Chapters 01 - Let's Start a Family!
It had been yet another typically, peaceful day in the Crystal Empire as Princess Cadence and Prince Shining Armor readied themselves for what had become a ritualistic and uneventful evening.
“The trainees doing well?” asked Cadence.
“Yep,” replied Shining Armor. “Are the subjects in good spirits?”
Cadence nodded, “Yep.”
The two walked together to the dinner table and took their respective seats.
“Dear,” said Cadence. “Do you ever feel, well, like something’s missing?”
Shining Armor finished chewing his asparagus before replying, “Come to think of it, I would have to say something just doesn’t seem, well, I don’t know.”
Cadence sipped from her goblet and stated, “I’ve been giving something a lot of thought, darling, and I want your honest opinion on it.”
“Certainly!” replied Shining Armor as he focused his attention completely upon his wife.
“Hunny,” she said. “I want to have a foal.”
There was a brief pause as Cadence looked towards her husband in anticipation of his answer.
“A foal?” he replied. “You mean, like, our own baby?”
“Yes,” said Cadence. “The pitter-patter of little hoof steps within the palace would certainly liven things up around here.”
Shining Armor ate some more of his food, dabbed his face with his napkin, and replied, “Well, buttercup. Aren’t you worried our royal duties to the Empire would keep us from giving a foal the love and attention he, or she, needs?”
“Not at all,” said Cadence. “Things have been so peaceful that I think now is the perfect time to have a foal of our very own.”
Shining Armor went to get more food, but Cadence used her magic to put it back down on his plate as she wanted to hear an answer that wasn’t thought out. She wanted to hear exactly how her husband felt about having a foal with her.
He laughed as he faced his wife and said, “You make a good point, darling.”
Cadence smiled.
“Then its settled,” she said. “And won’t our subjects just be so pleased to see a young princess. Or, princesses!”
Shining Armor gulped at the thought of what chaos would come of having multiple foals. Though, a Shing Armor Jr. was starting to pique his interest.
After dinner, Cadence and Shining Armor made their way to the Royal Bed Chamber.
“It was nice of Flash Sentry to handle the rest of your Royal Guard duties tonight,” stated Cadence as she seductively flipped about her tail and shook her flank.
“It was,” agreed Shining Armor as his eyes closely followed his wife’s every move.
“Ready, dear?” asked Cadence as she used her magic to make her mane and tail flow as eloquently as Celestia’s or Luna’s. She then used more magic to fill the bed chamber with ethereal light that gave the room a feel as if they were alone under the stars.
“You look so beautiful,” complimented Shining Armor.
“One more thing,” said Cadence as she closed her eyes. “I want this to be special so we never forget this night.”
Shining Armor watched as his wife conjured up a spell that basked her horn in pastel pink and blue swirls.
“Our foal,” she said as the colors swirled about her horn. “Our foal shall be conceived through the unbreakable bonds of our friendship and unconditional love for each other.”
Shining Armor watched as his wife’s magic became a cloud of sparkling, pink and blue mist that slowly engulfed the two of them.
“Cadence,” he said as he felt his emotions turn completely towards all his wife had just described. He loved her and that love was what he wanted to give her through the most ultimate act of affection. An act that would bring about a new life for both to treasure forever and ever.
“Ready, darling?” she asked while levitating Shining Armor on top of the bed.
“Ready,” he replied as he extended his hooves to welcome his wife who, with flowing mane and tail, gently flew down upon the stallion of her dreams.
Author's Note
A simple story written to help rekindle my creative spark.
02 - Am I Ready to be a Father?
The Equestrian Games were at an end. Now, at last, Cadence and Shining Armor could focus on preparing themselves for the forthcoming birth of their foal.
“How’s daddy’s, little prince doing?” asked Shining Armor towards his wife’s belly.
“Sorry, hunny,” said Cadence. “But you’re addressing a young princess.”
Shining Armor faced his wife and smiled.
“What’s wrong with having a boy?” he asked.
“Because she’s a filly,” replied Cadence.
That night, the Royal OBGYN met with Cadence and Shining Armor to discuss what to expect when the princess delivered her foal.
“Cadence is going to be in a lot of discomfort at first,” he said to the couple. “So, Shining Armor, it is up to you to do all you can to care for your foal while Cadence recovers.”
Shining Armor put his hoof upon Cadence’s and gave her a concerned look.
“I’ll be fine,” stated Cadence. “Mares have given birth since before the dawn of Equestria.”
“But,” he said.
Cadence gave her husband a nuzzle on his muzzle.
“Everything will be fine, dear,” she said while rubbing her tummy. “It’ll all be worth it when Princess Harmony comes into this world and officially joins our royal family.”
“You mean, Prince Steadfast Sparkle, right?” asked Shining Armor.
“Oh, sweetie,” stated Cadence. “Just accept that we’re having a filly.”
Shining Armor shrugged and smiled. This wasn’t the time for one of their ‘Colt / Filly’ discussions.
“Now,” stated the OBGYN. “My assignment for both of you is to read the books I’ve given you on raising a foal. This will help you understand what it is like for them so you can best meet their needs until your foal is able to verbalize them to you.”
“Will do, doctor,” stated Shining Armor.
“Alright,” the OBGYN said. “I’ll see you two next week at the same time. If you should need anything, Princess Cadence, do not hesitate to send word for me.”
“Thank you, doctor,” said Cadence.
That night, after making Cadence a hay and pickle sandwich, Shining Armor took to his book and started reading.
“There’s just so much t know,” said Shining Armor. “And Cadence is counting on me.”
The prince continued to flip through the pages. His anxiety rising as he remembered how Cadence was due in just a matter of weeks and how she was counting on him to be a good father and how he felt totally unprepared.
He had some experience with foals by being Twilight’s older brother. However, a lot of the material in the book was things he either never heard of, or that his mom and dad did for Twilight.
“I can’t fail Cadence,” he stated. “She’s counting on me and I’m not going to let her down.”
“Is that you, dear?” asked Cadence as she entered into the Royal Study. “How are you doing?”
Shining Armor groaned in frustration before doing his best to turn and smile at his wife.
“What’s bothering you, dear?” asked Cadence.
“I,” he said. “I, well. I just.” He then just stated, “I don’t feel I’m ready to be a father.”
“What?” asked Cadence. “Why do you say that?”
Shining Armor used his magic to levitate the book he was reading and flipped the numerous pages of it at a rapid pace.
“There’s just so much to know!” he exclaimed. “What if I drop him? What if he stops breathing and I’m not there? What if-“
Shining Armor was cut off by Cadence embracing him.
“I think someone just needs to get his rest,” she said.
“I can’t rest!” he insisted. “Not when I’m so unprepared!”
“Oh, darling,” she said. “You were a wonderful, big brother to Twilight. Raising our filly will be no different.”
“You did more with her,” stated Shining Armor. “I was off at school training for The Canterlot Royal Guard while you foal sat.”
Cadence watched as a tear formed in Shining Armor’s eye.
“Dear,” she said. “You really need to relax.”
“I can’t!” he sniffled. “Not knowing how I am as unprepared to be a husband and father as I was for the changeling queen’s invasion.”
Cadence sighed and this made Shining Armor immediately try to stop making things all about him.
“I’m sorry, darling,” he said. “I don’t mean to stress you out. You don’t need my problems when you are already doing so much for our foal.”
“You know,” said Cadence. “Maybe I could use my magic to help soothe you and remind you of what a good, big brother you were?”
“Huh?” asked Shining Armor.
“You feel like you are not ready because you are so caught up in training the guard and caring for me that you’ve forgotten about just how wonderful of a big brother you were to Twilight. My magic can help you remember those positive feelings that made you a great, big brother and, soon, a wonderful dad.”
“Sure,” he said. “So long as using your magic doesn’t put any pressure on you, or the foal.”
“Don’t worry,” stated Cadence as she began to conjure her spell. “This one’s a piece of cake.”
Shining Armor suddenly felt himself growing very tingly as his thoughts seemed to shift from panic to something else. Something that felt pleasant. Something that felt safe. Something that felt like…
*THUD*
Author's Note
Is any pony really ever ready to be a parent?
03 - Shining Smarty Pants
“Sweetie,” panicked Cadence. “Oh, please be okay.”
Shining Armor’s eyes fluttered open and his focus quickly feel upon his wife’s beautiful face.
“Cadence?” he asked. “Are you babysitting me today?”
Cadence said nothing.
“Oh!” exclaimed Shining Armor. “I love it when you foal sit me!”
Shining Armor leapt to his feet and faced his wife with a look of pure joy.
“Sunshine! Shunshine!” he exclaimed while bouncing into the air. “Ladybugs awake! Clap your hooves and do a little shake!”
Cadence was at a loss.
“Cadence?” asked Shining Armor. “Is something wrong? You haven’t forgotten our special greeting, have you?”
Cadence watched as her husband went through all the motions of what had become her and Twilight’s special greeting for each other.
“Oh!” she said. “Sorry. I just, uh, had a big day today and completely forgot.”
“No worries, silly!” exclaimed Shining Armor. “I’ll show you.”
Cadence watched as her husband, like the young, Twilight Sparkle she foal sat, went about meticulously explain how to do each motion of their special greeting.
“Ready?” asked Shining Armor in a tone frightenly similar to how young Twilight would ask after she went a longwinded discussion on how to play a simple, board game.
“Ready,” said Cadence as she and her husband did the special greeting together.
“So,” asked Shining Armor as he moved alongside Cadence. “What are we going to do together today?”
Cadence didn’t know what to say. Her mind was too busy trying to figure out what had happened and how to reverse the effects of it.
“I know!” exclaimed Shining Armor upon seeing Cadence’s open wardrobe. “Let’s play dress up!”
“Uh, yeah,” said Cadence as she watched her husband begin to frantically go through her dresses.
“How do I look, Cadence?” he asked as he winked his eyes, tilted his head, and showed off a purple gown he had accessorized with a sapphire encrusted tiara.
“Wonderful,” she replied while trying to hold back a giggle.
“Hey!” exclaimed Shining Armor. “How about we pretend to do homework now?”
Cadence didn’t get a chance to say a word as Shining Armor went about tearing their room apart in search of what, no doubt, was Smarty Pants.
“What’s all my brother’s stuff doing around here?” asked Shining Armor. “Mom must’ve mixed up our stuff again. That’s why I always tell her to she needs to keep a list. So she doesn’t forget whose things are whose.”
Cadence knew her magic had accidently put the thoughts and memories of young Twilight into her husband’s mind. Though, reversing the effect so that she wouldn’t do any damage to her husband’s memory would pose a real trick.
“Are you looking for Smarty Pants?” asked Cadence.
“Yeah!” cried Shining Armor. “I can’t pretend to do homework with you without her!”
Cadence waited until her husband’s back was turned to put a spell on one of her plush animals that transformed it into an exact replica of Smarty Pants.
“Found her!” she exclaimed whle hovering the toy in the air. “She’s even got her quill and notepad.”
“Alright!” exclaimed Shining Armor as he came closer and used his magic to bring Smarty Pants into his hooves for a big hug. “Ready to do some homework?”
Foal Twilight was a handful and having her husband thinking that he was his sister definitely made for an even greater challenge.
“I really wish we could go to the park,” said Shining Armor as he magically walked Smarty Pants alongside him towards the window. “But, it’s too dark and mom says that I can’t play outside when the moon is out.”
“And you’re mom is right,” stated Cadence.
“Where is mom?” asked Shining Armor. “Better yet, where’s my BBBFF and my dad?”
There was an awkward pause as Cadence tried to think of something before her husband went as crazy as Twilight did when things didn’t go according to her daily routines.
“They’re at your brother’s school!” she proclaimed. “Shining Armor had, uh, a conference. Yeah! Your mom and dad told me they wouldn’t be back until after your bedtime and that I was to tuck you into bed.”
“Oh,” said Shining Armor. “My brother is so amazing. Did I ever tell you about how he showed me how to fly a kite?”
“How about you tell me as we get you in for your bath?” suggested Cadence.
“Okay!” cried Shining Armor. “Can Smarty Pants come, too?”
“Of course,” she replied.
It was a most awkward experience drawing bathwater for her husband as he kept going on-and-on about the proper way to fly a kite. It was even more awkward having to talk to him like she did when she foal sat Twilight.
“I can’t wait to go to school!” exclaimed Shining Armor as Cadence dried him off. “I’ll get just as smart as you and be able to write down complete lists on how to do everything so that no pony forgets what needs done and when!”
Cadence couldn’t help but chuckle at how true this statement was to present day Twilight.
“So,” said Shining Armor. “Now it’s time to brush our teeth and get ready for bed.”
“Right,” said Cadence as she levitated her husband’s toothbrush to him.
“This isn’t my toothbrush,” said Twilight. “That one looks like my dad’s.”
Cadence had to work her magic again. So, after telling Shining Armor to check to make sure the tub had properly drained, she mystically manipulated her husband’s toothbrush into what she could remember Twilight’s used to look like.
“Yep!” stated Shining Armor. “The tub has drained just as it should. No clogs!”
“Great,” said Cadence as she brought the toothbrush with toothpaste on it to her husband. “Now brush your pearly whites nice and good!”
Once Cadence had gotten through helping Shining Armor brush his teeth, comb his mane, and given him a glass of water, it was time to finally put him to bed.
“Bedtime is at 8:00,” stated Shining Armor. “But the clock says its 11:00.”
“Oh!” said Cadence as she used her magic to hide the clock. “It just needs wound.”
“Oh,” said Shining Armor as he allowed Cadence to put a gown and night cap on him. It was one of Cadence’s, of course, and it was royal blue and very soft.
“I feel like a princess,” said Shining Armor.
“You are,” replied Cadence as she began to pull the covers over her husband.
“Wait!” he cried. “What about my Smarty Pants?”
Cadence had almost forgotten how Twilight, for as smart as she was for a foal, had some bedwetting issues in which she was working on overcoming. To make her feel better about having to wear a diaper at night, her mom and dad came up with the idea of calling the diaper her ‘Smarty Pants’ that, if she woke up dry, showed the rest of her body was getting just as smart as her brain.
Thinking fast, Cadence brought over a blanket that looked very much in design like the pants in which the actual Smarty Pants toy wore and wrapped the fabric around his waist in such a way that would allow it to work just like the ups-and-downs diapers Twilight’s parents would get for their daughter.
“Perfect,” yawned Shining Armor. “Kiss goodnight and then off to dreamland.”
Cadence kissed her husband and watched as he cuddled into the Smarty Pants toy she had made for him. It was actually kind of cute, but still far too strange to allow to continue past the night. After all, what would the Royal Guard think if their leader came out with a stuffed animal with bows in his mane and tail?
Cadence gave Shining Armor one last kiss, reminded him of where the bathroom was so he could show how much of a ‘Smarty Pants she was’, and left the Royal Bed Chamber to research a proper counterspell so that the next day wouldn’t start out with a full grown stallion in foal-filly mode.
Author's Note
Some memories are best kept as memories.
