Life, life is a beautiful mystery. It begins in absolute darkness, existing only in the shadows. Safe from harm and protected from all that wish to end it, but life is resilient, it will not give up. Life claws, bites, kicks and screams to become what it is, life is unrelenting, it will continue it’s journey even when everything tries to stop it. Life never gives up, it will never stop until it leaves the darkness from which it came and enters the light of new existence, but when life finally reaches that light, life’s journey only just begins.
“How’s she doing?” Greatsword asked, rushing along with the doctors and nurses pushing the gurney. “Is this normal?” “Yes sir,” Doctor Stables said reassuringly, “Labor is a painful process, even after my fifteen years of being a doctor it’s still difficult to watch…” he looked down to the mare on the table, “Especially for one as frail as her.” “Are you saying she might?” Greatsword looked down to her. “Oh, heavens no!” Doctor Stables said as a nurse opened a door to allow them inside the hospital maternity. “It’s just harder for somepony of her body type to handle the stress of birth…” The two looked down to the pony on the gurney. Fluttershy looked up to the two watching her with great concern and gave a little smile. “It’s… coming…” she said weakly, “the foal is coming…”
“Don’t worry ma’am,” Doctor Stables said reassuringly, “at this hospital, you’re in capable hooves.”
Fluttershy nodded as they opened yet another door, but this time they stopped after entering. The operation table was setup and ready for the birth to take place.
“I’m afraid I have to ask you to leave, sir,” Doctor Stables said turning to Greatsword, “I know you want to be here for her, but space in this room is limited…”
“I understand…” Greatsword said looking past Doctor Stables to see Fluttershy being switched from the gurney to the table, “Just… make sure she’s alright…”
“You have my word, sir,” Doctor Stables said placing his hoof on Greatsword’s shoulder. “She’ll be alright.” He turned back to the operation table while Greatsword reluctantly made his way out. “Come on ponies,” he said stopping in front of the table, “let’s get her stabilized and-“
SLAM! The door swung shut behind Greatsword. As a reaction he turned to see what was happening, but the cold steel of the door denied him any closure. Greatsword slowly walked back into the waiting room, where Battleaxe, Warhammer and Twilight were waiting eagerly for his return. When they finally saw him they ran to him expecting some kind of news, but the look on his face said everything before they could even ask.
“That bad huh?” Battleaxe asked rubbing the back of his neck.
“In all honesty I don’t know how bad OR good it’s going…” Greatsword said looking up to them. “I wish I could be there for her…”
“I was the same with Luna, brother,” Warhammer said comfortingly. “I was worried beyond reason, but she was in good hooves and I have two foals to prove it.”
“Where is Princess Luna anyway?” Twilight asked, looking around the room. “She was with us when we came here.”
“The foals were hungry….” Warhammer replied, looking off to the direction of the restrooms, “I’m sure you understand…”
“I’m sorry you asked Twilight…” Battleaxe said trying to shake the image out of his head.
“Well I think it’s ok to ask a question about the whereabouts of one of the ponies you came to the hospital with is a legitimate inquiry,” Twilight stated, “furthermore-“
“Sorry I said anything…” Battleaxe interrupted rolling his eyes.
Twilight glared at Battleaxe but soon turned her attention back to Greatsword, “I’m sure everything will be fine, Greatsword,” she said with a smile, “Doctor Stables is an amazing physician, and the equipment in this hospital is rated at the top of the list according to the pamphlet I read while we were waiting for you.”
“I’m sure you have it memorized by now,” Battleaxe said, “Given you read it over and over again…”
“I’m a nervous reader Battleaxe,” Twilight said, “YOU of all ponies should know that.”
“Just like I’m the only one who knows how loud you snore?” Battleaxe said with a deviant grin.
Twilight’s face turned red as Battleaxe’s brothers and everypony in the waiting turned their attention to her. Her eyes darted from pony to pony until finally looking to Battleaxe again, she grunted and gave a quick jab to Battleaxe’s chest, but he only laughed and wrapped her up in his forelegs.
“Love you.” He said still grinning at the red faced pony in his hooves.
“You are SO not getting any ‘snuggle time’ tonight…” Twilight responded, laying her head on his chest.
“AW, come on…” Battleaxe said. Lifting her chin up so she could look at him, “I’ve been a very good boy…” he drew her in closer, but then Warhammer spoke.
“THAT being said and done…” he said turning his attention back to Greatsword, “Fluttershy will be fine, we all know that behind that gentle, shy exterior, lays a very strong willed and capable mare.”
“I know…” Greatsword said looking back to the door, “but this expectant father thing has come down to this moment…” he looked back to Warhammer, “I don’t know if I’ll be good enough to be the father my foal needs…”
“You will be a great father, brother.” Warhammer said encouragingly. “Sure there will come times when you won’t be the father they want, but you will always be the father they need.”
“You always know what to say don’t you?” Greatsword said smiling.
“That’s why I love him so much as well.” Princess Luna said stepping out from the hall way. “His way with words is truly amazing, I for one sometimes wonder why his cutie mark isn’t a counselor’s chair.”
The ponies in the waiting room quickly knelt to the floor upon seeing the Princess, but she quickly motioned them to stand and continued her path to Warhammer and the others.
“My lady,” Greatsword said nodding to the Princess, “it has been a very long time.”
“Too long if you ask me, Greatsword,” Princess Luna said, “you’ve been so busy between Fluttershy and aiding my sister and Shining Armor in rebuilding the military that we’ve barely had time to properly introduce you to your niece and nephew.”
She unveiled a small blanket from over the heads of two small alicorns. Greatsword gave them a through look over before turning his attention back to Princess Luna, who was beaming with maternal pride.
“They are beautiful foals, my lady.” Greatsword said, “Warhammer’s photos of them barely do them justice.”
“Thank you, Greatsword,” Princess Luna said with a smile. “I’m sure Sentry and Selena will enjoy your stories when they’re older.”
“We can hope.” Greatsword said, looking back to Warhammer, nodding to him.
“I only hope they get their looks form their mother’s side…” Battleaxe said looking them over as well. “Because if they don’t, they’ll be in trouble.”
“You do realize that Warhammer is your brother, right?” Princess Luna said with a sarcastic grin, “and the two of you do share a stunning resemblance to one another…”
“Don’t put that evil on me.” Battleaxe hastily replied. The group had a small laugh about it then Battleaxe spoke again, “but in all seriousness, we did come here to give you and Fluttershy as much support as possible, especially on account that Patches, Long Shot and Scootaloo are with family in Flankford, Spike and Rarity are still in Canterlot showing off some her new designs, the apple family and Carmel are visiting Braeburn in Appaloosa, Rainbow Dash is in Wonderbolt training and Pinkie’s-“
“Right here!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed jumping out from the aquarium in the middle of the waiting room in full scuba gear.
“Oh…” Battleaxe said completely unphased, “There she is…”
“I wouldn’t miss this for all the cupcakes in EQUESTRIA!” Pinkie shouted happily popping right next to Battleaxe, “Being born is like… the MOST IMPORTANT day in your whole LIFE!” Pinkie shot over to Greatsword, who was still looking at the door with concern, “AW come on Greatsword!” she said happily, “You know what would turn that frown upside down?”
“Given how many times you’ve said that to me, Pinkie…” Greatsword said with a smile as he let out a sigh. “I could only assume it would be a party.”
“Oh… You’re GOOD!” Pinkie said nudging his shoulder, “But that can wait until we welcome the little guy here to celebrate with us!”
“I still wouldn’t hold your breath Pinkie…” Greatsword said, “Fluttershy and I got here over three hours ago and I’ve been out here for I don’t know how long…” he looked back to the door and shook his head. “I have no idea how it’s going in there…”
After several long hours of waiting almost everypony that was there earlier was gone. Only Greatsword and the others remained in the waiting room. After a short time, chief nurse Red Heart came out from behind the doors. All of them got up and walked over to her, expecting some good news.
“Well, Nurse Red Heart…” Greatsword said exhaustedly. “Is she-“
“Visiting hours are over,” she said looking over the group. “You’ll have to come back tomorrow.”
“Nurse Red Heart…” Greatsword growled, “I don’t think you understand…”
“I don’t write the rules, sir…” Nurse Red Heart replied, “All of you have to leave, so our patients can get some rest.”
“My WIFE is giving birth to our FIRST BORN!” Greatsword roared, pointing to the steel door that had denied him closure for so long, “and if YOU won’t let me be by her side for it, I would at least EXPECT you to let me stay here until-“
“Forgive him, Nurse,” Warhammer said, stepping between the two, “my brother has been under a lot of stress over the past few months and he just wants to be here for his foal’s birth.”
“I understand,” Nurse Red Heart said, “and if I were in charge I would get rid of the ‘visiting hours’ rule completely, but I can’t…” she looked to the group with a hint of guilt, “I’m sorry but all of you have to leave…”
“Perhaps there is something I can do about that…” Princess Luna said taking her place next to Warhammer, “Maybe a royal decree? Only for this night?”
“I’m not sure, Princess…” Nurse Red Heart replied, “What kind of royal decree?”
“One that would allow us to stay as close to Greatsword’s love while she gave birth this evening.” Princess Luna explained.
“I’d have to run it by my supervisor…” Nurse Red Heart said turning to the door.
“No need…” Princess Luna said raising her hoof to stop Nurse Red Heart, “I shall inform him myself.”
“Oh mother of mercy…” Battleaxe said seeing the look on Princess Luna’s face, he turned to Nurse Red Heart and covered his ears, “I’d do the same if I were you…” he said.
“What are you-“ Nurse Red Heart was interrupted by the thundering echo of Princess Luna’s voice.
“SUPERVISOR OF THINE MEDECINAL FACILITY!” she called out, “I PRINCESS LUNA DECREE THE RULE OF VISITING HOURS TO BE REPEALED FOR THIS EVENING AND THIS EVENING ALONE!” the decree rushed through the hospital, actually causing the foundation to rumble for a moment. After she was finished Princess Luna then turned her attention to the ponies covering their ears. “Do you think he heard me?” she asked Nurse Red Heart who was still trying to regain her bearing after being blasted by the Royal Canterlot Voice.
“I... I…” she said shaking her head, “I think he heard… as well as the rest of Ponyville…”
“Excellent!” Princess Luna said happily turning to the others. “How many points do I receive?”
“Twelve,” Warhammer said nodding, “I think that rates twelve points.”
“Royal privileges…” Battleaxe grumbled rising to his hooves. “We’ll still be out here Nurse Red Heart,” he said walking back to the waiting bench, “if anything comes up just get us out here.”
“Alright…” Nurse red Heart said, still rubbing her ears. “I’ll come get you if anything comes up.”
She walked back through the steel door. The one that continued to mock Greatsword as he waited. Several hours passed and Nurse Red Heart still had not shown herself since she walked back into the operating rooms. Greatsword began to grow more and more concerned with every slowly passing moment.
“What the HELL is going on in there?” he asked looking to the door again. “Should it take this long?”
“Luna was in labor for ten hours Greatsword,” Warhammer mentioned, “it all depends on certain things happening.”
“She’s been in there for fifteen hours, Warhammer,” Greatsword replied, “and there was only one heartbeat when we went in for the checkup…”
“It will be alright Greatsword,” Princess Luna said reassuringly, “Fluttershy is stronger than she seems.”
“I know…” Greatsword said, “but I can’t take all this waiting if-“
The door opened revealing Nurse Red Heart and Doctor Stables behind it.
“Anything new Doc?” Pinkie exclaimed bouncing towards the door, but she was stopped by Doctor Stables hoof before she could bounce through the door.
“Major Greatsword,” he said respectfully standing to the side as Nurse Red Heart and a few other nurses pulled a gurney from behind the door, “Your wife…” the nurses pushed Fluttershy in front of the group. Greatsword ran to her side to see how she was doing, when he arrived at her side he saw she was gently holding something wrapped in a blue blanket. “And son…” Doctor Stables said softly lifting the blanket over the small colt’s head.
“A son…” Greatsword said tearing up, “I-I… I have a SON!” he wrapped his hooves around Fluttershy and his newborn.
“Congrats bro.” Battleaxe said patting him on the back, but out of the corner of his eye he saw Twilight staring at the foal then back to him, “Don’t get any crazy ideas Twi…” he said, “We’re here for Greatsword.”
“What will you name him?” Princess Luna asked.
“Um… I was thinking…” Fluttershy said weakly, looking to her son, “that we could name him… name him…” she looked up to Greatsword, “Braveheart…” she said before looking back to the foal, “if that’s alright with you.”
“That name suits him well…” Doctor Stables said, “he gave us several scares, but he’s one of the toughest foals I have ever birthed.”
“Then that will be his name,” Greatsword said looking to his son, “his name will be Braveheart.”
Ten years later.
“Braveheart!” a small filly called out into the forest, “Braveheart! Mommy says that dinner is ready!” and again there was no response, but she continued to walk into the forest, unafraid and determined in her quest to find the elusive colt.
Several minutes past and the filly continued farther into the forest. The darkness around her continued to grow with every step she took, but it didn’t scare her, because her daddy was the bravest pony in Equestria and she wanted to be as much like him as possible. She continued her journey deeper until she saw something move in a bush out of the corner of her eye.
“Braveheart?” she asked the bush, walking to it, “is that you in there?” the bush only moved again, but this time more violently, “It’s… it’s NOT funny Braveheart!” she yelled frightfully, “Stop that!”
Then something popped it’s head out of the bush, the filly jumped back in fright and ran to a nearby rock to hide. She quickly poked her head out from behind her cover to see the head of a chicken sticking out of the bush. The small filly let out a sigh of relief and giggled to herself.
“I can’t believe that I got scared of one of mommy’s chickens…” she giggled to herself stepping out from behind the rock. “But when I came in here, all the chickens were already in the coup… I guess it’s a new chicken!”
The filly’s eyes doubled in size along with her smile, “Mommy will be so happy when she finds out I went into the Everfree Forest all by myself and got Braveheart AND a new chicken!”
Carefully making her way back to the bush she began to do her best to emulate he mother’s way of coaxing the bird. “Come on, little chicken,” she said trying to lure it out, “I’m going to take you to your nice new home.”
Then what the filly thought was a chicken walked out of the bush, revealing the rest of its reptilian body and bat like wings. The filly became frozen in fear, the creature was nothing like what she thought it was, instead it was one of the deadliest animals her mommy warned her about, a cockatrice.
The filly screamed at the top of her lungs running as fast as she could to get away from the monster, but in the end she wasn’t fast enough. The cockatrice grabbed her by her back hoof and threw her into the air only to catch her by her mane. The filly kicked and screamed as loud and hard as she could, but the beast was far too strong. It turned to go deeper into the forest and enjoy its meal.
The beast’s journey was halted however, by a sudden pain in his stomach. Causing him to arch into itself, dropping the filly in the process. She flew through the air, expecting to feel the pain of landing squarely on the ground, but instead she felt the tight grip of forelegs embracing her and the sound of heavy panting and the beating of wings.
“Do you have her?!” Somepony yelled franticly.
“YES!” The other replied convaying the same sense of urgency, “Now let’s get the heck outa here!”
They ran as fast as they could from the animal, the filly still in the forelegs of her rescuer. The cockatrice was close behind; it didn’t want to be denied such an easy meal. They grew closer and closer to the edge of the forest, but with only feet to spare the beast grabbed hold of the largest one’s leg. The young pony struggled to free himself while the beast drug him back into the forest, but with a swift kick from his free leg, the Cockatrice released him screeching in pain. The colt used the distraction to find the other two filly’s in their mother’s back yard. When the smallest saw the he had returned, she rushed into his embrace, tears streaming down her face.
“I’M SORRY BRAVEHEART!” she cried, “I WAS LOOKING FOR YOU AND-“
“It’s alright Posy…” Braveheart said gently patting her on the head, “Angel Wing and I are just happy that you’re ok.”
“Sis,” Angel Wing began, “mom AND dad said that none of us should go into the forest alone, especially you,” she looked back into the direction the cockatrice ran off in. “you could’ve been bird food.”
“I don’t think she needs to hear that Angel…” Braveheart said, “She’s only four.”
“I know, but still it coulda happened…” Angel replied, “She’s lucky we were outside when she started screaming.”
“Angel, can you go back and stall for us while we walk back?” Braveheart asked, “I think she needs a little more time.”
“Ok,” Angel said taking flight, “but I’m not promising anything over five minutes!” and just like that she was gone.
Braveheart looked back down to Posy, his stern look made her want to hide again, “Why did you come out here all alone?” he asked her, “You know how dangerous it is.”
“I-I was trying to be brave…” she said between tears, “like… like daddy… like you…”
“I’m only brave when I have to be, Posy…” Braveheart said, “When Angel and I heard you scream I was never so scared in my whole life.”
“YOU were scared?” Posy asked shocked, “but your never scared…”
“I was today.” Braveheart replied, looking into the forest. “I was scared of losing you…” he drew her closer to him in a protective fashion
“That cockatrice sure was scared of you wasn’t he?” Posy asked smiling, looking up to him.
“That’s because nopony messes with your big brother!” he said, smiling giving Posy a small noogie. The two laughed as Posy did her best in a failing attempt to escape her big brother’s grip. Then the moon began to shine through the trees and they paused to look at the stars.
“Could you promise me something Braveheart?” Posy asked looking to the stars.
“Of course Posy,” Braveheart replied looking down to her.
“Do you promise to keep the promise?” she asked looking him square in the eyes.
“You know me, Posy…” Braveheart said rubbing the top of her head, “When I make a promise, I keep it.”
“Ok…” Posy said looking back to the stars, “could you promise me to always protect me?” she looked back to him, “To always be there for me?”
“I promise, Posy…” Braveheart said, “I will always protect you and be there for you.”
“Thank you, Braveheart.” Posy said doing her best to wrap her hooves around him.
“It’s my pleasure, Posy.” Braveheart said returning the hug, “Now come on, I’m sure Angel is running out of things to stall mom.”
The two laughed and rose to go back inside. Once he opened the door he saw his mother and Angel in the middle of a tense conversation, he cleared his throat to get both their attention. When Fluttershy saw the two she darted to them, embracing them tightly. When asked where they were Braveheart told his mother word for word Angel’s story, adding that he got cut when he tripped over a stray branch on their sidewalk. Intially, she was scpetical, but she noticed how tired Posy looked and decided to leave the conversation for the morning. A few minutes later, the two older foals were reading themselves for what they hoped would be a good night’s rest.
“I can’t believe you came up with the same story as I did!” Angel said, grabbing her favorite teddy. “How did you do that?”
“You always tell one of three stories Angel…” Braveheart said looking over his bed, “I was bound to get it right eventually.”
“Oh…I guess I need to become more imaginative” the two stood at the foot of their bunk bed then Angel spoke again. “What took you two so long? Mom was actually yelling at me…” she giggled a bit at the thought, “If you count that as yelling.”
“She just wanted me to make a promise, Angel,” Braveheart said climbing under the covers, “that’s all.”
“Oh, well next time don’t take so long to promise her something ok?” Angel said flying to the top bunk. “Especially since dad’s coming back soon.”
“Alright,” he said thinking about what was said in the forest and just now, “I promise.” He closed his eyes and drifted off into peaceful sleep, ready for the next day to come.
One year later.
“Do I have to go daddy?” Posy asked Greatsword as he adjusted her saddlebags, “I wanna stay here with you and mommy.”
“I know you want to stay with us Posy.” Greatsword said making the final adjustments, “But today is the day that you start becoming a big mare.”
“But Braveheart and Angel Wing say school is bad…” Posy said looking to the door.
“It’s bad if you don’t know how to make it fun…” Greatsword said looking to his older foals. “And you’ll make a lot of friends; don’t you want to meet new ponies?”
“I like the ponies I know…” Posy replied, “I don’t wanna meet new ponies…”
A single tear ran down her face, only to be whipped away by the steady hoof of her father. “I know you don’t want to… unfortunately you get that from both sides, but I need you to be brave.” He lifted her chin so she would look at him, “can my little Posy be brave for daddy?”
“I guess I can…” Posy said.
“That’s my girl…” Greatsword said patting her on the head, “come on let’s get you with the others so we can all walk to school together, I’m sure you’ll like that.”
Posy nodded as her father escorted her to her older siblings. The four of them all nodded and with Fluttershy close behind they all walked to school. After a few minutes of walking they were finally there. Greatsword and Fluttershy looked them over one last time, much to the older ones embarrassment. Then Fluttershy gave Posy one last look.
“Posy, you be good for Cheerilee now…” she said, “She’s an excellent teacher.”
“I will mommy…” Posy said looking to all the other foals, “there are SO many…”
“It’s for foal’s age’s five to twelve, Posy…” Greatsword explained, “Your big brother has only one year left here, but he’ll show you the ropes by then and Angel Wing will be here for another couple years, but by the time she’s gone you’ll be able to handle yourself.” He looked to his foals one last time, “your mother and I have to be going now, we’ve got about a year of catching up to do.” He and Fluttershy waved as the bell rang and they walked inside, “Be good, love you!”
“THAT was excruciating…” Angel said placing her hoof over her face, “I thought that would never end.”
“Spelling word?” Braveheart asked.
“Spelling word…” Angel replied, the two older ones walked to the desks in the middle of the building, but Posy stood there motionless.
“Where do I sit?” she asked timidly, but the others were too far off to hear her. She continued to walk aimlessly hoping to find them but instead she ran into another, bigger pony. “Oh I’m sorry.” She said backing away “I didn’t mean to-“
“Who are you kid?” the bigger pony said, “and why did…” he looked over the shaking filly thoroughly seeing if she had anything worth taking, “Nice saddlebags… hoof ‘em over.”
“Wha-what?” Posy stuttered looking to her saddlebags, “my saddlebags?”
“Yeah…” he said, “give me your saddlebags.”
“But I don’t want to…” Posy said trying to back away.
“If you don’t want to give them I’ll just-” he began but he was cut off by the voice of another.
“Hey Posy!” Braveheart said, walking to them, “We’re over here.” He looked to the scene taking place between his sister and the others. Stepping in front of Posy like a mother lion and her cub he stared down the leader, “Is there a problem here?”
“No.” the leader said, “she just bumped into me, that’s all.”
“Alright,” Braveheart said as they walked off, he turned to Posy with a smile, “Come on, I’ll show you where Angel and I sit.” Posy eagerly followed her older brother to his seat, where she saw Angel and another filly sitting next to her. Angel and the other filly motioned her to sit next to them and after looking to her brother for reassurance she made her way to them.
“And who might this adorable little ting be Braveheart?” the filly asked as he sat next to her and Posy.
“She’s my little sister, Posy,” Braveheart explained, “she’ll be sitting with us until she becomes more comfortable around this place.”
“Posy huh?” she said looking the timid filly over, “nice to meet you, my name is Wildfire.”
“H-he-hello…” Posy said hiding behind her mane.
“Braveheart, she is just too cute!” Wildfire said still looking at her. “I wish I had one.”
“She’s never been around anypony but us, Wildfire,” Braveheart said, “the only unicorns she knows is our aunt, uncle and cousin. She’ll warm up to everything around here in time.”
“Well as long as she stays this adorable.” Wildfire said, turning her attention to Braveheart, “she’ll have a new friend.”
“Here that Posy?” Braveheart said rubbing her head, “Only ten minutes in school and you’ve already made a friend.”
“What about that mean one?” Posy asked looking around, “I don’t wanna give him my saddlebags…”
“Remember Posy…” Braveheart said, “I made you a promise, and I assure you that he won’t be bothering you ever again.”
Posy nodded and looked forward to the chalkboard. Though she was still nervous about how everything would turn out she knew that with Barveheart to watch over her, there was nothing she couldn't do.
