Author's Note
-This story was written specifically for the May story challenge of the All-American Girl Saga. The challenge was to write an alternate universe of the main story where the main character is substituted for another. While steps were taken to make it stand on its own, there are some aspects that stem off of the established universe of All American Girl. If you do not like the All-American Girl universe, it is likely you will not like this story.
-The story uses elements that I am not fully familiar with such as law, military, and certain organizations. With that, I apologize in advance for misinterpretation/misrepresentation.
-At time of submission, this story has not been seen by an editor.
-That all aside, I hope you enjoy, and welcome constructive criticism.
Chapter 1
January 27, 2047
The suburban streets of Long Island, New York laid quiet through the calm air. The white of snow was layered over the many houses and lawns, yet the streets and most cars present were clean. The shine of streetlights reflected both off the damp streets and undisturbed blankets of snow.
The silence and serenity was interrupted on a quaint street as a car slowly drifted down it. As the moments rolled on, it soon slowed down to a stop, the engine dying out soon after. Even quite a few seconds after stopping, no other action came from it. The windows unable to been seen inside due to their own tint and night lighting. Soon though, the door opened, and a man dressed in proper winter wear slowly staggered outward.
He slowly looked around, seeing that he was the only living thing on the street. It wasn’t late in the night, yet no activity was happening. He took in another breath, and turned back to his car. Reaching inside, he took in his arms everything he was sure he needed for his task: A small briefcase with various papers he knew were in there, some pens and pencils, and also his business card. Locking the door, and checking to make sure he had all he needed; he turned to his target: the property he had parked next to.
He shivered slightly in the winter air, taking care also to avoid the patches of snow. As he neared the door, he could feel the pressure and potential disappointment emit from the household and clamp down on him. It looked like just any other house in this neighborhood: front lawn with grass, a couple of trees in the yard, a stone walkway, a couple cars in the driveway, and a garage.
Before he knew it though, he stood face to face with the front door, his own reflection staring back at him in both the storm door and window of the main door. With a quick breath, he rang the doorbell. The air chilled around himself even more as the moments passed, but he didn’t have to wait long as the silence and tension was broken by the main door opening. The man choked slightly as a woman with black hair made her appearance. In the first second, she held curiosity on her face. In the second onward, that curiosity was replaced with annoyance. She opened up the storm door, and propped it open with the stopper built into it.
“Mrs. Hannah Demore?” the man asked.
“That’s me,” she answered back. “May I help you?” she asked, her arms crossing. The look on her face told the man that she already knew what she was going to ask.
“H-hi, my name is Sam Martinez, and I’m from-”
“A news network that wants to interview my daughter,” Hannah finished. Sam flinched slightly as she did so. “I can’t say I’m surprised, because honestly, this is becoming like another day in the office.” Hannah uncrossed her arms, stepping back slightly. “And now we need to go through procedure. She’s her own woman now, so I’ll see if she’ll even want to give you the answer herself. Wait here a moment.” Sam nodded, and watched as she nearly closed the main door as she stepped back into the house.
As her heard her footsteps leave, Sam groaned in frustration. He immediately started to curse under his breath, relaying the futility of this endeavor. He quickly had to pull himself together as he heard a new set of footsteps approaching, and snapped to as he realized how different they sounded compared to the ones that left. He took a quick breath as the door was forcibly pulled back open, and looked over the one answering.
He knew right there that he was looking at the Alien Girl, or the Lost Foal. Respectively though for each title, she was known as Dahlia and Minty. ‘Girl’ or ‘foal’ though was an understatement, as even though he had to look down ever so slightly to meet her (hardened) gaze, she was definitely a mare just out of her adolescence. Like most ponies who were ‘humanized,’ or took to human cultures, she was standing up on just her hind legs.
Sam couldn’t help but remember finding out about her, and subsequently the rest of Alter-Earth, or the world she came from. An entire world filled with sapient and non-sapient species of the once mythological and non-mythological kind. That was just over twenty years ago, and integration was still rough given the cultural clashes of two whole worlds. Coincidentally, her reveal allowed his parents to adopt him; due to the new exposure that his father received from writing a book about her.
“Yep, another one,” she spoke. Like Hannah before her, she immediately crossed her ‘arms’ and began to simply glare at him. “Let’s get this over with. Try to say something I haven’t heard before.” She leaned against the frame of the door, continuing to stare. Sam himself couldn’t help but stare also. While the black, long sleeve shirt and jeans looked typical; her green fur, off-white and pink mane with a matching tail, and general body shape didn’t help matters. Growing up in Virginia, he didn’t meet many Alter-Earth visitors-- all the more reason to question why he was chosen for this. He mentally noted that both her mane and tail looked like they were fighting against a natural curl.
“Well… I…” he stuttered. “My network was wondering if you would be willing to perhaps conduct an interve-”
“No,” she answered. She leaned off the door, stepping out into the cold slightly. “Nearly every week I get another person knocking on my door asking me to recount my life. All of them wanting me to sit down in front of lots of people to make sure no detail is left undocumented and no possible question is unanswered. All about my side of all the drama from my reveal to First Contact to today.” She pointed one of her forehooves to him. “Is that what you’re here for? Am I in the ballpark?” Sam was speechless, no response aside from silent submission coming from him. As the moments passed, Dahlia herself seemed to put together his answer. “Thought so,” she reached upward, and undid the stopper on the storm door. “Unless you have something new to offer me in terms of an interview, we have no business here. Good night.” With that, she stepped inside, letting the storm door close. Sam jumped though as she slammed the main door-- part of him wondered if she actually broke it off at some point in her life.
Most likely He thought as he turned himself around. Dahlia Demore: the catalyst for First Contact, the most famous pony and possibly person in the twenty first century. Yet aside from the debacle surrounding her true nature and initial integration, her history was unknown. It was as if a new branch of government was made specifically to keep her upbringing on a need-to-know-basis; and that branch consisted of her closest family and friends that refused to comment for her sake.
He pushed the thought out of his mind and he approached his car. He unlocked the door, and gave another forlorn sigh as he climbed in. As he started up the car, closed the door, tossed his briefcase on the chair, and also strapped on his seat-belt; he began to mentally write down his failure report. Though, part of him suspected that his superiors were expecting it, ‘can’t hurt to try’ was the primary reason for attempting this.
Before he could pull out, he watched suddenly as another car pulled into the driveway. Sam watched as the driver, covered by a dark hood, casually strolled toward the front door. As the figure-- male by the looks of it-- rang the doorbell, Sam couldn’t take his eyes off the scene. Soon, he saw the silhouette of Hannah appear again. Based on the body language, it appeared she was excited to meet the figure. Sam’s confusion disappeared though, as Dahlia reappeared and immediately threw her forelegs around the figure.
As quick as his mood changed, so too did Sam’s brain shift gears. Rather than thinking of what to say to his boss, he began to think of what to say based on this. He watched them all disappear into the house, and that was the moment Sam's body finally moved. Shutting off the car, he didn’t bother keeping his attire completely in tact as he quickly ran back up to the door. Pausing for a moment to catch his breath, he rang the doorbell once again. He nearly choked as Hannah answered it again, she herself presented a crossed look.
“I thought my daughter-”
“I know,” Sam interrupted. “But, I believe I can propose an ultimatum.” He took in another breath, trying to keep the momentum going. “Just… tell her I’ll offer a talk on her terms. Also that… she doesn’t have to be alone.” Silence reigned for what seemed like a minute, neither of the two budging.
“If she says ‘no,’ then I’m going to have to ask you to leave,” Hannah answered.
“Yes, ma’am,” Sam replied. As Hannah left the doorway, Sam breathed out a heavy sigh of relief. The bliss was short lived as the familiar sound of Dahlia’s footsteps reached his ears. Sure enough, the door swung open again to reveal Dahlia, though her potential anger seemed to be crossed with interest.
“I’m listening,” she said, also opening the storm door and just stepping outside.
“No one else, just me and you-- or anyone you want to bring along. Perhaps not even me. At least just you, one other, a camera: that’s it.” Sam paused, waiting for her reply.
“That all?” she asked, her expression not changing.
“Um…” Sam resisted the urge to show weakness, and blurted out, “I’ll let you decide what goes into the final product.” Sam almost choked as he realized what he said.
“Really now?” Dahlia said. “So… an interview… where I’ll be in control?”
“Within… reason.” Dahlia started to shift back to her disapproved look, before Sam added, “Profanity, just some questions we’ll want to ask, making sure there’s no defamation of character- legal stuff like that. But, but, I could probably arrange such an interview. Just what you want to say.” Sam ended by just giving a sheepish smile. Dahlia meanwhile just continued to stand in contemplation, her eyes darting all over the areas as if their surrounding environment could hold the answer.
“Well…” she started. She opened her mouth wide, but stopped and turned her head toward the inside as the storm door reopened. “How long were you standing there?” she asked as- what Sam assumed was the man from before- approached. He didn’t say anything, but merely give Dahlia a gaze of concern. “I know that look… you want me to do this, huh?” she asked. The man gave a slow nod, a sad smile also appearing. “I…” she looked away from the man, toward the ground between Sam and herself. After a moment, the man put his hand on her shoulder. Her smile returned as she looked back to him. “Okay…” Sam’s eyes widened at the response, and his heart nearly gave out. “But,” she added, “Would you be willing to do it with me?” It was the man’s turn to have his eyes widen, accompanied by him taking a step back. He looked away, a feeling of regret coming off him. “You don’t have to… I just-” she stopped as he shook his head, then immediately took her forehoof into his hand, giving a confirming smile.
“So…” Sam started, hoping to break the awkwardness coming over him. “You said you’ll do it?” Dahlia looked back to him.
“Yeah… I’ll do it, with Sean here.” Her eyes widen suddenly, followed by an embarrassed smile. “Oh! Right, this is Sean… Sean, this is… wait, who are you?”
“Sam, Sam Martinez. Reporter… and.. oh, shoot!” He flailed his hand, realizing he left his briefcase behind. “Wait…” He reached into his pocket, and felt what he was looking for. “Ha!” he exclaimed, pulling out a business card. “Here,” he handed it over to Dahlia, who took it with ease in her own hoof. She gazed down to it and stepped out of the for the two males, each able to see each other fully. “Greetings… Sean,” Sam started, also offering his hand. While Sean took his hand in shake, Sam gave a quick looked over. Brown hair, with green eyes, and a soft demeanor on his face despite his intimidating figure.
“Pleasure’s all mine,” Sean spoke. Sam nearly showed shocked as Sean quickly added, “I’m not mute… just… soft spoken.” The two broke away, Sean looking over to Dahlia. “I’ll be inside, let me know when you’re ready.” Dahlia gave a nod as he disappeared into the house.
“Okay then… “ Sam, before clearing his throat. “So, just to confirm, you’ve agreed?”
Dahlia turned his head back to him. “Yeah… I’ll do it. To be honest… Sean mostly has been wanting me to do it… just as a way to let it all out. Not to some therapist, but to get people to know why I act the way I do. I can’t just rely on him for comfort at night.”
Sam quirked an eyebrow. “‘Comfort?’ Wait a minute…” He couldn’t stop himself from showing his revelation. “You two are-”
“Nearly eight years strong,” Dahlia interrupted, a small smile appearing. “First friend… also first… boyfriend.” She looked away as she added, “Most likely last too; it’s hard to keep us away from each other. I’m just waiting for him.”
Sam couldn’t stop a blush from appearing. “I’ve… well, heard rumors that… well,” he cleared his throat with a forced cough. “Just from what I’ve heard, just you two were childhood friends who stuck by each other through what I’ve heard.”
“Goes further than that… a lot… further…” her gaze seemed to peer off more into space as she trailed off. Sam felt heat rise across his limbs as he slowly pieced together the pieces of what she meant. Dahlia snapped out of her trance with a quick shake of her head. “Uh, anyway-- ahem! So… uh, yeah…” She raised Sam’s business card back upward, taking a glance at it. As he watched her twirl it around in her hoof, he vaguely remembered the action being an ability of ponies: ‘hoofspace’ if he was right.
“Well… I would have to relay the news to my superiors. I’m positive I can get this arranged.”
“Knowing how often this happens, these words in my head are invaluable; I think this is gonna happen.” She lowered her foreleg, looking back to him. “So… you need my number or something?”
“That would be helpful. I… well, I forgot all my other papers, but…” he reached into both of his pockets, producing another card and also a pencil. “With your permission, I’d just like you to write it down.” He offered both to Dahlia, the card showing its blank backside to her.
“Right then, and you’ll phone me if this happens?”
“As soon as possible,” Sam reassured.
“Okay, just give me one minute. I was about to leave anyway, so lemme head in to finish up with that. Just wait right here.” Sam gave an excited nod as she took the pencil and new card and stepped back into the house. As she left the sight of the front door, she gave a heavy sigh as she walked toward the sound of voices. She passed through the door where the voices were coming from, seeing Sean and her parents all sitting down.
All eyes turned to her as she made herself known. She not-so-casually made her way to Sean over on the couch. She sat herself down, placing the pencil and cards on the table in the center of them all. Hannah was on her left, while her father Tim was on her right.
“Sean’s told us that you said you would do it…” Tim spoke, shattering the silence. She looked over to him, her gaze alone confirming his statement. Tim gave a sigh, running a hand through his somewhat spiky dirty-blonde hair. “I won’t deny you, but are you absolutely sure?”
“I am,” Dahlia answered. “Sean, and everyone else is right. I… just need to let it all out.” She hung her head down somewhat, which was followed by Sean’s arm being wrapped around her. A smile immediately came to her face and she leaned into Sean, almost snuggling into him.
“If that’s what you want, we’ll be here for you,” Hannah spoke. She gave a small smile as she added, “You are our Little Flower. Though, not ‘little’ anymore, that’s for sure.”
“It’ll always be for me,” Tim spoke. He adjusted his glasses, looking over to Sean. “You’ll be with her then?”
“Y-yeah,” Sean spoke, worry crossing his face. “I… I guess the same is true for myself, wanting to get it out. But…” He stopped as Dahlia wrapped her own arm around him, her tail also curling toward him.
“Perhaps… then maybe now is the perfect time for you to get going. Your own family can definitely help with this.” Sean gave a silent nod, slowly breaking away from his embrace from Dahlia.
Dahlia stepped out of Sean’s car, an excited look on her face as she eyed the near mansion-like house. A few lights were on in the various windows, and the driveway was filled with other cars. Most of the lawn expanse was covered with a clean blanket of snow, with a few leafless trees planted across. Almost immediately after handing Sam her information, she had dressed herself up and left with Sean for the night.
“What’s for dinner tonight by the way?” Dahlia asked over her shoulder. “Tell me there’s some meat; please tell me they got some!” Sean rolled his eyes and gave a faux shake of his head at her actions. “Oh come on, I love visiting here!”
Sean opened his mouth to respond, but only let out a yelp as he was suddenly lifted into the air. “Hey little brother! You’re back!” a female voice called. Dahlia looked up and found a gray pegasus with a pink mane giving him a bear hug in the air.
“Dangit, Haze!” Sean shouted, his legs kicking wildly.
“Aw, not even a ‘hello?’ Just my nickname? Although, I did deliberately want to this since you took the last of the cookies and cream! ” she replied.
“Put me down! How old are you again?!”
“Twenty-four years older than you. That doesn’t mean I can’t have fun with my brother. Like you wanted to be put down? Okay then!” Her forelegs suddenly freed themselves from him, and he began his drop to the ground.
“FUUU- OOF!” Sean yelled, as he was caught by another set of limbs.
“Hey, I thought there was no swearing around here,” another voice spoke. This one belonged to another pegasus with a dark orange mane. She also had a gray coat, thought with a touch of lavender. Dahlia chuckled as she recognized the ‘smart guy’ tone of Orange Box.
“There isn’t,” another voice added. Dahlia jumped as she realized it was right behind her. She turned and found two unicorns standing there, upright and clothed like herself. Both of them held the same kind of smiles that the two pegasi in the air had. One of them had a pink coat with a two tone purple mane, and the other was a light purple with a two tone blonde mane. “It’s just so much fun to mess with him,” the pink one spoke.
“Sparkler, Dinky!” Dahlia cheered, throwing her arms outward as the two ran up to her to give her a hug.
“Nice to see you again, Dahlia,” Dinky spoke. As they all broke off, Dinky added, “Post graduation treating you well?”
“Feels… weird, I’ll say that much. Still don’t know what college I want; don’t have valedictorian benefits.”
“Nope, Sean there took it.” The three mare looked up as Hazy and Orange Box continued to heckle Sean, tossing him through the air while he continued to protest.
“Having a super genius for a mother helps, helped us both too,” Sparkler added.
“Alright, ladies, that’s enough!” a new voice called. All eyes turned toward the house as a pegasus stallion started to walk up to them along the walkway. He had a fiery orange mane with a dark blue coating. “I will not have collateral damage on my watch especially to the VIP of the evening. Do I make myself clear?!”
“Yes, Drill Sergeant,” Orange deadpanned back.
“That’s General Firewire of the Equestriani Military to you!” He relaxed slightly, putting on a small smile. “Seriously, ease up already. Lightning Dust wouldn’t appreciate me having to take extra leave from both business and ‘her’ time for a death in the family.”
“Yes, ‘sir,’” Orange said back. She hovered over the trio of mares on the ground, Sean in her arms. “He’s all yours, Dahlia!” With that, she dropped him down, Dahlia promptly catching him in her own arms after a second.
“Dang you guys and your pony powers…” Sean quipped.
“Lightning is still offering her own fighting lessons don’t forget,” Firewire added. “Oh, and she also sends her best wishes.”
“Cheers,” Sean turned his head to Dahlia. “Can you let me down now, please?”
“Hmm… nope!” Dahlia answered, with a teasing smile. “This is a special night for you anyway! You don’t want a grand entrance?” She continued to smile down at him, the look on his face showing he wasn’t please. “Oh, lighten up, will you?”
Sean gave a small chuckle. “Oh, this family… love it so much…”
“So when are you gonna make Dahlia there a part of it then?” Orange asked.
Sean’s face immediately turned red, his attention snapping to her, “Not now! Really, Boxy?”
Orange gave a shrug of her shoulders. “What are sisters for? It’s not everyday where I’m obligated to act this immature! See you inside!” With that, she gave a quick salute and flew off to the house.
“I’ll see you inside as well, gotta just finish up my secret planning,” Hazy added, also flying away.
“Yeah, getting inside is probably the best idea,” Sparkler added. “Shall we?” Dinky nodded in response, all of them turning to walk to the house. Sean merely leaned back and let his top half hang upside down in Dahlia’s embrace, the latter failing to resist chuckling at his position.
Firewire opened the door to the house, bowing slightly and gesturing his foreleg to let the rest of the group take the lead. As Dahlia approached the door, she lowered her arms down and allowed Sean to step back onto the ground. He straightened himself out, and brushed himself off before he began to step inside. Dahlia however, quickly caught up to him, and stopped him momentarily as she threw her arms around him. Sean, with a small smile of his own, dragged her inside as he shuffled in. As the couple and Firewire stepped inside, Sean nearly leaped out his skin at what came next.
“SURPRISE!” came a multitude of voices. Sean’s head cringed downward and his eyes half closed as a crowd of all ponies semi-rushed the group, all with smiles on their faces. Dahlia glanced around, seeing Hazy and Orange in the group, along with a few others.
One specific pony in particular caught the couples’ eyes as she stepped forward. A solid blonde mane with some gray streaks of age, gray fur, and two golden eyes filled with care pointed straight to Sean. A heartwarming smile also accompanied her as she splayed her forelegs out. Dahlia eased of Sean and allowed him to step forward. Sean slowly brought his own arms around the lone pony, her own head relaxing into his chest.
“Thanks… mom,” Sean spoke. All eyes watched the two embrace. Sean towered above nearly everyone else there, only Firewire and two other stallions in the group stood just below his height. Out of all them, Sean was the only human, yet they all still treated the moment like nothing out of the ordinary.
Soon, both Sean and his mother stepped away from each other. One stallion with an olive coat and a gray and white mane stepped forward. To all company there, he was known as Autumn Mist: husband of Derpy Hooves. “If you’re ready, Derpelle,” he started, using her more formal name. “It’s time we got this celebration underway.”
“I agree,” she turned back and gave him a smile. “I’ll go make sure everything is set.” She planted a small kiss on his cheek as she began to walk away from Sean. Most of the group turned to start following her. Autumn looked to Sean, Dahlia stepping up to Sean’s side.
“Hey, Autumn,” Dahlia spoke. “You and Derpy really got a lot of the family together, huh?”
“Only Twilight, Spike, Pinkie, Thunderlane and their kids, Fluttershy, Mac, Gala, Sweetie, Applejack, Noteworthy, and Lightning said they couldn’t make it. They all of course sent their wishes. Twilight said she’d be able to come around with Sweetie and Spike next week. Pinkie’s too busy with orders for a while, and Thunder’s always tied up with weather management. Mac is too busy with Gala tending the Acres. Spike, Fluttershy, Applejack and Noteworthy barely have free time lately.”
Dahlia nudged Sean slighty as she spoke, “Some family you got there.”
“Eight siblings…” Sean started. “Lots of aunts and cousins…” he looked to her. “Some of them we share, don’t forget.” Dahlia’s smile waned slightly.
“Hey, none of that now,” Autumn spoke. “I can tell something’s on both of your minds… but this is supposed to be a happy moment, and let’s let Sean here have it.” He patted a forehoof onto Sean’s shoulder, a strict demeanor accompanying him.
“Thanks, dad,” Sean spoke. “And yeah… there is something we need to talk about. But yeah, not now.”
“Alright then, I’ll just let Derpelle know.” He put on a smile as he added, “Just want to cherish Sean here turning twenty one.”
Sean sat on his bed, his stomach full of cake, pudding, and soda. There was also ribs, french fries, and hamburgers from dinner he still tasted. He inwardly smiled at the thought given to this day of his. By nature the rest of his family couldn’t have meat that wasn't grounded or fish, but they still treated him himself to the ribs regardless. Another part also thanked his family for his holographic tablet that he was currently fiddling with, and the various other gifts either back in the living room or on his shelves.
He slowly raised the main device upward, and tapped one of the floating blue panels with a finger. The light dimmed as the physical screen presented his face to him. He turned the tablet slowly to soon show Dahlia’s head with her face not toward him.
“Smile,” he said aloud.
“Hmm?” Dahlia quipped, spinning her head around. At that moment, the device sounded off like a camera; the image of Sean smiling wide with a puzzled Dahlia with fish lips was captured. “Hey!” she shouted, seeing the first picture taken by his gift.
“Love it, what do you think?” The moment he asked that, he instinctively pulled the device away from Dahlia, who was trying to reach over him to grab the tablet.
“Sean! Delete that!” she begged.
“What you don’t like it?” he teased. “I was thinking of sending it to your folks along with mine. Even Twilight and the rest of them.”
Dahlia slowly back off, a pout on her face. “You’re well aware that if you were any other guy on this planet, I would literally cave your head in to get you to delete that?”
“Very well aware,” he answered, causing Dahlia to re-adopt a smile.
“You and playing with fire…”
Both of their heads turned as a few knocks sounded on the door. Sean placed the tablet at his side facing away from Dahlia as a voice spoke, “Sean? Dahlia?” Both of them immediately identified it as Derpy. “May I come in?”
“Come on in, mom,” Sean answered. Dahlia shuffled herself over to his side as the door opened and Derpy was found standing there with a look of concern. “Autumn… told me a few things,” she started. “Are you both sure you want to do this?”
“I’m set on doing it,” Dahlia started. “Sean though… well, he said he’ll join me, but he’s very hesitant.”
“I’m just worried if he asks about me and… her. By some extent, I’ll probably be able to stay silent. Though, this could be my only chance to really let it out. But-”
“I understand what you mean, Sean,” Derpy said. She walked up to the two, and silently asked to sit with a gesture of her forehoof. The couple gave a nod, Sean pulling his tablet away to make room. Derpy sat herself down, turning her head to look at the both of them. “It was hard for me to fully talk about what happened between my sister and I for so long. Eventually, I just felt the need to do so to finally help ease the pain.”
“The problem is, I’m just not sure I’ll be even be able to pick the right words. As much as… I…” he trailed off, looking around awkwardly. “Well, I just don’t want to make more problems, y’know?”
“Personally, I don’t think I’m gonna hold anything back now that I think about it,” Dahlia added. Sean shot a glare to her. “Not now?”
“Definitely not,” Sean shot back. Dahlia responded by wrapping her forelegs around him in a hug. “Still love you too… but seriously, not a good time.”
“You’re the one who got me to stand up for myself.”
“And it was that standing up for myself that made me harbor the biggest regret of my life!” he yelled, both mares flinching at his outburst. He raised his hands upward, despite Dahlia’s forelegs still clamped around him. “It’s hard for me to speak publicly now ever since that day… I actually am kinda scared to take up sparring with Lightning.”
“Sean,” Derpy started. “Listen, let me say again: no one blames you for what you did. I know there’s a few names you’d like to say, but that’s not that what I mean. You’re in the exact same position I was, and to some extent still am. It took me a while to finally tell my side, and receive closure on my initial fears and regret.” She paused a moment, taking a deep breath. “Like you said, getting it out there may help you cope and move on. Just understand though, that it won’t make it go away completely. To this day, Sean, I still remember my sister’s last words. Yet… I can basically remember them like she said it to my face." Dahlia and Sean both cast their gaze downward at the mention of Derpy's twin sister: Ditzy Doo. "‘Derpy… you’ve taken my kids, taken my husband. And now… with your recent surgery, you’ve taken my looks. You’ve become a better me in every sense. I finally understand now. I’ve thrown away everything, forsaken my children and my friends. If you want my life, you can have it: because I’m now literally worthless.’” Derpy lowered her head, a tear threatening to escape her eye. “Honestly, if I would have known that curing my strabismus via human medicine would have pushed her to the brink: I wouldn’t have done it. Yet… I was blinded by the sheer joy happening for me.
“Autumn was the love I was seeking in my life, this whole world was my fantasy in terms of scientific research and breakthroughs. At the time, fixing my eyes was just the next step for me to push my career potential into heights unimaginable. But… I didn’t realize it would make me lose my sister. Even then… I always figured in the back of my mind that marrying Autumn would have done it eventually.” She paused, taking in a quick sniff. “Yet, I gave in to the temptation. Autumn divorcing Ditzy just started me on this path. I had to be there for Sparkler and Dinky, and now at that time for the rest of your siblings as well.” She took a deep breath, wiping her eye. “Autumn tells me that if his friend just drank a glass less, he would have taken away the divorce papers. It’s… amazing what the smallest factors can do in the grand scheme.” She turned her head to Dahlia. “Those small factors helped me find you and the rest of Human-Earth.”
“I’m well aware,” Dahlia said back, loosening her hug around Sean.
“No matter what happens though, Sean.” Derpy placed one her forehooves on his shoulder. “I still love you, and the rest of the family does too. You’re just as much my own child as any of your sisters or brother.” She wiped her eye with her other forehoof and smiled to Sean, who was staring back to her. Soon though, Sean leaned forward and engulfed Derpy in a hug of his own.
“Thanks, mom.”
“I could even be there at the interview too if you need it,” she whispered in his ear.
“This is something I should do with just Dahlia, but…” He eased himself off Derpy. “Think you and dad can help at least give me a guideline?”
“It’d be my pleasure. And… don’t tell your father I told you this, but I think he’s had some pent up frustration too, expect to hear some of it tomorrow.” Derpy slid herself off the bed, walking to the door. “We can talk after breakfast tomorrow.” She stepped out into the hall, turning to face them with one foreleg on the door. “Good night you two.”
“Night!” Sean called back, Derpy closing the door. Sean himself groaned, placing his tablet onto the nightstand. “Ugh… lots to think about.” He placed a hand on his head, standing up off the bed.
“You ain’t kidding,” Dahlia spoke up, also rising from the bed. “Just wonder if it’ll even happen. Now I’m kinda willing to be lenient on the deal we made just so we can get this out there.” She began to walk around the bed to the other side, pulling out her phone from her pocket.
“Careful what you wish for there.” Sean shot back.
“True, true.” Dahlia placed her phone on the nightstand on her side of the bed, and sat herself down.
“At any rate, sugar rush drain is starting to get to me.” Sean unfurled the covers on his side, slipping himself under now with thin pajama pants on. “I think I’m just gonna let myself drift off.”
“Same here, no messages or anything.” Both of them pulled the bed covers over themselves. Sean reached his arm over to a switch on the wall, but stopped as Dahlia leaned over and planted a kiss on his cheek. “Night,” she whispered.
Sean turned his head and returned a kiss directly onto her lips. “Night,” he replied. Sean then leaned back to the switch, flipping it and the lights coming off after. He slowly eased himself down, staring up to the dark of the ceiling. Derpy’s words echoed in his mind, and suddenly a flash of a white unicorn with a purple mane screaming flashed by, as well as a dark gray earth pony with a silver mane ready to pounce. He silently shuddered and physically shook his head, turning himself over onto his stomach.
Closing his eyes, he took in a deep breath, praying for a blissful dream. As he released it though, he felt movement near him, followed by Dahlia nuzzling into him.
“What are you-” Sean stopped, suddenly smelling chocolate in the air. He connected the dots quickly in his head, silently remembering the effects of Alter-Earth species hormones. He spun his body back over, facing her. “Are you really-”
“It is your birthday…” Dahlia interrupted, with a sultry tone.
“Double D, firstly, I’ve told you before: sappiness and/or corniness doesn’t help balance out your anger issues. Secondly…” he trailed off, his next action being him ensnaring Dahlia in a hug.
The morning after, Sean was seated with Derpy and Autumn in the family living room. Sean himself was in a loveseat, while the other two were seated next to each other on a couch. Between them sat a small coffee table with cheese and crackers of different varieties, as well as a few cups of hot chocolate. Across the room, Dahlia stood near one of the doorways next to a yellow pegasus stallion with a pink mane, with Hazy standing directly next to him.
“So… yeah,” the stallion started. “Mom promised that she had a gift in the mail for Sean. Dad said he would be able to visit soon with Gala. Of course, that would mean I’d have to take over managing the Acres. I’m more than willing to do that though!” He began to rub the back of his neck, looking off nervously. “Anything else?”
“I think that’s everything, dear,” Hazy answered. “Just need to say our final goodbyes before heading back to Equestria.”
“Yeah, looks like it.” He looked over to Hazy as he spoke, “I’m really sorry I had to cut your visit short. I know you planned to stay longer-”
“Hush, Butterscotch,” Hazy interrupted. “Duty calls, it happens. Those animals need a caretaker, and I’m the mare for it. Though, I’m technically a veterinarian but you know what I mean.” She flashed an embarrassed smile.
“It was nice seeing you guys again,” Dahlia spoke, holding out a forehoof.
“You too,” Butterscotch replied, taking her forehoof and giving it a shake. Hazy followed suit and did the same. All three of them then walked over to the other three in the room, the latter group all looking to them as they approached. “Well, we gotta be off now.” Butterscotch held out his forehoof for Sean, while Hazy walked over to Derpy. “Nice seeing you again, Sean.”
“Same here, ‘Scotch,” Sean replied, shaking his forehoof. “Let your sister know that I’m ready for her cider finally.”
“Oh, Red Gala has definitely been waiting a while for that, I assure you.” He looked over to Derpy, seeing her break away from a hug from Hazy.
“You two have a safe trip now,” Autumn spoke, offering his own hoof.
“Thanks again!” Both Butterscotch and Hazy gave one last shake, and began to make their way out of the room. After a few more goodbyes were shared, soon the remainder of the party was seated back down around the table, Dahlia sitting herself in another chair next to Sean.
“So,” Autumn spoke. “Derpelle and I think that-” he stopped as suddenly music filled the air. Dahlia produced her phone, the device producing the noise. She tapped the screen, and brought it up to her ear.
“Hello?” she answered. All other eyes watched with interest as she gave the occasional ‘yeah’ or ‘uh-huh’ along with maybe a small nod of her head. After some time, she turned her head to Sean and move the phone away from her head somewhat. “Are you available on the twentieth?” she half-whispered. Sean gave a silent nod of his head, and Dahlia placed the phone back to her ear. “Yeah, we can do that. Yeah… okay, here even? Oh, perfect! Yeah, okay, thank you very much. See you then!” She brought the phone downward, hanging it up and placing it on the table. She looked up to the group. “That was Sam, the reporter who came to us. The interview is on.”
