"WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!"

That was all I could say at that point. Those three words, especially the last one, surprised me heavily. Zecora just said she was with-foal, and that meant I was going to be a father. I didn't know how to react to it. I didn't know if I was supposed to be happy, if I was supposed to be sad, or if I was to react at all. Zecora and I were going to be parents in just nine months.

"You're what?!?!?!", I asked.

"I'm pregnant!", Zecora said, "The 'activity' you and I performed has made me pregnant!"

"I... I... I...", I said, stammering hard, "Are-Are you sure you are?!"

"I assure you the answer is yes", Zecora said, "It came from Nurse Redheart and this pregnancy test". She picked up a slightly-moist pregnancy test from her nightstand and held it out to me. I grabbed it with my magic, seeing "+" on the monitor. It was as clear as day at that point. I was going to be a dad.

"I... I don't believe this!", I said, "I'm going to be a dad!" At that point, Mom came into the room.

"Is everything alright in here?", she asked, "I heard loud commotion going on".

"Look", I said, giving the pregnancy test to Mom. Mom looked at it, gasped hard, and dropped it.

"Is that what I think it is...?", she said, "Is that... Does that mean...?"

"Yes!", I said, getting happy, "Zecora and I are going to have a foal!" Tears came to Mom's eyes as she hugged me very tight.

"Yes!", she screamed, "I'm so proud of you Sweetie! I'm so proud!" She planted multiple kisses on my cheeks, so happy for me. "I'm about to have a little royal grandchild in a few months!" Not only was I going to be a father, but Mom was going to get her wish as well, and she was acting as if she had won the lottery.

"Celestia, this is good news, I assure", Zecora said, "But I have never been with-foal before. If it is not too much to ask, may I have some help with this task?" Mom smiled through the tears in her eyes.

"Of course you may", she said, using her magic to close the door, "Have a seat please". Zecora and I sat in our mini-sofa and Mom sat in between us, wiping a few excess tears from her face and facing Zecora first.

"Now", Mom said, "You may know that pregnancy is the hardest, and most painful experience a mare will have in her life. This is true, but there is a difference. You are holding an Alicorn child, and the side effects are about 100 times stronger. Cravings, frequent excretions, drowsiness, stomach aches, and... arousal... will happen at anytime. And just a little warning, when contractions happen, they will be very painful, but you must not panic".

"Why not?", Zecora asked.

"Because you are carrying an Alicorn", Mom said, "An Alicorn's horn is longer and sharper than a normal Unicorn's. You must remain as calm and relaxed as you can, because should you perform too much violent movement, the foal's horn may impale your uterus, deceasing your foal and making you impossible to ever have another one". Zecora gasped hard, tears coming to her eyes again. I could sense so much fear in her, and she had every right to be scared. The slightest violent movement would kill our unborn child, plus stop Zecora and I from ever having another one. Anyway, Mom pulled her into a very gentle cuddle as Zecora cried into her coat.

"Shh...", Mom said, "It's alright, Zecora. I know you're scared, but Luna and I will help you get through this until it's time for the birth". Zecora looked up at Mom and nodded. "Now, go wash your face and meet me in my bedchamber so you and I may speak alone". Zecora got up and very slowly walked across the hall to Mom's bedchamber as Mom faced me.

"Now, as for you", she said, "You will have to make sure your wife stays calm at all times. During her pregnancy, she will have strong arousal and urges, but you must refuse to satisfy her".

"Oh...", I said, feeling a bit disappointed.

"I know it's hard to refuse intercourse for nine months", Mom said, "Especially if you're asked. But that is considered violent movement, and like I have previously explained, that could injure Zecora and kill your child".

"I understand, Mom", I said, "It's just a little disappointing".

"Of course it is", Mom said, "But it is very much worth it. You're child is about to be the first ever interspecies-Alicorn, which will, once again make history".

"I know", I said, "But I'm going to be a father. How would that work? What if the foal doesn't like me or has problems getting attached to me?"

"We will cross that bridge once we get to it, Sweetie", Mom said, "For now, you must keep your wife calm so you can have the foal". I smiled and hugged Mom.

"Thanks for your support, Mom", I said.

I then got up from the sofa and began walking out of the room. I may have been a little happy, but I was even more worried. I didn't know anything about taking care of a foal, and I wasn't going to stand a chance around my son or daughter if I couldn't take care of him or her. I could've just asked Mom or Auntie Luna, but they needed to help Zecora more than me, so I decided to visit one of my closest friends to see if he knew anything. First, I walked out into the front yard of the Castle to get Abigail. I found her with her head sticking out of a dug hole in the ground, a hairy leg sticking out of her mouth.

"I take it you caught the centipede, correct?", I asked. She giggled and swallowed.

"Not only that!", she said, "I even caught a baby tarantula also! Today's my lucky day!" She licked both paws.

"Well, good job", I said, "So, I have to visit the Griffon Kingdom now. Would you care to come?"

"Sure!", Abigail said, "That place is crazy rich in bugs! Plus, I'd go anywhere you go!" I blushed a bit with flattery. Abigail was like Spike to Twilight, loyal and trustworthy. Anyway, I placed the skunk on my back and flew quickly to the Griffon Kingdom.

Thirty minutes later...

"So, you want to know a little something about parenthood, correct?", the Griffon King, Gilbert Griffon asked me, chewing a piece of bacon. I was sitting with Gilbert in his bedchamber, and we were sharing a feast of meats. I was eating as much as I wanted, but was using my magic to weaken the effects, not wanting to suffer another addiction.

"That is correct", I said, "My Princess is with-foal, and I do not know much about raising one. I figured since griffons are known for common mating seasons, you would know a little something about taking care of a foal, or cub I should say". Gilbert smiled.

"Then you've come to the right place, Sir Sparkle", he said. Of course, we both were Royals, but since we were Royals of two different species, we had to use half-formal titles. "This griffon has fertilized a total of 300 eggs, even though I have only gotten to keep one".

"Wait, how is that possible?", I asked.

"Well, most of the eggs were just for the females or males who wanted cubs without mating", Gilbert said, "And other times, the eggs were placed in the adoption center".

"So you just take a request from a random female griffon and mate to help fertilize her eggs?", I asked, "And then, when those eggs are laid, you abandon them?"

"That pretty much sums it up", Gilbert said, "It's better to place the eggs in a place they may be taken in rather than to destroy premature embryos and waste my precious sem-"

"We're getting off-task here, Sir Griffon", I said, cutting him off.

"Right", he said, "Anyway, the most I can tell you is the process of carrying, since actually raising a foal and cub are two different scenarios. Now, a female during pregnancy can be even worse than a female going through her feminine cycle, if you know what I mean". I nodded. "She may be happy at one point, and then very ticked at another. Sometimes, you gotta stay out of her way, period".

"So what happens when the foal is ready to be born?", I asked.

"Any foal or cub, especially a Royal one, can take several hours to be born", Gilbert said, "When my Queen was still alive, it actually took her seventeen hours to lay just one egg".

"I see...", I said, "So that's how Gilda was born, correct?"

"Yes, Sir Sparkle", Gilbert said, "My sweet daughter, Gilda, hatched from her egg just six months after being laid. She was so innocent and adorable when she was a cub. But she's a teenager now, and it's sad that I must see my little lioness grow up". That's when the door to the bedchamber opened up and Gilbert's daughter, Gilda, walked in.

"Dad...", she said, "Were you talking about me again?"

"I was just saying it's sad that I must see you grow up", Gilbert said, cuddling his daughter. Gilda may have been fifteen, but I knew for a fact that she loved her father's cuddles.

"Daaaaad...", she mumbled very low.

"Hello, Gilda", I said, finishing my third steak. Gilda looked at me and smiled.

"Hey, Sir Sparkle", she said, hugging me also. The alliance between griffons and ponies was very strong, which is why ponies and griffons easily became friends. Anyway, I smiled and returned the hug.

"How's everything?", I asked.

"Fine", Gilda said, letting go, "It's awesome of you to come by".

"Well, I was just asking Sir Griffon about some parenthood advice", I said, "My Princess is with-foal". Gilda smiled.

"Congrats", she said. I stood up from the table.

"Well, thanks for everything, Sir Griffon", I said. He smiled and shook my hoof with his talons.

"It's no problem", Gilbert said, "And please, take these steaks as a token of my thanks". I smiled and accepted the two remaining steaks on the plate. After that, I walked outside to find Abigail, who had been searching for bugs all the time. I found her out in the open, laying on her back, groaning. Her stomach was a bit bloated than usual, and she looked similar to a mini-beach ball. I giggled and picked her up.

"Get enough to eat?", I asked.

"*groan* Uh-huh", she said, "It was like an *burp* all-you-can-eat buffet down there *burp*". I giggled and placed her on my back.

"Glad you got enough", I said, "Just... please don't go to the bathroom on my back. If you need to go, please tell me, alright?"

"*burp* I will... Glitter", she said, "I think I just *burp* have gas right now". Abigail forced herself to roll over onto her bloated tummy, passing a bit of gas from her other end as she did. "Excuse me".

"That's alright", I said, petting the top of her head, "Alright, let's go".

After Abigail comforted herself on my back, I flew to Ponyville to ask another friend, flying slow to make sure that Abigail didn't fall of. Once I got to Ponyville, I flew into the Everfree Forest to look for the Ursa Major. She was in her cave, nursing Ursa Minor.

"Ursa Major?", I asked. She looked up at me, smiling.

"Hello, Glitter Sparkle", she said. The Ursa Minor unlatched from his mother and smiled at me also.

"Hey, it's you!", he said.

"My name is Glitter", I said, sitting on the ground in front of the Ursas, "And nice to see you again, Ursa Minor". He smiled and walked over to me, laying himself on his back in my lap. Only about a twenty-fourth of his body was actually in my lap, but I guess it worked

"Tummy rub, please?", he cutely asked. I smiled and stretched my front leg the highest it went, rubbing his large stomach with my hoof. It was more of like his ribcage-region, but I think it still satisfied him as he sighed in delight with a smile.

"Well, it seems Minor likes you as much as I do", Ursa Major said, "Maybe even a little more".

"It's great to have the respect of two of the most vicious creatures in Equestria", I said, "Trust me, I'd rather be on your side than against you". Ursa Major giggled as I gave Ursa Minor a small nuzzle. "Oh, and this is my friend Abigail".

"Hi", Abigail said.

"Well, aren't you a cute little skunk?", Ursa Major said, very lightly petting the top of Abigail's head with her claw.

"I didn't know Ursas were so huge!", Abigail said, resting herself on Ursa Minor's hind paw, "And I mean that by height". Ursa Major giggled.

"I know", she said, "But we're completely harmless if not provoked, as Glitter already knows. Anyway, what brings you to our cave?" I sighed and looked right into Ursa Major's eyes. Luckily, she was laying on her stomach, because if she was sitting, I would have to look way up at her. Ursa Minor was already four-times larger than I was, and I was as tall as Auntie Luna, so imagine how high I had to look up at Ursa Major when she was sitting. I still had to look up at her though, because she was still thirty hooves tall just laying down.

"Well, remember that zebra I told you I was in love with a few months ago?", I asked.

"Yes", Ursa Major said.

"Well, she's my wife now, and we returned from our honeymoon two months ago", I said.

"Aww...", Ursa Major said, "Well congrats, Glitter".

"Thank you", I said, "But, here's the thing: Zecora and I... made love... during our honeymoon, and she's now with-foal".

"Oh my!", Ursa Major said, "You must be so proud! The first-ever Royal Couple will soon be a family!"

"Actually, the second", I said, "My best friend and cousin were the first".

"Right...", Ursa Major said, "I was close anyway". I chuckled.

"Anyway", I continued, "I am happy about become a parent, but I am also worried. I don't know much about taking care of a foal, and I was wondering if you knew anything, since you have a son".

"Of course I do", Ursa Major said, "I've had Minor for several years, and we're both still young".

"If you don't mind me asking", I said, "How old is the age for an adult Ursa?"

"Newborn-2,999 years is baby, 3,000-5,999 is cub, and 6,000+ is adult", Ursa Major said, "I am 8,493, and Ursa Minor is 2,084".

"Wow", I said.

"Now, how much would you like to know?", Ursa Major asked.

"Well, I've already been told about carrying", I said, "So I was wondering if you could tell me about raising".

"Sure", Ursa Major said, "Minor, would you please go outside for a little bit? Mommy has to have a grown-up talk with Glitter".

"OK, Mommy", Ursa Minor said, standing up.

"Abigail", I said, "Why don't you go keep Ursa Minor some company? I'm sure he would love to play with you".

"I would!", Ursa Minor said.

"Alright, I will", Abigail said, "I need to work off that big meal I had anyway". Abigail and Ursa Minor left the cave.

"So, shall I start?", Ursa Major asked.

"Sure", I said, "I'm all ears".

"Well, you may have heard that taking care of a baby is no piece of cake, and that's true", Ursa Major said, "Babies are young species who have no idea what is happening until they're about two. Now, the most annoying thing about having a baby is its sleep schedule will not agree with yours. Trust me, I've had to wake up at ungodly hours to feed Minor or change him or rock him back to sleep, and sometimes, he wouldn't go back to sleep and I would have to stay up and keep him company".

"I see", I said, "So, the crying. Is that something that you're able to get used to?"

"It may take about seven months to get used to the crying", Ursa Major said, "The only thing a baby can do for attention is cry and whine. Minor sometimes wouldn't stop crying, no matter what. You may never know why the baby is crying, but it won't stop until it's satisfied".

"OK", I said.

"And, it's very important to handle a baby with extreme care", Ursa Major said, "Just the slightest bit of carelessness can seriously injure a baby. They are highly sensitive, and bones can be easily broken. Even Minor has to be cautious".

"Alright", I said.

"Now, I'm afraid that's all I can tell you", Ursa Major said, "I cannot explain how to change a diaper or feed a baby a bottle. I'm pretty sure a small pony foal doesn't wear Ursa-sized diapers or use water-silos as bottles".

"Good point", I said, "You told me enough, so I thank you, Ursa Major". Ursa Major smiled.

"You're welcome, Glitter", she said, "But I recommend reading a book or magazine so you will be ready". I nodded as Ursa Minor and Abigail returned.

"That was a good game of tag", Abigail said.

"Yeah!", Ursa Minor said, "You were so fast!"

"Have fun?", I asked Abigail as she sat in my lap again.

"Mm-hmm", Abigail said, "Ursa Minor is fun to play with".

"So are you", Ursa Minor said. That's when I heard a few audible sniffs come from Ursa Major.

"Umm, is it just me, or does it smell like steak in here?", she asked. Ursa Minor sniffed the air also.

"It kinda does", he said. I smiled.

"That's because I have some with me", I said, "I just got back from the Griffon Kingdom and the King gave me two of them. You can have them if you want them".

"Glitter...", Ursa Major said, blushing with flattery, "You'd give us those steaks?"

"Of course", I said, "You just gave me advice about parenthood, so the least I could do is repay you". I set one of the steaks in front of Ursa Major and the other in front of Ursa Minor.

"Thank you!", Ursa Minor said, instantly eating his steak.

"Well, I'm gonna go now", I said, standing up and placing Abigail on my back again, "It was nice seeing you two again".

"You too, Glitter Sparkle", Ursa Major said, "And please, visit again some other time".

I nodded and left as the Ursas ate their steaks with joy. I thought about what Ursa Major said and decided to go to Twilight's Library for a book on parenthood. Trust me when I say Twilight has a book on anything, and anytime I needed to do some research on something, Twilight would come through for me. Anyway, when I reached the library, I noticed every single Ponyville resident forming a crowd around the library, cheering very loud. I flew over them all and let myself into the library, pushing the door closed against the crowd of ponies.

"Twilight?", I asked, looking around for her, "Are you here? What's with the crowd of ponies outside?"

"I'm up here, Glitter", Twilight's voice called. I looked up and saw Twilight shelving her books on the top shelf, standing on her sliding-ladder. She climbed down and looked at me. "Hello".

"Hi", I said, "Why is there a crowd outside?"

"They're waiting for the library to open", Twilight said.

"But there's never a crowd out there", I said, "Why is there one suddenly?" Twilight blushed.

"Because... of these", she said. Twilight closed her eyes. When she did, two small, purple wings expanded out of her sides, covered in lavender feathers. I gasped lightly.

"Twilight...", I said, admiring her wings, "Are those... real?"

"Yes", Twilight said. I touched her left wing and sure enough, it was real.

"When did... how did...", I asked, stammering lightly.

"Princess Celestia transformed me into an Alicorn", Twilight said, "You see, I performed a spell that was incomplete and accidentally mixed the Elements of Harmony and switched my friend's cutie marks. But once everything was back to normal, I found out how to complete the spell and Princess Celestia said it was time to fulfill my destiny. I guess I'm the Princess of Friendship now". I chuckled.

"Like I said", I said, "You look like a smaller and purple version of Caddie. In fact, you look even more beautiful than you were as a Unicorn". Twilight blushed with flattery.

"Thank you, Glitter", she said, kissing my cheek, "So, what can I do for you?"

"Well, Zecora is pregnant", I said. Twilight smiled.

"Aww", she said, "Congratulations, Glitter. You must be so proud".

"I am", I said, "But, I don't know much about raising a foal, and I was wondering if I could borrow a book on parenthood". Twilight smiled.

"Of course you may", Twilight said, "Hold on". She climbed her sliding-ladder and grabbed a book with her magic, levitating herself back onto the floor. "Here you go". I smiled and grabbed the book.

"Thank you", I said, "How long can I borrow it?"

"Actually", she said, "You can keep that one. I have several copies of that book". I smiled a little wider.

"Thank you again", I said, sending the book to my bedchamber with my magic.

"Hi, Ms. Sparkle", Abigail said, waving at Twilight.

"Well, hello Abigail", she said, petting Abigail's head, "How are you?"

"Fine", Abigail said, "Nice to see you!"

"Nice to see you too", Twilight said. That's when opened the door and Spike walked into the library, closing the door behind him. He looked very depressed, but he could've been weary also.

"Hello, Spike", I said. Spike looked up at me.

"Hey Glitter", he said. He then looked at Twilight with a face of anger. "...Twilight". He walked upstairs to the bathroom, slamming the door behind him.

"What's wrong with Spike?", I asked, "He looks like something is eating at him". Twilight blushed again.

"Well, I know why, but it's kind of a secret", she said, "If you promise to keep it to yourself, I will tell you".

"I promise with my immortal life, Twilight", I said.

"Alright", Twilight said, "Follow me please". I followed Twilight into the family room and sat down next to her on the sofa.

"Now", Twilight said, "Spike's been a little upset at both me and Rarity".

"Why?", I asked.

"Because...", Twilight said, "Rarity and I have decided to... drop our heterosexual ways and fall in love... with each other". I smiled a little.

"So, you and Rarity are dating?", I asked. Twilight nodded.

"I love Rarity with my life", she said.

"Well, congrats", I said, "And there's nothing wrong with being a homosexual, either. But why is Spike... oh..."

"Yes...", Twilight said, "Rarity was Spike's crush, and to know that she's dating his best friend has shredded his heart to pieces".

"You mean...", Abigail said, "Spike is single, and Rarity doesn't want to relate to him?"

"Pretty much", Twilight said.

"Ohhhh....", Abigail mumbled under her breath, "It really is my lucky day..." I chuckled a little bit.

"Anyway", Twilight continued, "We've been dating for two weeks now, and it was me who had to break the news to him. Spike hasn't smiled since or shown any signs of happiness since. He wants nothing to do with me or Rarity, and refuses to have dinner with me or sleep in my room like he used to. He keeps himself hidden away from everypony else in the upstairs bathroom and eats dinner when I go to bed".

"I see...", I said.

"It really hurts me to see him so depressed and angry", Twilight said, "But I can't break up with Rarity just so he can date her. And even if I wasn't dating Rarity, it wouldn't have meant that she wanted Spike. Rarity asked me if I would be her marefriend; I didn't ask her".

"Well... should I go talk to him?", I asked.

"It would be nice if you did", Twilight said, "Hopefully you can help his happiness return". I stood up.

"Abigail, stay here and keep Twilight company", I said, "I'm gonna go talk to Spike".

Abigail nodded and hopped off of my back and onto the couch, sitting herself in Twilight's lap. I walked upstairs to the bathroom and knocked loudly on the door, waiting for an answer. Knocking again, I heard Spike's voice from the inside.

"There's another bathroom downstairs!", Spike yelled, "Go away!"

"Spike?", I asked, "It's Glitter. May I come in?"

"Are... are you by yourself?", Spike asked.

"Yes", I said, "I just want to talk, stallion to dragon". The lock clicked and Spike opened the door.

"*sniffle* Come in", he said. I nodded and walked in as Spike closed and locked the door back. I sat down on the edge of the bathtub and Spike sat himself in my lap. Just two seconds later, Spike began crying into my coat.

"Twilight told me why you're so heartbroken right now", I said.

"I can't believe her!", Spike yelled, "Twilight knew I had a crush on Rarity! I've had a crush on Rarity ever since I first saw her! But then Twilight starts to like mares and who does she relate with? Rarity! I hate them! I'm not sleeping or eating with Twilight anymore and I'm not being Rarity's pincushion or helping her dig for gems anymore! Rarity was the gem in my heart and... and... and Twilight stole her from me!" Spike continued to cry very hard.

"I know how bad that breaks your heart, Spike", I said, lightly patting the baby dragon's back, "It's always heartbreaking when your crush decides to date your best friend. But, remember what I told you on the ship, not everypony can get the mare or stallion they desire".

"I know!", Spike said, taking through sniffles and hiccups, "But I loved her! I helped her find gems! I give her a fire-ruby! I held her clothespins with my tail! I even took care of Opal when she went to Canterlot! I did all of that for her, and she repaid me by breaking my heart!"

"Spike...", I said, "I know your very upset right now, but you can't blame Twilight and Rarity for this. Mares won't relate to you just because you love them. Twilight and Rarity decided to date each other for their own reasons. They aren't going to separate just because you want to date Rarity. Plus, she's a lesbian now, so even if she did break up with Twilight, she would just look for another mare".

"But, there's no other mare that I like!", Spike said, "I'll never experience love again!"

"Well, Abigail still has a crush on you", I said, "Why don't you open yourself up to her?"

"But she's a weasel...", Spike said, "I don't believe that will work..."

"You won't know until you try", I said, "But if you aren't interested, I'm not going to make you. Anyway, you need to forget about this situation and move on. Rarity will always still be your best friend, and you can still see her anytime you want. But you shouldn't treat them like they're your worst enemies just because they love each other, alright?" Spike sniffled one last time and wiped his nose on my coat.

"OK, Glitter", he said. I smiled.

"Now", I said, "Maybe you should go apologize to Twilight". Spike looked up at me again.

"OK", he said, "But please come with me, just in case I choke up again". I nodded and carried the heartbroken dragon downstairs.

"Twilight", I said, placing him on the floor on his feet, "Spike has a little something to tell you". Twilight looked at Spike as Spike hid his face from her.

"T-Twilight?", Spike timidly said.

"I'm listening, Spike", Twilight replied. Spike sighed and spoke.

"I'm sorry", he said, "I'm sorry I've been treating you like I have. You and Rarity love each other, and I need to accept that. I know Rarity was my crush, and you did break my heart, but I can't beat you or myself up about it. I love you and I want to be your best friends and I... I... I..." Right then, Spike began to cry into his claws. Twilight smiled and levitated the baby dragon into her lap, warmly cuddling him.

"It's alright, Spike", she whispered in his ear, "I accept your apology, and I love you too". She kissed his cheek, making him smile.

"How touching", I said, "Seeing best friends make up once again". Spike smiled at me.

"Thanks, Glitter", he said, "You know, for helping me get over this?"

"You're welcome, Spike", I said. He then smiled at Abigail.

"Abigail, could you come a little bit closer, please?", he asked.

"Sure Spike", Abigail said, walking a little closer to Spike, "What is it?" He leaned down and gave Abigail a small kiss on her cheek. A red-hot blush spread across her face and her eyeballs went so big that they could've popped out of her head.

"Spike just... he just... kissed...", Abigail stammered hard. Then, she fainted right onto the couch, both making us three laugh.

"She must've enjoyed that", Twilight said.

"Yeah", I said, "Alright, I better go home and get her in bed. See you later Twilight, Spike". I grabbed Abigail's limp body and left the library.

After returning to the Castle, I tucked Abigail into her bed and went to check on Zecora. Looking around for her, I found her in our bedchamber. She was crying into her hooves again, and Mom was sitting next to her.

"What's wrong?", I asked, "Did something happen to the foal?!"

"No, Sweetie", Mom said, "Zecora is crying tears of joy. You see, I got a little impatient to see how well the foal was, so I checked using my magic. But, I saw two developing fetuses sharing the egg cell".

"Two fetuses?", I asked, "You mean...?"

"Yes", Mom said, "You and Zecora are having twins". I smiled.

"That's so great!", I said, "Now we can have two bundles of joy!"

"But, as great as it is", Mom said, "That also makes Zecora's job of carrying much more dangerous. She has two Alicorn horns in her womb, facing opposite directions. Remember, should one of the horns impale Zecora's uterus, both of them will die and Zecora will never be able to have another one". I nodded.

"Yes", I said, "And I must make sure my wife stays calm so we may be a family of four". Zecora blushed with flattery through her tears.

"And we will help when help is needed", Mom said. I smiled.

"Thanks, Mom", I said. Mom and I shared a small hug.

"You're welcome, Sweetie", Mom said, kissing my muzzle. She then gave me a slow nuzzle. "*sigh* Why must my little colt keep becoming a stallion? It seems like only yesterday I was cradling you in my hooves, but your about to be a daddy". I tried my best to fight a blush, but it crept out a bit.

"Moooom...", I whined, "You're making me blush!" Zecora laughed.

"Celestia, you act to your son as my father acts to me", she said, "No matter how old you get, parents always see you as a baby". Mom laughed also.

"Right", Mom said, "And you may be my daughter-in-law, but I love you as if you were my real daughter". Zecora blushed again and looked at me.

"My husband, I am feeling a little drowsy", she said, "Would you please snuggle with me?" I smiled.

"Sure", I said. Mom stood up.

"Well, I'll let you two have your privacy", she said, "Goodnight, my little sweeties".

"Night, Mom", I said, kissing her cheek. Mom walked out of the bedchamber, closing the door behind her. I slowly got into the bed with Zecora, lightly cuddling her. Zecora smiled and buried her face in my coat.

"That feels so nice, my sweet Glitter", she said, "You know just what to do to end my endless tears".

"I'm just a very good comforter", I said, "I just had to reunite Spike with Twilight after she broke his heart". Zecora laughed.

"Well, it's great that you accomplished your goals", she said, "But I must admit, I am very frightened carrying our identical twin foals".

"I know you are, and you have every right to be, but you do not have to be frightened when you have me", I said, mimicking her rhyming. Zecora blushed again and cuddled me tighter. Like I said, if there was one way to flatter Zecora, it was speak in rhymes.

"You're so kind my little sweetie", she said, licking my cheek. She then sat up. "I'll return in a few minutes. First I have to pee". As she stood up, I decided to joke with her.

"What is this, like the seventeenth time?", I joked, giggling. Zecora giggled also.

"You may want to guess again", she said, "Because this is time forty-seven".

"Wow", I said, "Your bladder and kidneys must be working harder than Twilight does when she hosts her Book Fair every month". Zecora laughed again and walked into the bathroom. After she handled her business, she came back out and laid back in the bed. I used my magic to cover us up and turn off the lights.

"Oh, and I have Celestia's approval to invite my family to the Castle during my pregnancy", Zecora said, "Just so Mother and Father can help support me".

"So Daka, Arury, and Uru are going to be living here until you give birth?", I asked. Zecora nodded. "Well, that's great. It gives me some time to bond with Arury and hang out with Daka".

"I'm glad you approve of this", Zecora said, "And you are not the one to dis". I smiled and cuddled Zecora, kissing both of her cheeks.

"I can't wait until you and I become a family", I whispered.

"Neither can I", Zecora said, returning the kiss, "I love you Glitter, and goodnight".

"Goodnight, Zecora", I said, "I love you too".

Author's Note

For those of you who thought the foals were going to be born in this chapter, I'm sorry, but no. I have to have Zecora go through the stages of pregnancy first.

The next chapter may be a Halloween special. And, I'm thinking about giving the griffons and Ursas a little push in the story.

Hint words of what I mean: Kidnapping... return... changelings... Gilda... alliance... Ursas... Chrysalis... mission... rescue... You figure it out.

I'm three followers short, but I might as well say it. Thank all of my glorious readers for 150 followers!

Seeya!