits so much more now, with two foals to take care of. 

“Would you really wish to be out there without me, and try to provide for all four of us on your own? 

“Even if you are willing to try, I don’t want you to."

Triumph and Fluttershy did not like this little bit of lite bickering. Mostly Triumph. She did not wish them to be so concerned about her. 

She felt she is already with others she does not know, and found them to be nice, more than she thought they would be to her. Would it be all that bad if I got to know a few more of the other ponies, and had to stay with them for a time too? 

I only have known Stella, and Chaser for less than a day, and I am fine. They have treated me so nice. And I have my new sister. So long as I am with Fluttershy, I think I will be OK. 

Triumph wished to say something to them. "I am with who I do not know now. Is bad to be with others?"

Both Stella, and Chaser turned their attention to her. Chaser addressed her question. "You are not like us. You know this better than any of us. 

"I know you still feel out of place, even with us. You do make a good point. No, it would not be bad for you to get to know any others. 

"But not all ponies are like us. Many are, but not all. I did not like the idea of sending you to any others before, and I still don't. Not that any other ponies can't be trusted with you. 

"Patience and Kicker proved that some can. Still I feel we must be careful with who takes care of you. We can't entrust you to just anyone. If the wrong ponies did ever find out who and what you really are, you might be taken from us, and we don't want that to happen. Understand?"

Triumph nodded. What he said did make sense to her, and did concern her. It is in part why she is hiding in this form already. If he thinks I might be taken from them. Perhaps I should just let them work this out on their own. I am sure they know best on what their own might do.

She felt a shiver at the thought of being taken away, like her own clan had taken away that odd thing they fought with. She did not know what happened to him, and she did not wish to find out what might happen to her if she was taken away here. This bothered her. Perhaps some of the ponies here are not so nice. I must remember that, and to be careful. 

Stella felt they could not do without a sitter. Though she did share Chaser's concern. "I want us to do some shopping soon. We could think more on this later, but I'd rather get this over with. And I would like us to save some of our vacation time, rather than spend it worrying over what to do."

Chaser nodded. "You're right. We can't hold this off. And if you will not say to watch them here yourself, we will have to trust another. At least one other. But perhaps we don't have to tell who we leave her with as to what she is."

Stella did not think this was right. "I wish we didn't. But if the other found out what she is on there own... I would much rather know what the sitter thinks of the situation, other then all of us getting surprised. 

“I would worry far too much, all day long to do my job right, while thinking of it. I need that piece of mind, that the sitter will not freak if something was to go wrong, and the sitter found out on his or her own. 

"We don't even know how well Triumph can hold this form. She can keep it while sleeping, that much we do know. But what if she got hurt? Would she change back if she did get hurt? What else might make her change back? We know none of this."

Chaser relented. "Okay, I see your point. I would be worried too about the same thing all day at work. Comfy Cloud daycare is not all too far from here. Should we try them?" 

Stella shook her head. "Not a daycare center. Too exposed. No, we need to find a sitter that can watch our two foals right here at our home. Or at their home. One sitter we can trust."

Chaser thought for a moment. "What about Floater's wife? They are good ponies. And with what Floater makes, Summer Breeze is a stay at home mother watching over Sprinkle Medley. It would be a lot to ask of her to look after three foals, but she might do it."

Stella smiled. "Yes, Summer Breeze! She has a good home, and she is just as sweet as Floater. You know, we did deceive Floater earlier today. He might not be all to happy about that."

Chaser tilted his head in thought. "True. But you know, I think he would understand. And he would not have to know."

Stella felt this was not good. "I'm afraid we can't keep him out of the loop. Not like we are having Kicker keep Misty in the dark about this. Triumph will be living at his home. We have to let him know."

Chaser agreed. "So we wait till he closes shop and talk to them both when he gets home then?"

Stella nodded. "Yes, we can do some shopping first, then we go see Floater and Summer Breeze after."

Chaser nodded as well. "I guess we have a plan then. I hope all of this does not blow up in our face some day." 

Stella gave a slight chuckle. "No one does dear. Let's go. We have some shopping and a visit to attend to, before the day is over."

Both of them got up. Each placed a foal on their back. Triumph with Chaser, and Fluttershy with Stella. Then they all walked out the door.