Loneliness Reborn

by Alexander-Crossover

Rating: teen
Tags: Rainbow Dash, Romance, Sex, Pinkie Pie, Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Length: 24638

A Sequel to "The PArty Hasn't Ended" permitted by ButterscotchSundae, Pinkie/Dash

A Sequel to "The Party Hasn't Ended" permitted by the fantastic ButterscotchSundae.

It's been five years after the storm that nearly destroyed Ponyville and Loneliness wants to come back. But Loneliness doesn't want to cause problems or hurt anypony it just wants to live and be loved again, but for that to happen it has to be reborn and to do that it has to borrow somemare's body for a year.

Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash are still in love and on the day of their fifth anniversary everything changes...

Published 2012-03-13 20:44:01 UTC
Last updated 2012-05-19 07:31:02 UTC

Prologue

Loneliness Reborn
Prologue

“Bring in the accused!”

The Pegasus court of law bustled with an audience wanting to see if the rumors were true: had one of their kind really betrayed them to the earth ponies? Conversations leapt back and forth as everyone wondered just what kind of betrayal had been wrought and what punishment might be enforced on the accused.

The conversations died down to whispers as the doors to the court opened and two soldiers entered, leading a Pegasus mare by chains attached to a ring around her neck; her wings had been bound so she couldn’t fly away. The two guards forced the mare onto a small platform for the accused as the judge stared down at her with uncompromising eyes.

“Shadowmane! You stand accused of high treason against the Pegasus, how do you plead?!”

The mare, Shadowmane, stared up through the judge’s harsh words: “Why am I accused of treason fo-“

“You have lain with a earth pony!” the judge’s voice silenced her, “And what’s more you’ve birthed an abominable half-breed with him! That foal’s existence is a blight upon this world and you are responsible for its creation!” The judge sat back, “For a crime such as this, you must pay with your life!” Audible gasps rose from the audience, whether they were reactions to the nature of the crime or the punishment that was to be bestowed was uncertain, regardless the assembled Pegasi were horrified and discussions began once again.

The judge banged his gavel to quiet the assembly before continuing: “However, Shadowmane, I am willing to be lenient if you will reveal the location of your foal and bring it before the court; if you do this then I will forgive your transgressions and pass your punishment onto the child instead.”

“No!” Shadowmane struggled against her bonds, “my foal is innocent! It hasn’t even had a chance to make friends or discover the world!”

“You would choose a half-breed abomination over your own kind!” the judge’s temper was at its end.

“I won’t let you kill it, it-”

“Enough! Take her away!” The judge bellowed.

The two soldiers who had dragged Shadowmane into the court room began to drag her away. Shadowmane struggled, screaming to the guards for leniency. She had to get away, her foal was in a lonely place where nothing could reach it; she had to get back to her child! But the soldiers were as stoic as ever as they dragged her out of the courtroom towards the executioners stable.

A foal sat just inside the borders of the Everfree Forest, quietly weeping to itself. Where was mommy? She said she’d be back before too long but the sun had come and gone seven times and she still wasn’t back. The foal was lonely… so lonely. It curled into a ball, its tail draped over its eyes, shivering in the cold, sadly not knowing that its mother could never come back for it.

As the foal lay there an ethereal howling came on the wind, and the most deadly snowstorm in the history of ponykind began, responding to the death of a mare whose only crimes had been her willingness to see past race and unwillingness to give up her foal’s life in exchange for her own…

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Twinkie Pie bounced down the road happily humming a happy tune to herself and smiling all the way. Eventually the little pink pony reached her destination, a small black foal seated at the side of the road.

“Hi!” Twinkie’s high pitched voice caused the black foal to look up. Twinkie Pie instantly noticed that something was wrong, “Aww, what’s the matter? Why are you all frowny-wowny today?” she tilted her head to the side while staring at her playmate, “Are you excited to have another super-fun day with me?”

“Twinkie, I,” the foal sighed before it continued, “I like playing with you a lot, really I do, but…”

“But what? Oh did you want to do something new, or something old, or something sideways?” Twinkie Pie began bouncing again, rotating her head from left to right continuously.

“It’s not you, I like you Twinkie Pie but, but this place it isn’t really real,” the black foal sighed again. “You’re really fun, Twinkie, but this place is just pretend. You’re the inner foal of a pony that saved me from the loneliness that consumed me and I appreciate her efforts to keep me happy. But I want to be in the real world again, without being a ghost.”

Twinkie Pie looked at the little black foal curiously. “How are you going to do that?” she asked.

The foal suddenly locked Twinkie Pie in a tight hug surprising the little pink pony. “I’m sorry but I have to borrow Pinkie’s body, just for a year though until I’m born.”

“Oh,” Twinkie Pie was a bit confused. Then her face lit up as realization hit her, “Oooooh!” Twinkie Pie broke free of the black foal’s hug and began bouncing around excitedly, “We’re going to be a mommy! We’re going to be a mommy!”

The black foal just stared at Pinkie’s inner foal as it bounced around. “You’re not mad?” it asked, genuinely surprised.

“Of course not silly-filly!” Twinkie said without even stopping, “You should be allowed to have fun and we always wanted to be a mommy, I think so I mean we love looking after Pound and Pumpkin Cake, oh but Pinkie’s going to be so surprised since I can’t tell her stuff that goes on in here. I wonder if she’ll call you the same name I did or if she’ll make up one herself, or if you’ll be a filly or a stallion…” Twinkie continued to ask questions that the foal couldn’t keep up with until finally she had to stop and take a breath before turning to face her playmate. “Oooh, follow me, I know where you have to go!” Twinkie Pie took off down the road, forcing the black foal to its feet as it took off after her.

“Wait for me Twinkie Pie! Where are you taking me?” it shouted as it did its best to keep up.

“You’ll see!” Twinkie replied, “It’s a surprise!”

Like with any job there were some days that were easy and others that were just plain exhausting, for Rainbow Dash today was one of the latter. Yesterday had been her day off so she had spent the day with her marefriend Pinkie Pie: pulling pranks, eating sweets, and generally just having fun. But sadly yesterday’s team hadn’t quite done their job properly.

“Ugg!” Dash groaned as she landed at the entrance to her cloud home, “honestly why was the sky such a mess today?” she asked, as though Celestia herself would give an answer, “I take one day off to have fun and the whole team falls apart. I mean I know I’m the best but is it really that hard for everypony else to pull their own weight!?”

Dash sighed and turned towards the setting sun: “Another day another bit,” she said aloud as she pushed open the door to her house, “At least now I can get some rest.”

Despite the late hour, Dash’s home was lit up by a solar orb, a special light source for cloud homes that lit up as soon as Dash entered her house, something she was quite thankful for. The first thing that Dash saw was a letter envelope on her kitchen table, that and the place had been cleaned up of the small mess she’d left when she bolted out the door to start her irritating work day.

Dash glided over to the envelope and read the words written across the envelope en lieu of any addresses:

HAPPY 5TH ANNIVERSARY DASHIE!

Dash blinked then remembered: five years ago today was the day of the storm that had dredged up uncomfortable memories and ultimately brought them together in the relationship that was still going strong to this day and it had completely slipped her mind, not that anypony could blame her.

“Heh, sorry I forgot Pinks, but duty calls,” Dash smiled as she used her teeth to open the envelope then spit out the flap, “Ah well, we had fun yesterday, now let’s see what Pinkie got me.”

Dash pulled the letter out and began to read it, her eyes growing wider as she read it.

Miss Rainbow Dash

It is with great honor that we inform you that your application to the three month summer-long special Wonderbolts Training Camp for the best young fliers in Equestria has been approved. This special camp is only held every two years and only the ten best applicants, yourself included, are accepted each time. At this camp you will get to train with the wonderbolts, learn how they do their tricks and how to perform them yourselves, how to fly and perform in formation, and if you’re really lucky, earn a special entrance to the next Wonderbolt auditions!

Spitfire
Soarin
Rapid Fire
Fleetfoot
…

Rainbow Dash couldn’t even finish reading the signatures from the rest of the Wonderbolts as the letter slipped from her hooves.

“OHMYGOSH!OHMYGOSH!OHMYGOSH!OHMYGOSH!OHMYGOSH!OHMYGOSH!” Dash jumped and flew around her living room so fast she began to kickup a small whirlwind. Three whole months with the Wonderbolts! Training, learning and just being with them! “BEST GIFT EVER!” Dash shouted as the top of her lungs as she landed on the ground and posing for effect, not noticing that the wind she had created was blowing a piece of paper around the room that had been hidden under the envelope, that is until it smacked right into her face.

“What’s this?” Dash took a break from her revelry to peel the paper off her face and read the words written on it.

I’m waiting in your room with the rest of your present Dashie!

Rainbow Dash couldn’t suppress a grin, if Pinkie was waiting in her room that could only mean one thing: “Aww yeah, the Dash is getting laid tonight!” she grinned and flew straight up to her room as fast as she could manage.

Rainbow Dash’s room was dark which was to be expected, the solar orb was keyed to what basically amounted to a light switch both by her bed and by the door, after all it would be annoying if it kept lighting up when Dash shifted in her sleep. Dash reached for the switch by the door, grinning as she turned it on: “Oh Pinkie!” she called, her voice carrying a seductive edge.

As soon as the lights were up an all too familiar pink blur slammed into Rainbow Dash and planted a strong kiss right on her muzzle; even after all the time she’d known Pinkie, Dash still could neither predict nor defend against Pinkie’s surprises. As Dash kissed back she couldn’t help but feel odd. The kiss tasted as sweet as ever, like cotton candy or marshmallows, but the texture was different, rougher somehow.

Pinkie Pie finally broke the kiss and grinned down at Dash: “Welcome home Dashie,” the pink pony’s voice wasn’t as loud as it usually was and it sounded off, deeper somehow. Dash grinned back up at Pinkie.

“Hey Pinks, nice to see you too, thanks for the present.”

“I know, I mean I was thinking ‘what can I get Dashie for our anniversary’ you know besides me and then I saw the application for the Wonderbolts special flight camp and it was just so perfect for you that I had to sign you up and I knew you’d get in ’cause you’re the best young flier in Equestria!” The pink pony’s usual rapid fire delivery was just as perky as ever, yet Dash could still hear that her voice sounded different somehow. Even as she continued to speak, Dash got a moment to look Pinkie over: her face’s usual roundness seemed more… boxy somehow and she seemed to have gained an inordinate amount of muscle since the previous day. As Pinkie sat her rear down against the floor Dash felt something unfamiliar brushing against her and took a moment to look down, gawking at what she saw.

“Pinkie, you’re a guy!” Dash’s shout elicited a grin from Pinkie as “he” hopped off of Rainbow Dash. Dash shook her head as she stood up and turned the lights up so she could get a better look at Pinkie, yup she was definitely male now. “But, but how? When? Why?” Dash stammered out.

“Well it was an accident,” Pinkie answered as he bounced around the room, “I wanted to show up to surprise you when you got home but of course I had to go see Twilight so she could cast the cloudwalking spell on me but I burst in when she was working on a new spell and I accidentally got her way so she hit me by mistake and *bam*” Pinkie stood up and threw her arms out like an explosion, giving Dash a better look at the pink pony’s new “equipment”, “before I knew it I was a stallion. At first I was super worried because I thought it was forever but then Twilight told me I would turn back to my normal girl Pinkie self in eight hours about three hours ago and then,” Pinkie paused to take a sudden breath, “Since I planned to have sex with you tonight anyway I thought we could have fun with this while it lasts, so how about it Dashie!” Pinkie had stopped with his nose pressed up against Rainbow’s, staring at the Pegasus expectantly.

Rainbow had gotten used to Pinkie’s usual speaking speed, and even with the voice change following what he said was no problem for the Pegasus. So Pinkie was a stallion for the night, no big deal really except…

“So, are ya ready Dashie?” Pinkie asked hopefully.

“For what?” Dash had been so absorbed with the news that she had almost forgotten why Pinkie was here.

Pinkie giggled, which sounded odd with her deeper voice, and replied: “Oh silly Dashie, ready for having sex with a stallion?”

“Well I haven’t really done that before,” Dash answered, not that it was any real secret.

“Well I’ve never had sex as a stallion before either,” Pinkie answered. The pink stallion turned and headed for Dash’s bed and Rainbow Dash just stood there, processing the situation she was in.

“You don’t have to worry, Twilight said because the spell was temporary that it can’t leave any lasting effects, if you’re worried about getting pregnant that is.” Well that was one worry off of Dash’s mind, at least they could afford to be as irresponsible as they usually were, however Dash’s uncertainty about the event was evident.

“Well Pinks, ya see…” Dash began, until a voice in the back of her head silenced her: ‘What are you doing, Rainbow Dash? You’re thinking about turning down sex with Pinkie Pie?! So what if she’s a stallion for the night, there’s no risk and what better way to celebrate with her before you leave for three months?’

Dash couldn’t argue with that part of her mind as she watched Pinkie getting comfortable on her bed. She grinned: “This is gonna be fun,” she took off flying straight at Pinkie, “Geronimo!”

The black foal stood on the edge of a cliff that overlooked and endless sea of pink light. The foal stared down, seemingly unsure of what it had to do.

“So I just need to jump off here?” it asked, turning to Twinkie Pie who was standing just behind it.

“Yep, all you have to do is take a leap of faith and trust your friend Twinkie Pie!” the pink filly began bouncing in place excitedly.

The black foal looked over the edge, then stepped back and turned to Twinkie Pie, giving the pink filly a big hug. “Thank you for everything, Twinkie Pie,” it said, tears welling up in its eyes, “I’ll miss you.”

“Aww, don’t be silly,” Twinkie hugged the foal back tightly, “You’ll have so many friends when you’re born and I won’t be lonely, I can just go to the party in Ponyville that never ends!” Twinkie suddenly pushed the foal back, but smiled at it: “Now go, jump into your new life!”

The foal nodded and turned back to the cliff edge, “Now I just need to wait for…” the pink light below it began to flash strange colors, “that!” it took a deep breath and jumped off, closing its eyes as it felt itself enveloped in what felt like a soft warm blanket without slowing its fall.

Rainbow Dash stirred in her bed, yawning and blinking as a pink cloud obscured her vision. The Pegasus smiled and hugged the sleeping Pinkie Pie closer to her; she could feel just from the shape of the earth pony’s body that she had returned to her regular mare self.

Dash’s squeezing woke the pink pony up, and as her eyes fluttered open she grinned at Dash: “Good morning Dashie. Have fun last night?”

“Definitely, but I prefer girl Pinkie for all purposes,” Dash answered before giving her marefriend a kiss, “You were a little rough on me last night.”

“Hey I was a boy last night, it was hard,” Pinkie wiggled her eyes as she spoke.

Rainbow Dash just groaned, “That was just bad Pinkie, but I still love ya.”

“Yay!” Pinkie snuggled into Dash, burying her face into the Pegasus’ rainbow mane, “mmmmwarmmmm,” Pinkie sighed happily. Dash was used to this by now and she closed her eyes, might as well get a little more sleep while she could.

“So are you sure you’re alright with me leaving for three months?” Rainbow Dash had finally pulled herself out of bed and was walking Pinkie back to Sugarcube Corner.

“Silly-Dashie!” Pinkie just grinned, “I got you into the camp why wouldn’t I want you to go?”

“Yeah, you’re right,” Dash felt silly for bringing it up, but she had to be sure that Pinkie was fine with it. At the entrance to Sugar Cube Corner Dash paused and gave Pinkie a kiss: “have fun Pinks,” she said.

“Okie-Dokie-Lokie!” Pinkie replied happily as she pushed open the door to Sugarcube Corner: “Guess who’s back!” she called.

“Pinkie Pie!” the voices of two excited foals greeted her as Pumpkin Cake and Pound Cake crashed into her into a big hug.

Dash smiled back as she took off back to her house, she had to get packed now if she wanted to make it to the opening of the training camp tonight.

Inside Sugar Cube Corner, Pinkie was going over some things with Mr. Carrot and Mrs. Cup Cake, both of whom were busy packing overlarge saddlebags full of travel supplies.

“Now Pinkie, are you sure you can handle the twins for a few weeks while we’re away?” Mrs. Cake’s worry was evident.

“Duh of coruse I can, Pound and Pumpkin cake love me, I’ve been babysitting since they were a month old and it’s not like I have to change their diapers anymore,” Pinkie wasn’t at all deterred by Cup Cake’s apparent concern.

“Forgive us Pinkie,” Carrot Cake answered, “But you can’t blame us for worrying about our foals.”

“Of course not, you’re just being big silly worry warts!” Pinkie answered, “Just have fun in Manehatten and trust Pinkie Responsibility Pie to keep everything in order.”

“We do Pinkie, we do,” Carrot Cake reassured her.

A few minutes later, Pinkie, Pound Cake and Pumpkin Cake were waving goodbye to Carrot Cake and Cupcake from the entrance to Sugar Cube Corner, which was being closed for the rest of the day to give Pinkie time to settle in. Once the parents were out of site, Pinkie turned to the cake twins with a grin and asked: “Alright, who wants to play a game with their Auntie Pinkie!?”

“I do!” both twins shouted at once before bolting off, followed by their pink babysitter for who knows what kind of fun.

Rainbow Dash had finally finished stuffing everything she needed into her largest pair of saddlebags and quickly went over the list of things to bring that had been printed on the back of the acceptance letter.

“Three whole months training with the Wonderbolts!” Dash let out a very high pitched fan-girl scream as she wiggled into the saddlebags; they were a lot heavier than she was used to but she was also stronger than the average Pegasus so she could handle it. She had already dropped Tank off at Fluttershy’s cottage, and she knew how to look after him so that was fine.

Dash made sure her door was secure as she stepped outside and shouted to the sky: “Wonderbolts here I come!” Rainbow Dash took off into the sky, faltering a bit under the weight of her bags but steadying quickly enough to resume her best flight speed as she sped towards Cloudsdale, where the training campers were to assemble. The next three months were going to be awesome!

It felt strange, not at all like it expected it to feel, the body was moving faster than it had anticipated but it didn’t matter. All it had to do was use what little power it had left to keep itself safe until she realized what was growing inside her, then hopefully she would be responsible for what she had to. Hopefully…

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Dash’s flight back to Ponyville was passed in blissful recollection. The three months at the Wonderbolts’ special training camp had been everything she’d expected and more; not only had she learned several of the Wonderbolts’ tricks and how they went about their daily practise and training sessions but she had also gotten to know the co-captains Spitfire and Soarin’ on a rather personal level. The first time Rainbow Dash had been with them she’d only had a day and she’d been too overwhelmed by being able to spend time with them that she hadn’t gotten to know them all that well; the next time she’d “hung out” with them had been at the Grand Galloping Gala, the less said about how that night went the better.

“Just keep up your training and maybe drop a couple pounds and you’ll definitely have a shot at joining us.” Spitfire’s parting words were still fresh in Dash’s memory. Rainbow Dash glanced back at her tummy and chuckled slightly, OK maybe she had eaten a bit too much because of nerves and the increased level of activity compared to her normal daily routine but a few rounds of the Wonderbolts’ training sessions would fix that. That would have to wait for later, Rainbow Dash was sore and she was really missing Pinkie Pie.

The cyan Pegasus made a brief stopover at her house to drop off her saddlebags before she took off for Sugarcube Corner. Rainbow Dash was grinning as she flew onwards, three months ago Pinkie had given her the surprise of a lifetime and now it was Dash’s turn, albeit maybe not as great a surprise as the three months of training with the Wonderbolts but that didn’t mean she couldn’t go all out in her own way.

It was the middle of the evening by the time Rainbow arrived at Sugar Cube Corner; it was late enough that the bakery was closed so Rainbow bypassed the front door and flew straight up to Pinkie’s window. Pinkie was lying on her bed with her back to the window and humming a happy tune to herself. Seeing Pinkie’s rump made it hard for Dash to avoid busting through the window, or even the wall, to get to her but one thing the Pegasus had learned at the camp was self-control. After all formation flying couldn’t work if one of the performers was flying off on their own.

Dash carefully pushed the window open, it was always unlocked just for her, and slipped in with a stealth that would have been unheard of for her even three months ago. Pinkie seemed lost in her own music as Dash carefully glided over to her bed and suddenly landed with her legs surrounding the pink earth pony.

“Surprise Pinkie Pie,” Dash’s sultry whisper caused Pinkie to spin around and a giant grin to emerge on her face.

“Dashie!” Pinkie’s forelegs shot up and wrapped around the Pegasus’ neck, pulling Dash down so Pinkie could pepper her face with small kisses, “I missed you so so much!” the party pony managed to say in-between her kisses.

“I can see that Pinks,” Dash managed to put a hoof up to slow the excited pink pony’s kisses long enough for her to speak, “I really missed you too.”

“So, didjya have fun?” Pinkie asked, eager to know if her gift had been good.

“It was awesome!” Dash exclaimed, “I got to hang with Spitfire and learn all their tricks and…” Pinkie giggled as Dash continued to gush about her experience.

“I’m so happy to hear that Dashie,” Pinkie pulled Rainbow Dash in for a deep kiss, “But I’m happy your home, even if you go off to join the Wonderbolts soon.”

Dash’s face turned down a bit and she was about to apologize when Pinkie put a hoof over her mouth: “It’s alright, we’ll just have to enjoy our time while we have it,” the earth pony’s voice had turned seductive as she pulled Dash in closer, one of her forelegs trailing down Dash’s body while she gave her a deeper kiss.

Dash’s throat rumbled as she kissed back but suddenly she gasped as Pinkie’s touch reached her sensitive spot. Pinkie smiled and pressed in harder eliciting moan from her lover: “P-Pinkie, where did you leaaarn…”

“I asked Rarity for some advice and borrowed some of her books,” Pinkie answered, her voice somehow becoming sexier as she spoke, “There’s a lot of fun stuff I’ve learned that we should really try.” Dash bit her lower lip, Pinkie had never really done anything like this before, and she loved it!

Morning found the two lovers curled up together, sweaty and satisfied. Pinkie’s normally curly hair was greatly disheveled and messy and lay at odder angles than normal; Dash’s hair on the other hand didn’t look much different, of course the Pegasus’ rainbow mane was never combed or tidy by any means. Pinkie was the first to awaken, yawning then snuggling into Dash’s mane while she was still asleep.

Dash didn’t awaken for another hour but Pinkie wouldn’t complain about that; when Dash finally stirred she found the pink pony’s messy mane in her face. Smiling, Dash shook her friend to rouse her.

“Morning Dashie,” Pinkie’s voice was slightly muffled by Dash’s hair, an effect that caused Dash to chuckle.

“Heheh, sleep well?”

“Mmmyes,” Pinkie’s face was still buried in the Pegasus’ rainbow mane.

“Not that we really slept much,” Dash snickered and then sighed before continuing: “I hate to leave this early Pinks, but I used up all the vacation time I saved up from the weather team to use your present so I really have to get going,” Dash sounded apologetic

“Aww!” Pinkie pouted as she finally pulled her face out of Dash’s mane, “I understand Dashie.”

“Thanks Pinks,” Rainbow Dash finally pulled herself from Pinkie’s embrace and walked to the window, turning to watch Pinkie getting out of bed and flipping her head up causing her once messy mane to instantly reshape itself into its normal stack of curls.

“How does she do that?” Rainbow Dash asked herself as she flapped her wings and took off.

The next month in Ponyville just flew by for everypony. Dash’s return to the weather team was greeted with great enthusiasm as some of the new recruits were a bit poorly trained; Dash’s time at the training camp had taught her some new rather aggressive yet effective drilling techniques that she used to quickly whip the new recruits into working order.

At the end of every day Rainbow Dash would always speed home to check her mail and every day during the month she was disappointed that there was no letter from the Wonderbolts. Dash knew that she was probably rushing things but after what Spitfire had said to her she couldn’t resist, not to mention she was having trouble dropping the extra weight she’d gained but so far she was just as fast as ever but she found herself unwilling to try a sonic rainboom during her training, always stopping before getting up to the needed speed and just going in for a landing.

After one such incident, Rainbow Dash stopped to stare at the after-effects in the air, the clouds that had split as she flew downwards and where the slowly came back together where she slowed down.

“What is wrong with me?” Dash asked aloud. No Pony was there to listen to her so she continued to speak aloud: “I pulled off a sonic rainboom without even trying back at the camp, now I can’t even get up to full speed.” Rainbow Dash began pacing as she mulled over the facts in her head, thinking up some excuse, any excuse for her lack of performance lately. “Maybe it’s the air pressure, yeah must be, I got used to the thinner air up there so I keep slowing down yeah…”

Rainbow Dash looked up from her thoughts and spotted Pinkie, hopping along with a brown bag in her mouth. Dash smiled; “Well at least now I can get my mind off that for a while,” she spoke aloud as she glided low over the ground towards Pinkie calling out to her: “Hey Pinks, what’s in the bag?”

Pinkie turned and waved: “Oh hi Dashie! It’s a surprise but not for now.” How Pinkie could speak around the bag was yet another thing Dash would never get.

Dash landed in front of Pinkie and stared at the bag: “What kind of surprise.”

“Silly-Filly,” Pinkie patted Dash’s head, “If I told you it wouldn’t be a surprise!”

Dash laughed: “Heh, you’ve got me there Pinkie, so are you free right now?”

“Yup, I just need to get this back home and I’ll be right back!” Pinkie answered turning to head off.

“Alright, I’ll meet you outside Sugarcube corner!” Dash called turning to fly home: “I just gotta go check my mail!”

“Okie-Dokie-Lokie!” Pinkie called back as Dash took off, slower than usual but she didn’t care as long as she could hang with Pinkie Pie for the rest of the day.

Rainbow Dash landed back at home and pushed the door open, checking for her mail on the floor where it dropped through the letter slot.

Dash paused, there was a single letter lying on the floor, a blue envelope sealed by a winged lightning bolt. “No way…” Dash picked up the letter carefully with her foreleg, as though she was afraid that it would disintegrate if she handled it too roughly. The Pegasus tenderly tore the flap off and pulled out the letter, her eyes growing wider as she read.

Miss Rainbow Dash

I’m really happy to tell you that because of your spectacular performance at our special training camp and the skills and adaptation you displayed has earned you a special seed into the next Wonderbolts tryouts, knowing you I’m sure you know when that is. You will bypass all but the final formation flying exam and if you pass you’ll be in.
Personally I don’t think any pony has a chance against you, look forwards to seeing you here.

Have fun:
Spitfire

The letter fell from Dash’s hooves: “No way…” Her voice was total disbelief that rapidly escalated: “No way! NO WAY! I’M IN YAHOO!” Dash’s shouts caused several passing birds to stumble in their flights.

“I’M IN I’VE MADE IT!” Dash was actually dancing in place as she re-read the letter to make sure she wasn’t mis-reading it, spotting some extra lines at the end.

P.S.: Almost forgot, go see your doctor and get a full physical then bring the forms with you. It’s just a safety issue, we need all prospective Wonderbolts to be in good health confirmed by a doctor.

Rainbow Dash sighed, she really didn’t like going to the doctor but it would be quick and it was mostly a formality. Dash checked her calendar and sure enough the next tryouts were marked and were only one week away. She had to start preparing, sure maybe it was a bit presumptuous to start packing to move but Spitfire had practically told her that she was in and… Pinkie.

Rainbow Dash stopped her train of thought: “Oh right, Pinkie Pie,” Rainbow Dash had been so caught up in her revelry that she had almost forgotten that Pinkie was expecting her at Sugarcube Corner. Sighing, the Pegasus tucked the letter into a drawer where she wouldn’t forget it: “Guess I have to tell her, but not today, today we’ll just have fun and enjoy what we have while we have it, like Pinkie said.” Rainbow Dash headed for the door and took off to Sugarcube corner. No need to worry anypony today, she’d tell them all in a few days once she got ready to resign from the weather patrol and was all packed; she’d leave the doctor’s visit for the end.

Pinkie Pie was hopping excitedly in place as she waited for Rainbow Dash to arrive; the pink pony’s saddlebags clanked with several cans of frosting, silly string sprayers and a number of other things that had uses that were known only to Pinkie Pie.

Pinkie easily spotted the rainbow haired Pegasus flying towards her and waved: “Hi Dashie!”

Rainbow Dash slowed her descent and came in for a much softer landing than she normally did, barely upsetting the dirt when she landed; if Pinkie took any notice she made no comment but continued smiling.

“Hiya Pinks, you ready to go pranking?” Dash asked her marefriend.

“You bet Dashie, wait till you see my frosting cannon!” Pinkie began hopping excitedly away.

“Frosting cannon?” Dash asked, “I’m not sure if I want to know what that does.”

“Oh don’t be silly Dashie it’s going to be the bestest thing ever! Now come on!” Pinkie darted back to the Pegasus and grabbed her hoof, dragging her along so they could start their fun.

Pinkie bounced back into her room at the end of the day, covered in blue white and yellow frosting and having left colored hoofprints everywhere behind her. Rainbow Dash followed Pinkie into her room, having cleaned herself off in a cloud on the way over.

“Think Lily, Rose and Daisy will ever forgive us?” Rainbow Dash asked sounding uncharacteristically concerned for the after effect of their pranks

“Don’t worry so much Dashie,” Pinkie replied, her voice not losing any of her bubbly tone, “Frosting coated flowers should be big sellers for them.”

Dash grinned and walked over to Pinkie before licking some of the frosting off her back. “I think I prefer a frosting coated Pinkie Pie,” Dash said, her voice turning seductive.

Pinkie giggled as Dash’s tongue ran along her back, removing the frosting as it went. The pink pony turned to Rainbow Dash as she swallowed the frosting and giggled: “Dashie you have frosting on your nose.” Rainbow Dash crossed her eyes, spotting the blob of yellow frosting on her nose but before she could remove it Pinkie darted forwards and kissed her on the nose, sucking up the frosting blob in the process. Dash grinned and kissed Pinkie back as she scraped some frosting off Pinkie’s head with a hoof then once they pulled back Dash smeared it across both of their faces which induced a series of licks and kisses as they cleaned each other. Pinkie joined in and used her tail to spread a bunch of the frosting over Dash’s back, licking and nuzzling the sweet substance off.

This exchange continued for a full half hour as the two mares gradually cleaned each other off. Finally Rainbow Dash put a hoof out: “Hey Pinkie, this is fun and all but maybe we should clean off so our fur isn’t so sticky.”

Pinkie gave Dash a funny sideways look but then grinned: “Okie-dokie-lokie!” and an instant later Pinkie had vanished into the bathroom and started filling the tub.

Rainbow Dash just shook her head as she followed her marefriend, watching as she dumped a bunch of bubble bath into the tub causing a burst of pink bubbles to fill the room and sticking to Pinkie’s face like a thin moustache and top hat. Once Pinkie got a look at herself in the mirror she adopted a mock-serious expression and stroked a hoof along one of her bubble bath “whiskers”: “Hmm yes quite,” she said, her voice becoming deep and a mocking seriously as her expression.

A moment later both Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie burst out laughing: “Pinkie Pie you are so random,” Dash gave the pink pony a quick kiss, “and that’s why I love ya.”

“Yay!” Pinkie grabbed Dash in a tight hug and jumped with her into the tub, thankfully not splashing too much of the water over the sides. Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash’s giggles mixed with the sounds of splashing and scrubbing as the two lovers scrubbed the remains of the frosting out of each other’s fur, manes and tails.

Once they were relatively clean Dash leaned back at the edge of the tub letting the warm water relax her muscles, which were often sore both because of her job and her Wonderbolts training. Pinkie looked at Rainbow Dash for a moment and then giggled: “I think you’ve been putting on weight Dashie,” she pointed at the almost unnoticeable bulge on the Pegasus’ tummy.

Rainbow Dash glared at Pinkie and replied with a pretend-mean tone: “"Look who's talking Pinks, you eat so many sweets it's a wonder you haven't blown up like one of your party balloons."

Pinkie gasped in mock horror: “Why are you so mean Dashie?” she asked, moving closer to the Pegasus.

“Who’s being mean?” Dash asked, feigning ignorance, “You do own a pig nose that you wear.”

“Take it back,” Pinkie growled pretending to sound angry.

“Oh yeah, what are you going to do about it Piggy Pie?” Dash asked while grinning back at her.

“Since I’m such a pig I’m gonna eat you!” Pinkie took a deep breath and vanished below the surface; a moment later Dash gasped as Pinkie began to “eat”. This was how Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash flirted, fake insults, pretend fighting, then ending with one of them taking some “revenge” on the other that they would both enjoy.

A few minutes later Pinkie had surfaced and was leaning back next to Dash in the tub with their forelegs wrapped around each other. Rainbow Dash had finished panting and decided to ask something that was on her mind: “Hey Pinks, how do you hold your breath for so long?”

Pinkie giggled before replying: “I just take a deeeeep breath and hold it, plus when you’re changing diapers you have to get used to not breathing for a while.”

“I guess that makes sense,” Dash agreed, smiling at her marefriend, “You’ll be a good mother someday Pinkie.” Rainbow Dash blinked, what had compelled her to say that?

“Maybe,” Pinkie didn’t seem to think Dash’s question was odd, “Mr. and Ms. Cake said the same thing to me.”

“Well they’re right,” Dash answered, “Now let’s get out of here before we turn into raisins.”

“Okie dokie lokie,” Pinkie’s agreement was delivered in a slower and more relaxed voice than normal as she and Rainbow Dash climbed out of the tub, drained it, and then proceeded to dry themselves off.

Downstairs, Pumpkin Cake and Pound Cake were helping their parents clean up the bakery, mainly wiping up the frosting footprints that Pinkie Pie had left through the place when she returned home that day, Pumpkin starting at the entrance to the house and Pound starting at the top of the stairs leading into Pinkie’s apartment.

The twins eventually met in the kitchen rather painfully hitting their heads together as they both raced to clean up the last footprint.

“Watch where you’re going,” Pound Cake was rubbing his head as he looked up at his sister, “I don’t want your horn going through my head.

“Sorry but you should look where you’re going too,” Pumpkin shot back moving to scrub the last hoofprint.

Pound just gave his sister a look before their mother came over to settle things: “Now now children, you both need to be careful, and at least no pony was hurt right?”

“Yes mommy,” both twins answered.

While they were putting the cleaning supplies away Pound Cake asked his parents something: “Mommy, Daddy, why does Miss Rainbow Dash spend so much time with Pinkie Pie?”

Carrot Cake chuckled: “That’s simple Pound, because they’re in love.”

“Just like Daddy and me,” Cup Cake gave her husband a nuzzle.

Pound Cake made a grossed out face but Pumpkin spoke up: “But they’re both mares.”

“There’s nothing wrong with mares liking other mares that way,” Cup Cake’s voice was as cheerful as ever, “And the same goes for stallions too.”

“Why are they in love?” Pound Cake’s question was more about why anypony would be in love.

But because Pinkie was undoubtedly busy with Dash, Cup Cake ushered her children into the living room: “Well that’s actually a long story dearies, would you like to hear how Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash fell in love.”

“Yes!” Pumpkin was eager to hear this story. Pound Cake made no reply but decided to just go along with it.

“Alright, now this all happened before you two were born,” Cup Cake began. Carrot Cake sat nearby, his wife was always the better storyteller so he just listened as she continued: “Pinkie Pie had been in love with Rainbow Dash for a long time but she was afraid to tell her and every month when Daddy and I went out of town to do big shopping for Sugarcube Corner Pinkie would throw a big party where she would pretend to confess her feelings to Rainbow Dash.”

“Pretend?” Pound Cake sounded confused.

“Yes, Pound Cake, pretend,” Cup Cake decided not to chide her son for interrupting this time, “She was so nervous that she never invited Rainbow Dash to the parties, so she would set everything up then yell out as loud as she could ‘I LOVE YOU RAINBOW DASH!’ and then would cry and tear everything apart. Of course neither of us ever knew what was going on because Pinkie had everything cleaned up before we got home.

“Then one day, Pinkie finally got up the nerve to tell Rainbow Dash how she felt.”

“And Rainbow felt the same way?” Pumpkin asked hopefully.

“I’m afraid not, or at least Rainbow Dash didn’t say so,” Carrot Cake interceded.

“Rainbow Dash was so shocked that she just ran away from Pinkie and the poor dear was crushed. Pinkie was so crushed that she just ran away too, and then,” Cup Cake’s voice took on a darker tone, “The most dangerous storm that Ponyville had ever known began…”

Upstairs, Rainbow Dash wasn’t able to sleep but Pinkie had fallen asleep practically as soon as she got into bed. Rainbow Dash smiled at her marefriend, most ponies assumed that she was a loud and obnoxious sleeper yet Pinkie was oddly tranquil and quiet when sleeping, she didn’t even snore.

Dash could just make out some of the conversation downstairs, smiling as the story of her and Pinkie’s love unfolded for the Cake twins. Despite the danger and bad memories that event had brought up Rainbow Dash didn’t regret the outcome, yes she had wished for a while that she had just returned Pinkie’s feelings right away but Pinkie always told her: “Don’t be such a silly filly Dashie, we made it through and fell in love, that’s all that matters.” And Rainbow Dash had to concede that Pinkie was right.

Rainbow Dash’s expression became somber as she did her best to fall asleep; in a week she would have to leave Pinkie behind if she wanted to fulfill her dream. Part of Dash, a big part, didn’t want to leave her but Pinkie had told the Pegasus that if she was accepted into the Wonderbolts then she should go, even if it meant she would constantly be on tour, only keeping in contact through letters and postcards. But they were still young mares and Rainbow Dash didn’t have to be a Wonderbolt forever. She could retire in a decade or two and come home to spend the rest of her life with Pinkie. Yeah that was how it should go. Rainbow Dash snuggled down with Pinkie, she would worry about this stuff later because right now she was tired.

“Hi, how’s the ghostie holding up?”

“Oh, the ghostie left, said something about wanting to live again.”

“Live again, but that silly ghostie’s a ghost. How can a ghost live?”

“With your body, but I can’t feel that ghostie, is something wrong with it?”

“I don’t know, I haven’t felt any different. Maybe if that ghostie is in me then I just need to wait longer. Oh I know, I’ll go see Doctor Cardiac, he can tell me if I’m pregnant!”

“Yipee, we’re going to be a mommy!”

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Packing for a permanent move was different than preparing for a three month long camp. Mostly it was because Rainbow Dash wasn’t taking papers for autographs and short term snacks instead she was preparing to move her entire life with her. Granted Dash didn’t keep many things she would want to keep with her over a long term: a blanket sewn by her mother, a picture of herself and her five closest friends, a stuffed Wonderbolt doll she’d gotten when she was just a filly and perhaps most importantly a photo booth picture strip that had three pictures of her and Pinkie Pie, one with them smiling, one with them hugging, and the last with the two of them kissing. Rainbow Dash paused and snickered at a drawing she’d come across; it was a crude crayon drawing of herself in a Wonderbolt’s uniform with the words “RAINBOW DASH THE WUNDERBOLT” written in big capital letters. She drawn that picture, bad spelling and all, after the very first time she’d seen the Wonderbolts perform; from that day onwards it had been her lifelong dream to join the elite team of stunt flyers and by tomorrow her dream would be coming true.

Rainbow Dash finished packing her saddlebags but left them on her bed as she turned to leave: “Just two more things to do,” the Pegasus sighed, clearly not looking forwards to what she had to do, before taking off towards the Ponyville Hospital. Dash still hadn’t gone for her medical check-up nor had she told her friends the good yet sad news. Rainbow Dash had always been a horrible procrastinator and the fact that she could do most of her jobs in “ten seconds flat” meant that she often felt she could leave many tasks not related to her job until the very last minute. So far this hadn’t come back to bite her too badly but she knew that once she joined the Wonderbolts procrastination would no longer be an option.

Dash flew rather lazily in the direction of the hospital, she still had to work up the nerve to tell her friends that she was likely going to be absent from their lives for the next several years not to mention she still hadn’t submitted the resignation forms to her boss at the weather patrol. As she flew onward, Rainbow Dash spotted Pinkie Pie walking slowly away from the hospital, her face downcast but her hair still curly and happy.

Concerned, Dash flew in to hover over Pinkie and spoke up to get her attention: “Hiya Pinks. Are you feeling alright?”

“Oh, hi Dashie,” Pinkie’s voice was lacking its usual excited edge which was yet another cause for concern, “I just got back from the doctor.”

“Is something wrong?” Rainbow Dash landed, giving her marefriend a worried look.

“Oh no, nothing’s wrong,” Pinkie reassured her.

“Are you sure?” Rainbow Dash pressed.

“I’m just fine, ask Doctor Cardiac,” Pinkie managed to change the subject quickly: “So why are you going to the hospital?”

Dash sighed, she’d hoped to delay having to tell Pinkie a bit longer but she couldn’t leave Pinkie in the dark any longer: “Well I’ve got a tryout for the Wonderbolts tomorrow and they need me to have proof that I’m in fit condition to join them.”

“Oh Dashie!” Pinkie suddenly grabbed the Pegasus in a tight hug, “I’m so happy for you. We’ve got to have a going-away party for you!” Pinkie released Rainbow Dash, “Oh can you come by my house later, I have to show you something, bye!” and with that, Pinkie took off.

Rainbow sighed in relief and then smiled, well that was the biggest hurdle for her departure out of the way, but still Pinkie’s mood when she was leaving the hospital concerned her, “I guess the doctor will have to tell me then,” Dash said aloud before turning and flying towards Ponyville Hospital.

“Yes, Pinkie Pie did just leave the hospital,” Doctor Cardiac was a relatively young unicorn with a tan coat, a brown mane and tail and a heart monitor for a cutie mark.

“Well what’s wrong with her?” Rainbow Dash was doing her best to keep her voice calm but the possibility that something was wrong with the pony she was in love with greatly worried her.

“Well normally I’m not supposed to share records with anypony,” Doctor Cardiac replied, which caused Dash to tense up, “but considering the results and that you two are marefriends there would be no harm in it. Nothing.”

“Nothing? What do you mean nothing?” Dash was both confused and irritated that the doctor was giving her the same answer that Pinkie Pie had.

“I mean nothing,” Doctor Cardiac kept a level voice as he replied, “She came in for a standard check-up and she seemed disappointed when I told her that everything was normal.”

“Why would she be disappointed?” Rainbow Dash was relieved but not less confused.

“She didn’t say, she just thanked me and left. Now are you here for any other reason, Rainbow Dash?” Doctor Cardiac moved smoothly into the topic currently at hand.

“Oh well, I need a check-up too and the forms filled out to say that I’m healthy,” Rainbow Dash answered.

“Any particular reason?” Cardiac asked.

“I’m joining the Wonderbolts!” Dash’s shout brought several shushes from those in earshot forcing the Pegasus to lower her voice, “Basically they need a form to say that I’m healthy and fit to join them.”

“Ahh yes, this won’t take too long as long as you don’t mind me taking a blood sample,” Cardiac spoke as he levitated a blood extraction needle and tube with a vial for collecting the blood.

Rainbow Dash gulped: “O-OK, go ahead.” Dash winced a bit as an elastic band was magically tied around her foreleg and had to avoid flinching when the needle was stuck in to extract the blood sample. Thankfully the process was over quickly and Rainbow Dash was able to relax while Doctor Cardiac levitated the blood sample to a waiting nurse who took in carefully in her teeth before exiting the room.

“There, now we’ll just wait for the blood test results and take care of the rest of your check-up,” Doctor Cardiac began the less invasive tests: checking Dash’s breathing, her pulse, shining a light into her ears, nose and eyes and testing her wings to make sure they were in good condition.

Rainbow Dash was hardly nervous as she sat on the exam table with her legs curled underneath her. Normally she would have been anxious to get her results and get out but in all honesty she was still trying to work up the nerve she’d need to tell the rest of her friends the good news/bad news about her going off to join the Wonderbolts. Thankfully Pinkie’s planned going away party would give Rainbow Dash the perfect opportunity to tell them all at once and get the tearful farewells and well-wishes all over and done with at one time.

Eventually Doctor Cardiac left for a minute to retrieve the test results before returning to the room with a bemused look on his face.

“So doctor, am I ready for a career in the Wonderbolts?” Dash asked both eagerly and arrogantly.

“Well that’s a bit difficult to say,” Cardiac couldn’t resist a chuckle.

“What? Why? What’s wrong?” Dash’s breath caught in her throat.

“Well there’s nothing wrong with you Rainbow Dash,” Dash sighed in relief but the doctor continued, “However I feel I must congratulate you.”

“Yep, you should. In a few days you’re going to be hearing all about the newest Wonderbolt, Rainbow Dash!” Rainbow’s arrogance had returned and she walking past Doctor Cardiac when his next statement stopped her cold.

“No, congratulate you because you’re pregnant.” Rainbow Dash froze in place while the doctor continued: “About four months along actually.”

Rainbow Dash blinked a couple times, letting the words sink in before answering: “WHAT!? That’s impossible! How can I be pregnant!?”

“I must admit that I am a bit confused, I thought you were with Pinkie Pie-“

“Don’t you dare say it!” Rainbow Dash was suddenly in Doctor Cardiac’s face, having knocked the report aside in her haste, “I would never cheat on Pinkie Pie! She’s the only pony I’ve ever had sex with!”

“Alright Rainbow Dash,” Cardiac managed to back away from the Pegasus’ angry stare, “So you’ve never had sexual relations with a Stallion.”

“No!” Dash shouted, then paused, “Well, sort of…”

“Sort of?” Doctor Cardiac was understandably confused.

“Well a few months ago, before I went to that three month training camp with the Wonderbolts…”

“Ah yes, the three months where the weather wasn’t nearly what we were expecting,” Doctor Cardiac smiled bemusedly.

Dash just glared at the doctor before continuing: “Well there was a funny thing and, Pinkie was a stallion for one night but she said that Twilight told her that I couldn’t get pregnant from that!”

“Well I don’t know as much about magic as Twilight Sparkle,” Doctor Cardiac confessed, “but the results clearly show that you’re pregnant Rainbow Dash.”

Rainbow just stared at Doctor Cardiac for a minute before taking off. The doctor briefly wondered just what was going to happen but it wasn’t his place to pry and he returned to his office to await the next patient.

Rainbow Dash flew up high enough to spot Sugarcube Corner, “I need to see Pinkie about this,” she muttered to herself as she flew down to the street entrance, not feeling like just flying directly into Pinkie’s room for once.

The bell tinkled to signal Rainbow Dash’s entrance, Cup Cake was at the counter and she smiled at Rainbow Dash: “Welcome to Sugarcube Corner, Rainbow Dash! If you’re looking for Pinkie she’s up in her room.”

“Thanks,” Rainbow Dash nodded as she walked rather slowly up the stairs. Pushing open the door she saw Pinkie sitting on her bed, immersed in a book of some sort.

“Hi Pinkie,” Rainbow Dash spoke up to get her marefriend’s attention.

“Oh, hi Dashie,” Pinkie shut the book she was reading and slid off her bed. She was hardly depressed but at the same time Pinkie wasn’t in her normal bubbly mood, “So how was the trip to the doctor?”

“Well, that’s the funny thing, Pinks,” Dash chuckled nervously, “Ya see somehow I’m pregnant and the only time I’ve had sex that could get me pregnant was with you and you said that couldn’t happen.”

Rather than being shocked Pinkie seemed to be processing what Rainbow Dash had told her. Suddenly Pinkie’s eyes lit up and she grinned before shouting: “That’s it! That’s where that little ghostie went!”

Rainbow Dash was used to Pinkie’s randomness but this was just too random even for her: “What? Ghostie? Where?” Dash asked, extremely confused.

Pinkie turned form Dash and began digging in a drawer as she continued talking: “Remember Loneliness, the ghostie that tried to hurt us that Twilight saved me from and I save you from?”

“How could I forget,” Dash rolled her eyes, “I mean that was only the most important day in both of our lives.”

“Well Loneliness has been living inside me since that day but that little ghostie wanted to live again,” Pinkie stuck her head into the drawer, her voice becoming slightly muffled, “Twinkie told me that it had to borrow my body for a while.”

“Wait, Twinkie?” Rainbow Dash’s confusion was getting worse and she had to hold her head.

“It what I call my inner foal, she was playing with Loneliness all this time but she said that the ghostie was going to be reborn soon,” Pinkie finally pulled the brown paper bag that Rainbow Dash had seen her carrying earlier that week, “I went to see Doctor Cardiac because I thought it meant I was pregnant with that foal but I wasn’t, that’s why I was feeling blue earlier.”

“Wait, pregnant?” The pieces were starting to fit together and Dash’s eyes widened: “Wait, did something happen that night when you were a stallion?”

“Well I was supposed to be the mom but I guess that was the night that it was supposed to happen so, yeah it’s you,” Pinkie turned and set the bag down.

Dash’s eye twitched as anger began to rise in her: “So that thing that nearly killed me is hijacking my body?” she asked.

Pinkie could see Rainbow Dash’s shock and anger so she did her best to remedy the situation, upending the paper bag and dropping a small box onto the floor.

Dash just stared as Pinkie spoke: “Dashie, I know this is all a lot to take in and I know you’re probably going to leave for the Wonderbolts soon, but there’s something I’ve wanted to ask you for a while.” Pinkie took a deep breath and opened the box, inside were two earcuffs meant to hook onto a pony’s ear without the need to get it pierced; one of the cuffs was made of silver with a replica of Pinkie’s cutie mark made of topaz and sapphires and the other was made of gold with a replica of Dash’s own cutie mark made with ruby, topaz, and sapphire to form the lightning bolt and white gold for the cloud.

Pinkie took one of Dash’s forelegs in her own and asked the big question: “Rainbow Dash, will you marry me?”

Rainbow Dash just stared, all the information mixing up in her head, whirling around and around until it all bubbled up and Dash just screamed, wrenching away from Pinkie and shooting out the window at top speed.

Pinkie was shocked but ran to the window in a vain attempt to stop the Pegasus: “DASHIE WAIT!” She cried, but Dash was already out of earshot. “Wait…” there was the sound of a deflating balloon as the party pony’s curly mane and tail deflated becoming entirely straight as she began to cry.

Rainbow Dash flew high and fast until she finally slowed and came to rest on a stray cloud, sorting out the confusing events and emotions now that she was alone. “I’m pregnant with Loneliness, Pinkie wants to marry me but she said I should join the Wonderbolts. I can’t join if I’m pregnant and now, what did I just do?” Rainbow Dash sighed, this was too complicated.

“Pinkie said I should join the Wonderbolts,” Dash’s voice carried less conviction than she thought it should have, “but I can’t join if I’m pregnant,” she repeated, “I guess there’s only one thing to do.” Rainbow Dash flapped her wings and took off towards Cloudsdale.

Dash’s first destination was the Cloudsdale hospital. Rainbow Dash just stood there, staring at the doors: “This is the only way,” her voice trembled and she managed to force herself to enter. In a little while everything would be alright.

“She did what?!” the voices of Applejack, Rarity and Twilight Sparkle mingled together in Pinkie’s room following her explanation of the events earlier that day. Fluttershy was there as well but she had simply gasped in disbelief rather than joining in with her friends’ shouting.

Pinkie just nodded in response, finding it difficult to speak and with her hair still imp.

“That is just the most ghastly thing I’ve ever heard!” Rarity continued: “Running off from a marriage proposal, does Rainbow Dash have any sense of romance?”

“Ferget romantic sense she seems ta lack common sense,” Applejack added, “Ah mean she shouldn’t have just left ya Pinkie.”

“I could go and get her if you want,” Fluttershy offered.

“Or better yet we should all go to Cloudsdale and drag her back here, just give me-”

Pinkie, however, interrupted Twilight: “No girls don’t try to go after her.”

“Don’t go after her, but Pinkie…” Twilight tried to protest.

Pinkie shook her head as she continued, her voice forlorn and far away: “Rainbow Dash has a chance to join the Wonderbolts and I almost ruined it for her, she should have a chance to pursue her dream.”

“Does doesn’t it hurt, her refusing your proposal?” Rarity asked.

“Not ta mention what’s she’s probly gonna do about that Loneliness baby inside her,” Applejack added.

“I know, and it does hurt,” Pinkie admitted, “but I told Dash that she should follow her own dreams if she had the chance, and I meant it.”

“Are you sure you’re alright Pinkie Pie?” Fluttershy pressed.

“I’ll be fine,” tears began to drip from Pinkie’s blue eyes, “Just fine…” Her voice began to crack.

Twilight was about to speak up when Rarity put a hoof on her shoulder and shook her head, whispering: “She needs to be alone.” The others agreed silently and turned to leave, but Pinkie had one more thing to say.

“Don’t be mad at Rainbow Dash, this is all my fault not hers. Please Pinkie promise me that you won’t get mad or take it out on her if she comes back,” Pinkie’s pleading teary face was too much for the other four ponies and after a quick exchange of looks they all recited the motions of the binding promise.

“Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.”

“Thank you,” Pinkie managed a weak smile before her friends departed, shutting the door behind them, a click indicating that Pinkie had locked the door as soon as they left. Twilight, Rarity, Applejack and Fluttershy waited on the landing outside Pinkie’s apartment for a moment and sure enough they heard Pinkie break down and start crying on the other side. If Pinkie hadn’t locked the door then they would have turned around and went back inside to comfort her, as it was all they could do was leave and hope that Pinkie would recover, somehow…

Rainbow Dash exited the Cloudsdale Hospital, hanging her head and with visible tear streaks under her eyes. The blue Pegasus took a deep shuddering breath before she spoke aloud to herself: “Alright Dash, no regrets, no crying. I just need to go see Spitfire now.”

Rainbow Dash flapped her wings a few times, getting a couple hooves off the clouds before landing again; she tried again with similar results, once again failing to get airborn. Finally Rainbow Dash took a deep breath and forced herself into composure, taking off and flying towards where she knew the tryouts were being held the next day.

Spitfire surveyed the Pegasus workers setting up the obstacle course. Every year they had to make the tryouts different so that the Pegasus who showed up every year wouldn’t be able to just coast through this part of the tryouts.

The sound of flapping wings behind her caused Spitfire to turn around, and smile when she saw who it was: “Hey, Rainbow Dash, come to get a sneak peek at the challenges? You know you get to skip this part right?” Spitfire chuckled as Rainbow Dash landed in front of her. It was a moment before the Wonderbolt Co-Captain noticed the rather melancholy look on the blue Pegasus’ face.

“Is something wrong Rainbow?” Spitfire became instantly concerned.

“I’ve had a rough day Spitfire,” Rainbow Dash’s voice was very downcast as she spoke; her entire body seemed droopy, even her wings hug rather limply rather than being folded nicely at her sides.

“Want to talk about it?” Spitfire asked.

“Actually yeah, I would…”

Pinkie Pie didn’t leave her room for the rest of the day and anypony who came near the door could hear her sobbing brokenheartedly. Several times the Cakes tried to comfort her but were either met with a polite request to leave or just more sobbing. The last attempt was done by the entire Cake family right after Sugarcube Corner closed for the day.

“Pinkie dear, please just let us talk to you,” Cup Cake pleaded through the door.

“It’s not healthy to just stay shut up in your room all day,” Carrot Cake added, nodding along with his wife’s statement.

“Please come out!” Pumpkin Cake begged.

“It’s no fun with you like this!” Pound Cake hoped he could get through to her, yet all four Cakes could hear was more sobbing; it seemed that Pinkie wasn’t even bothering to acknowledge anypony at the moment.

“Well we did our best, sugar plum, but it looks like there’s nothing else we can do,” Carrot cake sighed defeatedly.

“Alright, let’s go children, we should get the shop cleaned up for tomorrow,” Cup Cake edged her twins downstairs, leaving Pinkie to her sorrow.

Pinkie’s loud crying eventually died down as she buried her face into her pillow, gasping slightly as she tried her best to fall asleep. A slight creaking noise came from the windows as a set of hooves landed softly on the floor, yet Pinkie was too consumes by her own grief to take any notice. The steps approached Pinkie’s bed but then stopped, as the owner of the hooves looked into a trash can at a small box that had been thrown in there hastily. A mouth carefully extracted the small box and set it on the table.

By now, Pinkie had noticed that there was somepony else in the dark room, yet she had to muster up all her will to just try and turn as the figure shuffled in the darkness.

“Whozzat?” Pinkie asked, her words slurring together as though she’d been drinking. Pinkie reached for her bedside lamp and fumbled to switch it on, but when it did her breath caught in her throat: “D-Dashie!”

Rainbow Dash was standing here, a weak smile on her face and her rose colored eyes weighed down by a mixture of guilt and yet relief.

“Hi Pinks,” Rainbow Dash answered.

Pinkie slid off her bed and walked carefully over to Rainbow Dash, prodding her with a hoof: “Am I dreaming?”

“No, it’s really me,” Rainbow Dash replied.

“But why are you here, what about the Wonderbolts?”

Rainbow Dash sighed at Pinkie’s question: “I had a lot to think about at the Cloudsdale hospital and,” Dash paused for a moment, as if trying to force the words out, “I changed my mind.”

“About what?” Pinkie asked.

“Everything,” Rainbow Dash suddenly grapped Pinkie into a tight hug, finally letting the tears she had been holding back flow out of her eyes, “I’m so sorry Pinkie, I should I have stayed, I’m supposed to be the element of loyalty damnit!”

Pinkie just stood there for a moment before returning Rainbow Dash’s hug her closed eyes moistening up again. After a moment, Pinkie opened her eyes and spotted a shiny silver something attached to Rainbow’s ear. She lifted a hoof and prodded the small metal object, catching a glimpse of jeweled blue and yellow balloons set into the band.

“Dashie, does this mean?” she prodded the silver ear cuff, again trying to make sure it was real.

Rainbow Dash chuckled, “Of course it does, Pinkie,” Rainbow Dash released Pinkie and went to pick up the small box she’d fished out of the trash, extracting the gold ear clip and attaching it to the pink pony’s ear, “to answer your question earlier, yes I will marry you!”

Pinkie began trembling then suddenly her mane and tale poofed up into their happy curly state again. Pinkie grabbed Rainbow Dash into a tight hug, kissing her over and over as tears of happiness and joy flowed from her eyes in a river. Rainbow Dash couldn’t help but smile, leaning back as Pinkie assaulted her with affection. Eventually Pinkie calmed down enough for the both of them to make their way to Pinkie’s bed, while Rainbow Dash wiped the tears from both of their eyes.

Once they were in bed Pinkie snuggled up close to Rainbow Dash letting the Pegasus’ body warm her own. As Pinkie stroked her fiancé’s fur she felt a bulge on Rainbow’s middle. She opened her eyes and did her best to get a good look at the bulge her hoof had just ran over.

“Rainbow Dash, what happened with Loneliness?” She asked.

“I’m still pregnant,” Dash replied, “I said that I changed my mind about everything and I meant it.”

“Oh Dashie, thank you thank you thank you!” Pinkie gave Rainbow Dash a deep kiss on the lips and then began to nuzzle her, “We’re going to be a big happy family now, you me and our foal.”

“Yeah, we are,” Rainbow Dash smiled as she nuzzled her fiancé and snuggled close against her. Today had been rough but she knew somehow that things were going to be alright.

Chapter 4

Chapter 4

All the panic and long distance flying from the previous day had worn Rainbow Dash out so much that she slept in much later than she usually did. Normally Pinkie Pie would have stayed in bed with Dash but she had a lot of things to do today, especially after everypony had seen or heard about her breakdown yesterday.

Pinkie carefully extricated herself from Rainbow’s embrace, which caused the Pegasus to curl up into a ball under the covers, and headed for her bathroom humming to herself until she shut the bathroom door behind her at which point she began singing.

“My name is Pinkie Pie,
And I am here to say,
I’m gonna make you smile
And I will brighten up your day!”

Pinkie began to run the shower, normally she preferred baths but the party pony was in a musical mood and the shower was a much better venue for singing than the bath.

“It doesn’t matter now,
If you are sad or blue,
’Cuz cheering up my friends
Is just what Pinkie’s here to do!”

The water was finally warm enough and Pinkie stepped into the shower, letting the warm water wash over her as she continued to sing while washing herself.

Downstairs, Pound Cake listened to the muffled singing coming from upstairs; though he had outgrown the ability to fly on instinct that Pegasus foals possessed he was able to hop up on the counter with some assistance from his buzzing wings and listened intently.

“Pound Cake, you shouldn’t stand on the counter!” Mr. Carrot Cake gave his son a stern look.

“I know dad but listen,” Pound Cake pointed at the ceiling.

Carrot listened for a moment then his looks shifted to one of concern: “Oh dear.”

Pound Cake buzzed his wings to slowly dismount the counter and gave his father a puzzled look: “What’s wrong? It sounds like Pinkie’s happy again.”

“I know but, it’s hard to explain son,” Carrot Cake answered, “Pinkie might have gone crazy from grief so we’ll have to be careful.”

“Pinkie’s not crazy!” Pound Cake argued back. Normally Carrot would have scolded his son for this but this was a delicate situation.

Cup Cake entered the kitchen with their daughter Pumpkin in tow; a quick exchange of looks between the husband and wife was all that was needed and they knew that they had just had the same conversation with their child. Cup Cake nervously bit her lip as they waited for Pinkie to come downstairs.

Pinkie’s happy walk down the stairs was unsurprisingly accompanied by her singing:

“'Cuz I love to see you beam, beam, beam!
Yes I do!
Tell me what more can I say to make you see
That I do!
It makes me happy when you beam, beam, beam!
Yes, it always makes my day!

“Come on everypony, smile, smile smile!
Fill my heart up with sunshine, sunshine!
All I really need's a smile, smile, smile!
From these happy friends of mine!”

Pinkie stopped singing when she reached the bottom of the stairs, but smiled at the Cakes while ignoring the concerned looks on Cup and Carrot’s faces: “Good morning Mr. and Mrs. Cake, and you two Pumpkin and Pound!” Pinkie’s voice had regained its cheerful bubbliness.

“Umm Pinkie, is everything alright?” Carrot Cake’s concern was evident.

“Yes indeedee,” Pinkie answered, bouncing past the assembled Cake family.

“Are you sure, dearie, you were awfully sad last night,” Cup voiced her concern.

“I know I was, but Dashie came back last night and look!” Pinkie wiggled her right ear, showing off the engagement band attached to it: “She accepted my marriage proposal! I’m so happy I could scream AAAAAAAAHHHH!” Pinkie did indeed scream, forcing the Cakes to cover their ears: “But no time for screaming I have to see my friends, seeya!” Pinkie bounced out the door, leaving the stunned Cakes behind her.

“Alright you two, off to school now,” Cup Cake carefully edged her children towards the door.

“But mom!” they both whined.

“No buts young foals, just go off to school and you can see Pinkie later,” Carrot added, helping his wife push them out the door just as the convoy of classmates led by Cheerilee passed by, a service the teacher offered to young school foals with busy parents who couldn’t always be available to walk their foals to school.

Once the twins were out the door, Mr. and Mrs. Cake shared worried looks: “I hate to say it, dear, but Pinkie might have lost it,” Carrot Cake said.

“I hate to think about that poor girl, dreaming that Dash came back and pretending that they’re engaged now,” Cup Cake sighed, “I just hope she doesn’t cause any trouble in town today.”

“Well, we might as well go and make sure her room is clean, just in case,” Carrot said, moving to head up the stairs. Cup nodded and followed her husband.

Pinkie’s room was reassuringly clean, except for her bed which was bundled up around a large lump in the middle. Cup Cake ticked a bit disapprovingly as she moved make the bed, but as she pulled the covers back she gasped: “Carrot, come here,” she called in a loud whisper, eschewing one of her husband’s pet named.

Curious, Carrot approached the bed then just stared, mouth open: “Well would you look at that.”

Rainbow Dash was still snoozing away and unconsciously pulled the covers that Cup Cake had removed back over her head, but not before the Cakes caught a glimpse of the silver engagement band around the Pegasus’ right ear.

“Looks like Pinkie’s just fine then,” Cup Cake sighed in relief as she and her husband carefully backed out of the room.

“That’s good, I wasn’t looking forwards to telling the twins that their best friend might be going to a ‘special home’ for a while,” Carrot agreed, “Now that that crisis is over, let’s get the bakery open sugar plum,” Carrot gave his wife a quick kiss before moving to the kitchen. Cup Cake just giggled before moving to join her husband.

“And Perpexpling Pony Plagues goes in the illnesses and cures section,” Twilight carefully used her magic to replace the last book: “And re-shelving is done! A lot sooner than normal.”

“That happens when you stay up all night to get it done,” Spike stretched and yawned from his place on the stairs: “I couldn’t sleep with all the noise down here. Why were you up all night Twilight?”

“I’ll tell you, just let me get some coffee,” Twilight replied as she headed for the kitchen, “You know how Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash have been together for the last five years.”

“How could I forget?” Spike asked sarcastically.

“Well Pinkie somehow got Rainbow Dash pregnant and when Rainbow found out she panicked and ran away,” Twilight opted for a condensed version of the story as she grabbed a mug of coffee with her magic and took a deep drink to hopefully get the caffeine flowing faster through her system.

“Wait, how did Pinkie get Rainbow Dash pregnant?” Spike was understandably confused.

Twilight slowed her drinking, hoping she could delay this long enough for a distraction. Thankfully a knock at the door provided a convenient way for her to get out of this: “I’ll get it!” she shouted a bit loudly, teleporting past Spike who had taken up position in the kitchen doorway.

Twilight was shocked to find a happy and smiling Pinkie Pie humming a song until she saw Twilight: “Hi Twilight, wow you look tired.”

“That’s because I couldn’t sleep at all last night,” Twilight said rather deadpan.

“Oh why not? I love to sleep especially when Dashie’s in bed with me.”

“Well I was worried about you because Rainbow Dash ran away and… wait pardon?” Pinkie’s statement had taken Twilight completely off guard.

Before Twilight could ask anything Pinkie sniffed her and recoiled slightly: “Umm Twilight, I think you should get washed up and meet me at Sugarcube Corner, I have some really exciting news for everypony! Oh and could you pick up Fluttershy for me too, I gotta go now see ya!” Before Twilight could comment or retort Pinkie had taken off, bouncing along merrily and leaving Twilight to just sigh and head up to her bathroom to take care of the morning routine she’d skipped because she hadn’t slept. Spike, on the other hand, just trudged back up to bed; if Twilight was going to be busy then he was going to catch up on the sleep he’d missed.

The knock at the door of Carousel Boutique jolted Rarity out of the “zone” she was in while working at her design table. The white unicorn didn’t even bother to remove her work glasses as she headed for the door and pulled it open with her magic while reciting her standard greeting: “Welcome to Carousel Boutique, where everything is: chique, unique and Pinkie Pie!”

“Why is my name in your greeting, it sounds kinda funny I mean what does something being Pinkie Pie even mean? Are you making a lot of pink dresses?” Pinkie seemed oblivious to the surprise in Rarity’s voice as she stepped into the dress shop.

“Pinkie Pie, you seem happy today,” Rarity commented, looking at the party pony a bit apprehensively.

“Oh I really am!” Pinkie replied, bouncing in place a bit, “Is Applejack here? I want everypony to come to Sugarcube Corner, I have some really really big news to share.”

“Yes, Applejack is here,” Rarity nodded, “I’ll go rouse her.” Rarity turned and headed upstairs as Pinkie left.

“I don’t want to close the shop today but if Pinkie needs us then we should be there for her,” Rarity mused as she opened the door to her room so she could rouse Applejack.

While all of this had transpired, Rainbow Dash had finally woken up and somehow managed to extricate herself from the cocoon of sheets she had formed around herself in her sleep. Rainbow Dash yawned and flicked her ear in an attempt to dislodge the excess weight that had somehow attached to her ear the previous night.

Normally Dash would have just flown outside and through a cloud to clean off in the morning but she felt like being lazy so instead she filled the bathroom sink and dunked her head under the water. Rainbow pulled her head out after about half a minute and shook it to get rid of the excess water before opening her eyes. Once the Pegasus’ vision cleared she was able to identify the engagement band attached to her ear and just like that all the memories of the previous day came rushing back to her.

Rainbow Dash placed her forelegs on the sides of the sink: “No regrets Dash,” she spoke aloud to herself, “the Wonderbolts can wait a few years for me and my kid.” Rainbow sighed and decided that she’d rather take a shower than try to fly through a cloud, especially after all the high-speed long-distance flying she’d done yesterday.

Rainbow wasn’t used to showering with this method, baths were fun especially when Pinkie was around and flying through a thick cloud was fast and relaxing. Stepping into the warmed up shower felt like walking out into an unusually warm rainstorm. It was hardly a problem, after all Dash was still a weather Pegasus and she was used to weather that was much harsher than the warm shower water currently cascading over her body but it was the warmth that felt just a little weird when rain was usually cold. These thoughts eventually ceased as Rainbow Dash exited the shower and dried herself off.

Once she was relatively dry Rainbow Dash took a moment to look at herself in the mirror. The gold engagement band on her ear was a nice addition and Rainbow normally avoided jewelry like the plague, except on special occasions. Rainbow managed to lift herself up onto her hind legs, using the sink for support, and for the first time got a good look at her baby bump. She ran a hoof over her slightly swollen middle: “Eight more months,” she spoke quietly, “just how big am I gonna get?” Rainbow Dash dropped back to the floor of the bathroom and turned to leave, it was time to face the Cakes and hope they wouldn’t be mad at her, they loved Pinkie as though she was their eldest daughter.

Once they knew that Pinkie was alright Cup Cake and Carrot Cake had gone back to their usual routine in the bakery. Hoofsteps on the stairs caught their attention and they both turned to see Rainbow Dash trotting down the stairs; neither of them missed the somewhat guilty look on the Pegasus’ face and with a quick glance at each other they silently agreed that there was no need to admonish Dash for her less than admirable actions the previous day.

“Well good morning Rainbow Dash, did you get enough sleep last night dearie?” Cup Cake asked, her cheerful voice eliminating any worries that Rainbow Dash had about the couple’s reaction.

“Better than I expected, I guess flying to Cloudsdale and back at high speed will do that,” Rainbow answered, “is Pinkie Pie back yet?”

“Not quite yet,” Carrot Cake answered. The earth pony placed a tray of pastry in the oven before turning to join his wife. “Rainbow Dash, thanks for coming back.”

“Well yeah it was-“

“Don’t say it was nothing, dearie,” Cup Cake gave Rainbow and soft nuzzle, “I can’t say I’ve ever been in your situation but it must have taken a lot of courage not to take the easy way out.”

Rainbow Dash sighed and decided that putting up a tough front would serve no purpose for the moment: “I almost did it,” she admitted, “When the nurse called for the procedure I almost went but instead I decided to just leave instead of going through with it. I couldn’t do that to Pinkie, not after everything she’s done for me.”

“Well you did do the right thing,” Carrot Cake reassured Rainbow Dash, “Now if you’ll excuse us, Mrs. Cake and I have to go back to baking.” Cup Cake nodded in response as they turned back to their bakery’s kitchen.

Rainbow Dash smiled as she sat back on her haunches, the Cakes were supportive so that was one hurtle out of the way. “Of course I still have to deal with our friends,” Rainbow Dash sighed, “I should wait until Pinkie Pie gets back. For now I’m hungry,” Rainbow trotted into the kitchen, hoping that there would be something to eat.

“Now girls please please PLEASE don’t get mad at Rainbow Dash!” Pinkie Pie had her friends outside the door t Sugarcube Corner, “It was very hard for her to come back after last night and I don’t want her being scared off.”

Fluttershy, Rarity, Applejack and Twilight Sparkle all exchanged concerned looks and nods before Twilight answered for the group: “Alright Pinkie, we promise not to get mad at Rainbow Dash and scare her off.” Pinkie missed the tone of concern in Twilights voice, not to mention the way her friends had been looking at her nervously since they gathered.

Undeterred, Pinkie opened the door to the bakery and trotted inside followed by her friends. Inside they found Rainbow Dash seated at a table with a few empty plates, which had probably been covered in muffins judging by the blueberry muffin that was disappearing into the Pegasus’ mouth.

“I’m home Dashie!” Pinkie pounced on Rainbow Dash knocking her and the chair she was seated on to the ground as Pinkie assaulted Dash’s face with affection.

“Well Ah’ll be,” Applejack whistled, “Rainbow Dash really did come back!”

Rainbow Dash managed to push Pinkie’s face away from her own in order to get a word in edgeways: “Whoa, what do you mean AJ?”

“Oh everyone thought I’ve gone insane and imagined you coming back Dashie,” Pinkie’s rather nonplussed reaction took the other four mares by surprise.

“You knew, I mean did someone tell you?” Fluttershy asked, shrinking back lest Pinkie’s reaction be one of anger.

“Oh no Fluttershy,” Pinkie turned to her friends, her smile not dissipating, “I’m just good at reading ponies. I mean duh, how do you think I know how and where to plan surprise parties all the time?”

“I guess that makes sense,” Twilight nodded while Rainbow Dash took the moment to stand up now that Pinkie wasn’t pinning her to the ground. Rarity had remained silent all the while, seemingly the only one who had noticed the silver and gold ear bands attached respectively to Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash’s ears.

“Rainbow Dash have you accepted Pinkie’s marriage proposal?” Rarity asked hopefully.

“Yes indeedee,” Pinkie nodded vigorously.

“I accepted her proposal when I got back last night,” Rainbow sighed her expression taking a downturn as she continued in a quieter voice, “I should have accepted right when she asked me, instead I ran away.”

“Oh don’t feel sad,” Fluttershy walked over to Rainbow and nuzzled her comfortingly, “What’s important is that you came back.”

“Fluttershy is right darling,” Rarity nodded, “Ooh you simply must let us help you plan your wedding!”

“That’s why I invited you over!” Pinkie interjected, “I want my best friends to help Dashie and me with our wedding.”

“We’d be mighty happy ta help ya sugarcube,” Applejack smiled and gave a tip of her Stetson hat.

“Perfect, Applejack maybe you can work with Mr. and Mrs. Cake to make all the food,” Pinkie suggested.

“Can do!” Applejack trotted off to the kitchen, not being one to delay any preperations.

“Girls you simply must let me create your wedding attire!” Rarity’s enthusiasm was palpable, her eyes wide and shining as she practically pleaded for the priviledge.

“Of course Rarity, there’s no pony else we’d accept for that,” Pinkie reassured her.

“Oh I must get started right away then,” Rarity turned and cantered towards the door, “Rainbow Dash I can guarantee that you’re absolutely going to love your wedding gown!”

“Yeah, wait what?” Rainbow Dash started as the word “gown” sunk in, “Rarity-“ but the fashionista was already out the door and speeding towards her boutique to start her latest project.

“Umm, what can I do?” Fluttershy asked meekly.

Rainbow Dash was still stunned by Rarity’s declaration so Pinkie answered Fluttershy’s inquiry: “You can get your animal friends to perform the music, oh and you can help me decorate too.”

“Oh I can definitely do that,” Fluttershy nodded and smiled sweetly, “I’ll put together the sweetest animal chorus for you.”

“What can I do, Pinkie? It sounds like everything’s been taken care of already,” Twilight Sparkle sounded disappointed but Pinkie moved to quickly quash her concerns.

“I want you to be my wedding planner Twilight.”

“What? But I thought you were going to be planning your wedding, I mean you plan parties all the time and I thought-“

“Oh Twilight birthday and surprise parties are easy to plan but a wedding party no,” Pinkie shook her head rapidly, “I mean duh, a wedding takes forever to plan and even I can’t do all of that that alone so I need your super-duper planning skills to put everything together.”

“Now that I can help with,” Twilight was certainly happy with this offer, “I just need to go brush up on wedding procedures, excuse me,” and with a flash of purple light Twilight had teleported away, presumably back home.

Rainbow Dash was still stunned by Rarity’s proclamation when Applejack and the Cakes exited the kitchen into the foyer.

“Pinkie Pie is it true, are you and Rainbow Dash getting married?” Carrot Cake asked hopefully.

“Oh yes siree!” Pinkie hugged Rainbow Dash close to her, “Dashie and I are getting married right?” Pinkie directed her question at the Pegasus in her arms.

Rainbow Dash shook her head to finally break out of the stupor that Rarity’s parting statement had left her in before answering: “That’s right, we’re getting’ hitched!”

“Well that’s just great dearies, I’m so happy for you,” Cup Cake stepped forwards and gave both Pinkie and Rainbow a huge hug.

Pinkie smiled and sighed contentedly when an idea hit her: “Ooh ooh ooh! Can we get Pumpkin and Pound to be the flower girl and ring bearer?” she asked the Cakes hopefully.

“I don’t see why not Pinkie,” Carrot answered, “I’ll give them the good news when they get home from school.”

“Okie dokie lokie! Com’on Dashie we need to start planning with Twilight,” Before anypony could protest Pinkie had swept up her fiancé and Twilight and dragged them out the door.

“Well now it’s good she’s so excited, if ya’ll will excuse me Ah need ta get back home,” Applejack gave a tip of her hat and headed out the door.

“I should get home too, excuse me,” Fluttershy quietly slipped out the door, leaving Mr. and Mrs. Cake to get back to their day job.

Chapter 5

Chapter 5

“Hold still Rainbow Dash! It’s hard enough creating a dress with material that has to be able to stretch so much and this will be over much faster if you cooperate.” Rarity glared at Rainbow Dash over her red work glasses while she used her magic to adjust a piece of special highly stretchy fabric over the pegasus’ more swollen middle.

“I just don’t see why I have to be the one in the wedding dress,” Rainbow Dash grumbled, “I mean Pinkie likes wearing dresses more than I do.”

“Because you’re the one who’s pregnant, Rainbow Dash,” Rarity finally managed to fix the material in its proper place, “And a pregnant mare in a suit just looks peculiar at best and horrifying at worst. But in the right dress,” Rarity’s look became far away, “Oh in the right dress a pregnant mare would look like an icon or even a goddess of fertility and I guarantee that in my designs you will look absolutely stunning!”

Rainbow Dash was about to complain when Pinkie Pie appeared from the dressing room wearing a black tuxedo with a bow tie and top hat: “Well whaddya think Dashie?” she asked.

“Looking good Pinks,” Rainbow Dash managed a smile despite the start of the dress around her torso.

“Hmm, lose the top hat Pinkie, it’s just a bit too eccentric for a wedding,” Rarity had to offer her critical opinion.

“Aww,” Pinkie pouted but Rarity was ummoved so Pinkie tossed the hat away and immediately smiled, “Okie dokie lokie, how’s your dress coming along Dashie?” she asked, trotting over to her fiancé.

“I’m hoping that I won’t be needed much longer,” Rainbow Dash grumbled, “You have it so easy Pinks, I mean you just have to slip on that black suit and you’re done but I have to wear a giant gaudy white dress.”

“Aww, but you’ll look so pretty,” Pinkie nuzzled Rainbow Dash.

“You know I’d only do this for you right?” Rainbow answered. Pinkie just nodded before slipping out of her tuxedo.

“Of course Dashie, now be good for Rarity I have to meet Twilight to look at spots for the wedding!” Pinkie shot out the door before any answers could be given.

Rainbow Dash sighed and turned back to her seamstress: “So how long do you need me to model for this dress?”

“Preferably until it’s done, I need to make sure it’s perfect on your body and make adjustments. But once I have the core of the dress finalized I suppose I could just use a dressing horse,” Rarity admitted.

“Then hurry up, the less I have to wear this thing the better!” Rainbow Dash forcibly held herself still as the unicorn went back to work.

“So what’s left on the to-do list today Twilight?” Pinkie Pie asked.

“Well let’s see, Applejack and the Cakes are working on the wedding treats so that’s taken care of and Rarity is sewing Rainbow Dash’s dress, now I guess we need to decide the venue for the wedding,” Twilight ticked off the first two items on the checklist that she was levitating in front of her face.

Pinkie Pie couldn’t help herself and she started giggling: “Silly Twilight, we already decided on the menu.”

“No Pinkie venue, venue!” Twilight sounded exasperated, “I mean where should we hold the ceremony?”

“Oooooh!” comprehension dawned on Pinkie Pie, “that makes a lot more sense Twilight. Hmm?” Pinkie Pie sat on her rear with a hoof on her chin with her other foreleg supporting it, “Well can we have it outside?”

“That could work, it would save time and bits and it would be easier for Fluttershy’s animal chorus,” Twilight agreed, “I have a few locations in mind that we can check later. So now about the guest list…”

Pinkie Pie raised a hoof and waved it: “No need Twilight, everypony in Ponyville is my friend so everypony’s invited! There’s a much more serious matter at hoof.”

“Oh, and what’s that?” Twilight rolled her eyes, expecting Pinkie to mention something awkward like special frosting or some odd decoration she didn’t have yet.

“A house for Rainbow Dash and me,” Pinkie’s usual excitable tone had become more serious.

“A house?” Twilight had honestly not been expecting that answer.

“Oh yes,” Pinkie nodded rapidly, “Sugarcube corner is too small for two full families and we can’t live at Dashie’s home; I can’t keep coming back to you for a cloudwalking spell over and over and over and over and what if our foal is an earth pony? They would just fall through the floor!” Pinkie punctuated that last statement by jumping up into the air and belly flopping on to the floor.

Twilight chuckled as she rolled up her to-do list: “Well I can’t argue with that, Pinkie. Here I have all the real-estate here in the newspaper.”

That morning’s newspaper floated over to Pinkie who grabbed it enthusiastically: “Oooh let’s see what we have here,” she said, flipping through the paper excitedly before stopping at the “homes for sale” article. “Perfect, now once Rarity is done with Dashie we can go see the houses.”

“Well as long as we’re waiting we can pick out the ones you two should look at,” Twilight trotted over to Pinkie’s side, levitating a quill and inkpot over with her, “so what are you looking for in a house, Pinkie?”

“Well…” Pinkie thought for a moment before she began to list off her requirements:” it has to have at least two bedrooms… maybe more, a kitchen and living room, a yard for our foal to play in and it has to be inside Ponyville.”

“Alright, let’s see,” Twilight went down the list of houses, crossing off the ones that didn’t meet Pinkie’s requirements: “Only one bedroom, no yard, near Sweet Apple Acres…” she muttered to herself until she reached the end, leaving only four houses left on the page, “There, that should help narrow it down.”

“Ohh! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you Twilight!” Pinkie Pie gave Twilight a big hug before snatching the paper in her mouth and darting out the door.

Twilight was momentarily stunned but shook her head and smiled: “Now let’s see… what else has to be done?” she said aloud, lifting up the wedding plan list again.

“And there, all done!” Rarity finally unzipped the dress and removed the garment from Rainbow Dash, carefully setting it on a dressing horse.

“Ugg finally!” Rainbow stretched her legs and wings, “I felt like I was gonna turn into a statue.”

“Oh don’t exaggerate, Rainbow Dash,” Rarity rolled her eyes, “of course I have a lot more work to do on this dress. I mean it has to be absolutely perfect!”

“As long as you don’t need me to model for you anymore I don’t care!” Rainbow Dash was clearly still peeved and was about to go into further detail when Pinkie burst into the boutique with a newspaper held in her mouth that she promptly dropped on the floor.

“Dashie! Great you’re done now come with me we have to look at houses!” Pinkie grabbed Rainbow Dash around the waist before she could protest and grabbed the paper in her mouth before speeding out of Carousel Boutique. Rarity just stared for a minute, then shook her head and turned back to Rainbow Dash’s dress.

“Pinkie! Wait! Hold on! STOP!” it took Rainbow Dash a full minutes before she was able to drag her fiancé to a stop.

“Sorry I was just really super excited!” Pinkie once again dropped the paper and began bouncing around.

“Excited about what, Pinks?” Rainbow asked, while she moved her head to follow the pink pony’s excited bouncing.

“Duh! About finding a new house Dashie!” Pinkie explained as though it should have been obvious, “There isn’t enough room at Sugarcube Corner for two whole families and I can’t live up in your cloud home all the time, I can’t walk on clouds without Twilight’s magic.”

“Oh right…” Rainbow Dash felt a little silly for not catching on to that sooner, “well then what kind of homes are available?”

“Well there’s four that Twilight helped me narrow it down to,” Pinkie finally stopped bouncing and unrolled the newspaper for both her and Rainbow Dash to see.

Rainbow Dash looked over the houses that hadn’t been crossed off, placing her hoof on one: “That one’s near my house, it’s practically falling apart.”

“Okie dokie lokie, that one’s off the list then,” Pinkie nodded in agreement, “So let’s go tour the other three then!” The pink pony turned and bounced off, leaving Rainbow Dash to tuck the newspaper under her wing and dart after her.

The first house on the list was gigantic; it was three stories tall with a huge front and back yard. Pinkie stood, her mouth hanging open in astonishment: “WOWEE!” Pinkie finally shouted, “Can just imagine the kinda parties we could throw in here?!”

“I think we should move on, Pinkie,” Rainbow Dash didn’t want to bring down her fiancé’s mood but she pointed to the “For Sale” sign in front of the house to make her point.

“WHOA! That’s a lot of zeroes!” Pinkie tone carried both surprise and a hint of disappointment as she stared at the sign. Pinkie sighed, “Well let’s move on Dashie.” Despite the disappointment, Pinkie began bouncing away from the house. Rainbow just smiled as she followed after her, nothing could keep Pinkie down for long.

Pinkie and Dash just stared up the cliff-side from the base of the mountain at the location of the second house left on their list.

“How is this a part of Ponyville?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Who could live up there?” Pinkie added.

“How did they build that?”

“How come it doesn’t slide down?”

“Why is this even for sale?”

“Why is this even in the paper?”

Both ponies turned to look at each other and they hastily agreed: “Next house!”

“I think this might be the one, Pinks,” Rainbow Dash surveyed the last house on their list, even venturing to fly over to check the roof for any signs of damage.

The house was a simple two-story building on one of Ponyville’a main roads with green siding and a purple roof. The front lawn was fairly simple but there was a tree in the back with a swing hanging off one of the lower branches.

Pinkie Pie ran around the house several times before rushing to meet Rainbow Dash around the front: “Yep it’s absolutely positively perfect! And look,” Pinkie pointed down the road, “It’s just a block away from Sugarcube Corner.”

“Looks like we have ourselves a winner, Pinks,” Rainbow Dash unrolled the newspaper and glanced at the article that listed the house for sale, “I guess we should go to the mayor and buy it then.”

“Okie dokie lokie, just let me run home and get my savings!” without another word, Pinkie Pie took off towards Sugarcube Corner.

“Well then, I guess I should go to the bank,” Rainbow Dash watched Pinkie go for a minute before turning and heading for the Ponyville bank. “Why would her savings be at home?” Rainbow Dash wondered aloud. The Pegasus just shook her head and just kept walking.

“Well the house is for sale, and the previous owners moved away a couple months ago but...” the mayor looked up at the two ponies over her glasses.

“But what?” Pinkie Pie asked, afraid of what the answer might be.

“Well, this is just an unusual way to put a down-payment on a house, Pinkie,” the mayor answered. Pinkie Pie had dragged a sack of bits almost as big as she was from her house all the way to the mayor’s office in City Hall.

“Well is it enough?” Rainbow Dash asked, tapping her hoof impatiently.

“I’m sure it will be enough,” the mayor gave the couple a reassuring smile, “even if you’re a bit short I can overlook this with the current situation.”

“Thank you mayor!” Pinkie launched forwards and gave the mayor a big hug, taking her by surprise, “Thank you thank you thank you!”

Rainbow Dash just chuckled at the shocked look on the mayor’s face as Pinkie finally release her and bounced out of city hall.

“Yeah, thanks Mayor,” Rainbow Dash gave a calmer thanks before turning to leave, “I’m probably going to be back to get help selling my old house a bit later.”

“Oh right, well anything I can do to help,” the mayor re-adjusted her glasses, which had been partially dislodged from Pinkie’s excited thank you. Rainbow Dash turned and followed her fiancé back outside.

“So Pinks, why don’t you keep your savings in the bank?” Rainbow Dash was understandably confused by Pinkie’s method of payment, yet Pinkie just smiled at the Pegasus before answering.

“Silly Dashie, of course I use the bank. That was just y super special rainy day or very special occasion fund that I was saving just for this sort of occasion!”

“Oh, yeah that makes sense,” Rainbow Dash just nodded. “So, now what?”

“Well, we could start moving I mean it’s only gonna get harder for you to fly soon,” Pinkie suggested enthusiastically.

“Not a bad idea, but maybe we should wait till tomorrow. I’m burned out Pinks.” As if to punctuate her statement, Rainbow Dash gave a huge yawn.

“Okie dokie lokie,” Pinkie Pie gave her fiancé a big kiss before she took off bouncing back to Sugarcube Corner. Rainbow Dash watched Pinkie bouncing off for a moment, then spread her wings and flapped off back to her house.

Rainbow entered her house and turned her head this way and that, taking in the place she had lived in ever since she moved to Ponyville. The place was always untidy but at least it was clean and never stank. She was really going to miss this place and this would probably be her last night here. The Pegasus sighed and trotted off to bed, flopping backwards onto the soft clouds with her wings folded. Rainbow Dash stared at the ceiling for a few moments before her eyelids drooped and she fell asleep.

A kick!

Rainbow shot awake instantly at the feeling, her head darting left and right as she searched for whoever had snuck into her room… until she felt it again. Rainbow Dash stored down at her belly and placed one of her forelegs over it as the kick came again. Her baby was moving!

Rainbow Dash suddenly felt a wave of emotion, an emotion foreign to her that she could only describe as “motherly.” The Pegasus carefully lay back down, her mind now swarming with thoughts that wouldn’t cease. For the first time since she found out that she was pregnant, Rainbow Dash could say that she was honestly looking forwards to being a mom and managed to smile as she drifted off to sleep.

“Careful with that Derpy!” Rainbow Dash’s wings buzzed fast than they needed to as she zipped around like a hummingbird, “Those are the Wonderbolts Action figured I got for my tenth birthday. There’s no way to replace them!”

“Don’t worry Rainbow, I’d never drop anything this precious.” The wall-eyed Pegasus reassured her as she carefully set the box in question down in bedroom of what was now Rainbow and Pinkie’s house.

Rainbow Dash floated out the window, wiping the sweat from her brow before she landed next to Pinkie Pie. The pony wore a yellow hard hat as she surveyed the rest of the movers, calling out various orders to direct the furniture where it needed to go.

“How are you so calm, Pinks?” Rainbow Dash asked, “I mean all our stuff being moved and our wedding is next week.”

“Oh stop worrying so much Dashie!” Pinkie put and arm aroud her, both to comfort her and keep her on the ground. “I promise everything will be just fine.” Pinkies eyes suddenly opened wide: “Twitcha Twicth!” she carefully pushed Rainbow Dash aside as an empty flower pot hit her, shattering on the hard hat and leaving her unharmed.

“Sorry Pinkie!” a Pegasus mover called overhead.

“No problemo, those are just the empty flower pots I keep around to replace the ones that keep falling!” Pinkie shouted. Both Rainbow Dash and the Pegasus overhead gave Pinkie a confused look, then the mover went back to task and Dash returned to Pinkie’s side.

“Thank Celestia for the Pinkie sense,” Rainbow Dash placed a hand on her tummy.

“Yep!” Pinkie nodded vigorously. When her head stopped shaking she noted how Dash was still looking nervous, and she placed a hoof on her fiancé’s shoulder: “Maybe you should go to Sugarcube corner and relax, Dashie, I can handle everything here.”

“You sure, Pinks?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Of course,” Pinkie literally pushed Rainbow Dash a few meters along the road towards Sugarcube Corner, “go visit with the Cakes and have some snacks. I’ll come get you when we’re all ready to move in!” Rainbow just nodded and trotted off as Pinkie turned back to the crew and began shouting directions at the workers again.

At Sugarcube Corner, Rainbow Dash sought out a small table in the corner away from the hustle and bustle of the lunch crowd. Ponies came and went, most just stopping in to grab some food before heading back to their daily routine. Rainbow Dash just sat, watching ponies come and go for a time before turning her head down and staring at her swollen belly. She placed a hoof over her taut skin and as if in response she felt a tiny hoof press against her belly from within. The Pegasus smiled, that warm motherly feeling she felt the previous night spreading through her again.

“Hey, Rainbow Dash, how are ya?” Rainbow Dash looked up to see Pound Cake standing in front of her, watching the older Pegasus’ movements with a tilted expression.

“Oh, I’m just fine, Pound. How about you?” Rainbow was hoping to avoid any unpleasant topics with the colt.

“I’m but… I wish I could fly,” Pound Cake buzzed his wings, creating a small breeze but unable to even try and levitate himself off the floor.

Rainbow Dash couldn’t help but snicker, which caused the Pegasus colt to glare at her: “What’s funny?”

“Sorry, Pound, I just remembered what it was like for Pinkie the first time she babysat you. You were flying everywhere, climbing on the ceiling, you ever dragged Pinkie up the stairs on your own,” Rainbow Dash laughed out loud.

“If I could fly like that before, why can’t I now?” Pound’s expression became downcast. Rainbow noticed and placed a hoof on the colt’s chin, lifting his gaze to be level with her own.

“Hey now, don’t worry about it. All Pegasus foals can fly like that; it’s how you avoid danger before you’re old enough to recognize it. Your sister can’t use magic on her anymore either, you’ll learn eventually.” Pound just nodded but his expression didn’t brighten. “Tell ya what, when your wings are strong enough I can teach ya how to fly.”

“Really?” Pound Cake perked up almost instantly.

“I taught Scootaloo when she was old enough, so sure I could teach ya.” Rainbow Dash smiled down at the colt who had begun hopping around in a very Pinkie-like fashion.

“Pound Cake, you have chores to do. Now get to it dearie.” Mrs. Cup Cake trotted over and carefully edged her son towards the kitchen, smiling all the while.

“OK mom!” Pound Cake’s attitude wasn’t at all dampened as he hopped back to the kitchen.

Mrs. Cake smiled warmly as she walked closer to Rainbow Dash. “How are you feeling today, Rainbow Dash?”

“Oh, well pretty good. I offered to give your son some flying lessons, when he’s old enough of course,” Dash quickly added.

“That’s very sweet of you, dearie. So tell me, how’s the baby?”

“Oh well…” Rainbow Dash rubbed the back of her head, “The baby kicked last night.”

“Really? May I feel it?” Mrs. Cake asked, her smile somehow growing wider.

“Sure, why not…” Rainbow Dash knew that this was coming eventually, might as well stop trying to avoid the inevitable. The pegasus turned her seat, allowing the older earth pony better access to her tummy.

Cup Cake placed a hoof over Rainbow Dash’s baby bump, giggling when she felt a tiny hoof kick from within. “Goodness, your foal feels quite spirited Rainbow.” Rainbow Dash just nodded, her eyes drifting off to the side.

“Are you alright, dearie?” Cup Cake’s face changed to a look of concern.

Dash sighed. “No, not really.”

“What’s wrong?” Cup Cake pulled a chair over and took a seat next to the pegasus.

“I’m just… I’m just not ready for this… being a mother and everything. I love Pinkie Pie dearly it’s just... how am I supposed to be a mother. I’m not ready for this!” Rainbow Dash raised her hooves and wiped away the tears that had started dripping from her eyes. “Stupid hormones,” she muttered.

“Oh…” Cup Cake nodded and placed a hoof on Rainbow Dash’s shoulder, “Would you like to know something, Rainbow Dash?” The pegasus just nodded. Cup Cake smiled and stroked her hoof along Dash’s back, “No pony is ever ready to be a parent.”

“W-what? But you’re so good with your kids.” Rainbow Dash blinked and rubbed the last of the moisture out of her eyes.

Cup Cake chuckled, “Oh my, Rainbow Dash, we may have learned how to be good parents now but when Pound and Pumpkin were small we were hard pressed to keep up, looking after the store and raising twins who kept having surges of flight and magic kept us on out hoof tips. Thank goodness Pinkie was here to help out.”

“And that she learned how to be responsible,” Rainbow Dash added with a snicker.

Cup Cake smiled and nodded, “Heh, well yes she’s come a long way. But truthfully I was asking myself the same questions you are now, dearie. I was excited to be a mother but I was also a nervous wreck half the time. I couldn’t show the customers, or Pinkie for that matter, but I was up late many night, fretting over whether or not we’d be able to handle raising a foal and running the shop, or if we would be able to afford to raise them, or even if we’d be able to find anypony to foalsit for us if we had to leave for extended periods of time.”

“You’re not helping…” Rainbow Dash said, glaring at the earth pony.

Mrs. Cake smiled weakly, “Just hear me out, Rainbow. It’s difficult and exhausting no matter who you are, but when you see them walk, when they say their first word, or on the day that they finally earn their cutie mark, it’s all worth it.” The earth pony prodded Dash’s tummy which caused the unborn foal to start kicking again, “That’s what you need to understand, in the end it will all be worth it just to raise them and see them grow.”

Rainbow Dash just sat still for a few minutes before smiling. “Thanks, Mrs Cake.”

“You can call me Cup Cake if you’d like, Rainbow Dash, I don’t mind.”

“Oh, well thanks Cup Cake,” Rainbow Dash rubbed the back of her head. It only now that Rainbow remembered just how hungry she was.

Cup Cake seemed to pick up on her customer’s hunger and stepped down from her seat. “Just a minute, Rainbow Dash,” she excused herself and stepped back into the bakery’s kitchen. A minute later Cup Cake emerged with a tray of muffins and set them in front of Rainbow Dash. “There: blueberry, peach and banana muffins.”

“Oh thanks, but I didn’t bring any bits with me,” Rainbow Dash grinned widely, her cheeks going red.

“Don’t worry about paying, Rainbow Dash, you’re practically family,” Cup Cake reassured her. “If you need anything, you can just call us. Now I need to get back to work.” Cup Cake turned and left Rainbow Dash, who promptly dug into the plate of muffins in front of her.

Two hours and three plates of muffins later, Rainbow Dash was finally satisfied. She sat back, sighed and ran a hoof over her tummy but didn’t receive any response from her foal.

A jingle from the opening door caused a pair of excited voices to call out in unison: “Pinkie Pie!” The pink pony was more than prepared to receive the two foals that tackled her and somehow managed to catch them in a big hug without falling over.

“Pumpkin! Pound! How are ya?” Pinkie said while still holding both foals in a tight hug.

“We’re fine!” Pound answered enthusiastically.

“But why are you going away?” Pumpkin asked, giving Pinkie a watery eyed look.

Pinkie just giggled as she set the twins down, “Oh don’t be silly, I’m not going far away. I’m just moving down the street so Dashie and I can have a good place to raise a family.” Neither of the twins seemed satisfied with Pinkie’s words, both still staring up at her with quivering eyes pleading her not to leave.

“Tell ya what, why don’t you two take my room from now on?” Pinkie suggested, hoping to de-fuse the situation.

“Really?” Pound Cake asked hopefully.

“Yep! In fact why don’t you two come with me to meet my sisters tomorrow morning?” Pinkie offered.

“You mean Belle and Maggie?” Pumpkin asked.

“Yep, now I’ve kept you from your work for too long, excuse me!” Pinkie zipped over to Rainbow Dash and gave her a big kiss. “Didja miss me Dashie?” she asked, her eyes beaming into the Pegasus’ face.

“How could I not?” Rainbow Dash replied. Dash slipped off her chair and gave her fiancé a soft nuzzle. Pinkie grinned as she bounced out of Sugarcube Corner with Rainbow Dash close behind her.

“So, whaddy’a think Dashie?” Pinkie asked, hopping excitedly as her fiancé surveyed the room.

“It’s great Pinks, it’s still gonna be weird not living in a cloud home from now on,” Dash answered. She gave Pinkie a smiled, “but still it’s nice.”

“Thank you Dashie,” Pinkie pounced on the pegasus and gave her a big hug, “Now let’s get to bed, we have a big day tomorrow.”

“Good idea,” Rainbow Dash yawned, then trotted up to her new bedroom.

Pinkie Pie fell asleep rather quickly; it was amazing how easily she could sleep considering how hyper she was. Rainbow Dash, on the other hand, couldn’t even try to sleep.

“Pinkie’s sisters are coming to town tomorrow.” The pegasus sighed, “I wish I had somepony who could come to town for our wedding…”

Rainbow Dash’s thoughts were interrupted when she felt a stirring in her tummy. “Can’t sleep either huh?” she asked, rubbing her tummy and receiving a kick in response.

“Is it moving?”

Rainbow Dash practically jumped out of bed when she heard Pinkie’s voice. “I thought you were asleep!”

“I was trying, but I didn’t feel like it just yet. So can I feel?” Pinkie asked.

“What? Oh sure.” Rainbow Dash turned on her side, allowing Pinkie to place her hooves on the pegasus’ tummy. Almost instantly the unborn foal began squirming, causing Pinkie to giggle in response.

“Ooh, you remember me don’t you? What’s it like being reborn? Are you comfy inside Dashie? I guess you aren’t so lonely anymore.”

“Lonely? Oh right, with everything that’s going on I’d forgotten how this started,” Rainbow Dash’s eyes turned to the side and her mouth curved down in uncertainty.

Pinkie took immediate notice and moved closer, more slowly than she normally did. “Are you still mad about this, Dashie?”

Rainbow Dash turned to face Pinkie and managed a weak smile. “I’m not mad, Pinks, I just have a lot on my mind and well, it’s just one more thing.” Rainbow Dash placed her hooves on her own tummy, right next to her fiancé’s. “But it’s alright, I mean everypony deserves a second chance, you gave me one after I ran away…”

“Thank you Dashie,” Pinkie moved in closer and snuggled up against Rainbow Dash. The unborn foal began fidgeting again and Pinkie giggled. “Calm down, we need to sleep,” she mumbled into Rainbow Dash’s mane.

Rainbow Dash managed a smile and wrapped her hooves around Pinkie, snuggling up close against her before falling asleep.

Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Pinkie Pie bounced in place, her eyes and smile wide as the train pulled in. Rainbow Dash was at her side, a weak smile adorning her face but her eyes slightly hooded. All four Cakes stood immediately behind the couple, Cup and Carrot remaining calm while their twin children bounced in rhythm with Pinkie Pie.

“Excited?” Rainbow Dash asked, knowing full well what the answer was.

“You bet’cha Dashie!” Pinkie answered without slowing down in the slightest, “I haven’t seen my family in…” Pinkie stopped in mid-air, her face screwed up in thought, “Umm sixteen months!” Pinkie landed right as the train came to a halt and watched eagerly as ponies filed off the train, her eyes scanning the crowd for her sisters.

As the crowd thinned Pinkie’s expression started to become downcast until she heard a pair of voiced call out: “Pinkie! Over here!” The source of voices were a pair of grown mares, one a rich blue with a light grey mane done up in a bun and the other light grey with a darker grey mane.

“Belle! Maggie!” Pinkie zipped over to the two mares and pulled them into a vice-like hug. “You made it!”

“Of course we did,” the blue mare Belle stroked her sister’s back. “We’d never miss our big sister’s wedding.”

“Pinkie…can’t…breathe!” Maggie strained out.

Pinkie smiled sheepishly and released her sisters from her hug, “Sorry, Maggie, but I’m just so happy to see you. Oh I have two little ponies to introduce you to!” Pinkie bounced over to the Cake twins, standing behind them and placing her hooves on their backs. “This is Pumpkin Cake and Pound Cake, they’re Mr. and Mrs. Cake’s foals.”

“How are they…” Maggie was abruptly cut off by Rainbow Dash.

“Don’t ask, Mags, it’s too complicated to explain,” the pegasus waved her hoof.

“Well it’s nice to see you again Rainbow Dash,” Belle trotted over to Rainbow Dash and gave her a hug. “I’ve got to ask though, how did my sister get you pregnant?”

“That’s a story I would like to hear.” The voice of an older mare came from the direction of the train eliciting a loud gasp from Pinkie Pie.

“M-mom, dad?” Pinkie trotted over to the two older earth ponies much more slowly than she normally moved. “B-but I thought you said you were too old to go travelling.”

“We thought so too,” Pinkie’s father, Clyde Pie, stepped forwards, smiling at his daughter, “But once Margaret and Bellamina told us we couldn’t bear to stay away from your wedding day.”

“Oh mommy, daddy…” Pinkie’s eyes began to water and she threw herself at her parents, giving them a less violent hug than she had given her sisters while softly crying tears of joy.

Rainbow Dash had stepped back while observing the scene, carefully wiping away the tears from her own eyes. Mrs. Cake noticed and walked over to Rainbow Dash, giving her a careful nudge. “Is something wrong, Rainbow Dash?” she asked, concerned.

“It-it’s nothing, Cup Cake, just moved by the moment that’s all,” Rainbow Dash brushed her off. Cup Cake didn’t pursue the topic even while the group of ponies headed back for Sugarcube Corner, Pinkie chatting excitedly about all the adventures she had in Ponyville, especially with Pumpkin and Pound Cake, and going into great detail about how Rainbow Dash had ended up pregnant.

“…and then she said ‘to answer your question form earlier, yes I will marry you!’ and I was happier than I’d been in years!” Pinkie giggled.

“You certainly made the right choice, Rainbow Dash, even if it took you a while. I’m proud of you,” Clyde Pie nodded in the pegasus’ direction.

“Heh, well I just realized where I belonged,” Rainbow Dash waved off the compliment as Pinkie launched into another tale she hadn’t had a chance to write them a letter about.

Rainbow Dash sighed as she watched the family catching up, with Pumpkin Cake and Pound Cake joining in whenever Pinkie’s story was about them. Cup Cake and Carrot Cake exchange worried glances before trotting over and sitting next to the pegasus.

“Are you alright Rainbow Dash?” Carrot Cake asked, his eyes inviting Dash to share what was on her mind.

“I’m fine, just watching a happy family sharing stories.” Rainbow Dash did her best to keep her voice level, but the Cakes could easily hear her voice wavering.

“Are you sure? You could invite your parents to this wedding.” Cup Cake knew she had hit a sensitive spot when Rainbow Dash just slumped forwards on the table, a tear coming out of her eye.

“I don’t think my parents would come even if I could get a hold of them,” Rainbow’s voice was unusually solemn.

“What do you mean dearie?” Cup Cake put a comforting hoof on Rainbow’s shoulder.

Rainbow smiled briefly but sighed again before she continued. “My mom and dad are world travellers… or something like that. As soon as I moved to Ponyville they packed up and started travelling all over Equestria to see the sights and meet ponies. I get a postcard or a letter every so often but by the time they get to me my parents have already moved on.”

“Oh, Rainbow Dash…” Mrs. Cake gave the pegasus a hug which caused Rainbow Dash to smile.

“Does Pinkie know about this?” Mr. Cake asked.

“Yeah, I told her a couple years ago. She wanted to go searching Equestria for them but I told her I didn’t need another loved one lost on a world tour. I love my parents but I just wish they’d been around more often… I haven’t seen them in ten years…”

“You’re not even going to try and invite them to your wedding?” Mr. Cake sounded rather shocked at the idea.

“Even if I could figure out where in Equestria they were, it would be a Luna-blessed miracle if they showed up. Thanks for the support but I’ll be fine.” Rainbow Dash gently pushed Mrs. Cake away and got up, trotting past the door.

“Hey Twilight,” Rainbow Dash muttered as she passed the unicorn, whose state of surprise meant she just nodded as her friend passed her.

“Hi Twilight, how long have you been standing there?” Mr. Cake asked.

“Long enough,” Twilight confessed. “But regardless, I need to speak with Pinkie.”

“Okay, Twilight, what do you need to talk about?” Twilight jumped as Pinkie had suddenly appeared right in her face, something she should have gotten used to by now.

“Well Pinkie, I just need to know who your best mare or stallion is going to be.” Once Twilight asked her question, Margaret and Bellamina stepped up to join their sister.

“So, which one of us is it going to be, Pinkie?” Belle asked hopefully.

“You can think about it for a while if you want,” Maggie added, stepping back slightly and nodding her head towards the youngest sister.

Pinkie noticed Maggie’s actions and nodded, “Well if you don’t mind, I’d like you to be my best mare, Belle.”

“Really?” Belle’s eyes went wide with excitement.

“Of course, I was your best mare so you should be Pinkie’s,” Maggie gave her little sister and encouraging nuzzle.

“Good then, if that’s all I should be going,” Twilight nodded and turned, trotting away to let the Pie family discuss the wedding in further detail.

Rainbow Dash was already out of sight by the time Twilight exited Sugarcube Corner, but that could wait and she began a rather rapid gallop towards the library. “If it’s going to take a Luna-blessed miracle, then I’ll make one happen.”

“Well, what do you think, darling? I spent all night putting the finishing touches on your dress.” Rarity waited nervously as Rainbow Dash surveyed the wedding dress that Rarity had created. The dress’ core was white and covered with rainbow colored glitter, the veil itself was simple and white and the tail was the same rainbow pattern that every dress Rarity had made for her had ever been.

Rainbow Dash couldn’t really describe the finer details of the dress and she admittedly didn’t have much of an eye for fashion but she gave Rarity a reassuring smile: “It looks great, Rare, I’m not much for this kinda stuff but I’m sure every other pony will think it looks fantastic.”

“Of course of course,” Rarity hadn’t expected the same glowing praise from Rainbow Dash that other ponies gave her, but what she had just said was enough. “Now you simply must try it on so I can make any final adjustments before the big day.”

“Well umm, OK,” Rainbow nodded as Rarity pushed her towards the dressing room, magically lifting the dress from the dressing horse as she did so.

“Ugg, this isn’t really all that comfortable!” Rainbow Dash squirmed as Rarity pulled the dress over her.

“Well forgive me, it’s my first time designing such a complex dress for a pregnant mare, but I must say it’s closer to a perfect fit than I would have expected.” Rarity carefully pulled Rainbow Dash’s wings through the holes on the dress’ back then let her magical aura dissipate. “There how does that look?” Rarity turned Rainbow Dash to face the mirror in the dressing room.

Rainbow Dash just stared for a moment before she finally managed to speak, “Wow, I look good.”

“You look absolutely stunning in that dress,” Rarity said, feeling quite pleased with herself.

A bell from the front door grabbed the fashionista’s attention and she turned to exit the dressing room. “I’ll be back to help you undress in a moment, darling.”

Rainbow Dash sat back on her flank as she listened to Rarity give her greeting to the new customers: “Welcome to Carousel Boutique, where everything is: chique, unique and magnifique!”

“You must be Rarity then. Is Rainbow Dash here?” Rainbow Dash recognized the voice and even though she was still in her dress she stepped out of the dressing room to see if she was hearing things.

“Mom! Dad!” Rainbow Dash’s mouth hung open as she saw the two pegasi standing at the door. Her parents were actually here!

Rainbow Dash’s mom was a pink pegasus with a sky blue mane and tail and with one look anypony could tell where Rainbow had gotten her unique look. Rainbow’s father was a larger more sturdily built stallion with brown fur and a mane and tail that matched his daughter’s.

Rainbow’s mother smiled and took a short hop, gliding over to her daughter. “You look beautiful, Rainbow Dash.”

“You certainly clean up nicely,” Rainbow’s father grinned at her.

“Just wait until the wedding. I’ll make her look magnificent!” Rarity proclaimed. The three pegasi weren’t listening to her however.

“B-but how? You here?” Rainbow Dash was stammering as her parents came to her face.

“Well, Princess Luna visited us in a dream three nights ago and told us that you were getting married. I thought it was just a weird dream but when your father told me he had the same we decided to fly here as fast as we could. I see that we haven’t missed it yet.” Rainbow’s mom gave her daughter a reassuring nuzzle.

“Sorry about all this, Dash,” Rainbow’s father rubbed the back of his head with a hoof, “I mean I know we haven’t been the best parents with our travelling and all but…”

“No, it-it’s fine,” Rainbow shook her head, as if trying to shake off the tears that were gathering in her eyes. “But why did Princess Luna tell you that?”

“That was my doing.” Rainbow looked over her parents’ shoulders to see Twilight Sparkle in the doorway of the boutique. “After I heard your conversation with the Cakes I decided to give you a little miracle for your big day.”

“Twilight, that’s just so…” Dash’s lip quivered and suddenly she started crying.

“Oh dear. Pregnancy hormones?” Rarity asked, turning to Twilight with a raised eyebrow.

“Probably, why else would Rainbow Dash be crying?” Twilight said, none to tactfully. “But I came here to check on the rest of the decorations and dresses.

“Oh of course, darling, follow me. I think you’ll like what I’ve done here.” Rarity was about to lead Twilight into her work room, but paused and turned to Rainbow Dash, “You can just leave the dress… on the floor,” Rarity’s voice became one of restrained disgust with the last three words, “and I’ll have it ready for your big day, Rainbow Dash.” Rainbow Dash just nodded in reply, wiping the tears from her eyes.

“So tell us, Rainbow Dash, who’s the lucky mare?” Rainbow’s father gave her a nudge as they trotted through down.

“Her name’s Pinkamena Diane Pie, but everypony calls her Pinkie Pie. We’ve been going out for about five years now but I’ve known her since I moved to Ponyville. She’s fun, lots of fun, and she’s always doing everything to make everypony smile.” Rainbow Dash sighed, a smile adorning her face, “She’s really something else.”

“So then, who’s the father,” Rainbow’s mom nudged her daughter’s baby belly.

“Well umm,” Rainbow Dash grinned nervously, “technically it’s Pinkie Pie.”

“Pardon?” Rainbow’s father was understandably confused.

“It’s a long story, a really long story. Pinkie’s better at telling it than I am.” Rainbow Dash picked up the pace as her new home came into view. “You should really meet Pinkie’s family.” Rainbow Dash darted ahead and pulled the door of her house open.

The living room was oddly subdued when Dash and her parents entered. Pinkie was drinking tea with her family; the sight was surreally calm for their house, until Pinkie saw Rainbow Dash enter.

“Dashie! You’re home!” Pinkie ran over and locked her fiancé in a big hug. “Ooh and these must be your parents!” Pinkie zipped around Rainbow Dash and began shaking the two older Pegasus’ hooves with her own as she introduced herself. “Hi, I’m Pinkie Pie and it’s so nice to meet you. I’d throw you a welcome party but I have so so much to do with the wedding and all so I don’t have time.” Pinkie paused for a breath then gasped, “Oh my, I just remembered! Dashie and me have to go now so why don’t you all get to know each other and we’ll be back later. OK bye!” Pinkie grabbed Rainbow Dash and darted out the door before Rainbow’s parents could even get a word in edgeways.

Rainbow’s father blinked, “She’s certainly energetic.”

“Yes, my daughter certainly is,” Clyde Pie nodded solemnly. “My name is Clyde Pie and this is my wife Roxy.”

“It’s nice to meet you,” Roxy smiled warmly at the two pegasi.

“Likewise,” Rainbow’s mother moved to sit across from the earth ponies, her husband following after her.

It was several blocks before Rainbow Dash recovered her senses enough to dig her hooves into the group, grinding herself to a halt. Pinkie’s momentum, however, continued to carry her forwards until she ended up in a bush on the side of the road.

Pinkie poked her head out of the bush, “Are you alright Dashie?” she asked.

“I’m fine, but what about you? Why did you pull me out of there so fast right when I brought my parents home?” Rainbow asked, still a bit miffed at their sudden departure.

Pinkie giggled as she jumped out of the bush. “Silly Dashie! Did you forget what we had to do today?”

“What? Oh right my ultrasound.” Rainbow Dash grinned and scuffed the ground with her hoof, “Sorry, Pinks, but with my parents showing up out of nowhere it just kinda slipped my mind.”

Pinkie bounced over to Rainbow Dahs and gave her a quick nuzzle, “No worries, Rainbow Dash as long as we get to go now!” Pinkie began dragging the pegasus along, but Rainbow shrugged her off and began trotting under he own power, placing a wing over the pink pony’s back as they headed for the hospital.

“Alright, Rainbow Dash, just hold still a little longer.” Doctor Cardiac magically ran the ultrasound paddle across Rainbow’s tummy. Rainbow Dash shuddered slightly but otherwise held still while Pinkie bounced nearby excitedly.

“Hey Pinks, could ya hold still? I’m afraid you’re gonna crash into something,” Rainbow Dash turned her head sideways and Pinkie stopped in mid-air, coming to rest on the ground a moment later.

“Okie dokie lokie Dashie.” Pinkie nodded before turning her attention to the screen on the ultrasound machine.

“And there we go, that’s your baby,” Doctor Cardiac stepped aside to allow his patients a better look at the monitor. Rainbow Dash could barely make out the fuzzy black and white image and she just squinted. Pinkie, on the other hand, walked slowly around the table and reared up until her eyes were level with the monitor, staring at it with soft eyes.

Pinkie spoke so softly that Rainbow Dash could barely make out what she was saying. “Hi there, can you hear me? I guess you aren’t so lonely anymore. Don’t worry I promise we’ll take good care of you.” Tears began to form in the pink pony’s eyes and she stepped down from the machine.

Rainbow pushed the paddle off her tummy and spoke to the doctor, “Thanks, I think we’re good here.” The pegasus slid off the table and nudged Pinkie who shook her head and gave Rainbow Dash a weak smile before they trotted out of the hospital.

“Hey Pinks, is everything alright?” Rainbow Dash placed a wing over her fiancé’s back and giving her a look of concern.

“I’m fine, Dashie, really!” Pinkie gave Rainbow Dash a big grin, but the pegasus just glared at her. Pinkie sighed then continued, “To be honest, I’m worried if I’m going to be a good mom, or is it dad or… well you get the idea, Dashie.”

“I get it, Pinks, and I’m worried too. But hey, we won’t be alone for this, our friends are here and the Cakes too. We’ll manage, I promise,” Rainbow Dash pulled Pinkie closer under her wing.

“Thanks Dashie, now let’s get back home, I really want to meet your parents for realsies!” Pinkie began bouncing along, completely cured of her worries and Rainbow Dash picked up the pace to avoid being left behind.

“And there you go, Rainbow Dash! How do you feel?” Rarity stepped back and admired her handiwork.

“I feel and look ridiculous,” Rainbow Dash stared at the image in the mirror in front of her of herself in her wedding dress. Rainbow’s hair had been brushed out to its full length and tied off with a red bow, her tail too had been brushed and now it flowed rather than sticking out at funny angles. Rainbow Dash spread her wings and stretched them nervously.

“You look positively divine, Rainbow Dash: mare on her wedding day positively glowing with life!” Rarity turned away and trotted through the door. “Now I have to get to my place and let Twilight know that everything is ready. Oh, you’re daughter is ready and I must be going,” Rarity spoke the final lines to Rainbow Dash’s father, who nodded and entered the dressing tent as soon as Rarity had left.

“You look beautiful, Rainbow Dash,” he complimented his daughter as he stepped up beside her.

“Thanks dad. I really wish I didn’t have to wear this ridiculous getup though,” Rainbow sighed, her head dipping slightly.

“Nervous?” her father asked, raising an eyebrow.

“About marrying Pinkie Pie? No way! I want this dad I really do but… well I’m more worried about the wedding itself. The last time I took part in a wedding all I had to do was wear a fancy dress and perform a sonic rainboom. This time I’m one of the two getting married and I’m worried that something will go wrong.”

“Well as long as Pinkie doesn’t turn out to be the queen of the changelings I think you’ll be fine,” Rainbow’s father chuckled until his daughter’s glare silenced him. “Bad joke?” he asked, grinning while pulling at the tie around his neck.

“Very bad,” Rainbow’s voice was flat, but she brightened up as she continued, “but it means a lot that you and mom are here, thanks.”

“You’re welcome.” He gave his daughter a hug, careful not to wreck her dress. Rainbow and her father separated once they heard the music begin outside. Rainbow took a deep breath, the moment had come.

Rainbow stepped out of the dressing tent into the fading light of the evening on grassy venue they had chosen for the wedding, the illumination aided by rows of lanterns. The pegasus did her best to retain her composure, strolling down the aisle between the benches, her face becoming uncontrollably red with everypony seeing her wearing such an elaborate dress.

Rainbow forced herself to look ahead and smiled at Pinkie Pie, standing up next to the mare in her tuxedo. Belle gave Pinkie a gentle nuzzle as Rainbow Dash approached her. The mayor stood before them with a smile as Rainbow turned to face Pinkie, Rainbow’s Father stepped aside as the mayor began speaking.

“Citizens of Ponyville, we are gathered here today to unite Rainbow Dash and Pinkamena Diane Pie together in marriage. I don’t think I need to go on about how well they are together or even remind you of how they saved Ponyville from a horrifying storm five years ago. I doubt anypony will disagree with this wedding so without further ado…” the mayor nodded to Belle, and Fluttershy and they took the ear cuffs from Spike in their mouths, “I hereby sanctify your union.” The wedding bands easily attached to Pinkie and Dash’s ears; Pinkie grinned from ear to ear and practically pounced on Rainbow Dash, giving her a deep kiss. Rainbow Dash did her best to stay stable, mostly shutting out the sounds of the ponies around her. This was it, she and Pinkie were married.

“You really don’t mind that we left the reception so early?” Rainbow Dash asked as she pushed open the door to their house.

Pinkie gave her new wife a reassuring nuzzle. “Of course not Dashie, if you need to rest then I understand.”

“Thanks Pinks, I know you were looking forwards to that party,” Rainbow Dash trotted over to the stairs with Pinkie right behind her.

“As long as everypony else is having fun I’m happy, especially now that we’re married,” Pinkie grinned as she bounced on ahead and through the open door to their bedroom and easily slipped out of her wedding attire.

“Good to hear, now help me out of this dress so we can have some fun.” Rainbow Dash grinned and waggled her eyebrows.

“Okie Dokie Lokie!” Pinkie darted over and in one quick motion she tore Rainbow Dash’s dress from her leaving it fully intact and lying on the floor.

Rainbow Dash blinked and shook her head, “Pinkie Pie, you are so random.”

“I know!” Pinkie darted in for a kiss and found herself wrapped in the pegasus’ hooves as she returned the kiss. The newlyweds slowly drifted over to their bed kissing softly, Rainbow Dash nibbling Pinkie’s neck and Pinkie stroking over Dash’s wings with her hooves.

The two ponies landed next to each other on the bed, still wrapped in one another as Pinkie whispered softly: “I love you Dashie.”

“I love you too, Pinks,” Rainbow replied.

They had done this many times before but somehow now that they were married it felt special, exactly how they couldn’t discern yet they knew this time their love felt more potent than ever before.

Fluttershy stepped into the hospital’s waiting room. “Sorry I’m late girls, I had to look after a sick bird. How’s Rainbow Dash?”

Twilight looked up from the book she was reading and chewed her lower lip, “Well we haven’t heard anything for a while but there hasn’t been any bad news.”

“Don’t sound so unsure, darling, these things take time,” Rarity nodded sagely.

“Definitely, a baby takes a while to be born even when they decide they wanna be,” Applejack agreed.

“I guess you two would know better than I would.” Twilight sighed and raised her book back in front of her face. Fluttershy didn’t say anything and moved to sit next to Rarity.

The four friends sat in silence for a time, waiting anxiously for news or even noise from the delivery room. Applejack began dozing, eventually leaning on Rarity’s shoulder. Fluttershy did her best to keep still with the only noise being the occasional rustling of paper from Twilight’s book.

The silence was broken by a pain wracked scream from the delivery room. Twilight dropped her book and Applejack shot awake in her seat.

“Sounds like Rainbow Dash is giving birth,” Twilight’s statement of the obvious didn’t even phase her friends as they all crowded around the door to the delivery room, listening to the sounds on the other side. More pained screams greeted them soon after and some words muffled by the door between them and their friend and then… silence.

The four friends exchanged looks of concern and were about to knock on the door when it opened in front of them and Nurse Redheart stepped out. Instantly the nurse and midwife found herself beset by questions.

“How are they?”

“Is Dash alright?”

“How’s the foal?”

“Can we see them?”

“Shhhh!” Nurse Redheart gave the four ponies a stern look that caused them to step back and shut up. Once they were quiet the nurse spoke: “The foal is just fine, but Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash need some time alone. I’ll let you know when you can see them OK?” The four friends nodded wordlessly not wanting to provoke the nurse’s anger again.

“Beautiful…” Rainbow Dash’s voice was just above a whisper as she held the sleeping infant in her hooves.

“It is, Dashie. You did a good job,” Pinkie gave her wife a soft nuzzle, “How do you feel?”

“Tired, but happy,” Rainbow Dash gave Pinkie a smile before kissing her, “Thanks for staying with me.”

“Oh I’d never let you go through this alone, I Pinkie promised I would remember.”

“And no pony breaks a Pinkie promise,” Rainbow Dash finished. Pinkie Pie sighed and looked close and tiny foal swaddled in a blanket, lifting it carefully from Rainbow Dash’s hooves.

“Hi there, you’re so little now but you’re not a ghost anymore… you’re family. Remember me? I’m Pinkie Pie. I guess I’m your dad now,” Pinkie spoke very softly, her eyes looking up and down the sleeping foal.

“So do you have any name ideas?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“I picked a name out long ago,” Pinkie answered, turning to Rainbow Dash she set the foal back down in the pegasus’ hooves and whispered something to her.

Rainbow Dash gave an odd look but finally smiled: “Perfect, just perfect.”

A/N: Well that’s the end of this story. Sorry about the rushed nature of this chapter but in all honesty I was getting tired of working on this and my idea pot had run dry so this last chapter is noticeable rushed. As much fun as I had with this story I want to move on and work on something else but I did enjoy this and I really want to thank ButterscotchSundae (assuming that’s still her screen name) for letting me build off the end of “The Party Hasn’t Ended” for this little margin doodle story. I don’t know if or when I’ll post anything new anytime soon but I hope you had fun reading this.

Also I have no plans to submit this to Equestria Daily, I wrote this for fun and I know there are a lot of technical errors in here but I wrote what I wanted and I don’t really feel like going back and hammering everything into a more perfect shape. Hope you all had fun reading this.