Just Enough For Her

"Is he. . . be. . .alright?"

"There's. . . swelling. . . over!"

"Zane. . . alright. . . pal!"

"Get. . . now. . .before. . .

"Oh no. . .of. . . burst!

I opened my eyes and shot up to find myself lying in a medical bed and wearing a hospital gown. Looking down, I noticed Umbra was fast asleep at the end of the bed, with my jacket in her hooves. I wanted to smile, but my mind brought me back to the lifeless feeling I had between my legs. I remembered Sophia punching my balls before I passed out from the pain. I drifted through my thoughts as the hollow feeling down there worried me.

I can't believe she did that to me; and all because I snapped on Cadance for trying to play 'love doctor'.

I had to add the facts together to realize that Sophia did enough damage that I had to be admitted in a hospital. The only question was "which hospital am I in?" I'm definitely not at Ponyville Hospital; if I was then I would have the same thing when I was hospitalized in the beginning for my heart condition, a sickly green room with Nurse Redheart trying to feed me a hayburger with some other junk I can't remember.

The world was spinning a little as I rubbed my head. Everything felt like a blur while the scent of air freshener and lavender in the blankets gave me a mild headache.

"I have to get up."

I made the attempt of clambering out of bed to use the bathroom. I wanted to know if any part of me was gone or altered, and the only reflective surface in this room was the bathroom mirror. Plus I really needed to get feeling back in my legs; there is nothing worse than the tingling sensation I get when sit for too long. It's drives me up the wall.

Slowly and carefully, I turned ninety degrees to my left and extended my legs to the floor. I was about to make contact with the tiled floor when my crotch flared and throbbed. I cringed and clenched my teeth while the pain travelled to my stomach. My lower half locked up as I twisted back into bed and curled into a ball. I went to press the crown jewels and quietly cry it out, but my palms slid over a thick fabric that stuck to everything that makes me a man.

The pain was still there as I realized what the fabric meant. Horror spread across my face as I lifted the bandages, the terror almost too much to bear.

These are thick gauze wraps, but that would mean I had. . .

As I feared for the worst, I quickly turned to Umbra rising from her slumber, rubbing her eyes and yawning adorably. She smacked her lips a few times and looked around the room with drowsy eyes before saying, "I guess they left with Sophia."

Finally, she turned her gaze to me, and gasped as soon as me being awake processed in her head.

"Zane, you're awake now." she said in a hesitant voice, which did nothing but make the situation worse.

All of a sudden I watched the unicorn leap at me and wrap her hooves around my torso. But before I could do anything, she pushes down and proceeds to kiss me multiple times on both cheeks.

I looked up to yell at her, but her expression stopped me.

She seemed to be. . . in tears. . . as if I had she had not seen me in months or perhaps years.

Umbra dug into my neck and nuzzled it relentlessly, her breathing breaking in joy as she whimpered.

"The doctors were not sure if you were going to make it." She stuttered, her voice stuck between happiness and fear.

"Umbra, what happened after I Sophia punched me?" I asked seriously, holding her back before she could give me rug burn. Damn mare can nuzzle third degree burn onto a dragon if she tried.

Her breathing slowed at this, and before I could shake her for giving me silence she begins breaking down in my arms. She whimpered in her own pity and bit her lip hard, holding onto my arms.

There was that shitty feeling again, the sense of dread.

It was too familiar. . .

"After you passed out, Shining Armor checked you." She answered in a low voice, her tears falling faster as I listened. "Next thing we know is he teleported with you and leaves Cadance and Twilight with Sophia and I. He came back a few hours to tell us he took you to Canterlot Medical Center."

That did not make any sense at all. In my mind I was thinking long and hard as to why Shining Armor would suddenly bring me here on his own according.

"What, was he worried that I would die?" I chuckled, though I should not have done so. Next thing I know is I'm being stared down by the mare with the most intense glare any pony could have. I'd thought Cosmica's glare was scary, but Umbra took that title in the blink of an eye with the aura in her eyes intensifying.

"You were going to die, you bucking moron!" She growled, her voice deep and as hateful as the punch to my arm. "One of your testicles burst, and that made your body flood itself with adrenaline. You were already in shock by the time the surgeons started on you. They even used Shining Armor as a conductor to amplify the spells they used to save your life!"

Before I could say something to that, the infuriated mare came forward and dug into my shoulder, her fangs sinking deep. . . until I screamed like a little girl.

Upon biting me, blood is lapped from skin as she retreats, her tongue smooth and silky. A few whimpers from the unicorn escape while I froze in shock more than I should have from the sting.

She rested on that same shoulder after licking her lips. "That's for being such a moron. . ." she whispered. "Buck, I must be desperate that I fell for you."

I snapped out of my shock when I heard her say those words. As if on cue or perhaps it being my nature, I hold her tightly and stroke her mane to take away her sorrow. I was never good at this kind of thing, however; at least not with Umbra. Comforting her is the same as understanding her; it's so damn complex and confusing.

"Having the best taste in guys does not make you desperate," I whispered in her ear. "It just makes you a picky mare that won't settle for any average stallion."

She seemed to laugh naturally when I gave her the same punishment. As if it wasn't bad enough to be humiliated by my own daughter, this piece of work decides to giggle after I bite her on the neck.

"You've got a long way to go before you can turn me on like that." She said alluringly.

We were quite content being alone in this room for some reason. It was odd that everything felt so natural between, and we could tell that we weren't afraid to be ourselves. Even if it was being in a hospital room, there was no disturbance or uncomfortable feeling caught between Umbra and I.

"So where is Sophia?" I asked casually.

Umbra seemed to snap out of her happiness when I asked that question. As if something terrible happened, she smiled sheepishly and spun a hoof through her mane.

"Well. . ." She paused, her eyes being all I need to know there was some kind of secret.

Throughout the months, I have come to understand that Umbra is very good at lying. But she has one major flaw that always gives her away, and it is undeniable. She can tell me I'm not right or I'm losing my mind, but I am no damn fool when it comes to secrets or lies.

"Umbra," I drawled. "Where is my little girl?"

I did my utmost to not lose my cool as she scooted away.

"They're down in the cafeteria. Sophia had not eaten all day. But the thing is, I kind of suggested that Cadance and Shining Armor take Sophia to the Crystal Empire for the week." She replied with difficulty, before ducking with her hooves over her head. Clearly she thought I was going to hurt her or something.

"You suggested that my daughter be sent my daughter with Cadance and Shining Armor for the entire week?" I asked a little more aggressively. It appeared that for whatever reason she was happy to send her away.

"I just thought it would be a good idea for you and I to have some time alone and for Sophia to think about what she did." She blurted in a panic before catching herself screaming. Thankfully she calmed down and used a better tone.

She hung her head as if ashamed while the door slowly opened. "I'm sorry. I saw this as an opportunity for you and I to do things without her in the picture; at least for a week."

I looked down to meet the mare's gaze and smiled at her warmly. Instinct took over as I caressed her man, chuckling at the tingling sensation that ran through my fingers as I did so. Slowly but surely I was beginning to see from her perspective how difficult it would be for her and I to have a relationship while Sophia is around. I'm not saying she is a hindrance, just a setback that will get between us whenever she wants. Relationships require time and the couple to have some companionship that goes without a third wheel.

"Just let me be awake for when you do something like." I said calmly.

Umbra scoffed at this and turned away as if disgusted by my answer.

"There you go again with your 'nice-guy' attitude." She groaned honestly. "Seriously, there must be a problem with your head. Nopony is that nice."

I looked at her with a friendly smile, making her more uncomfortable as I pulled her close. It was funny to feel her struggle as someone entered the room. I was so caught up in tormenting the unicorn I failed to see who it was that approached with a gift in magic.

"You're so easy to tease."

"Bite me." She snapped, before finding a comfortable spot in my lap to pout.

I relished the warmth of Umbra's body and her poutiness. It was like having Celestia's and Luna's magic seep into everything I was and give me a little peace.

Except it was better than the both of them put together. Much better.

I had missed this feeling so much. But I should have known that it would not have lasted with two princesses at my sides, especially when my brother always takes what makes me happy.

"You're so much better than Celestia and Luna put together." I told her in the faintest whisper, an inquisitive smile on my lips while she blushed and the visitor drew my attention to him. It was not easy to think that such a pony would be here in such a place for my well-being, but it gave me a good reminder that there is one god in this world I can call my family. And when I say god I mean he is a god who can turn the seas in the blink of an eye, but that's not how I see him.

With absolutely no regard for what Umbra and I have going on, the stallion moves from behind his gift and greets with a warm smile. Said smile was the best thing I had to look forward to in the term of family.

"Well you certainly look more chipper than the last time I saw you."

I turned to the stallion who'd draped my back with his wing, his eyes and horn swimming with an ocean of history and power. Awkward silence filled between us. The alicorn kept smiling whilst leaning in to nuzzle my cheek. Deep in the back of my own mind, joy fueled the beginning of a much needed family reunion. Once I'd thought about it, I broke the silence for my own pleasure.

"Dad?"

"Even though I separated from Cosmica you still call me that;" he said in a hardy voice, though a little more lively than I would want. I could not blame him though, not when his own daughters won't call him that. He made no reservation in self-control as he draped Umbra in his other wing, pulling us both so close that we almost fell off the bed.

"It's good to see you again Zane."

I had this very dumbfound look on my face while he released us. I was so stunned to see the only alicorn I like stand before me and act like my best friend. I had not seen him ever since he found out Cosmica was in on Celestia and Luna having an affair with Alex. He was so enraged when word spread of my leave, that he forced Cosmica to choose between me and Alex. Sadly, I was not on the good end of the stick. Neither was she.

"Dad, what are you doing here?" I asked.

"I told him," Umbra chirped, receiving a confused look from me. She appeared proud to have informed him.

"What, you can't expect me to not to tell Terra." She said defensively. "He's the only one that actually gives a crap about. Plus he can keep your situation from getting out to the public."

"There's only so much I can do to keep my ex-wife, daughters, and your bastard brother from knowing." Dad added with a roll of his eyes.

That is what made me respect the stallion, his sense of right and wrong. Being a god or a king did not matter to him when Cosmica made the choice of keeping Alex. I don't know what happened between them, but while I stayed at Fluttershy's house, he showed up to tell me he was leaving and that I would be better off living my own life. As weird as it was to have Terra be the last pony I expect to help me, he came through in the end. Of course there are some complications with having a god for a father, but I keep those things to myself so Umbra and Sophia don't have to worry.

"You told my father that I was in the hospital," I said skeptically.

Umbra turned to the stallion and pat his side while he unwrapped the gift basket. I wasn't surprised to see more fruit than sweets; that's the biggest pet peeve I had with the stallion. You cannot have anything sweet, not even a damn piece of candy, without him getting in my face to tell me that I'd better brush my teeth after I finish. Still, no matter how annoying it can be, he was the only one that showed real care for Sophia and I during his visits.

Unfortunately, said visits became less and less as multiple after Cosmica announced that Terra was "attacked in the middle of the night and inflicted with a curse".

Boy, I never thought about how hard life must be for him. But that doesn't explain how he bought the gift basket. Where the hell did he get the money?

Terra approached to hand—well hoof me a red apple, though with a little force. He made sure that I took the fruit and bit into the apple before grabbing one for himself and Umbra.

"Eat that before the nurse comes to give you hospital lunch. And trust me when I say the food here is not any better than it is in Ponyville."

Reluctantly, I chow down and ignore the feeling of not being hungry.

"So how long have I been in here?" I asked through my mouthful. I had to swallow it and take another bite to not invoke his glare.

"You've been in the hospital for two days now." Umbra answered, rubbing my right thigh tenderly.

"The doctors sought to inform Cosmica of admitting you, but Umbra was quick to send a letter." Terra said as he nuzzled the mare. To my shock, she enjoyed the affection. "You should be thankful that she told me."

He leaned away from her and gave me a mischievous grin. "By the way, when did you and Umbra become mates?"

I turned a new shade of red and gulped. I had no idea what to say or how I should explain to him that Umbra and I became thing; and it did not help that he was looking at me that way while the door opened again. It would have been easier if he was around more often, but the last time I saw him was maybe a month ago. Our relationship was already so thin that it made some things very difficult, like talking to him about who I am dating. I didn't know how he would react, especially to Umbra being my. . . marefriend.

I inhaled a deep breath as I leaned over to look past him. Approaching from Terra's right side was a pony I'd never seen before, and she was looking at me with a mixture of curiosity and excitement. Her entire figure was different from a regular earth pony—Shit, she was different from an alicorn! She was as tall as Terra if not shorter, her coat was similar to Fluttershy's, butterscotch if not a bright yellow. But she was not trimmed nor groomed like any regular pony, her fur was fluffed around the chest area; even her hooves had hair around them.

She was almost intimidating to me, and to Umbra the most. I barely glimpsed at the tall earth pony before my marefriend locked her hooves around my torso and groaned at the pony.

I looked at Terra without any hesitance as the mysterious pony steps too close to him.

"Dad, who is that?"

Terra does not express restraint in his enthusiasm. As soon as I had asked that question, he draped a wing over the mare and kissed her cheek.

"This is one of high council members," he replied whilst nuzzling the pony, making her giggle. "She is the speaker for Norweigh and my mate."

"A pleasure to meet you, son of Terra." She said in a deeply accent. She held her hoof out, and I took it in my hand. We shook, though my side was regretful on the account of her strength. "My name is Lady Spice, and I hope that you will come to accept what we have to offer you."

"Zane," I answered then looked up to Terra, my held tilted a little and an eyebrow raised. "And offer me?"

For the first time in my life I witnessed Terra blush and laugh nervously.

"About that. . ." he coughed to clear his throat before regaining his composure. Now he was himself, the stallion that possessed a deadly serious gaze "I was going to send you a letter sometime next month to prepare you, but since we are here now, we may as well tell you."

"Tell me what?"

Lady Spice was the one to step forward and tell me.

"Zane, I understand from what Terra has told about your situation. You are betrayed and struggling to give this mare and your daughter a good life, but nopony wishes to give her a second chance, and the hardship rests on you. Such kindness is not unseen by us, nor is it ignored."

"Which is why I have requested with the entire council to give you an audience." Said the alicorn.

"An audience for what?" Umbra asked, her eyes glowing with concern.

Lady Spice smiled warmly.

"To offer you the position of Equestria's Speaker."

I could not believe what I had just heard. I sat in silence for a couple of minutes with my jaw hanging and went to Umbra for help. She was just as shocked though, her eyes were as big as dinner as she stared at the unicorn. I wasn't sure if she had the same feeling, but I was having a serious conflict inside me as I contemplate the idea. There were some thoughts I did not have control over and those things are the reasons I fear myself. This was no different than when I wanted to murder Alex in the beginning. If this was really happening to me, then I had the opportunity to do something that would be bigger than becoming the king of Equestria.

I laugh in disbelief and run a hand through my hair, believing enough and feeling that it was not a dream. It felt so good. Oddly enough, it was as if god answered my prayers. But how could that happen? What would make me worthy of such an opportunity? Was there perhaps another reason behind it?

I looked up to both ponies and, with one big breath I found the courage and took the chance.

"You want me to be the representative for Equestria?" I asked. "Why?"

"Your actions are the reason why." Lady Spice answered. "We are looking for somepony that will step in when something foul is amuck and do what is right. You are that somepony."

"You didn't think I was going to let you work hard to survive, did you?" Dad mused while I laid back in bed. I blinked with so much uncertainty as he put his hoof on my chest. "Son, I favored you over your brother because I know you are the better stallion. I know that you do not need to be different to be great."

I laughed at him and shook my head.

"Now you're just trying to bullshit with me."

"No, I am not." He pressed on my chest, and it got my attention. "Zane, you have no idea how much the council is interested in you. They are impressed by you giving Umbra a second chance and throwing away your royalty when you discovered your brother stole my daughters from you. Your sense of right and wrong is the wisdom they want in that empty seat."

I sat there for a few moments looking at him. There were some reasons for me to decline, but the fact was I'd be saying goodbye to the very few friends I had and Twilight would be without a secretary. Sophia had some friends, but none of them would brave coming over since Umbra lived with us. How could I make a decision right now? Then again the benefit of leaving this kingdom for a better start in life did come to mind many times. I could do many things that would benefit so many ponies. I could be in a position that would put me above my brother.

I could not decide what I should do. I looked to Umbra for the answer, but she was expecting me to say something.

"Dad, as much as I want to leave this place and put all of this in Alex's face, I can't decide right now."

Terra nods his head and takes the pressure off my chest.

"I'd thought you might say something like that, which is why we're going to wait for a month. I'm sorry to say that we're mainly here on request to try and convince you. But that doesn't mean I am not worried about you."

"I know dad," I chuckled. "But I need time to think."

"No. You do not need time to think." Another voice said behind Terra, her tone aggressive and desperate. We looked towards the door and saw in the doorway the last pony I expected to talk like that.

"Twilight," Umbra and I said in unison while she approached, pushing between Terra and Lady Spice, with Cadance and Shining Armor behind her, and Sophia on his back.

She reared up and leaned into me, inches between her and I.

"You're going to that audience."

I tried to lean away, but there was no room.

"Why would I go?"

A slightly evil grin crept her face.

"Because I would love to see the look on Celestia's and Luna's faces when they see the man they cheated on is part of the council. Plus we want the same thing, we want Alex to feel inferior to you, even when he is made king."

"Hold on, the teacher's pet wants to see them suffer?" Umbra asked, stunned yet skeptic. "Are you sure you're Twilight Sparkle?"

Twilight's grin shifted into a cocky one.

"Princess Celestia is a second mother to me, and Luna is practically a sister. But I lost all respect for those two when they chose Alex for his appearance."

She turned her gaze back to me.

"Also, I was planning on replacing you if we started dating. So this offer they have for you helps out as well."

"Are you serious?" I barked, receiving a nod from her.

"I'm sorry, but you mixed up my schedule too many times."

I looked up to ceiling and took in a deep breath, my eyes burning with anger as she tried to tell me that we were still good friends but she needs somepony who can do the job right.

"FUCKING HELL!"