Twilight has been trying to get Smarty Pants back for a while now but Big Mac refuses to return her so late one night Twilight comes up with a plan to get Smarty Pants back but was it worth it after all?
After the Smarty Pants incident, Big Mac ran off with Twilight's Smarty Pants doll, much to his little sisters' amusement. When he refused to return it, an anger fueled spell from Twilight resulted in a BIG problem for Big Mac, with Smarty Pants at the 'heart' of it
“BIG MAC! THIS IS THE LAST TIME I WILL ASK, GIVE ME SMARTY PANTS BACK!” Twilight shouted from outside the house of the apple family. It had been almost a year since Twilight had cast her ‘Want it,Need it’ spell, and it had been almost a year of failed attempts by Twilight to get Smarty Pants back from Big Macintosh.
The stallion in question poked his head out the window, shouting “Eenope!” every time Twilight came over to get Smarty Pants back. She would ask Big Mac to give her her beloved fillyhood doll back, and every time Big Mac would not return it. Even Applejack had tried taking it and sneaking it back to Twilight, but Big Mac always caught her in the process. Even when Granny Smith chewed him out, he would not return it. Not even three cute faces from the crusaders could get him to give it up.
“Big Mac this is the LAST time I will ask!” Twilight warned for the umpteenth time, “If you do NOT give me Smarty Pants back I WILL take matters into my own hooves!”
Big Mac grinned, “Sorry Twilight but ahm’ keepin’ her. It was yer’ own fault that’ ah’ fell in love with tha’ thing.”
Twilight glared at the red stallion. “That’s it Big Mac!” Twilight shouted, “I warned you! and now I am going to get Smarty Pants back whether you like it or not!” Twilight stormed off, angrily leaving Sweet Apple Acres.
“Mac! just give her tha’ doll back!” Applejack said, walking up to her older brother, “It was hers ta begin with! and tha’ least ya could do is give it back ta her!” Applejack scolded her older brother. It was clear that Applejack was annoyed with her brother, “Yer actin’ like a little foal! Now what will it take ta’ get you to give Twilight tha’ doll back!?”
“Nothin’ at all. I ain’t given’ it back ta’ her! So ya can tell her ta stop with all her belly achin’!” Big Mac said, “It was her own fault! so I ain’t givin’ it back! so stop buggin’ me bout’ it!”
“Mac, ya know I love ya right?” Applejack asked, Big Mac nodded, “And ya know what its like fer’ somepony ta’ take somethin’ that belongs ta’ ya’ right?” Big Mac nodded again, “Then just give Twilight her doll back.”
“Eenope!” was all Big Mac responded with.
By this point Applejack’s face was red with anger, “Mac! I swear yer’ one of tha’ most hard headed ponies ah know! Even more hard headed than Rainbow!” Applejack just glared at her brother, “And whatever Twi does ta’ ya’ is yer’ own doin’ so don’t come cryin’ ta’ me!”
Big Mac just rolled his eyes, “Applejack she has made tha’ same threat ta’ me over and over again but she ain’t done anythin’!” Big Mac huffed, putting Smarty Pants on his bed, “And whatever she is gonna do can’t be that bad.”
Applejack facehoofed “Her special talent is magic and she is tha’ element of magic fer Celestia sake!”
****
Twilight walked into the library, huffing as she slammed the door shut behind her. She knew just what she was going to do. If Big Mac wanted to keep Smarty Pants so badly he could have her; but Twilight was going to cast a little spell to make sure that Smarty Pants was even more lifelike and lovable.
“SPIKE!” Twilight shouted, “Come here I need your help!” Twilight waited for her draconic assistant. After a good few minutes she was growing impatient, “Spike Nathaniel Sparkle you come here right now!”
The young dragon came running down stairs, the only time Twilight would use his full name is when he was either in trouble or when she had been calling his name for too long and he had yet to answer, “Yeah Twilight, what do you need?” Spike asked, “I was reading comics.” he said under his breath to answer Twilight’s question before she asked it.
“Spike, I need you to help me find a book!” Twilight said.
“Uhh Twilight you're going to have be more specific than that.” Spike waves his hand around the room, “We live in a library.”
Twilight sighed “I need you to find a spell book with a spell to make an inanimate object come to life, or at least make it look like it is alive to one pony.”
Spike nodded with a salute as he started his search with Twilight. He was halfway through the library’s bookshelves, “Twilight?”
“Yes Spike?”
“This isn’t going to turn out like the time you panicked over being tardy is it?” Spike asked
“No Spike.” Twilight sighed again “Big Mac won’t give Smarty Pants back to me, so I want to make it to where he thinks she is actually alive.”
“Are you sure this is a good idea?” Spike asked and Twilight nodded, “What if Applejack and the rest of them put Big Mac in the nut house?”
Twilight giggled a little. “Don’t worry Spike I am not going to take it THAT far. I’m only going to use this spell until I can get him to give Smarty Pants back to me and that shouldn’t take too long with this spell.” Twilight said as she looked through yet another book, “Come on there has to be a spell for this somewhere!”
The pair had been searching all day looking around. It was almost night and almost all of the books in the library were on the ground. Twilight would skim through the books, trying to find the right spell, before throwing them over her shoulder, “Twilight! I think I found something!” Spike exclaimed from the other side of the room.
Twilight dashed over to her number one assistant, “Let me see.” Twilight said, levitating the book out of Spike’s grip and reading the spell, “Hmm its called ‘inanimate to animate.’” Twilight read the details of the spell, “This seems like it might work.” she closed the book and set it aside, “Alright Spike I need you to give me room.” Twilight’s horn began to glow a magenta color before her horn started glowing a hot white color, Spike backed away and hid behind a pile of books.
****
It was morning, and the birds were chirping happily as Celestia’s sun was rising the sky to help everypony wake up so that Luna’s moon could go to sleep. It was still the crack of dawn and everypony knew at Sweet Apple Acres that this was the time the Apples would wake up, no matter who they were. Even old Granny Smith would wake up and help with the chores.
The only pony who was allowed to sleep in was Applebloom, seeing as she was still a filly and had school. Applejack and Granny Smith were already awake, Big Mac on the other hoof was still fast asleep, snoring loudly. But something was off. He felt a tiny hoof poke him. Big Mac swatted the hoof away, “Not now Applebloom ah am tryin’ ta’ sleep right now!” Big Mac said trying to drift off again.
“Daddy wake up!” A high pitched voice shouted, a small hoof shaking him. Big Mac’s eyes snapped open as he looked around the room for the source of the voice yet he could find nothing. Big Mac laid his head down to try and get a little more sleep, he felt the same hoof poking him. “Come on, wake up daddy I’m hungry!” the voice said.
This time Big Mac knew something was off and he opened his eyes again, “Now who ever ya’ are I ain’t yer’ bucking daddy!” Big Mac snapped, looking around the room seeing only a grey filly, her bottom half was blue with white polka dots on it, “Oh haha Applebloom, very funny, now go on, out with ya’, and wash tha’ makeup off!”
“I’m not Applebloom, and you said a swear!”
Big Mac sat up and shook his head, “Applebloom just go on and get tha’ makeup off. Ya’ look like Smarty Pants if she was a real pony.’” Big Mac said, yawning a little, “Go! Scoot yer caboose!”
The filly sat there, not moving, just staring at Big Mac, “But I’m not Applebloom! I’m Smarty Pants! Don’t you recognize me daddy?” Smarty Pants asked and Big Mac just shook his head again, not believing the filly, “But I am Smarty Pants! Applebloom is asleep in the other room!”
Big Mac just took a deep breath “Applebloom you stop lying right this minute! Am ah understood?!” Big Mac said, glaring at Smarty Pants “Now go in tha’ shower! And wash tha’ makeup off! Right this second! Ah mean it!”
Smarty Pants just stared up at Big Mac, her eyes watering as tears started to form in her eyes, “I am not Applebloom though... she is sleeping in the other room!” Smarty Pants stomped her hoof.
“If ya’ are tellin’ tha’ truth! I won’t be mad! I’m goin’ ta check Applebloom’s room right now so this is yer last chance!” Big Mac warned as he got up. Smarty didn’t move, she just continued to look at him with teary eyes yet she would not move an inch, “Ah mean it!”
“I’m not lying!” she sniffled.
“What has Granny an’ Applejack told ya about lyin’?!” he asked her. She flinched,and Big Mac turned to walk out the door as it opens, revealing the red maned filly. She rubbed her eyes sleepily.
“Ah’m right here Big Mac.” She yawned, “Why’re ya hollerin’ for me?” Applebloom asked. Big Mac looked at his door, seeing Applebloom and looked back at the filly in front of him; blinking a few times, unsure of the situation.
“Alright I get’cha, this little prank is goin’ too far. Now who is that? Scootaloo or Sweetie Belle?” Big Mac asked, “Whoever ya are just go inta’ the bathroom an’ wash up.”
“But ah don’t have ta go ta school yet!” Applebloom whined.
“Ah don’t care, both of ya go wash up!” he told them. Smarty opened her mouth to protest but was cut off, “NOW!” He shouted, Smarty stared at him with wide eyes before her eyes started tearing up more, her lower lip quivering before she began crying. Applebloom looked at Smarty then glared at Big Mac.
“That wasn’t nice. Ya’ can’t be yellin’ at fillies Big Mac! It just ain’t right.” She scolded him and walked to Smarty, giving her a hug while keeping her gaze on Big Mac, “Ah can’t believe ya’! Granny raised ya’ better than that. Ah’m tellin’!” With that, Applebloom took off running downstairs to find Applejack. She knew Granny Smith would still be asleep until around lunch time. Applebloom kept running around the house looking for her older sister until she slammed into a solid object and fell back onto her flank. When she looked up she saw Applejack.
“Woah now where’s tha’ fire Applebloom?” Applejack asked, helping Applebloom back to her hooves. Applejack’s mane and tail had not been brushed yet, having just woke up herself. She had just started making a pot of coffee, “Well come on now, spit it out,ah’m waitin’.’”
Applebloom took a deep breath, she was always told she should not tattle but when something like this happens she felt like she needed to tell somepony, “Big Mac made a filly cry!” Applebloom said.
Applejack cocked her head looked down at her younger sister, “Come again?”
“Ah said Big Mac made a filly cry! She is in his room right now, ah swear!” Applebloom said, “First he was sayin’ that ah was the filly in his room but when he yelled ah woke up an’ came into his room seein’ what he needed and then ah saw the filly and she looks like that doll he keeps in his room.”
“Ah see an’ is there anythin’ else you need ta’ tell me?” Applejack asked and Applebloom shook her head, “Are ya’ tryin’ ta’ pull a prank or somethin’?” Applebloom shook her head again, “An’ ya said that tha’ filly looks like Smarty Pants?” she nodded, “Applebloom, if yer tryin’ ta’ pull a prank an’ I wake Big Mac up ah’m going ta’ paint yer back porch red.” Applejack said. As she began to trot upstairs she could hear the distinct sound of sniffling, “Maybe she ain’t lyin’ after all.” Applejack could hear Big Mac talking so she decided to eavesdrop.
“Now calm down” Big Mac said “Ah didn’t mean ta’ make ya cry.” Applejack heard another voice by the pitch of it the voice sounded like it was in Applebloom’s age group and it was clear she had been crying. Applejack kept listening in, trying to hear Big Mac’s attempts to calm the filly down, “Smarty just calm down.” Applejack blinked in surprise. Did he really say that or was he in on a prank with Applebloom? But thats impossible Applejack can detect a lie, being the Element of Honest, or maybe Big Mac was pranking Applebloom so that way Applejack would not know if she was lying or not.
It was at this point Applejack stepped in the room and cleared her throat. Big Mac snapped his head to face his sister, “A-Applejack what are ya’ doin’ awake at this time in tha’ mornin’?” Big Mac asked and immediately started cursing internally because Applejack was always the first one awake. Big Mac knew this could turn into a bad situation and fast if he was not careful. How was he going to explain a filly in his room and why her eyes were red and puffy.
“...”
“Applejack are ya’ alright?” Big Mac asked yet Applejack continued to stay silent, she could not believe what she was seeing but the biggest question going through her mind was who was this filly and why did Big Mac have her in his room? “Ah swear its not what it looks like.” Big Mac said yet Applejack just stared blankly at him, “Sis are ya’ feelin’ alright?”
Applejack blinked again, “What in tha’ name of Celestia are ya’ doin’ with a filly in yer’ room?!” Applejack practically screeched, glaring at her older brother “And why was she cryin’?!” Applejack motioned for Smarty Pants to come over to her. The filly sniffled and walked over to her, “Now sugar cube why don’t ya’ go in tha’ bathroom an’ wash yer self up” Applejack spoke softly to the filly, “Care ta’ tell me yer name?” Applejack asked, getting down to her eye level “Well I’ll be she does look like Smarty Pants”
Smarty sniffled again, “I-Its me Smarty Pants” she hiccuped a little, “Don’t YOU recognize me? I fell asleep next to daddy.”
“Daddy?! this filly must be crazy!” Applejack thought “Ah guess ah should humor her” Applejack kept her smile on, “Well ‘Smarty Pants’ why don’t ya’ go in tha’ bathroom an’ get washed up.” Applejack said, ruffling Smarty’s mane a little, “Can ya’ do that fer’ me?” Smarty nodded before trotting out of the room like she knew where everything was, “Do ya’ mind tellin’ me who in tha’ hell that was?!” Applejack asked in a hushed voice but loud enough so her brother could hear her.
“Ah don’t know Applejack, she jus’ woke me up sayin’ that ah was her daddy.” he told her, she knew he was telling the truth but had to ask.
“She said her name was Smarty right?” the red stallion nodded, “Have ya looked for the doll?” He looked at her and she knew he hadn’t even thought about looking for it. She shakes her head slowly, “Come on, ah’ll help ya.” They begin the search for the doll Big Mac had fallen asleep with, coming up with nothing no matter where they looked. They had practically turned his room upside down and inside out, looking for the doll to no avail.
“You don’t think?” Big Mac started. Applejack shook her head.
“Nah, she couldn’t be... could she?”
“We can’t find tha’ doll” Big mac said. As they both thought it over Smarty shouted from down the hall where the bathroom was.
“Help! The water won’t stop! Daddy! Auntie!” They both looked out the open door nervously. That was when Big Mac remembered Twilight’s warning.
“Twilight did this.” he said, Applejack raised her eyebrow. “Think about it, she said that she would get her revenge an’ suddenly a filly pops up in my room an’ claims she is Smarty Pants.” Big Mac explained.
“Go help the filly, ah’ll talk ta Twi.” She says, he nodded agreement and they walked out,with a small river coming from the bathroom, “Ya might want ta hurry.”
***
Applejack reaches Twilight’s home, the Ponyville library, and knocks on the door, “Twilight! Ah need ta know somethin’!” Applejack shouted, banging her hoof on the front door. “Ah said open tha’ door!” Applejack shouted again
Applejack heard a clicking sound and the front door open, “Applejack what are you doing here this early?” Twilight asked, inviting her friend in, “Is something wrong?” Twilight let out a small yawn ,“Sorry I was on a bit of a study binge.”
“Do ya’ mind tellin’ me what damn spell ya’ put on Smarty Pants?!” Applejack asked clearly angry with her friend, “Well? Spit it out!”
“I-I just used a spell that would make him think she is alive.” Twilight said, getting a little nervous from all the tension her friend brought.
“Well yer fancy magic sure as hell worked fer everypony in tha’ house because Applebloom came ta’ me sayin’ Big Mac made a filly cry!” Applejack half shouted, “Ah went inta’ his room an’ I saw a filly that looked like Smarty Pants!”
“You saw a filly that looked like Smarty?”
“Eeyup.” Was all Applejack said.
“The spell was only supposed to work on Big Mac. I guess it affected you too.” she said, tapping her chin.
“Nope ah could feel her when ah put my hoof on her!” Applejack stated “She is alive Twilight.”
“That’s ridiculous Applejack, it’s just an illusion spell, I didn’t mean for it to affect you as well.” Twilight said backing up a little “I-I swear Applejack it is just an illusion spell, I read it a few times so I could perfect it! I don’t think anything could have went wr-”
“Twilight now don’t ya’ go spittin’ lies like that!” Applejack started, “How many spells have ya’ done that have went wrong?” Applejack asked.
“Just... just a few.”
“If not fer you bein’ scared of bein’ tardy then this whole mess wouldn’t have started.” Applejack said, “Now get yer’ plot to my house and see fer yourself that you brought tha’ doll ta life.” She commanded, not going to give Twilight any excuses to stay as she headed to the door. “Well come on now.”
“Applejack, do we really need to go prove that it’s still a doll?” she asked.
“Twilight, ah’m not lyin’ and y’all know it. Now come along sugarcube.” Applejack tried reasoning with her friend. Twilight kept up with that one excuse, trying to convince Applejack she’s just seeing an illusion. “Twilight, this is the last time ah’ll ask ya. Come back to the farm.”
“I’m not going to Applejack, you were just affected by the spell there is no real Smarty Pants.” She stubbornly replied.
Twilight yelped as she tried walking, feeling a tug on her tail. When she looked back she saw Applejack had her tail in her mouth, “Ah said yer’ comin’ with me.” Applejack said through Twilight’s tail, ignoring the lavender mare’s protests, “Twilight ah came here ta’ get you ta’ see fer yer’self what ya’ did.” Applejack started dragging Twilight out the front door.
“Applejack! Let me go!” Twilight shouted, Applejack ignored her and continued pulling on her tail. ”Come on Applejack it is just an illusion spell! I am sure there is a spell to fix everypony who got affected by it.” Twilight said. “Everypony but Big Mac, he will suffer.”
Applejack shook her head, “Eenope, she is alive an’ I know it ain’t nothin’ yer fancy magic can do ta’ fix it. Yer comin’ ta’ see that she is alive.” Applejack stated as they came to the gate of Sweet Apple Acres. She spat Twilight’s tail out, “Come inside an’ see for yerself Twi.” she said, helping the unicorn up. “I won’t drag ya’ tha’ rest of tha’ way if ya’ agree ta’ come with me”
Twilight sighed she know there was no way out of this, she could always teleport to the library but Applejack would just come back and possibly break her door down and drag her back just to prove a point. Only for Twilight see that Smarty Pants was still a doll and it would take even longer for Twilight to find a counter spell She nodded reluctantly “Fine I will go and see Smarty Pants.” Twilight rolled her eyes, “And after I see that she is still a doll I am going to have to go back home to find the counter spell to fix you and anypony else that was affected by this.” Twilight said trotting next to Applejack.
“Twilight ah know what ah saw and she ain’t no doll.” Applejack said as the house came into view. The pair stayed silent, Twilight because it was inconclusive that she would be able to get away from Applejack and Applejack because she did not feel like arguing about it anymore. She had proof of Smarty Pants being alive and thats all she needed.
As they kept walking Twilight noticed how beautiful the trees looked at around this time of year, fall was always her favorite time of the year since her first time at the running of the leaves. She had another reason for taking her time and pacing while competing, it was so she could enjoy the scenery. In Canterlot when fall came the unicorn ponies would use their magic to get rid of the leaves, that is one of many reasons Twilight enjoyed Ponyville as much as she did.
Another reason was Spike got to be a kid and play with other ponies his age most of the time. When his friends were in school he would be ‘helping’ Rarity when the truth was that he was looking for a reason to be around her for hours at a time. Twilight let out another sigh, “Applejack?”
“Yeah Twilight?”
“If I am right and this IS and spell and I am right, I won’t use the counter spell on Big Mac until he agrees to give Smarty Pants back to me.” Twilight said, “The reason she means so much to me is because Cadence made her for me when she first started foalsitting me and I had just moved into the castle as Princess Celestia’s student.” Twilight said and Applejack nodded, “It was around the second month I had been living in the castle. That is when Cadence made her for me.”
“Ah see.” Applejack said as they walked onto the front porch, “Well here we are, let’s go on in so ah can show ya’ that ah am not under some crazy spell of yours gone south.” Applejack made her eyes spin for emphasis as she opened the screen door, “Come on and see fer’ yer’ self.” Applejack opened the main door. Twilight groaned and mumbled something incoherently before entering the house.
“Applejack I don-” Twilight was silenced by something latching itself to her neck.
“MOMMY!”
Twilight heard the voice, it didn’t sound like Applebloom or any filly she had heard before. Looking down shakily she saw her, the grey filly whose lower half was blue with white polka dots. Twilight took a shaky breath, “T-the spell must have affected everypony.” she let out a nervous laugh, “Y-yes thats it the spell affected everypony!”
“What are you talking about mommy?” Smarty asked, letting go of Twilight and standing in front of her, backing up a little so Twilight could fully see her, “Its me Smarty Pants and what spell?”
THUD!
Everypony looked at the now unconscious unicorn laying on the floor. Applejack sighed, picking Twilight up and grumbling something while placing the unconscious unicorn on the couch, “Well ain’t this great.”
Twilight awoke with a groan, the last thing she remembered was seeing a little filly who looked just like, “SMARTY PANTS!” Twilight shot up shouting. She looked around and just as she feared; she was in Applejack’s house, “No, no, no, no, if Princess Celestia finds out about this she will...” Twilight gulped, “Send me back to magic kindergarten!” Twilight thought in a full panic. She knew she could not inform the princesses of what she did; but what if this was a test?
Then again what if it wasn’t a test and she somehow created a new life!? What if Princess Celestia banished her for doing that?! What would happen to Smarty Pants after she was banished? Twilight looked around frantically, hoping that it was all a crazy dream. Luckily for her she didn’t see anypony in the house. Twilight wondered if she had come over to Applejack’s again, trying to sit down and talk to Big Mac and get him to give Smarty Pants back and eventually fell asleep. “Yes! That’s the only rational reason I could be over here!” she convinced herself the best way she could.
Soon she heard hooves, two large pairs; Applejack and Big Macintosh, and a single set of tiny hooves; Applebloom. She smiled and readied an apology for falling asleep. Once she had it prepared she turned to the stairs, Applejack trotted down and saw Twilight, “Well lookie who woke up.” Applebloom came down next. Twilight opened her mouth to start her apology but all that came out was a squeak followed by some babbling. She watched Big Mac trot into view with a smiling filly hugging his neck.
“Mommy’s awake!” Smarty shouted. Twilight’s jaw fell as she stared at the grey filly. She was speechless, all she could do now was babble incoherently at the sight of Smarty Pants and a very annoyed looking Big Mac. Twilight used the technique that Cadence had taught her a while back, trying to calm herself down enough so she could speak. Yet nothing worked, she kept staring at Smarty Pants, wide eyed, “Mommy are you alright?” Smarty asked, looking at the clearly shell shocked Twilight.
Twilight began to breath a bit faster while looking at Smarty Pants. She could not take her eyes off the filly. Twilight felt a hoof on her shoulder and when she looked she saw Applejack, “Woah now calm down sugar cube.” Applejack said before taking off her hat to fan Twilight, “Take a’few breaths’ an’ try ta’ keep calm.” Twilight nodded, still shaking a bit, “Now Smarty ah need ya’ ta’ go ta’ Applebloom’s room fer’ me.”
Smarty lept off of Big Mac nodding, “Yes Auntie Applejack.” Smarty said before she turned and galloped upstairs.leaving Twilight, Applejack and Big Mac alone to talk about the situation and so Applejack could explain to Twilight that she had Spike contact Princess Celestia. Twilight nearly fainted again when she heard that.
***
Twilight paced back and forth, trying not to go crazy and keep calm. Not noticing she was wearing a pattern into the floor. Her worst fear had come true, Princess Celestia was coming now and when she found out; Twilight knew that only the worst would happen and she would get banished after spending a year in magic kindergarten, she was sure of it. Twilight could see herself now, wearing one of the school uniforms and sitting in the middle of a classroom while all of the foals pointed and laughed at her along with the teacher.
“Twilight? are ya’ gonna be alright sugar cube?” Applejack asked, seeing Twilight stop the unicorn looked Applejack in the eye.
“No!” Twilight practically screamed, “Do you KNOW what you have done?! I must have broken some ancient law! But I am trying to think what law and what the punishment is for it!” Twilight started pacing again, the beginning of a trench appearing. Big Mac, for the most part, stayed silent out of fear of what Twilight could do. If she could bring an old doll to life who knows what else she could do. So Big Mac thought it was in his best interest to keep quiet, “The only pony who did something close to this was Starswirl The Bearded and he only brought a plant to life for a few seconds!” Twilight could feel her heart beating “And this was NOT how I wanted to have a foal!” Twilight thought.
“Now Twilight ah think yer’ blowin’ this whole thing outta proportion.” Applejack said
Twilight’s head snapped over to Applejack, “Out of proportion?! You think I’m blowing this out of proportion?!” Twilight growled, “I am NOT blowing this out of proportion! This is bucking serious! I created a LIFE Applejack! I brought a toy! A TOY! To life! so NO I am NOT blowing this out of proportion!” A single hair in Twilight’s mane popped out of place, Applejack already knew what was going to happen if she didn’t calm down soon.
“Twilight please sit down an’ take a few deep breaths.” Applejack said. Twilight shook her head and kept pacing, “Will ya’ just stop pacing?” Twilight shook her head again, “Twilight please ah’m beggin’ ya’ ta’ just sit down. Ah think it would be fer’ tha’ best don’t ya’ agree Mac?”
“Eeyup” he said simply
Twilight stopped again, looking at Big Mac with fire in her eyes, “No I won’t sit down! If not for YOU!” Twilight looked at Big Mac, “Then this would not have happened! If YOU would have just given Smarty Pants back to ME then this would not be happening!” Twilight growled, keeping her gaze on Big Mac, “All I wanted was my old foalhood toy back and you refused to give it back to me! And now I am going to suffer because of it! I am not only going to get sent back to magic kindergarten but I will also get banished because of you!” Twilight stated with tears in her eyes, she was nearly to the point of crying out of fear.
Not knowing what else to say Applejack looked down. She agreed with almost everything Twilight said, everything aside from her being banished or sent to magic kindergarten. If Big Mac had given her the doll back then nothing would have happened but then again if Twilight had not went crazy over being ‘tardy’ and if Twilight did not use the ‘Want it,need it’ spell then Twilight would not be in this mess in the first place.
What would the princess say about this was the question on everyponies mind. The only pony that had seen the princess even slightly disappointed was Twilight back when she lived in the castle as a filly Twilight had broken an old vase that had a picture of Luna. It was hoof crafted and one of the only pictures of Luna that Celestia had before her banishment. When Twilight had broken it she had decided to hide it, scared of what she thought would be Celestia’s wrath. But all it earned her was a time out along with being grounded for a week from her parents.
There was a knock on the door causing everypony to jump. Everypony except Twilight; she froze in place and slowly turned to the door. Imagining Celestia breaking it down to banish her. The tension rose when they saw the doorknob slowly turning with a golden aura around it. Time seemed to slow down as the door opened up. Once it was open a tall regal looking alicorn walked in. “Hello my little ponies.”
THUD!
Everypony looked at the, once again, unconscious unicorn, Celestia magically levitated her to the couch and turned to the ponies present. They were all kneeling.”Please rise you do not need to bow to me” Celestia said smiling, “Now may I see the filly in question?” They nodded and Applejack galloped upstairs to get the filly. Big Mac offered Celestia something to eat or drink and she politely declined. Applejack eventually came downstairs with Smarty.
“Yay ponyback ride!” she said from the cowpony’s back. Looking up at Celestia after Applejack put her down. She smiled and waved, “Hi Princess Celestia.”
Twilight woke up with a massive headache. The last pony she remembered seeing before fainting, a second time, was Princess Celestia. She was able to hear a few voices, one of them she recognized as Smarty Pants and the other she recognized as Princess Celestia. Twilight would have opened her eyes but she was still in the process of waking up; though she could hear Smarty telling a story from back when Twilight still lived at the castle. She wanted to smile a bit but that would blow her cover, “And then she hid her bed sheets because she was embarrassed.” Twilight’s eyes snapped open when Smarty said that.
Twilight looked at Princess Celestia who was covering her mouth, trying to hide the grin that was plastered on her face. She remember that day very well, one of the maids had found Twilight’s bedsheets shoved under her bed, when Princess Celestia questioned her about it Twilight blamed Spike but Princess Celestia knew otherwise. Twilight sat up, her face now a deep crimson color from embarrassment that Smarty had told that story, out of all of the stories she could have told she chose that specific story to tell everypony.
Princess Celestia looked at Twilight smiling, “Good morning my faithful student.” Celestia said, “Smarty Pants could you do me a small favor?” Celestia asked and Smarty nodded, “Could you go into the other room for me so the big ponies can talk?” Smarty nodded again, before leaving the room she gave Celestia a hug. They waited a few minutes to make sure she wasn’t eavesdropping, “Well Twilight I must say I am impressed.”
“Princess I-” Twilight was cut off by Celestia raising a hoof.
“Twilight you have nothing to fear,” Celestia said in a gentle tone, “you have done nothing wrong.” Twilight was about to speak again but she was silenced by Celestia once again, “Twilight you have done a good thing. You brought a new life into the world.” Celestia looked at Big Mac and then Twilight, “Now do you two know what you are going to do? Are you going to step up to the plate as parents?”
Twilight looked down nervously she wasn’t sure what to do, she always wanted a foal. She had a lot of practice with Spike, since she had raised him from a baby.If Twilight thought about it no matter how independent Spike was, she was still raising him to this day, “I am willing to step up to the plate as a parent.” Twilight glared at Big Mac, “But I will NOT live near him!” Twilight kept her gaze on Big Mac, “And I will be the best mother so Smarty will love me more than him.” Twilight looked back at Celestia.
“Eeyup, ah think ah can help raise her.” Big Mac said, “And ah refuse ta’ live near her.”
“It seems we can agree on something plot for brains.” Twilight said
Celestia cleared her throat, gaining Twilight and Big Mac’s attention, “Well it sounds to me like you two want joint custody.” Celestia said, “There are a few things you two need to do.”
“An’ may ah ask what that might be princess?” Big Mac asked.
“You two need to take Smarty Pants to the hospital to get her certified along with a birth certificate and a round of shots.” Celestia said, “Here is the catch: you two must go together in order to sign everything and get everything in order.”
“WHAT?!” Twilight and Big Mac shouted in perfect sync.
***
Princess Celestia had spoken with Twilight and Big Mac so they could come up with a plan for their joint custody. After a while they had come up with something, one day Twilight will get Smarty and one day Big Mac will get her. Princess Celestia had also explained that they will need to get Smarty Pants enrolled in school so that way she could be properly educated. Twilight had offered to homeschool her but Princess Celestia thought it would be best to enroll Smarty in Ponyville elementary.
So that way she could learn the magic of friendship as well, Twilight had pondered it for a few minutes and agreed with Princess Celestia that public school would be best for Smarty, “Now that we have that in order shall we go to the hospital to get Smarty her official birth certificate?” Princess Celestia asked, Twilight and Big Mac agreed.
Twilight went upstairs to get Smarty so they could leave, when she got upstairs she saw Smarty drawing something. Twilight trotted silently behind the filly so she could get a look at what she was drawing. Smarty was drawing a picture of herself, Twilight and Big Mac. Twilight cringed a bit at seeing Big Mac in the crudely drawn picture, if Smarty was anything like she was Twilight knew that Smarty would be a curious filly.
Twilight tapped Smarty on the shoulder to get the fillies attention. Smarty turned her head and looked at Twilight, “Yes mommy?”
“Come on Smarty you, me, Princess Celestia and your....daddy.” Twilight was hesitant about saying the last word. She did not like the fact that she would now have to see Big Mac every other day. Twilight felt a sudden weight on her back when she looked behind her she saw Smarty grinning from ear to ear Twilight couldn’t help but giggle a bit, “Well lets go” Twilight said as she started trotting down the stairs.
When Twilight came into the living room she saw both Princess Celestia and Big Mac waiting at the door “Are you ready to go?” Celestia asked Twilight nodded. Smarty had no idea where they were headed or why.
***
Princess Celestia, Twilight, Smarty and Big Mac had all arrived at Ponyville General Hospital in a short amount of time. On the walk they got a few odd stares from different ponies who were unsure of the situation and asking each other questions like why the princess was with them and who that filly on Twilight’s back was.
When the group walked through the hospital doors everypony in the waiting room dropped what they were doing and bowed to Princess Celestia. She chuckled a bit, “Arise my subjects you do not need to bow to me.” Celestia said, motioning for them to go back to what they were doing, “My student is just in need of a nurse.” At that every nurse within earshot came flying over to them Celestia looked at all of them and pointed to Nurse Redheart.
Nurse Redheart smiled, “So how may I help you today?” Redheart asked, noticing Smarty now hugging Twilight’s neck while Princess Celestia leaned down and whispered into Redheart’s ear everything she needed done. Redheart nodded in understanding, she had been living in Ponyville for so long she had seen crazier stuff happen then somepony bringing a toy to life and it couldn’t top the time Discord arrived. ”Well then Smarty Pants if you would just come with me.” Redheart said, Smarty looked at Twilight who gave her a reassuring smile.
Smarty trotted along side Redheart, a little nervous about being around a pony she had never seen or met before. When they arrived at the room, Redheart helped Smarty on the examination table. Redheart went under the table, pulling out a gown with a cloud pattern on it, “Alright dear now I need you to put this on for me.” Redheart said, setting the gown beside her.
Smarty looked at the gown her confusion clearly showing on her face. The filly picked the gown up, trying to put her head through the wrong end of it, earning a giggle from Redheart, “Do you need some help?” Redheart asked and Smarty nodded, Redheart pulled the gown off Smarty’s head and began to help the filly into it. After a while Smarty was in the gown and sitting on the examination table, “Now just sit here while I go and get the doctor to help me with something. Can you wait here for me?” Redheart asked, Smarty nodded.
After a while of waiting Smarty started to grow inpatient and started to fidget she was getting bored and fast, waiting for Nurse Redheart to come back Smarty kept fidgeting about ready to burst after a few second Nurse Redheart came back in the room pushing a cart with a few objects on it with a seafoam colored green stallion following her, the stallion smiled, “Hello my name is doctor Stethoscope” He said “And it seems you are in need of some shots” Doctor Stethoscope said looking at Smarty “So little one can you hold still for me so we can get this over with and fast.” Smarty nodded.
Doctor Stethoscope trotted over to the cart. Picking up a needle Doctor Stethoscope went over to Smarty. He took the needle and stuck it into Smarty’s flank, the fillies eyes widened as Doctor Stethoscope pushed the plunger of the needle before pulling it out, Smarty let out a high pitched scream. Turning to Doctor Stethoscope she jumped on him, sinking her teeth into his right forearm.
Redheart panicked as she ran over to them to try pulling Smarty off of Stethoscope but nothing worked. Eventually Redheart ran out of the room to go and get Twilight and Big Mac. She found them just finishing up the paperwork Redheart ran up to them panting, “Ms.Sparkle and Mr.Macintosh your daughter...” Redheart took a deep breath, “She is biting the Doctor Stethoscope.”
***
It didn’t take long for them to pry Smarty off Doctor Stethoscope. Twilight was not happy with what she did and Smarty knew it. They had made sure that Doctor Stethoscope was alright and clearly he was. Doctor Stethoscope laughed a little when Twilight kept asking if he was going to be fine. He had explained that it was not the first time a foal bit him. Twilight walked out of the room relieved that she was not being sued. Twilight reluctantly walked over to Smarty and Big Mac, “Smarty Pants what is wrong with you?!” Twilight asked, “Have you lost your mind?!”
Smarty shook her head “But he bit me first!”
“No he didn’t! He was giving you a shot to make sure you stay healthy!” Twilight scolded Smarty who tried hiding behind Big Mac. At this point Twilight once again used the technique Cadence taught her, “Now Smarty you are staying with your father tonight.” Twilight cursed herself internally for calling Big Mac that word.
“Eeyup an’ ah plan on lettin’ ya’ eat as much’ sugar as yer’ little tummy can handle.” Big Mac said with a smug look on his face.
“And then you can deal with her having a stomach ache.” Twilight thought leaning down to give Smarty a kiss on the head, “Have fun Smarty and please behave. Mommy will see you tomorrow.” Twilight said, “Huh... Mommy Sparkle... that does have a bit of a nice ring to it” Twilight thought as they parted ways, “I could fix the guest bedroom up for Smarty as her own bedroom... maybe while she is staying with Big Mac I can go out to the toy store and buy her some toys along with getting her some Daring Doo bedsheets and all” Twilight thought as she kept trotting, “You know what that’s just what I will do!” Twilight turned around and started trotting in the other direction towards town.
Things at the apple family’s farm had seemed to simmer down a bit and as Big Mac promised he gave Smarty Pants candy. The little filly was more than excited at first, not knowing what candy was; only being told, on the way back, that it was a treat. Big Mac did not think his plan through completely. Walking back into the living room Big Mac saw the filly laying on the floor gripping her stomach with a pile of empty candy wrappers behind her, “What in tha,’” Big Mac started walking over to the filly. “Smarty did ya’ eat all of tha’ candy at once?”Big Mac asked.
Smarty nodded groaning a bit, “Y-yes.” The filly just whimpered a bit, “Daddy my tummy hurts!” She whined, holding her stomach still, “It feels like my tummy is going to explode!” Smarty nearly shouted.
Big Mac chuckled a bit, shaking his head, “Smarty, ya’ shouldn’t eat that much candy. Eatin’ too much will give ya a tummy ache.” He poked her stomach lightly causing Smarty to burp. “Well come on Smarty let get’cha in tha’ bath” Big Mac said before lifting the filly onto his back despite the fact she was whining the whole time.
***
Twilight smiled at her work, she had just finished putting a room together for Smarty. Looking around she noticed that everything seemed to be intact and in perfect order like it should be, everything in a neat pile, the bed made without a single crease, and the pillow centered perfectly. It looked perfect; unbeknownst to the mare Spike was right behind her, “Hey Twilight?” Spike said, causing the mare to jump and scream Twilight glared at Spike.
“Spike what have I told you about sneaking up on ponies?!” Twilight asked while glaring at the baby dragon, “Scaring me like that” Twilight thought to herself “Nearly gave me a damn heart attack!” Twilight looked at Spike and sighed, “Sorry Spike just today has been stressful to say the least.”
“Well umm Cheerilee is downstairs, she said something about a school registration form.” Spike said shrugging, “I’m not sure what she is bringing you one of those for.” Spike tried to contain himself, “Other than the fact you are finally enrolling me in school!” Spike thought.
Twilight blinked at the baby dragon, “A school registration form? Spike are you sure you heard her right?” Twilight asked and Spike nodded, “Alright I’ll go and check it out.” Twilight said walking downstairs and seeing Cheerilee sitting at the table Twilight had in the middle of the library.
Cheerilee smiled “There you are Twilight.” Cheerilee said, sitting the paper on the table “The princesses sent me a letter and asked me to bring this to you.” Twilight looked at the magenta mare, cocking an eyebrow, “She said its to get your foal signed up for school.”
“Oh! Thank you Cheerilee.” Twilight facehoofed cursing at herself internally “Do you want me to bring this to you tomorrow? Or do you want to just sit here while I fill it out?” Twilight asked.
“I wouldn’t mind sitting here so when I get to the school tomorrow I can get it in my files and have him or her on record.” Cheerilee said smiling. “If you don’t mind.”
Twilight shook her head, “No I don’t mind at all.” the lavender mare said, “Spike can you get us some tea?” Twilight asked.
***
Big Mac huffed as he sat down on the couch; after he had gotten Smarty in the bath he had explained what shampoo and soap are for and not even a few minutes after he left he heard Smarty screaming. When he came in he saw that Smarty had taken a glob of shampoo and put it in her eye, she thought that she could clean her eyes with it too. When Big Mac had finally gotten it out and got Smarty to stop crying she hiccuped a bubble. Big Mac grabbed a picture of Granny Smith, “Granny, ah don’t know what ah’m goin’ ta’ do...” he looked at the picture somberly, “Ah fear tha' day when ya' come back home...”
Applejack walked out of the kitchen to see her older brother holding a picture of their grandmother. The orange earth pony sat on the couch, giving her brother a bottle of cider, “Ah figured ya’ could use that after tha’ day you’ve had.” Applejack said as Big Mac put the picture back down. “Mac, listen ah’m sure ya’ know what yer’ doin’, shucks ya’ helped Granny raise me an’ Applebloom.” Applejack laughed a little, “Ah remember when you were foalsittin’ us one time an’ ah thought it would be a good idea ta’ put Applebloom’s bottle in tha’ microwave fer’ ten minutes with tha’ settin’ on high.”
Big Mac chuckled, “Ah remember. Tha’ thing melted an’ ah had ta’ clean it before Granny got back from workin’ on tha’ field.” the two kept laughing, “Ah never thought ah’ would be a father... Or not this soon at least.” While the siblings kept talking and laughing at old memories they didn’t notice a grey filly walking down stairs until she was right in front of them, “Smarty? Ah thought ah put ya’ down fer’ bed.”
Smarty rubbed her eyes “Daddy I’m thirsty can I have some water? Or juice?” Smarty asked.
“Ah guess, but then its right off ta’ bed with ya’ an’ no ifs or butts ‘bout it.” Big Mac said. Right as he was about to get up he noticed Applejack walking to the kitchen.
“Ah got’cha covered” Applejack said.
Big Mac decided, while they waited, to pick Smarty Pants up and place her on his lap but that’s when Smarty got an idea, “Ah’m not sure about this” Smarty said. Trying her best to replicate a southern accent. Big Mac looked down at the filly who just smiled back at him, “See I can talk like you!” Smarty said with a large grin just as Applejack came back into the living room with a small glass of juice, “Thank you auntie.” Smarty said taking the glass.
“Your welcome Smarty.” Applejack said as the filly started drinking the glass of juice. Within the blink of an eye, Smarty had finished off the glass. Applejack just blinked, “Wow ya’ must have been thirsty.”
“Ah’ll say.” Big Mac stared at Smarty “Well go on off ta’ bed with ya.’” The red stallion stated placing Smarty on the floor and giving the filly a playful swat on her rear end. Smarty galloped up stairs giggling.
***
Twilight had finished filling out all of the forms and double checking them before giving them to Cheerilee. After the magenta mare left, congratulating Twilight on her new foal, but now Twilight had another mission: to try and get Spike to sleep in his room. Every night since Twilight and Spike had moved to Ponyville she had tried to get him to sleep in his own room, the same room she had spent hours setting up for him. It was clear to Twilight that he was ready for bed so Twilight decided to try at least once tonight. She was tired after the events that had played out during the day and would sleep as well.
Twilight walked over to Spike and nuzzled him in a motherly way as she had done for many years, “Hey Spike how about you try sleeping in your room tonight.” Twilight whispered sweetly in his ear. Spike, as always, answered with a simple ‘no’. She sighed before levitating Spike, walking upstairs to her room and placing Spike in his bed.
Spike quickly curled up under the blankets while Twilight went into her closet to grab a nightgown, it was just a plain white nightgown. As the lavender mare started putting it on she heard the sound of Spike snoring. Once Twilight had her nightgown on she walked over to Spike, seeing the baby dragon sucking his thumb Twilight giggled quietly, “Somethings never change.” she gently tucked Spike in “I guess thats not a bad thing” Twilight thought to herself as she climbed into her bed. “But...how are my parents...and Shining and Cadence going to take this?” Twilight had decided she would cross that bridge when it came.
The next day had come rather quick, Smarty Pants was still laying in Applebloom’s bed. Just starting to wake up, the grey filly let out a small yawn before cracking her eyes open. When she did, her eyes were assaulted by rays of sunlight coming through the window. Smarty Pants snapped her eyes shut almost immediately, groaning a little, “I wanna go back to sleep” she thought to herself as she shifted around a bit to try getting comfortable, only to feel something cold and damp under her.
The filly shifted around again, trying to get the feeling to go away but no matter what it would not. Eventually Smarty sat up rubbing her eyes, she wasn’t ready to wake up but if thats what it took to get that feeling to go away, she would. She let out one more yawn, trying to fully wake up before she went downstairs for breakfast.
Smarty stretched her little limbs before opening her eyes, she shielded them from the light, still not liking the fact that the window had no curtains. Using her hooves, the grey filly jumped out of bed. Looking around Applebloom’s room she saw a mirror, she trotted over to it so she could see her full reflection. Smarty blinked at seeing herself in this mirror, it was then she noticed a distinct feature she had not noticed before. Her eyes. One of them looked like Big Mac’s and the other eye looked like Twilight’s this confused the filly, even more because she had not seen anypony with two different eye colors.
She had never even heard of a pony with two eye colors. “Smarty time ta’ wake up!” Big Mac said, poking his head in the room and causing Smarty to jump and scream. “Ah didn’t realize ya’ were already awake.’” Big Mac said, “Now come on, time fer’ breakfast.” Big Mac said. As Smarty started walking towards the door, he noticed a dark spot on the bed, “After we get’cha outta those pajamas.” Big Mac said stopping Smarty in her tracks.
“Why?” Smarty asked with genuine curiosity.
Big Mac shook his head, “Because they are wet jus’ like tha’ bed.” He said, helping the filly get zipper “Juice before bed what was ah thinkin’?” Big Mac thought to himself as he got the pajamas off, “Ah made pancakes fer’ breakfast.”
Smarty tilted her head, “What are pancakes?” She asked.
The red stallion couldn't help but chuckle, “Ah think ya’ will like’em.” he watched as Smarty zipped off downstairs. “That little filly has a lot ta’ learn bout’ tha’ world.” He smiled and followed her down.
***
Twilight had woken up early in the morning, as always, and she went down to the kitchen; still in her nightgown. She had put on a pot of coffee, the lavender mare smiled because today felt like it was going to be a good day. Other than the fact that she had to go and see Big Mac in order to get Smarty Pants. She went over to the fridge, opening it so she could get started on breakfast. Twilight knew that Spike thought she was signing him up for school so she was going to have to make him something special.
Twilight smirked, her gem encrusted waffles always seemed to do the trick for the small dragon. No matter what type of mood he was in, it always brightened up his day. Although she only made them when she had bad news to give. Twilight sighed as she levitated a jar over, grabbing a few sapphires and emeralds and opening one of the cabinets. She grabbed some of the things she would need to make waffles and sat them on the counter. Opening the fridge, she quickly grabbed some eggs and began to mix the ingredients for Spike’s special ‘Bad news’ waffles.
Even as a filly Twilight made sure Spike’s food was made before she went near her own. Twilight’s ear twitched as she heard Spike’s footsteps. She was not looking forward to what she had to do. Twilight put on her best smile as the baby dragon walked into the kitchen, sitting down in a chair, ready for his breakfast, “Morning Twilight.” Spike said. putting a claw in front of his mouth yawning. “What’s for breakfast?” Spike asked his mother figure.
Twilight looked over at Spike, “Just a little something special.” She said though on the inside she felt as if she was lying, but then again she did only make these on special occasions so it wasn’t a complete lie. “I’m sure if I just come out and say it, Spike won’t be upset in the slightest. He is mature enough to handle this.” she thought. Twilight sat down, deciding not to try and wait until a much later time to tell Spike. She sighed again, “Spike I need to have a serious talk with you.” Twilight said.
Spike cocked his head. “A serious talk?” the baby dragon knew anytime Twilight said that, it normally meant bad news, “Wait a-are you going to send me back to Canterlot?! Twilight whatever I did I’m sorry!” Spike was already in a full blown panic, tears starting to form in his eyes.
“No Spike, you didn’t do anything wrong.” Twilight said, “I need you to calm down first” Twilight watched as Spike used the same technique that Cadence had taught her before wiping his eyes, “Now I know when Cheerilee brought those paper over you thought they were meant for you.” She gulped, “This is going to be harder than I thought...” Twilight looked at Spike, keeping her expression as neutral as she could. She had no clue how Celestia was always able to keep a calm face, even in front of ponies who probably made her want to facehoof repeatedly.
“But they were right?” Spike asked.
Twilight was ready to scream by this point, “No Spike, those papers were meant for Smarty Pants.” Twilight put it simply. She knew Spike would be upset with her over this, “But on the bright side, I did make you some of my famous gem waffles.” Twilight said, hoping that would cheer him.
Spike looked down in disappointment, “I’m not hungry anymore.” He mumbled, causing Twilight to wince a little. She looked at him, “I’ve been saying for years that I wanted to go to school!” Spike snapped, “And every year you always say I can’t!”
“Spike calm down please.” Twilight said, “And it's because you are still a baby dragon.” she tapped her hoof on her chin. “But…” she began, “I do know a couple of places you could go.”
***
Everypony stared at Smarty in pure shock, the filly had eaten nearly ten times her own weight in pancakes. She had little bits of it on her mouth along with some syrup that kept it stuck there. Leaving a doughy-carmel brown moustache of sorts. The filly took her glass of orange juice before polishing it off, the filly giggled at the fact they were all named after some type of apple or had apple in their name but they drank orange juice. “What? Why are you looking at me like that?” Smarty asked, finally noticing their stares.
Applejack just blinked, “J-jus’ tha’ fact ya’ ate that much.” She said, still in shock she pushed a napkin over to Smarty. The filly looked at it before grabbing her fork, “Hold on Smarty ya’ need ta’ wipe yer’ face with that.” Applejack chuckled, taking the napkin in her hoof she helped Smarty clean her face up. When she removed the napkin Smarty had a disgruntled look on her face. She clearly hadn’t liked that. “There ya’ go.” Applejack said, “Now ah got’cha somethin’ Smarty but yer’ goin’ ta’ have ta’ wait a bit before ya’ get it”.
Smarty smiled “You got me something? Really auntie?” She asked with excitement in her voice; completely forgetting having her face wiped clean. She had also wondered about the two brown paper bags which were sitting on the counter and why they had her and Applebloom’s names on them though she said nothing about it.
“Smarty arn’cha excited?” Applebloom asked.
“Excited? Excited for what?”Smarty asked looked at Applebloom.
Applebloom had to suppress a giggle. “Yer’ first day of school.” Applebloom said, “An’ can ya’ do me a favour?” Applebloom asked and Smarty nodded. “Don’t call me auntie like, ever!”
“Oh, sorry aun- I mean Applebloom.” Smarty said as her ears wilted a little.
Smarty cocked her head, looking at the pair of saddlebags, sitting next to them, she saw a pack of pencils and a notebook. She wasn’t exactly sure why Applejack had gotten those things out. Reaching out, she opened the notebook; seeing her name had been written in it she blinked. “Auntie? What is this?” Smarty finally asked.
“Those are yer’ school supplies.” Applejack said, “Ya’ are startin’ school today with Applebloom.” Applejack chuckled, giving the filly a pat on the head.
“Applebloom is coming too?!” Smarty asked, “Is it a big school?”
“Its a small school Smarty, an’ ah promise ya’ are goin’ ta’ have fun.” Applejack said though she couldn’t help but smile at Smarty’s excitement. “But ya’ are also goin’ ta’ have homework.” Applejack put a hoof to Smarty’s mouth before she could ask anything else, “That is work ya’ have ta’ do after school is over ta’ help ya’ pass tests and stuff.”
“An’ ya’ are goin’ ta’ meet my best friends!” Applebloom cheered, not letting Smarty speak, “An’ we are goin’ ta’ have a surprise fer’ ya’.” Smarty nearly squealed at the sound of another surprise. “But tha’ only problem is ya’ are goin’ ta’ have ta’ wait until after school.”
***
Twilight smiled, she had finally gotten Spike to calm down and eat. She was happy to see his mood had improved at least a little. She took a sip of coffee, watching Spike happily eat. She had also explained that she would need to tell her other friends about Smarty so she would need him to go and get Rarity; that way she could pick up Applejack and the rest of her friends.
The one question that had been digging at her is how would the rest of her friends react? She started rubbing her temples out of frustration. She knew they wouldn’t leave her and would try to help her, “What am I going to do? Just say ‘oh hey girls this is my daughter Smarty and Big Mac is her father’.” Twilight thought, letting out an audible groan “That would just make me sound crazy.” Twilight sighed, she had no clue what she was going to do.
She knew the worst part would be telling her parents that she has a filly of her own and it was her old doll. She knew that her parents would think that she had finally snapped and went crazy; that or, when they saw Smarty, one of them would have a stroke. “Just take this one step at a time Twilight.” Twilight smiled, she couldn’t wait to see the look on Smarty’s face when she saw her room.
Placing her mug in the sink, Twilight went up stairs to take her gown off so that she could get ready for something. She knew that she would not be able to avoid it, though it was still early in the morning. She had a little bit of time before she had to introduce the rest of her friends to Smarty.
Twilight looked at her bed, using her magic to fix the sheets, she looked down at the little bed Spike slept in when he slept in the same room as her, “Maybe I should take him to a therapist.” She thought while fixing his bedsheets as well, “Or I could try what Rarity suggested, when he falls asleep go and put him in his bed.” She thought as she levitated her brush, sighing as she began brushing her mane, “I just hope Smarty is having fun in school.” Looking in the mirror, she smiled as she placed her brush down, her ears twitched as she heard the doorbell ringing, “Who in the name of Celestia could be at the door this early in the morning?” Twilight asked aloud as she trotted downstairs. She heard the doorbell ring again “I’m coming!” She shouted.
A familiar voice answered from the other side of the door, “Delivery for Twilight Sparkle!” Twilight opened the door magically. The walleyed grey mare smiled at her and held out a package with the royal seal on it. “Here you go Twilight, all the way from Canterlot.” Twilight took the package and opened it, inside was ‘An egghead’s guide to parenting: Books1-4.’
Twilight smiled, “Thank you Ditzy.”
***
Twilight took a sip of her tea, “So that’s what happened and now I have a filly.” Twilight said as she nibbled on her muffin. She had invited Ditzy in for a little breakfast, she was feeling a little anxious about raising a foal.
Ditzy put a hoof on Twilight's shoulder, she gave her a maternal smile, “Twilight, you will be a wonderful mother.” Ditzy said “And if you need any help or advice I will be more than happy to help you.”
Twilight gave a small smile at Ditzy’s words, she knew that the wall-eyed mare was right but she was scared that she would mess something up or that Smarty would be an anti-social like she was as a filly. All she could hope for Smarty was that she could make some friends, “Ditzy? By any chance would you and Dinky like to join us for dinner tonight?” Twilight asked, “I am making lasagna if you and Dinky like that.”
“I would enjoy that Twilight, would you like me to bring anything?” Ditzy asked and Twilight shook her head, feeling slightly relieved; not only would she have her friends eating dinner with her, if they didn’t all run out screaming, but she would also have Ditzy eating dinner with them and Smarty would have her friends over to play.
“Maybe tonight won’t be so bad.” Twilight thought, “Thanks again Ditzy.” Twilight said as she pulled Ditzy into a hug.
“Well Twilight I should get back to work,” Ditzy said as she pulled away from the hug “I’ll see you later tonight and thanks again for the muffins.” She said smiling as she opened the front door.
“Bye Ditzy.” Twilight waved as the grey mare took off flying.
Smarty felt her heart skip a beat. She was looking at the massive building in front of her and stepped back, looking at it with a bit of fear. If this is what a school looked like on the outside she feared how big it was on the inside. All she wanted to do was run back home and snuggle up with Big Mac. She yelped at the feeling of a hoof on her back and when she looked towards the feeling she saw Applebloom giving her a soft smile.
“Ain’t no need ta’ be scared Smarty.” Applebloom said beaming. She started looking around the school yard for her friends to excited to wait to introduce Smarty to them, “Ah see’em!” Applebloom said pointing to a white unicorn with a pink and purple swirled mane and tail standing next to a orange pegasus with a dark purple mane and tail holding a blue helmet with a hoof on a wooden scooter. She started trotting over to the pair with Smarty in tow “Hey girls!” She said excitedly.
“Oh hey Applebloom.” Scootaloo said smiling “It’s about time you got here.”
“Hey Applebloom!” Sweetie Belle said, “Scootaloo and I were just thinking of crusading ideas,” Sweetie Belle blinked, looking at the unfamiliar filly standing next to Applebloom. On closer inspection she noticed that the bottom half of the filly was blue with white polkadots “Umm Applebloom? Who is that?” Sweetie Belle asked pointing a hoof at Smarty.
“Oh this is Smarty,” Applebloom said “She my cousin.” Applebloom said, still not comfortable with the thought of somepony her age calling her ‘auntie’ in public or at all “She startin’ school today.” Applebloom said
***
Twilight had cleaned up the kitchen and eventually went back to her bedroom. She had a hot cup of tea sitting on her bed side table and the lavender unicorn smiled before levitating a photo album her parents had given her when she moved to Ponyville. She had skimmed through the first few pages but had never taken the time to sit down and look at it.
She smiled while flipping open the first page labeled ‘one’ near the top left of the page. One of the first pictures she saw had Spike, not long after she had brought him back home, fast asleep cuddling a teddy bear. She remembered that day all too well, giggling at the memory she remembered when Shining tried to get close to him the little dragon threw a fit.
She looked at the next picture and another giggle escaped her lips, it was a picture of Shining reading her a bedtime story, a very thick book, the title somewhat visible, ‘1001 stories for sleepy foals.’ her ear twitched, she heard somepony opening the door, “Just one day off. Is that too much to ask?” She thought before standing up and stretching a bit. She trotted downstairs “Welcome to-” She stopped in mid sentence seeing Spike standing there shaking a little “Spike are you alright.” She asked, knowing he would like to spend as much time with Rarity as possible “Are you cold?” She asked while walking over to him. It was then she felt the little dragon cling to her leg.
***
“Attention everypony.” A sweet voice rang as a magenta earth pony stood in the front of a classroom “We have a new student joining us today!” Cheerilee said giving Smarty a little pat on the head “Go on introduce your self dear.”
Smarty looked at all the other ponies in the classroom sitting at their desks, staring at her. She felt like her chest was tightening up and wanted to run far away from the schoolhouse “H-hello.” She felt a lump in her throat and gulped, trying to swallow it to no avail, “Hello everypony m-my name is Smarty Pants.” She heard a few snickers here and there.
It was clear to Cheerilee that Smarty was scared and from the looks of it she seemed like she would break down at any second, “Go ahead and take a seat,” She said “You’ll be sitting near Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle.” Cheerilee smiled as Smarty nodded and shakily walked to her desk.
Smarty grabbed her notebook and a pencil, both felt comforting to her, reminding her of Twilight. She felt a tap on her shoulder and looked over to see a cream colored earth pony with bright red hair and a pair of purple glasses “Hi my namths Peppermint Twitht” She said smiling “You don’t have tho be nervoth Miss Cheerilee is sthuper nice!” she spoke kindly though some words came with a spittle coating.
“Thanks,” Smarty said with a little smile “You can do this Smarty.” She thought.
***
“Ouch!” Spike shouted jerking his head back “Twilight that stuff stings!” He whined fidgeting in his seat.
Twilight could only roll her eyes at Spike, she knew that the antibacterial spray stung but she was doing what she had to to keep it from getting an infection. “Well Spike if you would listen to me and pay attention to where you're going, this wouldn’t have happened.” Twilight said semi-scolding him, “Annd done” Twilight said smiling. Giving Spike a little pat on the head she spoke, “That wasn’t so bad now was it?”
Spike grumbled standing up while Twilight was putting the first aid kit in the cabinet. He blinked as Twilight levitated a small gem in his hands. “Thanks Twilight!” Spike said, his eyes twinkling at it.
“Your welcome Spike.” Twilight leaned down and gave the little dragon a kiss on the forehead. “Now go to Rarity’s,” Twilight said before seeing him running to the door “And be careful this time!” She shouted. After hearing the door slam she rolled her eyes smiling; she looked at the clock hanging on the wall, ‘Well I have to pick Smarty up in a few hours.’ She smiled, unable to wait until school got out so she could hear what Smarty had learned and ask if she made any new friends.
***
Cheerilee smiled, seeing all of her students working so hard. ”Lunch time everypony!” She sang and within seconds almost every filly and colt jumped out of their desks, grabbed their lunches and ran out the door.
“Come on Smarty!” Applebloom said, seeing her slowly grab her lunch, “We get ta’ eat outside if tha’ weather is nice like today!” Applebloom cheered before grabbing Smarty’s hoof; she dragged the clearly frightened filly outside.
“Wait Applebloom!” Smarty tried to get out of her grasp, “I uhh I need to check my notes!” Smarty lied, hoping she could stay inside and eat but her words fell on deaf ears as she was dragged out the door. Smarty used one of her hooves to cover her eyes as she silently followed Applebloom over to a tree where Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle were sitting. She noticed Sweetie Belle setting out a dandelion sandwich and a juice box.
Scootaloo had a rose petal sandwich and a carrot with a small juice box, grape. Sitting down Smarty opened her lunch bag with a smile at what she saw; an apple sandwich with some apple juice. “Applejack packed me an apple sandwich!” Applebloom cheered, taking it out of the plastic bag she started eating.
Smarty pulled out her lunch, taking a bite of her sandwich she smiled immediately, “This is good!” Smarty said taking another bite as she spotted Peppermint Twist sitting at a picnic table with a few other classmates. Her smile got a little bigger as she took a sip of juice, ‘I wonder what mommy and daddy are doing right now.’ She thought.
Smarty eventually got lost in her own little world, giggling every so often at some of the silly thought she’d have as she took another bite of her sandwich not noticing it was the last of it, “So do we go back to class after we eat?” Smarty asked, she saw Scootaloo giving her an odd look.
Sweetie Belle shook her head “Normally Miss Cheerilee let’s out play for a bit.” She chirped standing up, “And someti-” Sweetie Belle was cut off by the sound of a bell ringing “Aww look’s like we have to go back to class.” She said a little disappointed.
***
Applejack gave a small sigh of relief “Well we did it Mac,” She said smiling. “Ah admit it took us a while but we finally cleared out tha’ north field.”
“Eeyup,” Big Mac said chewing on a piece of straw, “Ah’m jus’ glad we didn’t have any fillies on our hooves.” He said with a small chuckle “Ah remember when ah would be workin’ an’ ya’ wouldn’t get offa’ me, wantin’ ta’ help.” Bg Mac said earning a glare from Applejack.
Applejack looked away from her brother blushing “Well fer’ all we know Smarty might want ta’ be tha’ book type like Twilight.” Applejack pointed out “An’ as fer’ Applebloom she is gettin’ a bit better with apple buckin.’” Applejack said getting a nod from Big Mac though she couldn’t help but snicker a bit the last time Aplebloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle had tried it; they had all managed to get covered in tree sap.
“Ah remember tha’ first time ya’ got an’ apple down it hit ya’ right in tha’ head.” Big Mac said laughing at his sisters angry look. Applejack, in one quick motion as fast as Rainbow Dash, slapped Big Mac in the back of his head “Ouch!”
Within seconds they were both laughing.
***
Twilight smiled, trotting away from Fluttershy’s house; her next stop was the school. She needed to pick Smarty up and to get her home to make sure she finished her homework and was ready for dinner. Twilight felt her heart pounding, this was the first time anypony aside from Applejack that was going to meet Smarty.
She continued to walk, passing Sofas and Quills, “Hey Twilight.” Couch Cushion said to the lavender mare “Need any quills? Or a sofa?” He asked eliciting a chuckle from Twilight “I’ll take that as a no?” He said.
“No not today Cushion.” Twilight said keeping up a steady pace, wanting Smarty to have some play time before she got to the school. Twilight wanted to speak with Cheerilee while she was there to see how Smarty did on her first day. She remembered her first day of school she was excited until she got there, she had ended up hugging her parents legs and crying like many of the other fillies and colts in her class.
But once she had got to spend some more personal time with Princess Celestia she wasn’t nearly as nervous, though she was still scared that if she had done one thing wrong she would be dropped as her student. Over time Twilight had figured out that the princess wouldn’t do that, looking up she saw Ditzy ‘I’m guessing she is going to pick Dinky up. Maybe I’ll see her when I get Smarty.’ Twilight thought, knowing how clumsy, to say the least, the grey mare could be and she knew from experience. Twilight had to replace more broken windows then she’d like to count. Giggling a bit, Twilight remembered the first time Ditzy had accidentally broke one of her windows. It had scared her half to death, she hadn’t been in Ponyville for a month when it had happened.
When it had happened, according to Ditzy, she had been running late on her mail route and had broke down in front of her, apologizing. The entire moment, to Twilight, was awkward. She ended up getting Ditzy to calm down and had been kind enough to give her the card of a small business in Ponyville that would replace her window.
Twilight had arrived at the school and stopped dead in her tracks. She couldn’t help but smile at the sight of Smarty playing with Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Applebloom from the looks of it. She was having fun. Twilight sighed, hating that she had to break up their little game; trotting up Twilight kept a smile on her face.
“Mommy!” Smarty screamed before running up to Twilight. The little filly jumped up to hug her, nearly tackling Twilight. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo blinked, unable to comprehend the scene in front of them.
Twilight hadn’t expected Smarty to be as strong as she was but none the less Twilight hugged Smarty back ‘Look’s like she get’s her strength from her father.’ Twilight thought giving Smarty a kiss on the forehead, “Smarty you go play with your friends for a while I have to speak with Miss Cheerilee alright?” Twilight said, getting a firm nod from Smarty as the unicorn started trotting off, she could hear Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle firing off questions to Smarty.
“Can I come in?” Twilight asked after knocking on the door.
Cheerilee looked up from the stack of papers and smiled “Why of course Twilight!” She said, motioning for the mare to come inside the school “Is their something on your mind?” Cherilee asked.
Twilight shook her head “No not at all,” She said “I just wanted to ask how Smarty did.”
“Well,” Cheerilee began “It looked a little bumpy at first when I had her introduce herself to the class but other then that.” Cheerilee sat her pen down “Twilight your daughter is an exceptional student.” Cheerilee said
“That’s great!” Twilight beamed “That’s all I needed to know that and what kind of homework are you giving her?
“None” Cheerilee said she saw the look Twilight was giving her “Don’t worry dear it’s just for today, I thought since we had a new student I wouldn’t assign any tonight.”
***
Trotting out of the school, Twilight walked over to Smarty “Alright Smarty say goodbye to your friends.” Twilight said earning a collective ‘aww’ from the four fillies “I’m sorry but we have to.”
“But Twilight ah promised Smarty we’d show her a surprise once school was out.” Applebloom said “Can we show’er ah planned on makin’ Smarty a crusader!” Applebloom spoke aloud.
Biting her lip, Twilight looked at the fillies “Well alright,” She started and after hearing them cheer “But! I want to be clear that I want her back home before five alright?” Twilight said.
“Got it!” Applebloom said excitedly.
Twilight gave Smarty a little kiss on the forehead and levitated her saddlebags, “Don’t worry Smarty, I’ll take these home for you.” Twilight ruffled her mane, “You four have fun and be careful!” Twilight shouted, watching them run off leaving a path of dust in their wake chuckling watched them leave before Twilight began walking home.
***
Smarty blinked looking at the tree house was this the surprise to her it didn't look like much “Do ya’ like it?” Applebloom asked walking up the little path, “Come on in Smarty.” She said Scootaloo and Sweetie were standing at the door grinning like hyenas leaving Smarty a little uneasy.
She followed her cousin, a little nervous and giddy with excitement at the same time. When she got inside the tree house she saw a dark red banner with a blue shield and a little pony sewn inside of it, Smarty blinked a bit confused, “What is this?” she asked.
Applebloom quickly ran behind a podium with Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle standing next to her “Smarty; we, the cutie mark crusaders, hereby cordially invite you to join us in our quest ta’ find out cutie marks!” Applebloom said.
“What about the speech I wrote?” Scootaloo asked pouting a little.
“No more speeches!” Both Sweetie Belle and Applebloom said simultaneously.
Applebloom hopped down bringing a cape over to Smarty and placed it on her back “Smarty welcome to tha’ cutie mark crusaders!” Applebloom said watching Smarty’s face light up “An’ tomorrow we are goin’ ta’ go crusadin’.”
***
Smiling, Twilight set down the last plate needed she looked at the clock ‘Good everything is almost done’ she thought ‘Now where is Smarty at? I told Applebloom to have her back at five.’
She glanced at the clock again ‘And it’s nearly fifteen after!’ Twilight was starting to get worried, she knew how much trouble the crusaders were able to get into in a short amount of time. She heard the door open and hooves trotting into the living room. She walked into the living room, seeing Smarty, and letting out a sigh of relief. Twilight hugged the little filly “Applebloom I thought I told you to have Smarty back at five.” She glared at the filly.
“Ah’m sorry Twilight but we lost track of time.” Applebloom said “An’ then we started explainin’ ta’ Smarty bout’ crusadin.’” Applebloom blushed “Ah’m really sorry.”
“It seems so fun too!” Smarty chirped “I can’t wait to do it!” Smarty ginned excitedly.
Twilight looked at Smarty and smiled “Well Smarty go put your cape up in your bedroom.” She said “When you go upstairs look at the second door on the right.” Twilight said, seeing Smarty run upstairs, “You three can join her.” Twilight said watching Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Applebloom quickly follow.
Twilight flinched when she heard a loud and ear shattering scream ‘Sweet Celestia!’ Twilight jumped a bit ‘They don’t need to be that loud.’ she sighed and went back into the kitchen to finish working on dinner. Normally Spike would make dinner and all the meals but she felt like giving him a little break, though compared to him Twilight’s cooking skills seemed mediocre at best..
“Twilight ah’m here” Applejack said trotting into the kitchen.
Twilight smiled “Hey Applejack,” Twilight said “You're here early” She giggled “Don’t worry about the girls they are upstairs.”
Applejack sat down “Ah hope they haven’t been too much trouble” Applejack said
“No not at all.” Twilight said “Well unless you count the ear shattering scream.” Twilight said electing a chuckle from Applejack “What’s so funny?” She asked.
“Well ah’ve heard that shout so much it doesn’t affect me or any of us anymore.” Applejack said rubbing her head, “Well it still scares Fluttershy jus’ a bit.”
Twilight stood there watching Smarty and Spike washing their claws and hooves. She knew Spike, when he said he would ‘wash’ his hands he would run into the bathroom, close the door, only leave the water running for a few minutes before coming back downstairs. She had figured out what he was doing and began monitoring him, much to his dismay.
When the two were finished, Twilight used her magic to shut the faucet off then levitated them both a small towel to dry off, “Now then, you two run downstairs.” Twilight said while watching Smarty cheerfully walk out of the bathroom. She heard Spike grumbling about not needing to be supervised ‘Well maybe if you didn’t try and trick me into thinking you washed your claws I wouldn’t have to watch to make sure.’ she thought as the purple dragon followed the happy filly.
Twilight soon followed them, she had a small skip in her step but was still nervous; there was no doubting it. As soon as she came downstairs the doorbell rang. Twilight let out a small sigh and walked to the door. When she opened it she was greeted by Rarity, the white unicorn smiled as she walked in, “Hello Twilight darling,” Rarity said in her usual sophisticated Canterlot accent. Twilight lead her into the kitchen. “My, my, dinner smells delightful.” She said as she levitated a bottle of wine out of her saddle bags. “Spike is quite the little chef.” Rarity said sitting the bottle of wine on the table.
“Actually I’m cooking dinner.” Twilight said blushing a little.
***
A few hours had passed but eventually the rest of her friends came through the doors and much to Twilight’s surprise; Ditzy was with them along with her daughter Dinky. She had half expected the wall-eyed mare to be late. Twilight smiled and followed the rest of her friends into the the living room. “Thank you all for coming,” Twilight began.
“What’s the big idea Twilight? I wanted to get some training in today.” Rainbow Dash said a bit annoyed.
“Well girls,” Twilight started for the second time, feeling light headed as if she was getting ready to faint again but she held herself a bit stronger. “I-I’m a,” Twilight gulped, her mouth felt a bit dry suddenly as she looked at Applejack who gave her a sincere smile. “Girls,” she addressed them all, “Due to recent events, I’m a mother now.” Twilight said, getting strange looks from everypony except Applejack and Ditzy.
Pinkie’s stared at Twilight with an ever widening grin, “Oh, oh, oh! Is it a filly or colt?! Who’s the daddy?! Tell me Twilight!” Pinkie said, beginning to shake the purple mare. “I need to know!”
“Hey stop shaking my mommy!” Smarty said giving Pinkie the sternest look she could, the same one she saw Twilight giving Spike when he did something she didn’t like.
***
After Twilight had sent the girls up to Smarty’s room she explained what happened. They all looked at Pinkie worriedly because she had stood there listening intently. “Pinkie? Are you alright?” Twilight asked, waving a hoof in front of the incredulous mare’s vibrant blue eyes.
They all looked at her silently, normally Pinkie would be fussing and wanting to throw a party “B-but she wasn’t in your tummy Twilight!” Pinkie stated, still confused even after Twilight had explained it to them and answered every question asked. Pinkie was still confused “That’s how foals are born or at least that’s how the Cakes told me!” Pinkie said gasping “D-did they lie to me?!”
“No Pinkie they didn’t lie to you darling.” Rarity said placing a gentle hoof on the pink mare’s shoulder. She gave her friend a soft smile, “Smarty’s birth was just a bit different then most traditional births.” She explained Pinkie wasn’t stupid, far from it but in a situation like this almost anypony would be confused.
Pinkie gave a slight nod, she was still confused but decided not to press the matter any more. Twilight cringed when she heard a slight crash upstairs fearing what she would have to sweep up. When she turned around she saw five fillies standing in front of her with suspicious looking smiles.
***
After Twilight had swept what was left of a vase the fillies knocked over. They all sat down to eat; Smarty was busy chatting away with the rest of her friends while Twilight heard Pinkie talking about a party. She had called it a ‘Welcome to The World’ party or something of the sorts. She watched as Rarity occasionally and subtly looked at Smarty.
Rarity smiled and stood up “If you ladies will pardon me I must do something.” Rarity said trotting out of the room.
“I’ll join her.” Twilight said, following Rarity. When she got upstairs she knocked on the bathroom door, “Rarity it’s me,” Twilight said hearing Rarity yelp a bit, “Let me in we need to talk.” She couldn’t quite make out what Rarity had said but took the opening door as her saying it would be alright. Twilight quickly walked in and closed the door behind her. “Rarity why were you looking at Smarty like that?”
Rarity wasn’t quick to answer but she turned, refusing to look her friend in the eye “Twilight darling,” Rarity began “Smarty is such a sweet little filly but I,” She sighed “I honestly don’t know how in the name of Equestria you managed to bring her to life.” She gave Twilight a small smile “But then again you are the most powerful unicorn in Equestria so anything is possible.”
***
After dinner, and a small desert, Twilight had sent the five hyper fillies upstairs to play for a bit while she spoke with the others. “Well they seem to be having fun.” Twilight said giving a small smile.
“I agree darling,” Rarity said “And it seems they are all ecstatic to have somepony new to play with.” Rarity gave Twilight a devilish grin “And it seems like we have somepony else to host slumber parties for them.”
Twilight gulped she had heard stories and she remembered the first time Fluttershy had agreed to watch them. She was going to the Everfree to get something from Zecora but she had an unfortunate run in with a Cockatrice and after that she didn’t remember much. only waking up in the forest with some snail slime in her mane.
“An’ ya’ can’t ferget takin’ ta’ tha’ movies Rarity.” Applejack said “Twilight, a word of advice.” She said, gaining the purple unicorn’s attention. “If they say we told’em that they could see some kind of movie that they are wantin’ ta see ya’ should make sure first.” She said looking down “Ah still can’t believe that ah got scammed by ’em.”
Ditzy blinked at them all “If I can interrupt for a second.” The grey mare said “If there is one thing I’ve learned from raising Dinky it’s you should always try to spend as much time with them as you can and to read them a little story or help them with their homework.” She glanced at the staircase with one eye, the other looking at the floor “Because no matter how many times they claim they are doing homework and don’t need help it’s always best to check on them.” Ditzy finished getting nods from everypony else.
“And she’s telling the truth Twilight,” Rarity began “I’ve basically raised Sweetie Belle on my own.” She giggled a bit remembering the days when she didn’t have any foal sized mannequins so as a substitute she would commonly use Sweetie Belle. “So I know being a parent is rather hard.” Rarity couldn’t help but smile.
“Eh I don’t see myself as the parent type.” Rainbow Dash said “Besides a foal would cramp my style.” She said leaning back a bit and earning a facehoof from Twilight.
In the corner of her eye Twilight noticed Smarty walking in the room. She looked a bit nervous “Smarty do you need something?” Twilight asked ‘Wait a second,’ she thought if there was one thing she knew about fillies and colts it was the look Smarty had on her face. It was the same look she used on her parents when she was a filly and wanted something.
Smarty bit her lip, she had that same feeling she had when she was standing in front of her class, “Mommy umm, I was talking to the girls,” Smarty began her legs shaking a little “A-and we just wanted to know if we you know; if we could have a sleepover!” Smarty said “Please mommy.” Smarty said using the technique that Sweetie Belle had been kind enough to teach her, a quivering lower lip, slightly tilted head and big wide puppy dog eyes. It was heart melting.
Looking around Twilight and hoped for some help when she noticed she wasn’t getting any she sighed “I guess so.” Twilight said “But! Only if the others are alright with letting your little friends stay over too.” She said smiling when she saw Smarty run upstairs ‘What have I just gotten myself into?’
Twilight sat on the couch, letting out an exasperated sigh as she ran her hoof through her mane; getting rid of the ribbons that had been placed in it in between all of the games she had been roped into, “It seems this is the first time somepony has hosted a slumber party.” Twilight cracked an eye open and saw Ditzy trying to hold back her laughter, “Don’t worry Twilight,” She said with a grin “It get’s easier after the first time.”
“Just as long as Smarty is happy I don’t mind it.” She partially lied, she did want Smarty to be happy but why did they have to have so much energy? She stood up to stretch when she heard a knock on the door, “I’ll get it.” Twilight walked over to the door and opened it with her magic.
When she did, she could only stare in shock and a bit of annoyance “Hey Twilight,” Big Mac said “Mind if ah come in?” He asked only for Twilight to move out of the way slightly. She wasn’t sure if he had come over on his own accord or if somepony had put him up to it but either way she wasn’t happy about it.
“Oh good you made it!” Ditzy chirped, hovering next to them. When she looked at Twilight the purple mare was giving her a stare that could nearly compete with Fluttershy’s. “Listen I know you two are angry with each other,” She began, “But I had Applejack get Big Mac over here.”
Twilight continued to glare at Ditzy, “And just why would you do that?!” She asked, this wasn’t the first time she had been a annoyed at something that Ditzy had done but this one, to her at least, was by far the worst of it.
Soon she landed and stood in front of them “Because you two need to work this out.” She said ignoring the angry looks “As much as you two hate it this is for Smarty’s benefit and like it or not it’s better if she sees her parents getting along.” Ditzy said firmly “Now I can keep the girls busy and you two go into the kitchen.”
***
Both Twilight and Big Mac sat at the kitchens table in utter silence, neither of them sure where to begin “Twilight,” Big Mac said attempting to break the ice. He knew the mare well, sometimes he knew her better than she knew herself “Listen ah don’t want us ta’ start treatin’ each other like an’ old divorced couple.” He said while Twilight continued to look at him. She soon got up from her seat “Come on Twilight we need ta’ work somethin’ out.” He tried to keep the mare from leaving the room.
He had always wondered why Granny Smith had said he was wise beyond his years and it was situations like the one he was in that made him understand what she meant ‘She’s bein’ bout’ as stubborn as Applejack’ He thought when he saw a glass being set in front of him.
And soon Twilight sat another glass down “Here,” She said pouring some tea into his cup and then her own “Do you want some sugar? Or milk in it?” She asked in a, to Big Mac at least, surprisingly calm voice.
“Ah’ll just drink it plain.” Big Mac said.
Twilight sat back down and continued to stare at the stallion, as much as she didn’t want to admit it she did want to attempt to work something out but before she could speak Big Mac had begun, “Listen Twilight ah respect ya’ ah really do,” He sipped his tea “An’ no offence when ah say this but ah jus’ don’t see ya’ as the parent type. As far as ah know ya’ don’t have any experience.”
She felt her blood boiling at the minor accusation she had plenty of experience “And how do I know you have any experience as a parent?” Twilight asked feeling slightly ashamed that she had said basically the same thing to him.
Big Mac gave the purple mare a deadpanned look “Ah’ve helped raise both Applejack an’ Applebloom not ta’ mention that ah’ve helped on tha’ farm fer’ as long as ah can remember.” He stated “An’ as far as ah know yer’ only siblin’ is Shining Armor so unless ya’ have another siblin’ that is younger then ya’ ah hold my doubts that ya’ have any parental experience.”
She could almost feel the blood rushing to her face “Spike.” Twilight said simply.
“Ah don’t follow” Big Mac blinked all she had said was the dragons name
“That is why I know for a fact I’ve helped raise a child.” Twilight motioned to the fridge “Look at all those drawings,” She pointed at a random one “That is the one he made me for mothers day,” She pointed to another one “And that was one he made me on my birthday a few years ago.” Twilight closed her eyes attempting to keep calm “I don’t want to hear you say anything about me not knowing what it’s like to be a parent because I sure as hell know what its like!” Twilight seethed.
“I might not have had friends myself when growing up but I always made sure he had somepony in his age group to play with,” Twilight pounded a hoof on the table “And I always made sure he got something for his birthday and for Hearths Warming.” She took a deep shaky breath, still trying to keep her tone a calm one but for the most part failing. “Do you remember last year? The day after his birthday the...incident.” Twilight asked receiving a nod from Big mac “That day I had a doctors appointment but it is my duty to make sure he is happy and healthy! This is one of the reasons I love Ponyville.”
Twilight almost felt like she was going to cry “Do you know how many ponies used to talk behind my back in Canterlot?” She wiped her eyes “Because I do and I hate remembering it and ever since we’ve moved to Ponyville nopony talks behind my back and nopony ever judges Spike or myself! They just see him as a happy little colt.” Twilight could barely control her emotions by that point, tears welling up in the corners of her eyes as memories of fillies and colts conversations she had overheard.
Big Mac could only stare “A-ah didn’t know...” He stuttered out Applejack had never told him that but then again it wasn’t her place to tell him that “Twilight ah jus’ want things ta’ be good between us fer’ Smarty’s benefit.”
Soon an awkward silence joined the pair until they both heard a high pitched scream causing them to both run upstairs as fast as possible.
***
Upon arrival Twilight saw Ditzy with a pair of tweezers in her mouth and Spike sitting on her bed “Just hold still I’ve almost got it.” Ditzy said through the tweezers. Twilight felt her heart nearly stop “And” The grey mare pulled them away from Spike’s foot “Got it!”
“Spike,” Twilight quickly rushed over to him “Are you alright?” She began checking his feet.
“I’m fine” Spike said “I just stepped on some glass.” Twilight’s eyes widened “But Ditzy got it out!”
Looking over at her Twilight saw Ditzy giving her a smile, “When you’ve been a parent as long as I have you learn a few tricks and what some screams mean.” She beamed “And that one was clearly a scream of pain.” Ditzy went to put a bandaid on Spike’s foot while Twilight kissed the baby dragon on his head and wiped the few remaining tears from his eyes.
Spike blushed and tried to push Twilight away as much as he pretended to hate it he really loved all the attention he got even though he wouldn’t tell anypony that but they all had known it already anyway. “Well it’s good to know you're alright.”
***
A few hours had passed when Twilight and Ditzy had agreed it was time to get the fillies to bed. Ditzy had made sure to tuck them in and Twilight had assured to be in there to read them all a little story, but first she had to take care of Spike for the first time in what had seemed like forever she had gotten him to agree to sleep in his room.
“Alright Spike,” She gave him a little on his forehead “Are you comfortable?” She asked getting a small nod from Spike her horn began glowing as she levitated something over to him “And I’m sure you want this.” She said placing a teddy bear next to Spike and watched as he snuggled it.
Twilight rubbed her tired eyes as she struggled to get out of bed. The night had been long and exhausting, thanks to the hyperactive children and Big Mac's unexpected visit. "What time is it?" she muttered, glancing at the clock. Without bothering to fix her messy mane and tail, she magically opened the door and hurried downstairs.
She could hear Smarty and the others chatting among themselves as she wiped her brow, grateful that they hadn't destroyed the living room. "Time to start my morning off," she thought aloud, walking to the kitchen. Twilight's horn began to glow as she grabbed a mug from the cabinet.
Turning around, she was startled by two golden eyes facing the opposite direction. "Gah!" she jumped back, almost dropping the mug in surprise.
"Good morning," Ditzy said, pouring some hot coffee into Twilight's mug. "I know you like to wake up early, but I couldn't bring myself to wake you up after last night." She smiled, placing the coffee pot back on its stand.
"Oh, it's no problem," Twilight said, taking a sip of the hot beverage. "Actually, it felt nice to sleep in for once," she added, recalling her early mornings when she had to catch a train or something else before the crack of dawn.
Ditzy gave her a grin and handed her a plate with a fresh muffin on it. Twilight gladly accepted it and sat down to eat breakfast while chatting with Ditzy. They occasionally got up to refill their coffee, but their conversation was quickly interrupted by a knock on the door. "I'll get it," the mares said in unison, giggling.
***
Applejack sat down and sipped on a mug of coffee. "Well, Twilight, Ih’m glad ya could sit down an’ talk to Big Mac like a grown ass mare an’ not a damn filly," she said bluntly, momentarily forgetting that she was the element of honesty.
"And don't forget I was mediating here," Ditzy chimed in. "I am just happy they kept it civil."
Twilight could feel her face going red at the comments being made in front of her. She looked at them both and muttered something under her breath.
"BBut ah should be headin’ back to tha’ farm’," Applejack quickly downed the rest of her drink and went into the living room to retrieve Applebloom. "I'll see ya later, Twi!" she shouted before heading out the door. Ditzy followed suit but made sure to give Twilight a hug and let her know if she needs help, she should let her know.
Twilight sat back down at the table, letting out a small sigh. She still had to take Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo home. "What the hell am I gonna do?" she thought.
***
Twilight strolled through town, a contented smile on her face, while Smarty and Scootaloo trailed closely behind. Sweetie Belle had already been dropped off at Rarity's, where Rarity had taken Smarty's measurements for a new ensemble.
Their next destination was Fluttershy's to drop off Scootaloo before Twilight headed out for some shopping. "Are you girls feeling peckish?" Twilight asked, turning to the fillies who were following her. They both nodded and resumed their conversation.
Twilight led them to a charming little cafe that she frequented, and they settled in at an outdoor table. After placing their orders, Smarty and Scootaloo resumed their conversation, discussing aerodynamics and Scootaloo's chances of leaping over Froggy Bottom Bog. Twilight found their chatter amusing.
***
The group quietly approached Fluttershy's cottage, but before they could knock, Scootaloo burst through the door. Twilight winced as she heard Fluttershy scream, but quickly greeted her and said her goodbyes to both her and Smarty, who trotted off back into town. They didn't want to stay and hear the conversation Fluttershy was going to have with Scootaloo about barging into her home.
After a short while, Twilight and Smarty returned to town and began chatting about Smarty's aspirations for school and her admiration for Cheerilee. Twilight was delighted to hear the filly's excitement for learning. As they walked into a small shop, the owner greeted them. Twilight went over to a shelf and started browsing the items. "Sage," she whispered to herself, frustrated by the lack of organization on the owner's part.
Finally, she found what she was looking for: a glass vial with a wooden cork labeled black salt. She paid for the item and they left for home, Twilight wondering how she could keep Smarty entertained long enough for her to get some research and work done.
As they passed by a shop, Twilight was unexpectedly captivated by something, although she hated the idea.
***
The music softly played in a dimly lit, smoke-filled room, as a stallion in a three-piece suit walked in. He took a short breath to adjust his lungs to the smoke before approaching a tall, slender mare who wore a veil to keep her face covered. "Have a seat," she said, motioning to a chair that moved itself to a spot right in front of her.
"Yes, ma'am," the stallion replied quickly, taking a seat in the chair. The atmosphere was mixed with the mysteriousness of his boss, sure to frighten even the bravest and toughest of stallions. "I was recently in Ponyville," he began, clearing his throat. "And I think I've found something we may need to look into more," he said, with almost a slight air of confidence around him.
The mare blew smoke in the stallion's face. "Is that so?" she asked, drawing out her words. "Well, then if you've found something, perhaps you should tell me more," she let out a small giggle, and to the stallion, the giggle was blood-chilling. But he began to explain everything he knew about what was going on in Ponyville.
"So, this mare is the Element of Magic, you say?" She blew more smoke again. "Very well, I will grant you this chance to prove to that you are still of use to me. But be warned, I do not give second chances very often. Make sure to use it well," she said in a cold voice. The stallion gave a small nod before trying to quickly make his way out of the room.
"Next stop, Ponyville," he said, walking back to his home to pack for what he hoped would be an extended trip.
***
Big Mac entered a lively bar through a set of doors, where the clinking of glasses, the laughter of ponies, and the sound of darts being thrown filled the air. He quietly approached the bar and nodded at the bartender, who slid a large ice-cold mug towards him. "Eeyup," he said, taking a long swig from the mug.
The bartender knew Big Mac well and could sense something was bothering him. "Baby momma trouble, Mac?" Whiskey Barrel asked, giving him a knowing look. "Come on now, I'm your bartender," she laughed, pouring two small shots of whiskey. She placed one of the shots in front of Big Mac using her pale orange aura. "Let's loosen those lips up," she said, downing her own shot of whiskey.
After a sigh and a slight smile, Big Mac drank his shot of whisky and began to speak. "We had a talk last night," he said, looking at the silver mare. "Ah' don't know how it went, but ah' just know Twilight is being all kinds of bull-headed." He turned around and apologized to the bull behind him playing pool. "Ah' just don't understand that mare."
Whiskey nodded and leaned on the bar, clapping her front hooves together. "Okay, Mac, I'm no doctor or anything, but it sounds like you need a prescription," she said with a smile, looking him in the eyes. "For two testicles, make sure when you get the script filled, you use them immediately." The pair erupted into laughter, but Big Mac's mood soon turned sour again.
"Ah'm just hoping that Smarty can at least grow up and have a somewhat normal life," he said, finishing his beer before handing the glass back to his friend. "Let me get a few more shots of that whiskey," he said, already slurring slightly.
***
Big Mac soon found himself leaning on one of the orchid's trees, steadying himself while he vomited. The stallion felt regret at the amount he had drunk, knowing that the next day he would be paying for it. "Fucking Twilight," he spat angrily while stumbling back home again. "Needs to keep her magic to er' damn self."
Not paying attention to his surroundings, he burst through the front door and made a beeline for the kitchen. "Ah'll show her," he said in a loud tone while yanking the refrigerator door. He began rummaging, not noticing the yellow filly that was sleepily walking into the kitchen.
"Big Mac," Applebloom said, her brother's name, while looking at him. "What are ya doin' up so late?" she asked.
The large red stallion froze, not sure what to say. He knew that the moment he opened his mouth, his little sister would know he was drunk. "Go back to bed, Applebloom," he said in a low voice.
"Mac, are ya sick? Ah can tell Smarty yer sick if ya want," Applebloom continued to look at her brother, hiding herself somewhat behind the refrigerator.
"Applebloom! Ah said go to bed! Now scamper on!" he said in a somewhat angry tone. But before he could realize what he'd done, all he heard were hooves clopping and running upstairs. He took a moment to try and listen to the silence before continuing his rummaging. As soon as he closed the fridge, the stallion jumped back, doing everything he could to keep from shouting in surprise.
A pair of angry green eyes looked at him with blond hair and an orange coat lit by moonlight. "What in the hell is wrong with you?" Applejack said, approaching her brother closer. "Have you been drinking?" she questioned, smelling his breath. "Because ah' know your narrow ass didn't just take that attitude with our little sister 'cause you're drunk off her ass."
By that point, Applejack almost had him pinned on the wall and was making sure to punctuate every word by tapping her hoof into his chest. "Now what is this all about?" she said, motioning to her drunk brother. "Because ya wouldn't listen to me? Now it's biting you in the ass!" She kept glaring at her brother. "What are ya gonna do if your daughter-" Big Mac tried to open his mouth before Applejack cut him off. "Ah don't want to fuckin' hear it! Your DAUGHTER," she made sure to be as loud as she could get away with. "Gets in trouble? You gonna get drunk again? Take it out on somepony when you're drunk?"
"Big Macintosh," she looked him in the eyes. "Ya need to grow up, otherwise ya ain't gonna need to be around Applebloom, let alone your damn filly." Applejack stomped off, leaving the stallion dumbfounded in the kitchen, drunk, confused, and still ever so slightly hungry.
***
The morning came much faster than Big Mac had anticipated. As the sun rose, he was hit with a raging hangover. He reluctantly opened his eyes, praying to Celestia that his headache would subside. However, he knew that his prayers were unlikely to be answered. Suddenly, he felt a sharp knock on his head. "Get up now, boy!" came the voice of Granny, followed by another knock. "Come on now, breakfast is waiting for you."
Big Mac moaned and complained like a colt who didn't want to go to school, but Granny was not going to let him off the hook so easily. She knew he had been out drinking again, but in her mind, if he had time to drink, he had time to work. She continued to knock his head, increasing in speed and intensity.
"If you don't get up, Ah'll send the fillies in here!" she threatened, poking his head with her cane. "Ah mean business, Big Mac."
***
"I'll kill her!" The mare shouted at the top of her lungs in anger. Her husband, a dark blue-coated unicorn, had been trying for hours to calm her down, but to no avail. She wasn't mad at him, but rather at their daughter, who had just had a filly and hadn't bothered to tell them.
"We're getting on the first train! And I am going to meet my grand-filly!" she declared, still fired up.
Her husband let out a small sigh and shook his head, following her in suit. "Velvet honey, please calm down. You're going to have a stroke if not," he said calmly, not wanting to provoke her further. He understood why she was so upset; all she had wanted was a grandfoal, and now that she finally had one, she wasn't informed.
As they trotted towards the train station, Velvet remained fired up while Night Light casually greeted other ponies along the way. But soon enough, the train station came into view, and Night Light rubbed his temple, feeling a slight pain.
"This is going to be a horrible ride," he muttered.
Velvet turned her head back to her husband, giving him a glare. She was a mare on a mission, and nothing was going to stop her from meeting her grand-filly.
Twilight mentally cursed herself as she approached her home, stealing a glance back at the sleeping filly on her back. She smiled, thankful that Smarty had seemingly tuckered herself out after the day. "I didn’t realize how heavy this would all be," she whispered, noting the weight of the filly and her saddlebags. She decided to treat Smarty to a small trip to some different shops, and the gray filly, of course, found a stuffed platypus and almost refused to leave without it. Twilight understood the attachment one could have to a stuffed toy. After all, had it not been for her love and attachment to a toy, she wouldn’t be in this situation. But she didn’t hold any resentment towards Smarty. If anything, she could say she felt the same love for her that she felt for her surrogate son. "Guess I will get a bit of research done tonight," she whispered again.
As she got closer to the tree that she called home, she noticed a few things off. One of them was all the lights on. And she couldn’t tell, but it looked like the front door was cracked. Suddenly, she heard it: "HEEEEELLLLLLP!" followed by a blood-curdling scream. Twilight felt herself go cold. Before she knew it, she found herself running with her horn glowing. "I’m on the way, Spike!" she shouted, bursting in the door and running up the stairs to where the screaming was coming from. Twilight, using her magic, lifted up a lamp, ready to fight if needed, kicking open the door. All she saw was the outline of a large stallion, and out of instinct, Twilight threw the lamp with all of her force and might. The large stallion hit the floor. "Who’s next?!" she snarled, looking around the room.
“Twilight Sky Sparkle, you stop that right now, young lady!” Twilight’s blood ran cold when she heard that voice. It belonged to the one pony in all of Equestria who could strike fear into even a full-grown dragon, that tone that could cause a Manticorn to turn tail and hide. “M-Mom?” she asked nervously. “So that means…shit!.”
***
“Ow.”
“Ow.”
“Owwwwwie!” Scootaloo whined. This had become a weekly routine, one that the filly hated but knew was necessary.
Pluck.
“Ouch!” Scootaloo yelped.
Fluttershy gave her an empathetic smile. “I know, sweetie,” she said, plucking another feather. After another painfully failed attempt at flying that ended with a broken wing, black eye, and a broken leg, Fluttershy had had enough. She took Scootaloo to Manehatten to see a specialist. While it wasn’t uncommon for some pegasi to be late bloomers, it was beyond that point for the girl.
Fluttershy couldn’t bear to see the girl hurt herself anymore with failed flying attempts, and that was where they learned she had a rare defect in her flight feathers. Over time, it would correct itself, but sadly for Scootaloo, it meant once a week pulling the ‘bad feathers,’ as Fluttershy had put it.
Pluck.
“Almost done,” Fluttershy said over the whining and squirming. “After this, we can have some snacks and relax before bed,” she smiled, rustling the girl's mane before sneakily pulling the last few feathers, much to Scootaloo’s dismay. “I know it isn’t fun, but I promise soon we won’t have to do this anymore, and you’ll be flying so fast you’ll put Rainbow Dash to shame!” she said, trying to cheer her up.
***
“Daddy, I’m so sorry!” Twilight continued to apologize while she addressed the wound on her fathers head, one that she had admittedly caused. “Darn it,” she said after looking at the rag she was using to hopefully stop the bleeding.
The stallion let out a chuckle. “Well, Twily, I always told you growing up that just because we are unicorns doesn’t mean we should shy away from blunt force,” he winced a bit, feeling the rag being removed and unceremoniously placed back on. “And I hate to say it, but I believe that rag isn’t working,” he chuckled again, his own horn lighting up with a cobalt blue.
Night Light brought the first aid kit over, pulling out the suturing kit. “Besides, if I got mad every time I got hit in the head with a lamp, then your mother and I would have had a few fights,” he laughed again still unsure where his daughters panic came from, looking over at his wife who was busy ogling over the sleeping filly. “So that's the doll that Cadance made for you, huh?” he said, trying not to possibly offend his daughter, but at the same time, he felt a sense of pride. His daughter somehow managed to give life to an inanimate object.
“Here, grandpa,” Spike said, handing the stallion an open bottle of cider. “I wish we knew you two were coming over,” he kicked the ground a bit, wanting to make sure to keep everything cleaned up and tidy. “I know how grandma is,” he mumbled, having heard multiple lectures on how to properly clean windows.
“What was that, Spikey?” The trio heard the older mare ask. “Well, just for that, I think somebody earned his way out of some of grandma’s cookies,” she said with a smirk, watching the baby dragon come running up, spouting out apologies faster than anypony could hear or even understand. “And now back to you,” she said, glaring at Twilight. “Why didn’t you tell me you had a foal?” The tone she asked the question sent a shiver down the grown mare's spine.
She knew she didn’t have to tell her mother, but the problem she had with that was her mom scared her. “Well, uh, you see,” they all paused, hearing the distinct sounds of Smarty waking up. The filly’s eyes cracked open, and she looked up, noticing a mare that looked a lot like her mother, but her coat was different. “Smarty!” Twilight said, thankful for the distraction and making it a point to run over to her daughter. “Good morning, sweet filly,” she said in a tone she typically saved for smaller ponies or even Spike when he was tired.
Twilight moved Smarty’s mane from her eyes. “I have some ponies here I want you to meet,” she said gently, helping the filly sit up. “These are your grandparents,” Twilight said with a smile.
Smarty, however, as they would all learn, was just like her aunt, at least when waking up. “Her breath smells bad,” the filly said, covering her nose and pointing to Velvet, getting a snort from Twilight and Night Light, but before any laughter could be had, they both received a look from the white mare.
But none of it fazed the filly, for she was far too tired, and before anypony knew it, she was fast asleep and snoring despite sitting up. “Let me get this little lady to bed,” Night Light said, magically lifting Smarty and trotting off upstairs.
“Spike, could you be a dear and get us some tea?” Velvet asked, getting a nod from the dragon before he ran off. Turning her attention back to her daughter, she spoke. “You have a lot of explaining to do.”
Cursing under her breath again, Twilight knew that it was going to be a bit of a difficult situation to explain. “Would you believe me if I said I secretly got pregnant and had a filly years ago?” She was panicking for some unknown reason; her mother could strike a level of fear into her that even Nightmare Moon couldn’t achieve. “Well, where do I start?” she began, knowing it was going to be a long night.
***
Big Mac stood outside of the Ponyville Library that doubled as the home of The Element of Magic, The Canterlot Conundrum, Twilight Sparkle or in Big Mac’s case. His baby momma. Having spent the entire day with Granny Smith he learned somethings. Things about himself and things about his parents.
Including the rivalry his parents' families had. ‘If they can make it work then darn it so can y’all’ he remembered her saying. “Ah don’t know how to be a daddy,” he mumbled, knowing full well how untrue his statement was; after all, he helped raise his sisters. And he knew he had the qualities it took.
But this was different for the stallion, back then it was just his little sisters, but now even if it was by magic this filly was his own flesh and blood. He continued his slow walk to the door, knowing he needed to talk to Twilight and preferably he’d like to do it alone. He had spent the entire walk practicing what he was going to say and he thought he knew now.
And as the door got closer his words faded. ‘Just speak from yer’ heart Celestia knows ya' have a big one,’ he remembered his granny saying. The large red stallion took in a deep breath and knocked on the door and much to his surprise the door opened almost immediately.
“Twilight ah’ think we need ta’ tal-” he stopped and looked at the unicorn stallion in front of him.
“Mac?” He heard Twilight’s distinct voice, and when he looked behind the stallion, he could see the purple mare, and it looked like she had been crying. “Shoot, this is my fault,” he thought, knowing his behavior had not been the best, but the last thing he wanted was to make his friend cry. “Uh, daddy, can you let him in? This is Big Mac….this is Smarty’s father,” she said sheepishly, having already explained most of the situation.
Before Big Mac could react, Night Light punched him in the face, causing him to fall onto his flanks. “Hurt my little girl will you?!”
