> Turquoise Blitz & Anthea: Road to Parenthood > by N7_Spartan117 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Prologue > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- It was a bright and beautiful morning in Ponyville as its resident pony-dragon hybrid Turquoise Blitz awoke. As he started to stretch his large bat-like wings across the bed, he felt the spot next to him, belonging to wife Anthea, empty. “Annie?” asked Turquoise as he rubbed his light green hoof-claw across the bed. It was not long before he heard a loud sound coming from the master bathroom. “Huuurggehh!!!” The sound of solid chunks splashing into water caused Turquoise to leap out of bed and gallop towards the bathroom door. “Annie? Sweetie, are you in there?” asked Turquoise, concerned for his wife. “Yeah T, I'm in he-HUUURRGGGEH!” answered Annie as she began to vomit again. “Ugh, that looks disgusting.” “Can I come in?” asked T on the other side of the bathroom door. It wasn’t long before the partly blind, light-pink-coated, green-maned unicorn mare (with a light green Equestrian flower as her cutie mark) opened the door with her magic. T quickly moved to Annie’s side and rubbed her back to comfort her, “That’s the fourth time this week, isn’t it?” “Yea...Yeah,” answered Annie as she nuzzled against her husband’s green scales, “It must have been someth-HHUUURRGEH!!!” After Annie had finished vomiting, she started to take deep shallow breaths, wash her face, and brush her teeth as T continued to rub his hoof across her back.“Ugh. Wh...What time is it?” “Quarter after seven,” answered T as he helped her to the bedroom. “Oh no, you're going to miss your train to Canterlot with Claire!” “It’s okay. You don’t feel well. Claire can go without me, it’s only a day trip to visit Illusion and Creme.” “But, T, I’m fine. It’s probably just something I ate.” “But…..” said T before Annie kissed him on his cheek. “I’m okay, honest,” reassured Annie as she nuzzled his cheek. “Go with your sister on her trip.” “But...but...okay, but I promise to take the express train back,” said T, finally giving into his wife's wishes. “Good. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to get ready for my magic lessons with Princess Twilight,” said Annie as she pushed T out of the bedroom to clean herself up. Once she was sure that T had left the second story of the house, Annie opened the cabinet under bathroom sink and pulled out a box that she had hidden from her husband. After several suspense-filled minutes, Annie heard a soft knock on the bathroom door that scared her. “Annie, are you okay? You’ve been in there for a while now,” said T through the door. “Yes...yes, just finishing up!” said Annie nervously as she hid something under the sink. “Okay, I’m going to go ahead and go to the train station.” “Oh, wait!” Annie then opened the bathroom and gave T long, passionate kiss. As the kiss ended, Annie had a big smile on her face. “Seems like you're feeling much better,” remarked T, making her blush. “I am. So when will you be back?” “Hopefully around ten tonight,” said T as he made his way towards the front door, “Do you want me to walk with you to Mrs. Twilight?” “N-no, I’m fine,”answered Annie nervously. “Are you sure? I don’t mind.” “Yeah, I’m sure, sweetie. So I will see you tonight?” asked Annie as she opened the door for him, but Turquoise then pulled her into another kiss. “See you tonight.” After Annie watched as T made his way towards the train station, she galloped back to the master bathroom. She quickly found what she was hiding from her husband and stared at what she saw--a white blur with a small unidentifiable blur in the center. Annie was blind all her life, but thanks to her magic she could see colors, but not shapes, so everything to her was just a blur. “Maybe Mrs. Twilight can get a more accurate result,” said Annie as she put the object into her saddle bag and made her way to Princess Twilight Sparkle’s crystal castle. It did not take long for Turquoise to reach the train station and find his older sister, Crystal Clarity, a lavender-coated dragon-pony hybrid mare with two small unicorn horns on each side of her head. “Hey, Sis!” “Turquoise, it’s great to see you again, darling,” said Claire as she hugged her brother. “It’s been awhile since we last met. So tell me, how did you and Annie’s honeymoon go?” “It was great!”exclaimed T as he helped Claire carry her bags into the train, “We went to Mare-is and saw the Eiffel Tower and explored the city.” “Oh, that sounds like fun,” said Claire as she placed the last of her bags on the rack above their seats. “So, how is my sister-in-law doing, anyways?” “Well, she’s been having stomach issues these last couple of days.” “Aw, poor thing.” “Yeah. I told her I could stay with her, but she insisted that I should go with you.” “Well, I am sure she will find out what's bothering her,” said Claire, placing a comforting hoof-claw on her little brother, “But it might surprise you.” “What do you mean?” asked T cautiously, oblivious to what Claire was implying. Claire only gave him a shy grin and giggled at his obliviousness. "Don't worry. You'll find out soon enough." As T and Claire were making their way to Canterlot, Annie had arrived at her mentor’s castle. She entered into the main library to find Twilight’s face buried in one of her many books. “Uh...Mrs.Twilight? I’m here,” said Annie as she tapped Twilight on her shoulder. Twilight was startled by Annie and jumped out of her chair. “Oh Annie, it’s you,” said Twilight as she calmed herself, “Are you ready to start your lessons?” “Well…” said Annie as she place her saddle bag down and pulled the white blur out. “What is that?” asked Twilight as she noticed the object. Annie only raised an eyebrow at her mentor’s question. “I know what it is, but are you…?” “Well, that’s the thing. I need you to tell me what it says,” said Annie as she handed Twilight the object. “No offense, but shouldn’t this be something you should do with Turquoise?” “No! I want to be sure before before I tell him.” “Okay, are you sure?” asked Twilight before she read the results. Annie could only nod her head to contain your excitement. “It looks good to me.” “YES!!!!” yelled Annie in joy as she jumped up and down. “Hold on, sometimes these things can be inaccurate,” said Twilight, disappointing Annie. “Oh…..” All of Annie’s excitement and joy seemed to have disappeared from her. “If you would like, I could use a spell to scan your--” “YES!!! Please, please, please do it!” begged Annie as she gave Twilight her saddest face possible. It did not take long for Twilight to give into Annie’s plea. “Okay, come with me so we can start.” “And that should do it. Shall we meet again next tax season?” asked the tall, light pink unicorn mare with a violet mane and royal crown as her cutie mark known as Creme de la Creme. “Hopefully sooner,” remarked Claire as she placed her documents into her saddle bag. “We need to get together one day and do something fun.” “I would love to. ‘Til next time,” said Creme as she gave her childhood friend a hug goodbye. Turquoise was sitting in the waiting room of Creme’s accounting building reading a fashion magazine talking about his mother’s new fashion line based off his father’s scales. “Okay T, we done here.” “Okay, so where to now?” asked T as he followed behind his sister, and waved goodbye to Creme. “Well, I am going to go see Illusion, but if you want to go ahead and get back to Annie, you may.” “I’ll walk you to the castle before I head back,” said T as he placed his large bat wing over Claire. “How sweet of you,” remarked Claire as they continued towards the royal castle. It was not long before they reached the castle, and was led into the royal garden to where Claire’s oldest friend-turned-coltfriend, Prince Illusion, was at. “Crys!” yelled Illusion as he galloped to meet his fillyfriend. Prince Illusion was the son of Princess Celestia and Discord, he had the body of the stallion, but with a red scaly tail, a lion paw for his front right hoof and claw for his back left hoof, two horns similar to his father’s, and a black mane and white coat with sun/moon/star for his cutie mark. “Lulu!” said Claire as she went to meet him. As soon as the two met, they both shared a kiss and nuzzled each other. “Uh….” said T trying to make the situation less awkward for himself. “T! How’s the newlywed doing?” asked Illusion as he pulled T into a hug. “Good, and you?” “Great, now that Crys is here,” answered Illusion, causing Claire to blush. “Where is Annie?” “Oh, she’s sick,” answered Claire before Turquoise could. “Stomach problems.” “Stomach problems?” “Yeah, she’s had them for awhile now,” answered T. “It must have been something she ate while on our honeymoon.” “Oh, I see!” said Illusion as he looked at Claire, who gave him a knowing nod. “Don’t worry, T. You will find out soon,” said Claire. She then gave Illusion a look that meant not to say anything. “Yeah, you will find out soon,” said Illusion, only causing T to become more frustrated. “Why does everypony keep saying that?” Turquoise soon left for the train back to Ponyville, but before leaving, he made sure to buy Annie some of her favorite flowers. The train ride was quicker than he had anticipated, and he had made it back to his home by sunset. As he entered into his two story house he could smell Annie cooking in the kitchen. “Annie, I’m home,” said T as he made his way to the kitchen. “T...T...you’re home early!?” said Annie nervously as she turned to face him. “Yeah, train ride was quicker than I thought. I got you these.” T then pulled out a bouquet of flowers similar to her cutie mark. “Aww, T, there beautiful!” said Annie as she held what she could see as a light green blur. “I hoped you would like them.” “So...so how was your trip?” asked Annie trying to buy herself some time. “It was good. I saw Creme and Illusion,” answered T as he made his way to see what she was working on. “What are you cooking?” “It’s your favorite. So...how are Illusion and Creme doing?” “Good. Claire told Illusion about your stomach issues,” said T, causing Annie to become more nervous. “They said you’ll be fine, and that I will know what the problem is soon.” “Doh!” thought Annie. “I guess I have no choice now. Here goes nothing.” While Annie was mentally preparing herself, Turquoise was getting ready to eat. “Hey Annie, can we go ahead and eat now?” “No!” yelled Annie, scaring the dragon-pony hybrid. “I'm sorry, it’s just that I have to tell you something.” “Wh...What is it?” “I’m….” “Are you not feeling well again?” asked T in a concerned tone. “No. I’m-” “Did somepony make fun of you because you're blind?” “No. I’m-” “You’re not leaving me, are you?” asked T with a hint of sadness and fear in his voice. “No, of course not!” said Annie, reassuring her frightened husband. “Then what?” Annie then took a deep breath and prepared herself, “I’m pregnant.” After hearing those words, Turquoise immediately fell to the kitchen floor unconscious. “T?” > Announcement > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Ugh….What happened?” asked Turquoise as he started to regain consciousness. As T began to regain his sight, he could see Annie and their friends Golden Delicious, Prism Bolt, Cotton Candy, and Starburst looking down at him. “Oh T! Thank heavens you're awake!” said Annie as she wrapped her forelegs around his large neck, nearly choking him. “See, I told you he would wake up,” said Prism, a navy coated pegasus stallion with a rainbow-colored mane and a prism as his cutie mark. “No, I said he would. You just stood there and complained about how heavy he is,” remarked Starburst, a small orange-coated and navy-maned pegasus mare with a pink and blue stripe in her mane and tail, and starburst cutie mark. “Hey he’s a big dude, ask Del!” “He is kind of big,” answered Del, a tall earth pony stallion with a yellow coat and a golden apple as his cutie mark. “Can someone answer my question?” asked T as Annie released him from her death grip. “Oh, you passed out,” answered Candy, a small light blue earth pony mare with a pink mane and a stick of cotton candy as her cutie mark. “I...I passed out?” asked T, “Why did I pass out?” “We don’t know. Annie came galloping out of your house and found Del walking Star home, and me and Prism were about to play a prank on them. Anyway, she said that you had fainted.” “Yeah, then it took both Del, Prism, and Star just to lift you up and bring into the living room,” said Annie as she helped her husband sit up. “Well, thanks, you guys, but that still doesn’t answer my question. Why did I pass out?” All eyes turned to Annie as she began to feel the pressure of their stare weighing heavily on her. “Well...I….I’m….pregnant,” confessed Annie, causing a deep silence to fall upon the room. Turquoise was about to pass out again, but was stopped when Prism patted him on the back. “Way to go, T!” cheered Prism. As the others began to congratulate the couple, T was still trying to wrap his mind around the news. “You’re….. pregnant?” asked T in disbelief, causing Annie to worry. “Yeah, aren't you excited?” asked Candy. Now all eyes were on T; as Turquoise sat there in silence, Annie’s heart began to sink. “I thought he would be happy,” thought Annie. “What is he thinking? I hope he isn’t goi-” “I AM GOING TO BE A FATHER!!!” shouted T as he jumped off the couch he was sitting on in excitement, surprising everyone. “You’re not mad?” asked Annie in a surprised tone. “Of course not! Why in Equestria would I be? I am going to be a dad, Annie!” “Congratulations,” said Starburst. “So have you guys told your parents yet?” “No, we haven't,” answered Annie. “You guys, Mrs. Twilight, Claire, and Illusion are the only ones who know.” “We could go tell them tomorrow, if you’re up for it,” suggested T as he held his pregnant wife close to him. “That sounds perfect!” “Well, Ah can see you guys will have a busy day tomorrow,” remarked Del as he made his way to the front door. “Bye, guys!” said Star as she followed behind Del. After a last round of congratulations, T and Annie were all alone. “Annie, why didn’t you tell me sooner?” asked T as he helped Annie up the stairs to their bedroom. “I just found out today,” answered Annie. “I had Mrs. Twilight scan to make sure, because I could see the test results.” “I just wish that you would have told me, so I could be with you when you found out,” said T in a depressed tone, regretting that he missed out on such an important moment. “I know, and I am sorry.” Annie gave him a kiss on the cheek and nuzzled to comfort him. “I Pinkie promise not let you miss anything else.” “Okay.” As the soon to be parents prepared for the next day, a faint scream could be heard from the other side of Ponyville. “FOREVER!!!!” yelled Pinkie Pie from her home at Sugar Cube Corner. “What do you mean I can’t plan their baby shower?!” “You heard me,” answered Candy, arguing with her mother. “They are my friends, and I want to plan it.” “But….but, I am the supreme party planner of Ponyville. I even knew she was pregnant before you.” “You knew, but h-” Candy started to think about how her mother would have know about the foal, “Let me guess, Pinkie Sense?” Pinkie gave Candy a huge smile as an answer, “Are you sure I can’t do it?” “I don’t know, it's their decision. They haven't even told their parents yet.” “Oh! Rarity and Fluttershy are going to be so excited to hear that.” “Yeah, which is why you do not tell them,” ordered Candy as she gave Pinkie a stern look. “What? I am not like Twilight,” remarked Pinkie, “Tell you what, we will let them decide who they want to plan the baby shower.” “Deal.” As Celestia’s sun began to rise the next day, Annie started to have strange feeling in her stomach. “Ugh, here we go again,” said Annie as she got out of bed, careful not to wake her sleeping husband, and made her way to the bathroom. It did not take long for Turquoise to notice that Annie was gone. “Annie, are you in the bathroom?” asked T as he got out of bed and approached the door. The only response he received was the sound of Annie vomiting. “Sweetie, I’m fine,” said Annie through the door. “Go back to be- Hhuuurrgeh!” “Annie, please let me in.” “T, I am fine. Go back to bed." “No!” said T in a stern tone, surprising Annie, “I promised you that I would stay and love you, no matter what, and I meant it! Now please let me in.” It wasn’t long before Annie unlocked the bathroom door, and T rushed to her side. “T, I know you love me, but yo- Hhuurrrgeh,” Turquoise just sat there and rubbed her back as she continued to puke, “Ugh….” “Do you want me to find something to help you?” “No...I...I think that’s it,” said Annie as she started to clean herself up, “I can get some tea from mom when we go and talk to her.” “Are you sure you want to?” asked T in a concerned tone, “We could always tell our parents later.” “T, if I didn’t know any better, I would think you were afraid to tell your mom that I’m pregnant,” said Annie as she finished brushing her teeth and walked back into the bedroom. “I’m not worried about that,” replied T, “She and dad will be ecstatic about being grandparents.” “Let me guess. Your worried about me and the foal?” T only nodded his head in response. “T, I know that you want to help, but I can take care of myself.” “I know, but...” Annie quickly gave T a kiss to calm him down. “I don’t mind you wanting to help me,” said Annie as she nuzzled his cheek. “But I’m just pregnant and blind, I am not completely helpless.” “I know, I just worry about you sometimes.” “I know, T.” After having breakfast, the two expecting parents made their way to Annie’s adoptive mother’s cottage first, to tell the news. As they stood outside of Fluttershy’s cottage, Annie was hesitant to knock on the door. “Annie, are you ok?” asked T in a concerned voice. “Yea….Yeah I...I’m just nervous.” “Nervous? Why are you nervous?” “It’s just….I don’t know what she will think,” confessed Annie as she stared at the door. As she stared, T wrapped his large bat wing around her and took her hoof in his. “I’m with you no matter what,” said T comforting Annie. With her still shaky confidence, Annie began to lightly knock on the door. “Coming!” said a faint voice from the other side of the door. It did not take long for the voice to open the door. “H...hey, mom,” said Annie nervously as she tried to force a convincing smile. “Hello, Ms. Fluttershy,” said T with real smile on his face “Annie! Turquoise! What a pleasant surprise! Come in,” said Fluttershy as she moved to the side to allow the couple to enter. “What brings you two here?” “Well, Annie and I have something to tell you,” answered T as he held Annie close to him. “Oh, what’s that?” “We ar-” “We are thinking about trying out that new restaurant in Canterlot!” interrupted Annie, causing T and Fluttershy to give her a suspicious look. “Okay?” asked Fluttershy as she looked for T for an explanation. “Yeah, but I don’t think that’s a good idea,” said T, trying to get Annie to confess. “Why is that?” asked Fluttershy. “Because, A-” “A giant tree fell on the tracks!” said Annie as sweat started to form on her brow. “Excuse us one second,” said T as he and Annie walked into the kitchen. “Annie what’s the matter?” “I can’t do it, T!” confessed Annie as she started to slide to the floor on the verge of tears. “I can’t tell her.” “Why not?” asked T in a concerned tone as he moved beside her, “I thought you wanted to.” “I do, but….” “You're scared.” Annie only nodded her head. “You want me to tell her?” “No, I want to, but….. could we do it together?” “Of course,” answered T as they nuzzled, “That how I thought we were going to tell her.” “Tell me what?” asked Fluttershy appearing in the doorway, causing Annie to let out a small ‘Eep’. “Are you two hiding something from me?” “No, not anymore,” answered T as he helped Annie to her hooves. “Ready?” “Yes,” Annie then took a deep breath and reached out for Turquoise’s hoof-claw. “We are having a foal!” said Annie and T in unison. Fluttershy just stood there in shock at the announcement. “Mom?” asked Annie in a frightened tone. “Oh, Annie!!!!” yelled Fluttershy in joy as she grabbed the couple and pulled them into a choking hug. “I'm so, so, so happy for the both of you!” “See?….Nothing….to….be….afraid...of,” said T as he gasped for air. Fluttershy quickly released the two from her hug. “I can't believe you're going to be parents! And I'm going to be a grandma!” “I know, we’re excited too!” said Annie as she and Fluttershy started to rub her belly. “When did you find out?” “Yesterday,” answered T as he wrapped his wing around Annie, “Mrs. Twilight scanned her to make sure.” “I am really happy for both of you,” said Fluttershy as she hugged her daughter again. “I know. I’m so scared, though!” said Annie as she looked to her stomach, “I don't know what to expect.” “Have you told Rarity and Spike yet?” asked Fluttershy, “Maybe you could ask Rarity for some advice. She's had two dragon babies, after all.” “That’s right. C'mon on, T!” “Okay, goodbye, Ms. Fluttershy!” said T as Annie almost dragged him out of the cottage in excitement. As the couple reached Turquoise’s parents home, Carousel Boutique, Annie opened the door, setting off the store bell. “Hello? Mom?” asked Annie as she and T walked through the shop. They quickly spotted T’s mother, Rarity, and Claire working on a dress in a back room. “Anthea, darling? Is that you?” asked Rarity, her mane in a small bun, as she poked her head through the back door. “Come in! Oh, T, you're here as well! Wonderful!” “Hi, mom. Hey, Claire,” said T as he and Annie entered the work room. “Hey, you two,” said Claire as she gave the couple a knowing smile. “Are you two working on a project together?” asked Annie as she saw the sparkling blue blur. “Why, yes we are! My designs are being featured in a magazine, and I needed to find some jewelry to go with each outfit. And, well, who could possibly do the job better than my lovely daughter,” said Rarity as she pointed to Claire. “Sounds like a good idea to me,” said T as he grabbed Annie’s hoof in preparation. "So, what can we do for you?” asked Rarity. “Did you need something?” “Well, me and T wanted to ask you something, but we have to tell you something first,” said Annie. “Okay... go on.” T then gave Annie a reassuring nod. “We are having a foal!” “AAAAAAHHHHH!” yelled Rarity as she jumped up and down for joy. “Congratulations, you two! I'm so happy!” “Congrats!” said Claire as she gave the couple a hug. “Thank you,” said Annie. “Oh, now we're going to have to plan a baby shower!” said Rarity as she took her daughter-in-law by her hoof, “And I can start making some baby clothes! Oh, and of course you're going to need some maternity wear!” Annie could only giggle as Rarity started to make a long list of things that were needed. “Naturally! But we still have plenty time.” “Right, right. Sorry, I'm just so excited! I simply can NOT wait to be a grandmother!” said Rarity as she shook with excitement. “I might've been sooner if, ehem, Crystal Clarity and her coltfriend would get married.” Claire only rolled her eyes and brushed the comment off. “You said you need to ask me something?” “Oh yes! Um, well, I was wondering if you could just tell me what to expect from this whole pregnancy thing,” said Annie, “I would've asked my mom, but I can't for obvious reasons. Plus, you're probably the only mare in Equestria who's given birth to dragon-pony hybrids.” "Well, you are most certainly right about that! So what would you like to know, darling?" "Anything and everything!" answered Annie. "I want to be as prepared as I can." "Hmmm.... Let's see, where do I even start?" said Rarity as she tapped her chin with her hoof. "Well, the beginning was very easy. All I can recall is the occasional morning sickness." "Okay, that sounds about right." "Mm-hmm. Then the cravings began to kick in as well. I suppose I got the same cravings that most mares would get. You know the whole cucumbers and ice cream deal. But then I'd always have this strange urge to try the gems that I was working with... I never had one obviously!" "Yeah, right!" said Claire as she burst into a fit of laughter, "I saw you lick a couple of gems when you were pregnant with T." "That was only ONCE, Claire!" yelled Rarity in embarrassment as she began to blush, "Besides, it was the cravings. I couldn't help it." "Well, that doesn't sound too bad. Right, T?" asked Annie. "Right," answered Turquoise. "Oh, sweetie, that was only the first couple months or so," said Rarity, "Things got crazier no later than halfway through." "Oh....wh...what else?" asked Annie nervously, not sure if she wanted to know how bad it could get. "Well…. when Claire and Turquoise’s grabby little claws began to develop, they were completely restless in there! It was like they were clawing me from the inside out!” explained Rarity, causing Annie’s pupils to dilate, “Oh, how I'd toss and turn every night while the kicked around. They were also considerably bigger than regular foals, so it was absolute torture on my back when I tried getting around anywhere.” “C….clawing from the...in..inside?” asked Annie, horrified at the thought. “Why yes, such agonizing pain,” answered Rarity. “And then there was Spike! If T has inherited any of his father's dragon instinct, he will not let you out of his sight for even a second, and will be bringing you random junk throughout the day and hoarding things for you. It's a lovely gesture, but cleaning it all up is NOT fun.” T started to feel guilty by his mother's statement, remembering how he yelled at Annie earlier. “I am sorry,” he whispered to Annie, but she did not respond. “Plus, he probably won't let anypony, no matter how trustworthy, come anywhere near you!” continued Rarity. “That was especially a pain when the doctor would try to do his job. Spike scared the doctor away when I was in labor the first time. And, oh, LABOR! Absolutely dreadful! By far, the most pain I'd ever been in in my entire life.” “Painful?” asked Annie in an almost mute voice. “Especially with T! I thought I was going to DIE! And it doesn't stop after they're born, no-no-no-no! Trying to figure out their bizarre eating habits and all their strange instincts. Nursing was the worst, with their little baby dragon teeth! Oh, I tried bottles, but they would either never drink from them or finish them off too quickly and want ‘muh’. I couldn't let them starve, so what else was I supposed to do?” said Rarity, still scaring Annie. “Ugh, and disciplining them! Oh... Claire was so difficult! She'd destroy everything and wouldn't respond to scolding. No, I had to roar at her!” Claire couldn’t help but giggle at the memory of her mother trying to roar at her. “But in the end, it was a very rewarding experience! Now I have two wonderful and talented children,” said Rarity with a smile on her face. The whole workroom was silent, as Annie sat in some fixed trance. “Annie? Sweetheart, are you okay?” asked T as he tried to pull her out of the trance. “Way to go, mom! You broke her,” remarked Claire as she broke into a fit of laughter, “And you wonder why I don’t want children.”