> Mommy? > by Alicornian > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Prolog > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Prolog "You little foal! Did you really think you could defeat me? Now you will never see your princess, or your sun! The night will last forever!" I cackled as I flared my wings. The purple mare gasped as the pieces clicked into place seeing fellow companions comfort each other. There was once a time… I wished I could have had that but business before memories as they say. "You think you can destroy The Elements of Harmony just like that? Well, you're wrong, because the spirits of The Elements of Harmony are right here." She spoke out at me. I soon frowned at this. "What?" The purple mare stood tall, facing me, the so called evil Mare in the Moon. Didn’t these ponies I was trying to make them understand that they could enjoy my night just as much as the day? My attention soon returned as the mare spoke more. "Applejack, who reassured me when I was in doubt, represents the spirit of Honesty. Fluttershy, who tamed the manticore with her compassion, represents the spirit of Kindness. Pinkie Pie, who banished fear by giggling in the face of danger, represents the spirit of Laughter. Rarity, whom calmed a sorrowful serpent with a meaningful gift, represents the spirit of Generosity, and Rainbow Dash, who could not abandon her friends for her own heart's desire, represents the spirit of Loyalty. The spirits of these five ponies got us through every challenge you threw at us." It… it was not possible! I destroyed the Elements. I was sure of this! The shards where right in front of me but no, that purple mare somehow caused the shards to glow and hover around those she spoke of. This was not what I had planned. This was not what I wanted. Then I looked and saw that only five of the six elements where there. I had very little to worry about. "You still don't have the sixth Element! The spark didn't work!" The purple mare smiled. She smiled and my fear grew. I knew what was coming. This purple mare… now had the upper hoof and I’d be… "But it did!" She continued, turning to face companions. "A different kind of spark, I felt it the very moment I realized how happy I was to hear you, to see you, how much I cared about you. The spark ignited inside me when I realized that you all are my friends.” This is when the last and most powerful element had formed and hovered over the purple mare. “You see, Nightmare Moon, when those Elements are ignited by the... the spark, that resides in the heart of us all, it creates the sixth element: the element of. Magic!" I took a frightened step back as the purple mare rose into the air with her companions, anger on their faces. "NO!" I yelled. I wasn’t going back. I hated it there. I didn’t want to go back to the moon. I didn’t want to be alone yet again! Quickly I fired of a powerful bolt of dark magic at the purple mare praying to my moon that it would prevent my banishment once more. Yet… the spell did nothing but it did make a certain part of my body tingle. I could soon tell… I was not going to be banished for the power of the Elements of Harmony grew faster and faster to the point I… cried. I… I was going to die as the beam of rainbow colored magic spun around me. “No, no, no!” My eyes watered as I soon saw HER waiting for me at the great pasture. I… I didn’t want to die. “Mommy!” was all I could yell out as I soon blacked out from the magical overload. *** Twilight sighed after the return party for Princess Luna, Princess Celestia, her friends, and herself. It was tiring but very enjoyable especially with Celestia and Luna. Though she was… confused. She was never this tired nor was she ever this tired before nightfall. Slowly, with Spike’s help, she found her way to her bedroom and instantly fell asleep in her bed hoping for a very restful night’s rest yet something else had plans. Her stomach began to burn and hurt, slowly getting upset till… she had to throw up. For three of eleven full months Twilight had to fight off being constantly sick or hungry for very odd things, especially around Spike and her new friends. Her outings got shorter and shorter, her normal meetings and parties by Pinkie Pie got at times a bit more irritable or at times forced, and her current level of spending had even gotten Princess Celestia’s attention at times. This kept going till… she could no longer hide her illness. “S-spike please come here q-quick, like NOW!” Spike quickly ran up the stairs of his current Ponyville home, the Library, as his small legs could carry him to Twilight’s bedroom. He had known something was wrong with Twilight the moment she returned home all those months ago and tossed her cookies. “I’m right here Twilight!” He listened at the door and heard pained groaning from the other side. “You okay?” “NO I’M NOT OKAY, GO GET NURSE REDHEART FOR ME RIGHT NOW!” Spike instantly saluted and ran for it! He had never been yelled at by his surrogate sister but knew something like this was serious. Sadly his small legs had started to wear him out and could no longer run for he needed to greatly rest till. “Hey what’s the hurry Spike?” Spike looked up and smiled at the fastest flyer in Ponyville, Rainbow Dash. “I need to get to… Ponyville Care Center for… Nurse Redheart, Twilight… really needs her like… now!” Spike said breathing hard. “Twilight’s in trouble? Hop on!” Rainbow, being the Spirit of Loyalty was never one to leave a friend hanging nor in such trouble. After getting Spike into her back she took off at top speed to the Care Center and nearly broke down the doors to get inside. “Rainbow Dash, do I need to remind you that this is a no fly…” Nurse Redheart started till Rainbow interrupted her. “No time! Get your flank over to the Library!” Spike soon jumped in, “Something really wrong with Twilight and she set me to get you to her like now.” Nurse Redheart nodded and yelled out for one of the doctors to quickly follow her and told Spike and Rainbow to quickly get over to Sweet Apple Acres and get Big Mac and a Wagon. She didn’t tell them why but they quickly went. Redheart sighed as she and Dr. First-aid galloped to the Library. Both had worked on Twilight before about eight Months ago during the Baked Goods turned bad incident. They knew what was wrong with Twilight right off and scolded her for not letting anyone know… she was pregnant with a foal. > Chapter 1: Eight Months ago > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 1: Eight Months ago Our story starts about eight months ago during the Baking incident. Who am I you ask? Well… you’ll find out later. It all started with just that incident. Nurse Redheart and the Doctors on hoof had had stomach issues before with a bad pastry before but never this bad! It was near an epidemic and they needed help magical help. They needed Twilight Sparkle, the Element of Magic to help them with this. Once she arrived and the situation was explained Twilight instantly got to work but… a bit slower than normal and was done fully by the use of magic nothing else. “You alright Twilight?” Nurse Redheart asked worried. “I’m fine Nurse Redheart; I just haven’t been able to keep anything done for a while.” Twilight responded. Nurse Redheart’s eyes widened at this. “Come with me.” She heard Twilight sigh behind her and led her to Dr. First-aid’s medical office. He was a good doctor and the children loved him. He was also the only maternity doctor the Care Center had on staff at the time. “Really I’m fine, I just have some stomach flu or something, and it’ll pass.” Twilight said before being given a thermometer. “Hold that under your tongue please.” Redheart said as she pulled out a fresh file. They didn’t have Twilight’s medical history yet so they would need the file for a bit. After a fill minute the thermometer came out and checked. “Hmm, your temp is normal. When did the stomach issues start?” Twilight sighed. “I can’t hide it anymore can I?” Nurse Redheart turned her head and looked to Spike. “Please leave, I’ll take care of her.” Spike wanted to argue but nodded and went outside, he knew girl talk when he saw it. “Well?” Twilight looked down. “Three months ago, after our fight with Nightmare Moon.” Nurse Redheart marked it in the new file. “Can you describe the symptoms for me?” Twilight sighed and nodded. “Throwing up, weird cravings, I’m sometimes a bit crossed with Spike, and my Magic has gotten a bit well… stronger lately.” Nurse Redheart blinked at her. “Excuse me but could you repeat the last one for me?” Twilight sighed. “My magic has gotten stronger lately.” Redheart nodded at this and sighed. She was afraid of this. “Twilight, stay here while I speak with the doctor. Also…” She handed over a small medical cup to her. “I believe you know what to do.” Twilight gulped as the nurse left the room. Sighing she looked to find Dr. First-aid on his way. “Doctor, we need to talk a bit before you head in.” *** Twilight sighed as she awaited the doctor and wondered… just what was wrong with her. She’d never been this sick before nor had she ever had such weird cravings. It was so… different and frightening to her. Soon her attention was brought up to see Dr. First-aid trot into the room. “Twilight Sparkle correct?” She nodded. “I’m Dr. First-aid. You may have heard of me.” Twilight’s jaw drop before saying in shock, “But you’re a foal doctor! I’m not… I can’t be I wasn’t with anyone!” Dr. First-aid held up a hoof. “Easy now Miss Sparkle, yes I’m a maternity doctor but still a doctor none the less. Now before we begin I need to run a quick test then we’ll talk.” Twilight shivered and slowly nodded. After a bit of magic from the Unicorn Doctor he soon turned to Twilight and sat down with a sigh. “Miss Sparkle, the symptoms you gave us are very similar to that of a pregnant mare and as much as I would rather be telling you happily that you’re a mother… I feel there is more to this than we both know so… please let us help you.” Twilight looked down to the bed she was on and nearly cried. She was never with a Stallion or another Unicorn mare. “I’m… I… alright doctor.” She said in a small voice. “It’s okay Miss Sparkle. Now I’m going to try and figure out what is going on and if you can try and fill in the blanks, alright?” Twilight nodded sadly. “Your three months pregnant. Somehow you were impregnated without knowing it and at a very fast rate normally the foal wouldn’t be at the point it is now unless it was conceived through magic alone. This can be done in many ways but the most common was not used at all as you already told me. You started having morning sickness the very night you became pregnant yes?” Twilight nodded. “Yes, it was right after our fight with Nightmare Moon. I felt sick and threw-up right after going to bed. I thought it might have been from been from eating too much at the return party.” The doctor nodded at this. “What exactly did you eat there if you’re able to tell me?” Twilight nodded slowly. “Pinkie Pie’s cupcakes, Applejack’s apple pies, tarts, crisps, chips…” The doctor blinked at the amount of apple based items Twilight had eaten that night. “So you’ve been craving apples and apple based treats?” Twilight nodded and her stomach soon agreed growling. “Ah he, he, um, can I have something to eat please?” The doctor nodded and asked one of the nurses to get an apple for her. “Now, it wasn’t till that night you became sick?” Twilight nodded. “Hmm, I’m guessing you must have gotten pregnant before or during the party. Who where you with that night we may need to do a small test to see who the other parent is.” Twilight sighed and named everyone she could remember being with that night. From Pinkie Pie all the way to Celestia and Luna. “I’m not sure about the Princesses Miss Sparkle but if they were with you they would need to be present for the tests as well.” Twilight nodded and just laid herself down. This was far too much for her to handle at the moment. She was a mother, an unmarried mother, and someone, her friends, her sister and sister, could be the secondary parent, it was just too much. “Go ahead and rest Ms. Sparkle. You’ve had a long day and a lot put on you. We’ll contact everyone you listed and run the test while you sleep. Don’t worry, it’s a very simple procedure and you won’t feel a thing.” Twilight nodded as she slowly tried to get some much needed rest. *** The next morning Dr. First-aid came into Twilight’s room with the results and a very perplexed look. “Something wrong doctor?” Twilight asked as she looked at him. “Well yes and no. We got the test results back and well… it’s a bit on the confusing side.” The doctor responded. “How so?” Twilight asked tilting her head. “Well… the test came back a positive on the secondary parent. Now don’t get upset but the secondary parent is a mare.” Twilight instantly turned red. “But… but…” Dr. First-aid raised a hoof gently to explain. “Now Ms. Sparkle I must inform you that this form of parentage is quite normal and does happen from time to time. Now what do you know from your medical classes revolving around mating?” Twilight blushed at this. “Um well…” Dr. First-aid listened as Twilight explained the classes lessons through frowned a bit at the end. “They never teach this in school. I may need to send a few dozen requests to Princess Celestia about such classes. Now I’m going to inform you about mating with Mares. Also I’m going to give you some pamphlets on parenting. Now, normally Mares need to be with a Stallion to produce a foal however there are other options for a mare who have no interest in Stallions. The first is for Earth Ponies, it’s called artificial impregnation. Basically we place a fertilized egg inside the accepting mother and leave it there. Now the same can be done for Pegasus Ponies as well but there is another way for them as well. We have a potion that allows a Pegasus to gain a foal with their preferred mate by placing one of their wing feathers into the potion and allow the mother to drink the potion. With-in twenty-four hours the mother will become pregnant and like the other we leave it at that. Now, before I go on I’d like to inform you that these two methods were not used on you Ms. Sparkle. Not at all.” Twilight nodded at this gulping. “The last method is for Unicorns like yourself Ms. Sparkle can become pregnant through one of multiple spells. One of the most common is horn insertion. It’s like a mare and stallion but done with the horn. Now again this method was not used on you however one of the other magical methods could have been used. They haven’t been used in many years so a bit of research will need to be done. Now that this is out of the way I’ll well get to the confusing results.” Twilight leaned a bit forward in anticipation… and worry. “It’s not a mare that got you pregnant Ms. Sparkle, its Mares.” Twilight gasped at this. “But, how?! That cant’ be possible!” Dr. First-aid nodded. “I agree but we did the test three times with a fourth on my request. It was the same each time. Your friends and amazingly one of the Princesses are the secondary parents of your foal.” Twilight looked down worried. “Which… which princess doctor?” Dr. First-aid sighed and handed over the clipboard with the results resulting in Twilight giving a deep gasp of shock! To Be Continued > Chapter 2: Seven Months Ago > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 2: Seven Months Ago “Spike can I have some apple juice please?” Twilight said from her bedroom. “But you just had a glass.” Spike called from the kitchen. It’s been a month since the shocking news of his surrogate sister’s pregnancy and like any normal child, or baby dragon in this case, he was excited to be an uncle. “I know but can I PLEASE have some more?” Twilight asked sweetly. Sighing he brought up another jug of apple juice and filled her glass. “Need anything else Twilight?” Spike asked handing the drink over. “A hug would be nice.” She responded and gained her hug from her little brother. “Oh right, Fluttershy’s going to be over soon to check up on you while I help Rarity around her shop. She’s got a really big order in this week.” Spike said after letting go. Twilight nodded and gave him a gentle loving nuzzle before he left. “Okay Spike just let her know I’m upstairs.” Spike nodded as he closed the door. Twilight sighed as she sipped her delish apple juice. The foal must really like it according to the pamphlet. It stated that foals have certain tastes they like and dislike while in the womb and tells the mother its likes and dislikes by giving her cravings or an upset stomach. So far she found it liked anything Pinkie Pie made and anything from Applejack’s farm. It didn’t like the daisy sandwiches nor did it like the hay fries which she did like. Yet she had to eat a balanced enough diet to keep the foal healthy. Sighing she looked to the clock and then the sun and took out a potion the hospital had for her that would give her the needed nutrients she couldn’t get with her current eating habits. Sighing she took the needed amount of potion and gagged. “Ugh, I’ll never get used to that taste.” Putting the bottle away she knew the foal wasn’t too happy about the potion as it started to upset her stomach. “You don’t like it either I know but ugh. It’s so you can grow up nice and strong.” Twilight rubbed her stomach as she wondered where all this came from. She was now four months pregnant with a foal she didn’t even know she had let alone wanted till she married. Sighing she returned her attention back to the pamphlets and her juice. *** An hour later Fluttershy came to relieve Spike of his duties and take care of poor Twilight. “You sure you can handle Twilight on your own Fluttershy?” Spike asked before leaving. “Oh we’ll be fine Spike. Though um is there any medicines she needs to be taking… if you don’t mind telling me.” Spike nodded and lead her into the kitchen and the magically powered fridge. “She to take a nutrient potion ever four hours and get plenty of liquids and food into her other than apples though Twilight says its fine for the foal.” Fluttershy smiled and nodded at this. “Oh yes, foals tell the mothers what they like and don’t like will still being in their mothers.” Spike looked at her at this. “Really? Wow then that foal must really like apples. Twilight just can’t stop eating them.” Fluttershy giggled at this and gently nudged Spike out of the kitchen. “If this is all then you better get going. You don’t want to keep Rarity waiting.” Spike jumped at this. “Oh your right. Take care Fluttershy I’ll be back about dinner!” And with that Spike was gone. Shaking her head Fluttershy gently flew up to Twilight’s bedroom and gently almost silently knocked on the door. “Um Twilight. Are you awake? If not I’ll come back later but I um need to know when you last took your potion.” Gently and very carefully Fluttershy pushed on the door finding it unlocked and looked inside. On the bed surrounded by parenting books of all kinds was Twilight with a book of foal names laying over her face, her mane and fur a mess and her lunch plate and goblet which had apple juice in it lying haphazardly on a side table. Sighing and smiling gently Fluttershy gently flew in and made Twilight more comfortable while also cleaning up the lunch mess. Carefully she left and soon returned to watch over her dear friend and wonder about the foal and more importantly how it was like to be a mother. Sighing she watched her friend sleep as she thought about getting together with her dream mate and having a lovely foal who they would both love and raise together as a family should. Still she didn’t know why she hasn’t found her special somepony yet. Sure she never showed herself as looking and she was quite shy but… sighing she laid her head down between her front legs and admitted that not many Stallions or even Mares had caught her interest, except three. The first was Applejack’s big brother Big Macintosh. He was the biggest yet gentlest Stallion she had ever met; he was even well mannered if yet a bit of the silent type. Then there was Rarity, yes Rarity, the fashonista. She was so kind and graceful and just seemed so adamant when they had their spa dates. She was also one of the most beautiful Mares she’d ever seen yet… she was unsure as to how Rarity felt about other Mares. Lastly was one you won’t expect at all but she had the longest crush on. Rainbow Dash. *** Rainbow Dash sneezed causing her to go through the cloud she was helping guide over Sweet Apple Acres with her weather team. Sighing she told everyone to keep going while she took a moment to rest her wings. Once her team was gone she sighed and flopped down on the cloud. “Oh man, I just can’t stop thinking about it. What’s wrong with me?!” Rainbow nearly yelled as she lay on the cloud. Pregnant. Twilight Sparkle, only twenty four hours after the ‘Welcome Back Princess Luna Party’ that her newest friend was pregnant. What was worse was how they all found out about it! Rainbow, Fluttershy, Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Princess Luna, and Princess Celestia were all present in the Ponyville Care Center for an important meeting with a Dr. First-aid. Rainbow was not pleased with this as she had not only waiting time to here instead of practicing for the Wonderbolts, she also had to take unwanted time off from the Weather Team and left Derpy Hooves in charge. Not that she didn’t like Derpy, oh no, Derpy was one of her small list of good friends, it was just well… she was a bit accident prone do to her head injury during Flight School that caused her to become wall eyed. She didn’t want something bad to happen to her and her young foal, Dinky. Derpy didn’t talk about it but Rainbow and Derpy’s roommate and longtime earth pony friend Carrot became a big help to her. Rainbow even went far enough for Derpy to get her a second and much less dangerous job, mail delivery, and even tried numerous time to talk her into getting the magic surgery she needed to correct her eye but constantly answered her the same way. "My little muffin Dinky comes first Rainbow. My eye can wait, besides I’ve lived this long with it, what’s a few more years?" Rainbow sighed internally at this. She never said it out loud but… there were times where she wished she was a mother. Sure she’d never be like her mother, who ever she was, and just put the kid in an orphanage like she was, no, she’d raise the kid right and be there for them. “Ahem.” Rainbow quickly looked up as the doctor finally trotted in. “Now that your all here I’d like to first thank you for your time. Now, the reason you are all here is because your all connected somehow, some way to a client of mine. This Patient’s name won’t be revieled until your all filled in with what has happened to her.” Dr. First-aid said to the group before he started pacing. Rainbow sighed as it seemed this was going to be a long day. “Now I don’t want any of you starting a thunderstorm before you heard all the fact. Do I have your word you will all remain calm till I’m finished and save your questions till the end?” Everyone nodded in agreement while Pinkie on the other hand did her famous Pinkie Promise which NO ONE EVER BROKE! “Very well. A few hours ago a patient came in with serious stomach pains and sickness. We did all the normal tests and found she was pregnant, according to her it was right after she had… defeated Nightmare Moon.” Luna flinched at this but Rainbow felt it was going to be that way for a while. “Now this may not sound serious or in need of all of you here but I’m hoping I won’t have to tell you one of the issues we currently face.” The Doctor said looking at all of them. It didn’t take long till Pinkie Pie gasped and started bouncing in place while Rarity also gasped and nearly passed out. It was Princess Luna and Celestia that had the greatest reactions. Luna gasped loudly while Celestia’s eye went wide and her mouth hung open and was slowly closed by her sister soon after. Rainbow and Applejack looked at each other and shrugged. Just what so important about six… mares… and a… “WHAT?!” Both soon yelled at the same time. “But Doc, must of us here aren’t unicorns. How this even possible?” Applejack said with wide scared eyes. “Calm down Miss Apple. I’m getting to the question part, please wait.” The doctor answered calmly. Applejack just sat down on her hunches with a very scared look in her eyes that Rainbow just couldn’t place. Was it fear for the mare the doctor was taking care of or was it something else? “Now,” the doctor started up again, “as you just realized the second parent of the foal is in fact another mare. Now, as Princess Celestia and Luna can attest, this kind of family is quite normal however… it was not done through normal means.” It was at this Celestia stepped forward. “Dr. First-aid, not to be rude but can you please explain why we are all here and also who this poor mare is?” Dr. First-aid sighed and looked down. “Very well Princess. The Mare in question… is Twilight Sparkle.” This caused everyone including the Princesses to gasp! Rainbow sighed as she carefully fell off and took to the air once again to catch up with her crew. She just hoped… Twilight was okay and that she… be there for the foal. *** Rarity waved off her last customer for the day and quickly closed up shop. She really needed more time alone for… thoughts. Normally it be great for her thoughts to wonder when it counted for her next design but… not this time. All her thoughts were now on poor Twilight. To be a single mother, all alone without the one who helped grant the poor foal upon her. She sighed as she sat down with her normal cup of tea. Taking a sip she turned her mind back to that day they all found out about Twilight’s foal. Rarity could not believe her ears. Twilight, the mare from Canterlot castle and her newest friend was with a foal. The poor filly would certainly need her friends and the second parent for all of this. “Doctor, if it wouldn’t be any trouble, do you know exactly who the second parent is of dear Twilight’s foal?” Rarity asked kindly. “Well actually this is why you are all here. I need to take a sample from each of you to run next to Twilight’s to get any accurate results however I must have your consent to take such samples and I assure you that we will keep this privet if you wish.” The Doctor replied gently. Rarity liked this doctor, he was kind and gentle like her dear Fluttershy but straight forward and honest like her dear Applejack. Fluttershy and Applejack… Rarity had to shake her head a bit and carefully smiled at the doctor. “Of, course you have my permission to take the sample from me Doctor. Anything to help poor Twilight.” The rest of the girls, including the princesses agreed soon after. Once the samples were done the doctor soon cleared his throat again. “Now, each of you have signed a paper saying if you wish this information privet or open and also how you would like to be informed if you are the second parent. We’ll be sure to follow the directions precisely. Now, I regret to inform you that visiting hours are over and I must ask you all to leave for now. However you may visit her tomorrow during visiting hours.” It was then Celestia stepped forward once again. “How long will it take for the test results to come in?” The Doctor turn to her and brought his hoof to his chin. “Well I could put it on rush but it could come back with mixed results. I’d rather this be accurate Princess. We don’t need to cause any confusion, hurt feelings, or anything like that. I rather let the medical team do their job right and be absolutely sure who the second parent is before I inform anyone.” Celestia sighed and looked to the doctor. “How long?” The doctor sighed and looked her right in the eye. “Normally it’ll take a week but who knows how the foal came to be. Now I didn’t tell Miss Sparkle that the second parent is a mare yet but you were the only ones there next to her that could be the second parent. I fully believe magic was involved as she claims to not have been with any stallion from the time of,” clears his throat, “fertilization to now. Now that could either help or hinder the results since we’re unsure which spell was used but I assure you my Princesses, we will get to the bottom of this.” Rarity looked down at this and then to her gathered friends. What… could they do now when one of their friends, their newest friend, was about to become a mother? “Very well doctor. Do keep us all informed.” Was the last thing Rarity heard before she finally passed out. Rarity was currently rubbing her head, and her horn, at the memory of the ungraceful fall to the floor. “Oh Twilight. I do hope we can help you through this.” *** The sound of a tree falling over was not what Big Mac wanted to hear today. “Sis, go take a break.” Applejack hadn’t been the same since the day at the hospital. She was holding something in and it wasn’t helping her nor was it helping the farm. “Ain’t no doing Mac. We got to get this field harvested before…” Mac held up his hoof to his sister. “Before you buck all our trees over.” Applejack sighed and looked to the ground. “Something eaten at you sis and it ain’t helping nobody keepin’ it in. Now yah gonna talk about it or do I need to get Granny on yah?” Applejack sighed before… she bashed into him and just bawled. Mac just held his sister through it all. Honestly Mac knew exactly what had AJ in just a mood. Their own family. It was a well-known secret in the Apple Family that… Ma and Pa Apple didn’t raise AJ, Mac, and Apple Bloom. They were all raise by Granny Smith. Ma Apple or Golden Delicious was not a down to earth pony who worked hard for a living, no, she was a mare on the move constantly. As was Pa Apple or Red Apple. There was times Mac wished he could find his Pa and buck him good for what they put the family through. Not many knew that old Big Mac had issues he needed to get off his chest but he did and spoke to a good doctor about it from time to time to keep his personal problems under control. Back when he was a colt he was a rambunctious and often angry foal. He’d buck trees, rocks, anything, and one time… he bucked Grandpa Smith. It was right then he started to get help. Young Big Mac slowly walked into the psychologist’s office slowly looking down. He couldn’t believe his Ma and Pa. “Well hello Big Mac.” Bright Mind said as he spotted his young patient. Bright Mind was a kind hearted and well respected doctor in the field of mental therapy and Big Mac was one of many popular patients he attended to. “Your early this time around. Your next appointment wasn’t till next week.” Big Mac slowly nodded. “Doc, can you and me talk?” Bright Mind nodded and guided Big Mac into his office. Bright Mind was well known for going the extra mile to help his patients with any issue they had and asked for very little bits in return. “Now what seems to be the issue Mac?” Bright Mind said sitting down. Mac sat down on a small couch made for foal’s his age and sighed. “They… left her.” Bright Mind raised an eye brow at this. “Who left whom Mac?” Mac looked down and then back to the doctor. “Ma and Pa left Granny and Gramps a foal. A filly.” Bright Mind sighed at this. “Tell me more Mac, I feel you have a lot to say on this.” Mac sat up at this. “You’re sure as cider I do! Who goes and leave a filly they just had to Gramps and Granny like that?! Don’t they even care about us?!” Bright Mind sat back and carefully listened to Mac’s tirade. “I don’t care who they are, they have a responsibility to the family and to her! What she going be like when Gramps passes? Or worse it just me to tend the farm! They don’t care, they don’t care one bit!” Bright Mind went over to the young foal and gently hugged him. Normally he didn’t do this but there was a time and place for such things and this was one of them. “Why they leave us? Aren’t we good enough?” Bright Mind sighed and let go of Mac and looked his right in the eye. “Mac, I know this is going to be hard for you to understand but… I promise you will one day. Mac. Sometimes… parents just feel they can’t take care of a foal so they leave them with ponies that can. Your momma and papa felt that it be best that you and your new sister grow up being raised by your grandparents instead of them. For whatever the reason is, I assure you they did it because they cared about you both.” Mac sighed and nodded at this. “Now that’s a good colt. I think we’ll up your appointments a bit alright? Now, let say you and I go and have ourselves one of the Cake’s freshly baked cookie hmm?” Mac sighed at the memory. Bright Mind sadly passed a year after Apple Bloom came into their family and Mac did miss him. He was always so kind to him and the family. Sadly he… was now gone. Flying Chariot crash. Sighing Mac looked down to his now sleeping sister. “Guess we both have some talking to do. Huh sis?” To be continued > Chapter 3: Six Month Ago > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 3: Six Month Ago It was now three months since Twilight had become pregnant and she was starting to show. Not fully but enough to know she was starting to gain a bit of a bump. “Sigh, so…” Twilight asked the doctor. “Seems the foal’s coming along nicely Miss Sparkle. Any problems?” Dr. First-aid asked kindly. “Well… I still can’t seem to keep anything down that’s not apples.” Twilight said tiredly. She couldn’t even enjoy her normal daisy and daffodil sandwiches without needing to use the bathroom right after. “Really? Hmm what about the supplements you’ve been taking.” Dr. First-aid asked a bit confused. “Ugh don’t even get me started on that stuff. I feel worse every time I take it.” Twilight replied remembering the morning dose she had taken… and left back home with the sandwich. “That’s nto good Miss Sparkle. Your foal needs the right nutrients to grow and stay healthy. Have you tried anything else?” Dr. First-aid asked taking some notes. “Well… I tried a few different sandwiches, they didn’t go very well. Then there was the vegetable soup which was even worse, I even tried a few different types of fruit and well…” Twilight’s ears went flat against her head. She really did like fruit, but having apples every time was becoming a bit… dull. “What about sweets?” The doctor asked looking up from his notes. “Normal ones.” Twilight tapped her chin with her hoof and shook her head. “I haven’t tried any normal sweets yet.” The Doctor nodded at this. “Well let’s give it a shot. I’ll see if one of the nurses can spare an extra cupcake from Sugar Cube Corner and see how that goes.” Twilight smiled at this. Some different food would be a nice change after three months of just apples. A few moment later a nurse came in with a delicious looking vanilla cupcake. “Take a test bite and see how the foal likes it.” Dr. First-aid instructed. With a sigh Twilight took the cupcake and took a small bite hoping it would taste good. A few bits of chewing and she quickly devoured the entire thing. “Oh Celestia that was good…” Dr. First-aid smiled at this. “Looks like we can please the foal with some sweets as well. Now, I’m going to write you out a request to hand to the Cakes for some cakes I think the foal might like along with a few other sweets in candy form. I’ll have them make the sweets out of fully natural ingredients, not food dyes.” Twilight nodded at this as she sighed at the still lingering flavor of vanilla on her tongue. Now she didn’t have to just have apples anymore, she could have something else. Sure apples where really delicious and was one of the staple foods for Ponyville thanks to Applejack and her family but she so wanted something else. “Now Miss Sparkle are there any more issues?” Twilight thought on it and shook her head yes. “I’ve been sleeping a lot more as well, is that normal?” Dr. First-aid nodded. “Quite normal actually since you are carrying a foal and been eating nothing but apple dishes. Though I must ask how long you sleep.” Twilight sighed. “Well I went to bed last night after dinner, about eight at night, then I woke up at eight in the morning.” The Doctor shook his head at this. “No, that’s not good Ms. Sparkle. You’re sleeping far too much. Even with a foal you should at least be sleeping between eight to nine hours but a full twelve is a bit much. Is there any pain in your limbs or exhaustion after a small task?” Twilight thought on this and shook her head yes to the first but no to the second. “When I walk around a lot my legs start to hurt and I have to sit down.” The doctor sighed happily at this and nodded. “I suggest light exercises for now on. It’ll help strengthen your leg muscles and I’m also recommending a weekly massage to help stimulate circulation. Since this is your first foal you’ll be needing to move more often since your now carrying not only your own weight on your legs your also carrying that of a baby.” Twilight just looked at him a bit mad. “I meant no offense.” The Doctor said looking back at his notes. “Is there anything else Ms. Twilight?” Twilight shook her head no. “Nothing at all, then let’s move on.” *** Rainbow Dash paced in the waiting room along with her friends worried. Twilight nearly collapsed on the way here and she even got sick at home before they came on got her. She looked up at the ceiling and tossed up her hooves. “What’s taking them so long?!” Nurse Redheart soon quieted her with her hoof. “Miss Dash please remember this is a Care Center, Ponies are trying to recover here.” Rainbow Dash smiled sheepishly and laughed a bit. “Um, right… sorry.” Nurse Redheart sighed to the group. “I know it’s quite stressful for all of you being here to support your friend and her child but you must remember that this is a place for recovery and medical aid. The doctor is doing what she can for your friend so please, don’t worry.” The girls all sighed and nodded but Dash still couldn’t sit still. It just wasn’t her style and she was still worried about just who exactly was the second parent. She even worried if SHE was the second parent. She didn’t want the foal to grow up like she did, alone. It was soon that Twilight trotted out of the medical room alongside her doctor. “Now remember to keep yourself active and eat what was prescribed. Only take the mineral supplement if and only if it is needed understand?” Dr. First-aid lectured. “Yes Doctor, thank you.” Twilight said smiling. “Alright then. Here is the, ahem, prescription you need to give to the Cakes, be sure they get it.” Dr. First-aid said using his magic to hand over a scroll. “That’s a pretty long prescription doctor.” Twilight said taking it into her own magic gently. “Yes well, it has everything you and your foal needs on there and I know the Cakes will take good care of you.” The doctor replied smiling. “Alright. Thank you doctor, see you next month?” Twilight asked gaining a nod. “Same time as this Miss Sparkle, take care.” Twilight nodded to the doctor and trotted slowly to her friends. “Twilight! How’d it go?” Rainbow Dash asked landing in front of her. “Well… Dr. First-aid says the foal’s coming along nicely but I need to start eating something different than apples, no offense Applejack.” Twilight replied. “None taken sugar cube. What else did that doctor fella say?” Applejack asked worried. Twilight looked at each of her friends and saw the worried looks on their faces. “Well he also suggested I do some light exercises for now on. I need to strengthen my leg muscles and he’s also recommending a weekly massage to help stimulate circulation.” Fluttershy came forward nodding at this. “Oh yes, since it is your first foal Twilight you’ll need to move more for you and the baby’s health.” Rarity step forward next. “Why don’t you join Fluttershy and I’s Spa dates darling this way you can have help to and from the Spa along with some company while you have your massage.” Twilight smiled at this. “Thank you Rarity, I’d really appreciate that. Oh right, mind joining me at Sugar Cube Corner? I have to give this prescription to the Cakes.” The girls blinked at this and nodded, Pinkie Pie the most since she worked and partied there a lot. “But the cakes aren’t doctors why would you need to give them a prescription, oh, oh, unless their really doctors in disguise but that wouldn’t makes sense because not a lot of doctors know how to make the cakes yummy cakes so maybe they are doctors in disguise but I would know if they were really doctors because I work with them and I’m not really sure I’d be working with them since I’m not really good at that medical stuff but I can try if it means making everyone in Ponyville super duper happy!” Pinkie said while bouncing along her trotting friends. “Actually the doctor wanted me to him them this prescription because they can make some natural sweets like cakes, candies, and other things that the foal might actually like other than just apples, sorry Applejack.” Twilight explained then frowned. “Ah shucks sugar cube, don’t you worry about all that. Even Granny Smith knows yah need a healthy diet when you’re a Ma to be.” Applejack said smiling. “Yeah. Thanks girls for helping me so much.” Twilight said gaining gentle hugs from all of them. “So um Twilight? Any word on who the other parent is yet?” Rainbow Dash asked nervously. Twilight sighed at this. “No.” She looked to her friends with a very worried and sadden face. “Yet… I’m… I’m guessing it’s not a Stallion. I know Big Mac wasn’t at the party we held after we got rid of Nightmare Moon but…” She looked each over with tears in her eyes. “That’s not what I’m worried about. I… I don’t even know what the foal is going to be. I don’t know if it’s going to be a Unicorn, a Pegasus, or an Earth pony and I… I’m not ready to be a mom, I’m not only a Librarian girls. I’m Princess Celestia’s student, her FAITHFUL student. What will my parents say when they find out, let alone my whole family?” Rarity and Fluttershy came over and held their emotional friend. “There, there, Twilight. No mater what you have you have all of us to help you. Also I guess if you were to ask Princess Celestia I know for certain she would go out of her way to help you. And as for your family dear Twilight, you will have to confront them at some point.” Rarity said smiling kindly. “If… if you want we could all come visit you often and you can always talk to me or Rarity while we’re at the spa.” Fluttershy offered Twilight sniffed at this. “Thank you girls.” It was at this Pinkie produced a vanilla cup cake with purple icing for Twilight which she slowly munched on and smiled at and started to feel hungry after it was gone. “Come on girls, I think it’s hungry again.” Twilight said looking down to her stomach. *** Rainbow finally laid down in her cloud home sighing. Once the girls all had their fill of the Cake’s sweets, Twilight eating enough to be another Pinkie Pie, and helped Twilight back home it was all time for the girls to also return home and rest. However Rainbow just couldn’t rest. Her mind was still on Twilight’s answers and her concerns. “No.” It was such a simple answer and it scared not only Twilight but herself. “Yet… I’m… I’m guessing it’s not a Stallion. I know Big Mac wasn’t at the party we held after we got rid of Nightmare Moon but…” Did this mean Twilight… guessed it was one of them? “That’s not what I’m worried about. I… I don’t even know what the foal is going to be. I don’t know if it’s going to be a Unicorn, a Pegasus, or an Earth pony and I… I’m not ready to be a mom, I’m not only a Librarian girls. I’m Princess Celestia’s student, her FAITHFUL student. What will my parents say when they find out, let alone my whole family?” That was a good question. Rainbow turned to her side and sighed. What WOULD Twilight’s family say, or better yet how would they react when they find out it was with a mare instead of a stallion? That sent chills down her spine. Sure she was open-minded but… Rainbow growled in frustraition of remembering Flightschool. How she was always targeted as a fillyfooler due to her mane and fetlock colors. Was it so unusual to have a rainbow colored mane? Also was it always seen as someone with a multicolored being into mares? It was one of the many reasons she got into fights so often. So what if her only two friends were another filly and a female griffon did that really mean she wanted to be with anther mare when she was older? That should be her choice not anyone else's. Sitting right up she… she… just… cried. She could be the second parent and… she… she didn’t know how to handle it. *** Applejack just laid on her bed thinking. Thinking of the past… and the present. Twilight was going to be a Ma, an unwilling Ma, but a Ma none the less. Yet what about the foal? What will they do when it was born? What will Twilight’s family do after they find out about her special somepony? So many questions… and no answers. Sighing she turned to her own past. All she could remember was her, her brother, and Granny and Grandpa Smith. Grandpa Smith was a big, tough, and loving old stallion who could buck a tree so well the entire orchard dropped its, or so Granny had told her. She never saw her Grandpa apple buck but she sure did learn a lot from him before he passed away. Then there was Granny Smith, her current and only living parent she knew of and though she was very loving and very caring… how would she react when and if they found out she was Twilight’s foal’s second parent. Closing her eyes she knew how she’s react. She’d… she’d dismiss Applejack from the family. She’d no longer be an Apple, she wouldn’t be part of the farm, she’d be poor, on the streets with only Twilight and the foal as her only comforts… “What am I goin’ ta do Grandpa? What’s Granny going ta do when she finds out? I… I done want to lose the farm let alone my family. I… I need help Grandpa… please help me.” *** Rarity finished her nightly ritual and sighed looking into her mirror. She really felt for Twilight and would do anything for her or any of the girls. Yet… Rainbow’s question still weighed heavy on her mind. “No.” No she didn’t know who the second parent was and she could tell, they all could tell, this weighed heavily on poor Twilight’s mind. She even knew something no one had told her. “Yet… I’m… I’m guessing it’s not a Stallion.” Twilight was right about Applejack’s brother Big Mac not being at the party that was held after they had gotten rid of Nightmare Moon but those other concerns, “That’s not what I’m worried about. I… I don’t even know what the foal is going to be. I don’t know if it’s going to be a Unicorn, a Pegasus, or an Earth pony and I… I’m not ready to be a mom.” Rarity knew exactly how it was to be suddenly there for a young foal as, though she did not wish to admit it openly, she was more a mother to her little sister Sweetie Belle than her own parents. How she did love her parents dearly she still was more a parental figure to her sister than their own parents. Then there was the concern she felt was quite important. “I’m not only a Librarian girls. I’m Princess Celestia’s student, her FAITHFUL student. What will my parents say when they find out, let alone my whole family?” Twilight had a point on this. From what she knew the Library’s last librarian was paid normal wage, about seven bits and a spur or about ten thousand four hundred and forty bits a month. For a single mare this wasn’t bad but for a mare with a foal… it wasn’t enough. Doing the math in her head she knew that by the second to third week there would be issues. The price of diapers, bottles, possible foal sitter which always varies on who you get, all factored into an average spending, yet Twilight wasn’t a normal mare. Twilight was also Princess Celestia’s student so it would be guessed that she’d get some kind of an allowance from the Princess or her own parents which was another issue. Rarity and the girls knew little to nothing about Twilight’s own family other than they must live in Canterlot just as Twilight did. She had a few customers from Canterlot at her shop and only one couple stuck out in her mind, a Miss Lyra Heartstrings and her love a Miss Bonbon. They currently lived in Ponyville but knew quite a bit about Canterlot’s society and mindset on such couples. They never did tell her why they moved to Ponyville but she could always just ask however, just how WOULD poor Twilight’s family react… let alone her own if she was Twilight’s special somepony? Sighing she finally trotted over to her bed and laid down. If she was Twilight’s special somepony… what would she do about her own secret crush? *** Fluttershy sighed as she fed her beloved chickens. “Poor Twilight…” Though she would have loved to be a mother she… wasn’t sure if she could be with Twilight even if she was the second parent to the foal. The only one she truly felt like being together was with either Applejack’s big brother Big Macintosh, the biggest yet gentlest Stallion she had ever met let alone the most well-mannered, even if was a bit of the silent type; Rarity, one of the most beautiful Mares she’d ever seen; or the mare she’s had the longest crush on, Rainbow Dash. Finishing her chore she finally went inside and just went to her bedroom closing the door so she would be left alone that night. Once she got to her bed she just fell onto it and cried. Twilight? Big Mac? Rarity? Rainbow Dash? Who would be her special somepony after the foal came or the results were announced. Never in her whole life had she been so worried… and so scared. *** Princess Celestia sighed as she slowly trotted with her sister to her bedroom. “Sister please you need your rest.” Luna said gently and worried for her older sister. “I know Luna but… I…” Celestia started till her sister nuzzled her. Celestia sighed as she allowed her maid to help her get ready for bed. For the past few months since their call to the hospital the only thing, or pony in this case, that was on her mind lately was Twilight, her faithful student… and parental daughter. Though they were not related by blood she had helped raise her from foal who to the mare she was today and… to know she was to be a mother and that she, Princess of the Day and co-regent of Equestria, could be the second parent to her students foal… It just unnerved her in ways Luna nor the castle staff could understand. She loved Twilight more like a real daughter than a student in her school and would do anything for her yet there were times she did have to leave Twilight for a royal meeting but she knew she would be okay with another of her family members yet still… this all felt so… wrong. Finally she was placed into her bed by her maids and left to sleep while her sister took her place at the Night Court. Luna on the otherhoof was… curious of the new life she was about to encounter. She had never seen a baby foal before let alone this Twilight Sparkle she had heard so much praise about. She had met all the other Elements yet not this Twilight and hearing what the doctor had told all of them, that Twilight Sparkle was pregnant with a foal and that one of them: the elements or she and/or her sister, was Twilight’s special someone that was to raise the foal when it was either born or one of them were inform. It was just so… curious. At times she had found herself wondering about her being someone’s special somepony and often liked it while at times it scared her. She knew only so much these modern times she wasn’t even sure she could help raise a foal without an entire castle staff to help support her. Sighing she went off to deal with more pressing matters, the Night Court was once open again. *** A week later Twilight was relaxing with Rarity and Fluttershy during their normal Spa sessions and was greatly enjoying it. Who would have guessed that Lotus and Aloe were so good to not only normal patrons but pregnant ones as well. She had a nice relaxing warm bath, while Rarity and Fluttershy got the sauna, the massage was the same as Fluttershy got which was very light and very gentle which really helped her sore, tight, and tired muscles. Even the hoof-a-cure and horn filing was pleasant and especially gentle. Lotus and Aloe even gave her a discount for being a mother to be and was even kind enough to recommend some flowers to gain on the way home to help in relaxation. The best was white and blue roses which reminded her of princess Luna and her Teacher Princess Celestia which really helped to keep her calm and also relax. Later that week Rainbow Dash and Applejack came over to help her work out and just chat helping her relax more and to find out the local news and mostly if Twilight had found out who the other parent was yet which sadly was a no. Even Pinkie Pie visited when she could along with delivering the needed foods Twilight’s doctor had prescribed. For the rest of the month things where really looking up for Twilight and her growing foal but as always thing never goes well for long, at least when it involved Twilight and her friends. To be continued > Chapter 4: Five Months Ago > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 4: Five Months Ago “Hi Twilight!” Derpy Hooves called out as she approached Twilight who was having Spike help her open up the Library. “Oh, hello Derpy how you?” Twilight said smiling at yet another of her friends. Actually one of her more brilliant friends, even if she was a bit clumsy at times. It was really her fault for it, it was because of one of her instructors in Flight School that caused the bright minded Pegasus. It was also why her eye was like it was, the instructor was still being pursued for compensation and soon to be giving magical surgery. The Flight School had already giving in to paying for the surgery. “How’s the baby?” Derpy asked trotting up to her, with a set of heavy mail bags. “Well it’s behaving. I think it’s finally settling down to the foods I like.” Twilight said looking to her much larger stomach. She was now six month pregnant and was finally under control of mood swings and she didn’t have a much issue with morning sickness then she had. “That’s good. I remember Dinky being the same way when I was having her.” Derpy said with a happy sigh before she remembered her task. “Oh right!” Derpy nudged her mailbags open and pulled out the mail meant for Twilight, even taking the time to check each letter was to go to the right pony, and handed them over. “Thank Derpy. Tell Dinky I said hi.” Twilight said using her magic to give the mail to Spike. “I will. Take care.” Derpy said before trotting off. “So what we get Spike?” Twilight asked heading to the kitchen for some banana nut muffins. “Well,” Spike said going over the letters, “you got another invite by Pinkie for a party, you got a set of coupons from the Spa Ponies, and this.” Twilight came out of the kitchen with her food putting it down only long enough to take the letter. “It’s… it’s the results of the tests!” Spike eyes widen at this. “So you’ll know who the foal’s other parent is?” Twilight slowly nodded gulping as she slowly opened the letter. “D-Dear Ms. Sparkle, the results of your test show that the second parent to your young foal is…” *** Pinkie sighed as she looked at the letter from the Care Center. She was so looking forward to being a Mommy. They could play dress up, have parties, go for walks, have parties, be a family, and did she forget to mention that they could have parties as well? Yet… “Oh Pinkie, I know you wanted to take care of some foals but… well…” Mrs. Cake said looking the letter to Pinkie and herself over. “Pinkie… Carrot and I have something to tell you.” Pinkie looked up to her two parental figures and sniffed. “Pinkie… Mrs. Cake and I are going to be parents.” Mr. Cake said gaining a loud gasp and hug from her. “This… this is the best day ever.” Pinkie said crying into their shoulders. *** Applejack sighed as she read the letter in her personal cabin. It was just as big as the Crusader’s club house but it was designed to have a wood burning stove inside along with a few other items which made it hers. Sighing she opened the letter and fell over into her pile of bed pillows. “I’m… I’m not it. I’m not the second.” Applejack sighed at this relieved yet… disappointed as well. Thinking it over she… wouldn’t have minded being the other parent, even if it was to another mare’s foal. She liked Twilight as a good friend and she always stood by her friends. It was just how her Granny would have taken the news. Sure Twilight was attractive but… Applejack sat bolt right in shock. “Where did that come from?” she asked herself. Shaking her head she laid back into her pillows and looked to the letter once again. Did she really want to be the second parent to Twilight’s foal? Thinking it over… no. No she didn’t. Sure she and her Granny would need to have a serious talk about it but… wouldn’t somepony else have been better? Someone like… Rarity or… Rainbow? Gulping she decided that it was best to get back to work. And fast. *** Rarity could not believe it, well actually she could. She looked the letter over and sighed. In a way she was disappointed yet in another way she was relieved. She… wasn’t the second parent. She was willing to give her time to help Twilight raise the young foal but… she wasn’t really sure she could handle being a mother. When her little sister Sweetie Belle was born she was more than a hoof full, she was a miniature stampede. Magical surges, uncontrolled magic, the works, and well she was still surprised her parents hadn’t broken down crying the entire time. She knew there were times she did when she was asked to watch Sweetie Belle when they were making dinner, and along with dinner which was always an odd experience. Still she dearly loved her little sister but… right now she wasn’t ready to be a mother. She placed the letter down and sighed. Putting it back into its envelope she carried up to her room and placed it in her side table drawer and pulled out a picture frame. Sighing she flipped it over in her hooves and smiled at it. It was the newest picture she had gotten of her hidden crush. It was the latest fashion magazine and the only picture ever published of her. “Oh my love… will you… accept me?” Rarity asked to the picture of her shy crush. *** Fluttershy sighed as she read the letter from the Care Center. Though she wanted to be a mother… she wasn’t going to be now. “I’m not the second parent.” She said quietly to herself. Though she had cried over the decision of who she wanted to be her special somepony she had finally made her decision should the letter ever say she wasn’t. Sighing she tried to pull as much courage as she had to finally ask her crush out on a date. She was ready… to ask Rarity out. *** Rainbow paced her cloud home, the letter from the Care Center on her bed. Was it filled with good news, bad news, was she it, was she not it, she… she was scared. She was really, really scared. “What do I do, what do I do, what do I do?!” she said finally dropping to the floor and placing her hooves over her head. If it was good news that they found out who was Twilight’s Special Somepony is that would be good right? But what if they didn’t find out who it is and they all have to be tested again? If she was that Special Somepony wouldn’t that mean she’d have to give up trying to be a Wonderbolt? And if she wasn’t than how was she to know if the foal was going to be raised right and not abandoned… like she was. She didn’t want that. She didn’t want anypony to have to go through what she did. She hadn’t told anyone this but… she was an orphan. Placed into the Cloudsdale Home for Forgotten Foals before she could even remember. Once she could finally read and write she was on her own. No caretaker to watch over her, no caretaker to say it was okay when she had a nightmare, no caretaker to say she was truly loved. Just ponies who wanted to make some bits not caring how bad some of the other foals treated her or even how some of the caretakers even treated her. It wasn’t till she was able to save enough bits to go to Flight School that she actually had it a little better. She had friends and she had the sky but that was it. When it came to food she had to scrounge all over the place for bits to eat with, when it was time for bed only a single cloud or a night with Fluttershy was enough, when she was picked on only she could handle it… and it was the worse to ever grow up with. Only having a single dream being her only guide, only push, only goal, in her lonely life. It was why she came to Ponyville, to not be alone anymore. Here she had friends who liked her for being her, here she had a place to put her head down when she was making her home, here she had a way to make a honest living, but there was always something missing for her here. Family. She didn’t have that family she’s always wanted here. A mom. A dad. Maybe even siblings. It was all she ever wanted… and she still couldn’t find them. So… what was she to do now? Sighing she got back up and took the letter gulping. “Here goes…” she said ripping the envelope open. Gulping she took the letter out and slowly began reading. “Dear Ms. Dash, the results of the test on Ms. Twilight Sparkle show that… you’re one of the two mares to be the second parent to Ms. Sparkle’s young foal!” Rainbow read the letter again and… passed out. *** Princess Celestia and her sister Princess Luna looked to the two letters before then nervously. For months they had been waiting for this news. For months each had to walk on thin ice around each other or begin a bout of tears for the stress of being not only co-regents but also possible mates to somepony very special in their lives, Twilight Sparkle. “You… you go first sister.” Luna said nervously. “I-I insist it be you Luna… I’m… too scared to open mine.” Celestia confessed equally nervous. “Then…. On three?” Luna offered gulping. “On… on three.” Celestia said raising the letters with her sister before them. “O-one.” Luna said gulping. “T-two.” Celestia said beginning to perspire. “Three!” both said at the same time opening their letters at the same time. Both opened their eyes to look at the news. Celestia sighed at what she saw. She wasn’t her dear Twilight’s mate. Looking up to tell her sister the good news she soon noticed her sister completely still. “Lulu?” Celestia asked using her childhood nickname for her. She slowly trotted around her sister to look at the letter and gasped. “Dear Princess Luna of Equestria, if is my solemn duty to inform you that due to the test results of one Twilight Sparkle, Faithful Student to Princess Celestia of Equestria, your sister, have confirmed that you and one other are the Second parents to Ms. Twilight Sparkle’s foal. We wish you congratulations and hope that you and your now growing family well.” The letter read shockingly. “I’m… I’m…” Luna started to say slowly gaining tears. Celestia slowly nuzzled her sister’s cheek to calm her before she turned to her sister hugging her and with a pleased voice spoke, “I’m her special somepony Tia. I and one other are the foal’s parents.” Though this shocked her greatly Celestia sighed and pulled her sister away from her smiling gently. “You like her don’t you?” Luna nodded at this blushing. “She freed me from Nightmare Moon, she was the only pony in Ponyville to not be afraid of me and even helped me understand why I was scaring everyone when no one else did. She's… so kind, she wanted to be my friend even after all the trouble I had caused. I… Yes. I really like her sister. Please, please don’t be upset by this.” Luna confessed crying happily. “I can never be upset with you Lulu. And I’m pleased you’re willing to accept this so willingly. It shows you truly thought this out.” Celestia said nuzzling her sister once again. “But Tia, who’s the other parent?” Luna asked confused. Celestia looked the letter over and blinked. “It, does not say. Looks like you will have to travel to Ponyville and find out yourself. However… I think it’s best we inform Twilight of your arrival first before you leave.” Luna nodded to this pulling a scroll, ink, and quill to herself to begin a hasty letter. *** Twilight watched patiently outside her door for the arrival of the two in her letters. The first letter was from the Care Center which stated that Rainbow Dash and Princess Luna was the foal’s other parents. Three parents… her foal would have three parents, one of which was a Princess. A Princess of Equestria and sister to her beloved teacher Princess Celestia. Was it even… right for her to have two other mates? Looking back inside to the Book of Equestrian Laws Vol. 1,000 she remembered a piece in it stating something about Herds. She was only able to give it a glance since the letter stating that Princess Luna was on her way after gaining the news prevented her from reading it all. Right after she had sent a letter to her friend Rainbow Dash stating that she wanted to see her and to talk. Sighing she searched the skies for the tail tale signs of the two, Luna’s Chariot and Rainbow’s rainbow streak in the sky. Not seeing them she sighed and began her slow trot back inside when she began hearing wings flapping and a set of chariot wheel’s spinning. Looking out she smiled as she spotted a black chariot slowly coming in to land before her home and even further out a rainbow streak flying her way. The Chariot set down first as Rainbow Dash had to fly around the Library before landing. “Thank you my guards. You may go now, I will be fine here on my own.” Luna said to her guard who looked at her reluctantly but nodded once they had spotted Rainbow and Twilight. “Yes ma’am.” Both guards said before taking off back towards the castle. “Um, hi Twi.” Rainbow said setting down. “Hi Rainbow, Luna, um… mind coming inside?” Twilight said looking down a bit. “Yes, please.” Luna said smiling. “Um, yeah sure.” Rainbow said behind her. Twilight led her two… friends inside. “Um Spike mind getting us some drinks please?” Spike looked up from his current gem work, this time a Lunar Sapphire, and nodded. “Sure Twilight. Um what should I get?” “Tea for me if you would please dear Spike.” Luna said smiling. “Um, Apple Juice?” Rainbow asked nervously. “Sure, and I’ll get you some too Twilight.” Spike said going to get the drinks. “He’s quite helpful.” Luna said watching the small dragon. “Yes, after he found out he’s been very helpful. I think he’s excited to be an uncle.” Twilight said watching Spike go not looking the two in the eyes. Sighing, she finally got started. “So… you got the news?” Twilight asked cautiously. “Yes, Twilight and… are you alright with this?” Luna asked a bit concerned. “What about you?” Twilight asked worried. “Won’t this affect all of Equestria? And what about Princess Celestia? Won’t she… won’t she be angry?” Rainbow gulped at that. “No Twilight. We already talked it over and she is only worried about how you are about this. I… I’m actually happy I’m one of the second parents.” Luna confessed blushing. “What, but… You mean…” Twilight said shocked. “Twilight, I am unsure how I and my fellow parent had made you a mother but know that no matter what I’m going to be there for you and… and our foal.” Luna said blushing more. “T-thank you.” Twilight said smiling. “I-I got the news too.” Rainbow said nervously. “Rainbow?” Twilight asked worried. “I’m… really the second parent right? The other one?” Rainbow asked worried. Twilight went up to her friend and looked her in the eyes. “Rainbow, are you okay?” Rainbow nodded then shook her head then just broke down crying grabbing onto her friend for support. “Rainbow…” Twilight said holding her friend. Luna came over and held Rainbow as well as she cried. She was not expecting her fellow parent to become so upset about all of this. She was so happy to be Twilight’s mate that… she over looked that she wasn’t the only other parent Twilight’s foal would have. “Rainbow what is wrong?” Luna asked worried for her co-parent. Sniffling she looked to the two. “It’s just…” Rainbow looked down and sighed. “It’s just that… I don’t know how to be a parent.” Twilight sighed at this. “Rainbow if this is all that’s worrying you, I don’t know how to be a parent either but… that won’t stop me from doing my best.” Rainbow looked down at this. “I… Twilight I…” Rainbow sighed as she looked the Princess and her friend over. “I have to confess something to you. Both of you. But… not now. You have an appointment right?” Twilight wanted to press for more what she meant by confession till Luna stepped forward. “Very well Rainbow. Whenever you are ready we’ll be here for you.” Rainbow looked to Luna at this and smiled. *** “Well it looks like you’re doing much better than you where Ms. Sparkle.” Dr. First-aid said smiling. “That’s good.” Twilight said sipping some grape juice. “Let’s see here,” Dr. First-aid looking Twilight’s file over, “you’ve already contacted the others good, and you’re about six months into you’re pregnancy. That’s good and means we might actually be able to tell you what you’re foal might be.” Twilight blinked at this and gulped down a large sip of juice. “Can… can the other be here for it?” The Doctor nodded at this. “Only the other parents though. I’m sorry but the room we do this in isn’t that big.” Twilight nodded at this and sighed. “Alright.” The doctor nodded at this and looked to his schedule book. “I can set you up for a sonogram spell the first of next month at ten in the morning, is this fine?” Twilight thought on this. “Can we call the others in and see if their free for it?” Dr. First-aid nodded and went to the door. “If you would step inside please?” Princess Luna and Rainbow slowly trotted inside and sat beside Twilight. “Is she alright Doctor?” Luna asked nuzzling Twilight. “Oh she’s quite well Princess. Why you’re here is to confirm when you can all be here for a sonogram spell. I’m open for the first of next month at ten in the morning. Is this fine for you?” the doctor asked looking the three over. “I believe I can be free for that. What say you Rainbow?” Luna replied looking to her. Rainbow looked at the doctor for a moment and sighed. “Um, yeah. Yeah it’s fine.” The doctor nodded and lead the small group out. “Alright then, I’ll see you then.” The girls nodded at this till Rainbow stopped and looked to the doctor again. She then looked to the girls. “Hey Twi, Luna, I’ll catch up okay?” The two looked to Rainbow then nodded. “Alright Rainbow. Um Luna can we eat at the castle. I’d… like to see Princess Celestia if that’s okay.” Twilight said then asked. “Certainly. I’ll contact my sister and have her send for my Chariot. We’ll wait for you Rainbow.” Luna said gently. “Um, thanks.” Rainbow replied giving a nervous smile. Once the two left the entrance of the Care Center Rainbow turned to Dr. First-aid. “Um, can we talk doc?” The Doctor nodded at this and guided her back into the room then closed the door. “I’m guessing this is about the test results?” Rainbow sighed and nodded at this. “That and one other thing.” The Doctor sat down at this and pulled out Twilight and Rainbow’s file. “I see. Well let’s start at the easiest. The test results right?” Dr. First-aid asked looking at her. “Um, yeah sure.” Rainbow said nervously. “Ms. Dash, for the past few months we’ve been running every kind of test we could on Ms. Sparkle’s samples and after a grand total of six months we’ve found that you and Princess Luna are the second parents. From what we can tell Princess Luna was the catalyst, the stimulus, or medium for your DNA’s to create the foal. Now this could result in any combination of foals. We’ve only seen this in Earth Pony and Pegasus parentage. Often they request the help of a Unicorn to help in the creation of a foal. This sometimes results in any one of the three average pony types however…” Dr. First-aid said gaining a gulp from Rainbow. “However?” she asked worried. With a sigh Dr. First-aid looked to Rainbow seriously. “However this can also result in mixed results. Earth Ponies with unusually power inner magic, Unicorns with affinities for the sky or wind magic, and Pegasus that are born with an small nub for a horn that grants them bouts of uncontrolled magic from time to time. These are the positives though.” Rainbow gulped at this. “There… are negative results as well.” Dr. First-aid confessed. “Negative Results?” Rainbow asked. “We’ve only had a few cases like this but I’ve been helping them every step of the way. The first is a Winged Earth Pony. Sadly though they look like a Pegasus they don’t have the natural magic Pegasus do that allow them flight or cloud walking. We’ve treated this with blood and magic injections as well as give them special bit of clothing that allows them to live normal Pegasus lives. The second is Unicorns with no magic at all. They’re mainly Earth Ponies with no magic at all. This is very rare and there are only two cases of this in our medical history books. They’ve been treated for this with magic injections as well and have done quite well. The last is very rare but does happen.” Dr. First-aid explained. “What’s that?” Rainbow asked worried. “Pegasus-Unicorns or Horned Pegasus.” Dr. First-aid replied sighing. “Horned Pegasus?” Rainbow asked confused. “Yes,” Dr. First-aid replied looking to her, “this often results in a, ahem, false Alicorn. They have the wings and horn like a Alicorn but sadly they either don’t have the Pegasus natural magic, the natural magic of a unicorn, or are sadly a bit of the lean side do to them not having enough Earth Pony magic in them. It’s rare but there have been some cases of this in the past.” Rainbow’s eyes widened at this in fear. “Is… is there a way to treat that?” Dr. First-aid smiled kindly and nodded at this. “Yes. The same treatment as the others. Magic and Blood injections. This has helped them greatly. Also to make sure those that wish for a foal doesn’t end in this result of needed these injections we often treat the parent far before the birth to be sure they have a happy and healthy foal. That’s what we’ve done for now with Ms. Sparkle. Food, drink, and medication is given to them for this.” Rainbow just looked to the doctor angrily. “So you already knew?!” Dr. First-aid shook his head. “No but we do know the symptoms. There is a chance we may have been wrong we won’t know till the sonogram.” Rainbow sighed at this. “Don’t worry Ms. Rainbow. This is why I took this case as well as why I love my job. I want all families, big or small, to have happy and healthy foals.” Dr. First-aid replied placing a hoof on her shoulder kindly. “Thanks. Um, can we move onto the other stuff?” Rainbow asked smiling. “Of course. What can I do for you?” Dr. First-aid asked. “Well… you see… I’m. I’m wishing to know who my parents are. You see I was orphaned as a foal and…” Rainbow slowly confessed till Dr. First-aid held up a hoof. “I understand. If you like I can run some tests and see what I can do.” Rainbow sighed and nodded smiling. *** After Rainbow was finished with her talk with the doctor the three plus Spike left for Canterlot and visited with Princess Celestia who amazingly offered them any aid they needed, even going so far as give Twilight a place to stay in the castle if she felt the need to. They talked and ate the night away even going to the point they needed to stay in Luna’s room for the night. Soon they would see what the foal was as well as figure out how to get this new family together. To be continued > Chapter 5: The foal is what? > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 5: The foal is what? “Well here we are.” Rainbow said once they all arrived at the Care Center. Rainbow, Twilight, Spike, Princess Luna, and Princess Celestia all stood before the doors and smiled. “Yeah… ready to say hello you?” Twilight said to her swollen stomach smiling. “I see you’re enjoying being a mother Twilight.” Celestia said smiling. Twilight blushed at this as they trotted inside. “Twilight what will we name it once we find out what it is?” Luna asked as they walked in. “I… I don’t know. I’ve gone through many foal name books and I’m still not sure what to name it.” Twilight replied worried. “I believe that, but you got us now Twi, and we’d help you no matter what!” Rainbow said happily. “Wow you really cheered up from last time Rainbow.” Twilight said smiling. “Yeah well… I wasn’t going to let you two just raise this foal alone.” Rainbow said lowering her head. “You truly are the Spirit of Loyalty Rainbow.” Luna said kindly. “That she is sister.” Celestia said gaining a slight blush from Rainbow. “Hello girls, Princesses. If you’d follow me please.” Dr. First-aid said smiling. The girls nodded and followed the doctor to the sonogram spell room. “This is Nurse Blue Heart, she’ll be performing the spell for us today.” Dr. First-aid introducing a pure white mare with a blue heart as her Cutie Mark. “If you would lay on your side please.” The nurse instructed as she prepped the spell. *** Nightmare woke to a place filled with stars. “Where… where am I?” she asked looking around. “In the land of Gods my half-daughter.” A voice said behind her. Quickly turning around she soon spotted a beautiful light goldish gray Alicorn mare with moderate arctic blue eyes and moderate amaranth mane. On her flank was an Inkwell and Quill. Nightmare instantly bowed to the Alicorn knowing exactly who this was. “Q-queen Faust.” Queen Faust, the Mother Mare, smiled down at Nightmare. “Raise my half-daughter, you have no need to bow to me, however a hug would be nice.” Nightmare gasped at this but complied crying silent tears. “There, there, my foal. Though you are only half of my daughter Luna you are still my foal. I have heard your cry my foal and have saved you, in a way.” Queen Faust said nuzzling her half-daughter. “What… what do you mean?” Nightmare asked looking at her. “My dear Nightmare. Thanks to the evil that filled you, you had become more spirit than Pony. You and Luna were so separate that the Elements had no choice but to separate you from her but since you were not a Pony like Luna…” Queen Faust said not finishing. “I… I could not exist. You… you mean I’m…” Nightmare said crying more. “No, no, my foal.” Queen Faust said wiping her tears away with a gentle feather. “You are not dead, only in need of a new life which I’ve granted. You’ve now gained a new chance at life with a proper family who will love you and raise you well.” “I… I do not understand.” Nightmare said confused. “Nightmare. My foal. When fighting the Elements you had cast a spell I had taught Luna so when she could find a mate she could have a foal of her own.” Queen Faust explained leading her further into the stars. “So am I to be her foal?” Nightmare asked following. “No. You’ll be the foal to somepony very special.” Queen Faust replied smiling before they came to a set of colored stars. “Do you see these stars my foal?” she said pointing to them with a hoof. Nightmare nodded as she noted the color of each star. Blue, Orange, Red, Dark Purple, Pink, and Light Purple. “They look familiar.” Queen Faust nodded to this. “These are the stars connected to the Elements of Harmony.” Nightmare’s eyes widened at this as she looked to the six stars. “These Stars my daughter can only be seen here in the Land of the Gods. The one in the middle, the Light Purple one is the one I’ve selected to be your new mother.” Queen Faust said walking further into the stars causing Nightmare to quickly follow. “Wait, are you saying I must be the foal to that… that…” Queen Faust nodded at this nodding. “Powerful Spirit of Magic.” Nightmare just stopped where she was causing Queen Faust to look to her. “Are you displeased by this?” “Of course I’m displeased by this! She is why I’m here! It is ponies like her that pushed me to place Celestia in the sun and blanket Equestria in permanent darkness! She wanted to rid of my beautiful Night! What if the moment I’m born Celestia sends me back to the moon! Is that your wish?!” Nightmare yelled. “No my foal. This is not my wish as forever night is not yours.” Queen Faust said sitting in front of her. “It is so! Not one pony cared for Luna and I’s beautiful night. They cared not for the work we put into creating the night sky!” Nightmare yelled back greatly upset. “Really? Hmm.” Queen Faust brought a hoof to her chin and looked Nightmare over. “How about this? I will grant you the ability to be a spirit on Equestria so you can see how the ponies there feel about you and Luna’s night sky. If you can prove to me that the ponies of Equestria don’t love the night then I will place your spirit into a more appropriate family. You will have till the time of your birth to prove this to me. Do we have a deal?” Nightmare looked her queen, her true mother, in her eyes before nodding. “Very well, I accept.” Queen Faust nodded to this using her magic to grant Nightmare a set of Royal Regalia similar to Princess Luna’s but in pure white with the symbol of its crest being that of the sun and moon together. “This Regalia will allow those with Soul Sight to see you as a visitor by my authority. They will not attack you and if you ask will aid you in your quest however you cannot ask them to aid you in harming others. Also you can only travel away from The Spirit of Magic when she sleeps or when it is nightfall. Once she wakes or when the sun rises you will return here to rest yourself and also report your findings to me. Till then.” Queen Faust advised before kissing her on the cheek. “Be well, my lovely Moon.” Nightmare blinked at this till she faded and found herself in a medical room. *** “I can’t believe she’s asleep.” Rainbow said looking to Twilight as the Nurse began casting the Sonogram Spell. “She did have a long night Rainbow.” Luna said nuzzling Twilight’s sleeping head. “Whenever you’re ready.” Dr. First-aid said to the nurse. In mere moments the group soon saw into Twilight’s womb and saw a small foal growing. “That’s… our foal?” Rainbow asked as both Luna and Rainbow had never seen a sonogram spell before. “Yes. From what I can see it’s quite healthy. Let’s see.” Dr. First-aid said going up to Twilight’s stomach. “Here’s the head, the body, its tail, looks like there’s a horn here on the head and… wings here as well.” Dr. First-aid said pointing out the foal’s tiny body parts. “Wait, does that mean…” Rainbow asked worried. “Won’t know till I can get another nurse to use an identification spell.” Dr. First-aid said going to the door. “I know the spell Doctor. If you like I could cast it.” Princess Celestia said proudly. “By all means Princess. We’d be honored.” Dr. First-aid said stepping to the side. Princess Celestia gently laid her horn over Twilight’s stomach and allowed a faint glow to form over her till she gasped. “What is it sister?” Luna asked worried. “Well… first off it’s a she. You’re having a little filly.” Celestia said gaining a set of smiles from Rainbow and Luna. “I’m guessing there’s more Princess?” Dr. First-aid asked. “Well… yes. In all of history this has happened only once and that was with our own mother.” Celestia said gaining a gasp from Luna and soon a wide smile. “We’re having an Alicorn Filly?!” Luna said happily. “What?!” Rainbow asked looking to the tiny foal. “Yes Rainbow. It’s not very common but once in a while a powerful unicorn will give birth to one if her mate is a Pegasus of equal power. Now Rainbow you can create at will a Sonic Rain-Boom, while Twilight is the most powerful unicorn I’ve seen in all of Canterlot and Ponyville. Add into this my own sister who has power over the moon and it’s night sky then the possibility of an Alicorn being born grows greatly.” Celestia explained with a loving smile toward Twilight. “Would you all like a picture of the foal before the spell ends?” Dr. First-aid said smiling. “Yes, if you please.” Celestia said smiling. *** Nightmare was shocked at what she was seeing. Inside the mare that had sent her, the mare in the moon, to the Land of the Gods was… her. An Alicorn foal that has not been born since her own mother’s birth. She had to admit though… she looked quite cute. Shaking her head she looked to the sleeping mare that was to be her possible mother. She looked so… peaceful. Sighing she began to search the room for any signs of her beloved Night when she saw Luna and Celestia. Gulping she tried hard to keep out of their Soul Sight and see how they felt about this news. To her amazement Luna was excited, Celestia was looking at the sleeping mare and her foal like self and say the same look Queen Faust had when she was looking at her. That of a Proud Mother. It was the Pegasus that nearly caused her to laugh. The look on her face was of absolute shock. “So… what will you name her?” Celestia asked her sister Luna. “Well now that we know it’s a filly it will make things a bit easier won’t it Rainbow?” Luna replied smiling to her co-parent. “Um, yeah. Yeah it will. Um, no offense Princess but… you sure it’s an Alicorn.” Rainbow asked. Celestia giggled at this. “Quite sure Rainbow Dash. She’ll be the first Alicorn born in some time and… I’d be very pleased to have her as my niece. If you’d allow me to be.” Celestia replied turning to her and her sister only spotting Nightmare and her regalia. “Knowing Twi, she’d love that.” Rainbow said smiling. “Yes sister I would like that as well.” Luna said smiling till her eyes widened a bit. Nightmare gulped at this, she was discovered… but would that mean… it was soon she found herself fading from Equestria and back to the Land of the Gods. “Mm, that was a good nap.” Twilight said waking up. “Did you sleep well?” Celestia said gently. “Yeah. How’s the foal?” Twilight asked yawning. “Well… we found out it’s a filly. And well…” Rainbow started smiling nervously. “And what? What is it going to be?” Twilight asked curious. “It’s going to be an Alicorn, Twilight.” Celestia said smiling not wishing to worry her. “A-an Alicorn?” Twilight asked shocked. Celestia nodded to her and explained how her mother came about. “Oh wow.” Twilight said amazed. “Yes well.” Dr. First-aid interrupted hoofing over a set of folders to everyone. “These folders hold the picture of the foal along with information on caring for the little one. Everything from here on to birth will be in there. I’ve also added a few things to your prescription Ms. Sparkle now that we know what kind of foal you’ll be having as well as a regimen for keeping yourself and your foal healthy. I want you to come in again in two months to double check on your progress then afterward we’ll move it to every other week till she’s ready to greet the world.” Everyone looked the folder over and agreed. “Alright then. If there is nothing else I’d like a moment to speak with Ms. Dash before you all go.” Dr. First-aid said leading everyone out. “Rainbow?” Twilight asked worried. “It’s alright Twi, I won’t be long.” Rainbow said smiling. “You sure?” Luna asked also worried. “Y-yeah. Go on I’ll be there soon.” Rainbow said smiling at all of them. “Rainbow will tell us what is happening when she is ready.” Celestia said gaining a silent thank you from Rainbow. “Well… alright but don’t keep us in the dark for long okay?” Twilight said nuzzling her. This caused Rainbow to blush to the point she matched the red streak in her mane. “Y-yeah. Sure.” Rainbow said before closing the door. “So um… what’s up?” Dr. First-aid sat down and smiled at her. “She’ll be fine Ms. Dash, the Princess has far more experience detecting another Alicorn than we do but this isn’t why I needed to speak with you.” Rainbow sat in front of him and nodded letting him know to go ahead. “Well,” Dr. First-aid said pulling out her file, “we’ve gone over your files and traced your medical history as best we could but it seems we’ve hit a snag. Seems the Orphanage you said you were raised in didn’t have the best track record on keeping files. However we were able to find some files that link what you said to a few cases a few adoptive parents had reported in the past medically. The Local Guards are already shutting the place down and making sure the foals there get proper homes and medical attention. Though this is a snag we have other options to look to.” Rainbow nodded to this relieved that the place was finally getting shut down. “First is your history, we’ve tracked it to Cloudsdale and are having the local guards checking the area for any clues that may lead to your family. Normally this gives us very little results and a lot of false leads and knowing you personally Ms. Dash you don’t want that.” Dr. First-aid said sighing. “So… what do we do?” Rainbow asked curious. “Well what we can do is check on your DNA samples and see if we’ve gotten any leads there, which is what I have here.” He said indicating the file before him. “Well?” Rainbow asked on the edge of her seat. Dr. First-aid opened the file and looked it over. “From what I can see you have a very distinct genetic code making this search a bit tougher than normal.” He then put it down and showed Rainbow what he was talking about. “So… you won’t be able to find them?” Rainbow asked sadly. “I did not say that Ms. Dash. I said it would make the search tougher. This also makes finding your family much easier as this kind of code only shows up in certain ponies.” Dr. First-aid said tapping the file. “Your DNA tests have shown that not only do you have Pegasus genetics you also have Unicorn and Earth Pony genetics. Meaning your family must be from a mixed line. Also there seems to be a strong genetic string of Pegasus genetics in your family so this helps narrow our search even more.” Rainbow gulped at this and then looked to the doctor. “M-meaning?” Dr. First-aid gave her a kind smile. “If things go well Ms. Dash we should be able to find your family sometime after Winter Wrap-up. Now understand this normally takes up to about two to three years to find a ponies family but with all of this. We’ve cut the search down greatly so, I’ll be sure to keep you informed.” Rainbow sighed and smiled at this. “Thanks Doc. You don’t know how much this means to me.” Dr. First-aid put a hoof on Rainbow’s shoulder as he led her out the door. “I do Ms. Dash, and you’re welcome.” *** Normally seeing Rarity was not an issue. There was their usual Spa dates, their luncheons, their tea times, but this… this was different. This was to meet Rarity to say three little words that would change their lives forever: I love you. Those three words made all the difference for today’s meeting. She… She loved Rarity. She fully, truly, whole heartedly did love her but… how was she to tell her? Oh was she one of the shyest ponies in Equestria to tell their dearest friend that… they wanted more. Sighing Fluttershy finally placed her head into her hooves before her only confidant, her beloved white bunny Angel. The little white bunny wasn’t too thrilled about this but Fluttershy was Fluttershy and Angel did respect her… when he wanted or needed to. This was one of those needed to moments. “Oh Angle, what do I do? I-I want to tell her b-but I-I-I’m not sure if I can.” She said to her little bunny. Angel Bunny huffed at this but mimed that it wasn’t that hard and she should just go tell her. “Oh but… I-I-I’m not ready.” Fluttershy replied gaining a face paw from the bunny. For months he had known exactly how his caretaker and the white one acted around each other and did not want this to go on. Hopping over to the letter from the Care Center he lifted and pointed to it then out the door. “I-I know Angle, she… she must have found out too but… I-I…” Angel had enough and went to his food bowl. “Oh Angle are you, eep!” Fluttershy said before a carrot got tossed to her head. The last time Angel had done this was during the Dragon Incident when she was just noticing the scary black cloud of smoke drifting over Ponyville. It meant that he was either serious or that she had just stated the obvious. Since he wasn’t hungry Fluttershy took this as the later, she had said something that was obvious. Thinking back to what she had said she soon gasped. “Oh, oh my, Rarity must not have read the letter yet and must be so nervous she needs to go to the spa.” Quickly taking to a hover she shot out of her bedroom with such speeds it caused Angel Bunny a moment to figure out she had just left when a knock finally came to the door. *** Rarity sighed as she kept staring at her art easel a pristine sheet of drawing paper before her blank. From the moment she had gotten up to this moment she had been trying to get inspiration to come to her yet… it remained blank. She had been thinking of everything to inspire her newest line of dresses but… nothing. Nothing she thought about could break the proverbial artist’s block. A past comment she might have heard, the sunset she saw last night, a cloud formation the Pegasus had made last Best Fliers Competition, a soft pink mane hiding a pair of deep blue eyes and lovely yellow coat with an even more enchanting smile- Wait, what, no! No, no, no. Rarity shook her head clear yet again. It was the tenth time she had done this and sighed looking to her calendar wondering how long it was till their next spa date and when she’d be able to see her, dare she think it? Yes, yes she dared, her sexy Fluttershy. Rarity, fashonista, and trend setter, desperately looked at her calendar, seeking the next day circled in pink and written in purple, their day, and sighed deeply. The next meeting was thirteen days away, far too long of a wait. She needed to go see Fluttershy but to do would be… wrong right? It wasn’t their spa date but… sighing she looked over the room for inspiration yet again till her eyes fell upon the letter she had taken out and looked at yet again, the letter from the Care Center. Thinking she tapped her chin and gasped. Oh, how she, of all ponies, have forgotten such an important thing?! She wasn’t the only one to have gotten one of… these… letters… “Oh sweet Celestia, what have I done?!” she said to herself grabbing the letter to look at the date. She had gotten it yesterday and she had not once thought to see Fluttershy about this. Knowing her dear shy Pegasus she must still be paralyzed in her home from having received the thing. Worried she glanced at the clock. She had been staring at her drawing board for five hours and was currently noon. Nodding to herself she decided it was best to go visit the source of her many distractions, Fluttershy. After putting the sign up stating she was out looking for inspiration and locking up she began her long walk to Fluttershy’s cottage. Sure it was a long walk but it was the walk to her friend's cottage that caused her to take a much needed breather and calm her nerves. Taking a moment to smooth out her mane, she arrived at the cottage door and knocked soon receiving a hesitant, yet angelic, voice "Hello?" Rarity smiled at this, Fluttershy wasn’t on the floor frozen like she usually was when something scared her. "Fluttershy, it's me darling, may I come in?" She waited and soon saw the front door open a crack. *** Fluttershy was to every animal in her care’s amazement, a literally flurry! From room to room Fluttershy literally flew in and out putting down food, checking over them, checking her mane, asking the bird choir to help her check her wings WHILE on the fly… it was a literal Fluttershy wind storm. And what was the reason for this so called storm? A horrifying thought that Rarity was having a break down over the Care Center letter crossing over her mind constantly. Not many ponies had ever seen one of Rarity’s breakdowns before but Fluttershy had more than once. There was one time Pinkie had to take over for the Cakes due to a last minute order in Canterlot. Apparently one of their wedding cakes had been destroyed by a very angry and overly jealous ex-mare-friend. How this was done nopony would have known until it had landed right on top of Rarity, causing her to fall into a Pinkie Pie style baking horror of events. As the cake fell on poor Rarity she fell into the large bowl of eggs, which caused her to slip into the large mixer filled with cupcake batter, which the bowl fell out of rolling into the table breaking it and somehow launched the four open jugs of milk over her with landed onto an old table which collapsed and sent sticks of butter flying all over the place, ending with one hitting the supply cabinet opening it up allowing another to hit the spare bottle of vanilla extract causing it to sadly dump right into poor Rarity’s mane. She was, as she herself would say, a complete and utter disaster! Luckily Fluttershy was there to take instant control knowing how Rarity would react and soon. Carefully going over Fluttershy tweaked her dearest friend's ear and one of her many crushes causing her to freeze. Taking a breath she soon turned in the direction of Pinkie and closing her eyes she went over the mentally memorized emergency list and began talking gently yet very quickly while also maintained her composure and not pass out from her own shock of a cake appearing out of no-where. "Pinkie, Rarity is currently covered almost completely in cake, eggs, cupcake batter, milk, butter, and vanilla extract. Could you please get the following for her?" "Okay!" a perfectly chipper Pinkie said complete unfazed. “Um well, thank you. Um just to warn you once I put Rarity back to normal she’ll be a tiny bit upset. You might want to get her some tissues, a towel, and her emergency comb, mark two…” She looked Rarity over and soon shook her head. “Um, no, could you make it number twenty-two please?" Pinkie quickly nodded and in a flash left and returned with exactly what Fluttershy had requested. Looking everything over she nodded and gently lifted a wing to gage the room’s air currents and moisture. After doing so she soon turned to her friend Twilight. “Twilight could you please ask Aloe if she has an opening for now-ish if you would pretty please?" Twilight nodded and in a flash left the room. She soon looked to Rainbow, “Rainbow could you be kind and maybe make sure the ground is puddle free, if that isn’t any trouble?” Rainbow saluted and took off out of the shop. She finally turned to Applejack sighing. “Um Applejack, could you make her some of your apple tarts please, Rarity really likes them when she upset and that be nice for her to cheer up to from her um… ‘Inconsolable, completely ruined-forever, and really, really, really upset-self’ up? Pretty please?" Applejack blinked at this but soon nodded and got to work. Sighing, she was glad to have gotten things under control to the point she wasn’t willing to pass out she waited till everyone was done before checking everything over one last time and nodded completely satisfied with the preparations. “Um, is everypony ready?” She asked carefully gaining a nod from everyone. “Um, okay, I’m, uh, going to put Rarity back to normal so um, everypony be ready, so um…” At this Fluttershy gently tweaked her dearest friend’s ear once again and was soon greeted by Rarity collapsing into a heavily wailing pile of very upset pony. It had taken all of them to carefully get Rarity to the point she could be taken to the Spa and given an emergency treatment. All the girls had asked about what had happened but Fluttershy just responded that, “Rarity needs some time alone.” Though she didn’t wish to leave her alone she knew it was for the best especially after such an episode. Fluttershy was just about ready to leave when a knock came to the door. Hesitantly she called out, “H-hello?” Amazingly she was answered by the most beautiful voice she had ever heard, Rarity’s. "Fluttershy, it's me darling, may I come in?” Fluttershy smiled at this. Rarity was fine. Yet she soon realized that Rarity was right outside her door and began panicking. She wasn’t expecting her today and she was sure she had the dates right on her calendar. Going over to the door she cracked the door open and spoke. "Oh, hello Rarity, it's nice to see you. I wasn't expecting you today, or anypony for that matter. I don't have the dates mixed up did I? I didn’t miss our spa day did I? Oh, I'm so sorry!" Rarity shook her head sighing with a smile. "Darling, our visit is still thirteen days away. I’m more worried about you." It was then she pulled out the Care Center letter and Fluttershy gulped. “A-are you…” Fluttershy asked gaining a sigh from Rarity. “No darling I’m not, and I’m sorry I took so long to come to see you after gaining this. I know how you feel about unexpected surprises.” Fluttershy looked relieved at this, although still a bit guilty. "Oh thank goodness, I was worried I had forgotten. I… I know just how much these visits mean to you." Fluttershy then hid behind her mane to hide her growing blush. "You... do?" Rarity asked a bit hesitantly. She nodded a smile ghosting across her lips. "Oh yes, they mean a lot to me too." Rarity’s voice soon took on what sounded a bit like… repressed emotions. But… why, what was she hiding? "Oh Fluttershy, I didn't dare hope-" Rarity started but soon stopped the moment Fluttershy placed a hoof over her friend's lips. She… she didn’t want to hear it just yet. Though she was very grateful for the concern and she really did love their time together which made her happy she… just wish she could build up the confidence to tell her why. "It's all right, I… know how stressed you get running the Boutique. I don't mind in the least helping you relax. The truth is… I-I enjoy them too. S-sometimes Angel Bunny… gets a little demanding and a nice soak is just right to take my mind off of things." Things like beautiful white unicorns with curly dark purple mane and a beautiful three diamond cutie mark she added silently to herself. Her friend pulled away and laughed suddenly, the manic-sounding laugh of somepony desperate to pretend they had just gotten a joke. To Fluttershy it sounded like she really needs to relax. "Stress, yes of course! Stress all the time dear!" Sighing silently to herself she decided to help her friend and crush relax. She soon got up and made way to the kitchen. "I'll make us some tea." As Rarity watched her lovely yellow Pegasus get up to make tea, trying not to be too obvious that she was doing so, she sighed herself and looked around the room. Everything looked nice and clean but… looking closely she could see very thin lines of pink on the floor going from room to room. Poor dear, Rarity though looking to the floor, the letter must have really stressed her out if she already loosing hairs from her tail. It was then Fluttershy came back after the pot whistled that the water was boiled and her favorite infusion was added to the steaming tea pot. It was strawberry tea which had a very lovely smell that could calm even a raging manticore according to her beautiful yellow Pegasus. She sat down the tea set and carefully poured two cups, holding each one steady with a hoof and pouring with her mouth. Rarity was still marveled but the somewhat simple task, not that it was the first time she had seen her do this. She knew just how skillful one needed to be first hoof to perform such a task without any magic at all. It was just so very elegant, even if it was a mundane thing now a days. After the tea was poured both ponies sat in relative silence and contemplation, simply and surreptitiously delighted to be in each-others company for the time. After the first cup was done with Fluttershy finally felt courageous enough to finally ask the question she had no answer for. "So, not that I mind you calling, you’re always welcome to come see me, but, um, if not the spa, what brings you to visit, if you don’t mind me asking that is." The fashonista sat in silence for a moment longer. "I-I am having a bit of a creative block, truth be told as… well darling, I just spent hours staring at a blank easel with absolutely nothing to show for it. Not a thing. So I decided a nice break would be nice and so… I-I pulled out the Care Center letter and I can't quite say what's come over me but I thought… Fluttershy, darling, I thought you may have been frozen like you where that one time with the dragon. I came as quickly as I could to… check on you. Oh how I could have forgotten that I was not the only pony there that night we were informed of poor Twilight’s dilemma. I-I must apologize to you Fluttershy. I should have been here sooner." Fluttershy gulped at this and soon poured herself another cup of tea and gave it a much needed sip before she nodded with understanding. "Thank you Rarity." Rarity smiled at this and soon looked to the table they where sitting and soon spotted the Care Center letter addressed to Fluttershy. Gulping she soon spoke. “D-darling did you… read your letter?” Fluttershy put her tea cup down and sighed. “Yes.” Rarity became increasingly worried at this. “D-did it say…” She couldn’t finish. If the letter said it was her beautiful Fluttershy she… she’d be crushed. With a sigh Fluttershy finally answered. “N-no, I-I’m not it either.” Rarity sighed in silent relief till she soon noticed Fluttershy giving off tiny sniffles. Concerned Rarity quickly put her tea cup down and hugged her as she silently cried. The two just stayed like this for some time, neither of them seeming to mind the silence. Rarity was actually quite shocked to find she did not mind it herself. It was a rare thing to find in either of their lives. For Rarity it was customers, small talk, and her dear little sister Sweetie. For Fluttershy it was her many animals and clients with animals along with the small talk at times. It just felt like being with her lovely Pegasus just... calmed her with her presence alone. She always felt that things would work out in the end and that no problem was too great when she was around her. Finally the silence was done as her Fluttershy pulled away from her with a tiny sniff. “T-thank you Rarity, I-I don’t know what came over me.” She confessed. Rarity just smiled gently knowing. “You wanted to be her foal’s other parent didn’t you?” Rarity asked gently. This caused Fluttershy to hide a bit behind her mane but she nodded. “Darling there is no need to be ashamed of it. I too thought of being the foal’s other parent but… being with Sweetie Belle has already tempered that choice. No, I will be there for her as the friend I am and support her when needed.” Rarity said putting a gentle hoof on her beloved’s shoulder. “Y-yes, I-I think I should do that too.” Fluttershy said smiling a little. It was then both spoke at the same time. "I need to-" The words came out of both their mouths in perfect synchronicity causing them to look at each other, gulping, each realizing the other had something to say, neither one of them sure what that something might be. It was then Fluttershy found her voice and spoke first: "I-I can wait. Y-you had s-something to t-tell me?" Rarity gulped out of nervousness and took a slow sip of her tea to calm her nerves before she spoke. “F-fluttershy, darling, w-we’ve known each other for some time and well… Fluttershy I… I…” Fluttershy gulped as she waited patiently for Rarity to finish but… never did. “Rarity I… I have something I… I really, really, really need to tell you.” Rarity nodded at this trying to pull up the courage to speak and finally said it at the same time as Fluttershy. “I LOVE YOU!” The moment both heard this they froze thinking back over what they had each said. Rarity ran the line over three times before her train of thought became utterly derailed as her vision was filled of yellow and pink, and she felt her lips meeting with those of another. Fluttershy was pressed close to her, kissing her, with her gentle forelegs draped around her neck. It was moment later Fluttershy pulled back smiling and leaning her head against Rarity’s chest smiling and said, “Finally.” *** “Alright so… we’re come down to five names.” Twilight said looking at the list of filly names Spike had put up for her. Each of them, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Rainbow Dash, and herself came up with some very impressive names, as well as Spike’s own set of names which sadly made him hungry for gems. On the list was the names and who had given them. From the top was Twilight Dawn mentioned by Princess Celestia, under that was Dusk Nightfall by Princess Luna, after that was Aurora Dash mentioned by Twilight, then there was Aura Spectrum and lastly was Diamond Sparkle mentioned by Spike. Each were very good names but… made the choice of name very hard. “Well… maybe we can try making the list smaller?” Luna suggested on Twilight’s right side. “That would work.” Twilight said looking the list over. “No offense Princess Luna but… Dusk sounds like a stallion’s name to me.” Rainbow said gently on Twilight’s left side. “Hmm, maybe your right,” Luna said tapping her chin with her hoof, “yet I still like the name of Nightfall.” Rainbow thought about her own name she had given and nodded. “I like Nightfall as well and well… you can take my name off the list. It doesn’t sound right.” Twilight looked to the name and sighed. “Spike take the… Spectrum out and keep the Aura. Maybe, Aura Nightfall as a name?” Celestia watched as Spike added the new name and took a sip of her tea. “It does sound like a name a foal could have but… maybe for some other foal?” This made the others blush at this. “Tia!” Luna said in a half scold. “A sister can hope no?” Celestia said giggling. Luna just sighed. The idea of another foal did have merit though. “So now we have, Twilight Dawn, Aurora Dash, Aura Nightfall, and Diamond Sparkle.” Twilight said looking the list over. “Sorry Princess but… I don’t want anyone getting confused with my name and the foal’s both being Twilight.” Celestia sighed at this but nodded. “However I like the Dawn, maybe… for later…” Twilight said blushing more. Luna soon cleared her throat. “Um, yes, moving on, we now have Aurora Dash, Aura Nightfall, and Diamond Sparkle.” The girls all nodded at this along with Spike as he marked Dawn for later. It was soon all the thinking was interrupted by a long yawn from Twilight. “Tired?” Luna asked smiling. “Just a little Luna,” Twilight replied before yawning again, “okay maybe I am.” Rainbow nodded to this and helped her up. “Come on Twi, let’s get you to bed, we can think more on this later.” Twilight was about to argue more to this but soon yawned again and nodded. “Okay…” Rainbow smiled at this. “Come on sleepy head.” Carefully Rainbow and Spike led Twilight up to the bedroom they were going to be sharing for a while or until plans could be made. Both princesses smiled at this and listened for the sound of a door closing before they finally spoke. “Sister you felt her as well didn’t you?” Luna said right off in worry. “I didn’t just sense her Luna I saw her, and she was in mother’s regalia!” Celestia said with even more worry. “But… but that would mean…” Luna said getting up quickly and pacing. “We checked Lulu, we covered the whole Everfree Castle, collected all the bits of armor, and… and…” Celestia said trying her best to take a sip of tea. “And now she’s back in in that hospital room!” Luna said still pacing. “B-but why would she be in Mother’s Regalia. Mother would never put that on anyone unless… Tia you don’t think…” Luna said turning to her. “No, mother was far too powerful for that. There… may be another reason.” Celestia said finally calmed enough to look to her sister in shocked realization. “What reason Tia?” Luna asked trotting up to her. “I… I think mother might have sent her…for redemption but under her protection and control.” Celestia said looking into her cup of now ice cold tea. Luna’s jaw dropped at this. “You… you can’t be serious!” “She is not Luna.” A voice said from behind them. Both jumped and looked behind them to see the smiling face of… “M-mother?” both asked shocked. “Hello girls. I’ve missed you.” Queen Faust said in her spirit form. “Momma!” Luna said soon followed by Celestia hugging onto the now solidified Queen. “Shh, it’s alright girls. I’m here, I’m always here.” Queen Faust said hugging them her voice still sounding like a distant echo. “Why… why are you here? We thought…” Celestia said pulling away from her mother. “I could sense both of your distress, about Nightmare. Yes Luna I know. I may be with the other gods now but I still watch over all of you." Queen Faust said looking to them. Luna looked down at this till Queen Faust raised her head to look her in the eye. “I am not angry Luna, just a little disappointed. And Celestia please stop blaming yourself for her banishment. You did everything in your power to save her and that was all you could do. Yet this is not why I am here.” Both Luna and Celestia looked to each other at this. “Y-you’re not?” Luna asked nervously. Queen Faust smiled sweetly as she soon gestured for someone to come out from behind her. Holding her head low trotted out Nightmare Moon in Queen Faust’s Regalia. “YOU,” Luna yelled lunging at her as Celestia held her back, “I HAD THOUGHT I HAD BEEN RID OF YOU, YOU MONSTER! I THOUGHT THE ELEMENTS HAD SENT YOU TO THE GATES OF TARTARUS BY NOW AND YOU’D BE FACING JUDGEMENT BY THE DEATH GOD HIMSELF!” Queen Faust soon stepped between them frowning. “Luna Equestria! I know I’ve raised you better than this! You are lucky I had casted a sleep and silence spell on the mares and dragon upstairs before you started using the Canterlot Royal Voice!” Luna soon gulped at this and stood down. “Also I would expect better from you for speaking to your half-sister as you had just done.” Queen Faust said causing both princesses to gasp. “Half-sister?” both asked at the same time. “Yes. Even though she is formed from the anger you held with-in you Luna she is also born form the same element that hold your moon and stars. Darkness and as you both know, Light cannot and must not exist without Darkness. In her end she called for me and I had saved her from Tartarus’ grip and brought her to the realm I am in now. I’ve given her a deal she has already accepted.” Queen Faust explain as Nightmare looked to the three foal names they were going over now. “What deal mother, and you cannot trust her, she wishes for…” Celestia said before Queen Faust finished for her. “Eternal Darkness, yes I know. Allow me to explain. Thanks to the evil that filled Nightmare’s heart, she had become more spirit than Pony. She and Luna were so separate that the Elements had no choice but to separate her from you Luna but since she was not a Pony like you Luna…” Queen Faust said letting Luna finish for her. “She… She could not exist. You… you mean she’s really…” Luna said scared. “No, no, my foal,” Queen Faust said holding her gently. “She is not dead, only in need of a new life which I’ve granted. She’s now gained a new chance at life with a proper family who will love her and raise her well.” Both Luna and Celstia looked to each other once again confused. “Mother, we… we do not understand. What do you mean a new life?” “Celestia, when fighting the Elements Nightmare had cast a spell I had taught Luna so when she could find a mate she could have a foal of her own.” Queen Faust explained looking over the library. “So you’re going to make her a foal?” Luna asked not following. “No. She already is. She’ll be the foal to somepony very special.” Queen Faust replied smiling before stopping her glace at the door to Twilight’s room. “I’ve already selected someone to be her new mother.” Queen Faust said smiling. “Who have you…” Celestia started to ask before she gasped causing Luna to freak. “Wait, are you saying she’s to be the foal to…” Queen Faust nodded at this. “The Powerful Spirit of Magic, yes; are you also displeased by this?” “Of course I’m displeased by this!” Luna said angrily. “She is the reason I spent over a thousand years alone on the moon. She is the reason I had attacked my own sister and sent her into her own sun. She is the reason the ponies in Canterlot believed I was a monster and some still believe I still am!” Queen Faust sighed at this and looked to Nightmare who looked to all of them with her head down. "Maybe I should explain how she feels about this as well. You see Nightmare believes that it is ponies like the Spirit of Magic that pushed her to place Celestia in the sun and blanket Equestria in permanent darkness. She believed that she was defending her beautiful Night! She also fears that the moment she is born that you Celestia will send her back to the moon. This is not my wish.” Queen Faust said going to Nightmare and nuzzled her head up lovingly. “It’s not?” Luna asked confused. “No my dear Luna, this is not my wish as forever night was never hers.” Queen Faust said sitting in front of her. “Are you sure Mother?” Celestia asked worried. “Yes. In the past she believed that not one pony cared for Luna and Nightmare’s beautiful night. That nopony cared not for the work both of you put into creating the night sky.” Queen Faust said gaining a scoff from both Luna and Nightmare. “Mother no offene but you cannot be serious.” Luna said looking to Nightmare. “Really Luna? How so?” Queen Faust said hoping Nightmare was listening. “The ponies of the past, yes, did not play or worked during the night but it did allow ponies to have pleasant dreams and restful nights so they could continue on the next day. Also as I read in the history books many ponies even began using my night sky to travel and even began watching the night sky for warnings and other suck things such as when to plant the right crops, when prepare for bad weather, and much, much more. It took time but ponies all over began to love the night. Also she has no say on my night sky. It belong to me and me alone.” Luna explained hotly. “Hmm,” Queen Faust brought a hoof to her chin and looked both Nightmare and Luna over, “Luna, tell me if you removed the darkness from the sky would ponies be able to see your stars?” Luna blinked at this question but soon shook her head. “No because there wouldn’t be… any… way… to...” Luna soon stopped understanding her mother’s point. “Luna you need the Darkness to make your night sky and Nightmare needs your Moon and Stars to help balance out her darkness. Both of you equally share the night sky.” Queen Faust said smiling. “But we are straying from the subject at hoof. I’ve granted Nightmare the ability to be a spirit on Equestria so she can see how the ponies here feel about the night sky you both worked hard on. If she can prove to me that the ponies of Equestria don’t love the night then I will place her spirit into a more appropriate family. I’ve given her till the time of birth to prove this to me and accepted. I’ve also granted her Regalia that will allow those with Soul Sight to see her as a visitor by my authority and nothing more. Neither of you will attack her also if asked I hope you both will aid her in her quest, however she cannot ask them to aid in harming others. She can only travel away from The Spirit of Magic when she sleeps or when it is nightfall. Once The Spirit of Magic wakes or when the sun rises she will return to me to rest and also report her findings to me. Now, I do wih I could stay longer but I must return to the Realm of the Gods. Remember girls I will always be watching over you. And be good you two.” She said looking to Luna and Nightmare before waving and fading away. Both princesses sighed at this and soon looked to Nightmare who was once again looking to the Foal names on the chalk board. “So… this is what she wishes to name me?” Nightmare asked tilting her head. “Who came up with Aura Spectrum?” Luna scoffed at this and went over to her. “This is not your concern, Foal.” Celestia soon came up to Luna. “Luna.” Luna scoffed and turned away from her. “That name was Rainbow Dash’s idea but it was altered to Aura Nightfall. Luna came up with Nightfall.” Celestia explained gaining a shocked look from Luna. “Tia, how could you!” Luna asked angered. “Luna you heard mother.” Celestia replied looking to her “We’re to help her when asked. She asked and I helped. You do not wish to displease mother now do you?” Luna opened her mouth to reply but sighed. “No Tia. Very well I will help her but only if I wish to help her.” Celestia nodded to this. “I believe that is good enough. Now Nightmare how may I assist you this first night?” Nightmare raised an eyebrow at this but paid it no mind. “As mother stated I would like to see proof that ponies enjoy the night and that this will be a family I would like to be a part of. So far I do not believe so since Luna will be one of my mothers and she already dislikes me.” Celestia frowned at this. “True but give Luna time. The two of you do have a bad history if you do not recall.” Nightmare nods at this. “Yes. Well I have seen the names and though all are… fine, I am unsure if I could even stand being called them as I grow. Also I do not even know how I will look other than what I’ve seen in the hospital room.” Celestia nodded to this looking to the names. “We will come to your name in time. Sadly the sonogram spell cannot show colors at this time. However later on in you’re foaling we could possibly see your colorations and choose then.” Nightmare’s eyes widened at this. “Magic has advanced that far?” “Far more than you think Nightmare. Now, as for your request of proof… I know of a place that we can go for this proof.” Celestia said smiling. Nightmare gulped at this worried. *** Applejack just paced in the barn as she thought over what she was going to talk to her Granny about. “O-okay, no need ta worry non. I-it’s just Granny. S-she’ll hear you out. S-she’s not that mean. N-no, she wouldn’t even think o-of tossing me out. B-Big Mac would step in a-and Apple Bloom would too. Right?” she said to herself finally stopping as she thought this all over. “Granny I… I got to tell you something real important. Just hear me out now. I… I like mares.” Thought Applejack said pulling out the open Care Center letter and showing it to Thought Granny Smith. “You a filly-fooler girl?! I know I raised you better than this! I ain’t having no fooler in this house. Go on you, git!” Thought Granny yelled as she looked the letter over. “B-but Granny!” Thought Applejack said before Thought Big Mac stepped in front of her. “Mac what you think you doing! Get away from that there fooler!” Thought Granny Smith ordered. “N…Nope.” Thought Big Mac said staring her down. “Why you tossing Applejack out Granny, don’t ya love her?” Thought Apple Bloom said to Thought Granny from under Thought Big Mac’s legs. “Girl that ain’t no sister of yours. That’s a fillyfoller and if you know anybetter you’d both be getting over here right now.” Thought Granny said sternly. “No! Applejack didn’t do anything wrong!” Thought Apple Bloom yelled causing Thought Granny to grab her chest and fall over. “Granny!” Thought Applejack yelled going over to her with Thought Big Mac who placed a hoof next to Thought Granny’s neck and shook his head. “Dead.” The thought kept going through her head in an echo. Dead, dead, dead… she soon shook her head with tears running down her eyes. She… she didn’t want that. She loved Granny Smith and she never want to see her hurt or even worse. She… she… “Child, why are you out here so late?” Applejack froze at the voice. “J-just thinking alone Granny.” Applejack half lied. “Child you know full well I can tell when you’re upset about something.” Granny Smith said going over to a hay bale sitting down and tapping it with a knurled old hoof. “Come on now, have a seat and tell old granny what’s on your mind.” Applejack didn’t want to but… well no one argued with Granny Smith and won. She went over and sat down on the bale sighing. “Come now child. What’s wrong?” Granny said smiling. Gulping Applejack reached under her hat and pulled out the Care Center letter and gently and carefully hoofed it over to her. Granny pulled her glasses out and slowly read the letter inside. “That friend of yours is going to have a foal. Well tell her I said congratulations. Is this why you’re so upset, that you’re not the foal’s Ma as well?” Granny said pointing to the letter. Applejack didn’t respond. She just stared at the ground till she felt a gentle old hoof raise her chin up and bring her eyes to eye level with her Granny. “What's the matter child?” Applejack just stared deep into those wise old eyes of the mare before her. Eyes which had watched her, Big Mac, and Apple Bloom from the time they were all little. Eyes she couldn't bear to see look at her with scorn, hate, and distaste. Applejack had tried to plan everything out – to tell Granny Smith everything that happened calmly and plainly to the point where Granny wouldn't be able to find any fault in Applejack’s choice of mate. She wanted that but in her heart Applejack was an honest mare, and when push came to shove, Applejack could only do little more than be absolutely honest with herself, she cried. “Graaaaaaannyyyyy!” she wailed, tears gushing out her eyes causing her to drop to her belly on the hay bale causing Granny Smith to gently scoot over and embrace her in a loving hug. “Aw you hush now,” Granny said gently, “you hush and you tell your old Granny Smith just what's troubling you.” After a few sniffled Applejack looked up the age old mare and cried more. “I-I have something to t-tell you.” Applejack sobbed out, “but if I do, y-you're gonna disown meeeee.” This shocked the old mare. “Oh Celly,” Granny Smith said, rolling her eyes, “you're a fooler, ain'tcha?” Applejack tried her best not to scream in frustration, but it only came out as another, slightly louder wail. At this Granny didn’t push her away but held her tighter. “Now, now,” Granny said, “I always kinda suspected as much, and between you and your shy brother I almost gave up on having any great-grand-kids a long time ago. I know all about them adoption places.” It was at this Applejack looked up at her. “W-what,” Applejack gasped out, “you, w-wanted great-grand-kids Granny?” Granny Smith patted her hoof and smiled. “Well, sure, but I won't get terribly fussed about it. I.... oh!” Granny Smith drew back a little so she could look Applejack in the eye smiling holding up the letter. “So that's what it was. You're not a fooler– you're pregnant.” Applejack shook her head with a sigh. “I'm not pregnant Granny and… I’m not sure what I am,” she said, her crying gradually dissolving into a perpetual sniffling. “Listen, I'm going to tell you what happened and… and it's really complicated, so you need to promise to listen real carefully, okay?” Granny Smith smiled at this and nodded. “Of course,” Granny said. “I'm sorry thought, I got a little ahead of myself. Tell me what happened.” Applejack took a deep breath and began to tell the story of how they had been called to the Care Center and how they had all been told that one of them could be the other foal’s Ma and that they all would be informed of the results and that those where the results and how she felt after reading them and how her interests turned towards her friends. All the while Granny Smith listened quietly, not making so much as a peep until Applejack had finished. “...And that's what happened,” she concluded, looking up hesitantly to gauge her family matriarch’s reaction. “So basically...” Granny Smith said, stroking her chin, “thanks to this this letter you became upset because you wanted to become a mother?” Applejack laid down on her Granny’s front legs and leaned into her chest sighing. “Er... yep.” Applejack replied with a sniffle. “That's it in a nutshell.” There was soon silence for a long moment till Granny Smith finally spoke up. “Well shoot! That ain't much of a problem at all!” the old mare said, chuckling. “It...It ain't?” Applejack asked, eyes widening in surprise. “Nope,” Granny said, shaking her head, “however I should warn ya, it's tough work raising a foal on your own, you'll need financial support and an extra set of hooves if you want an easy time of it.” Applejack just couldn’t believe it. All this was going pretty well, a little too well. “Granny,” she said softly. “Hmm?” Granny Smith replied looking down at her. “This... wasn't how I expected this to go at all.” Granny Smith gave a chuckle before she spoke. “Well I wouldn't have expected this to happen either, but you know the old family saying, ‘when life gives you lemons, you sell 'em and buy apples’.” This gain a smile from Applejack but she soon turned serious. “No, I mean, your reaction,” Applejack fully clarified. “What happened to all the times you'd threatened to disown me?” Granny Smith sighed at this. “Oh Celly!” she said with a light laugh, “So that's why you were so doggoned nervous. I'm sorry for troubling you child,” Granny said, frowning, “I was just trying to scare you straight was all. Make sure you didn't go off and make some darn fool decision lightly like your Ma and Pa did.” “I see...” Applejack said, tears beginning to well up in her eyes once more as she pulled her Granny into a hug. “I'm sorry for doubting you Granny, I love you.” Granny Smith smiled at this. “I love you too, Applejack,” the old mare answered, squeezing her granddaughter tightly in her hooves. “Just you remember Applejack love don't know no boundaries.” Granny replied with a grin. “No offense Granny but ponies of your generation ain't supposed to think that way, between this,” she said pointing to the letter, “and the whole 'not disowning me' thing, I'd swear that you ain't really the same lady that raised me.” Granny Smith pulled back at this. “I told you,” Granny replied, turning a little cross. “I was being all tough on you and your brother and sister because I didn't want you to end up raising a foal all by yourself.” Applejack looked her right in the eye after this. “But you were so serious Granny,” Applejack protested worriedly, “was it really necessary to go that far?” At this Granny Smith sighed and returned to hugging her granddaughter. “It was for me Applejack,” she said, looking Applejack straight in the eye with a sad look on her face. “There ain't no need for any of my children, or grandchildren, or even great grandchildren if I get them to go through what I did after your Grandpa left us.” Granny's words hit Applejack like a train, as she could do nothing but stare at her granny in pure shock. The two remained silent for what seemed like an eternity till Applejack just sighed and nuzzled her. “Applejack, even if you ain't her foal’s other Ma, that filly’s a nice catch.” Granny said with a smile, “she's a good friend to have around, I can see that.” Applejack sighed and smiled at this. “Yeah, she is.” Granny Smith nodded at this till she spoke again. “Now about your issue of liking other mares…” Applejack just groaned at this knowing it was going to be a long night. *** Nightmare’s jaw hung slack at the sight before her. Ponies of every kind was out and about having dinner, going out on dates, or as she was seeing now, partying out in the streets to something called Dub Step by a pony by the name of DJ-Pon3. This… this wasn’t possible. “Celestia what is going on? I thought you brought me here to prove to me that ponies love Luna and I’s night.” Nightmare said next to her in shock. “Oh but I am Nightmare,” Celestia said in a low voice so only Nightmare could hear and pointed out a group of ponies with a light nod of her head, “there are some families and lovers spending this lovely night out in the open, there’s DJ-Pon3, a DJ or musician of our time, doing what she loves most and only at night. Entertain ponies with her music and look at all the ponies dancing and socializing under the stars. How can you say that no pony loves you or Luna’s work?” Nightmare just… stared. She couldn’t believe what Celestia was telling her. This happened EVERY night? “Would you like to see more proof?” Celestia asked gently smiling. “Y-yes, show me more before you bring the dawn.” Nightmare said looking around carefully. With a nod Celestia led her into the sky and towards Canterlot. For a pair of Alicorns a flight like this was nothing, especially when one was a spirit. As they flew Nightmare took note to many ponies camping out, or doing nightly work, some even just enjoying the sight of the stars. In an hour Nightmare and Celestia landed before a large domed building with a large telescope out of it. “What is this you’ve brought me to?” Nightmare asked amazed. “This is called an observatory. It allows ponies to search the sky each night and enjoy what they see and even use what they see to help those still relying on the old ways to plant crops.” Celestia explained allowing Nightmare to ghost trot into the observatory to see more of it. Inside she saw ponies making notes of star positions and speaking of different constellations being out and how some even looked brighter from time to time. One even mentioned how he loved how the Northern Star, the very first star ever placed in the night sky, looked tonight. It was the very first star fashioned by Luna, which was not easy. Specially crafted diamonds had to be fashioned and enchanted with a glow spell while being inserted into a solid ball of silver which was specially mined by Earth ponies, smelted by Unicorns, and specially crafted by Pegasus hooves, to a glossy finish. Slowly ghost walking out of the observatory she looked to Celestia in not only shock but tears. “Nightmare is there something wrong?” Celestia asked concerned. “They… they praised the North Star. They… said it was beautiful.” Nightmare replied crying. Celestia went over and gently hugged the spirit of darkness. “It is Nightmare. You and Luna’s best work and they are right. It is quite beautiful to look to.” Nightmare only cried as she began reliezing after a thousand years, ponies didn’t just like Luna and her night sky… they loved it. *** Luna paced as she waited for her sister and their… guest. To help that… that… mare! Luna growled to herself and eeped as a flash of light nearly blinded her as Celestia and Nightmare returned. “I do apologize for that you two but it was the only way I can travel quickly.” Celestia said gently guiding Nightmare to a couch. “Tia why are you still… is… is she crying?” Luna said shocked at what she was now hearing. “Yes. Give her time Lulu as she would like to say something very important to you.” Celestia said smoothing Nightmare’s ethereal mane. Luna just sat and watched as Nightmare cried for a full hour before she came to the point of mere sniffles. “I think she’s ready to talk Tia.” Luna said gently. Celestia nodded as she moved to Nightmare’s side for support. “Take your time Nightmare.” Nightmare nodded before she looked to Luna. “Luna… Luna there are no words I can express to say how sorry I am to have caused our… no… your banishment to the moon. Tonight… tonight I was proven wrong and… have seen the truth.” Nightmare said lowering her head. “Tonight… I heard the greatest praise I have ever heard. The Northern Star, the first star… ponies. Ponies love the Northern Star! They love it! They love our work, our night sky! They play and frolic in not just day but the night as well! Lovers go to spend special nights with one another, family got to dine and spend time with each other under our night sky, they even just lay on the grass to look up at our beautiful stars! I… I…” Nightmare couldn’t say anymore as she soon broke into tears once again. Tears… of joy. Luna was shocked at of this. She already knew all of this but… for Nightmare it was like waking from a dream for the first time. It was till she finally heard over and over again, “I’m sorry Luna, I’m so, so, sorry.” Luna finally trotted up the spirit of darkness… and hugged her. “I-I forgive you Nightmare. I, no, we were blinded by our jealousy. Please. No more tears.” Nightmare looked up to Luna and hugged her again. “Thank you… Luna. Thank you… sister.” Luna just kept her hug at this till Celestia coughed and allowed to two to pull away from each other. “So… is there anything else you wish help with Nightmare?” Celestia asked. “Please Tia. Allow me to help her now.” Luna said stepping forward. “Are you sure Lulu?” Celestia asked gently. “Yes. Though we may have our differences I do feel she has… begun to have a change of heart. And this is fine with me.” Luna said giving a small smile to Nightmare who returned it with a small smile in return. “Very well, if you do not mine I wish to gain some rest before the sun it to be lifted, good night you two.” Celestia said before laying down on the laid out pallet to sleep. Once Celestia was asleep Luna guided Nightmare out onto the library’s Terrence and looked out to the village. “So, sister, could you tell me of my… possible mother?” Nightmare asked sitting next to her. “I can only tell you so much.” Luna replied sighing. “Please, anything will do.” Nightmare said leaning into her ‘sister’. With a sigh she gave Nightmare a small smile and a light nuzzle before she spoke. “Your possible mother’s name is Twilight Sparkle. She is the one who… leads the Elements.” Nightmare nodded to this. “She is the Element of Magic, correct? She is… powerful.” Luna nodded to this as she brought her hooves up to the railing and placed her head on them. “That and far more.” She said with nothing but love. “You like her?” Nightmare asked looking to Luna. “Neigh, Moon?” She said in a way to show she wanted permission to call her this which she gained a smiled nod at. “I do not like her Moon, I love her. She and Rainbow, she and I are your other possible parents.” Nightmare thought on this and nodded. “Tell me about them, please sister?” Luna sighed at this but smiled. “Where do I start?” Nightmare smiled back and nuzzled her ‘sister’ and possible other mother. “Where ever you wish.” Luna nodded at this and began with what she knew of Rainbow Dash the Element of Loyalty. From time to time Nightmare would ask for some other detail that she was curious about or wanted to know more of. For the whole night the two talked and though they would argue from time to time they did make up and kept going to the point they were now enjoying their time together. “You’re kidding; the pink one is that hyper?” Nightmare asked laughing. “Yes,” Luna said smiling, “During the Grand Galloping Gala she had tried to get everyone to do the Pony Pokey. She even requested the song personally to sing to. Tia said I should have been there to see it.” Both soon broke into such a heartfelt laughter they didn’t hear Celestia come through the Terrence doors and onto the Terrence. “I’m glad you’re getting along now.” Celestia said gaining a shocked look towards her. “Tia we didn’t hear.” Nightmare said fondly. “Tia?” Celestia asked confused. “You do not like me calling you this?” Nightmare asked worried. “No, no, I’m just surprise that you’re now wishing to call me this now.” Celestia said kindly. “Oh.” Nightmare said blushing enough to make her dark coat look purple. “Also I’m surprised it only took you one night to begin acting as family.” Celestia added looking to Luna. “Yes well it seems Moon and I are more similar than we thought Tia.” Luna said gesturing to Nightmare. “Oh, how so Lulu? Also Moon?” Celestia asked curious. “My new nickname Tia,” Nightmare said smiling, “at least for now.” Celestia nodded at this and looked to Luna. “Well Tia, we both have a love for trickery, the night sky of course, and is seems she also likes the same kind of Music I do now.” Luna replied smiling. “She… does?” Celestia asked in shock. “Yes, I find this, DJ-PON3, to be very good and her music enticing. This… Dub Step is much different than the music of our age but unlike Beethooven it has this… excitement that just makes me feel… alive.” Nightmare explained smiling. “Well I am glad you like her music and that you are both getting along. Yet it saddens me now to inform you that…” Celestia said sighing. “You must raise the sun. It is fine Tia, we can talk more tonight and I have some things to speak to Mother about. Maybe tomorrow you can tell me more about my possible family?” Nightmare asked smiling. “Of course, till tonight Moon.” Celestia said happily. “Till tonight, oh yes, I like the three names given and I hope to one day see Rainbow perform a Sonic Rainboom. For years I thought it was a myth and would very much love to see one.” Nightmare said smiling. “You will one day Moon. Good morning to you.” Celestia said nuzziling her ‘sister’. “Good morning sister. Till tonight.” Nightmare said as she faded from sight as the sun rose. “So Lulu, is she truly changing?” Celestia asked smiling. “She is Tia, slowly but surely.” Luna said smiling fondly at her sister’s sun. “I’m glad to hear it.” Celestia said as the sun slowly rose upon a new day. To be continued > Chapter 6: Three Months Ago (or a long awaited adoption) Rewrite > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 6: Three Months Ago (or a long awaited adoption)         It had been a full month since Luna, Celestia, Twilight, and Rainbow Dash had been with the girls. Applejack had been spending much of her time with her grandmother talking about private things, Pinkie Pie was setting up a bedroom for the soon to arrive Cake foals, Rarity and Fluttershy had been… elusive as of late, and they themselves have been busy with their own lives. Yet today was actually very different for the group. Today was a planned day to get together and have fun, for in a week things would become exciting for everypony; for it would be Mother’s day and for all but one of the girls it would the happiest days ever.         “So what are your plans with your family Twilight?” Rarity asked, sitting next to Fluttershy as they sipped their tea. They had reserved the entire party room of Sugar Cube Corner with complete instructions from Princess Celestia that she and her sister were to be treated like normal ponies while they were there. This meant no waiting on them hoof and flank, no bowing, or any overly elaborate party where there wasn’t very much fun. Pinkie was asked to plan out the party since the group wanted one and they wanted to be able to treat themselves if they wanted. The Cakes didn’t like this, but when Pinkie suggested a food bar and pitcher refills they complied to it so the Princesses could tend to themselves and the Cakes could still feel they were keeping their royal company happy.         “Well I hate to surprise mom and dad like this but… they have to know since she is going to be their grand foal,”Twilight replied, looking to her swollen belly.         “I have yet to meet your parents, Twilight. What are they like?” Luna asked, curious.         “Well, let’s see, Mom works at the local book store on Main Street, the Golden Cover, and Dad’s the chief for the local paper The Daily Trot. You’ll love them,” Twilight said smiling.         “Wait, your father is the chief of The Daily Trot? The most famous newspaper in all of Canterlot?” Rarity asked ,shocked.         “Well, yeah, Dad’s worked there ever since I could remember, he got the job of Chief right after I became Celestia’s favored student,” Twilight replied.         “That’s quite a feat Twilight,” Luna said surprised.         “Yeah but he loves it, anyway I plan on introducing them to you two,” she said gesturing to Luna and Rainbow, “and tell them about our little filly. What about all of you?”         “I’ll be spending it with Sweetie, my mother and father. I just wish they would come in sensible wear this time. I love them dearly but honestly my father can be quite embarrassing at times. He’s the coach for the Fillydelphia Hoofball team and mother runs a line of Restaurants all over Equestria called The Feed Bag. I do wish she had given it a much better name but at least she agreed with my ideas on the first menu. I was a foal then though,” Rarity replied smiling.         “Um well… I… only have my mother coming. Dad doesn’t like crowds.” Fluttershy said hiding behind her hair.         “What do they do?” Luna asked curiously.         “I believe Fluttershy’s mother is on your part of the guards Luna,” Celestia said smiling from her tea cup.         “Really sister, I would have remembered a yellow and pink mane pegasus on my squad, though I do remember one with a lovely light purple mane. It’s about the same shade as your pink stripe Twilight, now that I think about it,” Luna said thinking.         “T-that’s her. N-nightingale,” Fluttershy said shyly.         “Commander Song is your mother?!” Luna said in shock.         “Y-yes,” Fluttershy said hiding behind her hair, “she’s my mother.” Rarity looked between her love and the Princess and gulped silently.         “So… what is she like?” Rarity asked gently.         “Commander Song leads my Luna Guards in such a way I fully respect her. Even as a Princess. Also… she’s very motherly. When off duty of course. She often comes by to make sure I am well, but since I’ve not been to the castle in some time I am guessing she’s quite worried about me,” Luna said fondly.         “She did ask about you the last time I saw her Luna, she hopes you’ll return to the castle soon. However I did tell her that you’ve be here for the Mother’s Day Celebration,” Celestia said smiling.         “Oh dear, I had better be sure she knows I’m safe then,” Luna said, quickly summoning a scroll and quill. Everyone giggled at this.         “What about you Applejack?” Celestia asked as Luna worked on her letter.         “Ah’m gonna be with mah family the whole day. We’re… still talking on things,” Applejack said, blushing lightly enough no one noticed.         “What things?” Twilight asked, curious.         “P-private stuff, that’s it.” Applejack replied, quickly taking a bite out of her daisy and daffodil sandwich.         “Oh okay. What about you Rainbow? You’ve been pretty quiet about all of this,” Twilight said turning to her co-parent for her foal.         “Huh? Oh um, what was the question?” Rainbow asked, embarrassed.         “Oh Rainbow…,” Twilight said gaining a giggle from everyone. ***         Rainbow waited patiently outside the doctor’s office waiting on the news he said he had. A few hours ago Derpy had gotten to her while on cloud duty and told her that Dr. First-aid wanted to see her as soon as possible. Like normal Rainbow Dash got her end of the job done in ten seconds flat and flew off towards the Care Center, only stopping long enough to thank Derpy and hoped the surgery had gone well. For the past five minutes she waited till…         “Miss Dash? I wasn’t expecting you so soon,” Dr. First-aid said from his doorway letting two old friends of Twilight trot out.         “Oh hey Rainbow, how’s it going?” Lyra Heartstrings asked trotting out with a very happy looking Bonbon.         “I’m fine. Just… getting some help from the doc,” Rainbow said carefully.         “About?” Lyra asked curious.         “It’s private. Sorry Lyra,” Rainbow responded lowering her head.         “Oh, okay. Don’t worry we won’t press. Hey is Twilight home? We got some news we’d like to tell her and to see how she’s coming along with her foal,” Bonbon said beside her life mate. The two had gotten married last month in private and was given full blessings by both princesses. Celestia held the wedding for them in her castle. It was very beautiful.         “Yeah she’s home. So what kind of news you want to tell her?” Rainbow replied then asked.         Bonbon just smiled as she nuzzled close to Lyra. “We’re going to have a foal of our own.” Lyra blushed.         “Oh wow, congrats you two,” Rainbow said happy for them.         “Thank you. Well we better be on our way. Nice talking to you Rainbow,” Lyra said as they trotted out and Dr. First-aid guided Rainbow in to his office.         “So… what did you find doc?” Rainbow asked excited.         “Well… it’s not much but I wanted to ask you a few questions before I told you this,” The doctor replied sitting behind his desk.         “Okay… well ask away,” Rainbow said looking to him.         The doctor nodded as he pulled out a clipboard and quill out. “Now don’t take any offense to any of these questions please. They’re important for us to help you.” Rainbow nodded at this as the doctor sighed grateful. “First off, do you remember anything about your past other than your life at the Home?” The doctor asked gaining a head shake from Rainbow. “What about after?”         Rainbow tapped her chin at this. “Well… I remember Flight School and my two best friends if that what you’re asking.”         The doctor nodded at this. “Who are these friends and if you have their addresses that would help as well.”         Rainbow nodded at this. “Well one is Fluttershy; she lives in the cottage outside Ponyville past Sweet Apple Acres. The other I’ve kind of lost contact with after an issue.”         The doctor looked up from his notes and tilted his head. “What do you mean?” Rainbow sighed as she told the doctor about her old friend Gilda.         “I see. I’m sorry about that. I’ll see what I can do about tracking her down and getting information from her, now what year were you in at your flight school?”         Rainbow thought on this. Flight School kept its students until they either gained their cutie marks or could gain jobs. For Rainbow and Fluttershy, it was after they had gained their cutie marks. The school was just bad no matter what. The teachers were quite bad and there wasn’t anyone to take care of the bullying. It was just… bad. “Well I was… twelve when I got my cutie mark and left the school so it was… nine hundred and ninety four.”         The doctor wrote this down and thought. “Is your mane color natural?” Rainbow instantly stood up at this. “I mean no offense. It’s to help you remember?” Dr. First-aid said quickly.         Rainbow sighed at this. “Yes it is. I’ve been asked that since I was a foal and I was even made fun of because of it.”         The doctor nodded at this. “Some schools are like this. And I believe it looks good on you.”         Rainbow rolled her eyes at this. “Yeah, thanks. So anything else doc or are you going to tell me why I’m here?”         Dr. First-aid looked up to Rainbow and sighed. “Just two more and we’re done. Now where you ever adopted after Flight School?”         Rainbow sighed at this. “No I wasn’t. I usually stayed at Fluttershy’s place while growing up so… I was kind of on my own since I left the school.”         The doctor wrote this down nodding. “Any other adult ponies other than your friend Fluttershy’s you stayed with or had contact with?”         Rainbow thought on this and nodded. “Yeah, when I was getting the interview for Ponyville’s weather team, he’s… Mr. Storm Wind. He’s the head of the Rainbow Factory and Weather Teams for Equestria. Once I got the interview done he asked if I had a place of my own or not. He was… kind of a pop for me while I stayed with him. Actually we shared a cloud apartment till I was able to get the bits to build my own cloud home.”         The doctor wrote this down. “I see. Just out of curiosity, did you call him your father when you were with him?”         Rainbow blushed and looked away at this but nodded. “Not really father but… I… do call him Dad once in a while. Since he calls me Dash or his little girl, his baby girl, or just his girl at times, and well… we really do get along like family at times but there are times we got to remind each other we’re not. It hurts when we do though.” Dr. First-aid nodded to this and wrote it down. “So…,” Rainbow said in an asking tone.         “Well let’s start from the top shall we?” Dr. First-aid said opening a folder. “We checked all over Cloudsdale for anyone that may remember you as a foal. A good number of them did actually but when we asked them for details we came up with only four pegasi that knew you as a foal. We questioned them and we got some very good leads which led us to two dead ends and two solid leads. The two dead ends led us to addresses they said you were living at times. From what you’ve told me, those two addresses led to your ‘father figure’ Mr. Storms, and your friend Fluttershy’s home. We’ve already talked to them about you and asked them that they keep that private. The other two led us to a mare who was said to have been a worker at the Home. The other led to a hospital where it is believed you may have been born at. We’re not sure of these leads as of yet but it’s a solid clue. Now about your mane color, the reason I asked if it was natural was to verify a possible match to your birth mother. We believe your mane color may be genetic as in it runs in your family. We think we may have a match but we’re not sure till we do a DNA test and check the medical records and see what this other lead says.”         This news really made Rainbow smile. “Seriously, you mean I might be with my birth family?”         Dr. First-aid smiled at this. “If our leads lead us right, then yes you will.”         Rainbow flew up into the air and hugged the doctor over his desk. “Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!” Dr. First-aid said nothing as he patted her on the back smiling. ***         On the other side of town Scootaloo sighed as she sat on the swing of the schoolyard alone yet again. It sadly was another one of the days she really hated, a day she had to go back “there”. She hated it “there” but since she had nowhere else to go other than to the church she liked, she just wished the day would end faster and become tomorrow. Normally she’d be on a crusade with her friends but… they had other things to do and no one was going have a sleep over this time.         Ever since she was a foal she had hated being “there”. It was always crowded, the others would pick on her because of her wings, and each time the day everyone is super happy to come around… she’s left behind because of her wings. And just what exactly was “there”? “There” was simply the orphanage outside of town, the only orphanage Ponyville ever had outside of town actually.         Ever since the orphanage up in Cloudsdale was shut down,  she had started living “there” with all the other foals that weren’t adopted right off the moment word got out about the horrid place. At least it was better than the one in Cloudsdale… yeah right. Even thinking of the place gave her chills and now the day she often cried on was coming yet again, Mother’s Day.         It wasn’t that she disliked Mother’s Day no, it was always a day to have fun and be out and about with her friends and their families but… they weren’t her family. Sure she loved being at the Apple’s, Fluttershy’s and at Rarity’s homes for sleepovers and it was better filling and restful there… but it was just not her home. It was at this thought Scootaloo’s stomach growled and she just sighed even more.          Being an orphan meant you couldn’t get a real allowance or an actual meal, at least according to her. Today wasn’t that bad though; at lunch as Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom were more than willing to share some of their lunch with her since she claimed to have forgotten her’s at home, but… it still wasn’t enough to fill her little tummy.         Sighing and getting off the swing, Scootaloo looked out to where the orphanage was, as well as where the church was. Deciding that not having any lunch or money to buy food to even eat was good enough excuse not to return to the orphanage and head to her normal place of relaxation and rest, the church. Getting on her scooter and getting her helmet on Scootaloo got ready to head off when Ms. Cheerilee called out to her.         “Heading home now Scootaloo?” Ms. Cheerilee asked slowly trotting up to her.         “Yeah… okay not really.” Scootaloo said looking down to her scooter.         “I saw they didn’t give you any food today. I would have offered you something if your friends didn’t lend you some of theirs.” Ms. Cheerilee said placing a gentle hoof on her shoulder.         “Thank you.” Scootaloo said before she and her teacher noticed a rainbow streak in the air. “Maybe I could get some flight practice in before I head to the church.”         “The church again Scootaloo?” Ms. Cheerilee asked with concern. “Do you really hate the orphanage that much?” Scootaloo only nodded to this.  “Scootaloo, I’ll never know how hard it is for you to have to live there but it’s a safe place for you to be right now, especially after what happened in Cloudsdale.”         “Don’t say that place!” Scootaloo yelled unintentionally before zooming off on her scooter at top speed.         “Scootaloo, Scootaloo, come back!” Ms. Cheerilee called out before sighing. She hoped the poor little filly would have a better time with Rainbow Dash than she did here at the school… and that Rainbow would hopefully take her in for the night. ***         Flight practice was normally the one time Rainbow would enjoy with Scootaloo, especially now with the news about her parents but for some reason… today was just way too tense for Rainbow’s taste. “Okay Scootaloo let’s take a break.”         Scootaloo looked up to Rainbow from her spot where she had been buzzing her wings getting only a few inches off the ground and sighed in relief. “Okay Rainbow.” It was at this she fell into her stomach and relaxed.         “You’ve been kind of tense Scoots. Something you want to talk to me about?” Rainbow asked sitting down next to the worn out filly.         “Um… not really…,” Scootaloo said, trying to avoid the subject.         “Come on Scoots you can talk to me. What’s wrong?” Rainbow asked concerned.         “I don’t want to talk about it.” Scootaloo said before once again her tummy rumbled.         “Hey did you get enough to eat during lunch?” Rainbow asked even more concerned. Even at a young age fillies of all kinds needed something to eat to keep their energy up, especially pegasus fillies since they burned up more calories trying to fly.         “I almost didn’t have…” Scootaloo almost said before covering her mouth.         “You what!? Scootaloo, don’t tell me you didn’t have any lunch today!?”Rainbow exclaimed, heavily concerned as well as angry at the ones who didn’t give her favorite fan lunch.         “I… I just forgot to grab it on the way out, Apple Bloom and Sweetie shared theirs with me.” Scootaloo said quickly hoping to drop the conversation quickly.         “What did you eat?” Rainbow asked seriously.         “Um…” Scootaloo answered as Rainbow waited, “an apple and a tart?”         Rainbow’s eyes widened at that. “That was it? Scootaloo you need to eat more than just an apple and a tart, what were you thinking? That that would be enough to keep you up in the air, let alone keep you going for our flight practice?”         Scootaloo just looked away from Rainbow and muttered, “Hard to eat when they barely feed any of us at all.”         Thankfully Rainbow didn’t hear this but she still looked to the young filly. “Look Scoots, don’t get discouraged. I’m just worried about you.”         “Worried enough to maybe let me spend the night?” Scootaloo asked with hope in her heart.         “I don’t know Scoots, wouldn’t your parents get worried about you?” Rainbow answered causing Scootaloo to look down.         “I don’t think they would care.” Scootaloo said flatly.         “Of course they would care Scoots they’re your parents. I don’t know what going on but if I need to I’ll have a talk with them about this.” Rainbow said gaining a reaction from her fan.         “No! No I… I mean that’s not needed. Come on let’s practice more, I think I can get a little higher.” Scootaloo said nervously, her wings shaking.         “Scoots, is there something you’re not telling me?” Rainbow asked concerned.         “No, th-there’s nothing to tell.” Scootaloo said, her wings shaking even more.         “Scoots, come on you're starting to scare me. Don’t you want to see your mom?” Rainbow said before this got a severe reaction.         “I don’t have a mom so leave me alone!” Scoots suddenly yelled before scrambling over to her scooter and buzzing off.         “Hey Scoots wait… she… she doesn’t have a mom?” Rainbow asked turning from shock to concern. It was then she didn’t even realize where Scootaloo went and quickly took to the skies… still unable to see where the young filly had left to. ***         “And she just left me after saying she didn’t have a mom. I’m really worried about her guys and… and I don’t know where she would have gone. She looked really upset,” Rainbow said after she had gathered everyone at the tree library.         Rarity frowned at this and thought back to her last conversation she had with Sweetie Belle the moment she had returned home. “Well, let me think. I don’t remember Sweetie Belle saying anything about a Crusader expedition today, though she did tell me she had to share her lunch with Scootaloo since she didn’t bring her own today. Still Rainbow Dash dear, what exactly happened and why the sudden concern?”         Rainbow sighed at this. “Okay, I was flying around my usual spot for… practice when Scootaloo showed up. She was a bit early for her flight practice but she practically begged me to teach her so I agreed and we worked on her wing power more but she looked really tense for some reason so I tried talking to her and when we got to the conversation about what she ate for lunch she got like super defensive on me then when I bring up her mom she just lashed out at me and took off. I’m really worried for her guys.”         Rarity looked to everyone before she looked to Fluttershy, Applejack and Pinkie who frowned and nodded.  “Rainbow… Rainbow dear I’m sorry to tell you this but… our dear Scootaloo is an orphan.” This caused Rainbow’s jaw to drop. “Before you go off Rainbow let us explain. Yes, we all knew that Scootaloo was an orphan, she did stay the night with a few of us and well we just couldn’t keep this to ourselves for if any of the girls got hurt we could help them.” At this Rarity nodded to Twilight who frowned and used her magic as best she could to levitate an old newspaper over to them showing them the front page. Cloudsdale Home for Forgotten Foal shut down permanently!” Rainbow quickly picked the paper up looking at the main article heading before slowly bringing it down to the table then looked to the girls.         “For some time, she had been living at that place till it was shut down. Now she lives at the orphanage on the other side of town,” Rarity confessed, causing Rainbow to look at her friends in shock. “Please forgive us Rainbow; we should have been honest with you the moment she became your fan. Please forgive us,” Rarity said, nearing tears.         Rainbow looked back at the article before speaking. “W-when did you find out?” Rainbow asked, literally floored.         Rarity looked to the others and soon answered. “I found out some time ago,” Rarity replied sighing. “I was hired by the head of the orphanage here to make a dress for a filly that was being adopted. I was told the measurements and that it was to be delivered  on a certain date. Well, being as it was a home, when I finished I went to tell them personally that there was no charge for it. The moment I arrived, I spotted Scootaloo outside the home working on her scooter when a worker told her it was time to head inside. The head soon came after and before I could say anything he took the package, hoofed me a purse of bits and went inside. It was the rudest thing I ever saw.”         Rainbow soon turned to Pinkie who sighed as her hair went mildly flat. “I was asked to host a party for one of the foals since it was an adoption party but I was told to keep it small so I did. The head was really creepy…,” Pinkie said shivering, “I then saw her in the corner talking to the foal to be adopted before I was told to clean up the party and go. He was a real meany because he then took all the foals out of the room before I could even pass out the last of the party candy.”         It was then Fluttershy spoke up. “While Scootaloo was at my place I heard some crying up in the bed the girls were at and went to see what was wrong. I saw Scootaloo having a nightmare and tried to comfort her but she woke up and cried into me saying she didn’t want to go about to the orphanage. I tried to offer her another night at my cottage but she left before I could say anything.”         “Rainbow, way I found out wasn’t right and well ah want to apologize beforehoof,” Applejack said, taking her hat off. Rainbow looked to Applejack before she continued. “It was last apple bucking season when I caught Scootaloo stealing from one of the barrels. I told her that if I caught her again I’d be telling her ma about it. She went so white I thought she turned into a ghost. I got really concerned at that and well since I didn’t know where she lived I went to the only pony who might have known. She told me everything.”         It was at this Rarity spoke up. “We weren't aware that you didn't know and we did want to tell you but...”         Rainbow looked up at this sighing. “She made you all Pinkie Promise didn’t she?” All four of her friends nodded to this sadly with Fluttershy going up to Rainbow hugging her. “So… now what do we do, we still have to find her.”         Carefully Rarity spoke, “Rainbow, I don't think you're in any state to be useful at the moment. Why don’t you wait here with Luna and Twilight while we all go try and find her? It’ll give you some time to get your thoughts in order.”         Rainbow Dash looked up to her friend. “I don’t know Rarity, I mean should I be…”         Rarity held up a hoof and smiled warmly before shaking her head. “We'll make sure she's alright Rainbow, and you forget we have Princess Luna with us as well,” the elegant unicorn said before placing a hoof on her dear friend’s shoulder. “Don't worry, we will find her for you.”         Rainbow Dash smiled weakly at this surrendering. “Okay just… bring her back safe okay?” Everyone got up and wrapped Rainbow Dash up in a tight hug before they sat out. Pinkie left off for the school while Fluttershy went with Applejack to check the farm and Crusader clubhouse. As for Rarity, her path took her to a well-known graveyard and church.  One Scootaloo had been known to visit far too often to be comfortable. ***         Father Cross always did dislike days like these. Families would come and go to pay their respects to those who passed but they only did so on special holidays such as Family Appreciation Day, Hearth’s Warming Eve, Heart and Hooves Day, and now the upcoming Mother’s Day. It wasn’t these times that bother him. No, it was times when a young orange Pegasus filly came in to speak with him that he disliked. Ever since the poor foal could travel she had been coming to the graveyard to seek his aid and guidance and even his caring hoof when need. Today was a day his caring hoof was needed along with his shoulder. The poor filly came in crying her eyes out over something he was unable to understand but that did not matter at the time. What mattered was the shoulder she needed to cry into and the comforting words he could and would always provide.         Yet for now it was at that point he was serving the poor filly something sweet to drink and munch on to help cheer her up. “Thank you Father Cross,” Scootaloo said sadly munching away at her apple slices.         “Your quite welcome my dear. Now then, why don’t you tell me what’s gotten you so upset,” He asked kindly sitting down next to her.         “It’s… nothing…,” Scootaloo replied munching away at an apple slice slowly.         Father Cross chuckled lightly to this. “Oh yes, nothing can often drive us to cry like you did little one.”         Scootaloo just looked at him before sighing. “You’re right… Okay… I… I got mad at Rainbow Dash because she was... wasn't my mom.”         Father Cross opened his mouth and raised his head in understanding.  “Ah, I see now. Well, that was not a bad thing little one, however…”         Scootaloo got up and shook her head angrily. “I know, I KNOW! She not my mom! She… won’t ever be…”         Father Cross sighed and trotted over to the poor filly and sat beside her, placing a gentle hoof on her shoulder. “Who says she won’t, Scootaloo?” he said looking to her then to the sky, “The air, those clouds, or maybe those birds there, or maybe the land itself?” Scootaloo just sighed at this. “Scootaloo my dear, no one here has told you this. And I am certain that Rainbow Dash did not as well. Nothing is ever for certain in this world my dear. All we can do is pray and hope. Pray to Lady Faust and hope she graces you with her gentle presence and lead you to the path you seek. That is all she can do, that is all we can do, unless, we take what we have and let it grow,” Father Cross said, pointing out to his small garden. It was truly small as it only held two apple trees and a set of strawberry and blueberry bushes.         “Yeah… but… why is it that I can’t be adopted? Why can’t I have a family like all the others?” Scootaloo asked looking to him.         “I cannot say Scootaloo my dear. There are as many reasons out there as there are stars and trust me, ponies have been counting.” Father Cross said gaining a small giggle from the filly. “Now, I’ve already contacted your orphanage and informed them you were here. If you wish, you may stay the night like last time, but remember it does get chilly at nights and I only have one extra blanket to spare.”         Scootaloo looked to the ground smiling. “Thank you.”         Father Cross returned the smile. “Your quite welcome.” ***         “Now, if I remember correctly…,” Rarity said looking the place over, “this is where Sweetie Belle said that the church and graveyard was.” Looking around she soon found the right church and graveyard. Looking inside, she found Scootaloo on a bench. The little orange pegasus was sniffling, curled up like she was trying to go to sleep, her scooter set to one side.         “May I help you miss?” an earth pony stallion said causing her to rear up in shock. “Oh, I’m sorry. I try not to do that.” The stallion said coming further out of the doorway hidden by the entrance.         “Oh, no, no, it’s quite alright. You are?” Rarity said carefully.         “Father Cross of the Church of Faust; and you are miss?” Rarity looked the stallion over and soon noticed his preacher’s uniform and nodded.         “I’m Rarity, Father. I do apologize for coming in unannounced.”         Father Cross just chuckled gently at this. “This place is open to all ponies Miss Rarity.” He soon trotted over to Scootaloo and placed a warm blanket over her. “Are you with the orphanage?”         Rarity shook her head no at this. “No, I’m just a concerned friend of a friend. Is she alright?”         Looking to Scootaloo he sighed. “Come with me please. I hope you don’t mind mixed berry tea.”         Rarity smiled behind him. “I prefer it.”         Father Cross led her to the small kitchen the church had and poured some pre-made tea in another mug for Rarity. “Your one of Miss Rainbow Dash’s friends aren’t you?” Father Cross asked sipping his tea.         Rarity blinked at this and nodded. “How did you…” Rarity started to ask till Father Cross raised a hoof.         “You know Scootaloo so I just assumed you were one of them.” He sighed and looked into his mug. “As for your earlier question, I’m not sure. She’s been parentless for many years and to actually have someone who pays attention to you, spends times with you, and you can look up to like your friend Dash. You can see why she feels so alone at times.”         Rarity put her mug down in shock of this. “But she’s not alone. She has my sister and Apple Bloom for friends and a school to gain education from and…”         Father Cross held his hoof up again. “Friends and fellow students are good to have Miss Rarity, but they can’t replace what she truly needs, a family. A mother, father, maybe even siblings; this is what poor Scootaloo needs and when she asked Rainbow what she did. Well you can see how those hopes had fallen.”         Rarity sighed and nodded to this. “May I still talk to her?”         Father Cross nodded. “But don’t keep her up too late, it’s a long ride back and I’d hate for her to miss class.”         Rarity nodded to this and headed out of the kitchen back to the church entrance when she trotted up to Scootaloo’s bench and spoke. “Scootaloo?” she asked, smiling warmly as she looked to her. To Rarity’s surprise Scootaloo yipped softly, startled, and looked up to her through teary eyes. Rarity wasn’t expecting her to still be awake.         Scootaloo gave a small sniffle and wiping her eyes clear before she looked at Rarity in confusion.  “Rarity?  What are you doing here?”         Rarity just smiled warmly and she sat next to her. “When you ran off like that, you gave poor Rainbow Dash quite a fright.  She's very worried about you.”         Scootaloo sniffled again looking down to her bench. “Sorry Rarity... I didn't mean to... I'm sorry...” She then smiled weakly to Rarity, which was odd coming from the normally boisterous pony. She was quiet and thoughtful, very much unlike the Scootaloo everyone knew of.  “...Was Rainbow Dash really that worried about me?”         Rarity nodded at this.  “Of course she was,” she replied smiling warmly, “she cares about you Scootaloo, and you know that. She would never let anything bad happen to you.”         Scootaloo nodded at this. “Yeah...” Thankfully to Scootaloo's relief, Rarity just placed a gentle hoof on her shoulder and smiled at her.           “At any rate,” Rarity said, “I'm sure your friends are worried about you as well. You sure you’ll be okay here for the night?”         Scootaloo thought for a moment, and shook her head yes. “Yeah... Would you let everypony know I'm okay? I didn’t mean to make everyone worry.”         Rarity frowned at this but knew she couldn’t force the young Pegasus into leaving a place she felt safe in. Yet she still had to try for Rainbow’s sakes. “Are you sure?”          Scootaloo nodded tiredly. “Yeah I'm... I'm tired.” Rarity smiled and helped tuck Scootaloo in before nodding to Father Cross and heading off to tell Rainbow and the others the news. ***         Rainbow was frantically pacing, PACING, before her friends and co-parents, Twilight and Luna. They all knew that Rainbow was very worried about the young orange Pegasus filly and would not stop worrying until… “Rarity’s back everyone!” Twilight said looking out the window.         At this Rainbow Dash, hearing Rarity come in flew right up to her. “What happened?  Did you find her?  Is she alright?” Rainbow asked in rapid succession.         Luna grabbed Rainbow Dash's shoulders, stopping her from panicking. “Rainbow, Rainbow please calm down and let her explain. Breathe.”         Rainbow took a few breaths to calm down before she looked to Rarity. “I found her in the church just outside of town. I tried to get her to come back with me Rainbow but she just wanted to sleep and she’s in good care. There’s a preacher there by the name of Father Cross watching over her. He’s a good stallion and deeply cares for her.”         Rainbow Dash frowned at this news but... “Well... So long as she's okay...”         Fluttershy soon came up to Rarity nuzzling her, a worried expression on her gentle face. On the other side of the room Twilight began leaning into Luna tiredly. It had been a long day for all of them.         Rarity looked out the door, in the direction of the church, before someone broke the silence “I-it's gotta be hard for her,” Applejack said laying fully down on the floor with a sad look on her face. “Mah folks are gone, but we still have each other, Apple Bloom, Big Macintosh, and Granny Smith. And look at you Rarity, you and Sweetie Belle still have your parents.” Rarity nodded at this placing a gentle hoof on her dear friend.         “Twilight, you technically have two mothers in both my sister and Twilight Velvet,” Luna said gently before looking to Pinkie and Fluttershy. “Also Pinkie and Fluttershy have both of their parents as well... though technically Pinkie really has two families if you count the Cakes and their kids.” Pinkie cringed remembering her recent attempt to babysit the two Cake children. She loved Pound and Pumpkin but… they were way too much of a hoof-full for her.         Rainbow Dash sighed looking to everyone and decided now was the time to share her secret with everyone. “I-I don't have any parents.” Everyone looked at Rainbow Dash in shock till she continued, “I’m an orphan… I mean sure it's been just me and Mr. Storm who I call Dad from time to time ever since Shy and I got out Flight School. He… was the only one there for me when I was a little filly...”         Twilight carefully stood up and went over to Rainbow nuzzling her cheek. As long as she had known her, Rainbow Dash had never brought up her family before. They had just assumed that she spent her time with them during the holidays. Rainbow Dash sighed, and said, “I never knew why I was orphaned but… I’ll be finding out soon.”         “Oh Dashie…,” Pinkie said softly, coming up to her friend and nuzzling her comfortingly with Twilight.         “I'm okay guys, really... I got over it long ago,” she replied, remembering the news she had received from Dr. First-aid.         Still, Twilight frowned at this and soon spoke, “We still have to do something about Scootaloo. We can't just let her stay depressed like that and I’m not too sure any of the orphanages are good for her.”         “I could try talking with her,” Fluttershy said shuffling her hooves nervously.         “It'd probably be better if you did, Rainbow,” Twilight said nuzzling her, “this whole thing seems centered on you but… it’s your choice. You already have enough to deal with.”         Rainbow Dash hesitated as she thought this all over, a nervous look on her face. Sighing, she nuzzled Twilight back before saying, “I'm not really good at this sort of thing Twi, maybe Fluttershy should be the one to talk to her. I really like her but… I… I just don’t know what to do.” The others traded concern looks but nodded.         “If you're sure...  I mean, if you really want me to, I can…,” Fluttershy said nervously causing Rarity to hug her and calm her down.         Rainbow Dash nodded.  “I'm... I'm not sure if I’m the motherly type guys and,” she said, trying and failing to not to cry, “it would be better if you or Twilight talk to her...”         “But you're the one she looks up to, Dashie!” Pinkie Pie said smiling kindly.         Yet Rainbow Dash had no answer for that and flew away promising to return to the library around dinner, getting the others to trade worried looks before Fluttershy sighed. “Rainbow Dash means well, I'm sure.  I'll go talk to Scootaloo tomorrow. Hopefully things will be better then,” she said looking to everyone.         “I guess that would be alright…,” Twilight said doubtfully. The girls then turned their attention to her and her growing foal till Luna said it was time to go. After saying goodbye the others slowly trailed out of Twilight’s library home, silent and thoughtful. ***         Once Rainbow left the library, she flew to the only place she knew she could relax at, her old cloud home. Sure she now lived with Twilight and Spike at the library but she just couldn’t get rid of her beloved cloud home. It had taken her many long hours and many bits to build the place and… it was the only thing she could call hers. Landing and walking up to her door she sighed and smiled at the old home. She never told anyone but she never actually moved out of the place. It still had all her posters, her Daring Do books, and well… everything. She loved the place. Pushing the door open she slowly trotted inside and looked around at her former home. Everything was still where it was the last time she was there. Smiling she slowly trotted over to her living room couch and flopped down on top of it with a deep sigh.         After a long while she finally frowned and sighed, turning onto her back. Normally this was quite uncomfortable but that was only because she was sleeping on a normal down bed. Her couch however was made of very soft and extremely fluffy clouds which made for great furniture. “What do I do?” she asked no one as she looked to her ceiling. “I… I’m not the motherly type but…” Rainbow closed her eyes as she thought back to all the times she had helped Twilight when Spike was helping out Rarity and Luna had Royal business to attend to in Canterlot. How she would lay next to her on her bed to keep her company or just to keep her warm when she said she ever felt cold, or the times she’s had to fly at top speed to get Twilight some food she was craving, or the time she held Twilight till Luna returned due to her becoming upset about her parents not loving her because she now had a foal but no husband.         Sighing she turned to her side and thought of poor Scootaloo. Of all the times she had been with the young orange Pegasus not once did she ever mention anything about her family or where she lived… it was always hero worship. Yet… she couldn’t just ignore the poor filly. She and her friends just truly wanted their cutie marks and after the stunt at Ghastly Gorge, she had been keeping a close eye on them. Especially Scootaloo, but… did it mean she was being motherly? She didn’t know. Sure there were times when Scootaloo would break down crying and hugging her but… didn’t she do that around others? And… each time Scootaloo cried, why did it pull at her heart to the point she just couldn’t help but comfort the poor filly? Sighing, she decided it was best to just get some sleep until a knock came to her door.         “Ugh… who could that be?” Rainbow said getting off her couch and heading to the door. Opening she soon noticed it was Derpy smiling at her with a letter in her mouth. “Oh hey Derpy, how’ve you been?” Rainbow said helping Derpy with the letter.         “I’m fine. Notice anything different?” Derpy said looking to her friend.         Rainbow gave her friend a good look before gasping and hugging her friend. “You got the surgery!”         Derpy returned the hug smiling, her one eye covered in an eye patch designed by Rarity. “Yeah, my little muffins finally convinced me to go. They said they wanted me to really smile and well…” Derpy said tilting her head happily.         “Well?” Rainbow asked curious.         “It’s their mother’s day present to me.” Derpy said smiling shyly.         “What, you serious?” Rainbow asked surprised.         “Yeah, Sparkler and Dinky had been working hard to save up the bits for me to go and when I returned home a few weeks ago there was a train ticket to Canterlot along with a map to the hospital I was to get the surgery at. I couldn’t thank them enough,” Derpy said smiling shedding a small tear.         “You have some really great kids Derpy,” Rainbow said sighing.         “Well you will too once the foal is born,” Derpy said smiling.         “Yeah…,” Rainbow replied looking down.         “Hey what’s wrong?” Derpy asked concerned for her friend.         “It’s… It’s nothing,”  Rainbow replied trotting over to her couch.         “Nothing, come on Rainbow you know me better than that. What’s bothering you?” Derpy asked concerned. Rainbow sighed, before she allowed the dam to break and spilled everything. The shock of being a parent, the search for her birth parents, Scootaloo wanting her to be her mother, everything.  Rainbow was crying when she finished, tears streaming down her face. “Wow, Rainbow. I never knew,” Derpy said gathering her dearest friend up in a hug.         “I… I know Derpy. I… I just… What do I do? Where do I go from here?” Rainbow said leaning into her friend’s hug.         “Only place to go Rainbow, up,” Derpy said before hoofing over the letter.         “What’s this?” Rainbow said opening it up.         “I was told to deliver it to you ASAP. It’s from the Care Center,”Derpy replied before she heard Rainbow gasp. “Rainbow what is it?” Derpy asked worried.         “They… they found her…,” Rainbow said looking to the letter.         “Found who Rainbow?” Derpy asked looking to her.         “My mom,” Rainbow replied in shock. ***         The next morning, Pinkie Pie woke up to find a letter placed on her door. Pinkie,         Sorry to inform you of this at the last minute but it seems we got a cake based emergency in Canterlot. Sadly we couldn’t bring Pumpkin and Pound Cake with us so please take care of them while we’re gone. We should be home later tonight around ten. Thank you and love you, Mrs. Cake.         Sighing, she got up, fed her pet alligator, and got ready for the day; as well as put up the sign that they were closed. As much as she loved the cake twins they were far too much a hoof-full to leave unattended while she tried to tend to the shop. Once all done making breakfast for herself and the twins, Pinkie started to think on what to do for the rest of the day since staying inside the shop with the twins was way too much for her to handle. Deciding to think more on it after breakfast, she went up to the room the twins were in and went to the young unicorn and pegasus foal. “Wakey wakey you two time for breakfast.” She said gently waking the foals up. Both looked up to her giggling up a storm before giving an upset face and cried.         After a change of diapers, which was always a task for her, she brought them down stairs and began feeding the two as well as feed herself. As they all ate she thought for a moment about what to do for the day, and grinned cheerfully. “Hey, why don’t we all go visit Twilight and Luna? You’ll like Princess Luna, she’s really funny.” After gathering up Pumpkin and her brother Pound in their carriers, she began skipping happily causing the young foals to gently bounce as she traveled further into town. She eventually passed Fluttershy who was coming back from the school the Crusaders were usually at this time of day. Stopping to give Fluttershy a hello she soon found her frowning with a worried look on her face. Pinkie Pie, who had a personal objection to any and all frowns, trotted over to see if she could help her yellow friend.         “What's wrong, Fluttershy?” Pinkie Pie said, smiling warmly to her. “Anything your Auntie Pinkie can help you with?”         Fluttershy squeaked at the surprise greeting but soon found herself rolled her eyes at what was said. “Pinkie, I'm a year older than... oh never mind,” she said sighing, looking back at the school. After a long few minutes she finally spoke. “I-I tried talking to Scootaloo at the school but… she wouldn't see me,” she said looking down. Pinkie went over and gently placed a hoof over her friend’s shoulder in a tender shoulder hug. “She… she wouldn't even talk to Apple Bloom or Sweetie Belle. They’re really worried about her.”         Pinkie Pie looked back at the school, frowning. Friends shouldn’t ignore friends. Thinking, she brightened as she came up with her usual solve all issues solution before Fluttershy placed a gentle hoof on her mouth. Fluttershy knew instantly what Pinkie was about to suggest and normally was about to agree, as Pinkie Pie did throw some of the most amazing parties. Especially ones you just couldn’t be upset or down at, but with how Scootaloo's mood was at the moment... it wasn’t the best idea. “I'm so sorry, Pinkie…,” Fluttershy said gently, “but right now I think that a party might make things worse for her.”         “B-but how could a party make things worse,” Pinkie asked confused, “parties make ponies feel better and happier.”         “I know Pinkie but Scootaloo is really upset and I really don’t think a party would make thing any better for her,” Fluttershy tried to explain till the foals in Pinkie’s care began crying as poor Pinkie Pie's brain just shut down causing her to just stare with her mane straight but her tail still fluffed like cotton candy.           “Oh, oh my!” Fluttershy whimpered afraid she may have broken Pinkie somehow. “Pinkie… Pinkie Pie, are you okay?” All that was heard sadly was the Cake twin crying up a storm. This was not what she intended and quickly took the twins in her front limbs as she flew off to find someone to help Pinkie. ***         That night Scootaloo reluctantly returned to the orphanage with her head hung low. Sadly, the head of the orphanage had come to the church and demanded she return that night or Father Cross would have to explain to the authorities why an orphan filly under their watch was in his church. “Alright you lot!” Scootaloo quickly got into her cot and stayed as still as she could. “Times for lights out, and if any of you are up you can expect to be here Mother’s day!” the head of the orphanage said angrily. Scootaloo made sure she looked like she was already asleep when the stallion looked inside and saw not one of them was awake. “Ha, like any of you lot would ever be adopted. Especially you lot from Cloudsdale.” Scootaloo shivered at that not wishing to ever be reminded of that place. It just… didn’t feel right.         It also caused her to constantly have nightmares. The sound of crying starving foals around her, the strange doctors in black coming and going with sick foals, the… the… Scootaloo couldn’t help but get up and run out of the room to the bathroom and empty her stomach. So much for going to bed on a full stomach, thought Scootaloo, as she got back into the room and the bed. Scootaloo just laid there trying not to sleep and stay away from the nightmares that constantly plagued her sleep, and memories she wished would leave her alone.         The next morning Scootaloo woke with the other foals, far more tired than she normally was and ate a very light breakfast and was soon ushered out yet again with no lunch at all. “You have to earn it you runt,” the head said , looking down on her. “You’ve been ignoring your home for the past month and I don’t give two bits what happened up in that orphanage, you’re my foal now and you’re going to do things the way I tell you. Now get on to your classes before I drag you there myself.”         Scootaloo got onto her scooter and buzzed off towards the school before stopping far enough to give the old stallion a harsh glare. She knew there wasn’t anything she could do at the moment, but it was enough to give her reason for the day. Hopefully one of her friends would come through for her this night. Sighing, she finally arrived at the school not feeling right and leaned up against a tree before looking towards the school. She didn’t want to go back and she didn’t want to worry her friends. Getting off her scooter Scootaloo took a step forward before falling flat to the ground. “Scootaloo!”         It was around noon that Scootaloo woke to a wet cloth placed on her head and a familiar maroon coated mare looking down at her. “Scootaloo, are you alright? Should I take you to the care center?”         Scootaloo looked up and after her eyes cleared she saw it was Ms. Cheerilee looking to her heavily concern. “No, I’m fine.”         “You don’t look fine Scootaloo. Did something happen at the orphanage again?” Ms. Cheerilee asked concern for her student. Reluctantly Scootaloo nodded and return to laying down and what appeared to be Ms. Cheerilee’s own bed. “Scootaloo, I saw you didn’t come to class with your lunch again. Are they not feeding you there?”         Scootaloo sighed at this. “No, they feed us… it’s just not enough.”         “Scootaloo… I need you to tell me everything. To be honest, I’m starting to worry about you being in that orphanage,” Ms. Cheerilee said, taking the damp cloth off Scootaloo’s head to soak it once again and place on her head. “Scootaloo… I want to get you out of there as quickly as possible… if it’s as bad as I think it is.”         Scootaloo just looked up to her teacher before finally jumping off the bed hugging her. It took some time but Scootaloo finally calmed down and gave one response. “They… they told us about Cloudsdale again.” This was all Cheerilee needed to hear. ***         “Miss please calm down.” The head of the orphanage said behind his desk.         “I’ll have you know that I am far from ever being calm sir. You know better than to remind these poor foals about that horrid place. I’m not even sure what happened there fully but from what I’ve read and heard, we should all be lucky it’s no longer in service. You obviously don’t care of the nightmares these children go through each and every night you remind them of that… that… place!” Ms. Cheerilee said very angrily.         “Ms. Cheerilee I can understand your concern for your students but this is as far as you can take this. These foals are under our care and our watch. You have to understand that this is not a home, it’s an orphanage and it’s run quite differently.” The head explained as calmly as he could.         “Oh really,” Ms. Cheerilee said looking right at him, “then explain to me why one of my students comes to school with no lunch, is so tired they can barely keep themselves awake in class, and why one student is currently in my home after passing out coming to school?!”         “Ms. Cheerilee,” the head said leaning back in his seat, “this orphanage is now on a very tight budget. There are times we have to go to businesses to request food for the foals getting only enough to feed so many. We’re also understaffed, we don’t have enough caretakers to tend to all the foals here so is someone has a nightmare, there is very little we can do. Yes we do bring up Cloudsdale but that’s mainly due to our own stress. There are times we have to be very strict with the foals and yes there are times we overstep our limits but sadly it just can’t be helped. However this passing out on the way to school does have me concerned. Exactly which foal was it that passed out?”         “I’ll keep that to myself thank you but I do want to know what…,” Ms. Cheerilee started to say before the head spoke.         “Ms. Cheerilee. Keeping one of the foals in our care from us is very illegal and could put you into some serious trouble. I will do what I can to solve this issue but you have to let us know which foal it was that passed out so they can get the proper care.”         “How can I be sure that my student IS getting the proper care?” Ms. Cheerilee asked seriously. “From what I’ve been told you barely feed them, only enough to keep them from starving but not enough to actually keep them full. I have every right to call in Princess Luna as she now stays in town with Ms. Sparkle.”         This got a reaction from the head. “Ms. Cheerilee. You have my word that this foal will get the proper care the moment they are returned here. However, since you have little trust in me I’ll allow the foal to stay with you for the night but they must be brought back here the next day. Do we have an agreement?” Ms. Cheerilee didn’t like this but… she agreed, she didn’t want to get into a legal dispute, but she would be speaking to someone on this. Someone Scootaloo cared a lot about. ***         Rainbow frowned as she slowly glided to a stop before Ms. Cheerilee’s home. During her cloud duties Derpy had flown right into her to get a note to her from the kind hearted teacher. Reaching under her wing she pulled out the small note to reread it yet again. Rainbow Dash,         Meet me before my home at 8pm. We need to talk. Cheerilee         Whatever Ms. Cheerilee needed to talk to her about must have been very important for Derpy to have flown right into her. Shaking her head Rainbow went up to the door of Cheerilee’s house before Cheerilee came outside. “Thank you for coming Rainbow,” Cheerilee said gently closing the door.         “No problem, but… what’s the emergency? Derpy literally flew into me to get this letter to me,” Rainbow said holding out the letter.         “Not here,” Cheerilee said locking the door. “Across the street, we can get a drink there.”         Rainbow raised an eyebrow at this but followed and sat at a small outdoor dinner looking towards Cheerilee’s home. “Okay so, what do we need to talk about?”         Cheerilee sighed and looked to Rainbow. “It’s about Scootaloo.” Rainbow opened her mouth to reply before Cheerilee held up her hoof. “She passed out right in front of my school Rainbow. I had to cancel classes just to tend to her. You know she’s an orphan right?”         Rainbow sighed at this. “Yeah, Rarity, Applejack, and the others told me. She is okay right?”         Cheerilee nodded to this. “She’s currently asleep in my room. Rainbow, she needs a home. A proper home, not that… orphanage. I don’t know why but I don’t think they’re treating the foals from Cloudsdale very well.”         Rainbow gulped at the name Cloudsdale. “I… read what happened. Look I really care about Scootaloo but…”         “I know Rainbow, you have your hooves full with Twilight’s pregnancy and your life with Princess Luna but, please hear me out,” Ms. Cheerilee said only stopping long enough for them to order some fizzy juice.         Rainbow sighed at this and nodded. “Okay Cheerilee, I’ll listen.”         Cheerilee smiled at Rainbow at this before taking a sip of her drink. “Thank you, Rainbow. Scootaloo really looks up you, more than just a fan or a big sister, I mean as a mother figure. She’s a sweet little filly that has a lot of love in her and… that love is directed towards you, no one else. Haven’t you notice how hard she tries to impress you, to be like you? Rainbow… I think you need to adopt her.”         Rainbow’s eyes widened at this before she spat out her drink cough up a fit. “W-what… you, you want me to adopt Scootaloo?”         “Rainbow, she’s not being treated right at that orphanage,” Cheerilee said looking at her. “She’s constantly reminded of the home resulting in nightmares, she’s only getting enough to eat to keep her from being hungry but not enough to keep her going, and worse, she rarely come to school with any lunch. Today was just a warning of things to  come Rainbow. Who knows how long she’ll last in a place like that.”         Rainbow frowned at this. She knew what it was like growing up with no one to tend to her or love her till she was taken in by her father figure Mr. Storm. Yet… could she do it, could she raise not one but two fillies with Twilight and Luna? “H-how long will I need?”         Cheerilee sighed at this. “They said I could keep her for the night but Rainbow. You’re her only chance at a real family. A family that would love her, tend to her, be there for her. I don’t know how long she can hold out on that place. I’m… just really worried for her Rainbow. Please, please take her.”         Rainbow sighed at this. “Cheerilee I… I’ll need some time to sort all this out but… if you’re really that worried. I’ll talk to Luna and the others about this. Just… take care of her okay?” Cheerilee nodded to this as Rainbow finished her drink and trotted off after leaving a small tip. She had a few ponies to talk to. ***         That night, Luna, Celestia, and Moon talked about the happenings of Ponyville and the issues there, namely Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo. “I’m quite worried of this Tia,” Moon said, looking around the library’s main room.         “As am I Moon,” Luna said watching Celestia pace, “When Rainbow was finally home she was acting quite…” Moon filled in what she thought was right. “Worrisome?”         Luna shook her head. “More like she was troubled by something other than your coming birth as well as poor Scootaloo’s current behavior.”         Moon tilted her head and pointed at Celestia who was sipping her tenth cup of extra strong tea for the night. “Like how Tia is acting now?”         Luna blinked and turned to her sister and carefully trotted up to her. “Tia?”         At this Celestia nearly jumped out of her golden horseshoes and drop her tea cup before catching it in her magic. “Lulu what have I told you about sneaking up on me?” Celestia said trying to catch her breath from the shock.         “But I didn’t sneak up on you,” Luna replied worried.         “Tia what’s wrong?” Moon asked trotting up to her also worried.         “It’s nothing you two. Just something from day court, was already handled,” Celestia said in a very good imitation of a worried Twilight as she sipped her tea.         “Tia,” Luna said stepping right in front of her, “I know when something’s worrying you when you start acting like Twilight.”         Celestia looked right at Luna before sighing. “I received some unsettling news about a few of the Cloudsdale schools and orphanages. I may… need to appear before the Mayor to settle these issues. I’ve already sent someone to care of this but even she is having issues.”         Luna blinked at this. “Why not send me to tend to this?”         Celestia nearly choked on her drink before calming herself. “The matter needs a… delicate touch Lulu. I know you love the foals dearly but… I am unsure you could handle what I’ve read. It’s quite… graphic.”         Luna and Moon looked at each other before gulping. “J-just how graphic are we speaking Tia?” Moon asked worried.         “Very.” Celestia replied looking down. “V-very well then Tia, I’ll leave this to you. As for Moon and I we’re thinking of exploring more of the town while we’re here. Don’t worry; I’ll be using the disguise spell you taught me to keep out of sight.” Luna said before a bright light shined, and a dark blue unicorn with a long black and white tipped mane and tail appeared where Luna was standing. Her cutie mark also changed to that of a set of stars around a crescent moon.         “Very well Lulu, take care you two.” Celestia said as the two left; one disguised, the other unseen as a spirit. Once sure they were gone Celestia reached under her massive wing and pulled out two old yellowed envelopes along with a freshly new one addressed to someone named Firefly Dash. Sighing she opened the first letter once again frowning. Dear Mrs. Firefly,         Due to certain events here in Cloudsdale we have been informed to contact you with news of your foal, Iris Dash, who you’ve placed for adoption at the Cloudsdale Home for Forgotten Foals. It saddens us to inform you that we had no other choice but to permanently close this orphanage for information we cannot disclose. If you are willing to return to your foal’s life you can contact the Cloudsdale Flight School where she has been placed for her own protection. It is highly recommended you reply to this letter with-in the next two weeks. Commander Storm, Cloudsdale Guard         Celestia closed her eyes at this remembering far back into the past. =Canterlot Court of Noble Lords: Year 1011=         “Princess or not it is not allowed!” Lord North Wind said slamming his hoof into the meeting table. “How are we even sure she is of royal blood and not some clandestine foal of common birth?!”         Celestia bristled at this. “She is my foal, My Daughter, MY BLOOD, and you do not wish me to tend to her, to go to her in her hour of need?!”         Another Lord, Lord Twilight Dawn raised his hoof to them both, “Calm yourselves, this is a meeting not a magic duel. Also, the Princess has higher point than you do Lord Wind.” Celestia sat down on her cushion and smiled at the Lord of the Twilight House. The stallion was old but quite wise. “The time of the Blood Blooded is far behind us and we’re far too interbred to actually keep ourselves pure anyway. And what if the foal was clandestine, she is Celestia’s foal and we should consider how she feels on this matter. I feel it is not our place to see how the royal family should be ran to our liking.”         Another Lord, Lord Southern Lands bristled at this. “Y’all saying we want the Princess here all on her lonesome?” Lord Twilight nodded.         “This is preposterous! We are not thinking of the Royal house as our own, no! Quite the opposite,” Lord North yelled angrily before calming down, “we are looking out for the well-being of the country. Think of how our neighbors will feel if we show up with another princess after so many years?”         “Lord North does have point Lord Twilight,” Lord Southern said frowning.         “So we’re to force our Princess to continue to live on in her castle without the sound of tiny hooves gambling about? To never know what it is like to be a full mother, to have a foal of her own, not just give birth to, but to raise into a princess we can all love and follow?” Lord Twilight replied closing his eyes.         “Come now Lord Twilight, let us think of this politically instead of fatherly,” Lord North said causing Lord Twilight to frown.         It was true that he was a grandfather after all. “Are you saying we should be cold to this topic; to be heartless statues of law?”         Lord North frowned but looked quite smug while doing so. “As much as I hate to admit this, yes, yes I do and for good reason. We’re bringing in our own wishes of a happy family before the well-being of the nation. We must be willing to sacrifice the one for the millions. It’s simply that.”         Lord Southern sadly nodded at this. “Hate to agree but the stallion’s got a point. I’m mighty sorry Princess but… we can’t permit you to have the foal, but we promise that we’ll try and come up with a way you and your kin can be happy even if it’s not together.” Celestia’s wings opened fully before she stormed out of the meeting room… to cry.         Celestia cried for hours after what they had agreed to. Her foal, her only foal, her little Iris was to be taken care of by the school and school alone with constant reports to her about Iris’ behavior and treatment. None were quite good as many of them reported her getting into brawls with many of the other foals. At the time Celestia had thought the lord’s court was right. Maybe it was a good idea to not have her child in the castle for now. It wasn’t till later she gained her second letter which she soon reread. Dear Mrs. Firefly,         It’s is with our greatest apology to report that young Miss Iris has removed herself from our teachings. Miss Iris has gained her Cutie Mark allowing her to choose if she wishes to stay within our care or to go out and find employment. She has chosen the later. We do apologize that this will also be our last letter to you as she is now her own pony. With much regret, Headmaster Gentle Breeze         Celestia closed her eyes again as she put the letter way remembering how she had thoroughly she chewed out Lord North for his earlier words. =Canterlot Court of Noble Lords: Year 1015=         “Now, now just… just calm yourself Princess,” The much older Lord North begged as he cowered before Princess Celestia in her magical rage. Her coat was still its regal white but her tail and mane where far, FAR, from its pale prismatic rainbow. They were now flames of pure fire and her once calming pale, light grayish magenta eyes were now two burning red dots that felt like they were burning into his very soul.         “Calm down Lord North? Oh I’m FAR from EVER calming down.” Celestia said as she slowly trotted up to him. “You wish to know WHY I, your princess, your sovereign, your GODDESS won’t be calming down EVER again?”         Lord North quickly nodded and soon found a letter falling before him which he quickly opened and paled. “She’s… she’s…”         “Gone, GONE for good, and you want to know why?” Celestia said finally over him.         “Be… because she has her Cutie Mark?” Lord North answered before the guards outside had to jump back away from the doorway.         “BECAUSE YOU DECIDED IT WOULD BE BEST TO SACRIFICE MY DAUGHTER SO THAT THIS NATION CAN STAY STABLE AND THAT OUR NEIGHBORS WHO HAVE HAD LONG STANDING TREATIES AND ALLIANCES WITH WOULD WISH TO GO TO WAR WITH US BECAUSE WE HAVE YET ANOTHER PRINCESS IN OUR CASTLE!” It was soon a much calmer Princess Celestia came out of the meeting rooms and looked to her captain of the guards. “Captain Steel Shield?”         The Captain quickly stood before her and saluted, “Ma’am?”         Celestia looked behind her then back to him. “Send for the royal guards to remove this TRASH from the meeting room. Also inform each and every one of the North Wind houses that they are not allowed to run for Lord till I allow so. Also send thanks to Lords Twilight Dawn and Southern Land for being supportive during my… trials. Now if you excuse me I have a student to see to as well as a few Lords to interview.” The Captain nodded as she slowly trotted away flinching at the sight inside the meeting chamber. They would need a cleaning crew in here as well as the guards but only after the cleaning crew was fully done.         Celestia reveled in the memories of the pegasus Lord cowering before her. From that day not one Lord has ever raised their hoof in her desire for finding her family. Which brought her to her newest letter; It was from the Ponyville Care Center signed to none other… but Firefly Dash. Opening it she read the letter as she shed long forgotten tears of joy. Dear Mrs. Firefly Dash,         You may not know me but a patient of mine does know you, or that you at least exist. I am Dr. First-Aid of the Ponyville Care Center here in Equestria. I specialize in foals and family issues such as the one you are being brought into. We believe that you and my patient may be mother and daughter or at least related by blood. If you wish to speak on this I am more than willing to meet you whenever you wish. Just send a reply to the address provided on the envelope with where, when, and how you would like to meet. Yours sincerely, Dr. First-Aid PHD ***                  The next day Rainbow flew through the skies as she thought over everything. Twilight’s foal, Scootaloo, the letter about her family, what Cheerilee told her last night. She seriously needed to talk to someone about all this. Since this was mostly a “family” issue that left only two ponies she could talk to, Twilight Sparkle and Princess Luna. She frowned as she landed on top of a free cloud. Twilight was an okay pony, and she was slowly growing to love her but sometimes her answers were a bit too long winded and confusing for her. Yet, she was always willing to help, and had never once failed to be there when one of them needed help. Then there was Luna. Strangely enough she was the most willing of the three of them to be this family that they were now… in a way. Plus the foals all loved her and everyone knew how protective she was of any and all foals in her care or watch.         However, she was the Princess of the night so she sadly wouldn’t be up until sundown or if she hadn’t been up too late last night at least noon. Sighing Rainbow Dash jumped off the cloud and flew to the library, where Twilight was in the middle of enjoying some sweet tea while reading a foal care-taking book. Hearing the door open, Twilight turned and smiled when she saw Rainbow Dash come in. “Welcome home Rainbow! Did you have a nice flight?” Twilight asked looking up from her book happily. Rainbow had to smile and shake her head, even pregnant Twilight was quite active.         Rainbow Dash soon bit her lip nervously and asked, “Can I talk to you for a sec, about Scootaloo?”         Twilight nodded, curious. “Sure,” she said as she put down her book with a concerned look on her face.         After a long moment of hesitation, Rainbow Dash finally asked, “Twilight… how do you feel about Scootaloo… being part of our family?”         Twilight just blinked at this and smiled with her reply, “Well, Scootaloo is a sweet little filly and… I would like for our foal to have someone to look up to,” Twilight said looking down to her swollen stomach.         Rainbow Dash shook her head at that. “No, I mean...Cheerilee talked to me and… she really wants me to adopt her. She’s scared that something might happen to her if I don’t but… this shouldn’t just be my decision you know.”         Twilight thought on this, and then smiled warmly. “Well... I think we should ask Princess Celestia and Luna about this. They are part of our family unit and well… like you said we all need to make a choice on this.” Rainbow Dash studied the look on Twilight's face before frowning and looking down at the floor, considering. Twilight soon gave her a concerned look. “Rainbow, are you okay?” she asked.           “I'm just... still trying to figure things out Twilight, I mean this is just so much to take in. You pregnant, me and Luna being the co-parents, the possibility to be with my own parents… it’s just… so much to take in,” Rainbow said lying down next to her.         Twilight soon frowned with a thoughtful expression on her face. “Rainbow, the fact that this is bothering so much is a clear sign that you really care for Scootaloo. But we do have to make a choice, Rainbow, and soon. It isn't fair to Scootaloo and it isn't fair to you either. We have to choose and no matter what Rainbow,” Twilight said nuzzling her neck affectionately, “we’ll support this all the way."         Rainbow Dash stared at Twilight Sparkle with a thoughtful expression on her face. After a few minutes, her head drooped as she sighed in frustration. Twilight Sparkle just smiled and hugged her friend and co-parent tightly. “Is there anything I or the girls can do for you? You know we'll always stand by you, no matter what.”         Rainbow Dash bit her lip before she spoke again, “There's... There's one more pony I can talk to... one more I NEED to talk to...”         Twilight tilted her head at this. “Who do you need to talk to Rainbow?” Twilight asked.         “The guy I call my Dad…,” Rainbow Dash said softly.   ***         The next morning after informing everyone where she was going for the day Rainbow Dash found herself before a cloud apartment and knocked smiling as the door opened. “Well! This is a pleasant surprise!” said the rainbow mane pegasus stallion said as he greeted his “daughter.”         Rainbow just smiled. “Hey Dad,” Rainbow Dash said, hugging the older stallion as he hugged her. She glanced up at the picture on the nearby wall, which showed her “Dad” posing with Firefly, the founder of the Wonderbolts. The picture was autographed 'To Storm Wind, my biggest fan.'  Rainbow Dash smirked once her father broke the hug and grinned at her. She poked the rainbow-colored mustache he still sported, and shook her head. “I still can't get over this thing,” she said giggling, “I mean it looks like a caterpillar took root on your upper lip after a dip in the rainbow pools.”         “Mustaches are cool Dashie,” Storm Wind said, pouting before giving a hardy laugh. “Now come on inside it’s been ages since I’ve seen you.” Both trotted inside and sat down in the living room. “Now what's up?  I haven't seen you since that crazy Discord fiasco last month.”         Rainbow Dash shook her head and shivered at this. Luckily Princess Luna could step in as a substitute Element of Magic or they’d be finished since Twilight was pregnant and couldn’t generate a lot of magic at the time for some odd reason. They were still trying to get around what he was talking about with Nightmare Moon. She was gone now wasn’t she? “Well… let me fill you in a bit before we really talk.” Storm Wind blinked at this before nodding. They chatted idly for a few minutes, trading bits of gossip about their respective homes with one another, before Rainbow dropped a shocker.         “Now hold on Dash, Pinkie Pie, I mean the Pinkie Pie we both know and like, is babysitting? Are you serious?” Storm Wind said completely shocked.         “I kid you not,” she said. “Did a pretty good job, too, by all accounts, I mean Twilight tried to offer help at one point, but... well, it worked out in the end.”         Storm Wind chuckled at this. It felt good, just talking with the stallion she saw as her father figure. It was just the relaxation Rainbow Dash needed before going into the real reasons she had come all the way up here. It wasn’t until Storm finally decided it was time to stop with the small talk and get to business.         Storm Wind sighed.  “Okay,” he said finally frowning, “I can tell you want to talk about something, Dash. I'm more than willing to listen, and will do whatever I can to help you out so… what’s wrong?”         Rainbow Dash frowned at this and after a deep sigh spoke.  “...Okay,” she said taking her “dad’s” hoof in her own, “There's this filly, Scootaloo...”  She proceeded to explain the situations from the beginning, ending with what Ms. Cheerilee had told her recently about Scootaloo passing out and worry about her current living conditions, the letter she got about her family, and finally about the talk she had with Twilight and Luna when she woke up about adopting.         “Wow…,” Storm Wind said softly.  “That's... that's a really big thing to talk about Rainbow...”         Rainbow Dash laid her head on the couch she was sitting on at this. “I know dad, I know…,” Rainbow Dash said before looking up at him, “The thing is... I don't know what to do. ”         Storm Wind frowned concerned. It was so much like her to worry about things before taking it to the easiest answer but… at least she was talking to others about this. “Have you've talked to others about this Dash?”         Rainbow Dash sighed and nodded.  “Yeah… Twilight, Luna, Princess Celestia, and a couple others,” she said before sighing. “They all kind of summed it up for me; I have two options, going by what they've all said.” Storm Wind nodded at this to let her continue, “Either I take her in and become her Mom, or not take her in and risk hurting her even more.”         Storm Wind just tapped his chin thoughtfully before he spoke. “Yeah, those do sound like the only real options you all have Dash.” he said, unable to think of anything else.          Rainbow Dash just grimaced. “I... I'm scared dad.  I don't know what to think, or what to even do.  I got nothing against Scootaloo, but... what if I turn out like my own Mom? I don’t want that.” She gave her father figure a look of teary-eyed fear he hadn't seen in all those years, Storm Wind flashing back to a frightened filly coming into his room complaining of the treatment she was getting with many of the Stallions on the weather team, some of which caused him to fire and have arrested for. “I really don't know what to do, Dad…,”  Rainbow Dash said softly.         Storm Wind gently took Rainbow Dash's hooves in his own sighing. “Dash…,” he said softly. “You are nothing like your mother. You are a good, kind pony who thinks of her friends first and herself second. You would be a far better mother than your own would ever be.” He tried to ignore the flash of anger that passed through him when he thought of his ex-wife, who had left him for a rich Earth Pony from Los Pegasus. He sighed, and gently kissed her on the forehead. “But in the end, the choice is yours, Dash. Adopt the filly, don't adopt the filly. It’s all up to you three and… well it’s quite obviously you really care for her.  But you have to do what YOU feel is right for all of you, otherwise who knows what could happen to poor filly but in the end Dash I think you already know what to do.”         Sighing Rainbow thought everything over and… maybe he was right. She did know what to do. Smiling she hugged her father figure who returned the hug before sighing.  “Now onto other matters, I won't be able to make it to Ponyville tomorrow as I can't get off work, bleeding buzzards, but I'm going trust your judgment on this one. And no matter what you decide, no matter what you do Dash, know that I'll always love you, and I will always be proud of you; Even if you’re not really my little girl.”   ***         Storm Wind smiled as he waved off his good friend and daughter figure before sighing. He really did miss the filly and became sadden when she had to go. He really wished he could have gotten off to see her and her friends even if he really wasn’t Rainbow’s birth father. Sitting back down at the living room table he looked towards the picture of him and Firefly. He never did tell Rainbow just how he had gotten that autograph. Still… he knew he’d never have the chance. It was at this a knock came from his front door and broke his concentration. “Now who could that be?” Getting up he trotted over to the door and opening it to only gasp. “F-Firefly,” Firefly quickly pushed him into his house and slammed the door shut, “but how, what, why?”         Firefly turned to him and placed a hoof on his shoulder. “Storm, Storm breathe, I really need to talk to you its important.”         Storm Wind took a deep breath before speaking. “Firefly I thought you were dead. We all saw you during your last show, the ambulance came and…”         Firefly finished for him, “and the papers reported my demise the next day. But I’m not dead Storm, I’m right here, alive, and I… I need to talk to you. Please.” Storm Wind just looked to the mare before reaching a hoof out to her and soon hugging her tightly as they both cried. “I’m sorry, I so, so sorry,” Firefly said crying.         “You didn’t know Fire, you didn’t know,” Storm Wind said holding her. =Wonderbolts Show: 1003=         “You shouldn’t be doing this Fire,” A younger Storm Wind said towards Firefly.         “I have to Storm. It’s tradition besides do you really want me to upset all those fans out there?” Firefly said getting into her uniform. It was a simple design, rugged false leather with the sign of the Wonderbolts on its back, right shoulder, and flank. The left shoulder showing her Cutie Mark, Two Lightning Bolts on a solid gold patch showing she’s the leader and captain of the group.         “Fire the show can wait a week. There’s a Type Four Thunderstorm rolling in from the Everfree and you know how wild those storms can be out there. I don’t want to see you hurt,” Storm Wind said towards her.         “Storm it’ll be… mmm,” Firefly was about to say before Storm Wind kissed her squarely on the lips.         They soon separated with Firefly frowning, “You know we shouldn’t have done that, what if your love found out?”         Storm Wind just smiled, “I’ll just tell her it was a good luck kiss but seriously Firefly. It’s too dangerous.”         Firefly sighed at this. “How long till until the storm gets here Storm?”         Storm Wind just looked at her before giving up. She was always a stubborn mare and he did love her even if he was marrying the other one out of parental pressure, and money. He didn’t really love the other mare but what choice did he have with his father breathing down his neck to marry the mare. “Three to four hours. That's if the winds don’t pick up in the next five minutes.”         Firefly nodded to this. “We’ll make this an hour long show. And I’ll be extra careful, normal stunts, nothing fancy.”         Storm Wind sighed and hugged her. “Just come back, okay?”         Firefly nodded and carefully kissed his cheek before trotting out. “I will.”         The show went off like a blast. The entire team worked the show for as long as they could in the hour they had till something went wrong. Firefly just free-felled till two of the Bolts flew in and caught her making it look like it was planned until there was a long pause in the show. Everyone especially Storm Wind and his “girl” waited on pins and needles to see if Firefly was okay till she flew out again with the newest captain of the Bolts, Red Dawn. Rainbow silently sighed in relief as he watched the two go through the normal ritual of passing the torch, or in this case the medal. It was a simple follow the leader and then a tradeoff of their signature show stopping moves.         Red Dawn did the moves exactly till it came to the passing of the medal. Firefly did her famous Thunder Clap Loop placing the medal on a ring fasten to a cloud, it was now Red Dawn’s turn who did a similar loop but ended his loop differently. Instead of the end of the loop facing the medal, it faced Firefly and before she could move it was already too late. Red Dawn slammed right into Firefly’s right wing causing her to fall. As the other Bolts went to scold Red Dawn and catch Firefly Red Dawn whistled causing a group of Black suited Pegasus to fly in.         It took all the guards to stop the attack and another set to do an emergency rescue. Storm Wind could only watch as the emergency team lifted Firefly into a medical chariot and fly off.         “I… I knew. I knew but ignored it because of how good he was,” Firefly said finally settling down to a cup of tea.         “They did a full investigation I heard,” Storm Wind said sitting down with his own cup. “According to a few of the guys back then Red Dawn had that planned ever since he joined up. He wanted the Wonderbolts to be what he wanted, an aerial strike force not Celestia’s private flight squad.”         Firefly nodded to this. “Storm… what ever happened to Goldie?”         Storm Wind just scoffed at the name. “She left me for a good for nothing rich pony in Los Pegasus. Good riddance to her anyway…” he soon sighed, “we didn’t get along at all.”         Firefly placed a hoof on Storm Wind’s. “I’m sorry it didn’t work out.”         Storm Wind just shook his head. “Don’t worry about it, was a lot better than having to divorce her anyway. So… why are you here?”         Firefly sighed and produced the letter from the care center. “Read this first.”         Storm Wind gently took the letter and read it over before his eyes widen. “D-daughter, but that would mean…”         Firefly blushed and looked away from him. “It’s why I never returned to the Bolts. I was pregnant. Remember when I fell? It was because of nausea. I told the team it was just a wing cramp.”         Storm Wind just looked to the letter. “I-is she…”         Firefly nodded. “You were the only one I’ve been with a-and there… there’s more,” Firefly said frowning.         “T-there’s more?”         Firefly nodded before she began giving off a bright light and Storm Wind gasped. “P-Princess Celestia, but… w-where’s…” Storm Wind just sputtered before Celestia placed a hoof on his shoulder.         “Breathe Storm, breathe.” Storm Wind did so before bowing his head, “and there’s no need for that Storm,” Celestia said gently.         “I… I don’t understand.”         Celestia sighed as she looked away from him. “My full name is Celestia Firefly Aurora Dash. You can tell who my, no, our daughter is by my name.”         Storm Wind looked to his tea cup and then back up. “I think I’m going to need a stronger drink.” After they had pulled out the Apple Cider and calmed down Celestia explained everything to him, from their night together to the day she had to give her daughter up. “I never did find out what happened at that orphanage,” Celestia said finishing her mug and back in her Firefly form which both agreed was much comfortable to talk to and as.         “You should be glad you didn’t,” Storm Wind said getting up and pacing.         “Why is that Storm?” Celestia asked worried.         “Because… because… Princess, the orphanage needed to be shut down. If you really need to know, look up the Cloudsdale Bugle on June 10th 992. Just know that… it was already taken care of.”         Celestia/Firefly nodded to this. “And the letter Storm?”         Storm Wind looked to it. “It’s up to you.” Firefly just hugged the stallion before both decided to move on… to a better life. ***         The next day was the day everyone in Ponyville had waited for, Mother's Day. Sadly Twilight and Luna were a bit late to meet the arriving train which all of the girls’ families was coming on, at least those that lived in Canterlot.  To celebrate Pinkie had invited everyone to Sugar Cube corner for a small party but since it wasn’t big enough Applejack offered up her farm’s barn which was perfect. Inside the barn music played, food was eaten, and friends and family talked. Everyone was there including Princess Celestia who was just there to speak with Twilight’s family, when the time was right.         Over at the library, Twilight, Luna, Rainbow, and Spike were finishing getting ready. “I can’t really say I look forward to this party Twilight,” Luna said nervously as she sat beside Spike who was dressed in his old suit from Cadence’s and Shining’s wedding.         “Don’t worry Princess Luna. My mom will love both of you. I’m just worried how she react to… you know,” Twilight said shyly from her room.         “I’m sure her reaction won’t be that bad Twilight,” Spike said smiling. “Besides, what’s taking you so long?”         “Morning sickness,” was Twilight’s only reply before both headed down stairs to see Rainbow pacing.         “Rainbow please, you’re going wear yourself out,” Luna said looking to her co-parent with deep concern.         “I-I know Luna but… what if they won’t accept the papers? What if we missed something? What if we didn’t sign all the papers and she has to…,” Rainbow said before Luna gently brought her down from her flying pace to hug her.         “Rainbow, my sister insured that the papers would go through as she presented them to the head herself. If they do not accept them I will speak with the head,” Luna said giving her a gentle nuzzle.         “Um… thanks Luna, how’s Twilight?” Rainbow said then asked nervously.         Luna sighed at this. “She has morning sickness yet again. She’s also worried about her family’s reaction to the foal. We-I too am worried about meeting Twilight’s family.”         “Your worried, what about me? Not only do I have Twilight’s parents to meet I got my own when they find them. I mean I do want to meet them but… I don’t know. On top of that we got those papers to worry about,” Rainbow said looking to her.         “Don’t worry you two. We’ll just take this one step at a time, right?” Twilight said, finally coming down the stairs with Spike’s help.         Both mares sighed at this before nodding. “Well, let’s go,” Rainbow said as she led the group out the door. It took them a while to get to the farm since Luna had her guards stay in Canterlot but they finally arrived carefully trotting into the barn smiling to everyone.  The moment they stepped inside an older, white-coated unicorn trotted up to Twilight nuzzling her happily before bowing to the Princess before asking, “Where have you three been? We missed you at the train station.”         Twilight blushed at this. “We had some last minute stuff to take care of at the library,” she said, grinning happily at her mother, “and we’re sorry about not being at the train station.”         Velvet giggled happily. “Well for what it is worth I’m glad to finally see you again. We’ve really missed you hun and… no offense Twilight but you do need to get out of your library more.”         Twilight blushed at this. “I know mom, I know... I promise to try and get out more.” Velvet just smiled at this and kissing her daughter lovingly on the forehead. Twilight smiled happily at this before she got serious. “Is Dad and the others here? I… I have to tell all of you something… something important.”         Velvet frowned at this but nodded, pointing out the groups. “Your father and brother are getting snacks. And yes, your friends are here as well. That kindly Applejack is here with her brother, sister, and grandmother…,” she said, gesturing to the family group who was talking up a storm. “Rarity is here with her family…,” Twilight had to giggle at how different Rarity's parents were from her friend. While Rarity was cheek and proper her mother and father were not though they at least where kind enough to come in a dress and a suit… even though it was quite tacky. Despite their obvious differences, though, Rarity seemed just as pleased to be with her family as she was to be with hers, for the time being. “Oh yes, that delightful filly Pinkie is with her family as well…,” Twilight looked astonished to see Pinkie's real parents and siblings there, the cheerful party pony a vivid contrast between the somber, but smiling rock farmers, though it was still odd to see that Pinkie was the only colored mare of the group. “And of course there's Fluttershy with her mother.” Velvet pointed out the last two, and Twilight blinked.         Next to Fluttershy was a Pegasus who had nearly the same style mane and appearance, but was just as tall as Princess Luna and built quite like Applejack yet her coat was brown and her mane and tail was red. She was wearing Royal Night Guard armor sans the helmet, talking in a voice that nearly reminded her irresistibly of a drill Sergeant, just softer and lower. “Mom, is that Fluttershy’s mother?” she asked, confused.         Princess Luna just laughed at this. When Fluttershy noticed Twilight and gently waved to her, Fluttershy's mother soon noticed as well. She bounded over to Twilight and Velvet in a single leap landing with the most gentle of landing and could barely even be heard as she trotted up to them. She gently shook Twilight's hoof. “How are you, Twilight Sparkle correct?” she asked, in a tone that reminded them much more of Spitfire of the Wonderbolts then Luna.         “Um fine thank you.” Twilight said amazed at the difference between Fluttershy and her mother.         “My little Flutters told me much about you. And Princess Luna what a surprise to see you here.” She was just about to grab Twilight in a rib-crushingly affectionate hug till Fluttershy tapped her shoulder, “oh right.” Twilight gave Fluttershy a thankful look before speaking.         “Let me guess,” she said to the blushing Pegasus, “you're more like your father in personality.”         Fluttershy blushed and nodded. “He's staying in Canterlot…,” Fluttershy said in her apologetic way, grinning sheepishly.         Fluttershy's mother soon looked to Twilight Velvet smiling. “And you must be Twilight’s mother. I can see where your daughter got good looks from. Forgive me, I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Nightingale Song, Captain of the Canterlot Royal Night Guard. It's a pleasure to meet you.”         Twilight Velvet smiled at this and accepted the offered hoof. “I'm Twilight Velvet. It's very nice to meet you Captain.” she said before Nightlight, Twilight’s father trotted up to them.         “Your son will be here soon dear, seems Cadence needed to talk to him about something.” Nightlight said gently.         Velvet nodded at this till they saw a white unicorn in Royal Day Guard armor sans helmet with navy blue striped mane and tail trot up to them. “Twiley, how’s it going kiddo. Captain Song,” The stallion said smiling in greetings.         “Prince Armor,” Capt. Song returned smiling to him. “So this you’re family?”         The stallion nodded. “Yep, and sorry for the late greeting Princess Luna I didn’t see you.”         Princess Luna waved it off. “Tis alright Shining Armor, I can understand from the position you were standing from.”         Shining nodded at this thankfully. “So Twiley. what’s this big news you got to tell us?” Twilight laughed pitifully at this knowing this was going to take some work.         Over by Rarity and her parents, Rarity was having the same issue of how to break the news. She loved her parents greatly but well she knew her parents. “Hey what’s wrong sport?” Rarity’s father, Magnum, asked, getting her attention.         “O-oh no father, I was just thinking was all.”         Magnum nodded at this smiling. “Just don’t think too hard. Why don’t you go and talk to your friends while your mother and I check more of the festivities?” Rarity quickly nodded before taking off in the same direction as Applejack.         Applejack sighed as she trotted away from her Granny and brother. All the advice they were giving her about dates and such just well, it was a bit too much and she really needed a break. Sighing she looked up to see Rarity trotting up to her. “May I join you?” Rarity asked sighing.         “Sure.” Applejack replied as they headed over to Twilight and her family.         “I see you've met Fluttershy's mother,” Rarity said, smirking.         “Yes I did. I didn’t know they were so different from one another,” Twilight said still amazed by the difference. Fluttershy had a more hunched position, while Nightingale's stance was almost challenging yet held a sense of kindness with it. Also how she could just walk and fly around with not a sound was interesting as well. It may have also showed how Fluttershy had gained her gentle touch.         “Um… did you two and Rainbow Dash make your choice?” Fluttershy asked. “Are you going to…”         Twilight started to say something, when she was interrupted Scootaloo and Ms. Cheerilee trotting in through the door. “I hope we’re not interrupting anything.” Cheerilee said smiling. Right behind them was to everyone’s amazement an adoption officer who just smiled to all of them.         Rainbow, Twilight, and Luna looked to the adoption officer before he turned his head to his saddle bags and produced a roll of paper trotting inside up to the three before placing it down smiling. “It’s all clear you two. Congratulations.” Before the Twilight family and the younger princess was an adoption form. Everyone save for Twilight, Rainbow, and Princess Luna, were absolutely shocked at the sight.  This sight also gave those who had secrets, like Rarity, Fluttershy, and Twilight, courage to finally talk.         “Twilight what does this mean?” Velvet asked looking to her daughter.         With a happy sigh Twilight looked to her family. “First of all you never got introduced properly. This is Rainbow Dash, the second co-parent to my foal. Luna’s the other.” The Twilight’s jaws just dropped at this. “Um surprise?” Everyone just gaped at this till they looked to the paper again.         “Twilight, if you are with a foal… what is this for?” Nightlight asked completely shocked.         “It’s for her dad. We’ve decided to adopt that filly right there, named Scootaloo.”         Over with Cheerilee, Scootaloo hadn't expected to come to such a party see as she didn’t really have a family. But to actually see one of the caretakers pull out a paper to cause everyone to gasped left her well…baffled... and slowly filling with a growing hope, a hope that maybe, just maybe... till she overheard the caretaker. “It’s all clear you two. Congratulations.”         Scootaloo looked up to Cheerilee. “D-does this mean…”         Cheerilee smiled at this. “Yes Scootaloo, you’ve been adopted.”         Scootaloo just gasped as Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie began to grin, suddenly realizing just what was going on.         Over with Rarity and her family she looked to her Father and Mother. “Would you mind if I come by tomorrow say around three-ish?” Both nodded happily at this.         Back with the Twilight family Velvet finally got her mind to start working. “Twilight Sparkle you had better explain at this before…,” Velvet said before Princess Luna stepped forward.         “Scootaloo came from Cloudsdale and have been living at the orphanage for some time. She has been looking up to Rainbow Dash as a mother figure from the very beginning. Rainbow Dash had been confused about what she wanted to do and has decided to become a parent, to her and your daughter’s foal.” It was then Twilight leaned into her and smiled as Luna nuzzled her neck.         “Twilight, Princess…is... is this why you were both late getting here?” Velvet soon asked as Twilight and Luna both nodded smiling.         Rainbow Dash soon looked to the Twilight smiling and explained. “Twilight, Luna and I just finished all the paperwork a few days ago. Scootaloo is our daughter now, and I hope you’ll both accept her as your granddaughter… if that’s okay?” she said then asked.         Twilight then stepped next to her and looked to her parents. “We came to this decision mom, after Rainbow talking with her father figure Mr. Storm Wind. She came home and told us that she made a decision and asked us if we wanted this as well. That decision was to adopt Scootaloo, and we agreed. Even Princess Celestia helped us out on this and was more than happy to write a letter of recommendation for the three of us. That actually sped up the process along just enough that we were able to get Cheerilee to set it up so Scootaloo would be brought here to meet all of us.”         There was a just stunned silence till Velvet just shook her head and then smiling giggling. “I can’t believe I’m saying this but…I'm very proud of you three. Especially you my dear Twilight,” she said, causing Twilight to blush.         “Thanks mom, and I promise to explain everything back at the library.” Twilight said smiling.         “I should hope so, I want to meet my new in-laws along with my newest granddaughter,” Velvet replied causing Luna and Twilight both to turn red at this.         Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash had gone over to Scootaloo, who had sat down, completely unable to move, with an expression of absolute shock on her face. “I... you... am I really you’re…,” Scootaloo stammered.         Rainbow Dash just nodded, smiling. “You're with us now Scoots; we’ll be taking care of you from now on,” she said. Scootaloo's expression changed from absolute shock to sheer joy as she leaped forward, hugging Rainbow Dash tightly around the chest crying happily. Rainbow Dash blushed at this but didn’t care, she had Scootaloo now, and nothing could be better. To be continued...