> Emerald Sparkle > by Robert Emerald Fountain > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Zephyr's funeral, and Twilight's test > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- One day, while hiking with Zephyr, Twilight was attacked by a timberwolf. Zephyr bravely jumped between them, and fought the beast. However, he sustained multiple injuries and had to go to the hospital. The doctors were unable to save him, and his torn lungs caused him to stop breathing. "If you are able to have a foal, raise it yourself. I will always be yours, in your heart.", Zephyr whispered as he breathed his last. His funeral was held the following week, and the Christians volunteered to carry the casket. Quiet songs were played, and everyone left in silence. Twilight began to feel sick three days later, and went to the doctor. After giving a sample, the doctor took it to be tested. Twilight was not sure if she was pregnant or not, but she found her answer when the doctor came back. "Congratulations, Twilight, you are going to be a mother." A warm smile broke out on Twilight's face. > Announcement > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Eight and a half months later... Twilight was finding her duties getting harder and harder at the school. She knew that her daughter would be coming soon, and she had to find some helpers. While Flurry Heart was visiting, Twilight asked if she could step in. "I would be more than happy to take your place in magic class. I will keep your lessons strong, and the students will not get bored with what I can do.", Flurry replied. While looking for someone to step in as headmaster, Neighsay stepped in. "You know how well I am with discipline and regulations. Regardless of how the school runs, I will carry out all protocols as long as necessary. As a side-note, the EEA book listed maternity leaves as an exception for leaving. So, I am very willing to fill in for you. Twilight thereby gave them a run-down of the procedure. The next morning, Twilight gave an announcement to the school. "I know this may come to shock you, but I will have to leave the school soon. I am going to be having a baby. While I am out, I have found two volunteers to take my place. My niece, Flurry Heart, is stepping in to substitute for my class. Neighsay has volunteered to fill in as headmaster during my leave. I know you will do great during this time, and you will not miss anything. Flurry is EXTREMELY talented at magic, and will do spectacular lessons for you. Neighsay is a pro at regulations and discipline, so he will do well in my place." The students were ready for this experience, and they wished Twilight the best. ** During the next few weeks, Flurry Heart would take care of her aunt as she continued through her contractions. Twilight knew that she would be in a ton of pain, so she took the necessary medications. She knew the magical day was coming, but she was not sure when. > Birth > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "AAAAARRRRRGGGGGHHHHH!!!", Twilight screamed the following Friday evening in AGONIZING PAIN. Brandon and Flurry Heart bolted into her room to see her lying on her bed, sweating hard, and breathing heavily. They also saw that she was clutching her stomach, which was blood red and NASTILY SWOLLEN. They rushed her outside, put her on Brandon's speeder, and rushed to the hospital. Her friends heeded the call and followed them. Entering the waiting room, they could hear Twilight screaming loudly in pain. Brandon was helping her with all of his might. "Okay, Twilight, I need you to push NOW!!", he instructed. Twilight pushed as hard as she could, and screamed even louder, due to the fact that a horn was pricking her, and the contractions were worse than she had anticipated. After a little while, she was still breathing hard, and her filly was nearly out. After a bit of relaxation to ease pain and stress, Brandon instructed her to give the last push. "YYAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!", she screeched. Her screams were drowned out by her baby's first cry. ** Twenty minutes later, Brandon walked out of the room. "Flurry Heart, would you like to meet your cousin?", he asked. Flurry Heart followed him happily, and she gushed with happiness as they entered Twilight's room. Twilight cradled a golden green colored filly with sparkling purple and gold hair, wrapped snugly in a pink blanket. Smiling at her niece, Twilight handed her baby to her. Flurry took the little one into her hooves and shed tears of happiness. "What do you want to name her?", Twilight asked. "I am going to call her Emerald Sparkle, because her skin is close to the color of an emerald, and her mane is so sparkly.", Flurry whispered lovingly as her newborn cousin opened her eyes, cooed softly, smiled, and reached up to her. Flurry leaned down and kissed Emerald on the forehead before giving her back to Twilight. > Learning about the fleet > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Six years later... Emerald was passing her classes at her mom's school with flying colors. One day, while visiting Flurry Heart, she happened to see her cousin's uniform for the Christian Fleet. Having become curious, she asked about it. "What's this, Flurry?", she asked. "That is my uniform for the Christian Fleet. A universe-wide army that battles Satan, the master of lies, stealing, temptation, and all other sins. Being a soldier in the Christian Fleet, however, is an extremely dangerous task. Your own life is at a very high risk of being lost in the war. You are eligible to enlist at age 12. However, it is your own decision." "I think I will pass on that. I am proud that you are fighting, but I would rather not risk my life to save the universe. It just seems far too dangerous for my liking.", Emerald replied. "However, I would be more than happy to watch any children you may have in the future." Flurry and Twilight both smiled at her, and they went their seperate ways. As Twilight and Emerald rode home on the train, Twilight explained that there were shelters built for protecting the citizens that were not in the fleet. Emerald found this to be a great idea. Since she would not be joining, she could wait out the final battle.