Chapters Cherry Berry lay on her bed, trying to catch a few winks. It was no use. Cherry knew from experience that she would be sleepless for the next few days. She tossed and turned under the covers. Cherry sat up and tried getting off the bed, but was stopped by Cherry Fizzy.
“You need to rest,” he said plainly. Fizzy sat on cushioned chair next to the bed, his son was snoozing soundly on his lap.
“I'm not gonna get any sleep,” Cherry argued. “I need to do something.”
“You're gonna wear yourself out and then regret it after.”
Cherry Berry grunted and fell back onto the bed. She hated when he was right, but at the same time she liked that about him.
The mare shifted uncomfortably. She wanted to lie on her stomach, but the foal inside her wouldn't allow it. She ran a hoof through the fur on her belly. So many months had passed, it was almost time. She wished she could have the foal someplace else, but Fizzy wouldn't let her travel while she was expecting. Maybe Cherry used that as an excuse. She didn't really want to leave her hometown. Sure, she got married in Ponyville, but to live in a city afar off? Somewhere like Manehatten? Baltimare? She had been wanting to ask Fizzy about moving for a long time now, but she couldn't bring herself to ask him. Besides, if he thought it was really necessary, Fizzy would have brought it up.
Cherry turned over and looked at Fizzy. He was staring into space thinking of who knows what. Probably worrying about something. She thought back to when they had had their first foal. Fizzy became more and more restless as the months passed. Raising a child was hard on him. Cherry couldn't fathom how he was still sane. If they packed up and left, maybe Fizzy would sleep normally again.
Damnit! She cursed in her head. Had Fizzy wanted to move out this whole time? Had she been too busy with her own selfish desires that she hadn't asked Fizzy what he wanted?
Cherry noticed Fizzy looking into her eyes. She tried reading him. What was he feeling? Giant bags sagged under his eyes, his brow was furrowed, and his jaw was clenched, frowning slightly. How long had it been since she saw him relaxed and happy?
Mustering up courage, Cherry asked, “Fizzy?”
“Yes?”
Before she could say anything, the door burst open, revealing a frantic Berryshine.
“We have to leave, now!” she shouted.
Cherry and Fizzy glanced at each other, then at her, puzzled.
“I'll explain on the way, okay?” She picked up the colt on Fizzy’s lap and placed him on her back. Fizzy helped Cherry off the bed. Berry immediately pushed Cherry's rump with her head out the door.
The three trotted outside. Celestia's sun was setting in the horizon. Berryshine lead them through town, not slowing down or saying a word. Most ponies were already in their homes or on their way to the local pub. Berry would join them most days, but not today it seemed. Fizzy stayed very close to Cherry.
They had traveled through the majority of Dodge Junction when Fizzy had enough. He stopped and yelled at Berry.
“Well, are you gonna tell us or what!?” He didn't want to deal with any of Berry’s bullshit.
Berry turned to him and sighed impatiently.
Cherry started flicking her tail, being uneasy just standing still.
“We're almost there.” She wasn't planning on explaining anything.
“We're not moving ‘til you tell us what's going on.” fizzy stomped his hoof on the dry ground.
Cherry began sweating.
“Don't do this, Fizzy. Just come.” Berry was growing angry.
“No one's going anywhere ‘til you spill it!”
Berry stepped toward him. “Could you get off your damn pedestal!” she screamed, frustrated. “I can't tell you right now!”
“What've you done now!?” Fizzy growled, inches from her muzzle. “What'd you do that you have to drag me and Cherry into it!? She should be in bed right now!”
Cherry opened her mouth to say something, but decided against it and paced back and forth, visibly uncomfortable.
Berry was as red as a cherry, but didn't reply.
“I'm not gonna keep letting you make Cherry fix your problems!” Fizzy turned to Cherry.
“You have to come with me! You don't understand, we have to go now!”
Fizzy ignored her. Berry was about to say something else, but finally noticed Cherry’s strange behavior.
“What's wrong?” Fizzy inquired with a concerned tone.
“Nothing!” Cherry lied. She darted her eyes away from his gaze.
“It's happening, isn't it?” his voice cracked. He didn't let her answer. “We need to see the doctor.”
“No, really, I'm fine!”
Fizzy dismissed her protests.
“You can't!” Berry didn't know what else to say to get him to stop. “I told!” she cried.
Fizzy stopped dead in his tracks. His ears twitched. “What!?”
Berry shut her eyes in pain. “I told Orchard about you two,” she muttered, gritting her teeth.
Fizzy was utterly speechless. He couldn't choke out a word.
“Just come with me and get on the train before Jubilee lynches the three of us.” Berry didn't wait for them and went ahead.
Cherry looked at Fizzy. He was unable to keep any of his emotions in check. Anger, frustration, sadness, shock, all strewn across his face. She had never seen him like this before, he was always so sure of himself. Cherry did the only thing she could think of. She hugged him, squeezing tightly. He hesitated before returning the gesture.
“I guess...we don't have a choice,” Cherry sniffed.
It was probably better this way. Who knows how long they would've put it off before going through with actually moving out. Now leaving was the only option. Their foals could finally grow up under better circumstances. Although, nothing could change the fact that they were leaving their home. The place they were born and raised, and shared so many memories.
“Can we really do it?” Cherry asked with a sob. “Just leave behind everything and start fresh?”
Fizzy pulled out of the hug and kissed her on the forehead. “We need to be strong.” He nuzzled her lovingly. “We chose this, so we're seeing it to the end.”
He was right, they had already decided this years ago.
Fizzy wiped the tears from her face. Cherry could've stared at him all day. As long as he was there with her, she could go to the ends of Equestria.
They hurried to the station. Once she saw them, Berry tossed the conductor a bag of bits.
“There's your damn bits, now get us out of here,” she snapped.
“Alright, alright!” The stallion galloped to the front of the train.
Cherry was a little annoyed as Berry and Fizzy helped her get on the train. She wasn't dying and desperately needed them to help. She sat across from her snoring colt.
“Are you good? Do you need anything?” Fizzy inquired.
“Yes, yes, I'm okay."
He kept insisting if she was well or if she needed anything until she wasn't sure if she really was okay. Cherry scolded him for making her feel insecure. He apologized several times, but his giggling didn't prove that he really was sorry. Cherry rolled her eyes, stifling a laugh. He then went to close the train car door.
She had the biggest urge to start moving around, but she knew Fizzy wouldn't like that, so she settled on squirming in her seat and flicking her tail.
Cherry glanced over at Berry. She grabbed a foal from a crib and cuddled the foal in her fore legs. It didn't look like her coltfriend was coming. She had heard Berry was having problems with him ever since their foal had been born. Cherry wished she could have been there for her, but Fizzy had confined Cherry to her room. She wanted to ask her about it, but wasn't sure what to say.
Cherry's son nudged her to get her attention.
“Mommy? Where are we going?” he wondered, followed by a long yawn.
“Uh…” she fumbled, trying to find what to say. “We're going to live somewhere else.” No point in lying.
“But I don't wanna leave,” his face dropped. “I don't wanna leave my friends.”
“You can always make new friends.” He wasn't happy with that response. “A-and...uh...oh! You'll get to live with daddy!”
The little colt lit up. “With daddy? Really?” Cherry nodded. “But what if he doesn't like me?” Fear crushed his demeanor.
She chuckled. “He already loves you dearly.” She rubbed her nose with his and ruffled the colt's mane. He giggled from the tickling sensation. The colt wore a big grin and went back to his seat.
Cherry scoured the seats for Berry and Fizzy, but they weren't anywhere to be found. She headed to the still open door. She found them outside, with the rest of the population of Dodge Junction.
All eyes fell on Cherry except for Fizzy and Berry who were facing away from her.
“Cherry, dear, is this true?” Cherry Jubilee spoke for the whole town, holding a grim undertone, as opposed to her usually cheery voice. Something Cherry had never heard before.
The crowd didn't have pitchforks or torches, but you could practically see the intensity in the air.
Cherry took a step back. She had never known such hostility before in her life. The only thought that came to her was what Berry had said. Would she really? Would Jubilee...lynch ...them? She wouldn't. She couldn't possibly…
“Is it true, that my own granddaughter would…?”
“So we're suddenly not your grandfoals anymore?” Berry shot, referring to her and Fizzy
Jubilee slapped Berry across the face. “Don't you dare speak to me in that tone!” she scolded. Cherry couldn't recognize her voice at all.
Berry didn't reply, keeping a blank stare.
Who was this mare? This wasn't the grandmother Cherry had known since birth. She didn't know her one bit.
“I'll ask again.” Jubilee’s voice held no lightness. “Did you…” she struggled to say it. “Elope , with your own flesh and blood, your...brother ?” She sounded as if she was going to faint from disbelief.
Cherry couldn't make any words come out of her mouth. She looked at Fizzy and Berry for help, but they had their gaze locked on Jubilee.
Cherry didn't want this. She couldn't handle this. The town, everypony she had ever known in her life, ponies she had grown up with, laughed with, cried with, loved, all of them were against her. She couldn't live while they all despised her very existence. It was too much to bear.
Cherry Jubilee sighed deeply. “I wouldn't have expected this from you, Cherry-”
“But you expected it from us!? Berry blurted out.
Jubilee back-hoofed her hard enough to make her fall, and gave her the death glare of the century to keep her quiet. She turned back towards Cherry.
“Stop this, Cherry. Stop this...filth , right now and we'll forgive you.”
Would they? Would they forgive her? All she had to do was give up what she had with Fizzy. Forsake her mistakes and…
Cherry felt something inside her. Her foal was kicking. Her thoughts took a sharp turn.
No! What was she thinking? Fizzy wasn't a mistake. Marrying him was the best thing she had ever done. Her foals, they weren't mistakes either. They were her life. Her entire being was devoted to Fizzy and their children, and she was going to keep it that way. Her foals couldn't live without their father.
Cherry's voice was resolute and unwavering. “What about Fizzy? And Berry?” She knew the answer, but there had to be some way to save the three of them from whatever Jubilee was planning to do with them. After seeing this new side of her, Cherry couldn't imagine what Jubilee was willing to do.
Jubilee was taken aback by the sudden bravery Cherry had. “W-we still have to punish them for what they've done.”
“You're willing to forgive me, but not them?”
Jubilee stepped back, surprised by the aggressive Cherry. “That's not-”
“Why!? Is it because I'm your favorite? Because I was born under marriage and they weren't!?” Cherry knew that stung Berry and Fizzy, but it needed to be said; it was a dagger to Jubilee.
Jubilee was furious. She moved for Cherry, to slap the sense into her. Before she could, Berry dashed into Jubilee and rammed her into the spectating crowd. Fizzy pushed Cherry back into the train car, but only enough to make her stagger backwards.
Cherry couldn't get to the door fast enough. Fizzy had shut it and held it closed, stopping her from opening it. She slammed her hooves against the door, screaming at him to let go. She looked through the window to find his eyes. She had to see them. Fizzy had his gaze downtrodden, tears running down his muzzle. He wouldn't look at her. Cherry begged him to look at her. Hot tears ran down her fur.
She couldn't even see his eyes one last time.
The train picked up speed. The mob dislodged Fizzy from the door as it left the station. Cherry forced the door ajar and watched as the town became smaller and smaller.
Cherry Berry fell on her haunches, losing all hope. She turned her head back to see her colt crying and in horror, confused at the spectacle he had just seen.
Mayor Mare waited at the train station. Berryshine had told her that she and her two cousins needed a place to stay for the night. The Mayor couldn't recall their names. She mentally slapped herself for not remembering. The Mayor of Ponyville should be better than that. Berry had said that one of them was expecting a foal, so the Mayor had her assistant bring a carriage. It was a good thing the train was late, her assistant was far beyond late.
He arrived minutes later with the carriage, but he wasn't alone. Mayor Mare face-hoofed so hard her brain felt it.
The colt jumped off the carriage seat and stood at attention in front of the Mayor. He saluted and shouted, “Noteworthy, your number one assistant, ready for duty! Uh, ma’am!”
A filly hopped off the seat and joined Noteworthy. “Uh, Shoeshine, ready for duty!” She saluted.
The colt who had been pulling the carriage saluted next to the other two, but didn't say a word.
“Do I want to know?” Mayor Mare sighed deeply.
“Well…” Noteworthy started. “When you aksed me to get a-”
“Asked ,” Shoeshine corrected.
“When you ASKED -” he emphasized while glaring at Shoeshine. “-me to get a carriage, I remembered the last time I tried to pull a carriage on my own, I didn't get very far because it was so heavy for me. So I needed somepony who was strong enough to carry it. And, well, Big Mac is the strongest pony I know. I've seen him pulling carts filled to the brim with apples!”
“Eeyup!” Big Mac said proudly.
“So, then we went to town to find a carriage, but we didn't know where to get one. Then I remembered Shoeshine is great at finding things! So we picked her up and she found us one in no time at all!”
The Mayor should have expected something like this. “Did you inform their parents about this?” she inquired of Noteworthy.
“I, uh…”
“Yeah, yeah. They know.” Shoeshine waved the notion away that their parents might not know.
Big Mac only nodded.
Very reassuring. The Mayor would have to tell their parents about this.
“Alright, alright. As soon as we're done with the carriage, you three are going straight home.”
Noteworthy whined. “Aww, but-”
“That's an order!” she snapped.
“Y-yes ma’am.”
As the two colts and filly talked about who knows what, Mayor Mare thought about her now ruined plans. She would have to take each of them home herself and apologize to their parents. That would push back the paperwork that was due by the day’s end. She needed the paperwork to be done for a meeting she had tomorrow morning, or was it the day after?
“Noteworthy?”
“Yes ma’am?”
“At what time do I have the meeting with the Canterlot representatives tomorrow?”
Noteworthy scratched his head, trying to jog his memory. He pulled out a notepad from his mane and flipped through several pages. “It's not tomorrow. They rescheduled it to next thursday.”
“Oh, thank goodness.” The Mayor breathed easy, having a load taken off her back. “The ponies we're meeting here, what were their names?”
“Let's see…” He searched the notepad. “Miss Berryshine with her newborn foal, and Mrs. Cherry Berry and Mr. Cherry Fizzy with their 7-year-old colt, Meadow Song.”
Mayor Mare repeated the names in her head. Cherry Berry, Cherry Fizzy, Meadow Song. She remembered them now. They had come to Ponyville years ago to get married. It was done in secret with only the three of them and the Mayor. She didn't know why they were being secretive, but it seemed like they were happy together years later with a colt and another on the way.
“Oh! I didn't notice before. Meadow song ! Do you think he's good at singing? He can join our trio!”
Noteworthy ran off to tell Big Mac and Shoeshine the good news.
Mayor Mare chuckled at her assistant. She didn't know what she would do without her energetic and innocent helper. He always brought an air of positivity to her stressful job. He had yet to actually explain why he wanted to become her assistant, nor could she coax it out of him. She was still grateful to have him nonetheless. She couldn't ask for any pony better than him.
The sun had gone down and the group of four stood on the platform and watched as the train came and hissed as it stopped.
Dr. Scope’s horn lit up the dim room as he levitated pieces of furniture to its rightful positions. He picked up trash, annoyed that he had to clean up after ponies. He gathered the litter in a bag and double-checked the makeshift waiting room before leaving.
Ever since the hospital had been torn down, Scope had to see his patients in his own house. He didn't have to deal with overnight guests, but he still wished the new hospital would be done soon. His house was supposed to be an escape from work, not the complete opposite.
All the waste was seperated into two groups. One for regular trash, and the other for things too dangerous to keep with normal trash. Scope threw the bags out back, and set the harmful waste by the front door. He would deal with that tomorrow.
He didn't get very far from the door before somepony knocked on it. He cursed his luck. Scope’s shift was over, but he couldn't turn anyone away.
Call it a moral code.
Mayor Mare was waiting behind the door. Scope didn't expect to see her, of all ponies.
“U-uh, Mayor...w-what are you doing here?” he stuttered.
She averted her eyes from his gaze, Her face turning a deep red. She struggled to say a thing.
“N-no!” She shook her head violently and recomposed herself. “Dr. Scope,” she spoke looking at him directly. “Cherry Berry here is about to have a foal. I need your help to calm her down and help her have the baby.”
“U-uh yes, of course.”
Scope galloped to get a stretcher, and, using his magic, wheeled it back. He and Mayor Mare helped Cherry onto the stretcher.
“You need to stay here, Cherry. I will do everything I can for your husband and cousin.”
The Mayor interrupted her before she could protest.
“Don't worry about them. Just worry about your foal.” She faced the two colts and filly. “Noteworthy, you do everything Scope tells you to do. Big Mac, Shoeshine, stay with Meadow Song and the foal and stay out of their way.”
The three saluted in agreement. If the situation wasn't so dire, Scope would have chuckled at the sight.
“I'll be back as soon as possible,” she addressed to Scope. Then she sprinted into the night.
Scope sighed heavily. It was going to be a long night.
Mayor Mare slowed down to a trot, tired of running for so long. She reached her destination, out of breath and a little sweaty. She should really start jogging every morning like she used to.
She took a moment to catch her breath and readjust her posture to look more presentable.
The Mayor rang the doorbell. Voices could be heard from the inside. Then, sounds of a pony bumping into things echoed through the door. A light turned on, illuminating the porch, and finally the door was opened. A pegasus stallion answered, wearing a bath robe.
“M-Mayor,” he said, surprised to see her.
Did ponies have any other emotion but shock whenever they saw her?
“Come in, come in.” He gestured for her to enter.
“No, no, that's quite alright,” she refused. “Apologies for waking you at this hour, Mr. Script.”
“Oh, it's no trouble at all. You know me, I'm always awake at this time of night doing you know what.” he chuckled.
She stared at him questioningly.
“Right…” She tried to forget the last remark. “I need your help, Mr. Script. I have a case, your the only pony I can trust with it.”
“Oh, geez, Mayor. I didn't know you trusted me so.” He acted Bashful.
She eyed him with a face of: “really?”
“You must be really desperate since your asking me for help.”
Mayor Mare hesitated before going on.
“...It's a rare case, one you've probably never encountered.”
“Try me.” His interest was tickled.
“It's...inbreeding .”
Mr Script fell as silent as a doormat.
“I-it isn't exactly outlawed in Equestria.” He
“They're half siblings.”
“If they share the same sire, and are over the age of consent, they should be fine here in Ponyville.“
“What about in Dodge Junction?"
“Never heard of it.”
“Small town south of here. It's possible that it's as old as Ponyville, but it isn't an established city. Not a big enough population it seems.”
“So I'd have to go over there to look up their laws.” He had a hoof on his chin, thinking intently. "Have any details on what their being accused of?"
She shook her head. “Around seven years ago they were married here, if that helps. Two of your clients are over there, the sheriff probably has them. The other one is here in Ponyville, already in the foaling process.”
“There's three of them? I wonder if they wouldn't mind a fourth?”
“Silver Script, please!” the Mayor shouted angrily. “This is serious! Refrain from saying such lewd comments!”
“Yes, I'm sorry, Mayor. It won't happen again.” He grinned sheepishly.
“I trust you'll be on the earliest train to Dodge Junction, then? In a couple hours?”
“....Uh...sure…”
“Then I leave the rest to you.” She stepped closer and grabbed his robe, pulling him close and staring him down. “You won't do this your way. This is my case and we're doing it my way. If you so mush as think of reverting back to being a shyster, Celestia help you because I will do everything in my power to end your career. Understood?”
He nodded, gulping loudly. She could get used to ponies being surprised by her.
“I'll see you there.”
Scope watched as Cherry paced back and forth. She was a wreck. Sweat poured down her coat and dripped on the floor. Who knows how many horrible things ran through her mind.
“Please, Mrs. Cherry,” he tried to convince her to stop. “The longer you wait, the more chance of there being complications during birth.”
She had him blocked out of her head.
“I can cast a spell that will help ease your emotions.”
Nothing.
He tried a different tactic. “If you won't comply, I'll be forced to strap you down.”
Still nothing.
Scope took a moment to think of what to do next. He walked out of the room and closed the door behind him. He decided to check on the children in the waiting room. The Noteworthy trio was surrounding the newborn, unable to stop her crying. Scope carefully lifted the foal with his magic. He placed her in the grasp of his fore leg. She didn't stop wailing as he went into the kitchen and prepared infant formula. He levitated the liquid filled bottle and gave it to the foal. She gladly drank the warm substance.
Scope watched her. He had always had a knack with foals. He wished he could have some of his own, but his busy career would never allow him to have that luxury.
The baby drained the bottle completely dry. Scope put her on his shoulder and tapped her back until she burped. Exhausted from balling so much, she wanted nothing but a nap. He set her down on his back and walked back to the previous room, two colts and a filly following cautiously behind. Scope stepped toward the colt who was sitting silently and alone. He gave a reassuring smirk and extended his hoof to him. The colt hesitantly took hold of it. Scope lead him to his mother, who was still pacing and ignoring the world around her. The colt glanced up at Scope. He nodded and the colt raced to her and squeezed her tightly.
Cherry snapped back to reality and embraced her son. Neither of them spoke. They didn't need to. When they pulled apart, Scope levitated the half asleep foal onto Cherry's leg. She held her in wonder. She ran a hoof through the foal’s mane and felt the horn on her forehead.
“They need you.” Scope broke the long silence. “You can't look after them and worry about your husband at the same time. The Mayor is doing everything she can. She will bring him back to you.”
“How are you so sure?” She still held her gaze at the newborn.
Scope looked for the right words. “I've known her my whole life. When she has her mind set on helping somepony, she will give her heart and soul to that pony. She won't accept any kind of failure and keep pushing forward until your okay. She's always there to help when you need her and-” He cut himself off.
Cherry nodded. She knew exactly how he felt.
Silver Script walked out of the train and surveyed the small town of Dodge Junction. It looked as if barely a hundred ponies lived there, and that was probably an exaggeration.
The pegasus set his briefcase down on a bench, and stretched his limbs out. The sun was starting to rise and he hadn't had his coffee yet. The train ride had been long and boring, it was a miracle he was still awake. Even stranger was the fact that he couldn't catch a nap on the way over like he wanted.
Hoping the wind would help wake him up, Silver grabbed his suitcase and took off into the sky. It didn't do much for him, but it felt good to use his wings again after so long. He headed to the general store, the only place that looked like it would have coffee, and skidded to a stop, being a little too tired after sleeping only a few hours.
Silver ran a hoof through his mane and readjusted his bowtie, cursing himself for not bringing a mirror. He went inside and found only a mare behind the counter. The mare looked up from her newspaper and was surprised to see him.
“U-um, hello, sir. W-would you like some coffee?” she stammered.
“Oh, yes! That's exactly what I need.”
Silver placed some bits on the counter as she poured him a cup. He immediately drank it. Hold on. Silver noticed something. This wasn't your average cup of joe. He drank it slower. There was something new. Something bold! He relished the hot drink, mesmerized by the fireworks of flavor. Then, it was gone. He had drunk all of it. He wanted to lick the gunk at the bottom of the cup. Wait, really? That's new.
“Um...d-did you enjoy it?”
Silver returned to reality. He just drank an entire cup of coffee with his eyes closed. “Oh, uh, yeah. I really liked it.”
“You did?” Oddly, she was shocked at his answer.
“Of course!” he said a little too enthusiastically. “I would love another cup.”
“O-okay!” She was gleeful, but unsure of what to think.
Silver savored the second serving even more than the first. He noted the strong cherry flavor that enhanced the drink. “This is delicious.” He was careful not to zone out again.
“You really think so?”
“Yeah. It's better than the trash they sell back home.”
“I dunno about that…”
“Definitely. Where did you get this?” He downed the rest of the cup.
“W-well, I...made it…”
Silver was ecstatic. “Whoa, really? That's incredible! Well, what are you doing selling it here? You could start your own café if you wanted to.”
“Oh, no. I couldn't possibly. No pony here really drinks coffee.”
“I'm not talking about here, I mean in another city, like Canterlot!”
“Canterlot!?” The mare was appalled.
“Just imagine it.” Silver wrapped his leg around her and motioned to the ceiling. “Ponies lining up around the block, each of them waiting eagerly to try your unique flavors, and you watch as they all try your coffee for the very first time in sweet, sweet ecstasy. Hundreds of ponies, busy with their stressful lives, stopping at your café for a few minutes and forgetting everything, living like princesses and princes in eternal bliss for only a few moments.”
The mare was as excited as Silver, but was as red as a cherry and was having trouble keeping her balance, being overwhelmed by the fantasy.
“You really think it could happen?” she asked with sparkling eyes.
“Without a doubt.”
He wasn't being totally honest. Yeah, he really liked the coffee, but he didn't believe what he was saying. Even if she managed to open up a café and get pretty good business, he doubted she could get very far, especially in Canterlot. That place was impossible to start a shop, it was infamous for it. Sometimes, though, a pony just needed a push to get her moving. A little white lie. That and whenever a mare was high on a big dream, it was like she had taken a pill in bed.
“The name’s Silver Script.” He shook her hoof.
“Berry Blend,” she replied, still staring upward.
“I'll be in town for the day, in case you want to keep talking later.”
“Uh-huh.” Her eyes stayed glued to the magical spot.
Silver ordered two more cups of coffee and she refused to have him pay for them. He left the three bits he had put on the counter earlier and walked out of the store, leaving the mare to her lovable ceiling.
He had work to do now, he could have his way with her later.
Silver trotted along the town searching for a library. With no luck, he went to the town hall. He wandered the empty building except for the occasional pony doing Celestia knows what. Eventually he found a room with tons of books and scrolls. After setting down his coffee and suitcase on an empty table, Silver rummaged through the scrolls. They were blueprints of buildings in town and deeds and titles to several of them. He flew up and checked the scrolls at the top. He discovered recordings of a legal case that happened decades ago. Something about the Berry and Cherry families, but he didn't want to skim through them and let them be. Rows later, he made it to the bills. The parchments held requested laws for the town.
He had to give the town credit, they kept records of everything.
Copies of the city’s constitution came next. The latest one was dated two years prior. He grabbed copies from five years and ten years ago. Silver hoped for a contradiction in the writing or a loophole so he wouldn't have to work as hard. He put the countless number of scrolls on the table. He buckled down and began reading. He was going to be there for awhile.
Berryshine lay on her back upon the hard wooden floor. It was better than the Tartarus spawn of a bed that she was expected to sleep on. She had expected the sheriff to have changed it in her year of absence, but it seemed as if his job description consisted only of sleeping at his desk all day.
Berry sighed and turned on her side. She hadn't slept all night, thinking about her coltfriend, Cherry Orchard. Well, it was doubtful that he would still want to be with her.
There was something she wanted to know, something she needed to know.
She got up and sat on her haunches next to Fizzy. He probably hadn't slept in days, and looked the part too. Berry twiddled her hooves. She wasn't sure how to ask.
“...Fizzy?”
“Yeah?”
“...Are you worried about Cherry?” Damnit! That wasn't what she was going to ask.
“Don't remind me,” he snorted. “I just hope she doesn't try to delay giving birth, the foal is already coming prematurely.” Fizzy sighed deeply.
They fell silent for a while. Why was it so hard to ask? It was a simple question. Fizzy would understand and tell her the truth. What was she afraid of? Did she not want to hear the truth? That was it then, she knew the answer, yet she didn't want to believe it. Maybe Fizzy would say what she wanted to hear.
“I'm sorry, Berry.”
Fizzy was apologizing to her? He must be drunk, the only reasonable answer. “Sorry? What could you possibly be sorry for?”
He stared at her in surprise. “W-well, I've just been...so...selfish.”
Berry was amused. He was joking, wasn't he. Him? Being selfish? She stopped laughing when she noticed he was serious.
“I'm just so...stupid!” Fizzy clutched his head, frustrated at himself. “If I had half a brain, I would’ve moved us out of here! We wouldn't be in this mess if it wasn't for me! Meadow Song would know who his father is, and Cherry would actually be happy!” He suppressed his sobs. “I never should’ve asked her to marry me.”
Berry was furious. He had no right to feel that way. “Sh-shut up!” she screamed at him. “How can you say that!? Your life is perfect! You have everything you could ever want! A-and a dad that actually cares about you!” She gritted her teeth, trying to stop the tears. “Cherry tells me every day how marrying you was the best thing she had ever done. When she's with you, she feels like she can do anything.” Berry slammed her hooves on Fizzy’s shoulders, pushing him against the wall. “Why can't I have what you have!? Why can't I be happy!?”
Now more than ever, she needed her cousin. Cherry always knew what to say, always knew what she needed. Because of Berry, now she wouldn't be able to see her again for who knows how long. It was all her fault, it always was. Maybe she told on them because she was jealous. That must be why. She envied their happiness and didn't want them to be while she suffered.
Fizzy embraced her in his legs.
“I had no idea you felt that way...I-I’m so sorry, Berry.”
She buried her face into his coat.
“To be honest, I wish I was more like Cherry: approachable and a good listener. If you're willing to give it a try, I can try listening for once. It's the least I could do after not letting Cherry see you when you probably needed her.”
Berry bit her lip, then took a deep breath. “Me and Orchard...we’ve been having problems, for a while now. I dunno how, or what happened, but we just started fighting...every day. H-he told me how he didn't want our foal. He didn't want her!" She hugged Fizzy tightly. “When he found out she was...a unicorn, he...h-he accused me of ch-cheating!” She could barely talk through the crying. “He threatened t-to leave us! I...I panicked…” Berry choked the words out. “...I told him everything. Everything! I couldn't lose him too!”
She let everything out. She could no longer live with herself. She had betrayed the only ponies she cared about and who cared for her too. Her parents were right to leave her, she was worthless.
“...You can testify against us…”
What!?
“...If you make something up, a-and ask them to forgive you, the town'll take you back…”
“Shut up! I don't care about them! I just want you and Cherry! No one else matters!”
Berry felt his tears run down her mane.
“You're the only stallion I trust, Fizzy. I couldn't imagine Cherry with anypony else.”
Silver walked along the dry ground, using his wings to review his notes. He had made sure to double-check everything. If all went well, he would have this case in the bag. He doubted any pony would have any substantial evidence against his clients.
He entered the town’s jail. Mayor Mare was there waiting for him.
“Morning, Mr. Script,” she greeted.
“Mayor.” He nodded. “You must be my client.” He turned to face the stallion inside the jail cell.
“Cherry Fizzy.” They shook hooves.
Silver spotted the mare next to him. “And who’s this beauty?”
“Oh, I-I’m Berryshine,” she replied.
Instead of shaking her hoof, he held hers and kissed it. Berry turned a deep red and scrunched up her nose. Silver held back his laughter. She was adorable.
“Um...thanks…?”
“Oh, I’m sorry. Is he your...lover?”
Berry and Fizzy exchanges glances questioningly, then reeled back in disgust.
“No! Oh Celestia, no.”
“Never! We're cousins!...Wait.”
Silver chuckled. “Sorry. The Mayor wasn't really clear on the details.”
Mayor Mare shrugged sheepishly.
“Where's the sheriff?” Silver wondered, wanting to get to business.
“He went out,” the Mayor informed him. “But he left the arrest report on his desk for you.”
Silver took the report and skimmed through it. He then turned his attention to Fizzy. “I’m going to need to know everything you have done with your wife. N-not the details! Just when and where.” Nice save, pervert. “Mayor, if you will excuse us.”
Fizzy interrupted before she could speak. “A-actually, I was just thinking...I-I would plead guilty.”
“What? Why?” Silver stayed patient with him.
“I just...i-it’s what I deserve.” Fizzy dipped his head to the ground.
Silver smiled compassionately, thinking of his brother. He thought the same way.
“Hey.” Silver didn't know the details, but he did know the consequences. “Do you know what will happen if you plead guilty? For starters, your marriage would immediately be void, and then incest is a felony, so you are looking at a decade of prison time, or maybe even more. On Top of that, you will lose some of your rights as a citizen of Equestria and once you get out of prison you will spend the rest of your life looking for jobs and places to stay as you pay off a fine greater than Celestia’s crown.”
The room was dead silent. Fizzy stared, being at a loss for words.
“You can plead guilty if you really want to, just know you won't be doing your wife any favors.”
For a long time, Fizzy didn't say a thing. It must have been shocking to hear all of what could happen so bluntly.
“Alright, Mr. Script,” he sighed. “I'll do as you ask.”
Silver Script fidgeted in his seat. He adjusted and readjusted his bowtie. He also checked his briefcase several times to see that everything was in place and he wasn't missing anything. This was his first case outside of Ponyville. He wasn't familiar with the judge or the district attorney. He had no idea what to expect.
Next to him, Fizzy fumbled around with the cuffs on his legs.
“Is this really necessary?” he asked. “If it was just one pair, it’d be okay, but do I really need one on my back legs?”
“It's for safety,” Silver answered. “Just in case I botch the case, you will have something to fall back on.”
“What?”
“The Judge-” Silver put a hoof on his mouth to stop the giggling.
Fizzy glared at him, confused.
Silver whispered in his ear, “she's into bondage.”
Fizzy shoved him playfully and shook his head, grinning wildly.
Silver couldn't stop chuckling, not even when he wanted to stop. He tried drinking water, but ended up choking on it.
Fizzy then couldn't resist and joined him. “I hate you,” he mumbled.
The sheriff called for everyone to stand up for the Judge. The Judge noticed Silver grimacing.
“Is something wrong, Mr. Script?” she inquired.
“N-no, your honor. Nothing’s hard-wrong! Nothing is wrong your honor!”
She eyed him skeptically and sat down. Everyone else followed suit.
Silver wanted to kill himself, desperately. He made the mistake of thinking he wasn't going to laugh again, so when Fizzy went into a fit of stifled laughter, he wasn't prepared. He alerted everypony with what sounded like a yelp which he cut off with both his hooves.
“Mr. Script,” the Judge scolded. “Do you need to be excused?”
Silver bit his tongue hard enough to hurt. “No, your honor. I can handle myself.”
Fizzy squeaked beneath his calm demeanor. Okay, now he was going to kill Fizzy when he won the case.
Silver sunk unto his seat and only half heard what the Judge was saying. His first case outside of Ponyville and he had made a fool of himself before it even started.
After the Judge explained the case, she let the district attorney start with his first witness. Silver had decided it was best to have a bench trial since a jury would consist of citizens of Dodge Junction which probably would be predisposed against Fizzy and he wouldn't get a fair trial. The Judge and Fizzy also agreed.
The district attorney called Kirschwasser to the stand. That was odd. Silver knew he was going to be called to testify, but the district attorney had suggested he would call Berry first. What was he doing?
As Kirschwasser took the oath, Silver arranged the contents of his briefcase on the table and started jotting down notes.
“Please state your name and relation to the defendant for the record,” the district attorney said.
“Kirschwasser. Father.”
“Is that your full name?”
Yes, sir.”
“Lovely weather we've been having?”
“Yeah. Harvest day was a few days ago, so the cloud cover has certainly helped when working in the orchard.”
“Let's get down to business, then.” He snatched a paper from his table and hoofed to Kirschwasser. “This, Exhibit A, is a copy of the defendant’s marriage certificate. Acknowledging the marriage between your son, Cherry Fizzy, and your daughter, Cherry Berry. Have you ever seen this parchment before today?”
“No, sir. I haven't.”
The district attorney took the copy and gave it to the Judge. “Were you aware of its existence before today?”
“No, sir.”
“What day did you discover that the defendant was married to your daughter?”
“On Harvest day, just last thursday, sir.”
“So you did not know they were married before thursday?”
“Can you recall any time, before Thursday, that there might have been anything that suggested they were married?”
“...No, sir. I can't.”
“Thank you, Mr. Kirschwasser. No more questions.”
The district attorney sat back down on his seat and grinned at Silver. He raised an eyebrow. He had no idea what that meant, yet it made Silver a little irritated. He got up and strolled over to the witness stand.
“Hello, Mr. Kirschwasser,” Silver greeted. “Silver Script.”
They shook hooves.
“Pleasure to finally meet you, Mr. Script.”
“The pleasure’s all mine. Now...you've known the defendant since he was born, right?”
“Yes, sir”
“Would you say you know him very well, in terms of personality and such?”
“Yes, I would.”
“Describe to us what he was like as a foal.”
“Well, as a foal, Fizzy was like any other foal. He was healthy and got along with other foals.”
“So he didn't exhibit any kind of mental illness of any kind?”
“No, sir, not any that I could tell.”
“And what about his judgment? When he was growing up, did he show any kind of inability to choose correctly, or decipher right from wrong?”
“No, sir. He treated all ponies with respect and kindness, just how I taught him.”
“Did he ever cause trouble for anypony?”
“Nope. His teachers didn't like him since he’s a goofball, but he's never caused any trouble.”
“Was he ever hostile to anypony?”
“No, sir. He wasn't very fond of his stepmother, but I assumed it was because he’d never met his birth mother.”
“How did he treat his sister, Cherry Berry?”
“Very well. She was his best friend since she was born and was always very protective of her.”
“Thank you, Mr. Kirschwasser. No more questions questions.”
The sheriff led Berry to the courtroom. She hoped the case was going well. She avoided looking at anypony and headed straight for the witness stand, but she turned and found herself staring at Cherry Jubilee. Berry looked away, not wanting to see those judgmental eyes she knew so well. She took the oath and sat down. She looked at Fizzy who smiled back, but she knew he was hiding his worry. Silver was next to him, but he was focused on his notes, clearly stressed out. He took a deep breath before standing up and making his way to her. He cleared his throat.
“State your name for the record, and your relation to the defendant.”
“Berryshine. First cousin.”
“Were you present during the marriage of Cherry Berry and the defendant?”
“Yes, I was a witness.”
“Let the record show that Exhibit A confirms that Berryshine was indeed the witness for the defendant’s marriage.”
“So noted,” the Judge replied.
“Ms. Berryshine,” Silver addressed her. “The week of the marriage, where did you, Cherry Berry, Cherry Fizzy stay?”
Silver didn't sound like himself. Berry had spoken with him once after they initially met. He was easy-going and she had warmed up to him real quick. Partly due to his bluntness. Cherry Orchard rarely talked as freely as him. Even Silver’s smile would always earnestly say what he felt. You could consider him an open book, saying and doing exactly who he was and how he felt. He was also charming. His firm jaw line, his expertly styled mane, perfect-length coat, toned muscles, silvery-blue eyes...sweet Celestia, his eyes. They always shined brightly in the light-
“Ms. Berryshine?”
Berry snapped out of her daze and was met by a tired and anxious Silver. “Oh, sorry. We, uh...stayed at a local inn.” She had to say something to ease him. She didn't like him being stressed and he probably didn't either.
“Let the record reflect Exhibit D as the sign-in log for the inn that Cherry Berry, Berryshine, and the defendant slept in.” Silver hoofed the Judge the corresponding paper.
“So noted.”
When Silver returned to Berry, she said, “your bowtie is crooked,” and leaned over to readjust it. Then she brushed the hair out of his eyes. She smiled, trying hard to say: everything’s alright. Silver turned red, but grinned back. She recognized it.
“Thank you, Berry.”
The district attorney finished his closing statement, grinned at Silver and sat down. He hated that stupid grin. That smug little grin that so easily got under his skin. He just wanted to rip that damn thing off-rrgh! Silver forced the thought away.
He took a deep breath and stood up. An idea popped into his head. He smirked. He approached the Judge.
“Your honor,”-he turned to the crowd that had watched the entire case, “-good people of Dodge Junction, I stand here today representing an kind, hardworking, and honest stallion. He has only ever thought of others before himself. It is evident that he truly loves and respects his wife and two foals. The prosecution failed to prove that he had committed incest in Dodge Junction. It was proven that the defendant married and made love to his wife outside of this town, and in cities where it was legal to. He purposefully omitted this information from you to protect his wife and foals. He withheld from you so he could be there for his wife and foals as a nuclear family. A family which he never had as a foal.”
The was the best statement he had ever done, and most of it was improvised. Was he cocky? Yes. Did he nail it? Hell yeah. Silver wanted to yell at the district attorney and tell him to suck on it, but controlled himself.
Cherry Berry cradled her infant in her foreleg. She stared in awe at her golden-colored coat.
“She’s very lucky,” Dr. Scope told her. “Premature, but strong and healthy.”
“It's all because of you. Thank you, doctor.”
He nodded and left her alone.
Cherry stared at her more, filled with curiosity and amazement. Cherry heard somepony come in. She turned to see who it was, followed by silence.
“...I-is she okay?” Fizzy asked.
Cherry teared up. Fizzy embraced her and the foal. They kissed each other. They kissed and Cherry didn't care who saw them. She didn't care if the Princess herself walked in on them. L
“I’m sorry,” he said, pulling out. “I'm sorry for putting you through this. It was selfish of me to keep you in Dodge Junction. I should've moved us out.”
Cherry smiled warmly. “I didn't want to move out either.”
Fizzy didn't know what to say, but was overjoyed and kissed her again. He looked at their foal and she happily hoofed her over.
Cherry went over to the window and opened it while Fizzy looked at his daughter. Meadow Song was outside playing with Noteworthy, Big Mac, and Shoeshine.
“Hey, Song!” she called out to him. “Could you come in for a minute?”
“Sure thing, mom!” he shouted back.
Cherry met him at the doorway. “I want you to meet your father.”
Meadow Song grinned from ear to ear excitedly. She motioned inside. He saw Fizzy and his face and ears dropped. He was confused. He looked up at his mother. She nodded. He looked back at Fizzy.
“...H-hi, son,” Fizzy said.
Meadow Song ran to him and Fizzy hugged his son for the first time as his father. Fizzy invited Cherry in and the four of them were together as a family. As it should be. Tears ran down Fizzy’s muzzle. Cherry knew now more than ever, he was happy.
“Are we gonna live somewhere else?” Meadow Song asked, disappointment in his voice. “I just made friends and we wanna make a singing quartet.”
Fizzy glanced at Cherry. “We're not going anywhere.”
Meadow Song put on his award-winning grin. “So, what are you going to name her?” He looked at Cherry for an answer, as did Fizzy.
“I was thinking, Golden Harvest.”
Dr. Scope walked over to Mayor Mare who was examining a scroll. She was sitting on a bench keeping an eye on the Noteworthy trio, that had become a quartet. Scope sat down next to her.
“Your assistant is really good at his job,” he tried to start a conversation.
“He’s a volunteer since I can't legally pay him, but yes, I don't know what I would do without him.”
Neither of them spoke. Scope didn't know what else to say. He took a chance and threw subtlety out the window. “Mayor?”
“Yes, Dr. Scope?” She faced him.
“...Go on a date with me.”
She turned away, her cheeks burning up. “I can't. We are both always busy, and-”
“I talked to Noteworthy.” He had talked to Cherry about this and she said he needed to be assertive. “He cleared your schedule on thursday. After your meeting in the morning, you will be free the rest of the day.”
The Mayor didn't say anything.
“This isn't for me, this is for you. You need a break. You overwork yourself and you have barely slept at all going back and forth between Ponyville and Dodge Junction. Noteworthy agrees with me, you need this.”
Mayor Mare didn't say anything for a long time.
“Alright, I’ll go with you.”
“Your ex sounds like a real piece of work,” Silver said sarcastically. “Did he abuse you? Was he rough on you?”
“Nope,” Berry answered. “He’s a jerk . He would sleep all the time.”
Silver laughed. “I never sleep, only after I listen to the three A.M. news.”
The sheriff had had enough. He escorted Silver out. “That's enough talking with your client for today, Mr. G-Script.”
Author's Note
Just to clarify, I didn't write this to say I think incest is morally correct or not. It is up to the reader to decide how they feel about the subject.
