> Names
>  by CoastBrumby
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Names
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Twilight Sparkle and her five closest friends were happy to see Ponyville’s newest citizens when the Cake twins, Pound and Pumpkin, were born, but they were not certain Mr Cake’s explanation as to why one was a Unicorn and the other a Pegasus was correct. This concerned none of them. They all thought the babies were adorable, and they were very happy for the Cake family.

As Twilight Sparkle and her mare companions left the maternity ward they split into three groups, the Earth Ponies, The Pegasi and the Unicorns. 

“Mister Cake is from Ponyville, and I know both his parents are Earth Ponies, but Missus Cake is from elsewhere. I’d bet a big ruby she has more Unicorn and Pegasus blood in her than she’s let on.” Rarity whispered to Twilight.

“I agree with your theory, but it matters not. Digging into their past will not increase their happiness. It’s best we just let this be.” Twilight Sparkle whispered back. 

Rarity nodded. “Yes.” She spoke softly. Her mind clearly elsewhere.   

Applejack and Pinkie Pie trotted together, and chatted about how cute babies were.

Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy flew through the air. Rainbow Dash circled Fluttershy and exclaimed. “One of them is a Pegasus. A new flyer is born. I can’t wait until he is up and about. Do you think the Cakes will let me teach him tricks?” She said.

“Oh, if they are safe tricks I’m sure they will agree. Being a strong flyer can open up a lot of doors for a Pegasus after all.” Fluttershy replied.

“Doors for a Pegasus huh? Why do I feel like we are forgetting something important?” Rainbow Dash said.

“If it was that important, we would remember. I am sure it will come to you.” Fluttershy said. 

“Kay” Rainbow Dash said. “I want to show you a really simple trick I came up with that any Pegasus can do, but it looks awesome. I’ll do it, and then you can do it. Okay, first you get a little altitude.” The cyan winged mare flew high into the air as she continued to instruct her friend. 

On the ground, Twilight Sparkle looked up in the sky as she trotted. “There she goes again. I wonder if Rainbow Dash realizes how much free entertainment she provides for the town. The mayor tells me Rainbow Dash is a tourist drawcard.” Twilight said.

“I hope she doesn’t realize it. Too much attention tends to go to our aerobatic friend’s head. But it is someone else’s head I want to talk to you about. Little Pumpkin Cake is a Unicorn no matter where she inherited her horn from. She needs a Unicorn name. Her parents are Earth Ponies. They may not know how important it is for a Unicorn to have a name in the Old Tongue as well as one in the Earth Language.” Rarity said.

“Little Pumpkin Cake may be a Unicorn biologically, but I am sure her parents will consider her an Earth Pony culturally.” Twilight said.

“And when she goes to magic school, will she still be an Earth Pony culturally then? Will she use her Earth Name when she invokes the ancient spells? Will she use her Earth name if she marries a Unicorn in a Unicorn ceremony?” Rarity asked.

Twilight Sparkle rubbed her chin with her hoof. “I suppose having a Unicorn name might make life a little easier if she chooses to integrate deeper into Unicorn society latter in life. If we explained it to her parents that way, I’m sure they will understand. However, we should make it clear to them we are not trying to make her a part of your faith.” Twilight said.

“I think you mean our faith, Darling, and no, I will not be discussing The Cult of Celestia with a couple of non believers in the open like that. In fact, we shouldn’t be discussing this in public at all.” Rarity said. 

Twilight rolled her eyes. “Your fears of persecution are overblown. Everypony knows the Carousel Boutique is a secret shrine. There is freedom of religious belief in Equestria.” She said.

“There is freedom of belief, not practice, but this is not a religious issue we are discussing. Let us raise the subject of the daughter’s Unicorn name with Mister Carrot Cake tomorrow afternoon. Shall we? We can meet at Sugar Cube Corner for tea at three.” Rarity said.

“Sounds like a good idea. I will see you tomorrow.” Twilight said. “I’ll see if there are any helpful books in my library. You’ll bring the Unicorn naming form.” 

“Of course, see you tomorrow.” Rarity said.

Fluttershy was awakened from her sleep suddenly. “Fluttershy, Fluttershy, wake up.” Rainbow Dash said. Rainbow Dash spoke in Pegasine. Pegasine was the language of Cloudsdale, and the mother tongue of Rainbow Dash.

Fluttershy opened her eyes to see her dear friend standing over her. “Good morning, Rainbow Dash, is there some kind of emergency?” Fluttershy said. She responded in Pegasine without thinking. She too was born and raised in Cloudsdale.

“No, but I had an important dream I need to tell you about.” Rainbow Dash said.

Fluttershy closed her eyes and snuggled into her sheets. “I am going back to sleep for another five minutes. The sun has not even fully risen yet. Join me.” Fluttershy said.

Rainbow Dash blushed deeply. “I didn’t have that sort of dream.” She said.

Fluttershy grinned. “I thought you loved napping. Never mind, go downstairs and get a start on breakfast. I will join you soon. We can talk about your dream then, but not too long. I have morning chores, and I am fairly certain you have weather pony duties today.” 

“Oh, I got time. Gotta do a patrol in an hour, but I can be a little late for that. There’s a breeze for a kite festival to generate in the afternoon, and I’d like to get in some showers tonight. That’ll mean early morning cloud busting for yours truly. Good thing I had my dream last night.” Rainbow Dash said.

Fluttershy nuzzled Rainbow Dash. “You’ve burst into my room yet again. You are standing over me as I lie in my bed. You can go make me some breakfast to make up for your rudeness, or you can show your manners in a more direct fashion.” She said.

Rainbow Dash flew downstairs in a blur. “I’m going to make porridge and fruit, alright.” She cried out from the kitchen. 

Fluttershy stretched in her bed. “Oh Fluttershy, your such a tease, or is Rainbow Dash the tease. We are mares with such mysterious hearts.” She said. She got out of bed. “Better go see what she wants. It is unusual for Rainbow Dash to care about a dream.”  Fluttershy cleaned herself up a bit and walked down to her kitchen.

“It should be ready in a few minutes.” Rainbow Dash said.

“No rush. I will set the table.” Fluttershy said. “Do you want to talk about your dream now?”

“Better wait until after we have eaten. I don’t want to be distracted and miss anything.”  Rainbow Dash said.

“Alright” Fluttershy responded.

Fluttershy was cleaning up after breakfast when Rainbow Dash began to speak. “This dream was different than anyone I have ever had before. I didn’t do any flying in it at all. The dream started in my house in the sky. I found a room that had never been there before. I trotted in. I saw this old mare, and I realized it was my grandmare who had passed away a few years ago. I was happy to see her, and then I saw she wasn’t alone. There were others with her. I knew somehow they were all my ancestors. They asked me my name. I told them it was Rainbow Dash. They kept asking, and I kept answering Rainbow Dash. I was beginning to get angry when I realized they were speaking in 
Pegasine. I told them my sky name. I told them my name was Dathiel, my Pegasine name. They all applauded. Then I left the room, trotted to my bed, fell asleep, and woke up. It was so real. I even looked for that room when I woke up. I think this dream means something, Thyala.” Rainbow Dash said.

Fluttershy blushed. “Of all the others, only you and Rarity know my sky name, and only you ever use it. What does your dream mean, Dathiel?” Fluttershy said.

“It means that little Cake needs an extra name to go with his Earth name. Isn’t there some official tribal registry form as well?” Rainbow Dash said.

“I have one around here somewhere. I once had my fortune told, and I learned I would be a part of an unplanned Pegasus’s pregnancy. I picked one up after that. It’s not too busy at Sugar Cube Corner at nine o’clock. Shall we meet there and discuss this with the Cakes then?” Fluttershy said.

“Sounds good.” Rainbow Dash said. She stretched eagerly.

“Now, we will need to be delicate about this. We won’t want to give the impression that they are in anyway incapable of raising their own children.” Fluttershy said.

“I’ll be soft as a cloud, and smooth as the sky.” Rainbow Dash said. 

“Wonderful.” Fluttershy said.

Yep, I’m wonderful as I want to be. I better go take care of that patrol now. See ya later, Thyala.” Rainbow Dash said. She trotted out the front door and launched into the air.

“See you later, Dathiel.” Fluttershy called out as she waved from the ground. 

The early morning rush was over. Mr Cake was seeping the floor when Rarity and Fluttershy came trotting in. There was something about the way the two young mares looked at him that made him nervous. It was the look his accountant gave him around tax time. Mr Cake paid little taxes, but he wouldn’t pay any if his accountant would let him right off the repair bills that resulted from Pinkie Pie’s destructive habits. The accountant told him the tax office would never believe the Cakes willingly employed such a clumsy apprentice. 

“Good Morning Ladies, What can get for you? Pinkie Pie isn’t in today if you are looking for her.” Mr Cake said.

“We’ll have a pot of tea and some teacakes.” Rainbow Dash said.

“Coming right up” Mr Cake said.  

Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash drank their tea while sitting at a small corner table in the store. They spoke softly. “You said we should be delicate. Delicate is your strength.” Rainbow Dash said to Fluttershy.

Fluttershy nodded. She stood up and walked over to Mr Cake. “Good Morning, Mister Cake. Congratulations on the birth of twins. I could not help but notice that one of your children is a Pegasus Pony, and my friend and I were wondering if you had picked out a sky name for him yet, and if you had filed out the official tribal registration form. I have one with me if you need it.” Fluttershy said.

“We’ve already named him Pound Cake, and their birth certificates have been issued.” Mr Cake said. 

“Yes, but as a Pegasus, Pound Cake needs to be registered in Cloudsdale as a member of the tribe. He will also need a sky name in Pegasine.” Rainbow Dash said.

“There are no tribes anymore, and I am not changing my son’s name.” Mr Cake said.

“We aren’t asking you to change his name. We are asking you to give him an extra name, so he can be included as full member of the Pegasus Tribe. It won’t make him any less of a member of the Cake family.” Fluttershy said.

“I think it will. A pony only has so much time in the day. I have a feeling you will want him to be learning your language and your ways when he will be needing to learn our language and our ways. Earth Ponies have a culture as rich and complex as Pegasus. No, I won’t allow this to go any further. I appreciate you are thinking of Pound Cakes well being, but this conversation is over.” Mr Cake said.

“Can we at least leave the form with you?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“If you insist,” Mr Cake said. Fluttershy placed the paper on the counter. The two Pegasi left quickly. 

“That could have gone better.” Rainbow Dash said.

“It could have been worse. I wouldn’t worry too much.  Mister Cake is a reasonable stallion. He will think about what we have said, and he will decide what’s best for his children.” Fluttershy said. 

Three o’clock rolled around. Mr Cake kept busy in the shop. He thought little of what the Pegasi had said. Two unicorns walked into the shop. He knew them their names were Rarity and Twilight Sparkle. They were friends of Pinkie Pie. Rarity and Twilight Sparkle were your stereotypical Unicorn mares. They were beautiful, elegant, and sophisticated. Neither was Mr Cake’s type however. He only had eyes for Missus Cake.

“What can I get you two ladies?” Mr Cake asked.

“We’ll have a pot of tea and some teacakes.” Twilight said.

Mister Cake suddenly felt annoyed. He served the teacakes and the tea as politely as he could manage.

Rarity and Twilight Sparkle chatted to each other for a few minutes. Eventually both got up and approached him. 

“Good Afternoon, Mister Cake. Rarity and I would like to congratulate on the birth of twins. We couldn’t help but notice your daughter is a Unicorn like us. You may not be aware that there are many traditions surrounding the birth of Unicorns. One important tradition is a Unicorn will have a name in the Old Tongue as well as the one she uses in her day to day life. This name can be used when one is using ancient magic. My unicorn name is Aily. It means Light Child.” Twilight Sparkle said.

“My Unicorn name is Ewulai. It means Jewel Light.” Rarity said. “We recognize you may not have much knowledge of the Old Tongue, so Twilight found you this book in her library.” Rarity said. She used her magic to levitate a book out of Twilight’s saddle bag. The book title was Naming Your Unicorn Child.

“It has a special section in it for Earth Ponies who have born Unicorns like you.” Twilight Sparkle said. 

“I did not bare the children. My wife did, but I know what you mean.” Mr Cake said. “I have catered a few events at your boutique, Ms Rarity. I know your store doubles as a place of worship. I know you like to think this is a secret. I have no issue with your Unicorn beliefs and practices, but my children shall be raised as Earth Ponies.” Mr Cake said.

“I do not intend to indoctrinate your children in the ways of my faith.” Rarity said. “However, I brought a form, so her Unicorn name can be registered. Records are kept in my shrine.”

“All this sounds completely religious to me.” Mr Cake said. 

“There are a number of spells that are best invoked using a name in the Old Tongue.” Twilight Sparkle said.

“Spells are not too different from prayers the way I hear it.” Mr Cake said.
Twilight and Rarity looked at each other.

“For many of the ancient spells, this is true, but they are an important part of Unicorn heritage.” Twilight Sparkle said.

“As I said, my children have an Earth Pony heritage. I know no ancient spells, but I can sing all the old songs of the tribe. This will be enough for them. I will have a look at your book because I took the Pegasi form, and I will not let it be said I am not fair. If you are finished with your tea, it is time for you ladies to go.” Mr Cake said.

“Good Afternoon, Mister Cake.” Twilight Said.

“Good Afternoon.” Rarity said. She gave him a curt nod.

Rarity and Twilight Sparkle trotted out the door. They walked back to the boutique together. Rarity turned to Twilight. “Does everypony really know the secret nature of my boutique?” Rarity asked.

“Just about, but not everypony knows that the mayor is the high priest and you are just a deacon.” Twilight said.

“So, you’ll be at services this weekend.” Rarity said.

Twilight sighed. “I’ll think about it.” She said.

Rarity nuzzled her friend. “Look forward to your presence.” She said.

Evening came to Ponyville, and Pinkie Pie and Mr Cake could be found finishing up their cleaning of Sugar Cube corner. “You're going to be working hard for a while, Pinkie Pie. Missus Cake may be coming out of the hospital with the babies, but they’ll be taking up most of her time. I’ll be counting on you to see that things are finished on time. I can’t do everything myself.”

“I’m happy to help. Oh, I am so excited about the babies.” Pinkie Pie said.

“Yes, you are excited, but your friends are excited about meddling.” Mr Cake said.

“What do you mean?” Pinkie asked.

“Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash where in here in the morning telling me my little Pound Cake needs a sky name in their Pegasus language, and then Twilight Sparkle and Rarity showed up in the afternoon telling me that my little Pumpkin Cake needed a Unicorn name in the Old Tongue. They claimed it was important for reciting ancient spells. Why is that important?” Mr Cake said.

Pinkie Pie stopped working. “The ancient spells are important. They contain important knowledge about the fundamental nature of magic. They contain history, and even a little morality.” Pinkie Pie said.

“Who taught you that? Twilight Sparkle?” Mr Cake said.

“No, I learned all this when I was a filly.” Pinkie Pie said.

“But you are an Earth Pony. You were raised on a rock farm.” Mr Cake said.

“I am also a Unicorn, Mister Cake.” Pinkie Pie said.

“You don’t have a horn.” Mr Cake said.

“By custom, I am a Unicorn. My great grandmare on my mother’s side was a Unicorn, so I am, and so will be all my daughter’s daughters if I ever have any children that is.” Pinkie Pie said.

“Oh, so you were taught the old spells. Do you have a Unicorn name?” Mr Cake asked.

“Oh yes. It’s Diana. I’m named after Princess Luna. Diana is her unicorn name.” Pinkie Pie said.

“Oh, she has a Unicorn name. Does Princess Celestia also have a Unicorn name?” Mr Cake said.

“Yes, but it is only spoken aloud once a year. It’s a big no-no to say it any other time, but Twilight Sparkle once said it to Princess Celestia’s face. You should have her tell you the story some time, but it is okay for her to say it at other times as she’s practically the Princess’s daughter.” Pinkie Pie said.

“Does Princess Celstia and Princess Luna also have sky names?” Mr Cake asked.

“Yes, but I can never remember what they are. I have a sky name. It’s Pinkomina.” Pinkie Pie said.

“You are also part Pegasus?” Mr Cake asked.

“No, but I was named after a dear friend of my father who passed away before I was born. That friend was an Earth Pony, but she was named after a Pegasus. My name means dawn cloud.” Pinkie said.

“But what about your Earth Pony heritage?” Mr Cake asked.

“That’s where the Pie comes in. I may be a Unicorn by custom with a Pegasus name, but you don’t get more Earth Pony than me. I spent my childhood pushing rocks around in the earth, and now I make food for a living.” Pinkie Pie said.

“Do you know the songs of the tribe?” Mr Cake asked

“Till with strength. Tend with diligence. Harvest with joy. Plant with love. 
Days have length. Mend with patience, and jest with joy. Plant with love.” Pinkie sang.

“Shall I go on?” She asked.

Mr Cake blushed. “No, that’s enough. You do realize that song is about more than farming.” He said.

“Ponies say that, but I’m not really sure what they mean by that.” Pinkie Pie said.

“You are better talking about it with Missus Cake.” Mr Cake said. 

“Ockie Dockie Lockie. We better get back to work if we are going to finish on time.” Pinkie Pie said.

“In a moment. I have one more question. Do your friends know about your heritage?” Mr Cake asked.

“They know my proper name is Pinkomina Diana Pie, but only Applejack and Twilight Sparkle know I am a Unicorn by custom. I don’t tell too many ponies for fear of Rarity finding out. She’d be bothering me about attending services if she found out I was not only born a Unicorn, but also born into her faith. I’d rather not say anymore on the subject if it is all the same to you.” Pinkie Pie said.

“Thanks for sharing, Pinkie. I can’t tell you what a help you’ve been. You’ve given me a lot to think about.” Mr Cake said.

“No problem.” Pinkie Pie said. “Oh, when you spread your seed, think of the need. When you sow your oats wild, do not forget dear child. Plant with love alone. Make your heart not stone.” Pinkie Pie sang.

“Seriously Pinkomina, don’t sing that song around me. You are a young mare that is rather pretty, and I am not made of stone. Do you understand?” Mr Cake said.

“Not at all, but I’ll sing a simpler song while I work. La la la la.” Pinkie Pie said.

“Yes, that’s much better. Let’s pick up the pace. We don’t want to be at this all night.” Mr Cake said.

Two weeks passed after Pinkie Pie spoke of her true name to Mr Cake. He had meaningful conversations with his wife, and decisions were made. Mr Cake had Pinkie gather her five closest pony friends and Spike the Dragon at Sugar Cube Corner for a casual get together in the evening.

When everyone had arrived and become comfortable, Mr Cake began to speak. “Good evening everypony. Thank you for coming. Over one month has passed since the birth of my children. Mrs Cake and I named them on their first day, and we thought we were finished with naming. Shortly after that some of you came in and told me I was wrong. Some of you told me my children needed knew names because they’re not the same as me. I resented that, and I was afraid. I was afraid my children wouldn’t be interested in learning how to be a good Earth Pony if I told them they had to learn how to be a good Unicorn and Pegasus as well, but I was wrong to be afraid. I learned from someone truly unique that learning about one culture doesn’t mean you are any less a part of the culture you were born into. So I have made a choice, and now, without further ado I will reintroduce our twins.” 
Mrs Cake wheeled in a pram. The two babies were placed on a table. 

“I introduce Artho Dalen Pound Cake, my firstborn son, and my dear daughter, Liana Theta Pumpkin Cake.” Mr Cake said.
All the ponies stomped their hooves on the ground. There were tears in Pinkie Pie’s eyes. “Liana rhymes with Diana. I’m so honoured.” She said.

Applejack raised her hoof. “Excuse me sir, but would you mind explaining what all this is about. I think I have been left out of the loop.” She said.

“Oh, well it’s simple. Since Pound Cake is a Pegasus he needed a sky name, so we gave him the name Artho. He was given the Unicorn name Dalen since his twin sister is a Unicorn. Pumpkin Cake is a Unicorn so she needed a name in the Old Tongue, so we named her Liana, and we gave her the name Theta because her brother is a Pegasus.” Mr Cake said.

“Oh I get it, now. Little Liana is like our Pinkomina Diana Pie. They are both Earth Ponies and Unicorns at the same time. Did you choose the name Liana because it rhymes with Diana?” Applejack said.

“Yes, we did.” Mrs Cake said.

“You guys are the best.” Pinkie Pie said.

Rainbow Dash raised her hoof. “Did you fill out the form?” 

“Yes, we filled it out for both our children.” Mr Cake said.

“How wonderful, the tribal record keepers will be pleased.” Fluttershy said. 

“Well, I have said my piece. Everyone enjoy the snacks. We’ll party for about an hour and then wrap it up. Babies do need their sleep.” Mr Cake said.

The group moved around the room nibbling at the nosh and nattering in small circles. Rarity trotted up to Pinkie Pie. “Why did you tell me you were a sister Unicorn, my darling Diana? This makes me think you are a member of the faith as well. You are, aren’t you? We have services at my shrine on the weekend. You should come. You would be very welcome.” Rarity said.

Pinkie Pie grinned toothily. “You don’t say.” She said through gritted teeth. Pinkie glared at Applejack.

Applejack shrugged. “Sorry, she was bound to find out sooner or later.” She said.

Pinkie shrugged. She put her hoof around Rarity. “Sure, I can come to services. I could even join the choir. I know all the old hymns, and I sing them loud. I sing them very loud.” Pinkie Pie said.

“Oh, you don’t say.” Rarity said.

“I do.” Pinkie Pie said.

Applejack laughed. “Pinkie, you couldn’t be more Earth Pony.”

And even though it wasn’t that funny a thing to say, the entire room laughed because all the ponies were together in celebration and it’s a good time to laugh.