Gifts Of Friendship

It had been 11 months since that night of terror had happened to Derpy. 11 months since Dash had laid down her life to save her, and given the grey mare perfect sight, with a chance to start a better life.

It had also been 11 months since she’d found out she had been impregnated by her attacker…

At first, she was mortified. Pregnant? She simply was not ready for another foal.

She wasn’t sure if she’d EVER be ready again.

Abortion was suggested to her by Rarity and Applejack, but she shot down that option with an angry force. She wasn’t the Almighty Pony in the sky. Granted, she could carry life, but she felt that the process of making one was a miracle, something that she couldn’t do. It was not this little one’s fault how it came to be, and she had no right to take the chance to live away. She did however, not want this foal to look like the father. For some reason, in this day and age, the children would spark an uncanny resemblance to their fathers. So, she went to Princess Twilight Sparkle for assistance.

“While I’m not able to create life, I am however able to change the course of it.”

Derpy’s eyes watered, “As long as you can do anything to make sure this little one doesn’t look like it’s horrible father.” She looked away, “I have nothing against my foal…but the pain is still too great.”

Twilight nodded in understanding, “I can assure you, they will look nothing like him. However…” she smirked, “Even I will not know what this young one will look like.” her eyes started to glow as did her hoof as she placed it on Derpy’s stomach. The touch was warm and soothing.

“A little bit of magic…blended with the pure, never-ending love of a mother, will decide the foal’s appearance.”

Derpy was snatched from her flashback as pain surged through her. Why in the name of the Princesses did she choose a natural, medicine-free birth?

“Sweet horsechips, ya got one hell of a grip, girl!!!” Applejack squeaked out.

Derpy released her vicegrip on the Earth Pony’s hoof. She didn’t even realized she had grabbed it.

The pain flared through her again. She grabbed Rarity’s shoulders and brought her close. The white Unicorn’s face scrunched up.

“My word, this is most unbecoming of a lady-”

“Get it out….NOW!!”

"-But I am more than willing to let this act slide!”

Fluttershy cupped Derpy’s cheeks and turned her head so their muzzles met.

“Look at me,” the canary colored Pegasus commanded. Derpy turned to her.

“Breathe in, push, breathe out.” Fluttershy spoke softly.

Derpy followed her commands slowly, then repeated them. She continued this process, hearing nothing but the steady beating of her heart.

And then it came.

Pain that rocked her world and sent it to new levels. She let out a final scream, her world spiraling to black.

-MLP-

She woke up, alone.

Why was she in her hospital room alone? What had happened to her friends? She panicked and rapidly pressed the 'nurse call' button. Nurse RedHeart trotted in.

“You’re finally awake!” she said in a cheerful tone.

“Where is my foal? Where are my friends?”

RedHeart smiled, “Your daughter is in the nursery-”

...Did she say 'daughter'?...

“-ends are in the waiting room. We wanted to wait until you were awake to bring all of them in. I’ll go call for them and bring your daughter in now.”

She stepped out of the room to go and get the others. The Mane Five quickly found their places to stand in the room.

“Darling, you did fabulously…” Rarity said with a soft smile.

“Not a single problem! Although...” Pinkie looked over at Applejack's slightly bruised eye. “Her face isn’t totally okie-dokey-lokey.”

Derpy gasped, “I did that?!”

“That last bit of hurtin’ sent ya in a whirl,” Applejack started to explain, “Not only do ya got grip, but ya got a powerful upperhoof punch. Ah'd hate tah tangle with ya." She chuckled, “But worry about me none. Ah’m fine.”

Derpy’s ears drooped, “I’m still really sorry…”

“It’s fine, Sugarcube.”

Fluttershy pulled Derpy into a hug and leaned into her ear,

“You’re amazing, Jo.” She whispered softly, “We are all so proud of you. I know Dashie would be too…”

Derpy smiled to the point of it hurting, “Thank you, for that…”

Nurse RedHeart walked back into the room, a wadded ball of what appeared to be cloth on her back,

“She was very cold for some reason…” RedHeart said. “Her body temperature was 20% cooler than it should’ve been, but a few blankets around her, and she was fine.” She stepped closer to Derpy, “Here is your little wonder, Ms. Joleigh.”

Derpy took the bundle into her forelegs and cradled it. The only thing visible were the foal’s sleeping eyes. Derpy looked up at RedHeart.

“Is it safe to unwrap her?”

RedHeart nodded and smiled, then took her leave from the room. Derpy looked back down and slowly unwrapped the blankets. She could finally see the little one’s furry muzzle. Derpy smiled as she took note that her coat was almost the same color as the Pegasus who bore the Element of Loyalty. She pulled the little bit of cloth left covering her daughter’s head. Everypony gasped in utter shock.

Her mane consisted of the rainbow.

The tears instantly sprung forth as she continued unwrapping the foal. Her tail matched her mane. She ran her hoof through the prismatic mane as the tiny filly started to tremble before stretching. Her little wings fluttered as she let out a yawn. Her eyes flickered open and she looked up at her mother.

Cerise orbs that had flecks of wheat-gold within them, reminding Derpy of her old eyes.

The filly smacked her lips and smiled, reaching up for the grey Pegasus. Derpy let out a happy sob and held her close. Twilight stepped closer, catching the foal’s attention. The child cooed and reached out a hoof to her. Twilight smiled and let the hoof touch her muzzle.

“Hello there little one, and welcome to Ponyville…” she spoke softly. “We were all very anxious to finally meet you.” The others scooted closer as she continued, each placing a hoof on her tiny body. “This world is big and dangerous, and it's going to seem scary. But don't worry, we will keep you safe.” She gently ruffled the filly’s mane, much to her delight. “You come into this world with a loving mother and aunts. And, as you get older, you will find good friends to stand by your side. I know you will be a strong one, for you will forever be carrying the blessings of the Princesses of the Sun, the Moon, of Love, and of Magic." A giggle from the foal made her smile grow. "So welcome, child of Joleigh. Welcome to the world-” she stopped and looked up at the filly’s mother. The others turned to her too, all asking the silent question of what Derpy was going to name her daughter. The flying pony looked down at her filly, eyes locking with the beautiful and curious orbs. The filly smiled a cheeky, toothless grin that only made Derpy solidify the thought of what she was about to name her,

“Welcome to the world, my little Rainbow Dash…”