Chapter 37
Future Uncertain.

The air in the hospital room was cool and smelled like pine needles rather than that nasty chemical antiseptic smell, but that didn’t offer Trixie any comfort. Sweat rolled off her brow and her breath was coming in short hot gasps.

“Alright dear, just take a deep breath and when I tell you, you push as hard as you can.” Said nurse Redheart.

“Something’s wrong. I can feel it.” Trixie whimpered.

“You’re doing fine dear.” Said the other nurse, whose name Trixie couldn’t remember. “Just listen to Redheart. She’s done this dozens of times.”

A sudden bulge in her belly made her gasp, and both nurses took a step back in shock. Something was moving around inside. Pushing against her flesh in a way no unborn foal ever should.

“What in Equestria…” gasped the other nurse as it happened again; the flesh of Trixie’s stomach stretching impossibly.

“N-no… NO… get it out of me… please!” Trixie cried.

“Doctor! We need a doctor in here!” Redheart yelled towards the door.

Trixie screamed as her belly rippled and pulsed, then something tore a gash into it and spilled out. Strangely, there was no blood, and she felt no pain. But whatever had just left her was a nightmarish mass of limbs, both pony and plant. She watched in horror as the thing swallowed both nurses whole, then started to chase down ponies left and right. Devouring them in a single gulp as well.

"Cease!" a voice bellowed, before the world turned into a star filled void, and the thing that had been eating ponies winked out of existence.

"Hello, Trixie Lulamoon." said princess Luna as she appeared from a swirl of blue, star spangled fog.

"Princess? Wait.. is this a dream?” she asked, looking startled. Her breath slowly going back to normal.

"Indeed it is, Trixie Lulamoon. Art thou alright?”

“Getting there.” she breathed. Her heart was still racing a fair bit.

“Do you know why you're having this nightmare? You don't really think your child is going to burst your belly and eat everypony do you?"

"No... Trixie is just... I'm just afraid. I don't know if I'm ready to be a mother. And with Aeron being what he is," She gave her belly a hesitant rub, "There could be anything in here."

"And you fear your child could be a monster?"

Trixie gave Luna an incredibly guilty look. "I don't mean to think that, honest. I just can't help it. I'm scared."

Luna walked forward and gave her a quick but reassuring hug, then her horn lit up, and the landscape around them changed into a swirling, multi-colored mist.

"Where are we?" Trixie asked with wonder. “It’s like what I imagine being inside a rainbow would be like.”

Luna chuckled. "This is the dreamscape of your unborn child."

Trixie stared at the colors as they swirled and swelled into undefinable patterns, then receded into nothing only for the whole process to repeat itself. "But... there's nothing here. It's just so…. random."

"Dreams are built on our memories and experiences. Our imagination and subconscious uses these to construct the dreamscape in which they play out. Those who master dream magic do so consciously. The reason there’s nothing here is because your child simply has nothing to build with yet. The colours and patterns you and I perceive are but an abstract interpretation of your child’s emotions. Try and feel them."

Trixie stood still as she tried to feel and not just stare at the colors in the air. She let out a gasp as she suddenly felt it. "I feel... warmth, contentedness and.. love."

Luna stepped up next to her and brushed a hoof gently against Trixie's barrel. "Whatever your child may turn out to be, filly or colt, pony, or something else entirely... he or she will be simply perfect, because it will be a new life, created out of the love between you two. No child is born a monster, and I'm certain that once your little one arrives, you will be the best mother you could possibly be."

“But how can you be sure? I barely remember my own mother, and I don’t know the first thing about being one. I have no real example to follow or...”

Luna placed a gentle hoof on her muzzle to silence her. “‘Tis okay to be overwhelmed, Trixie Lulamoon. Having a foal is a big step. And even if thy mother had been around thou would feel unready. We have spoken to many new mothers in their dreams, and trust us, none of them felt ready. But once their little ones had been born, everything started to fall into place. Trust in thyself. When the time comes, thou will know what to do.”

"Thankyou." Trixie managed to whisper to Luna as her eyes grew damp. She gently rubbed her belly again. The warmth of love in the air swelled a little. It felt like being enveloped in a gentle hug. How could she have ever been scared of this little one?

"You are welcome, Trixie Lulamoon. And remember, you are not alone in this. You have Aeron, and you have friends. Now come, dawn is approaching, and we must both wake."

Trixie nodded. Luna gave her one last smile before she seemed to simply evaporate. Trixie looked back at the colorful mindspace of her unborn child one last time, before the world faded to white, and the sunlit image of her wagon slash bedroom greeted her.

Mornings in Evergrove were anything but silent. The air was thick with the song of birds, who made their nests in every available nook and cranny. While this was nothing new to those citizens who had migrated here from Ponyville, it was a bit of an adjustment for those who had come from Canterlot. More than a few times the guard had to respond to reports of civil disturbances caused by angry ponies trying to chase nesting birds off their property.

Trixie had no such troubles. She was used to such sounds from living on the road. If anything it was soothing to her. She stretched her legs and rolled out of bed. A deft kick from her back hoof flipped the foldable bed up against the wall, and the hook that kept it in place fell into the eyelet. It was a well practised routine.

A flick of her horn lit her small stove, and out from the tiny cupboard on her wall floated a small skillet, a stick of butter and a carton of eggs. With a deft display of telekinesis she threw a bit of butter into the pan and let it melt while she retrieved a small bottle from the trunk that doubled as her coffee table. It was a potion she’d gotten from Zecora, to counter the worst of the morning sickness. She took a sip from the bottle, grimacing at the taste, then cracked a couple of eggs into the pan and left them to fry.

“I better get some more of that.” She said to herself as she looked at how much was left in the bottle before putting it back in the trunk.

As she gave the eggs a quick stir with her magic she caught sight of something pink climbing into the window.

“Oh, good morning, Spice. Were you out in the sun?”

The little bulb nodded its head at her, then jumped down to make its way over to the coffee table trunk where Trixie had left the carton of eggs. It bumped the carton with its bulbous head, wiggling its leafy limbs.

“You want one?” Trixie asked, to which Spice eagerly bobbed its head.

Trixie floated an egg out of the carton and put it down next to Spice.

“You want Trixie to cook that for you?” she asked, but the little bulb shook its head no.

The egg was almost as big as Spice’s own head. But that didn’t deter the little plant. Its little bulb unfolded slowly to take in the entire egg, then closed tightly around it. A soft crack could be heard, then the little plant shivered in delight as it feasted on the yolk. Trixie gave her own eggs a final stir before dropping them on a plate with some horn made toast. Which involved little more than zapping a slice of bread with some raw magical heat.

“Have you seen Aeron at all?” Trixie asked Spice.

The little bulb shrugged its leafy shoulders, pointed at her clock, then at the door.

“He left early huh?”

Spice nodded.

“You know, Trixie loves that goof, but sometimes she wishes he would sleep like a normal pony. It's nice to have somepony to snuggle with in the morning.”

Spice made a sound akin to a wolf whistle.

“Don’t you get cheeky, little sprout.” Trixie pointed with her fork. “You know perfectly well what I meant.”

Spice just gave her a blank stare.

“I wonder what he’s up to this early.”

...

Evergrove palace, formerly the castle of the two sisters.

“...with the newest batch of detainees that brings the current population of the ‘Antfarm’ to two hundred and thirty seven.” Droned the voice of Level Ledger as he peered over the lenses of his glasses.

The voice of this guy. I swear he could do an audiobook reading of the steamiest erotica ever written and still put people to sleep. It certainly made my proverbial eyelids droop, and I don’t even sleep like a normal person.

“That’s double the amount it was last month.” Sighed Commander Fencer, rubbing his temples in a sign of clear irritation.

“Indeed.” Piped in Captain Shining Armor as he looked at his own papers. “The hives we are finding seem more eager to surrender than fight.”

“Somehow I doubt their will is broken, I wouldn’t be surprised if the ones we are finding are just out of sync with the main hive, I needn’t remind anypony here of the mania effect they exhibit when the queen is threatened.” Reminded General Tallhoof as he stirred his tea.

Swear to God that guy has the coolest accent. So Sean Connery.

“So what does that mean?” Asked Commander Herder. “Are we wasting our time on the B squads?”

“I would hardly consider the recovery of any citizen to be a waste of time, Commander.” Chided Princess Luna from her place, her voice just short of subzero temperatures.

“The point still stands, your highness,” Herder said with a tap on the table for punctuation. “We seemingly aren’t getting any closer to finding Princess Celestia.”

The room went quiet, the red maned mare had definitely hit a sticking point with all of us here, myself included. We’ve been doing this for months now, and we’ve found no trace of her. The only reason we know she’s still alive is because the sun is still under her control. Luna tried to take control but couldn’t.

Ever the diplomat, Blueblood was there to keep things going. “What about our detection system for infiltrators?”

“Accurate it seems, but impractical for mass use, the runes spell works but needs constant modifications and upkeep and the unicorns who know it well enough to maintain it are stretched thin. We have had more than a few false positives in the outlying areas, much of which is attributed to faults in the scrying.”

“Any official encounters with infiltrators?”

“Three in the last week. Manehattan, Appleloosa, and Sandy Shoals. All of them claimed to be seeking asylum.”

“Is their plan to waste our resources feeding them?”

“Apart from water they don’t really require-“

“Yes yes yes mister Ledger, so I have been told.” General Tallhoof snapped “...perhaps we should apply a bit of pressure in our methods of interrogation?”

“These creatures may be our enemies but I will NOT have them brutalized.” Luna spoke up.

Once again the room was diverted to silence. There was definitely more that needed to be said but no one dared to say it.

I could understand their desire to be more proactive on the interrogations, having applied my own methods in the past. But the majority of the ‘Lings’ we were getting were workers and harvesters. They don’t really know what the upper echelons are doing. They just follow the orders they receive. Which amount to little more than: “Get our Queen more food.”

What we needed was to find a Praetorian, but those sneaky bastards were either so fanatical that they would off themselves outright, or so skittish they would get out of dodge long before we got there.

The one thing we do know is that Chrysalis is still recovering from the epic asskicking Nightmare Moon delivered. She may have escaped from the effect of her orbital nuke, but not unscathed.

“That’s it for the military reports. Was there anything else that needs our attention?” Luna asked.

A well dressed mare with a greying mane and calculating eyes rose from her seat. She was the representative senator of the newly formed city council. At least that’s her official title. She’s little more than the mouthpiece of the nobility.

“Lady Rosewood.” Luna said.

“Your highness, I would like to use this opportunity to discuss the planned expansion of the city.”

“Not happening.” I said immediately. “I made that clear at the last meeting you attended. There will be no further expansion of the city for at least two years.”

“Princess Luna, the Evergreen has shown time and time again that he can bend the actual nature of the forest to his will, if he truly is an ally to ponykind then can we not ask him to comply with the expansion.”

“Truly an ally? I fucking worked my bark off to help raise this city from nought but seed and dirt.”

“As was your duty to the princess. That proves little.” she said with a dismissive air that made my proverbial blood boil.

“Listen here you simpering-“

“ENOUGH!” Luna interjected with her Canterlot voice and the clang of her shoed hoof.
The boom resounded all around but did little to quench my animosity.

“Aeron,” Luna said cooly but not unkindly, “perhaps your unique perspective grants you an insight we cannot appreciate. Could you calmly,” she let that word hang for a moment before she began again, “elaborate as to why you oppose Senator Rosewood’s expansion proposal?”

I took a moment to regain my composure; breathing through my nose once, then twice. The biological act was pointless, but the psychological one was most useful in clearing my thoughts.

“I will make this as simple as I can. The forest is too unstable to allow for further expansion of the city. The dark magic that lingered here for millennia has only been gone a short while. The natural magic of the world takes time to reassert itself.”

I gave a pause looking around at the faces around me, I couldn’t help but notice a few eye rolls, but was actually surprised to see more than a few seeming to actually listen, enough to continue at least.

“The leyline beneath the woods is taxed to its maximum right now, maintaining the sky trees. If we grow more homes, the ambient magic will become insufficient to sustain what we have, and we run the risk of the trees collapsing in on themselves.”

“Then we will simply expand using traditional building methods. We’ll log the woods and build normal homes.” Rosewood said airily.

“And that would be even worse. We would be displacing the denizens of the forest. Not to mention doing irreparable damage to its ecosystem. Right now there is a very delicate balance that we are maintaining. The presence of so many ponies is actually helping the rest of the woods to recover from the lingering effects of the entropic magic, due to the natural harmonious magic that ponies radiate. Right now, things are in balance; tipping the scale either way would bring everything crashing down around us.”

“But we need more homes, the current living conditions are… substandard.”

I narrowed my eyes. “Oh I see what your game is.”

“I don’t know what you mean.” Rosewood said haughtily.

“This isn’t about expansion for more homes. This is about expansion so you and the rest of the nobles can start building luxury mansions like you had back in Canterlot.”

“We have a right to...”

“To what? Lord it over the other ponies who are happily living in their comfortable tree homes by building posh mansions and opulent mini palaces with no regard for your surroundings? You can tell the nobility, that if I see so much as one mansion being built, I will have the very ground swallow it whole.”

Rosewood was about to shriek a protest but general Tallhoof interrupted her. “I think we’ve heard enough.” he said gravely.

“I agree.” Said Luna, “we will hold off on expanding the city for now, until such a time that the forest has recovered enough to make it feasible.”

Everyone nodded, and Rosewood gave me a sour glare.

“That concludes this morning's strategy meeting. You are all dismissed.” Luna finished.

Everypony at the table bowed, then slowly made their way out of the room.

“Aeron, stay a moment.” The princess said without looking up. Her voice was slightly deeper than usual.

A sinking feeling in what passed for my stomach brought me back to my days at school when I said or did something that crossed the line and now the teacher needed to ‘have a word.’

It didn’t help that Lady Sugar Teats had a smug look on her face as she filed out of the room, certain that I was about to be compelled to let her make a grand eyesore for her to huff her own farts in.

The large, living oak door closing with a loud thud was enough to draw my attention away from how I would sabotage any plans she made.

“I know I was a little gruff back there, but I told you from the onset I wasn’t going to be toeing the line when it comes to these pompous arseholes.” I said with a sigh.

“Nor should you.” Luna replied casually as she signed a scroll before passing it off to her secretary, a lean but not unattractive unicorn stallion named…I think ‘paper’ or ‘page’ something or other.

I waited for her to continue, only she didn't. “...but?”

“Butt-But what?” She said looking a bit distracted after she sent him off to run an errand. Wait… was she watching him go?

“But, aren’t you going to tell me that some exceptions can be made, blah blah blah, give the babies their playpens?”

“...no, thou said that was folly.”

“Well yeah, the folliest, but…” I then noticed her eyes had turned draconic, indicating that Nightmare Moon was the one in the driver's seat at the moment.

“There it is then. Unlike our sister, We will not cater to the nobilities every whim. ‘Tis time they grew up, so to say.”

“....right.” I nodded, now at a bit of a loss as to why I was told to wait.

“Speaking of growing up, word is thee and thy marefriend are expecting a little one?”

Hoo boy, here we go. I mentally sighed as I resisted the urge to facepalm.

“I swear, gossip travels at warp nine. Who told you? It was Blueblood, wasn’t it? A few maretinis and he could give the tabloids a run for their money when it comes to gossip.”

“Nopony told us, but thou didst just confirm it.” She added with a sly little wink.

“Oh well played, Moonie, well played.” I said grudgingly before processing what she just said. “Wait, then how did you…”

“Well to be fair, thou never stood a chance with keeping this from us. Dreaming begins sometime during the second month.” She said, smiling warmly.

I wasn’t going to lie, that statement hit me. Dreaming? Our...child, was already dreaming?

“Since our reform, we hath worked diligently to create a new image in the dreams of ponies, especially the foals, and those whom have yet to be.”

“I…” I wanted to ask. Wanted to know what she could tell at this point. But knowing was far more scary. Instead I just tried to play it off as nothing

“Well, yes.” I shrugged, coughing down a non-existent lump in my throat, “ As I said, It’s true. However, we are trying to keep it low key if you don’t mind. Close friends only for the moment.”

“We believe the expression is: ‘Mums the word.’ of course we will keep it to ourselves.” Nightmare nodded curtly before a devilish grin appeared on her muzzle as she began to circle round me a bit.

“What?” I was feeling uncomfortable under her sudden scrutiny. It made me think of jars.

“We just wonder how it happened. ‘Tis quite remarkable.”

“That’s one word for it. Impossible seems more fitting.”

“If there is one thing we’ve come to associate with thee, Aeron, it is that the word impossible holds little meaning to thee apparently. How did it happen, dost thou think?”

“Damned if I know. I mean... Are hybrid children a common thing here or?”

“Alicorns are quite difficult to successfully breed,” She said, ignoring my query, “it takes a virile seed and hits in just the right angles.”

Oh thrice damned lady fate, she’s making bedroom eyes at me, “And that’s my cue to blow this popsicle stand.”

“Truly? This gets to thee? Thou realize we have heard of how thou often tried to rile Twilight Sparkle with suggestive words and vulgarity.”

“It’s not that. It's simply… I’m having a hard enough time trying to wrap my head around the fact that I got Trixie pregnant. The last thing I need is for you to even jokingly hint at me impregnating you, or anypony else for that matter.”

“We don’t understand why this is such a problem for thee. It made sense for Trixie to have reservations. She’s the one who has to push out thy little seedling when the time comes, but thee? Thou should be out celebrating this happy event.”

“Are you bloody kidding me, Moonpie? The problem is that I'm gonna be a DAD. I’m not cut out to be a dad. I don’t have a CLUE how to BE a dad, damnit.”

“Quit calling us by that infernal moniker, it is degrading.”

“Nightmare Moon is way too big a mouthful. It doesn't roll off the tongue well. Besides, moon pies are delicious.”

“Scandalous!” she gasped.

Now I was confused. “What?”

“Such blatant sexual flirting. How dare thee. Thou hast a foal on the way.”

“THAT’S NOT WHAT I MEANT AND YOU KNOW IT!”

With a smirk she sauntered up to me. "Does daddy want a taste?"

I actually facepalmed that time. “I swear, Moonpie, knock it off or so help me you can explain to Luna why I defenestrated you.” I said with as much restraint as I could muster.

Nightmare rolled her eyes. “So dramatic.”

“This coming from you, miss; ‘The night shall last FOREVER!’” I said, warping my voice to emulate hers and striking a dramatic pose. She gave me a scathing look.

“We do not sound like that.” then she folded her ears back and averted her eyes, “also, eternal night may have been a mistake on our part.”

Ah crud, I hit a sore spot didn’t I.

“Well for what it's worth,” I backpedaled ”I’ve always enjoyed the night. It’s quiet and calm, perfect for curling up by the fire with a good book. It gives you time to think and relax. Heck, I love the night.”

Her wicked little grin returned a hundredfold. “Now thou art just trying to butter us up. Can’t resist these flanks, can thee?” She said whilst almost shoving her rump in my face, then she slapped me with her tail.

…

The guard on duty poked his head inside the door after hearing a loud crash. His eyes were drawn to the broken window and me dusting off my hands. Without a word I made my way passed him into the hallway where Shining Armor and Blueblood were waiting for me.

“Uhhh, what just happened?” asked Blueblood as he eyed the broken window.

“Just had to show Moonpie the error of her ways.” I shrugged nonchalantly.

“You realise she’s going to be right pissed don’t you?” Shining said

I cast a last glance at the shattered glass before I walked off with them. “I doubt it. And even if she were....Totally worth it.”

…

“Whatever it is, I'm sure he’s got it under control.” Trixie mused as she finished her toast and eggs. She washed her plate and zapped it dry with a spell, before returning it to the cupboard.

“Well, first things first, visit Zecora. Are you coming with?” she asked Spice. To which the little bulb nodded its head.

“Alright then, hop on.”

The little sprout shot a vine up, grabbed her by the horn and then pulled itself up to nestle in her mane. From a distance it simply looked as if she had put a flower in her hair. She threw on her star-spangled cloak and hat, then set off at a casual trot.

Evergrove wasn’t a very big city in terms of how much ground it covered, because everything had been built upwards rather than outwards. It only took Trixie a few minutes to reach the protective wall of vegetation.

There were only two ways in and out of evergrove. By airship, or through one of three underground tunnels. The tunnels exited somewhere in the everfree, and all of them were both well camouflaged, and boobytrapped against non pony invaders. Trixie took the tunnel that exited nearest to Ponyville. Since it would get her closest to Zecora’s place.

As she trekked through the forest, she caught the occasional glimpse of timberwolves in the woods near the path. She didn’t feel concerned until a whole pack of them suddenly appeared out in the open just ahead. Instinctively her body went rigid with alarm.

“Calm down, Trixie.” she told herself, “These aren’t the same old timberwolves you’ve been told to run from as a foal. There’s nothing to be afraid of.”

Still, knowing was one thing, but it’s hard to suppress millennia of instinct. Stiffly she resumed her walk. As she got nearer however the wolves started to fan out. Forming a loose circle around her. The path ahead was clear except for one large timberwolf. The alpha female.

“Is… there something you want?” Trixie asked hesitantly as the wolf stepped closer.

Instinct told her to bolt, but the wolf's posture was relaxed, and its eyes showed curiosity, not hostility. Carefully it approached her until they stood almost muzzle to muzzle. Then the wolf suddenly stepped past, ducked her head and gently brushed it across her barrel. The leaves that made up its fur tickled lightly, causing Trixie to step sideways with a snicker.

“Hey, that tickles.” she chuckled. Feeling her anxiety drain away.

The wolf gave her a lopsided stare, then sniffed her belly. Gently poking her with its nose.

“Can you… can you sense my foal?”

In reply, the wolf stepped back and let out a soft howl that was taken up by the rest of the pack. Then the pack took off, vanishing back into the woods. Leaving a slightly confused Trixie behind.

“What was that all about?” she wondered aloud. Spice gave a tiny shrug from up in her mane.

Pondering about the eccentricities of Timberwolves, Trixie resumed her walk. It didn’t take too long before she reached the familiar tree-home of Zecora. As she walked up to the door she noticed it was half open. Giving a quick couple of knocks on the frame, she stuck her head inside.

“Hello? Zecora, are you home? I’ve come for more potion.”

“Trixie, my friend, how do you do? It is very nice to be seeing you.” Answered Zecora as she appeared from the backroom door, carrying a small, blanket wrapped foal in a one legged grip.

Trixie trotted up to Zecora to take a closer look at her little colt. She didn’t get a chance to see him last time she came to Zecora’s place.

“Why hello there little one.” she cooed. The wide eyed foal responded with a burbling giggle.

“He’s so precious.” She said to Zecora.

The tiny foal had a deep blue-grey coat, like a stormcloud or late evening sky. Just like his father. He also had stripes, like his mother, but they were a pale, icy white instead of dark. He also possessed her deep cyan eye-color. And jutting from his forehead was a tiny horn. His horn had a helix pattern in icy white running from root to tip. Almost like a barber pole.

“What’s his name?”

“We named him, Nyota Ndogo Mkali. It means Bright Little Star in Equestrian.”

“Hello Nyota.” Trixie cooed at the little foal, who looked at her with curious eyes.

“And how is our mother to be? You look healthy from what I can see.”

Trixie gave a little shrug. “Still adjusting to the idea, but getting there. To be honest, I was scared out of my mind for a while when I learned I was expecting.”

“Indeed, the thought of bringing a little one into the world can be quite heavy.”

“Even more so when I expected it to be forever beyond my reach.” Trixie said as she gently rubbed a hoof across her stomach.

“Tis a mystery indeed, one that defies all expectations. Have you yet found an explanation?”

Trixie shook her head. “We’ve consulted with every doctor, scientist, biologist and magus who would see us. None of them have been able to give us an explanation, or even a theory. All we really know is that we know nothing.”

“The power of life is beyond even magic. It brings us wonders, bright and ecstatic.” Zecora mused.

“I’d feel more ecstatic if I wasn’t so darn nauseous all the time.” Trixie huffed.

“Ah yes, I’d almost forget. Let me fetch you your potion, after putting this little one to bed.” Zecora said, nuzzling Nyota before laying him down in his crib.

…

Having finished her business with Zecora, Trixie decided to pay a visit to Ponyville. In particular to the Ponyville Spa. She needed some serious pampering and relaxation.

As she made her way across the town square, she spotted a couple of familiar faces inside the Cheeky Sheep. Aeron, Shining Armour, Blueblood and Big Macintosh were all sitting at a table near the bar, nursing various drinks. She wondered what they were talking about. Aeron looked a little unhappy whilst the rest of them seemed to be laughing. Her curiosity piqued, and feeling a tad mischievous she activated her invisibility spell and made her way inside. Deftly sidestepping the few other patrons she made her way over to their table and listened in.

“You really should be thrilled, the idea of your biology successfully co-mingling with pony biology is amazing.” Said Blueblood.

“Shockingly, I don’t find that thrilling.” Aeron deadpanned, resting his head on the table.

“Really, now Aeron this isn’t that big of a deal.”

“Says the guy who doesn’t need to worry about knocking up a mare.”

“I am willing to forgive that snippy attitude only because I am having fun here.” Blueblood said, making eyes with another stallion across the way.

“Look guys, I am happy. I love Trixie with all my heart.” he said feeling genuine about the words. “I just never planned this, neither of us did. I wouldn’t be surprised if Trixie had her doubts about this whole thing too. It was just so unexpected.”

“I blame squirrels.” Shining Armor said with a smirk behind his mug. “Always burying acorns and forgetting.”

Lifting his head from the table Aeron looked at him sardonically. “You have any more of those?”

“Do you think it was like Dandelion seeds or maple seeds? Odd feeling for poor Trixie.” Sniped Blueblood as he stirred his martini.

“So what kind of wood do you suppose got this all started? Oak? Chestnut? Mornin’?” Chuckled Big Mac as he knocked back the last of his cider, then called for a fresh one.

“Alright, you jackasses. It’s been lovely but I’m gonna go.” Aeron snarked. He got up to move but his three tormentors just laughed and moved him back down to his seat.

“Just chill and take the ribbing like a big colt.” Shining armor said as he poured him another glass.

Unseen by any of them, Trixie uncorked a bottle of industrial strength hot sauce she’d pulled from her hat and added a generous splash to all their drinks. She’d teach them to mess with her stallion. She suppressed a vengeful giggle as she slipped out the door. Three agonised screams and frantic calls for water followed shortly thereafter.

Her revenge complete, she made her way to the Ponyville Spa. A satisfied grin plastered on her face.

She spent a few leisurely hours enjoying all the pleasures the spa had to offer. A nice relaxing herbal bath that soothed all her little aches and pains. A long gentle massage to turn all her muscles into the equivalent of relaxed dough. And to finish it all off, a nice facemask and hooficure, whilst sipping refreshing cucumber water.

With a sigh that was two parts satisfaction and one part disappointment that her time was up, Trixie stepped out the front door of the Ponyville Spa, feeling the most blissful she had in a long time.

…

I had been basking in the sun for a while after giving the guys the slip. I knew they meant well, but I could only take so much ribbing before it started to get on my nerves. Besides, this was my off time, and I intended to spend it with the love of my life. Said love had just stepped out of the spa, and she looked fantastic. Her coat all but shimmered in the sunlight.

“Fancy seeing you here, my little magician.” I quipped.

“Aeron.” She blinked. “How did you know I was here?”

“I saw you enter, so I decided to wait for you. Mind if I walk with you?”

“Of course not.” She smiled.

As we made our way back across the square I leaned in close to her.

“I know what you did, that was a good prank.” I told her whilst mimicking a smirk.

“How could you possibly know? I used my invisibility array.”

I pointed to her hair, where spice was contentedly nestled. ”I couldn’t detect you, but I could sense Spice.”

Trixie’s eyes traveled up, making her look slightly cross-eyed. It was adorable “Should have known.” she sighed.

I scooped her up into a gentle hug. Mindful of her belly and its precious cargo. “Whaddya say we go home, and I make you something nice for dinner?”

“Only if you carry me there.” she smiled.

“Your wish is my command oh Great and Powerful Trixie.”

She gave my chest a gentle shove. “Trying to butter me up will get you nowhere.” she smiled.

“Oh really? Then what if I…” I leaned forward and whispered in her ear.

Her eyes widened and her cheeks turned pink. “T-that will do.” she stuttered.

“I thought that might persuade you.” I chuckled.

“You’re terrible.” She giggled back.

“Yes, but you don’t hate it.”

“No, I don’t. Because I know you love me.”

“That is true.” I smiled.

“Will you still say that once Trixie looks like a bloated cow in a few more weeks?”

“I don’t care if you look like a cow or a bloody starfish. I love you no matter what.” I said, placing my hand gently on her barrel.

After a moment I felt the tiniest of jolts, almost like static from a sweater.

“What are you thinking about?” Trixie asked.

“Huh?” I replied, momentarily dumbstruck.

“You seemed lost in thought.”

“I was just thinking about the future, and our little one.”

“Oh?”

“I’m… ashamed to admit, I’m a little scared.”

“Aeron…”

“But together, I’m sure we can figure it out.” I hastily said.

Trixie turned 'round in my arms, standing on her hind legs she wrapped her forelegs around my neck and nuzzled my face.

“Yes, we will.” she said before placing her forehead against mine and closing her eyes. “You are mine, and I am yours. We might not have planned for this, but I like to believe that we have been blessed. And… that my parents would be proud.”

“The proudest of them all.” I said, before placing a gentle kiss on her lips.

...

Far away from the warmth of the sun, and the lush green of Evergrove, the icy winds howled across the frozen ground of the northern wastes, throwing up waves of snow and sleet. Trudging across the barren landscape were a number of dark, hairy figures. From a distance they looked like ordinary Yaks, but upon closer inspection, something was off about them.

They crossed over treacherous ridges, and rocky outcrops covered in razor sharp icicles; Traversed glaciers full of deadly pitfalls, and wormed their way through narrow passes in the mountains, until finally they reached a vast open valley, surrounded by distant mountains bedecked in eternal snow.

Slowly they made their way down into the valley, until the lead yak signaled them to stop.

“This is it. We have arrived.”

“But general, there is nothing here but snow and ice.”

“Not for long.” Said the yak, before bursting into green flame, revealing the changeling form of Tarandus.

The other changelings followed suit. Assuming their true forms.

“Can you not feel it, Thrax? There is power in this place. Though separated from this reality by a veil of magics most ancient, it’s power still lingers.”

Thrax closed his eyes and focused on his senses. There it was, like a tingle of electricity in the air. Magic, ancient magic of a magnitude beyond anything he had ever felt. Though faint, its power was potent enough to make the air itself humm.

“I feel it, general. It really is here.”

“Yes.” Tarandus hissed, “Everything we have worked for is within our grasp, Thrax. Bring forth the keys.”

With a nod, Thrax opened his saddlebags, bringing out the two crystals they took from Canterlot castle.

“Now, we claim the future of the changeling race. With the power of the legendary Crystal Heart, we will never go hungry again. Our grubs will grow fat and strong. We shall become invincible. And I will take my rightful place as the true ruler of the changelings. Not that ignorant breeding sow, Chrysalis.” His eyes gleamed as he held the two crystal keys aloft.

“But what of the Great One, general?”

“We have served him faithfully. If we deliver this world to him he will not care if we claim this piece of it as our own.”

Thrax seemed unsure, but held his tongue.

“Now return to us, oh legendary empire. I, Tarandus, command you!”

A blast of green magic sprang forth from his horn, enveloping the keys. They rose into the air, one turning clockwise, the other counterclockwise, before their slimmest sections aligned and they slammed together.

With a crack of thunder the snowstorm was swept away. The air before them shimmered, and then a city appeared, as if emerging through a ragged tear in time and space itself. It shimmered like a ghostly image. Parts of it fading in and out of reality at random.

Tarandus smiled triumphantly, only for his smile to falter as the enormous crystal city began to fade out of reality once again.

“No. NO! Why is it not working?”

As if in answer, a ghostly image of a pony appeared in the air above the glowing keys. A shadowy figure made of crystal and starlight.

“You have failed, Sombra.” said the image, “The empire is forever lost to you. Princess Amore herself created the spell to seal the empire away, with the magic of love, unique to her. Only one who carries the blood of Amore within their veins can undo the spell. And they are beyond your reach. There is nothing here for you but snow and ice. Once the frozen north has consumed you, the heirs of Amore will return to bring the empire back. How does it feel to be the king of nothing?”

The ghostly image vanished, and so did the crystal city. Gone in a spray of glittering sparkles. Slowly the snow began to fall once again. The two keys fell separately into the snow.

Tarandus stared at the air where the ghostly image was just seconds ago. His expression unreadable. The other changelings shifted nervously.

“What do we do now, general?” Asked Thrax.

Tarandus shoulders shook. Lightly at first, but soon they were shaking hard. A crazed chuckle came from him, but it soon changed into full on mad laughter.

“General?” Thrax said hesitantly.

Quick as a whip, Tarandus turned around, slamming into Thrax, throwing him into the snow.

“We go back to Equestria and collect the last known descendant of Amore. Princess Cadance!” he snarled. Eyes and horn ablaze with green power.

Thrax climbed back to his hooves. “But, general, how do we even know that she’s…”

“She is the alicorn princess of LOVE you imbecile! Just like Amore before her. It’s a one of a kind magic, just like Celestia and Luna’s. She must be the final piece of the puzzle. She must be! Now move, we have a long journey ahead of us.”

“And what if she’s not?” was the question Thrax wisely decided not to ask as one by one they transformed back into yaks, to begin the long trek back to civilization.

Author's Note

Its been a very long time my respected readers. A lot of stuff happened in that time.

As some may have read in my blog posts, I lost both my parents within the span of less than a year, and that experience really put the proverbial wrench in my plans.

I'm finally at a point where I can start to pick things up again. So I hope you all enjoyed this latest chapter.