Forgetting by Going Back

Fluttershy knocked on the door, waiting for somepony to answer.

A feminine voice hollered nervously, "We-we're closed! Come back later! Thanks! Bye! Go away!"

Fluttershy saw the closing sign just now appear, which sent her eyes rolling.

"Mrs. Cake! It's me, Fluttershy! Open up! I want to come in!", she delivered with unusual force.

Mr. Cake piped up, attempting to send her off with a lame excuse, "Oh, Fluttershy! It's you! Well, thanks for stopping by! We're sick! Can't come to the door right now! Cough cough! Go home, please!"

"Cough cough...really? Oh, you're not fooling anypony! Quit it, you two! Just let me in! I know what happened! I know who came by! I know what to do! So, cut the crap! Let. Me. In!"

...

"O-okay," they spoke at the same time, then unlocked the door for the unexpected, yet now-needed visitors.

Out of the outdoors, Fluttershy told Dash to roll her sisters over to the couch, then take a seat herself.

The Cakes' exchanged glances at the sight of Fluttershy with two babies, in which their appearances were hidden by the stroller covers. A-and...a teen Rainbow Dash?!

Fluttershy rushed over to the bakers, pushing them slightly to create a circle of privacy.

She whispered with cold-hard facts, "Dash is a teen, obviously. Discord's behind it. It's how he got the idea to copy the regression over to Pie."

...

Mrs. Cake slipped out a response, "And...the strollers? I'm going to guess the two foals in the carriers are apart of your group of friends. Right?"

"Ehh...kinda. Twilight is in one. The second? ...Princess Luna."

Mrs. Cake gasped, then almost shouted in shock. If not for Fluttershy's hoof stuffing the mare's mouth, Fluttershy's life as a mother would've went down the drain!

Mr. Cake asked for his wife, although with a leveled, yet fearful tone, "So...our princess is a foal? If Discord did so to be funny, I'm not laughing. Sounds to me like he's reverting to his former evil ways."

While flicking the saliva away from her hoove's recent adventure, Fluttershy explained to them both, "Yeah...no. Smart thinking, yet completely off. Luna and Twilight turned themselves into foals. Discord didn't have anything to do with it. Was actually surprised when he saw them."

"What? Why would they-"

"A simple spell mishap, I'd guess. Twilight has told me she practices higher level magic now. Perhaps she tried it out with Luna, and things got unstable?"

"Guess that makes...sense. How'd they ended up with you, though? Weren't they in the castle? How are they now in Ponyville?"

Fluttershy paused, thinking of a lie that would save her from further questions.

Smiling a smile brimming with secrets to stay kept, she spoke with pretend confusion, "No idea. Maybe they were on their way to see me? Maybe not? I haven't a clue. I really, really wish I knew more, yet...that's all."

Mr. Cake sighed, wishing more light could be shed on the vague event.

Anyways, he hoped Fluttershy had a counter to all this madness in mind, "So...what of a cure? Whether Discord is behind all these age regressions or not, they can't be stuck in childhood. The royals, especially."

Fluttershy knew it was as simple as taking a trip to the last adult ruler of Equestria. Just that quick. And, she would joyfully withhold that information from the clueless couple. What they didn't know wouldn't hurt them.

Yet...she didn't want to get them stressed out for the weeks to come.

Fluttershy easily eased them of the worry, "I'm got everything under control. Give me a little time, and life will return to normal. I have several possibilities up my wing."

Mrs. Cake's curiosity peeked, "Care to share the details, dear?"

"See...I would. I would love to. But...Discord could be near. Hiding. Waiting for me to voice all my ideas. Then...he'd find a way to turn them against me. You don't want that, do you?"

"W-why of course not. Just...keep it to yourself. We're fine staying in the dark."

Had better be.

Fluttershy also had inquiries seeking explanations, "Now, I'm just going to come out and say that Rainbow believes I'm her mother. And, I'm certain the same could be said about Pinkie with you two?"

Mrs. Cake didn't appear fazed, even slightly, "Yes. Yes, she does. We're not even wondering why. She's always thought of us in the parental way. In turn, we've always considered her an adoptive daughter. So, in one regard, we're fine."

"Then...I'm going to guess you know what I was to ask of you."

"Act the part of true parents? Sure. We'll keep on for as long as it takes. Although, there is a side to Pinkie we've never...experienced until today."

"Different side? What are you talking-"

"You'll see for yourself soon. Right now, she's in her room. We're giving her a little space."

Fluttershy frowned at them essentially telling her to wait.

And, would've simply stormed up to see Discord's effect on her friend.

Except...the couple had already started conversation with her children.

Buck me!

Fluttershy didn't dare leave those foals alone with other adults! Dash was allowed to converse freely because she hadn't the underlying understanding Twilight and Luna annoyingly featured.

Mrs. Cake opened up the interaction happily, "How are you today, Rainbow?"

Rainbow presented her hunger within the reply, politely, "Little...upset in the stomach. But, doing great as always."

Mrs. Cake took the hint, saying to her husband, "Honey, the child's starving. Mind bringing some food out?"

Mr. Cake nodded courteously, walking into the kitchen to prepare a magnificent meal.

Mrs. Cake then moved her attention to the strollers, motherly love of babies kicking in, "Um...would it be too much of a bother if I held a foal of yours, Fluttershy? For the tiniest second. I, as a mommy, will be very gentle -- and cautious -- when hoovling your little ones. I...Pinkie promise."

Shove your Pinkie promise! Those foals aren't getting near you unless a pacifier's clamped in their mouths!

Rainbow pointed out, "They've been out for several minutes. Don't think waking them up is the best decision right now. Try again later, ma'am."

Oh, Dashie! You're a life saver!

Mrs. Cake had embarrassment clear on her face, "Oh, forget what I said, then. I-"

Wailing ensued.

Fluttershy's eyebrows lifted.

Her babies were actually crying?!

Tilting her head near the strollers, Fluttershy noted the noise didn't gain volume. Motherly dreams crashed, fragmenting into a million pieces.

Son of a Diamond Dog!

The fact her own foals were resisting almost every childish urge created a wave of frustration within Fluttershy.

Mrs. Cake, knowing in a flash the cry's meaning, sounded off before leaving for upstairs, "My foals awake! And, if I don't do something soon, your little ones might join the call. Can't have that. Ears -- definitely -- don't need that!"

Without the mother taking another step forward, the infants' screaming stifled.

...

Complete silence.

Rainbow sweated, saying to anypony willing to respond, "Is...that normal?"

Mrs. Cake's eyes widened, choking out, "My Celestia, no!"

The trio would've all charged up the staircase, but Fluttershy ordered Rainbow to keep her sisters overlooked.

Fluttershy then provided backup to Mrs. Cake, right on her tail the entire time.

What happened?! What happened?! Oh, my! What-

...Oh. That's what happened.

Mrs. Cake's heard heartbeat dropped at the sight of why her foals' cries died.

...

Pinkie rocked a foal in each arm, showing great care to not disturb their returned slumber.

The chair she sat in obscured view of her body, aside from backhooves thumping the floor.

Mrs. Cake relaxed, comforted her babies were unharmed, "Oh, Pinkie! I'm so glad it's you!"

The teenage filly declared uncharacteristically somber, "Yes, it's me. Who else would be in here?"

Fluttershy, bewildered by the mood change from Pinkie's often silly self, walked behind Mrs. Cake to quietly breathe, "Why's she sound so...dull?"

Mrs. Cake mouthed how she didn't understand either, then advanced to the occupied chair.

Startled at first, she then caught herself before Pinkie noticed.

Simulating support, Mrs. Cake whipped up a passing smile, "Pinkie! You...went through my make-up drawer? You could've told me first, sweetheart. Y-yet, it's fine! Completely fine! A little heads-up...would've been appreciated though."

Fluttershy's interest soared, moving her on to catch sight.

...Appears Pinkie actually did an outstanding job with the cosmetics, placing correctly and applying enough. Yet, evidently not a fan of lipstick.

Fluttershy opened up, complimenting the filly on the fabulous sight presented, "Pinkie, I love what you've done! Why, I'd bet you rival Rarity in the makeup department!"

Pinkie didn't giggle or so much as smile at the praise thrown her way, saying, "If my mom gets joy from wearing the stuff, I believed I could, too. Turned out to be wrong. Just feel...nothing. Is that normal?"

"Uh...not so. Especially for you, Pinkie."

"Why? Do you know me? Because I definitely don't know you. Are you some long lost friend of my parents they forgot to tell me about?"

"It's me, Fluttershy!"

"Yeah. And, it's me, Pinkie. Now that that's out of the bag, could you answer my question?"

...Hm.

Fluttershy inferred both Dash and Pinkie retained select knowledge, mostly of their caretakers and siblings. Meaning, the spell also set to rest the remaining history.

Going with the flow, Fluttershy...re-introduced herself, albeit insincerely sad, "I'm the mother of your pal, Rainbow. I'm sorry for expecting you to know me. I guess she never said anything...about her own mother."

Pinkie apologized, believing she had accidentally hurt the mare's feelings, "Oh...I'm a little drowsy, so there's why I didn't realize who you are. S-she did mention you. Many, many times. My fault, Miss Fluttershy. My fault."

"Oh? Well, I'm glad she isn't embarrassed by her mommy."

Mrs. Cake played along, noticing the foals stirring, "Hey, Pinkie. ...Rainbow's downstairs. Care to go say hi?"

Not replying, Pinkie hooved the foals off to break away from the adults.

Experienced, Mrs. Cake soothed the little ones to naptime, if only for an hour more.

When Pinkie distanced away to be deaf, Mrs. Cake expect to be filled in, "Fluttershy, what's going on? If the teens don't remember much of anything, why force them to be friends?"

Fluttershy shrugged, not pinpointing an error in her logic, "Why not? Doesn't hurt anypony. And, it'll be a few weeks before I gather a cure. Do you really want Pinkie stuck in the house for all that time?"

"...Good point."

Celestia resurfaced from the dream realm by a voice's call, "Wake-y, wake-y, Sun-Butt!"

...

Groaning from the loud echoes, she dare not open her eyes to face life.

Dammit all!

Discord expected her to knock off her behavior, but she didn't move or check her surroundings for awhile. Did have a few choice words for him though.

...None appropriate.

Discord groaned himself, catching on to her catching on to his trickery.

He said to gain attention, "Hello?! Equestria to Celestia! You going to stop the childish routine?!"

Celestia grinned, feeling a cord had been struck with him, "Well, by my voice, I can say I'm much younger. So...I think I'll keep up my childish routine!"

...

Two can play, filly.

Through of her game, Discord imitated Luna's voice perfectly, "Celestia! Help me!"

Celestia gasped, sitting up to locate her missing little sister.

Discord couldn't resist -- as if he would even try to -- in laughing it up at the foal's fall into his easily-set trap.

He clapped at her fail of a performance, saying with contempt, "Nice job, little girl! Kept it up for twenty seconds! A new world record! Come on, you managed to understand I regressed you, yet understanding I was only altering my own voice to sound like your bratty sister's never shot to your mind?! Shame on you, baby. Shame on you."

Celestia's fear was realized. Bucker zapped her to foalhood.

Yet, her bedroom didn't transform into a nursery, which is sad that that surprised her more.

Celestia sighed, getting comfortable by slipping under the covers and laying into the pillows.

Though, she immediately cast off her blankets at noticing...a wet diaper stuck to her crotch.

Buck!

Celestia cursed at Discord, overwhelmingly upset with him, "Dammit, Discord! I...peed myself because of your flipping stunt! I'll-"

Discord shut her mouth with a pacifier, knowing it would work like a charm.

While she suckled the rubber nipple with homicidal thoughts running rampant, he remarked in an overly parental tone, "Now, now. Tia, we've been over this. If you use your nappy, don't get angry with Daddy Discord. It's your own fault. And, if you want the bad diapee vanished, I had better hear an...apology. And, that you're Discord's little girl. Make daddy proud!"

Kill. Kill. Kill. Kill.

Celestia's eye twitched in supressed malice.

Discord stated an ultimatum, a winning smile stretching, "Or...or, I take away your adult memories. Want that? The ability to think in a mature manner is such a treat! A treat...for the both of us. You can think of how horrible I am. I can think of how lovely it is to see you weak to me, more than usual."

He teleported his head directly above her, saying with satisfaction, "I'll go easy on you. At the start. Honestly, where's the fun in just ending our little match so quickly? I want you broken. I won't lie. I do. I truly do. Might take weeks. Months. Doesn't matter to me. Because when it's over...you'll be too busy playing foal to save your precious Equestria. Your fault. Nothing you can do."

We'll see about that, you Tartarus-bound freakshow.

Celestia powerfully slapped the disembodied head, causing it to whirl top-like.

The pacifier evaporated away from the magic being broken.

She rolled her shoulder in pain, yet the bliss from smacking Discord silly -- more than himself normally -- would be a highlight of the year! Then, cracked her neck.

Looks like dad got his gift in full.

"Okay, Daddy Dissy! I'll be good girl now! Celly promise super big!", Celestia innocently said, holding her hooves out wide to signify she understood.

Never get in close for a sneak attack, idiot.

Discord rubbed the flaring mark on his face, mad at the filly's actions, "You're pushing it, child. Really pushing it."

Celestia reclined into the bed, still aware of the soaked diaper hanging to her hips irritatingly, "Buck you."

"Child -- no, no -- baby, I am getting very displeas-"

"Can it, Discord! I don't care about what you say. You informed me of a few important details that basically boil down to me not having to listen to the bucking threats you're trying to forcefeed me."

"...How so?"

"You want me to live as a baby, with all the humiliation that'll come. The end goal being I'll become an actual foal, in body and mind. You desire to watch my mind tortured, instead of just mentally regressing me in seconds. You have the power to do it, yet you just won't. Simply, won't. Too easy. Means...your words to subdue me are meaningless."

"...Alright. Guess what though?"

"What, Discord?"

"Who'll care for you, then? If you keep...misbehaving, I might just be on my way. Seeing as how I'm not appreciated here. I can starve you. Leave you in your own mess. Take away your room and all furniture that resides. Is that what you want?"

He...wasn't serious. Starving her? Letting her sit in a diaper...several days old? Stuck in...an empty room?

Celestia let a thought loose, asking in slightly-masked worry, "D-Discord, wouldn't you let me...die in here, right?"

Discord told in a terrifyingly humorless tone, "...We'll see, child. We'll see."