Chapter 6
Honeydew Wisp
There was much on Twilight Sparkle’s mind, and most of it weighed heavily upon her back. Foremost was the upcoming meeting with her big brother on the morrow. In her dazzlingly sharp mind, she played out a great many scenarios of how to introduce Shining Armour to Wisp. Some were sombre and foreboding, a great discussion of family, duty, and the value of blood over breed. The last took a page from Pinkie Pie, and consisted of Wisp hidden in a colourful gift wrapped box, a blue bow in her mane, and balloon tied to her hoof, accompanied by a shower of confetti. Spike would have been disturbed.
“The good news is Wisp is putting on weight, almost a full four pounds.” Nurse Redheart declared with satisfaction, as she moved the foal off the weighing scale. “She seems to be on the road to recovery, but I am a little concerned that she appears so passive.”
Nurse Redheart’s words shook Twilight from her rumination, “Passive?” It was the first word the purple Unicorn had spoken since she sat on the floor cushion by Redheart’s table.
Redheart nodded her head. “I usually come to these examinations expecting at least some crying, flailing of legs, wings, or even a bit of unfocused magic.” Nurse Redheart let out a wry smile “Young foals do their utmost best to run and hide beside their mothers. They are not the most cooperative of patients.”
Twilight Sparkle stopped brooding. She turned towards Wisp. The foal was none of those things. She did not cry nor did she struggle. She sat on the countertop with her legs folded under her body, and for the most part was still, aside from the occasional flick of her ears and blink of her eyes.
“I had hoped she would become more energetic as her health improved.” Nurse Redheart continued. She then brought out a measuring tape and began to take measurements of Wisp’s length, from shoulder to hip, then barrel girth, and with a little prodding, got Wisp to stand so she could measure her height at her withers. “That’s a good girl,” Redheart affectionately brushed the foal along her side with her hoof.
“I guess I am expecting too much at this junction. Wisp is still recovering from an ordeal.” Nurse Redheart picked up a pencil with her mouth and began filling in Wisp’s health records.
Twilight Sparkle was not so certain. In their short week together, Twilight had come to think of her niece as a very well behaved foal, one that had already begun to appreciate the peace and quiet of a well-stocked library. Perhaps she wanted to believe that a little bit of herself had somehow slipped into Wisp by way of her brother. Now she watched with growing unease, as the little foal in front of her accepted every unfamiliar touch and prod without so much as a protesting sound.
Was she mistaken?
It all boiled down to love.
It was a magical force created by all living creatures. It surrounded them, permeated them. It bound Equestria together. Love was one of the most powerful expressions of magic. It grew, it changed, it was consuming, it was chaotic, and it could move mountains. Changelings fed on that wonderful, beautiful thing.
‘Has Wisp simply not gotten enough magical energy to do more than sit and stare?’ Twilight wondered.
“Am I not loving her enough?” She whispered.
Nurse Redheart paused as she caught that softly spoken question. “Oh Twilight Sparkle,” She put down her stethoscope. “You’ve only had Wisp for a week. She came into your life unasked and unexpected. You are still very much in shock. As long as you take care of Wisp’s basic needs and cuddle with her regularly, she won't suffer if you don't feel a strong bond at first sight.”
“But… I… I have to. I have to love her.”
How could she explain to Nurse Redheart? Changelings were monsters. Even now, her feelings were mixed. How could they not be after what the Changeling did to her BBBFF and Cadance? Yet, she realised that more than anything else, she didn’t want any harm to come to Wisp. She might love Wisp just a little, or she might just be a good pony, because the thought of Wisp, the skinny foal sleeping on the countertop, starving to death in her hooves was deeply upsetting.
“You can't force yourself to love a foal. Wisp may be cute and cuddly, but she's also an entirely new individual, one you'll have to get used to before you can begin bonding. Parent-foal bonding is complicated and is truly an individual experience. A few mares fall in love with their foals in the first few days — or even minutes — of birth. Yet it's just as reasonable that most others take a little longer. There's no time table to gel with a foal. You shouldn’t feel guilt if you don’t feel some incredible attachment.”
Twilight Sparkle knew Nurse Redheart was wrong. Wisp fed on love. To a changeling foal, love was a basic need just as much as milk and diaper changes. What if she couldn’t love Wisp enough?
Nurse Redheart looked at the young mare, “A true parent-child bond is a by-product of everyday care giving. Over time, as you get to know, and learn how to soothe, her and enjoy her presence, your feelings will deepen. And one day — it may be the first time you truly see her smile— you'll realize you're utterly, ineffably filled with joy and love for her.”
“It just takes time?”
“Yes.”
The room fell silent.
Nurse Redheart picked Wisp up and placed the skinny foal back into her basket. She seemed happy to have been returned to her comfortable basket, and quickly closed her eyes and fell asleep.
“And what of yourself?” Nurse Redheart turned around so that her body faced Twilight Sparkle. “Have you been eating enough?”
“I read the pamphlet you gave me. I’ve been following the recommended nutritional guide lines. I even stopped drinking coffee… I think I’m experiencing withdrawal symptoms.” The purple Unicorn paused, remembering the headache she had experienced on the first day and constipation on the third. “I haven’t been sleeping much either. She wakes me nearly every hour of the night to nurse.”
“Her sleeping hours will become more regular after the first month.” Nurse Redheart comforted. “It doesn’t look like it now, but it’ll get better, and within a year she will be even toilet trained.” The Earth Pony paused.
“Have you decided if you want to become Wisp’s legal guardian?”
“I haven’t decided.” Twilight finally answered. “I am going speak to...”
Between one heart beat and the next, a dozen thoughts raced through her mind. Should she hide Shining Armour’s involvement? What of the scandal? Was there even a point? Ponyville was such a small village that news of Shining Armour’s visit would be known as soon as she spoke to him at Pokey Pierce’s restaurant. It was not as if she was admitting anything.
“… my brother tomorrow.”
“I see. I guess the pertinent question is, will he consider taking Wisp in?”
“I don’t know.” Twilight looked away. “It is complicated.” Twilight let out a shuddering breath. “I… How do I even begin?”
“The common advice is that it’s always easiest to start from the beginning. Nothing spoken in these four walls will leave it.”
Could she risk it? Twilight stared down at her hooves looking for an answer that they did not have. “I think Wisp is my niece. I think she is my brother’s daughter.”
There. She said it, and her mouth seemed to take on a life of its own as she recounted Wisp’s arrival at the library, the Royal Wedding at Canterlot a year ago, her brother, Cadance, and… Chrysalis.
As she talked, she felt the pressure that had built up inside her over the last week ease just a tiny bit. Maybe it was because Redheart already knew Wisp wasn’t a normal pony foal. Maybe it was because Redheart was a nurse, and would always have Wisp’s best interest at heart. Or maybe it was the act of confiding to an older mare, a subconscious substitute for Princess Celestia. Nonetheless, Twilight Sparkle didn’t tell the whole truth, just enough of it.
“I see.” Nurse Redheart kept her tone neutral. “And what of the scullery maid, Wisp’s mother? Where did Chrysalis go after she was dismissed?”
“I don’t care where Chrysalis is hiding!” Twilight’s snout twisted in to a rippled snarl. “She is evil! That’s right, evil!” She snapped. “I don’t ever want to see her again. I think she forced herself on my bother. I think she…” Twilight shuddered. “I think she raped him.”
Twilight’s outburst did not surprise Nurse Redheart. As much as she or any mare would condemn Chrysalis for what she had done, her sympathy for the pony that was Wisp’s mother had not entirely vanished.
This wasn’t the first time a poor young mare had set her sights on an unobtainable stallion; and what stallion was more unattainable, and thus desirable, than one chosen by an alicorn princess? Chrysalis’s head was doubtlessly dazzled by the imagination that she too could have a place upstairs if she captured the eye of the Stallion of the House.
Neither was it the first time a foolish young thing had used her natural beauty, the allure of her pheromones, and fire of her heat to entrap a stallion’s interest for a single night of passion. And when the harsh light of day arrived, had naively hoped that a pregnancy and foal would somehow secure a place in his herd.
It was a selfish, foolish thing. Often the results were what Nurse Redheart saw in her hooves now, a family disaster with all parties hurting in some manner. The desperate Chrysalis that couldn’t care for herself, let alone a newborn foal, forced to abandon her child and depend on the benevolence of ponies who would rightfully show her none. She didn’t even have a legal leg to stand on in an Equestrian court of law, which favoured the injured herd.
Redheart sighed. Chrysalis would doubtlessly be haunted by guilt for the rest of her life.
As for the wronged mare, she knew precious little of Princess Mi Amore Cadenza. But she expected few lead mares, let alone an alicorn and princess, would allow such an interloper entry into her herd or near her stallion again.
Then there was the stallion, no doubt emotionally traumatised. The emotional fallout and betrayal between Shining Armour and Princess Cadance would be hurtful. And finally there was the foal, an orphan in everything but name, that no pony wanted or could care for. It was a horrible mess. Wisp was luckier than most, she had a chance with her aunt.
“I can offer a parental test for Wisp to put to rest her relationship to your family. We don’t have a Unicorn trained to perform the test here, but I can collect blood samples from you, your brother, and Wisp and have it tested in Canterlot. The results are confidential and anonymous.”
“Thank you, but I can perform the spell myself.”
Nurse Redheart nodded her head. “If it is of any help, I would strongly advise that Princess Cadance be told about what happened between Chrysalis and your brother. The longer Wisp is hidden, the worse it will be for Shining Armour and yourself.”
“Myself?”
“She is your friend, a close family friend. Would you be happy if your friends kept such a secret from you?”
“No,” Twilight paused. “I guess not.”
“Do you think Princess Cadance will consider adopting Wisp?” Nurse Redheart knew that this was going to be a tender, delicate topic for the princess, no matter what the answer was.
“I don’t know. There will be problems.”
Redheart nodded her head. A pony could scarcely imagine how the press would react if Wisp or her unwed mother came to light. A scandal barely a year into a Royal Wedding that was followed across Equestria would be humiliating to the Crown.
“If you don’t mind some advice, I would recommend counselling for your brother and Princess Cadance. What happened with Chrysalis will be a sore point in their relationship. You should also involve another mare to help mediate between Shining Armour and Princess Cadance.”
“Princess Celestia?”
“Princess Celestia is Princess Cadance’s aunt, Sun Goddess, and undying monarch of Equestria.” Nurse Redheart expression was uncomfortable as she spoke. “I was thinking more along the lines of your mother. She would be Wisp’s grandmother.
Yay more to read!
This continues to get more and more interesting. Keep it up!
And of course Redheart completely misses that Chrysalis is the Changeling Queen... because Chrysalis is a possible Pony name. :D
I desire more
please give me more
Dammit I missed some mistakes again.
“If it is of any help, I would strongly advice that Princess Cadance be told about what happened between Chrysalis and your brother." advise
“Do you think will Princess Cadance consider adopting Wisp?” switch the order of "will" and "Princess Cadance"
*Cackles* Well now, a development concerning Wisp! You can't just assume that Wisp needs love, Twilight. She's a half-breed, Unicorn AND Changeling.
We need more of this delightfully messed up fanfic!
Oooh, I wonder how Rainbow Dash is going to react?
More! The thirsting gods need more to laugh at!
GM
Interesting to see somepony break the TVtrope There Are No Therapists. Redheart's advice is very sound - she sounds very much like a real nurse.
Of course, we will surely get the requisite drama anyway, but this adds a certain air of versimilitude to the fic that makes me love it like it was a little half-changeling baby.
This interests me. Go on.
*reads first line of description* OH DEAR.
I hope Cadance doesn't find out.
*finished reading* This is that special kind of horrifyingly awkward that you just can't look away from.
Also, Twilight's mother WOULD be the grandmother, not probably the grandmother.
Exciting. Can't wait to know more.
I hope they do tell Cadence, she has a right to know.
Corrections made.
There are no half breeds in this World's reality. You are a unicorn or you are not. A Changeling or not. So Wisp is a Changeling. Her non-Changeling side comes out as being more interested in magic and generations down the line, one of her Changeling descendents may have a unicorn as a foal. (Similar to what happened with Mr and Mrs Cake...I believe Mr Cake's explanation! )
No cows milk cause the milk of every species is specific to the dietary needs of their own children. Wips is a pony, ergo she needs to be fed pony milk. And it is important that the foal bonds with its primary care giver, which is Twilight Sparkle. Furthermore, the lactation spell is convenient and fast acting.
Yes, Applejack is now on board with Rarity. A pony may not believe Rarity, but if honest Applejack says it too, you just have to put stock into it, however incredible the tale.
704609
You contradict yourself!
First you say there are no half-breeds and that you're either something, like a pony, or you're not, and that Wisp is a changeling.
Okay, fair enough, but then you say that Wisp is a pony, and that's why she can drink Twilight's milk!?
I'm confused...
This just keeps getting more and more intriguing. Update soon.
Well I think some of what Nurse Redheart said made sense but other things like for instance not involving Princess Celestia or Princess Luna seem like she might not know exactly what she's dealing with, and of course she dosen't know that Wisp is a changeling not a regular pony.
Let's just hope this whole thing blows over without any more misunderstandings. (Rarity and Applejack I really do hope you'll keep your mouths shut about what you think and let Twilight explain!)
704089
Well, it isn't actually confirmed that Wisp is in fact, Shining Armour's foal. It's just heavily assumed.
704972
This just gave me an idea for a dialog for Shining Armour
In this reality, Changelings are a breed of pony (just like Flutter Pony or Sea Pony.) In fact this version Chrysalis has already mentioned her breed's proper name.
Having holes in their legs, horn and wings cannot be natural. I have taken to believe that the entire appearance of an adult 'Changeling' is due to chronic malnutrition and magical deprivation.
705335
If it were up to Applejack she would keep the entire thing under her hat. But where would the fun be in that for us? So we have Rarity.
707542
Glad I could inspire something
Okay, your explanation makes more sense of what you wrote. I'm not confused anymore!
So, without the undernourishment, changelings would look more "Pony-like" ?
I can already see this one making waves if submitted to EQD!
709441 I like it. However, it would need a lot of work first. As is, EQD's length requirements aren't met, and we'd probably need another editor. I may be good, but I'm under no illusion that I'm that good.
714155
Aren't EQD length requirements just 3000 words for multi-parters?
And what are the main duties of an editor?
714730 Yup 3000 words per chapter, which means that a few of the chapters would need to double in length from what they are right now, and the rest would need to tack on another paragraph or two.
The point of an editor is to catch any and all mistakes (grammatical, punctuation, capitalization, or anything else), help ensure that the story flows well and that characters are in character, and anything else that helps the story be better (especially things like show vs tell). That last one is the hardest. Although, this can explain it better than I can.
You should add "comedy" and perhaps "alt universe" tags to this.
THIS STORY IS FLIP IN AMAZING SPIKE IS STILL AN IDOIT
721828
Comedy sounds about right, not sure of 'alt universe' though.
Since this takes place almost a year after the season 2 finale; if the writers made en episode like this (they never would, but that's beside the point) they wouldn't have to retcon a thing from previous episodes, so I don't think this would qualify as an alternate universe fic.
awesome story. love the misunderstanding situation you've provided with Rarity and Applejack. makes the eventual revelation of the truth that much more funny and or awkward. dunno which works. looking forward to more
703950
Did...did you just link to TvTropes? Well there goes two hours of my life,
759964
This is where I am supposed to put in a silly macro with someone laughing diabolically, right?
725322
I think the alt-universe tag would come from The Doctor and his blue box. And the running and screaming and teeth. Seriously, it's in chapter two.
How can Twilight act so stupidly?
Surely one as well read as her would know about DOCTOR/PATIENT CONFIDENTIALITY.
Twilight could tell Redheart the entire story. No need for fabrication.
fairfaxunderground.com/forum/file.php?2,file=50550,filename=363-bruce-willis-cool-story-bro-image.png
expert says its a cool story
The infidel, Rarity the Beautiful, must be punished for believing the words of a baby dragon and spreading such discord amongst her friends.
Glad to see someone point out the rape by deception in this. And absolutely no one denying it being so.
There is hope for humanity yet.
It's gonna be glorious....
A pony could scarcely imagine how the press
You said image.
But on an non-correcting note, I am really liking the story, though the topic isn't usually in what I read, though that's what I thought before I started reading all the shipping fics that I do
775524
Image link fail.
My only complaint here is... how the fuck does Twilight know Chrysalis's name? Was it on the letter? Because it was never stated in-show.
1090047
headcanon.
(I'm discussing the logic of this fan fic I don't know why but I just need to do it)
I find it a rather ingenious birth trait for a parasitic species to be so docile as it is explained in this chapter. It would make sense to for it to act this way in order to stick around longer , kind of giving of a perfect child aura and making the host want to keep it around and other ponies want to have around thus raking in more love to feed upon.(Yes I have read the poop scene and I really don't blame Wisp for that. I mean really what do you expect she's a magical baby changacorn.)
there is/was another fic similar to this (Foal of Shining/Chysalis) and the name of the foal is this one shares some similarities.
It's birth name is Will-O-Wisp but Twilight changes it to Willow Wisp. party to 'equsetiranize' the name and party because she felt the old one didt fit a filly.
Well, we shall see what Shining has to say.
1090047 Well, there was a 3-part comic taking place after Canterlot Wedding and before Crystal Empire, where Chrysalis captures the CMC in order to lure Twilight to her lair so she could... do something with a comet and firebending and... Her name was given in it, that'sallthatmatters.
2012