> Crimson's Arrival > by Zack Catcher > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > i'm a mother? > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- After we got free from the hive, we said thank you to Throax and the others, before we left. As we left the hive and walked back to ponyville, Rarity, one of my close friends decided to let us pick a dress from the shop to have it for free. Me and Rainbow Dash looked at each other with smiles, I knew Rainbow had her eyes on a blue dress that Rarity had made, but Rainbow could never afford it. We nodded our heads as we followed Rarity to her store, “Darling feel free to look at all the dresses before making your choice,” me and rainbow nodded before looking around the store. ‘Darling, those colours just don’t match”, Rarity said. “Well, it’s just a difference," Rainbow Dash said. “I personally think that both of them look lovely”, I said. “Fluttershy dear, I suppose it is just preferences”, Rarity said. It was a normal day today, Rarity and Rainbow Dash spent the whole afternoon together shopping for one of Rarity’s new clotheslines. It was tiresome in some parts as having to carry all that was giving me pain in my back but we had a great time. We were walking back to Rarity’s so we could drop off her things. Once we dropped off her loads of bags, we said goodbye to each other and I headed home. I tried to get home as fast as I could because it was almost dinnertime and I didn't want any of my animal friends to get hungry. Once I got home, I saw that most of the animals were looking at something. Angel then came up to me and told me what was going on. “A big egg thing came through the window and almost hit some of us”, Angel told me. I then had a look and saw that one of my windows was broken. “Oh my, that’s bad”, I said. I then turned around and saw the egg that they were talking about. It was a greyish egg with a little black around it and it was glowing red. “This is new, I don't think I’ve ever seen this egg before”, I said. I then picked up the egg as I was taking a closer look at it when it started to shake a little. When I looked, I saw that it now had a red, glowing crack on it. “That wasn’t there before. It must be hatching”, I said. I then placed it down on the ground and saw that it wasn't moving again. I figured that this kind of egg would take some time to hatch. I then went on to feed my animals as they now were starving. After every animal was fed, I saw that the egg now had glowing red cracks all over it. I just couldn't wait any longer so I then went over to the egg and it was shaking much more rapidly. I walked closer to it not wanting to miss it when it hatched. The egg started to break apart as I placed it down on the ground and the shell fell apart to reveal the creature. “Hello there little creature”, I said as I then examined the creature. It was a bit hard to tell what it was as I hadn’t seen it before. Just then, I noticed it had holes in its legs and I then knew what it was. I leaped back in shock as I started to panic a little. “A… a ch.. ch…ch… Changeling”, I said as I tried to get away from the changeling. The changeling did nothing then as it was just sleeping there. After some time, I very slowly made my way to the changeling as it was still sleeping peacefully. I wasn’t sure what to do. Should I message Twilight and the others about this, should I let the changeling be, or should I kick him out? I couldn't do that as it was just a baby. I really didn’t know. I looked at the changeling for some time as it was still sleeping through all of this when his eyes started to open. The changeling then awoke with a yawn that sounded so cute to me. “Aww, you're a cute Changeling”, I said. I then noticed that the changeling was looking at me for a little while. I figured that he was just wondering where he was, so I just stood there. After a few seconds, I saw that this changeling was different from the ones that I had seen. Instead of blueish eyes and wings, this changeling had more red eyes and wings. I had never seen this before and it got me invested. Just then when I wasn't expecting it. The changeling spoke. “Mama”, the changeling said. I was a bit shocked when he said this as I didn't know what to do. “What...I’m not your…mama”, I said. The changeling then started to crawl out of the egg and towards me. I did try to get away from it but he caught up to me. He then crawled up to me as it was a bit hard to tell but I think he was hugging my hoof. “Mama”, the changeling said again to me. I really wasn’t sure what to do here as it seemed like the changeling really thought I was his mother. I was not sure how to feel about this as I knew what changelings could do and I thought this one would follow that. “I think I should return you to the hive”, I said. The changeling still didn’t want to let go of my hoof as it took quite some time to place him in one of my bags so that other ponies wouldn't suspect anything and we took off. It went pretty smoothly at first as the changeling was quiet throughout most of the trip to the hive. At a few points he wanted to hug me again and again and it was a bit awkward, so I put him out of the bag and onto my back and he stayed quiet for the rest of the trip, after a while we both made it to the hive. We walked in and saw that it was peaceful there with all of the reformed changelings having a good time. I then noticed Thorax as he was talking to some other changelings when he noticed me. “Oh hey, there Fluttershy”. “Hay Thorax”, I replied. “Just the pony I wanted to see, We started planting some flowers and other plants and the animals are coming back but we don’t know how to communicate with them”, Thorax said. “Well, I can gladly help you with that, if you can help me with something”, I said. “Oh, well, what did you need help with?”, Thorax said, looking at me curiously. “This changeling crashed through my cottage while he was still an egg and he kept calling me his mother so I thought I would bring him here”. Thorax walked up to the changeling that was still on my back, “That’s not a normal changeling,” Thorax said. “What do you mean he is not a normal changeling,” I asked before Thorax answered saying, “I remember before I came to the Crystal Empire that Chrysalis was planning on using this Changeling as her greatest wep-”, Thorax abruptly stopped as he turned to me. “And what,” I said, a little confused. Thorax replied saying, “Did…did you say that he hatched in your cottage”. “Yes”, “And you were the very first creature that he saw”. “I believe so”, I said looking at him. “Oh”, Thorax said in a quiet voice. “Is that bad,” I said as I stepped back. “I don’t think you're going to like this”, Thorax said as he came forward. “What are you talking about”, I said looking at Thorax confused, “You see, these types of changelings are not like the rest of us, they are different, I don’t know much about them, but the one thing I know about them is that they have a very special type of bond”, Thorax said nuzzling the changeling on my back, “What kind of bond”, I said as I got more interested. “When they hatch, the very first creature they see, they will do anything to protect them, I believe. I have never seen it in action before, so I can’t say for sure what is going to happen, but he has to stay with you. Even if you drop him off here, he will find a way to come back to you”, Thorax said with quietness in his voice. “So I have to keep him with me? I have to be a mother to him”, I said in complete shock. “Unfortunately, yes. I don’t know if there’s a way to undo it but for the time being, happy parenting Fluttershy”, Thorax said as he turned to walk away from me, “I can’t do that Thorax. I’m not a mother”, I said in protest. “You're already a mother to your animal friends, why not him”, Thorax said as he went back to his throne. I didn’t know how to respond to that as I was not a mother and now I had to be one. I couldn't do that. I couldn't find it in myself to be a mother. I kind of felt like I was dreaming. Was I about to wake up? I knew the answer well, and it was clear enough. I thanked Thorax for this information and I headed back home. I felt like the walk back home felt a lot longer than it was to get to the hive. A million thoughts might have had something to do with it as I kept thinking about what I had done. I really should have looked away or hidden or something. Instead, I had to be a mother the second he looked at me. I was so not ready for what I knew was going to happen. The second I got home, my life as I knew it was going to change forever. This was no battle against anypony, Instead, it was parenting. I got home as it was getting very late and all of the animals were sleeping. I opened the door very quickly and quietly so as to not wake any of them up. I didn’t have a place for the changeling to sleep and it seemed like he didn’t want to sleep with the animals just yet, so I took him upstairs to my bedroom and I placed him down on the ground. The changeling looked up at me as I grabbed some blankets for him before I got into my bed, A few minutes passed, and I woke to something against my chest, when I opened my eyes I saw the changeling sleeping peacefully against my chest, I smiled as I thought to myself, maybe I could be his mother. I then awoke the next day to see that the changeling was still sleeping against my chest. It looked like he hadn't moved a muscle since last night. I started to get up for the day; the changeling was still sleeping and still was touching my chest. After last night, I gave it a lot of thought and I was sure I was up for the task of being a mother. I could see it inside of me now and I was ready for whatever this was going to throw at me. I then slowly got off the bed trying my best not to wake him. I then tucked him in with some of my blankets to keep him warm as I went downstairs. I then made myself some breakfast as I started to think about what I would need to take care of the changeling, starting with a name. I then thought for a while about what the name should be for the Changeling, black Marrone, not too simple, red gory, that does not even make sense, then it struck me. “I know, how about Crimson Blush”, I said to myself. I thought it was the perfect name for the changeling. I then thought of what else I would need to take care of the changeling. I knew I would need some baby food, a crib and a bunch of other things . I then decided to get a baby book to help with this whole parenting thing. I then left for a little while and came back with what I was looking for. As I was looking through the book and seeing what it contained, I felt something touching me. I then noticed that the changeling or Crimson was under the table, trying to reach for me but in a very private area. Just then, I flipped to a page where they talked about breastfeeding. A gasp left my mouth I crimson touched one of my tits, I pushed crimson away seeing a little milk drip from his mouth I let out a sigh knowing that I was reading what I needed to read. I looked through the book trying to see how to do this and the book just said for me to relax and the foal or filly will do the rest. I then closed the book and got off the table before going and laying down on the couch and even a second later I felt Crimson touch one of my tits. When he did I yelped in surprise as he sat beside me and put his mouth on one of my tits he then started to drink, and my eyes widened as he started to drink. It was a very strange feeling but after some time he lifted his head and then he layed down beside me, falling asleep again, I smiled looking at him sleep, he looked so cute. I stood up and grabbed a napkin wiping off some of the milk on his lips. Crimson seemed very calm as he continued to sleep. I was not expecting it but it did kinda feel nice to get a glimpse of what this whole parenting thing was going to be like. I then picked up the book and continued to read the rest of it, knowing what to do and what not to do. “OK, I... I can do this... I can be his...”, stopped talking to myself taking a moment to look at Crimson sleeping before continuing "I am a mother" I said as I put the book away and headed upstairs to get ready for the evening. A little while later I got ready for the ceremony for Throax, Trixe, Starlight and Discord for defeating Chrysalis. I started to head for Twilight’s castle for the evening after looking at Crimson one more time, the night was pretty interesting especially when Discord said that Twilight had a surprise for Starlight, and after an hour or so Twilight grabbed a mic and said that Starlight was graduating, I was surprised by this and even more when starlight decided to stay. When I got back from the ceremony, I saw that Crimson was just waking up from his nap. When he saw me coming through the door, he got all excited. “Mama”, Crimson said as I saw that he started to walk over to me before he fell. “Oh my you took your first steps Crimson”, I said as I went over to Crimson and hugged him. I was so happy that I almost cried‌. It was one of the happiest moments of my life. After this, I was feeling pretty worn out for the day and headed to bed. When I was going upstairs to my bedroom, Crimson followed me as he wanted to sleep with me like night. I knew he couldn't sleep with me forever and I wanted to get him used to sleeping on his own. I then pulled out a few blankets for my slammer animals and made a little bed for Crimson where the other animals would sleep I showed this to Crimson as his new bed. He didn’t want to sleep in it though as he tried to get to my bedroom but after some time; he got tired and fell asleep where I put him in his bed; I smiled as I then went to my bedroom and fell asleep. A little while later, however, a loud crack woke me up scarring me, when I looked outside I saw that the sky was covered with dark clouds, “That's strange there is no storm scheduled for today” I said in confusion, I quickly shrugged it off as I headed down the stairs. When I got downstairs, I saw that it was chaotic as the birds were flying all about in circles, the bunnies were hopping all around the room in a very fast motion and the squirrels were hiding in the small spaces in the room. “What is going on here”, I said as I tried to calm every creature down, Just then, Angel came up to me and told me what was going on. “This storm is driving me insane, I can’t sleep with all of this lightning and all the animals running around, unlike that creature that you bright in yesterday he hasn’t woke up since the storm started”, Angel said in a little bit of a panicked and pissed voice. I then went to check on Crimson as he was still sleeping peacefully but he looked a bit on the uncomfortable side. I then put a blanket on him to try and calm him down but he then started to get more uncomfortable looking as the lighting outside was getting worse and worse. I then comforted all of the other animals to try and calm down and after a good amount of time, they were able to at least calm down and some headed back to sleep as well as they could. At this point, Crimson did not look happy as he was starting to shake a little as the lighting outside got louder. I thought he was having a nightmare but I didn’t want to wake him up from it. I then shook my head saying to myself “No you are his mother you are supposed to keep him safe”. I started to walk over to him and I put my hoof on him slowly shaking him a little bit. At first, it didn’t really do anything but when I kept doing it, I could see that his eyes started to open up. “Crimson are you ok”, I said as Crimson went up to my hoof. “Mama, me has scawy dweam”, Crimson said as I could see tears in his eyes. Just then, I could hear the lighting outside start to calm down as Crimson was with me. I then continued to comfort Crimson more and when I did, the lighting storm outside began to calm down rapidly and eventually, it stopped altogether. I noticed this and I then thought to myself, was this one of the things that Throax didn’t know about? He didn’t know about this type of changeling, was this something that they could do? I wasn’t sure but I knew I should inform Throax when I can, I thought. In the meantime, I figured I should let Crimson sleep next to me again as I was meant to protect him and all. As I was heading upstairs, Crimson followed me like before but this time, I didn’t send him downstairs. I went into my bedroom and he went where he was at yesterday and he then fell asleep. I was too tired to do anything else so I fell asleep pretty fast after what had just happened. > Mother Lesson (being rewritten) > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Today was just like any other day, The birds were chirping outside, and the sun was rising up from behind the trees and mountains. I was just sleeping‌ in my bed with Crimson cuddling up with me until the sunlight then shone into my window and woke me up on this fine morning. I got out of bed as I always do, I then noticed that Crimson was sleeping peacefully. I decided to let him be as I went downstairs to feed the animals, As I went into my living room, I saw that most if not all of them were asleep. I then got the animal food out and started pouring it into their bowls. Once I was done, I went back to check on Crimson, as I would think that he would be getting up for the day. Once I got to my bedroom, I saw that he was just starting to open his eyes. “Good morning little Crimson”, I said as Crimson got happy when he saw me. “Mama, I swepted veawy good last night”, Crimson said. “Oh, you did? Good job, give me a hoof bump,” I said in a cheesy voice as I raised my hoof up, Crimson hit it with his own hoof and he started to laugh. At that moment I couldn’t help but smile as I said “I will get break fest ready for you when you are”, I said. “Me lo want bweatfeast”, Crimson said as he followed me downstairs. I then got out the baby food and served it to Crimson who ate it rather fast. “You must have been really hungry”, I said in a bit of shock. “That was weally good food”, Crimson said in a happy voice. “Well, I’m glad you liked it”, I said as I put the baby food away. As this was going on, I remembered that I still had to feed the chickens outside. I was walking to the door so I could feed them. I opened the door and as I was walking outside, I saw that Twilight was walking my way. “Oh hey there Fluttershy”, Twilight said. “Oh hay there Twilight”, I replied with a smile. “I was wondering if you could Help me with finding a rare creature in the ever-free forest”, Twilight said her face stuffed in a book as usual, “I just have to feed the chickens and I should be good to go”, I said as I was walking to the chickens. “Great! I’ll just wait out here until you're done”, Twilight said she sounding much more excited as she stuffed her face in her book. As went over to feed the chickens, I could see from the corner of my eye that Crimson followed me outside. “Crimson what are you doing out here? Twilight could see you”, I said in a silent but very panicked voice. “Me wanted to hewp Mama”, Crimson said looking up with his head tilted. “I can do this on my own, you need to be back inside for the time being”, I said. “But me want to hewp mama”, Crimson said, protesting. “Crimson, you are getting yourself inside that cottage or no dessert for you”, I said in a quiet yet stern voice. “Ok Mama”, Crimson said in voice. I then was very careful to make my way around Twilight as she was still reading her book when we got to the front door. I opened the door and me and Crimson headed in. At least I thought it was just the two of us but right as I was about to close the door, I could feel Twilight’s magic as she headed in. “Fluttershy I saw you brought a dark creature in-” Twilight paused as she looked at Crimson who was looking sad on the couch, “Oh… oh… it… it’s” I went in front of Twilight as I said “Twilight I… I can ex… explain” Twilight ignored me looking at Crimson with her eyes wide “It’s adorable,” Twilight said rushing past me, pulling Crimson into a hug. “Wait what?”, I said in sheer confusion. “I’ve never seen a creature who was this cute before. Where did you find this little guy” Twilight said nuzzling Crimson. “Well, it’s kind of a long story. He kind of crash-landed into my living room right after the Changeling battle in the hive. Once the egg cracked, he thought that I was his mother”, I said putting a hoof on my chin before continuing. “Maybe not that long.” I said before turning back to Twilight “Why didn’t you tell me about this”, Twilight said looking at me Crimson still in her hooves. “I thought to myself that if you or the rest of our friends saw him, they would freak out, and who knows what would happen after that”, I said as I tried to explain myself “Makes sense. Then why does he think that your are his mother”, Twilight asked. “After he first saw me, he called me ‘mama’ and I thought that he belonged in the hive, so I brought him to Throax as he kinda looked like a Changeling but he told me that this type of Changeling has a bond to the first creature they see, and that creature is imprinted as there mother, so that’s exactly what I did”, I said walking over to Twilight putting a hoof on Crimsons head. “I had never seen a creature like this” “neither did Thorax. He knew almost nothing about this type of Changeling but that one fact, and that this type of Changeling is special and powerful”, I said explaining everything to Twilight as I pet Crimson's head causing him to fall asleep, “Interesting. If I may, could I observe him for research a few times”, Twilight said looking at me with pleading eyes, “I actually think that would be really good for Crimson, as he would have something to do”, I said. “Great. This is going to make for an outstanding report”, Twilight said as she continued to snuggle with Crimson. “Me wike puwple pony”, Crimson said his eyes opening his eyes as Twilight layed on the couch with him, almost instantly Crimson snuggled up close to her giving Twilight a smile. Just then, I heard some of the chickens outside as it looked like they were upset. “Oh dear, I better go handle that”, I said as I quickly made my way outside. (Twilight’s pov) Me and Changeling were having a good time as I was pretty invested in this new Changeling while the Changeling was happy being around me. After a little bit of time, I could see that he was starting to get a little tired. “Me fell Tiwed puwple pony”, the Changeling said. “Oh okay. I’ll let you rest little one”, I said as the Changeling then fell down onto the couch as he was out cold. I was kind of fascinated by him as I was watching him sleep, I had never seen a creature like him before. So far he was sleeping normally with not much going on. “He even sleeps cutely”, I said to myself as I started to look at his form a bit more. I already noticed that he had matching red on his eyes and wings but that was the only thing I noticed so far. He looked like a regular Changeling besides that. However, when I took a closer look, I saw that he had two patches of cyan skin near both of his hind legs. When I went to touch him, I could feel that his skin was a tad bit on the warm side. “That’s a new one”, I thought. I don’t think I ever felt a creature’s body do something like that before. I looked at the Changeling to see if there was anything else that I could see on him, but I couldn't see anything else on him. Just then, Fluttershy came back through the door as she looked a bit tired herself. “Those chickens are not easy to deal with when they're angry”, Fluttershy said as she walked over to sit on the couch. “Are you ok”, I said. “I’ll be fine, anyway, it’s time for lunch Crimson”, Fluttershy said. “Oh the Changeling fell asleep on the couch”, I said as Fluttershy went over to Crimson. “Hey there Crimson”, Fluttershy said as the Crimson started to open his eyes. “Mama, I feew hungwy. Is it wunch yet”, The Crimson said. “Why yes it is”, Fluttershy said as Crimson got excited. “Yay, wunch time”, The Changeling said as he and Fluttershy went over to the kitchen Fluttershy brought out what looked like baby food. Fluttershy then served some of the food to Crimson and he ate it rather quickly. “Man he was rather hungry”, I said. “He was like that this morning as well. I think he likes to eat”, Fluttershy said. “Rather interesting”, I said in curiosity. After lunch was over, Crimson then grabbed some wooden blocks and started to stack them. I was watching this as he seemed to behave like a baby would. Crimson liked to make them into towers and try to balance them. I enjoyed watching him play with his blocks as it was very cute to see. For the next few hours or so, me and Fluttershy took turns playing with Crimson. It was so cute to see him play along and we were having a good time with him. As we were playing with Crimson, I noticed that it was starting to get late outside and I still wanted to observe Crimson for a little longer. “Oh before I forget Fluttershy, would it be okay if I stayed here for the night, so I could observe Crimson some more”, I said in a kind voice I don’t know why but I like being around him mostly because he is so just gosh darn cute, “I would be ok with that. It would get him used to being around more ponies”, Fluttershy said. Around this time as well, Crimson was getting a bit tired once more than it was around dinnertime. Fluttershy gave him more baby food for dinner and after some time, the three of us headed to bed. I decided to sleep downstairs on the couch, and Fluttershy as well as Crimson would be sleeping upstairs. Right when Fluttershy was taking Crimson to bed, he stopped. “Mama, me want to sweep next to puwple pony fow night”, Crimson said. I saw the look in Fluttershy’s eyes as she looked shocked and a little bit jealous. “Oh…ok. If you want to”, Fluttershy said as Crimson gave Fluttershy a hug saying, “thwanks mama” Fluttershy patted Crimson on the head before he rushed over hopping on the couch and cuddling next to me, he let out an adorable yawn before he fell asleep next to me. I was about to say something when Fluttershy rushed upstairs and I could hear the door shut. ((Fluttershy pov)) I felt something wasn’t right but I thought that Crimson just wanted to sleep next to her for the night. I knew I should talk to Twilight in the Morning when I could. I then got ready for bed and fell asleep. The next morning I woke and saw Crimson sleeping next to me again, “Crimson” I nudged him a bit “Crimson, it’s time to wake up” Crimson let out a yawn before saying “Mama me tummy huwt’s” I gave Crimson a small smile before putting him on my back as I replied to him, “ok let’s go get you some food,” as I made my way down the stairs I saw Twilight still sleeping on the couch, but when I got over to the kitchen Twilight let out a yawn as Crimson spoke, “good morning pwupwle pony,” Twilight replied, “good morning Crimson, good morning Fluttershy,” “good morning Twilight” I replied setting Crimson on his seat as I grabbed another jar of baby food and began to feed Crimson as I continued to talk to Twilight. “So how did you sleep last night?”, I said to Twilight trying to stir up a conversation. “Rather well, even the animals were quiet. I still don’t know how you get them all ready for bed even when Crimson arrived”, Twilight said as she stretched her hooves. “Well, I try my best”, I said giving Crimson another spoonful of baby food. Just then, Crimson was all done with his baby food. “Mama, me want mowe food”, Crimson said as he put his hoof on the table. “I’m sorry Crimson but you will just have to wait for lunch. I can’t feed you this much every day”, I said in a kind tone. “But my belly still hurts”, Crimson said as I heard his stomach let a growl, “oh my,” I said as I stood up to get another jar of baby food but there was none left “It looks like we are all out of baby food”. “Wait a sec, I’ll get something for Crimson”, Twilight said as she headed for the door. I was about to stop her but she closed the door before I could get to her. In the meantime, Crimson was still sitting on the chair as I headed to the bathroom. When I came back, I saw that there was a hay burger on the table, and Crimson was stuffing his face with another one along with Twilight. I was feeling a bit on edge as this was crossing a line for me, I started to walk towards Twilight. “Uh hay Twilight, could we talk in private”, I said trying to keep my voice in check “Sure”, Twilight replied as she left her hay burger on the table and I saw out of the corner of my eye Crimson was looking at the hayburger with a hungry look on his face. The two of us went into the living room while Twilight sat in one of my chairs. “So what did you want to talk about”. “I really don’t want to be rude at all but don’t you feel like you're crossing a line here”, I said as I tried to keep my cool in my voice. “I don’t think I was. I just wanted to keep Crimson happy,” Twilight said. “Well, could you please tone it down a bit? You acting like Crimson grew teeth overnight. He can’t eat those kinds of food just yet,” I said. “How can you be so sure”, Twilight said in a doubtful tone. “This book on baby ponies says that a foal can’t eat solid foods like a hay burger, or doughnuts until they are three months old”, I said feeling my own temper rising. “Fluttershy, are you really sure that following the book is the best thing for Crimson? He isn’t a pony you know”, Twilight said. “I know that he will do fine by sticking with the book”, I said trying to defend my case Twilight rolled her eyes as she said “Fluttershy, It’s ok to follow the book but you should do your own thing as well. That book isn’t his mother. Only you can only fill that role”, I then felt a sudden realization pass through me as I knew that Twilight was telling the truth. The book wasn’t Crimson’s mother, but I was and yet; I thought by doing things by the book was the best way. “I…I guess you have a point there”, I said with a little defeat. “Hay this is just a lesson that you learned about being a mother”, Twilight said with a slight smile. “Well, you right there”, I said as we hugged it out and walked back into the kitchen to see that the plate Twilight was eating was empty and Crimson then burped loudly. “Crimson, did you eat the hay burgers”, I said in a stern voice. “Mawbe”, Crimson said. With a goofy smile and me and Twilight looked at each other before laughing > Chapter 3 Crimson's Day Out > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The next morning arrived, and the sun, raised by Princess Celestia, cast its warm light into my room. The gentle rays gradually woke me, and I greeted the day with a yawn. As I looked down, a smile graced my lips when I saw Crimson, cuddled up against my belly. My heart melted at the sight, and I planted a tender kiss on his forehead. Carefully, I got out of bed, my gaze never leaving Crimson. I gently picked up his sleeping form, placing him on my back. He shifted in his sleep, finding a comfortable spot, and continued his peaceful slumber. His tranquillity brought a smile to my face as I descended the stairs to prepare breakfast. In the kitchen, I retrieved some baby food for Crimson to enjoy when he woke up. As for myself, I poured a bowl of cereal. After making breakfast, I headed to the dining table, carefully placing Crimson on my lap before I started eating. A few minutes passed, and Crimson began to stir, his eyes slowly opening. "Good morning, sleepyhead," I greeted him with a smile. As he woke up further, he yawned adorably. My smile grew even wider as I grabbed his baby food. "Mama," Crimson said, his excitement evident in his voice. "Good morning to you too, Crimson," I replied warmly as I opened the jar of baby food. I felt him jump off the chair and onto my back, and though I couldn't see his face, I could tell he was excited for his breakfast, or perhaps just delighted to see me again. After a moment, I carefully took Crimson off my back and set him between my legs, facing the table. I then scooped up a spoonful of baby food, and Crimson eagerly opened his mouth, ready for his meal. I smiled as I fed him, watching him swallow the food with enthusiasm. After what felt like a few minutes, Crimson finished three jars of baby food. He began to shift in his seat, clearly a bit uncomfortable. Knowing what was wrong, I lifted him, placing him over my shoulder. He let out a burp before cooing softly. I smiled and gently placed him on the ground. He stumbled a bit, swaying from side to side, but quickly steadied himself. Crimson looked up at me, his expression filled with joy. Before he settled down, resting his hooves up to me, “Mama,” Crimson said softly. I scanned the room for something he could play with and realized I hadn't prepared any toys, cribs, or baby essentials. I hadn't realized I was this unprepared. "Oh, I don’t think we have anything for you to play with," Crimson tilted his head, looking a bit puzzled. I walked over to him, laying down on my belly to meet him at his eye level. “I guess you're stuck playing with me,” I said playfully, nuzzling him. Crimson started to laugh as I lifted him up and began to play with him. I lay on my back, moving Crimson up and down with my hooves repeatedly, blowing a little air into his face each time I moved him down. I could see Crimson giggling, a bright smile forming on his face. After a while of playing in this manner, I decided to introduce a game of peek-a-boo to see how Crimson would react. I covered my eyes with my hooves and then quickly revealed them, saying, "Peek-a-boo. I see you." Crimson burst into laughter and crawled over to me. I repeated the game several more times, each time eliciting more giggles as he fell onto his back in amusement. As the playtime continued, I knew that sooner or later, I would have to make a trip to the store to get supplies, including toys for Crimson and a playpen. I needed to be more prepared. "Hey, Crimson," I called out, and he looked at me with curiosity. "Do you want to go see the purple pony?" "Purple pony?" Crimson echoed a hint of intrigue in his voice. "Yes, the purple pony," I confirmed. "Purple pony!" Crimson enthusiastically exclaimed, raising his hooves in the air, clearly excited about the idea. I giggled as I picked him up and put him in my saddle bag to keep him hidden from other ponies, before heading out to Twilight’s castle. While I was walking to Twilight’s castle. I was passing Sugarcube Corner when Pinkie Pie spotted me and hurried over. “Oh hey there, Fluttershy. How are you doing today?” Pinkie's voice bubbled with energy. “Um, I’m doing rather well. How about you?” I responded. “Pretty swell! Sugarcube Corner has been bustling lately. So, what have you been up to?” Pinkie inquired, her eyes drawn to the movements in my bag. “I haven’t been doing much. Just taking care of my animals,” I said, noticing Crimson shifting in my bag. Pinkie's curiosity piqued. “Oh, what's in the bag? A portable party cannon?” “Uh, no… it’s just… books for Twilight. She wanted to borrow some of my books about exotic creatures for a bit,” I explained, hoping to divert her attention. “Well, she does have an endless amount of books, so I guess that makes sense,” Pinkie said, her suspicion fading. “See you later,” Pinkie chirped as she hopped back into Sugarcube Corner. I sighed and peered into my bag, spotting Crimson peacefully asleep at the bottom, bringing a smile to my face. I continued my stroll through Ponyville, eventually making my way to Twilight’s castle. After knocking on the door, Spike answered and let me in a few minutes later. “Hey there, Fluttershy,” Spike greeted me. "Hey, Spike. Is Twilight here?" I inquired. "Yeah, she's in the map room," Spike replied, ushering me inside. He led me to the map room where Twilight was engrossed in a book, as usual. "Hey, Twilight, Fluttershy is here," Spike announced. Twilight glanced up from her book, offering me a warm smile. "Oh, hello, Fluttershy. It’s so good to see you,” she said, walking over to me. “It’s wonderful to see you too, but I kind of have a big favour to ask,” I began. “Since I have to run to the store to get a lot of necessities for, you know who, could you maybe watch him for a little while?” I gestured to my bag. Twilight initially appeared puzzled, then realized I was referring to Crimson. Twilight agreed, saying, “Oh, yes, I’ll be happy to watch him for a while. Though Spike might see Crimson, too.” “I think that will be alright, I hope,” I replied, opening my bag to reveal Crimson peacefully napping inside. “Don’t worry, I’ll be sure to keep an eye on him,” Twilight assured me with a smile. I carefully handed Crimson over to her, trying not to wake him up, and then I left the castle to get my shopping done. ***up next foal sitting***