Bookends Part 3: Or Family Values

by Stormbringer

Rating: mature
Tags: Slice of Life, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Alternate Universe, Romance, Drama, Trixie, Princess Cadance, Shining Armor, Sex, Main 6, Cheerilee
Length: 27517

Despite everything being spelled out in the donor’s contract, there are unspoken expectations that, out of respect, should be honored. But where does a pony draw the line between donor and father?

Twilight and Cheerilee must learn to manage their lives and pregnancies at the same time.
Through the entire time, Twilight and Cheerilee find that their love grows faster than their bellies.
It’s a little over four months since our last visit with Twilight and Cheerilee when they learned the joyous news. They are now a little over five months along, not quite halfway through the eleven month gestational period of equines.
It’s amazing how family and friends can be a well of support. But because of the circumstances, there can also be expectations which may not be apparent at first. Family desires and traditions may be stronger than anticipated. The joyous arrival of foals may not lessen these.
Twilight and Cheerilee labored (no pregnancy pun intended) under the assumption and had faith that Cheerilee’s original dream that two fillies would be the outcome.
Despite everything being spelled out in the donor’s contract, there are unspoken expectations that, out of respect, should be honored. But where does a pony draw the line between donor and father?
Is the little family Twilight and Cheerilee dreamed of just a dream?
Will feelings be hurt if the couple has to say no even to the closest family and friends? After all, Twilight and Cheerilee are married and expect to be viewed as such. Not extensions of other marriages, relationships and families
And through this all, why has Pinkie been acting so strange (at least stranger than normal)?
And a pony from the past will play an important role in the pink pony’s life…

Published 2016-06-05 16:10:01 UTC
Last updated 2016-06-05 16:10:01 UTC

CHAPTER ONE: Mood Swings And Odd Foods

Cheerilee walked into the library after a long day at school. She was so looking forward to one of Twilight’s meals. What she wasn’t ready for was the smell when she opened the door. She was so glad to be past the queasy stomach part of the pregnancy.

But now she had to be very careful that the kids didn’t set off a ‘mood swing’. She was still apologizing to Apple Bloom for the time the filly had been hiccuping in class and Cheerilee thought she was laughing at her behind her back.

Her increased size and weight was a sensitive point for the rose Earth Pony. After her upbringing, being harangued into thinking because of her lifestyle, she’d never be attractive to anypony. She worked hard on how she looked and tried just as hard to stay in shape so that she’d be attractive to other ponies. It was ironic when she did find the right pony; Twilight was attracted mostly to her personality and intelligence. But Twilight did admit that the beauty was a nice added touch.

As Cheerilee entered the library, the smell which greeted her was something she’d smelled on occasion as a food stuff the ponies normally didn’t bother to eat.

“Twi Honey,” said Cheerilee, “are you home?”

“In the kitchen,” came the reply.

Cheerilee walked to the kitchen where Twilight had a couple large black frying pans on the stove. She was actively managing both at the same time with her magic.

“What’s that smell?” asked Cheerilee.

“Fish,” said Twilight nonchalantly.

“Fish?” asked Cheerilee, “you eat... Meat?”

“No, not meat, fish.” Said Twilight, “meat is the flesh of warm blooded animals.

Herbivores have always taken to eating small animals like rodents or fish, although it was usually before they started down the path of intelligence. They were usually scavenged already dead. This would happen especially when there would be a deficiency in the surrounding food supply, such as calcium or phosphorous. They’d eat small animals and fish to get the nutrients to survive. That’s probably what happened to ancient ponies.

Ponies have eaten fish since the dark times. The protein is probably what kick-started the evolution of the equine brain and raised us above the lesser four footed beasts. This is why equines are the dominant species on the earth. It’s theorized food sources were diminished in the cataclysm. It’s also theorized because of some environmental factor, it caused the ponies to split into the three races or sub-species, Earth Ponies, Unicorns and Pegasi; the ones we have today.”

“Wait,” said Cheerilee, trying to follow Twilight’s ‘lecture’, “I know there’re more than three types of ponies, what about Alicorns?”

“Actually, Alicorns are a special mixture of all of the first three. But you’ve forgotten one other sub-sub-species, Changelings. They’re a mixture of the three as well, but it’s as if the Alicorns possess a positive energy and Changelings have a negative.”

“And that’s why Changelings are evil?”

“Not necessarily, energy, both positive and negative are just types of energy, they work pretty much the same,” said Twilight, “Nightmare Moon was evil and she was Princess Luna transformed, an Alicorn. Aggressiveness and the negative disposition of Changelings may only be a cultural norm taught from birth. So it could be conjectured a Changeling could choose not to be aggressive and evil.

But as to what I was saying about fish; the larger herbivores pushed ponies to the edge of starvation. When some populations discovered they could survive on scavenging dead fish along rivers.

As the intelligence increased, some ponies discovered ways to catch the fish live. Thus they had less chance of getting some sickness from the spoiled dead fish. Later, learning to cook them improved the flavor and digestibility.

Although it’s not now a staple of the pony diet, there’re ponies that still consider fish to be a delicacy. Rarity’s father is an avid fisherpony; I got these and the recipe from him.”

“I’ve never heard you mention you eat fish before,” said Twilight’s rose colored wife.

“I haven’t,” said Twilight, “but at our last doctor’s visit, she told us to get more protein in our diet. And fish is an excellent source of protein. And for some odd reason, the thought of a fried fish dinner sounded so good.”

Cheerilee suddenly had an odd look come over, as if she was looking from a distance. Twilight’s love’s eyes filled with tears, and then she ran up the stairs to their room.

Twilight wasn’t ready for such a reaction; she levitated the skillets off the stove, turned it off and followed her wife.

Cheerilee was found on the bed, her face buried in a pillow and crying uncontrollably.

“What’s the matter, Cheeri My Love?” asked Twilight, siting beside her and stroking her mane. Cheerilee raised her head enough to look at Twilight.

“(Sob)... (Sob)... I don’t... (Sob)... Know!” said Cheerilee, crying.

“You don’t know?” said Twilight gently.

“I don’t know... (Sob)... I just know... (Sob)… I’m... (Sob)... Getting fat and... (Sob)... Ugly!” said Cheerilee then shoving her face in the pillow again started to cry harder.

“The fish made you think you’re getting fat and ugly, how?”

“I don’t... (Sob)... Know! (Sob)... I’m (Sob)... Just fat and (Sob)... UGLY!” Cheerilee started crying even harder.

“Fat and ugly?” said Twilight, “how is having our foal, a new life, one conceived by our mutual planning and agreement, growing inside you ‘fat and ugly’? It’s the deepest expression of our love for each other. I think it’s the most beautiful thing ever.”

“You do?” said Cheerilee looking back at her purple wife again, tears starting to slow.

“How couldn’t I?” said Twilight with a sly look, “You’re carrying a child which shares what makes up you and me.

Even if the ‘me’ part is borrowed from my brother.

I, on the other hoof, am carrying around some little cowpony.”

Twilight’s snicker showed that she was actually pleased with her ‘little cowpony’. She looked down at her abdomen and lovingly rubbed the pregnant bulge.

“I love your little cowpony,” Cheerilee said tenderly, reaching out and touching Twilight’s pregnant bulge as well.

“I’ve no doubt My Sweet. And you know I totally adore the life growing in you.

But do you want to know what else?” asked Twilight.

“What?”

“I think it’s so very, very sexy. Not to mention arousing,” said Twilight smiling, “it shows a female body in top perfect form.

It says to me;

‘Hey! Look at me! I know what it’s all about! If you don’t believe me, then check it out for yourself’!”

“Please show me I’m not ugly,” said Cheerilee, the most pleading look in her eyes, “please show me you still want me.”

Twilight smiled, she’d shown Cheerilee how much she was loved and desired just that morning. But Twilight found when her rose colored wife got into one of these moods, it was best just to obey.

Plus any excuse to make love to Cheerilee...

“Okay, on your back and spread ‘em Honey,” said Twilight with a twinkle in her eye.

Cheerilee smiled and complied.

Twilight climbed on the bed, and instead of ‘going right to work’, she started to kiss on Cheerilee’s voluptuous and voluminous abdomen.

She then spoke gently to the fetus inside.

“Hello Sweetie! It’s me, your other mommy. I love you so, so much because I love your mommy so, so much!

I know it’s early, but I want you to know there are so many ponies who can’t wait to meet you, especially your sister inside me.”

At that moment the infant ‘kicked’ as if in understanding. Then most remarkably, the infant inside Twilight ‘kicked’ as if in response.

“Oh! Your sister just said hello!”

Cheerilee giggled.

Twilight then continued kissing and started to work her way down. She arrived at Cheerilee’s nipples; it was obvious the breast tissues were starting to enlarge, getting ready to nourish the new life, just as Twilight’s were as well. They were sensitive and tender, but with care they still could be stimulated for erotic ends.

Had somepony told Twilight Sparkle when she came to Ponyville, in only a few short years she’d end up being in love with, married to and actively sought out sex with anypony, especially a mare, she would’ve suggested the name of a good psychiatrist. Had the same pony added to the claim she and her lover would be pregnant, Twilight would’ve teleported the pony there herself.

Twilight had given much reflection, with the help of Cheerilee, on what it meant to love. How love is not something which could be defined in her beloved books. How love is no respecter of age, race or gender for that matter, to love a pony was to love a pony.

Twilight was never a pony to label anypony about anything but now she was okay with considering herself a ‘mare-lover’. She didn’t consider herself to be a born mare-lover, like her wife Cheerilee. She accepted the designation after she and Cheerilee first shared their hopes and dreams and then a bed one cold and snowy late fall night. Then sharing a most memorable kiss that next morning.

The love came first, the sex came later.

She’d mused she wasn’t so much a mare-lover as a Cheerilee-lover.

And now there was no other way Twilight wanted sex, or with any other pony. Before Cheerilee, she’d never even been curious about romance or intimacy. She’d read all about it and thought that all that relationship stuff sounded too complicated. And to be honest, kissing and sex sounded messy and unsanitary, with the exchange of saliva and other bodily fluids.

She’d never had dreams, while a little filly, about some handsome stallion winning her heart and sweeping her off her hooves like in the books Cadence would read to her. While the subject appealed to Cadence, the subject of the cultural differences in a historical context was the only part of interest to Twilight.

She still considered sex with any other pony to be ridiculous. Especially after Cheerilee’s father had beat, raped and nearly killed her for defending Cheerilee and her mother, Rain Shadow. She knew he didn’t represent how all stallions acted. And she knew most mares might find her being with a mare as not what they’d prefer.

But she knew if the situation ever occurred she could willingly have sex with a stallion, she’d still decline. She knew she’d always carry the frightening memories of that day with her, she did what she could to avoid any excuse to bring that horror to mind.

But for Cheerilee, she’d suffer it all over again.

Now Twilight was homing in on Cheerilee’s love organ. She marveled at the physiological changes. The pony genitalia had become, for the most part, well hidden over eons of evolution. The outer lips of the marehood were tight together and almost invisible in normal circumstances. Although the pony did learn some control over the organ and was able to relax the lips if they wanted to display it to an intended lover.

But now, with the body getting ready to deliver the new life inside, the mare’s anatomy changed slightly. The enlarged uterus displaced organs and tissues in all directions, to include the opening of the vagina. Thus the lips took on a puffy and slightly swollen aspect as it softened to get ready to stretch for delivery.

Cheerilee would often tease Twilight about her poochie coochie before diving her tongue in.

Now her lover’s soft and puffy marehood was before her. Cheerilee was in the middle of a mood swing and needed Twilight to confirm desire for her; Twilight had no problem with the request. The sight of the swollen lips was a turn on to Twilight.

So with the skill of repeated practice, she was able to bring to climax her rose colored wife in a timely manner. Not to quick and not so drawn out that the evening was gone.

After Cheerilee was satisfied, Twilight and Cheerilee kissed and decided to go down stairs and figure what to do about dinner. However, Cheerilee promised Twilight she wouldn’t be forgotten tonight.

Spike, who was assisting Applejack and Rarity with some remodeling of Carousel Boutique, came home just as the two lovers came back downstairs.

“Twilight, Cheerilee, anypony home?” called out Spike.

“Sorry dinner’s late Spike,” said Twilight, entering the main part of the library, “we got...

Sidetracked.”

Spike had, by now, learned not to ask questions he might not want to hear the answer.

Twilight heated up the fish and Cheerilee helped with a salad. To the surprise of all, the fish was quite tasty. And Spike was thankful, being a dragon and an omnivore, he truthfully wanted some kind of flesh once in a while. Veggies and gems only go so far, but Twilight had caught him digging in the backyard for worms. It grossed her out, but she understood.

As they were finishing up, there was the sound of the bell at the front door.

“Twilight, Cheerilee, are y’all here?” asked a voice, obviously Applejack.

“In the kitchen,” called Cheerilee in reply.

As Rarity and Applejack entered the room, both ponies made strange faces.

“Twilight, Darling,” said Rarity, “was my father just here?”

“No, why?” asked Twilight.

“I smell that wretched odor of fish he so likes.”

Then they saw the dishes they were finishing up.

“No, Hondo wasn’t here, but I did get some fish and a recipe from him,” answered Twilight.

“I was repelled by the smell at first,” said Cheerilee, “but strangely enough, it was quite good.”

“I remember when I did have it at home,” said Rarity, “once I got past the smell, it wasn’t bad. But I could never bring myself to cook it once I was on my own. I was so afraid the odor would linger on my haute couture in the shop.”

Applejack looked lost. It didn’t go unnoticed.

“What’s wrong, Applejack?” asked Cheerilee.

“I’ve never been around ponies who ate fish,” replied the orange Earth Pony, “I’ve heard of it but didn’t think I knew anypony that did, especially my partner.”

“We’ve some left if you want to try it,” said Twilight, “but I’m guessing that our odd dinner wasn’t the reason for the visit.”

“That’s right,” said Rarity, “we came to deliver an invitation from Granny Smith.”

“An invitation?” asked Twilight, “to what?”

“The Apple Family Reunion,” said Rarity.

“But we aren’t Apples.” Said Cheerilee.

“We know that,” said Rarity with a smirk, “but in Granny’s mind. If you’re carrying a foal conceived by an Apple, it makes you an Apple.

She especially wanted you to know that Braeburn will be there.”

“Did anypony tell her the ‘conceived’ part was only a technicality. Braeburn was no more involved than his marefriend or the doctor,” said Twilight. “Braeburn is a nice pony, I’m forever grateful for the donation and he’ll always be acknowledged as the biological father. He’ll always be free to visit the child.

But I’m not in any way pining for him.”

“We know that, and so does she Darling,” said Rarity, “but tradition is something the old pony stubbornly clings to.

You’re free to decline, but that’s up to you. Even though Applejack and I aren’t married, she considers me an Apple as well. I guess the only condition in becoming an Apple is to sleep with one.”

Applejack chuckled at that.

Rarity was becoming concerned she was doing all the talking. She looked over at Applejack in time to see her eating some of the fish.

“You know Darling, you will brush your teeth twice before you kiss me after eating that,” said Rarity to Applejack.

All the ponies laughed.

STRANGE INTERLUDE 1

(The ‘Strange Interludes’ are not in sync with the timelines of surrounding chapters.)

Igneous Rock Pie was working the West Field; it was an area which hadn’t been worked in a while. With a Unicorn working now for Igneous, it was easier to move large objects away from dangerous areas.

There was a very large outcropping of rock which hadn’t been tended for some time, in it was an extremely large boulder with smaller ones on and around it. The smaller ones despite being smaller than the one, were still of a prodigious size. The stack wasn’t very stable so it had been avoided in the past. Igneous had forgot to tell Trixie to stay clear of the area because it was unstable. Plus there was a history there nopony liked to remember.

Trixie, who at first had resisted this as menial work, found her talent for levitation and making explosions to be most helpful in dealing with large boulders. She’d found acceptance and a purpose other than being a showoff.

Plus being a farm pony, she was eating better and more regularly, and not having to sleep in a drafty old wagon. It was nice to interact with a family, especially growing up with only herself and her mother. This was perhaps the real reason she’d become such a showoff and craved attention.

Working here and doing this kind of work gave her time to reflect on herself, her past and the world in general. She was happy working for the Pies, perhaps happier than she’d ever been in the past. Yes it was hard work, but she remembered from her studies, the great mage Meadowbrook said to her followers;

‘Any honest work is honorable work.’

She’d once thought honor was something you got for being the best and the most recognized. But now, after having her tail handed to her a couple of times as she chased after empty promises, she was grateful to Twilight Sparkle and her friends for putting her in her place and allowing herself to pull her head out of her flanks.

Now life was simple and life was good.

She’d even packed away her hat and cape for the day she could really feel like ‘The Great and Powerful Trixie’, and not just a boast.

She was now levitating one of the smaller boulders away from the larger one when she saw something odd. She moved the large rock away and went to investigate.

Igneous wasn’t too far from where his hired-hoof was working when he heard the blood curdling scream. Trixie was running directly toward him. She grabbed him and almost knocked him over, she was crying intensely.

“What’s wrong with thee Trixie?” asked Igneous.

“A dead pony Mr. Pie,” said Trixie crying hard, “a poor little dead pony!”

Cloudy Quartz, Marble and Limestone had heard the scream and came running from the house to see what was up.

Cloudy Quartz and Marble took Trixie aside to comfort her and Igneous Rock went to investigate, Limestone followed. When they came to the spot that Trixie was working, they saw the skeletal remains of a small pony, some hair and skin still attached. It had been crushed under the boulder and it was apparent that the poor creature had been there for many, many years.

“Limestone Honey, wilt thou go run and get the police.” Said Igneous Rock with tears in his eyes.

“But dad,” started Limestone.

“I knowest, but go thou anyway.”

CHAPTER TWO: Pinkie Pie

It was Saturday and Pinkie Pie was visiting Sweet Apple Acres. Rainbow had quit the weather team in favor of working the farm with her husband and family. Since Rainbow had married Big Mac, Pinkie was hanging out there more than she had in the past. No pony thought much of it, after all, Pinkie had always been close to Rainbow even when Rainbow was actively evading her. But now that Rainbow had toned down the ‘Dash’, she’d found Pinkie to be a pleasant companion. Pinkie even helped out around the farm with Rainbow’s chores without thought of any repayment, except for an occasional lunch or dinner.

Rainbow had come in the kitchen to see if Granny Smith needed any help with the dinner. Pinkie was suppose to be helping, after all, Pinkie was the best baker in Ponyville.

“Hey Granny,” said Rainbow, “I thought Pinkie was helping you.”

“She is,” said the old farm pony, “she went to get some fresh eggs. Come to think of it, that was ‘bout half ‘n hour ago.”

“Knowing Pinkie,” said Rainbow, “she probably got lost between here and the hen-house.”

Both ponies laughed as Rainbow started to prep some carrots. It was about fifteen minutes later, Granny noticed she needed the eggs and Pinkie hadn’t returned.

“Rainbow Sweetie,” said the old pony, “could you get some eggs, I really need ’em now.”

“Okay Granny,” said Rainbow. She went to the door and flew off in the direction of the hen-house.

Once there, she looked around but saw no sign of Pinkie. She went into the hen-house to check the nests for eggs. Rainbow had noticed most of the hens were still not yet used to her and would scatter when she’d show up. Perhaps with her larger wingspan, they may have thought that she was some kind of bird of prey.

However, this day there was a hen who was sticking close to her and even rubbing up against one of her hind legs affectionately.

Rainbow reached out with one of her wings and stroked the fellow winged creature.

“What a good chicken,” said Rainbow.

The hen appeared to be enjoying the contact. Rainbow picked up the basket of eggs with her teeth and walked out of the hen-house and was about to fly back to the house when she heard a familiar voice.

“Dashie, what’re you doing here?” asked the voice.

Rainbow turned and saw Pinkie.

“Pinkie,” exclaimed Rainbow, “where in Equestria have you been? Granny was becoming concerned; you went to get eggs about an hour ago.”

“Has it been that long?” asked the pink pony, “I didn’t realize it. I’ve been right here.”

Rainbow started to say something about not noticing her until she noticed that Pinkie looked as if she was having trouble keeping on her hooves.

“What’s wrong Pinkie?” asked the blue Pegasus.

Just then Pinkie toppled over.

“PINKIE!” yelled Rainbow who dropped the basket of eggs and bolted over to her fallen friend.

Rainbow sat on her haunches and held Pinkie’s head in her forelegs while using one wing to block the sun from her face.

Pinkie appeared groggy, but she looked into Rainbow’s eyes and smiled.

“You still love me?” asked the pink pony.

“Of course I still love you,” said Rainbow, a tear running down her cheek, “you were the first friend I made when I was a filly and my family moved to Ponyville. We’ve always been very close.”

Pinkie snuggled her head against Rainbow’s chest and closed her eyes, still smiling.

“I’ve always wished my wings were as pretty as yours,” said Pinkie cryptically then Rainbow could tell that Pinkie was out.

Apple Bloom had been feeding the pigs not far away and had heard Rainbow yelling. The filly came galloping up.

“Apple Bloom!” said Rainbow, “go get Big Mac and tell my husband I said to get his flanks over here now! Then go get Twilight and Cheerilee, I’m not sure what’s going on and we may need the help of smart ponies!”

Apple Bloom took off in the direction of the orchard. Rainbow sat there gently rocking Pinkie and speaking soothingly to her. It was only a couple minutes before Rainbow heard the thundering hooves of her husband and Applejack, but it felt like years. They saw Rainbow holding Pinkie and looked concerned.

“Honey, AJ,” said Rainbow, “help me get Pinkie back to the house. She collapsed and I don’t know what’s going on.”

Rainbow and Applejack, as gently as possible put Pinkie across Big Mac’s back and they walked her to the house carefully as not to jostle her too bad. They got her to the front room and Rainbow had Pinkie placed on a sofa, her head in Rainbow’s lap. Rainbow was holding Pinkie’s hoof.

It wasn’t too long before Apple Bloom came in with Twilight and Cheerilee Sparkle. She also had Zecora with them.

“Thank Celestia you’re all here” said Rainbow.

“I found Zecora on the way and asked her to come as well,” said Apple Bloom.

“What’s wrong with Pinkie?” asked Twilight.

Rainbow related what Granny had told her about Pinkie taking so long to go get some eggs. How she didn’t see Pinkie when she was collecting the eggs but she was there when she started to go. She also related the conversation and Pinkie’s odd comments.

“What do you think?” asked Rainbow, “should we take her to the hospital?”

“Pinkie’s case is as strange as I’ve known;

Would you mind if I looked her over, alone?” asked Zecora.

Everypony agreed and left the zebra alone with Pinkie.

While waiting, Twilight decided to peek in on what was going on, she was concerned for her friend. What she saw was almost amusing. There was Zecora sitting on the sofa with Pinkie, just hugging her. Pinkie eyes were closed as if contented; she had one of her large Pinkie Pie smiles from ear to ear.

Later Zecora came back to the rest of the ponies, oddly enough, Zecora looked exhausted. Granny, Big Mac and Apple Bloom had went back to their chores, Applejack went to let Rarity know what was going on. That left Twilight, Cheerilee and Rainbow.

Zecora said Pinkie’s only problem was she hadn’t eaten properly for some time and would be better soon. She also hinted there might be more, but it was for Pinkie to disclose and it wouldn’t be a good idea to ask her about it.

Everypony thanked Zecora and the zebra left.

They came back into the front room and checked on their pink friend. She was just sitting there uncharacteristically quiet.

“I’m sorry for the scare everypony,” said Pinky. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“You should say something if you’re hungry,” said Rainbow, “Granny would feed you until you explode if you wanted!”

There was a strange look on her face.

“I’ll let you know in the future,” said Pinkie, “just don’t hate me for this.”

“Pinkie!” said Rainbow grabbing Pinkie in a large hug, Twilight and Cheerilee joined the hug, “why would we hate you? You’re a special pony and I don’t know anypony that doesn’t love you.”

Pinkie got up and walked to the door, stopped and looked back. It appeared that she was about to cry.

“I know that,” said the pink pony, “but there’s nopony who loves, loves me.”

Pinkie walked out the door. Her friends just looked at each other, and then went to the door to find out what Pinkie meant. But when they got there, she was gone.

“I wish I knew how she does that,” said Rainbow.

“I’m worried,” said Twilight after thinking for a moment.

“Why’s that?” asked Cheerilee.

“Rainbow,” said Twilight thoughtfully, “remember at your wedding, just before we went out.”

“The kiss Pinkie gave me?” said Rainbow, “I thought she was just foolin’ around. You know Pinkie, is it possible she was serious?

Do you think she was in love with me? or still is? I mean Pinkie and I’ve hung out a lot. We’ve even crashed in the same bed from time to time.

But we’ve never…

We’ve never…

You know!

No offence girls but I don’t go in for mares.”

“That’s okay Rainbow, nopony’s perfect,” said Cheerilee.

That brought the first smile to the trio since the whole Pinkie thing started.

Granny Smith entered the room and saw that Twilight and Cheerilee were still there.

“Twilight, Cheerilee,” said the old pony, “y’all looking forward to your first Apple Family Reunion?”

“We haven’t decided if we can make it,” said Twilight.

“Oh! But you need to be there, everypony ’ll want to meet you,” said Granny, “and Braeburn ’ll be there.”

“Thank you Granny,” said Twilight, “but you realize Braeburn isn’t my husband, coltfriend or lover, I’m happily married to Cheerilee here.

Braeburn was involved only as a donor, his marefriend helped collect the sample, I wasn’t involved with that, nor did I want to be.

There was no love, passion or sex involved, at least with me. Yes the foal is his biological child and always will be, I’ll never deny it. He’ll be free to visit the child anytime practical.

But the child is Cheerilee’s and mine alone.”

“I know that silly,” said the old pony chuckling, “I’ve lived on a farm all my life. I know what Artificial Insemination is, we’ve raised hogs for years.

But folk ‘ll want to meet you. Yes you ain’t an actual Apple, and even if’n the child won’t be named Apple, it’ll still have Apple blood. Because of that you now have ties with us and that makes you one of us. Same with you Cheerilee, you’re married to Twilight and we’d love to have you there.

Besides, it’s lots of music, food and fun!”

“Granny,” said Cheerilee, “we’d be happy to attend.”

Twilight smiled and nodded her head.

“And the reason I mention that Braeburn ‘ll be there is,” said Granny, “he does understand the situation, but he’s probably as excited as you about the foal. It’s normal to want to know how you are and the foal are doin’.”

CHAPTER THREE: More Expectations

After the excitement with Pinkie, the rest of the day had been uneventful. Pinkie stopped by the library to apologize to Twilight and Cheerilee again. They all exchanged hugs and Pinkie assured them she was okay and it was just a passing thing.

Pinkie did tell Twilight she was going to be gone for a time. She said she needed to take some time to get herself together. Twilight was used to Pinkie’s ‘vacations’. They weren’t often, but they weren’t unknown. Twilight told Pinkie she’d let their friends know their friend would be away.

Twilight and Cheerilee started the next Monday as normal.

“Okay Sweetheart,” Cheerilee would still kid her wife, talking slowly as if trying to calm the fears of some overwrought little filly, “now I’m only going to work at the school. Don’t freak out, I’ll be home later.”

“Oh you!” replied Twilight and would kiss Cheerilee deeply.

Twilight had Spike assist her in getting the library ready for the day. Later that day, Twilight was chiding Spike, despite his tastes, the gemology books went under Earth Science and not the Food section.

Sometimes she thought Spike did things on purpose just to get a rise out of her, especially now she was pregnant. Luckily for him, Twilight wasn’t experiencing the intense mood swings of her wife, but she could become quite sensitive and break down and cry.

And she was still eating things which made most ponies go...

Ewww!

Like the skunkweed smoothie she was working on right now.

The front door bell ringing interrupted the routine work. Twilight went to the main part of the library. There stood two familiar Pegasus mares.

“Rain Shadow! Wind Walker!” exclaimed Twilight, trotting up and sharing hugs with her mother-in-law and her partner. “I didn’t know you were coming, Cheeri and I would’ve prepared something for you.”

“That’s okay, Twilight,” said Rain Shadow, “Windie was wanting to visit her niece here in Ponyville. Unfortunately, she was unable to attend her wedding because of getting things taken care of in Baltamare.

But look at you. You look great, baby-belly looks good on you.”

“Thank you,” said Twilight blushing and rubbing her pregnant bulge with a fore hoof, “but you should see your other daughter. Nothing can make that mare look bad.”

They all laughed at that.

“Look,” said Twilight, “I was going to meet Cheeri for lunch at Sugarcube Corner. Why don’t you come with me? I know she’ll be happy to see you.”

“Okay Twilight,” said Rain Shadow, “but after that we have to find Windie’s niece.”

“Spike,” called Twilight, “I’m going out to meet Cheeri for lunch. I’ll bring you back something. By the way, where’s my smoothie?”

“I dumped it down the sink,” said Spike, “the skunkweed was eating through the cup. Hopefully the plumbing can take it.”

“Food cravings?” asked Wind Walker with a smile.

Twilight blushed and nodded her head. All three mares laughed as they left.

Cheerilee had given the kids an extended lunch time so she could have her weekly lunch with Twilight. As she was trotting to Sugarcube Corner, she ran into Rainbow Apple whom she invited to join her and Twilight for lunch (it didn’t take much convincing).

As they approached Sugarcube Corner, they saw Twilight sitting at an outdoor table with two mares.

Rainbow’s wings shot out in surprise.

“Aunt Windie!” called out Rainbow.

“You know my mother’s partner?” asked Cheerilee as they approached.

“Know her? She was always my favorite aunt.” Said Rainbow as she trotted ahead forgetting Cheerilee couldn’t keep up because of her condition.

“Aunt Windie!” called out a voice.

The three mares at the table looked in the direction and saw Rainbow and Cheerilee.

“Rainbow?” asked Wind Walker, “Rainbow!”

Wind Walker stood as Rainbow came trotting up. The two hugged and kissed on the cheek.

“Rainbow Dash,” said Wind Walker, “you look great! I see you’ve stopped wearing your mane like mine.”

“It wasn’t practical on the farm,”’ said Rainbow, “and actually, it’s now Rainbow Apple. You’ve got to meet my husband and family!”

“A farm pony,” Wind Walker chuckled, “who would’ve believed it. And I heard after all your wishing, pleading and praying, you turned down the Wonderbolts.”

“A husband, home and the possibility of a family sounded like a more exciting career,” said Rainbow.

“You made the right choice my sweet niece,” said Wind Walker with a genuine smile.

The two hugged warmly.

“Come on Aunt Windie,” said Rainbow, “let me take you to meet Big Mac.”

“Big Mac, eh?”

“Well they don’t call him that just because his name is Big Macintosh,” said Rainbow, nudging her aunt with an elbow.

All the ponies laughed at the innuendo.

“Hey guys,” said Rainbow, “you mind if I take my aunt to meet the family?”

“Go ahead,” said Rain Shadow, “we’re going to be here a while. Just come back to the library when you’re done Windie.”

Wind Walker gave Rain Shadow a quick kiss. With that Rainbow and Wind Walker flew off in the direction of Sweet Apple Acres.

“You’re going to be here a while, mom?” asked Cheerilee.

“Yes,” said the older mare, “We finally finished up all the business back in Baltamare. We sold the house and we decided to move away from that place which had so many bad memories.”

“Where’re you going to move?” asked Twilight.

“We’re hoping Ponyville,” said Rain Shadow, looking sheepish, “if you don’t mind too much. I’d love to start having some good family memories. And with a grandfoal… Sorry Twilight, two grandfoals on the way, I was hoping I could be part of that new family and life.”

“Mom,” said Twilight, “I think Cheeri and I’d love to have you here. But I don’t want to talk for my wife.”

“I’d love to have my mother here to help us,” said Cheerilee. “I can at last have an enjoyable relationship with my mother. And with Rainbow being a close friend, I doubt you could get Wind Walker to leave anytime soon now.”

Later back at the library, Twilight and Rain Shadow had been sitting in the main library talking. Cheerilee had gone back to finish the school day.

“Have you decided what you’re going to do about a nursery?” asked Rain Shadow.

“Cheeri and I were going to have the foals in our room at first. We plan on nursing them as long as possible. But then we’re going to turn the storeroom next to our room into the foal’s room. We thought of putting a door between our room and that room to make it easier,” said Twilight.

“How are you going to handle the nursing when Cheerilee is working?” asked the older mare.

“At first Cheeri is going to take ‘maternity leave’. But after that, we’ve been talking,” said Twilight, “because of our situation, we want both foals to bond with us equally. They’re to be both our daughters, so we plan on nursing both foals. I’d nurse the foals while she’s away and she’ll handle it if I weren’t here. And when we’re together, we’ll nurse one foal on one side and switch foals to feed on the other side.”

“What a lovely idea,” said Rain Shadow. “But won’t it be a stretch having to nurse two foals with one mare when alone?”

“It might be at first,” said Twilight, “but a mare’s body adjust for situations like twins, the body increases milk production to meet the extra demand. Plus we talked to Zecora, the local herbal healer, and she has natural formulas of herbs which will help boost milk production at first until our bodies adjust.”

“That sounds good, if it’s safe.” Said Rain Shadow, “and you said daughters, you’ve had that checked?”

“The formula is safe, our doctor has approved it because it is all natural herbs, she actually referred us to Zecora,” said Twilight. “And we say they’re fillies because of a dream Cheeri had when we first started being together. I guess it stuck in our minds and we’re just assuming it until proven different.”

Rain Shadow just chuckled.

“Cheerilee and her dreams,” said the older mare.

“You don’t trust her dreams?” asked Twilight, “I realize it isn’t very scientific, but she seems to put some faith in them. She’s a very intelligent pony and not given to being superstitious.”

“Oh I know that,” said the older mare, looking a bit sad, “I’ve also found her dreams to be valid on many occasions. In fact I wish I’d listened to many of them. Perhaps if I had, many bad things would’ve been avoided, especially with him.”

Then she appeared to cheer up.

“But look at the ‘big picture’,” she continued. “Had things turned out different, a lot of pain would’ve been avoided. But then I wouldn’t be here expecting two of the greatest thrills of my life. With two of the most special daughters a pony could ask for.”

The two ponies hugged, Twilight found herself loving this pony as much as she did her own mother.

“Twi! I can’t leave you alone for one moment,” said a voice at the door, “but I find you in the embrace of another mare, and my own mother! Especially now we know she’s a mare-lover!”

Twilight and Rain Shadow looked at the door and there was Cheerilee home from school. They didn’t realize how long they’d been talking.

They all laughed.

Twilight started to fix dinner, Rain Shadow insisted on helping. Unlike Cheerilee, the older mare was as good a cook as Twilight. They had a savory vegetable soup and salad ready in no time.

Wind Walker came in as they were finishing up and suggested some bread would go great with the meal, plus she’d brought a fresh apple pie sent from Granny. Twilight was about to send Spike to the bakery for a couple fresh loafs but Wind Walker offered to fly Spike there to save time.

Spike was thrilled, the truth was he was enjoying having two extra attractive mares there and he was almost starting to crush on Wind Walker. After all, she was an athletically built mare like Rainbow and had the same roguish looks and personality. It was obvious why Rain Shadow was attracted to this mare.

After dinner, they sat around the living area of the library, Spike had gone to bed, he is a baby dragon after all.

Cheerilee noticed that Wind Walker’s and Rain Shadow’s saddle bags were packed and by the door.

“Have we run you off already?” asked Cheerilee. “You only just got here, I thought you might want to use our guest room.”

“Didn’t I tell you?” asked Wind Walker, “My niece Rainbow told me because she’s married to an Earth Pony, she’d no use for her cloud house. So she offered us to use it as long as we want.

“Well, I guess we won’t be coming over for dinner anytime soon,” said Cheerilee with a laugh.

“Not necessarily, I can teleport us where we need to go.” said Twilight, “And I know a spell which allows us non-Pegasus ponies to walk on clouds.”

“Why would you need to do that for Cheerilee?” asked Wind Walker.

“She’s an Earth Pony,” said Twilight.

“She’s three quarters Pegasus, she only looks like an Earth Pony,” said Wind Walker, “she can walk on clouds now. It’s as if she’s a Pegasus without wings.”

“Are you sure?” said Rain Shadow.

Twilight and Cheerilee looked at Wind Walker with great interest.

“Yes,” said Wind Walker, “my brother has the same issue, a child that’s three quarter Pegasus and one quarter Unicorn. He appears to be a Unicorn, but the child walks on clouds quite fine. He does sink into the cloud just a little more than a Pegasus does, and he needs help to and from the house. They’re having him trained to teleport, but that’ll depend on how good his magic talent will be.”

“We could’ve raised Cheerilee in the cloud house,” said Rain Shadow. “So much could’ve been different.”

“I’m ashamed to say I’m glad it wasn’t different,” said Twilight, looking sheepish. “It would’ve been less painful for all of us, but I wouldn’t have found love with the most wonderful of ponies.”

Cheerilee beamed at the sentiment.

“Twilight,” said Rain Shadow, “I’m sure things wouldn’t have been too different. A pony is as a pony does. I’m sure he would’ve found ways to be disappointed with Cheerilee and myself. I think he always resented he was forced to marry a mare-lover and my heart could never truly be for him. It isn’t I didn’t try to make the best of it, we did have a child after all. But I think it always bothered him, and was the reason he was so hard on Cheerilee when she admitted she liked mares. I’m afraid he would’ve thrown her off the cloud house and injured or killed her when she did tell us.”

Rain Shadow had tears in her eyes, she hugged Twilight;

“I’m glad that things turned out the way they did also. I wouldn’t have wanted to miss having you in my daughter’s life, as well as mine. Not to mention now with two grandfoals on the way! You’ve taught both of us about real love and real family.”

The other two mares joined the hug.

Twilight started to cry, she could be moved to tears easily by sorrow or joy.

“Oh Darling,” said Cheerilee.

“I love all of you so much!” said Twilight.

STRANGE INTERLUDE 2

The police came in a very timely manner; mysterious dead ponies aren’t the norm for a community like Ponyville. They’d sent a message by Pegasus courier to Canterlot to request a medical examiner. Except for a few accidents, Ponyville never needed one.

When the pony, Dr. Bones, arrived he took measurements, some hair samples and photographs. Then he had his assistants to carefully and respectfully collect the remains for transfer to the lab back in Canterlot. Afterward, he went to talk to the ponies who had discovered the remains.

“So you moved a large boulder and discovered the remains, is that correct Miss Lulamoon?” asked Dr. Bones.

“Remains is so cold,” said Trixie, “it was some pony’s baby!

And yes, I moved the boulder away from the large pile. That’s when I saw something didn’t look right. I set the boulder down and went to look. What I saw shocked, sickened and saddened me.”

“Did the moving of the boulder, disturb the rem…

The pony?”

“No.”

“Did you touch or move the pony?”

“Celestia no!” exclaimed Trixie, “why the Tartarus would I do that?”

“I’m not implying anything,” said Dr. Bones, “I’m just verifying the position of the body was as it lay when uncovered, Miss Lulamoon.

Mr. Pie, I assume you or your daughter didn’t move the body as well?”

“No doctor,” said Igneous Rock, “I made sure nothing was disturbed until my daughter brought the police back.”

“I see,” said the medical examiner, “well, from what I can see, It appears to be a case of a pony being in the wrong place at the wrong time. I don’t believe there were any criminal issues involved.”

“What can you say about the pony?” asked Trixie, she looked very concerned.

“It’s too early to say,” replied Dr. Bones, “I’ll have to do a further exam of the body and review the photos. Plus the lab will have to test the hair and tissues before I’ll be comfortable to say anything. There’s also research that’ll have to be done, once it’s determined how long the pony lay there, we’ll have to go through missing pony reports.

It’ll take days, perhaps weeks.”

“Wilt thou let us knowest what thou findest?” asked Cloudy Quartz.

“Being the pony was found on your property,” said the doctor, “we’ll be in touch. Will you be available to answer any other questions that may come up?

“Of course Doctor,” said Igneous Rock, “anything to help thee.”

After the police left, Igneous Rock suggested that everypony take the rest of the day off to get over the shock.

Trixie lay in her room in the Pie house; she couldn’t get the poor creature out of her mind. The body was badly decayed and desiccated, but something about the remaining hair bothered her, as if she’d seen the pony before, and recently.

“Where have I seen a pony like that before?” Trixie said aloud.

It was still running around her brain as she drifted off to sleep.

Trixie dreamt of a poor little pony cut down before her life had really begun. But in her dream it was as if the pony had come back to life and was there to love her and help her through the sorrow. It was so real.

CHAPTER FOUR: A Royal Visit

That following Friday afternoon, Twilight and Cheerilee decided to take Rain Shadow and Wind Walker to visit Canterlot. Plus it’d been over a month since Twilight’s mother visited and she’d heard that Shining Armor and Cadence were in Canterlot to meet with Princess Celestia. They’d not seen Twilight or Cheerilee since the procedure.

As Twilight had found, most Pegasi didn’t enjoy train rides as being too slow. So Twilight and Cheerilee talked the older mares into a nice ride with nice conversation, and a late lunch in the dining coach.

Rain Shadow related how much she’d relaxed since she was free to go home without fear.

Wind Walker was contacted by Rain Shadow as soon as she’d decided to return to Baltamare. Being she had no attachments, she’d met Rain Shadow in Ponyville and then moved in with her right away. She’d been living in Cloudsdale and jumped at the chance to be reunited with her first and only love. She said she always knew things would work out and she’d be with Rain Shadow eventually.

She’d unfortunately met Rain Shadow’s ex-husband and quickly found out about his temper and tendency to use violence. So she was genuinely impressed with Twilight’s actions in standing up for Cheerilee and Rain Shadow against such overwhelming odds, and at such a high cost to herself. Wind Walker said she could see why Twilight was Rainbow’s best friend.

The two had to work hard to get all the legal issues cleared up with Rain Shadow’s liberation from her oppressive marriage. She even joked she was so relaxed now she had to be careful because she was starting to put on weight.

At the station, there were four ponies waiting on them, Twilight’s father and mother; Night Light and Twilight Velvet along with Shining Armor and Cadence. As soon as they disembarked the train, the family was all over them like parasprites on a bushel of apples. Wind Walker was introduced to everypony and all said how happy they were to have her there.

Twilight thought it kind of funny, even though they were as glad to see her, Shining and Cadence were really focused on Cheerilee along with Night Light and Twilight Velvet. The rest of the ponies thought it amusing as well.

But it could be forgiven, it was Shining’s biological child and the couples only claim at any child for now, even if it was technically to be a niece or nephew. Twilight did half-seriously remind her mother and father she was carrying a child also and it was their grandfoal as well.

“I can understand their feelings,” said Wind Walker, “that’s why I was so thrilled when I found out the two of you decided to do this. I feel in a way, now Rainy and I are together, they’re going to be like my grandfoals too.”

“You’ll always be considered a grandmother to our foals,” said Twilight, “and like another mother to me. It’s so special to have three mothers!”

Wind Walker hugged Twilight a very warm and loving hug, a tear rolled down both mares’ cheeks.

“Hey Twilight!” said Cheerilee laughing, “I’m right here and you’re in the embrace of another mare… Again! And my mother’s partner this time.

Don’t you ever get enough at home? It’s like I said in the past, what a horny little mare I’m married to!”

“Yes,” laughed Rain Shadow, “I don’t know what to think of that.”

All the ponies assembled laughed.

“Well if Twilight can wait,” said Twilight Velvet laughing, “why don’t we take your things to our home and get you girls comfortable for the evening. You can do some tours in the morning.”

“Luckily you’ve a princess and prince for a sister-in-law and brother,” said Cadence with a mischievous gleam in her eyes, “we have the use of one of aunt Celestia’s wagons and four of the Palace Guards to drag around pregnant mares. We wouldn’t want them to have to walk or anything inconvenient, especially Twilight the Younger.”

Again the ponies laughed, Twilight hugged Cadence warmly, but whispered for her to hear only;

“And like I said before, bite me princess.”

“I’ll leave that for Cheerilee to do,” whispered Cadence back.

The hug was tightened as proof that she was only kidding. It was proof of just how much the two loved each other.

Then Cadence gave a wicked chuckle;

“I warned you about that princess stuff Twilight,” said Cadence out loud, trying to sound stern, “now you’ll pay the price.”

Twilight knew she was joking around, but it didn’t stop her from being concerned.

Cadence levitated her tiara and sent it in the direction of Twilight’s muzzle. But it stopped short.

“Your brother is married to a princess,” said Cadence, “that makes him a prince. If your brother is a prince, then technically that makes YOU a princess. So by my Royal Command, you’re required to wear this tiara all the waking hours of your day until you depart for Ponyville. Oh, and don’t worry about me, I’ve a spare back at the house.”

With that the tiara floated atop Twilight’s head. All her companions broke out in riotous laughter at Twilight’s incredulous look on her face.

Cadence chuckled and said;

“Please ponies, please! Show proper respect to Her Highness!”

Cadence then bowed to Twilight. The rest of the extended family followed her example. It was embarrassing enough for her family to do this in a public place, but there were a number of passing ponies who saw the group of ponies bowing to a pony wearing a tiara so they stopped and bowed as well.

They all rose up, helped Twilight and Cheerilee into the wagon, and they started off for Twilight’s parents home.

“Just wait until aunt Celestia and Luna see you,” said Cadence, winking at Twilight, “they’re going to have a ball.”

“That’s what I’m afraid of,” said Twilight.

Later at the Sparkle home the group settled in for the evening. Cadence wouldn’t let Twilight take off the tiara and told her she was serious about her wearing it while she was in Canterlot. And if she argued about it, she’d make it a permanent requirement.

There was a delicious evening meal accompanied by a fine crystal berry wine brought from the Crystal Empire which was technically over one thousand years old. Cheerilee and Twilight were disappointed because they couldn’t have alcohol while with foal. Cadence promised she’d give them several bottles after the foals were born.

Afterward they sipped more wine and talked into the night. Rain Shadow and Wind Walker, whom all were instructed to call Rainy and Windie (except Cheerilee, Rainy was still mom, although Twilight had gotten in to the habit of calling her mom as well) were so happy to be accepted into this family of accepting and loving ponies. Plus it was the first time Windie had interacted with a princess. She was surprised and pleased by the casual and warm personality of Cadence.

The only problem which came up in the evening was Twilight’s bed, although comfortable for Twilight and Cheerilee prior, was now too small to accommodate two mares and their added baby girth.

Rainy and Windie said they wouldn’t mind sleeping close in Twilight’s bed and letting Twilight and Cheerilee have the larger guest room bed.

“Just don’t be playing with Twilight’s toys,” said Twilight Velvet, “she gets upset when somepony gets them out of order!”

“Especially her My Little Chipmunk figures,” joked Cheerilee. She couldn’t help but put that dig in.

“Mom! Cheeri!” exclaimed Twilight.

The family could tell Twilight was starting to become sensitive to all the teasing everypony had been dishing out since her arrival.

“Sorry Honey,” said Twilight Velvet, “we tease you because we love you so much and are so happy to have you and Cheerilee here. And you can’t blame the rest of us for being excited for the coming foals.”

The rest of the ponies apologized and promised they’d tone it down. But Cadence told Twilight she still had to wear the tiara.

The next morning there was a large breakfast for everypony. Twilight Velvet asked Twilight and Cheerilee if it’d be okay for her to show Rainy and Windie around Canterlot. She wanted to get in some mother to mother time with them. Rain Shadow and Twilight Velvet had become quite good friends while Twilight was in a coma.

Night Light had work he had to check on at the office. Shining Armor and Cadence had Crystal Empire business to attend to at the castle. Plus Cadence told Twilight and Cheerilee the princesses were expecting them to visit, and she didn’t think it was a suggestion. And she reminded Twilight there were enough Palace Guards, both off duty and on, around the city that she’d know if Twilight took off the tiara.

The pregnant mares found there was a cart waiting to take them around. They decided not to fight it but Cheerilee did get a good laugh when the Guards pulling the cart bowed to Twilight and would address her as princess. Twilight was well known to most of the Royal Guard and so she had a sneaking suspicion Cadence had put them up to it.

They were taken to Canterlot Castle and were ushered to the throne room doors. As Twilight approached she saw the guard bow. A voice from an intersecting hall was heard;

“Gets old quickly, doesn’t it?”

It was Cadence passing by.

The doors were opened for the two mares and they were told they were expected.

As they entered the magnificent throne room, Cheerilee was still in awe. There before them on the dais were the two princesses. They looked at their guests, then at each other, and then back at Twilight and Cheerilee, mostly at Twilight.

Celestia was able to control her mirth for the most part but Luna almost fell off her throne.

“To what do we owe this honor, Princess Twilight?” asked Celestia, who couldn’t control it any longer. It was the hardest Twilight had ever seen her teacher laugh before.

“Our niece told us what she’d commanded you to do.” Said Luna, laughing so hard she was gasping for air, “but we didn’t think you’d look so funny, especially with that look on your face.”

Twilight was on the verge of tears, she didn’t suffer the mood swings to the degree of Cheerilee but she could become quite sensitive quickly.

“Your Highnesses,” said Cheerilee gesturing at Twilight. This was to make them look how Twilight was reacting.

The princesses descended the dais and rushed to hug Twilight.

“Oh Darling, Darling Twilight,” said Celestia, “we only laugh because we love you and Cheeri so much, we meant no harm.”

“Sweet Twilight, you know how we feel about you.” said Luna, referring to things said to Twilight when she was in the coma, “understand we jest like this only with equals. There are very few ponies, ever, we’d interact with like this.”

“I think it’s time you took us up on our offer,” said Celestia. “I think it’d help to understand this better.”

“We’re honored, Your Highness,” said Twilight, “but Cheeri and I are deeply committed to each other.”

Celestia smiled;

“As I said before, you don’t understand yet what we’re offering. You’ve always trusted me, my most beloved Twilight, please trust me now.”

Cheerilee and Twilight looked at each other, they nodded and Twilight looked back at the princess.

“We’d be honored,” said Twilight.

“Guard!” called Luna.

The door opened slightly and a guard entered.

“No admittance until further notice,” said the Princess Of The Night.

“As you command,” replied the guard.

The doors closed and Luna secured the door on the inside with her magic.

Three tiaras floated to the thrones.

“I’ll deal with my niece if she says anything,” said Celestia with a smile.

The four ponies walked to the wall behind the dais and opened the hidden door. They entered the princesses’ inner sanctum.

The place was as Twi and Cheeri remembered it. Tia and Lu led them to the large bedroom/living quarter. They all lowered themselves to the cushion. Twi and Cheeri weren’t too comfortable with their baby-bellies in the way.

“Feel free to sit up or lay down,” said Tia, “there’s no ceremony or custom here, be comfortable.”

The two pregnant mares sat on their haunches as their hosts snuggled close to each other. Tia and Lu kissed a long and loving kiss then looked at Twi and Cheeri.

“I know you haven’t understood what it was is were offering,” said Tia, “we want you to experience love at the immortal level, like we do. But now we’d like to experience something we never have, something we can never do ourselves. And we need your permission to do so.”

“You want to experience our pregnancy,” said Cheeri.

Lu and Tia smiled and nodded their heads.

“How would we do all this?” asked Twi.

“We’d use a spell that temporally switches minds between bodies,” said Lu, “you’d experience our feelings, knowledge and power. You can make love to each other as we do. There’s no way to explain the difference unless you experience it yourselves.”

“We, on the other hoof, would get to feel a new life inside ourselves.” Said Tia, “we’d be able to feel things you perhaps take for granted or don’t even notice out of being used to it.

It’s a curse of ours. Like many mares, my sister and I are incapable of bearing children. But after all, we’re mares and the desire to have children is part of the mare’s make up, despite us not being able to do it.”

“We’ve never been as close to ponies we could offer this. We’ll understand if you say no. And you’d be able to back out at any time.” Said Lu, “but Tia and I decided to ask this of you because, even though we’re immortal, we may never get the chance again to have close friends who we could do this with.”

“We’d be forever in your debt,” said Tia. The emphasis on forever was noted and Twilight made a mental note to ask about it later.

The looks on both their faces showed this wasn’t something they were asking lightly. And they could tell this was truly something their hearts desired.

Twi was curious about what her teacher was hinting at, and Cheeri was moved by their plea to experience the feeling of a new life inside them. Twi looked at her rose colored wife who nodded her head.

“Tia, Lu,” said Twilight, “we’d be honored to do this.”

Twi had seen the princesses happy on many occasions, but she’d never seen them like this. They became as giddy as a couple of school fillies.

“What do we have to do?” said Cheeri.

“Just make love,” said Tia, “don’t be embarrassed, we’re about to become so familiar that such an act in front of us will be inconsequential. We’ll feel the same; you don’t yet know or appreciate the level of familiarity this will bring us.”

Tia and Lu started to kiss passionately, and with no small amount of trepidation, Cheeri and Twi started to kiss as well. At first they were self-conscious, but as the passion started to rise and the innate desire for each other kicked in, it became no problem at all, even with the two Alicorns doing the same just a couple of feet from them. In fact, the moaning coming from the two Alicorns was arousing.

Cheeri’s hoof was at Twi’s marehood, Twi was starting to kiss down Cheeri’s neck. They worked themselves, lying on their sides, to have the other’s marehood in front of their muzzles. As they were exploring each other with their tongues, there was a golden glow. Suddenly Twi felt a surge of her innate magic level. She’d had her eyes closed; she opened her eyes and saw the marehood in front of her was surrounded by a white coat color! Her own hooves, which were holding open her lover, were a dark blue. Cheeri had discovered at the same time she was now working on a dark blue marehood. They raised their heads and looked at each other. Twi saw that it was Tia looking at her.

“Cheeri?” asked Twi.

“Yes,” replied Tia/Cheeri, “is that you Twi?”

“It’s me,” replied Lu/Twi.

The two smiled and continued to make love. Twi noticed the difference in size of Tia’s marehood, something she’d never even thought about. The taste was slightly different as well, not unpleasant just the personal natural musky taste and smell of a mare’s clean private part. Truthfully, it was more arousing than Twi was expecting. Her mind actually strayed to thinking what it would be like if Tia were in the body. The technique she was using was the same Twi was used to from Cheeri. How would it be different if it were Tia on the ‘giving’ end? Cheeri later confessed to the same thoughts about Lu.

As they got deeper into it they could start to feel the world around them as they never had. Twi could recognize the raw power Lu commanded. She could feel her memories, and desires. She was surprised at just how much Lu was attracted to her. But the level of love felt for her sister was unbelievable.

Truthfully, Twi was a little disturbed when she found out her teacher’s lover was her own sister. But the explanation of how with them being immortal and couldn’t count on any other lover for any length of time. The only pony she could count on could only be her sister. She also sensed this arrangement might have to include Cadence in the future, after Shining Armor was gone. There was a brief sense of sadness for her brother.

As they continued, she felt the orgasm build, it was nothing like she’d ever experienced. As it grew closer, the boundaries of mind and body dissolved along with the boundaries between her, her lover and the two princesses. Their minds and bodies became one. The physical world disappeared; they were suddenly one being with multiple minds. The universe exploded into pure light, time didn’t exist.

It was an eternity of pure bliss.

‘I told you, my most beloved, it wouldn’t be what you’d expect.’ Twi heard in her mind, it was Tia.

‘You two now know us unlike any other pony ever, even Star Swirl the Bearded never achieved this,’ said the part of her mind that was Lu.

‘I’m so overwhelmed,’ said the part of the mind that was Cheeri.

‘You’re experiencing something no Earth Pony ever has,’ thought Tia. ‘you feel the magic innate in Unicorns but Twi can tell you she, as powerful as she is, doesn’t have this level of power.’

‘As overwhelmed as the two of you are,’ thought Lu, ‘exercise the power you now have and feel the level of awe that we now feel in your bodies.’

‘We weren’t ready for the fullness you two feel; after all you’ve had almost six months to ease into it.’ Thought Tia, ‘but the most glorious thing is to feel the movement of another being inside of us, just to feel the heartbeat is the greatest feeling we’ve ever experienced.’

Twi and Cheeri could feel what Tia and Lu were feeling. They’d never realized that if they tuned their awareness good enough that they could feel the heartbeat of their foal.

‘There’s one more thing you should know,’ thought Lu, ‘be still and see if you can feel it.’

All four minds went quiet. Twi and Cheeri felt it almost at the same time. There weren’t four minds there, there were six. Two new minds at perfect peace and happiness, minds which registered pure love for the being supporting them, the contentment of the womb. There were no words, but what they were thinking was understood.

‘Wait!’ cautioned Lu, ‘if you go deeper, you’ll know everything about them. If you want the sex and race to be a surprise, then go no farther.’

‘My Love,’ thought Cheeri, ‘to have felt their minds at peace and contented, knowing they’re healthy and happy is enough for me. I can wait another five months; we’re over half way there.’

‘I agree, my Darling,’ thought Twi. ‘But thank you for this gift…’

‘I can feel your minds,’ thought Tia, ‘you don’t know how to address us after reaching this level of intimacy. In public it’ll be necessary to address us as you have. But alone, and in casual circumstances, even outside this sanctuary, we’ll always be Tia and Lu. We’d like it if now you’d consider us as sisters and lovers, but at a much deeper level, not at a carnal self-serving level.’

‘You won’t understand the depth of this now,’ thought Lu, ‘and it’s our wish that you don’t fully understand this for a very, very long time, but our minds will forever be linked. This will also have consequences for the near future. You’ll understand in the right time.’

Twi and Cheeri caught the very smallest of understanding of what they were being hinted.

‘As much as none of us will want to,’ thought Tia, ‘we have to return to our own bodies. But we hope after this, you’ll want to join us again.’

Twi and Cheeri both felt the other want to respond in the positive.

‘Your thoughts are understood,’ thought Tia. ‘Now we return.’

Twi opened her eyes as the last of the orgasm wash over her. She was now pleasuring Cheeri. After catching their breath, all four mares sat up and looked at each other and smiled.

“Tia,” said Twi, “was there any particular reason we entered the bodies we did?”

Tia blushed brightly.

“It’s because my sister won,” said Lu, ever so slightly annoyed, “we both wanted you to experience what making love to us would feel like. Please don’t be upset at us Cheeri, you now know from being linked to us, the level of love we feel for both of you. It’s silly really, but the tradeoff was I got to use your body to make love to Twi’s.”

Cheeri thought for a moment. She knew in the past it might have hurt her feelings, or even feel she and Twi had been unfaithful but now she understood things at a much deeper level.

They were linked now and it was as if they were interchangeable. The love she felt for the princesses was now almost as great as her love for Twilight. And she felt the love from these two Alicorns were just as great for herself.

“It was my honor Lu,” said Cheeri with a smile, “maybe next time Twi and I could be in on the decision making.”

The fact that Cheeri had suggested there’d be a next time, thrilled both the princesses. They’d harbored fears it’d be Cheeri who’d resist.

Lu hugged Cheeri and kissed her. It was more than a ‘thank you’ kiss. Cheeri was surprised at first, but she felt with the level of intimacy they’d achieved, it really was all right, including the tongue in her mouth and the hoof at her marehood. So Cheeri returned the level of the kiss to Lu. Cheeri marveled at the pleasure she felt rubbing Lu’s love organ, with it actually being Lu. The two climaxed quickly.

It was almost amusing, when they broke the kiss; they saw Tia and Twi were finishing similar actions.

“Good gracious!” said Cheeri, still in the embrace of Lu and her own hoof still on/in Lu’s marehood, “I turn my attention away from you for one moment, and I find you making out with another mare. And this time the ruler of Equestria! Don’t you ever get enough?”

“Shall I send her to the dungeon?” asked Tia slyly. “Or just banish her to the Everfree Forest?”

“No Tia,” said Twi, “I’m going to have to show her just how much I don’t get enough.”

They all laughed as they got up and departed the inner chambers. The final laugh was as they were leaving, Cadence’s tiara appeared on Twilight’s head.

“You mustn’t forget your dignity, Your Highness,” said Luna.

“I’d reply, ‘bite me princess’,” said Twilight, ‘but I now know it’d only lead to something else and I’m kind of spent already.”

All the ponies laughed, Celestia and Luna were still laughing as the throne room doors closed behind them.

Later at Twilight’s parents’ home, they were asked how their visit with the princesses went. They told everypony there were no words to explain. It did appear Cadence knew some of what they were talking about and they remembered the hint of what was to come with her.

The rest of the weekend visit went joyfully for all. Cadence and Shining still showed Cheerilee more attention than they did Twilight. They also explained that they planned to have Cheerilee and Twilight’s eleventh month free and they’d be staying in Ponyville or Canterlot to be there for the birth. This started a talk on who was going to be there for the birth itself. Cadence, Rain Shadow and Twilight Velvet all wanted to be there for Cheerilee, as well as for Twilight.

Twilight joked with so many ponies who wanted to be in the delivery room, Cheerilee and she might have to wait outside.

Then it was mentioned as soon as the foal was able to travel, Cheerilee (and Twilight) would have to come to the Crystal Empire. There the Crystal Ponies were also expecting to be introduced to the princess and prince’s foal.

When Twilight and Cheerilee were alone that night, the couple started to feel the demands on their pregnancies were starting to be more than they’d planned. They’d originally wanted only their wife to be there for them, and maybe their mothers. They didn’t think there were so many other ponies who felt they needed to be there too.

The only thing which helped hold them together under the building pressures was the memories of the minds they’d felt when they were joined with Tia and Lu. Especially the feeling of the minds of their Darlings inside them which they could still feel ever so slightly in their minds.

As time went by they’d find this was only the beginning of expectations.

CHAPTER FIVE: Apple Family Reunion

Two months later, at the end of the summer, and eight months into the pregnancies, the Apple Family Reunion rolled around. Twilight and Cheerilee were much larger by now. They wouldn’t get a lot larger; there would be some but not too much more.

Now the foals were finishing their developing, heart and lungs getting ready to be on their own, the internal organs finishing their construction.

The minds, however, were fully developed and there was something that nopony could ever know, but after the visit with the princesses, the minds had become aware of other ponies who were ‘out there’.

There were the minds of two very powerful ponies they knew and could feel they’d be there to protect them always.

Then there were two minds of the special ponies who were carrying them and would love them always; ponies they were part of in a very real way.

But they’d became aware of another mind like their own, one not quite ready for the outside world but one they could still feel.

It turned out to be one of the most unique family reunions any Apple could remember. For the greater part, Apples weren’t racist. But as long as any pony could remember, Apples had almost always been Earth Ponies. Now with Big Mac’s new wife, Applejack’s marefriend and partner and the pony carrying a foal conceived with the help of Braeburn (if only indirectly), there were now two Unicorns to be considered Apples, along with three Pegasi (Rain Shadow counted because she was Twilight’s wife’s mother. Wind Walker also counted because she was both Rainbow Apple’s aunt and Rain Shadow’s partner).

For the mares present, any expectant mare at the reunion were always to be fussed over. Twilight and Cheerilee found themselves herded with four other expectant Apple mares. A pavilion had been set up to shade the mares along with cushions to comfort them. Several of the younger fillies were always there, including Apple Bloom and Babs Seed, to run for fresh fritters or cool apple cider.

When lunch time came, they were served large portions of everything and they got theirs first.

Granny Smith and her cousin Apple Rose along with several of the older mares including the venerated Auntie Applesauce made sure the pregnant mares were treated well and not too overwhelmed by visitors and well wishers.

At the start, all of the first time guests took a bit to get used to everypony addressing them as ‘cousin’. But once the realization that they were truly being treated as family, it felt so nice, especially for Cheerilee and her mother for whom family had until recently had a negative connotation.

Apple Bloom was thrilled when she realized her teacher and everypony’s favorite librarian and friend were now technically cousins. Cheerilee told the filly, away from school it was okay if she wanted to call her Cousin Cheerilee (Cheerilee was so happy to have real family), but at school she still had to be Mrs. Sparkle.

It was also evident the three mare with mare couples didn’t cause much concern. However it did have to be addressed to some ponies from the very out-reaches of Equestria the old term ‘filly fooler’ was now considered offensive, whether the pony meant it that way or not. Because a filly is an underage female, it took on the connotation the mare in question was a pedophile, molesting young girls. Mare-lover was a more accurate description of the pony’s tastes.

Because of the openness of the Applejack/Rarity, Twilight/Cheerilee and Wind Walker/Rain Shadow, several mares in the gathering felt comfortable enough for the first time to admit to the family the ‘guest’ they’d brought with them was actually a marefriend and partner.

There were games, music, hay rides and most of all, food. Twilight and Cheerilee were glad they agreed to come.

Windie and Rainy had fun mingling with the Apples, Rainbow did try to stay near her aunt because of the attention the Pegasi were receiving, it was better to face it en mass. They thrilled the Apple foals by giving them rides on their backs as they flew around Sweet Apple Acres.

Rarity had a similar situation being a Unicorn, but Applejack was a well known Apple so ponies didn’t crowd them too much.

Unfortunately, Twilight was starting to feel like Cheerilee felt on their first visit to Canterlot. Almost every Apple from Appleloosa had to visit the mare having Braeburn’s foal. It didn’t help she was so recognized because of her help with the peace with the buffalo.

What bothered Twilight and Cheerilee was after anypony would visit with her and invite her to visit with them when she moves to Appleloosa, they’d go to Braeburn afterward and congratulate him. Some would actually ask Twilight when had Braeburn and Cactus Flower had broken up and she’d gotten together with Braeburn.

To his credit, it did appear he was trying his best to make sure the ponies understood the foal was his on a technicality and he would have no custody of the child.

Twilight finally got Applejack to bring Braeburn and Cactus Flower to meet with her and Cheerilee in the Apple’s house.

In the house Braeburn sat with Cactus Flower while Applejack sat with Rarity and Twilight sat with Cheerilee, Rainbow joined them as well.

“Braeburn,” started Twilight, “I know your family in Appleloosa is excited about the foal. And I know you and Cactus Flower are aware of the terms of the contract. Please understand that Cheerilee and I am extremely grateful for the very personal gift. I do believe you’ve in no way encouraged the behavior of your fellow Appleloosans.

But they appear to be under the belief not only am I going to move to Appleloosa after the foal is born but you and I are romantically involved.”

“Braeburn!” said Cactus Flower, giving her coltfriend a love tap, “are you takin’ the train all the way to Ponyville just to fool ’round with this mare and then ride the train all the way back a’fore I notice you ain’t in bed with me?”

Braeburn looked shocked but Cactus Flower burst out laughing. Twilight, due to her hormone induced over sensitive condition, was relieved; she half believed Braeburn’s marefriend was serious. But the rest of the ponies laughed as well.

“Twilight,” said Braeburn, “I won’t lie, we’re so excited about your foal. We plan on having children in the future, so this is kind of like a preview.”

“Twi and I are relieved to hear you say that,” said Cheerilee, “the way it’s going with Twi’s side of the family, it appears there’s going to be a stampede wanting to be there in the delivery room for both of us, not to mention our mothers. The last thing we need is half of Appleloosa wanting to be there.”

All the ponies laughed.

Rainbow then nudged Applejack;

“Tell her.”

“Twi,” said Applejack timidly, “that reminds me of something.”

“What’s that,” asked Twilight, unsure of what was coming.

“Granny Smith told me the other day it was her responsibility to be there at the birth of any local Apple.”

Twilight went pale;

“Granny Smith too?”

“She didn’t say what she meant by ‘be there’. She’s reasonable enough to know that in the delivery room might be pushing it,” said Applejack.

“That’s a relief,” said Cheerilee. “We were starting to be concerned when we have our ‘blessed events’ we’d lose a lot of friends because their feelings got hurt.”

“We were so happy when we discovered we were with foal, but now there’s starting to be a pall of concern to us.

We don’t want to have our children be the reason we don’t have friends.” Twilight’s increased sensitivity caused her to break down and cry. “We’ve so wanted our friends to be as happy for us as we are.”

“Twilight, Honey,” said Cheerilee, putting her forelegs around her crying wife, “I’m sure it’ll all work out.”

The girls in the room came over to comfort Twilight.

“Twilight,” Cactus Flower said, “y’all ain’t got to worry ’bout us and the Appleloosan Apples. We’ll totally respect your privacy. Braeburn and I’ll make sure our ponies know the real situation. So don’t be concerned if’n you ever visit Appleloosa again, you ain’t goin’ be misunderstood.”

Twilight was soon able to get control of her emotional breakdown. She and Cheerilee went back out to the rest of the Apple Family gathering. Braeburn and Cactus Flower must’ve worked hard because there were no more misunderstandings being spoken and even a couple of apologies from ones who’d already misspoke themselves. There were still a lot of invitations to visit Appleloosa, after all, a child with Apple blood would always be family.

After the initial shock, the rest of the reunion went happily. Cheerilee, Twilight, Wind Walker and Rain Shadow never felt so welcome as they had there. For Cheerilee and her mother, it was another confirmation family was something to be cherished and not feared.

STRANGE INTERLUDE 3

It was about two weeks after the discovery of the body of the pony by Trixie. Because of just not feeling right about the spot, they’d avoided the West Field for now.

The Pies and Trixie had worked that day and were preparing to sit down to dinner when there was a knock at the door.

“Limestone Honey,” said Cloudy Quartz, “mightest thou getest that?”

Limestone went to the door and opened it.

“Ma, pa,” she called out, “I think you need to come here.”

The Pies came in the room, followed by Trixie. They saw that it was Dr. Bones.

“Doctor,” said Igneous Rock, “what can we do for thee?”

“Sorry to interrupt you at this hour, but I’ve some information for you and perhaps a question or two,” replied the Medical Examiner.

“Please havest thou a seat doctor,” said Igneous Rock.

The family all found seats on the couch and couple chairs while Trixie sat on a cushion.

“We’ve determined the body of the pony found on your property was that of a filly. She was between five and eight years old, her coat was pink in color with a mane and tail of a darker pink. She either had no cutie mark or it had been obliterated with the trauma and time. She’s been there for anywhere from fifteen to twenty years, roughly.

That’s pretty much the details,” said the doctor. “Although there was one odd thing, from the position of the body, it appeared as if either the pony was purposely jumping under the falling boulder, or…”

Cloudy Quartz ran out of the room. The other ponies watched her, only Trixie got up to follow.

“I’m sorry doctor,” said Igneous Rock, “go on.”

“As I was saying, the pony was either purposely jumping under the falling boulder, or she was pushing something or somepony out of the way and was caught by the boulder,” said the doctor.

“And thy question,” asked Igneous Rock.

“Mrs. Pie… Cloudy,” said Trixie coming up to the pony, Cloudy was crying hard. “Is there something I can do?”

“No,” said Cloudy, looking at Trixie. Cloudy Quartz then put a foreleg around Trixie and her head against Trixie’s neck and started to cry harder.

“Cloudy,” said Trixie softly, her own tears starting to form out of empathy. Trixie was stroking Cloudy’s coat, “you know something about this, don’t you.”

Cloudy Quartz looked into Trixie’s eyes. Trixie could tell there was something Cloudy wanted to say. But she was unsure if she should tell her.

Trixie could see Cloudy’s lip trembling.

“Somehow, it is Pinkie,” said Trixie “isn’t it.”

All color drained from the older mare’s face.

“And thy question,” asked Igneous Rock.

“Yes,” said the doctor, “I’ve checked the missing pony reports from this area for the time period I mentioned, there’re no unsolved cases. I extended the search ten years in either direction, with the same results. Ponyville isn’t exactly a hot bed of missing children.

Failing that, I checked the Equestria Census for the time period. That’s when I found the description and age matched your daughter Pinkamena Diane Pie. But I also found Pinkamena or ‘Pinkie’ lives in Ponyville at Sugarcube Corner and is one of the wielders of the Elements of Harmony, currently a quite famous pony along with the other wielders.”

“And thy question doctor?”

“Was there an unrecorded twin, or do you know something that could help us close this case,” said the doctor. “As I said originally, there’s no evidence of criminal activity, it’s officially an unfortunate accident.

No charges would be made if you’ve some information for me. But it could be criminal if evidence was being purposely withheld.

Truthfully, I find it hard to believe that there’d been a filly of that age, killed and nopony noticed.”

At that moment, Trixie and Cloudy returned to the room, Trixie was holding Cloudy’s hoof. All eyes looked at them.

“Doctor,” said Trixie, “I believe Mrs. Pie has something she wants to tell you.”

The rest of the Pie’s looked concerned.

CHAPTER SIX: It Comes To A Head

Twilight and Cheerilee were ten months into their pregnancies.

Twilight was often having false labor contractions. She complained it wasn’t fair her rose colored wife wasn’t bedeviled by the uncomfortable and disconcerting condition. The mares’ doctor had told Twilight it was to be expected with some mares, and not in others.

Both mares were well into the ‘nesting’ phase and they’d freely given themselves to the impulse to fix everything for the coming foals. The nursery was wonderful and with help from Cheerilee’s mother and her partner plus with frequent visits from Twilight’s mother, it was a baby’s dream.

Twilight and Cheerilee were on the bed, they were trying to catch their breath. They still tried to make love as often as practical. It was getting harder with their baby-bellies in the way, but they made due. They were holding each other close and getting a thrill out of feeling their child ‘kicking’ against the other’s belly and feel the other baby ‘kicking’ back. The activity was always greater after a good session of sex.

“I love you,” said Twilight, “I don’t know how I ever lived before you.”

“I feel the same,” said Cheerilee, “you and the life we share is more than I ever dreamed of.”

The two kissed deeply, it was still so arousing to taste each other mingled on their tongues;

“Will we still feel the same after we have two foals running wild around the library?” asked Twilight on breaking the kiss.

“Of course not,” said Cheerilee, which made Twilight look at her rose colored wife in shock.

“Silly! We’ll love each other so much more.”

The two laughed and kissed some more. They heard the bell downstairs.

“Twilight, Cheerilee,” called a voice, “are you two at it again?”

“It’s mom,” said Twilight to her wife.

“Why mom,” shouted Cheerilee, “you wanting to join in?”

Rain Shadow walked to the top of the stair, looked in on the girls and laughed.

“Sorry you two,” said the older mare, “I wouldn’t want to damage you for life.”

“Oooooo...” said Twilight, “that sounds like a challenge. But I think it’d be weird with our mother.”

They all laughed.

“Well,” said Rain Shadow, “if you two ‘beached whales’ can somehow manage to get your tongues out of each other’s marehood, we’ve somewhere to be.”

“Where’s that mom,” said Cheerilee.

“Now if I told you,” said the motherly pony, “it wouldn’t be a surprise.”

The two got up, took a quick shower and went down stairs. There, Rainy and Windie were waiting on the girls. Spike was left in charge. Which because it was late afternoon, he’d take a nap on one of the sofas.

The older mares led them to Bon-Bon’s candy store. When they entered, there was a thunderous;

SURPRISE!

All of Twilight and Cheerilee’s friends who were mares were there. Also Twilight Velvet, Princesses Celestia, Luna and Cadence.

There were decorations on the walls and tables. All did up in baby bottles, pink streamers, diapers, rattles and other foal paraphernalia.

“A foal shower?” said Twilight, becoming misty eyed.

“What’s the matter Twi, My Love,” said Cheerilee.

“I wish Pinkie could’ve been here,” said Twilight. “It’s been almost five months since she came by to tell us she’d be away. I miss the manic mare!”

“I know,” said Rainbow Apple, “we were having trouble getting it together when Rare asked Fluttershy for some ideas. She suggested having the party here instead of Sugarcube Corner. It would be too suspicious going to the normal party location and thus spoil the surprise. Then she went on with idea after idea. Who knew that Flutters would have such a ‘freaky’ knowledge of how to organize a party.”

Fluttershy was blushing.

“I guess I’ve been around Pinkie Pie too much,” said the shy Pegasus.

All the ponies laughed.

There were games like changing diapers on a foal doll while blindfolded. Because of Cheerilee being an Earth Pony, there was no magic allowed. Ponies thought it hilarious Princesses Luna and Celestia were totally inept at it, but the two princesses took the laughter well. Even though Princess Luna told everypony she was making a list of which ponies would be exiled to the Everfree Forest.

Twilight wasn’t surprised Cadence won. After all, she may be the ruler of an empire, but she was also an expert and excellent foal sitter.

Rain Shadow and Twilight Velvet had put out a list of needs the two mares still were lacking for the nursery. They made sure everything matched the decor of the nursery.

There were some non-object presents, such as the one from Princess Celestia. It was two full scholarships to Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns. Because the princess had the final say in what pony would be admitted, they were assured whatever race the foals would be, they’d be permitted to attend.

Also, Granny Smith gave a promise of a hoof-made quilt for each foal. She was waiting to find out what race and color each foal would be.

Eventually it turned into just sitting around talking and eating snacks. Several of the ponies would be off at one part of the room, looking at the gifts, others were talking among themselves in small groups.

That’s when it started.

Twilight had just returned from the ‘little filly’s room’ when she was stopped by Rainbow Apple.

“Hey Twi,” said Rainbow, “I got a question for you.”

“Anything Rainbow.”

“I was wondering if you’d consider letting me be in the delivery room with you. You’re my best friend and I want to be there for you.” Said the blue Pegasus.

“I’ll have to think it over and talk to Cheeri about it. We’d talked about just having each other and our mothers in there.” Said Twilight, “but I don’t see why there couldn’t be room for one more. But I can’t promise anything until I see what Cheeri says.”

“That’s all I ask,” said Rainbow, giving Twilight a hug.

In another part of the room, Cheerilee is getting some punch when Cadence approaches her.

“Umm, Cheerilee,” stammered Cadence, Cheerilee could see a tear on her cheek, “I know this is asking a lot, but I wanted to know if you’d allow me to be with you when you have your foal. I don’t know if I’ll ever have the chance to do it myself and I know the foal is yours and Twilight’s. But I also can’t help but see it as also Shining’s and mine by extension as well.”

“I understand Cadence,” said Cheerilee, moved by the princess’ plea, “I wouldn’t have any problem. But obviously Twi and my mother would be there, but if Twi didn’t have any objections, I don’t think it’d be a problem.”

Cadence grabbed her sister-in-law and hugged her tight.

“Oh thank you,” said the princess, fighting back the tears, “you can’t possibly understand what this means to me.”

These two requests were not the only ones that the two mares received at the party. Unfortunately, most of their friends had some reason they wanted to ‘be there for them’.

Noticeably absent was any request from Celestia and Luna. Twilight was uncertain about them, they could pretty much do as they wanted without anypony’s permission. They weren’t the rulers of Equestria for nothing.

But she was sure with the level of intimacy and relationship that she and Cheeri had shared with Tia and Lu, they’d respect them enough to ask before commanding.

The two mares tried not to let the requests put a damper on the party but on their way home, Wind Walker and Rain Shadow noticed the concern on the two pregnant mares faces’.

Big Mac had met the group at the end of the party and had hauled all the presents to the library, he was good enough to take the items up to the nursery. Then after he was finished and had left, the group went into the kitchen to have some tea and talk.

“Okay,” said Wind Walker, “what gives? Didn’t you get enough presents?”

“Windie,” said Cheerilee, “it’s nothing like that. I was bombarded by ponies who felt they had good reasons to ask to be in the delivery room with me.”

“I was as well,” said Twilight, “everypony was good enough not to ask for a decision right then, but it was evident they thought they had good enough reasons to be there.”

“To tell the truth,” said Cheerilee, “I don’t know how comfortable I’d be, all spread out on the delivery table with my ‘goodies’ on display. I’ve no issue with Twi obviously and you mom, and oddly enough I wouldn’t have a problem with Celestia or Luna, but they didn’t ask me.”

“Ouch!” said Rain Shadow, “I can see why you’re so glum. At least I didn’t have any issues like that. Your father, Cheerilee, was out with the stallions leaving me to go through it alone, my own mother hadn’t spoken to me for several years so she wasn’t there either. Luckily for me, Windie did show up and was there for me.”

Rain Shadow looked lovingly at her partner, took her hoof and gave her a kiss.

Cheerilee looked at Wind Walker and smiled;

“I didn’t know you were there when I was born.”

“Honey,” said Wind Walker, “I held you even before your mother did. But I want you to know my opinion. And that’s the only ponies you should have in the delivery room is your partner and your mother. Friends are nice but this is such a personal and intense thing, it doesn’t need to be a public spectacle. It’d even be out of place for me to be there.”

Then with a sly smile;

“Plus I may be a mare-lover, but I’ve no desire to see your ‘goodies’.

With all the ponies who want to be there, you’re either going to have to say yes to all or no to all. Picking and choosing will only hurt feelings more. And if they’re really your friends they’ll respect your decision.”

That evening, Twilight and Cheerilee held each other as close as possible. Both were worried, once again, their foals would bring them great joy but could be the reason for losing some or maybe all of their friends.

CHAPTER SEVEN: More Troubles With Pinkie

Months ago, Pinkie had gone to the Cake’s after her incident at Sweet Apple Acres. She let them know she needed to take a leave of absence because of personal reasons. If they needed her she’d be staying at her parent’s rock farm.

It wasn’t the first time Pinkie just disappeared for weeks on end. However, nopony had now seen Pinkie for months. Trixie saw lights from the old silo on some evenings, but when mentioned to the family, they said it was nothing

One evening, despite it being her home, Pinkie knocked at the door, she was met her at the door by her sister Marble.

“Sis!” she said excitedly, “come on in, we’re about to eat.”

Pinkie hugged her twin sister and then Marble led her into the dining room, the family was sitting around the table, Pinkie noticed Trixie sitting with the family. She’d known Trixie was still working there but was unsure how Trixie would react to her after past interactions.

Trixie saw Pinkie and something chimed in her head. With the body of the pony she’d found, what had puzzled her became clear. The coloration of the hair was just like Pinkie’s.

‘But how’s that possible?’ Trixie thought.

“Hello family,” said Pinkie, “hello Trixie. I hope it isn’t an inconvenience, but I was needing to see you, I haven’t been doing well lately.”

There was a look on her face the family understood, but left Trixie wondering.

“Honey, no need to ask,” said Cloudy Quartz Pie, “this is always thine home.”

“Mom,” said Limestone, “Trixie is using Pinkie’s room, remember?”

Trixie looked concerned, she was sure that she was going to be sleeping on a couch or the floor.

“It’s okay,” said Pinkie with a smile, “I don’t mind using my getaway in the silo. In fact, I’ve been using it for a few months. I prefer it for the privacy. I just needed some family time right now.”

“Pinkie,” said Igneous, “whatever thou needest thou knowest we’ll help thee. Please sit and join us.”

“I will,” said Pinkie, “with Trixie’s permission, I know we haven’t been on the best of terms in the past and I don’t want to make her uncomfortable. After all, she’s living here now.”

Trixie was shocked, she didn’t know what to think of Pinkie being so concerned with her feelings.

“Why would I mind,” said Trixie, “as they said, it’s your home. I’m just working here. And I think you’ll find the Trixie you were used to isn’t the Trixie that’s working here now.”

Pinkie looked at her in an odd but pleasant way. It actually made Trixie tingle inside.

“I can tell that,” said Pinkie.

Pinkie pulled up a cushion and sat with the family. She only asked for some water but the family appeared to be more warm and smiling with Pinkie there. Pinkie actually started to look a little more chipper.

They’d talked about the farm and other little issues, which on the outside would appear of no consequence, but Pinkie hung on every word. Pinkie went as far as to ask Trixie how she was liking her work at the farm and how she’d been since the Alicorn Amulet incident. Trixie had noticed there wasn’t any resentment in Pinkie’s voice, especially after what she’d done to the pink mare during the time the amulet was twisting her actions.

After the family finished eating, Pinkie thanked them for letting her sit in with them and said she would turn in and would be glad to help out with the work at the farm, if they wanted.

Pinkie excused herself after giving a hug to each family member, even a friendly one to Trixie. Trixie was never much of a hugger, but there was something genuinely warm with Pinkie’s hug. Then Pinkie went outside to go to the silo.

Later that evening, after the rest of the family had turned in, Trixie was feeling odd. She couldn’t get the sight of the body of the poor little pony she found and the color similarity with Pinkie out of her head. She decided to go outside for some night air and look at the stars to clear her head before turning in.

As she walked around the Pie home she saw something on the ground half way between the house and silo. She walked in the direction and saw that it was Pinkie Pie. She could tell that Pinkie didn’t simply fall asleep on the way to the silo. Trixie was going to run back to the house to get help but she decided that she needed to check to see if Pinkie was still breathing or if she was injured.

She approached the mare and felt her. She was warm and she was breathing slowly. Trixie tried to rouse her but all she got as an unintelligible mumble.

Trixie sprinted to the house and called for the family, they all rushed to Pinkie. After checking her over, they asked Trixie if she could help them by levitating Pinkie to the house.

Once inside Limestone suggested they put Pinkie in bed with her and she’d take care of her. Trixie was a little confused by this, she thought some other medical aid should be sought. But they knew their family and if this is what they wanted, she did as she was asked. Once Pinkie was put into Limestone’s bed, Limestone crawled in beside Pinkie. Put a foreleg over her and started talking soothingly to her. As Trixie left the room she heard Limestone saying;

“Hold on sis, you know we love you and I’m here for you.”

“Thank you sis,” Trixie heard Pinkie mumble, “I so love all of you too.”

The door closed and she couldn’t hear anything else.

Trixie went back to her room and thought about all the night’s interactions with Pinkie. Was there some illness the family was keeping from her because her being an outsider? Was Pinkie really so sick and they didn’t want anypony to know?

There was something about how Pinkie was acting that just didn’t fit. She knew Pinkie was the most open of all of Twilight Sparkle’s friends. And a fun-loving happy-go-lucky pony. But Trixie didn’t expect the subdued actions she saw in Pinkie tonight.

And the way that Pinkie was concerned about her own feelings and comfort wasn’t something she’d expected. Pinkie was truly a sensitive pony, despite her outgoing and crazy reputation.

Plus something didn’t feel right. There was more going on here than what she could see. Perhaps it was because of her sensitivity to magic, which all Unicorns had, was telling her something. Most Unicorns have a little sensitivity to match the depth of their powers. But Trixie was like Twilight Sparkle, her talent was magic, she commanded more magic than most Unicorns, not as much as Twilight Sparkle but she was no lightweight when it came to talent. And now something was telling her she should keep her eyes and ears open. These thoughts floated around in her head as she drifted off to sleep.

That next morning Trixie awoke to a knocking at her door. Trixie was now an early riser due to working on a farm, but this was early.

“Yes?” called out Trixie.

“It’s Pinkie Pie, can we talk?”

Trixie was stunned, what did Pinkie have to say to her?

“Come in,” replied Trixie.

“I’m sorry to bother you,” said Pinkie, entering the room and closing the door behind her.

Pinkie walked close to the bed and sat back on her haunches, Trixie had sat up on the bed curious why the pink pony was there.

“What can I do for you?” asked Trixie.

“I just wanted to thank you for not letting me lie outside all night,” said Pinkie, “I know we haven’t interacted under the best of circumstances in the past. Mom, dad, Marble and Limestone tell me you’ve been a hard and honest worker and they trust you completely. I’m so glad to hear it. Understand, I hold nothing of the past against you and I truly hope we can be friends.

I just wanted to let you know if I’m acting strange it’s because I’m not doing so well. Several things in my life have changed and I’m not sure how it’ll all work out. So please forgive me if I act odd in the near future.”

“Thank you for letting me know,” said Trixie, “and I do hope we can get along.”

Trixie paused to wonder if she should ask Pinkie about the pony she found;

“Pinkie, I need to ask something.”

“About the body of the pony you found?”

“Yes,” said Trixie, “I couldn’t help but notice the hair that was left was just like yours. Is there something I should know?”

“Trixie,” said Pinkie meekly looking at the floor, “there’s something, and I now know I can trust you. But I think mom or dad should explain it, just to be safe. I’ll let them know it’s okay with me.”

“Are you afraid of what I might say or do?”

“No Trixie,” said Pinkie, more serious than Trixie had ever seen her, “I’m afraid for my life at this time.”

Trixie was shocked, she didn’t realize it might be that serious.

Pinkie lowered her head and tears rolled down her cheeks.

“Oh Pinkie!” exclaimed Trixie who jumped up and hugged Pinkie. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t want to upset you.”

Trixie stood there for a moment hugging Pinkie. Pinkie didn’t resist, in fact she put a leg around Trixie and rested her head against her and started to cry.

“Oh Trixie, I don’t want to die,” sobbed Pinkie.

“Pinkie,” said Trixie, stroking Pinkie’s mane and fighting tears of her own. “I don’t want you to die either.”

Trixie didn’t understand the feelings she was having. She never cared much for Pinkie or crying mares for that matter. But there was something honest about Pinkie’s actions, Pinkie trusting her with very personal information. And ponies who completely trusted her were unheard of, maybe because she never really trusted anypony herself.

Trixie could somehow feel Pinkie was actually being comforted. Maybe she felt it because she’d never cared enough to comfort anypony in the past, nor had anypony cared to comfort her.

Pinkie pulled back and looked into Trixie’s eyes. There was something heart melting in those big blue eyes. But more than that, Trixie could see a soul which was full of friends and yet at a very deep level, as empty as her own. Somepony who really did understand the pain of her loneliness.

It didn’t matter who had initiated the kissed, or how long it was held, nor did they care. Trixie had kissed before, but not like this.

Both pulled away at the same time. Pinkie looked so grateful but also as confused as Trixie was feeling.

“I’m sorry Trixie,” said Pinkie getting up and darting out the room.

Trixie wanted to tell Pinkie that there was nothing to be sorry for. Trixie tried to follow Pinkie, but she couldn’t be found in the house. And Trixie wasn’t comfortable enough yet to go to the silo apartment to confront Pinkie.

Trixie didn’t see Pinkie the rest of the day. That evening just before the meal, there was a knock at the door. It was the medical examiner from Canterlot for more questions about the body Trixie had found. He had said something about the position of the body looking as if it had jumped under the falling rock or was pushing something or somepony out of the way. At that, Cloudy Quartz got up in tears and left the room. Trixie followed her into the kitchen.

“Mrs. Pie… Cloudy,” said Trixie coming up to the pony, Cloudy was crying hard. “Is there something I can do?”

“No,” said Cloudy, looking at Trixie. Cloudy then put a foreleg around Trixie and her head against Trixie’s neck and started to cry harder.

“Cloudy,” said Trixie softly, her own tears starting to form out of empathy. Trixie was stroking Cloudy’s coat, “you know something about this, don’t you.”

Cloudy looked into Trixie’s eyes. Trixie could tell that there was something Cloudy Quartz wanted to say. But she was unsure if she should tell her.

Trixie could see Cloudy’s lip trembling.

“Somehow, it is Pinkie,” said Trixie “isn’t it.”

All color drained from the older mare’s face.

“Pinkie came to me this morning and told me she wasn’t well, and she was in fear for her life. I asked if there was something going on I should know about. She said yes, but I needed to talk to you about it.”

“Yes, she told me, and she told me about her kissing thee,” said Cloudy.

“I’m sorry about that,” said Trixie, although she wasn’t really sorry about it. She’d thought about it all day.

“Don’t be,” said Cloudy Quartz working up a smile, “Pinkie wasn’t. It’s just there’s so much which needs to be understood and I don’t know how much longer we can go on like this.”

“Cloudy, I want to understand, I want to help Pinkie,” said Trixie, “I’m not the Trixie you may’ve heard of from Pinkie in the past. And to tell you the truth, I’m not sorry for the kiss either. Pinkie touched something in me I’ve not ever felt before. So I want to help, but I need to understand.”

“Trixie, Pinkie told me almost the same thing. Thou hast to understand how much that means.”

“Then tell me, I’ll help, I want to help!” pleaded Trixie, “I don’t know what it is but I really, really, really want to help Pinkie. I want her to be happy! I’ve never thought about another pony’s happiness before without considering what’s in it for me. This is different, I can’t let a pony like her suffer, not a pony that I found I might be starting to lo…”

Trixie blushed brightly and paused;

“A pony I feel something I’ve never felt for anypony before.”

Cloudy smiled a warm genuine smile. Then she hugged Trixie and asked her to sit.

“It was about seventeen years ago……”

Trixie sat in shock, she’d never heard such a story before, maybe in story books when she was young.

“I can understand why nopony has said anything,” said Trixie. “But you’ve got the medical examiner out there who needs to hear something.”

“But what?” asked Cloudy, “we don’t want to take the chance they’ll take Pinkie away.”

Trixie thought, an odd smile slowly crept across her face;

“Tell them what you saw, tell them enough to give them something to think about. But don’t tell them what they really don’t want to know. It’s worked for me my whole life.” Trixie said.

Cloudy Quartz nodded her head, she understood what Trixie was saying.

Trixie and Cloudy Quartz returned to the room, Trixie was holding Cloudy Quartz’s hoof. All eyes looked at them.

“Doctor,” said Trixie, “I believe Mrs. Pie has something she wants to tell you.”

The rest of the Pie’s looked concerned as Cloudy related what she’d seen on that day seventeen years ago.

STRANGE INTERLUDE 4

(We now catch up with our story’s timeline.)

“Let me get this straight,” said Dr. Bones, “you may or may not have seen your daughter killed by a falling boulder? How do you account for that?”

Cloudy Quartz was starting to tremble, she was sitting on the sofa with Trixie holding her hoof on one side, and Igneous Rock was holding the other hoof on the other.

“Doctor,” said Igneous Rock, “Cloudy told me about this when she saw it happen. We all assumed she perhaps didn’t see it clearly. She mentioned a strange looking pony was with Pinkie.”

“So please tell me what you saw, Mrs. Pie,” said the doctor.

“I was looking for my daughter to call her in for dinner. She liked to wander in the outer fields where she could daydream or whatever it was she did. I saw her from a distance by the boulders in the West Field, where we found…”

Cloudy took a deep breath, she was fighting off tears.

“She’d been warned over and over the pile was unsteady and she should stay away from it, especially when she was by herself.

I saw her with an odd looking pony, it was black in color and looked like some type of Unicorn, I could’ve sworn it had wings but none like I’d ever seen.

They appeared to be talking, there didn’t seem to be any threat involved, I think they were laughing.

All of the sudden, a boulder started to fall; there was a lot of dust with it. It was hard to see clearly. They looked up; Pinkie jumped forward and appeared as if she was pushing the other pony out of the way. I screamed in terror as the boulder smashed down. I ran as fast as I could to them. When I got close, the dust cleared and Pinkie was standing there, by herself.

I asked if she was all right and what happened to the other pony. She told me she didn’t see what happened to the other pony, she assumed they ran off while obscured by the dust.”

“I know this may sound strange,” said the doctor, “but with what’s been found, did Pinkie act any different afterwards? Even the slightest thing may be of help.”

“I can’t think of anything out of the way,” said Cloudy Quartz, “except…”

“What, Mrs. Pie.”

“I attributed it to the close brush with death, but from that day and on, Pinkie was noticeably more loving and clingy. She worked hard to please and be friendly to every pony, especially to Igneous, myself and her sisters.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Pie,” said the doctor, “I know this has been a strain on you. If you think of anything, just contact the Ponyville Police Department, and they can get a hold of me.

There’s still the question of who the pony was, especially if it was Pinkie who survived.”

Igneous walked the doctor to the door and thanked him for his sensitivity and promised if they thought of anything, they’d let him know.

Igneous then sat back down with Cloudy, Limestone, Marble and Trixie. Out of an adjoining room a pony walked in.

“Thou hearest, Sweetie?” said Cloudy Quartz.

“Yes mom,” answered Pinkie. “I’m so sorry I’ve put you, dad, Limestone, Marble and you too Trixie, through so much. And I want to thank you for all you’ve done for me.”

“That sounds final,” said Trixie, “are you hinting at something?”

“I think with all of my friends in committed relationships, the love isn’t being spread around like before. I’m weak and afraid I’ll become weaker. I‘ve lived among you all too long to go back to the old ways. And I can never go back to them. I want you all to know I do truly love you.”

“Honey, we love thee too,” said Cloudy Quartz, “thou hast been and always will be our daughter. We may’ve resisted at first, but we understood that Pinkamena gave her life for thee and thou hast basically given thy life for her.”

“Cloudy Quartz has told me who and what you are,” said Trixie, “and I know it wasn’t your fault. But I don’t understand how you could’ve so completely taken her place?

You can ask your mom. I’ve promised to be silent about this.”

“Come outside where we can talk,” said Pinkie. “The family knows, but I think it’s better if we didn’t have any distractions. You don’t need to fear me, I promise you’ll be safe.”

“Go on,” Cloudy Quartz said and smiled at Trixie , “it’ll be okay. I think thou needest to know, especially now.”

They walked outside and to the old silo that stood on the farm from when it was a cattle farm. They entered and there Trixie found it set up as a little apartment. It was Pinkie’s getaway when she needed to be with her family, now that Trixie was using Pinkie’s old room.

There was a bed against the wall, Pinkie had Trixie sit on it.

“Pinkie,” said Trixie, “if the family all knew about you. Why bring the police in when I found the body?”

“You weren’t in on the details,” said Pinkie, “if they didn’t follow proper procedures and it turned out you weren’t trustworthy, it could’ve been messy for all involved. You can’t blame us at least after our past interactions, at least before this morning.”

Trixie nodded her head, she was truly ashamed of how she’d interacted with Pinkie and her friends, not to mention Ponyville, in the past. Especially after the affection Pinkie was ready to share earlier. The thought of the kiss that morning did bring a smile.

“However, I’m so glad you’ve turned out to be a much better pony than I had first assumed, I hope you’ll consider me a friend, at least.”

“I thank you and all the Pie’s for giving me a chance to prove myself,” said Trixie having a kindly look in her eyes. “I’m really trying not to be the pony I once was.”

Pinkie had such a pleasant look on her face Trixie felt like there was the type of honest acceptance and affection that no other pony had ever given her. They paused just looking into each other’s eyes. Trixie saw something that she’d only seen once in anypony’s eyes before, and it was this same pony and only this morning. It was a look of forgiveness, and a true caring about her and her feelings It felt so nice.

Then Pinkie’s expression changed, and she took a deep breath.

“But as to the reason we’re out here,” said Pinkie.

Pinkie then looked oddly at Trixie, as if she was looking into Trixie’s very soul. There was a green flash that surrounded Pinkie, almost like a curtain being raised. Where Pinkie stood a moment ago, there stood a Changeling. Trixie had heard about them from what most ponies had heard from the attempted invasion Pinkie and her friends had help stop.

The descriptions didn’t do justice.

But with what Trixie had just learned from the Pies, and seeing the way this pony acted, she didn’t fear nor was she revolted. She felt something for the pony which transcended the outside. That in itself was a far departure from the way Trixie knew she would have reacted in the past.

Then there was another green flash and there stood another Trixie.

Trixie gasped.

“Trixie,” said the Changeling, and in Trixie’s own voice, “in this form I could pass as you to your own mother. That is until she asked personal questions about your earlier life.

We’re able to do a more complete change to include your memories and even personality if at the moment of change; we’re in physical contact with you. That’s how we can take the place of a loved one so convincingly and fool their partner so we can steal the love.

When Pinkamena pushed me out of the way of the boulder, I was startled and as a defensive reflex reaction, I took her form along with her thoughts and memories up to that point.”

There was another green flash and Pinkie was now there. She went over and sat close by Trixie.

“I was about to flee, hearing her mother approaching. But then I could feel the little filly was more concerned about my safety than her own. I felt the memories of her family life, the love and caring for and by the family unit. I knew if they discovered the little filly was killed, they’d be devastated.

I had to break it to them slowly, at first they were enraged and wanted to lash out at me. But when they realized that I could’ve ran off at anytime but chose to stay, they started to rethink the situation. Especially when they realized that memory for memory, thought for thought and with the full personality absorbed, I was every bit Pinkamena, as if she lived on in me.

In a very real manner, she does. And the longer I’m this way, in her form, maintaining her memories and merging them with my own, the more Pinkamena and I are one.

I think having me there made the loss actually easier…

It still hurt…

Even me.

And to the Pie’s I’ve never ever tried to make-believe that I was the real Pinkamena. That’s why they started to call me ‘Pinkie’.

As mom said, Pinkamena gave her life for mine, so I decided that I needed to give my life for her. Now I’ve been Pinkie longer that my previous self. If thrown out by family and friends, I’d still keep the form of Pinkie. I’m Pinkie and Pinkie is me.”

Trixie just looked at Pinkie; there were tears in Trixie’s eyes. She knew how shallow her own life had been, nothing but a show off and a liar. Now here sat a pony who had given up everything. Her people, family and even herself, in a gesture of total selflessness. She was now ready to face the consequences of all her friend’s changes in life situations. Trixie knew Changelings existed on love and they could be parasitic by tricking the ponies around them. But this one was loving and honest enough not to trick anypony.

Pinkie saw the look on Trixie’s face, and being a Changeling, she was attuned to other pony’s feelings. She reached out and took Trixie’s hoof and held it. To her delight, Trixie didn’t resist.

When Pinkie took her hoof, Trixie’s first thought was to pull it away. After all, hoof holding, in most circumstances, was a juvenile courting ritual she’d never given any real thought to. But there was something more to it in this context. She could tell Pinkie was reaching out to her in more than just a physical way. She was trusting Trixie at a level nopony had ever done. Pinkie was showing Trixie that her feelings were appreciated, welcomed and trusted.

Something in Trixie was starting to move again in her heart, it was what she’d first noticed earlier this morning.

“If you exist on love,” said Trixie, “how’s it you’re becoming weak? Your family still loves you. And I’m sure your friends still love you.”

“The way we normally work is we take the place of a loved one and absorb the love directed at us while fooling the host. But we can also survive with absorbing indirect love from a number of family members and friends. But as my close friends have now other ponies to give their intense love to, there’s less and less for me to absorb. I’ve discovered as time went by that I can handle food and it does help, but only so far.”

“Don’t you think your friends would understand if you were to tell them the truth?” asked Trixie.

“I want to believe they’d accept me,” said Pinkie, “but there’s the chance they might not, they might even hate me.

What you ponies probably don’t know is as much as love gives us strength, hate, directed at us, weakens us. It could kill me.”

The look on Pinkie’s face was if she was looking at everything from a far off;

“But I do believe I finally need to let them know the truth. They really are my friends and I owe it to them, even if it does end their friendship, especially after my weakness was discovered at Sweet Apple Acres. They love me, and I do truly love them.”

Trixie could feel a slight tremble in Pinkie’s hoof. She didn’t need to be a Changeling to feel the fear that Pinkie was feeling.

She truly was in fear for her life.

Trixie now understood what the conflict with Pinkie was. Not only had this Changeling nobly given up everything for the Pie family, but also now she was ready to face the possibility of the loss of her own life out of respect for her friends.

“Pinkie,” said Trixie, “I don’t believe I’ve met a more brave and noble pony ever. If you want, I’ll go with you to support you when you do decide to tell your friends. I won’t let you stand alone.”

The two just looked at each other; there was a warm and honest smile of gratitude on Pinkie’s face.

Trixie had never felt anything like this in the past, not at this level. She put her forelegs around Pinkie, pulled Pinkie close and kissed her deeply, Pinkie’s forelegs wrapped around Trixie as well. It was better than the time in Pinkie’s room.

After a few moments, Pinkie pushed Trixie back gently.

“You can’t begin to understand how much I appreciate what you’re offering, now and before,” said Pinkie, “but are you sure you want to do this, with me? Now you know what I really am?”

The green flash appeared and there in Trixie’s forelegs was the Changeling;

“This is the real me and always will be,” said the Changeling, there was sadness but also the smallest look of hope on her face.

“What do you feel from me right now?” asked Trixie looking into the Changeling’s large green eyes.

The Changeling closed her eyes and felt what Trixie was sending. It was warm and refreshing. But most of all, she could feel it was genuine and freely being given to her. The emotion was more powerful than anything she could’ve deceived out of another pony.

When fooling a pony after taking the place of a loved one, the love they absorb is still an indirect love. It is love directed at the true loved one and not the Changeling. So there’s never the full emotion available to the Changeling. But this was different. It was the honest feelings of love. Love for the real her. A smile spread on her face. It was more powerful than she’d ever known was possible.

Trixie drew the Changeling to her again and continued the kiss. Then gently lay the Changeling back on the bed and continued to give her more love than Trixie had ever given anypony.

The Changeling broke the kiss, smiled and said;

“If you don’t mind…”

There was a green flash as she changed back to Pinkie;

“After all these years, I really am more comfortable like this.”

Trixie giggled, Pinkie joined the mirth, truly Pinkie style.

Then the two continued to kiss and eventually, made love all night.

CHAPTER EIGHT: Pinkie Comes Clean

It was into the eleventh month of Twilight and Cheerilee’s pregnancy.

Trixie awoke and first noticed her marehood was tingling in a very pleasant way, also her nipples were tender from intimate stimulation.

Then she noticed the feeling of some warm pony pressing up against her from behind with a foreleg draped over her and their hind legs intertwined, they were in the classic ‘spooning’ position. She also felt the pony in bed with her was awake and was gently kissing her neck and ear. It was a very pleasant way to wake up.

But what she felt most was her heart, it was lighter that it’d ever been. There was a joy at such a deep level, it was almost unbelievable. An emotion she’d never felt before.

‘So this is love,’ thought Trixie.

She felt all this all in an instant. At the same time, the memories of intense lovemaking came pouring back to her.

In the past, Trixie had given herself to stallions and to mares from time to time. It had all been cases she was using them for a good time and vice a versa.

Now this was so much better than the old waking up alone after a night of gratuitous and meaningless sex. Or herself sneaking out in the early morning after getting her ‘jollies’ without any real attachment or commitment. She’d never realized just how alone she really felt, even when surrounded by other ponies.

But after last night she discovered there really was a difference between having sex and making love. She could tell from Pinkie’s reactions and technique she’d never done this before. Trixie marveled at how quick a learner Pinkie was, it must be the Changeling in her.

Trixie’s then considered something she’d never given any credence to in the past. She remembered talks from her mother about purity as a gift to that special somepony. Now Trixie regretted she wasn’t able to have given Pinkie her chastity like Pinkie had just given to Trixie. But with the absolute difference in what she’d done in the past and what she’d experienced last night, she was sure her mother would’ve been willing to concede, she may not have given Pinkie the virginity of her body, but she’d given Pinkie the virginity of her heart…

Which was perhaps better.

Trixie turned over and looked tenderly at Pinkie. They spontaneously kissed.

“Good morning, Sweet Trixie,” said Pinkie holding Trixie tightly, “I want you to know I’ve known love all my life. It’s been what’s nourished and sustained me in a real way.

Then I learned about love between family and friends, which we don’t feel in the Changeling Hive, not the same way you ponies do. And that’s something I now never want to loose.

But until last night, I didn’t know what love was truly all about.

Your love nourished me in a way I’d never known before. But there was more, so very much more. I’ve never felt in the act of absorbing love, the presence of the pony’s spirit, their very heart and soul. I only wish you could feel how I perceive love. That way you’d know I was doing something no member of The Hive, from the queen on down, could ever understand. I was returning the same love back to you.”

“I love you too,” said Trixie with a smile. “And I don’t have to be a Changeling to feel the love you’re giving me, then and now. I’m so lucky to have a marefriend that truly understands love.”

“You’d want me as your marefriend?” asked Pinkie, thrilled and mystified.

Trixie’s answer was another deep and passionate kiss. Then she snuggled closer to the pink pony.

“Pinkie Sweetie,” said Trixie stroking Pinkie’s mane, “I’ve never felt this way for anypony, ever. You may be the Changeling, but I’m the pony that’s been transformed. You’ve taught me what love really is as well. Yes, I’d love it if you’d allow me be your marefriend. I want to be with you and whatever becomes of you, it’ll be my fate as well.”

“You don’t know how touched I am,” said Pinkie, a tear in her eye, “I’ve had friends who’ve loved me as a friend, and that’s been so special. But I was resigned to the idea that I could never have a pony to really love because of who and what I am.”

“Pinkie,” said Trixie, “who and what you are is a very special pony. I only wish there were more ponies like you. Ones who, unlike how I’ve been in the past, think of others so far above themselves. A pony that’s willing to give all. I’ve only met maybe one other pony like that.”

“Twilight Sparkle,” said Pinkie smiling.

“Yes, My Love,” said Trixie sheepishly.

“What’s wrong?”

“I was so jealous of her and her power,” said Trixie, “I went overboard trying to ‘one up’ her. So much so I put my very soul in jeopardy.”

“The Alicorn Amulet,” said Pinkie with a chuckle.

“What’s so funny,” asked Trixie, not sure if she should be hurt.

“I was so surprised nopony noticed when you removed my muzzle, I didn’t suffocate. You didn’t leave me any way to breathe.”

“I never thought of that!” exclaimed Trixie, “how did you?”

“Changeling, remember,” laughed Pinkie, “our bodies work differently from yours. You only changed how I looked, not how I am. I had to play along.”

“Well, after last night,” said Trixie with a sly smile and reaching out to gently rub Pinkie’s marehood, “I’m glad some things are the same.”

“I am too,” said Pinkie trembling at the stimulation, then she gave Trixie another deep kiss, “and as much as I’d really like to continue, I’ve got something which needs to be done.”

“We’ve got something which needs to be done,” said Trixie, “I need to tell the Pies we’re going to take care of this.”

They got out of the bed then Trixie stopped, she had an odd look on her face;

“By the way, and I know it probably isn’t important, but if we’re to remain close, and I hope to Celestia and Luna we do, I want to know the real you.”

“What do you mean?”

“What’s your name?” asked Trixie, “your real name?”

Pinkie looked at Trixie slightly amused. Not at the question but she’d been ‘Pinkie’ for so long, she’d almost forgotten her name.

“You might think our names are funny,” said Pinkie blushing, “but my Changeling name is Phantasm.”

“I understand,” said Trixie, “like an apparition somepony isn’t sure of the shape or form.”

Pinkie smiled, touched her fore hoof to the tip of her muzzle to show that Trixie was correct. Then Pinkie kissed Trixie, and led her out of the silo to do what they needed to do.

Pinkie knew her friends liked to meet for breakfast on Thursday mornings before the library opened. She and Trixie headed straight to Ponyville after letting Igneous Rock and Cloudy Quartz know Trixie was going to be with her while she talked to her friends.

The Pies were thrilled to find out Pinkie and Trixie were starting to be romantically involved. They too had been unsure if their ‘daughter’ could ever find real love because of her situation.

As they got to the library, the closed sign was on the door, but they could hear voices inside. Pinkie froze; there was a look of deep concern and even fear on her otherwise pleasant face.

“I’m afraid,” said Pinkie, almost like the little foal was speaking from out of the past.

“I’m here with you no matter what,” said Trixie, giving Pinkie one more kiss. “My love will sustain you, it always will.”

Pinkie looked in Trixie’s eyes, she did find strength to go on. The two lovers shared a smile.

Pinkie opened the door, all eyes were on her and everypony smiled as she entered, it had been several months since they’d seen their friend.

“Pinkie!” they all called out.

But then most faces changed to curious or concern as Trixie followed her in.

However, they did notice there was something different about Trixie other than the obvious lack of cape and hat. The look on her face spoke volumes about a changed pony.

“What’s Trixie doing here?” asked Rainbow Apple.

“I was sure you wouldn’t mind if I brought my marefriend with me,” said Pinkie working up a smile as she thought of how much Trixie now meant to her.

Trixie smiled at the designation.

In the silence that followed, you could have knocked anypony of them over with a Pegasus feather.

But Twilight was the first to smile and approach. She hugged Pinkie, and then to her shock, she hugged Trixie and congratulated them and told them how happy she was for her friends. The rest of the ponies followed Twilights example and congratulated the two ponies.

“I’m here for more than sharing my good news,” said Pinkie, her looks becoming concerned, “can we sit?”

The ponies looked at each other and found places to sit. Trixie sat close to Pinkie and held her hoof, to the amusement of many.

“Over the last few months before I went away, many of you may’ve noticed I’d been acting strangely, well stranger than I normally do.”

Ponies chuckled, Pinkie smiled.

“It started when Applejack and Rarity became a couple over two years ago. I did know about it as it happened, but out of respect, I said nothing. It wasn’t my place to do so. And how I knew you’ll understand in a moment.

Then it started to get harder for me when Twilight and Cheerilee became in love, followed by Fluttershy and Loki, finally, Rainbow and Big Mac.”

Pinkie paused, took another deep breath.

“Ponies have always wondered how I could get places faster than the fastest flyer in Ponyville…”

“Equestria,” interrupted Rainbow.

“Equestria,” conceded Pinkie with a smile, “how I’m able to show up in odd and unexpected places. How I can hang upside-down in the air for several moments and for no apparent reason. Eat an entire cake in one bite. Or be gone as soon as I walk out a door.”

Many ponies had wondered this but had always attributed it to; ‘Pinkie Pie is just being Pinkie Pie’.

“I’m sure you’ve heard or read about the body of the pony found by Trixie on my parent’s rock farm.”

There were nods and comments of acknowledgment, Pinkie continued.

“Let me tell you a story;

None of us can forget the attempt by Queen Chrysalis and the Changelings to take over Canterlot at Twilight’s brother’s wedding. Well, it wasn’t a spur of the moment decision by Queen Chrysalis.

It started about seventeen years ago. At that time there were scouts sent to find the best place to start an invasion of Equestria.

There was one scout, a very young Changeling named Phantasm, she was on her first mission away from The Hive. She’d been sent beyond the outskirts of Ponyville because she was still very young and the leaders had reasons not to put her into too much danger.

While looking around, she was discovered by a little filly. Phantasm was concerned because she was told if discovered, she’d be captured, tortured and killed.

But the only thing the little filly wanted to do was to talk and play. Play is something unknown to the Changeling Hive. Needless to say, Phantasm was intrigued.

As they were interacting, they wandered by a formation of rocks. A large boulder at that moment came loose and started to fall. Phantasm saw it and froze in fear, but the filly, with no concern for her own safety, pushed Phantasm out of the way. Phantasm was saved; the filly was caught under the rock.”

Pinkie's eyes were welling up with tears, Trixie took Pinkie’s hoof in both her fore hooves, there were tears in her eyes as well.

“When the filly pushed Phantasm, it startled her. A defensive reaction by Changelings, when startled, they take the form of something or somepony in the area. You may not know this but when a Changeling changes form and is in contact with the pony, the Changeling absorbs the thoughts, memories and even the personality of the pony being copied. It’s how they’re able to fool a loved one and steal love.

Phantasm heard the filly’s mother approaching and was about to flee the area but she realized the little filly really did care about the safety of a total stranger...

No, not a stranger; an alien.

Then Phantasm felt the love of the family, the love of friends. She felt the filly’s joy for life, most strongly, the recent appearance of her cutie mark when she’d opened her family to joy. She knew right then how devastated the filly’s family would be when it would be discovered the filly perished being someplace she’d been repeatedly warned not to be.

Out of love for life and her fellow pony, the filly gave up everything including her life for the Changeling, so the Changeling decided right there she needed to do the same.”

All the ponies looked confused and concerned, Fluttershy looked scared.

Pinkie looked at Trixie, Trixie nodded her head. Pinkie let go of Trixie’s hooves, stood up and walked into the center of everypony. There were tears in her eyes, which were falling to the floor, and it wasn’t un-noticed.

“I’m sorry for deceiving you all these years, please know that everything...

Everything I’ve always done has been honest. And the love for my friends has been real.”

“What are you saying Pinkie?” asked Twilight.

“When in the Changing battle I told the Changeling who’d taken my form I’d seen better...

It wasn’t a joke,” said Pinkie.

There was the now familiar green flash around Pinkie. It cleared and there stood Phantasm.

“I saw it in the mirror every day.”

All the ponies gasped, they were only used to Changelings being aggressive and having evil motives. But here stood one who just confessed to being their friend for years.

“I told you Rainbow,” said Phantasm, “I always wished my wings were as pretty as yours.

Please, please don’t hate me everypony.”

Phantasm lowered her head, sat back on her haunches and started to weep hard. Trixie rushed to Phantasm who buried her face against Trixie’s neck as Trixie held her tight.

“Trixie!” said Rainbow, “don’t you see what she is!”

“Yes Rainbow, I see very clearly.” said Trixie annoyed at Rainbow’s narrow-mindedness. She also knew it was sadly the same thing she’d have thought before love for this pony opened her mind;

“I see a noble pony who gave up everything...

Everything, including her life for other ponies. Ponies she didn’t even know.

You can understand that Twilight, can’t you?” asked Trixie.

Twilight understood Trixie was referring to her sacrifice she made and was willing to make for Cheerilee and Rain Shadow.

“She came here knowing her friends, whom she loves, may turn her away and even hate her.

Hate has the opposite effect as love on Changelings. Your feelings could kill her.

Yet out of love and respect she came here to tell you why she’d been acting the way she had. Knowing she could lose the ones she loves, even at the cost of her life.

As each of you became involved with another pony, your love was channeled to that pony and less to your friends.

Pinkie was starting to starve for love, literally.

She could’ve tricked somepony and stole love. But she is Pinkie Pie. She’s your friend and she decided you deserved the truth with all that’s happened.”

Trixie nuzzled Phantasm to comfort her. Trixie’s tears flowed in sympathy of the pony she now loved. None of the ponies gathered ever thought they’d see Trixie show true emotion for anypony other than herself;

“And because of her heart, I love her of my own free will. I love Pinkie and I love Phantasm.”

“What of Pinkie’s parents?” asked Fluttershy.

“They’ve known from almost the very start. They love her now as if she was their real daughter. They know she isn’t their Pinkamena, but she’s their Pinkie. You have to understand, so much of Pinkamena was absorbed, it’s as if the filly lives on as part of her.

And it could be argued she does.”

There was a silence, then;

“I... I don’t know what to say,” said Rarity, “has it really been you all these years?”

Phantasm looked at the white Unicorn and tried to smile.

“Since before you put paste in my mane in first grade, thinking it would hold the mane style better,” said Phantasm.

Rarity gasped, there was no way anypony could have known such a minor detail unless actually there.

“Pinkie Darling,” said Rarity, “it is you!”

Phantasm changed back to Pinkie.

“Yes Rarity,” said Pinkie. “It’s always been me.”

“Wait!” said Rainbow, “I know nopony other than the real Pinkie could answer this! The first pony I ever kissed was in the third grade, what was the colt’s name?”

“I’m not a colt,” said Pinkie with an odd smile, the tears stopping.

“Pinkie?!” exclaimed Trixie, Twilight, Cheerilee, Applejack and Rarity together looking at Rainbow.

“I thought you said you don’t go in for mares,” said Cheerilee laughing.

“Oh Sweet Celestia!” exclaimed Rainbow blushing, “you really are Pinkie Pie! I’ve never told anypony.”

There was a rush to hug Pinkie and Trixie. The fact their hyper friend was a Changeling no longer mattered. This was the same pony they’d always loved. They were starting to feel guilty for not showing their ‘unattached’ friend more attention. Especially now they realized just how much Pinkie had depended on the love from her friends.

And with the genuine love and caring for Pinkie, Trixie was now showing, it was easy to look past Trixie’s old actions as well.

Pinkie could feel more love aimed at her, but with the intense romantic love from Trixie, she knew it wouldn’t be necessary, but it still felt good.

Trixie was ecstatic, love had freed her heart and now it had opened the door to acceptance from ponies she’d once been at odds with, it felt so nice. In one day Trixie now had a pony to love and friends.

“Quite a pony you’ve got there Trixie,” said Applejack with a smile of acceptance.

Suddenly Twilight and Cheerilee backed away from the group, looked at each other and cried out.

“OH!”

All the ponies looked at the two as they sank to the floor on their haunches, their forelegs across their abdomen. It was noticed they were sitting in an expanding puddle of fluid.

“Both?” Said Fluttershy. “At the same time?”

“Ohmygosh!Ohmygosh!Ohmygosh!Ohmygosh!” exclaimed Rainbow, “the foals are coming!”

“Get Spike to send the letter to Canterlot,” said Twilight.

“Somepony needs to get the ambulance,” said Cheerilee.

“I’ll go,” said Pinkie.

“No offence Pinkie,” said Rainbow, “but we need to be fast.”

Pinkie went to the door; changed back to Phantasm, spread her wings and smiled.

“Just try and keep up Dashie!” taunted Phantasm.

Phantasm took off like a shot.

“Oh yeah!” exclaimed Rainbow, she grinned and flew off after her.

“Trixie, I think you’ve started somethin’,” laughed Applejack.

“That’s my girl,” Trixie snickered, the ponies with her looked at her and smiled at the level of affection Trixie was showing.

“Let’s get Twilight and Cheerilee off the floor and make them comfortable,” said Trixie.

Twilight was amazed how gentle Trixie’s magic was in helping her to a sofa, Fluttershy had retrieved some towels to protect the furniture from the two leaking mares.

“I think this is what Tia meant by consequences of the linked minds,” said Cheerilee quietly to Twilight, “our pregnancies became somehow synchronized.”

Twilight just smiled and held Cheerilee’s hoof as the next contraction hit both mares at the same time.

CHAPTER NINE: The Foals Are Here!

As soon as the ambulance took Twilight and Cheerilee off to the hospital, the rest of the ponies went to let the rest of the families and friends know.

In front of the hospital, there appeared Princesses Celestia, Luna and Cadence along with Shining Armor, Twilight Velvet and Night Light in a golden flash.

Galloping faster that anypony thought possible came Applejack, Braeburn, Cactus Flower, Big Mac, Apple Bloom and most surprisingly at that speed, Granny Smith.

Rainbow Apple, Wind Walker and Rain Shadow all swooped down to the gathering.

They all went inside where the rest of Twilight and Cheerilee’s friends and half of Ponyville were waiting.

The two mares insisted they be in the same delivery room. They started together, they wanted to end together.

The beds were side by side where Twilight and Cheerilee could hold hooves. They had to bring in two midwife ponies because the contractions of the two ponies were at the very same time.

Out in the waiting area there was almost a fight for who should go back with the two. Then a nurse came out and said the two were requesting their mothers.

They also wanted Cadence to be there because she might never have a foal herself and Cheerilee’s could be the closest she might ever come.

And so no other pony would get their feelings hurt, no other ponies would be admitted.

Ponies started to grumble but Princess Celestia called for their attention.

“Everypony, please,” said the princess, “we aren’t here for ourselves. We’re here for Twilight and Cheerilee. I’d like to be there with them, and I could command the staff to allow my sister and I to go in. But this is something very personal for them. They’re about to become mothers, so who better to be there with them but their own mothers.

And don’t begrudge Cadence’s admittance, it might be her only chance to be there at a birth of Shining Armor’s child.”

Celestia neglected to say because Twilight and Cheerilee would forever be linked mentally, she and Luna were feeling the entire thing with them.

As the time wore on everypony was becoming concerned, especially Rainbow Apple. As each minute went by she appeared more stressed as if she was afraid of something.

Most of the other ponies talked among themselves about how the dynamic of their group will change with two of their group being mothers and what possible role they themselves would play in the lives of new foals. Actually, all the mares were excited.

Pinkie tried to mingle and keep pony’s spirits up. Trixie was starting to become uncomfortable being around ponies she’d not ever been on good terms with prior, especially the princesses. She felt this way despite everypony of them accepting her now as a friend and Pinkie’s partner. Plus the whole ‘having a foal’ thing was totally unfamiliar to her, having never been around anypony who’d had one.

Wind Walker also went from pony to pony to help keep their spirits up as well. Especially her niece whom she was becoming concerned about her anxiety.

It’d been several hours of hard labor. Both mares were almost spent.

Cadence was trying to keep out of the way. But she’d stand behind the beds, by both mare’s heads. She’d take a cool wet cloth and wipe her sisters-in-laws’ brows and speak soothing to them. To her credit, in spite of how she favored Cheerilee, and for obvious reasons, she was equally as helpful to Twilight as well.

“Mom,” said Twilight, “does it always hurt like this?”

“Yes, my Darling baby,” said Twilight Velvet, brushing back the bangs of her forelock, “but take my word. Once the baby’s here, you’ll forget all about this.”

“Is that true mom?” asked Cheerilee.

“Most certainly, my sweet daughter, and It shouldn’t be long now,” said Rain Shadow.

The midwifes were instructing the two mares when to push and when to relax. It was almost as if the midwifes were synchronized as well, they both said the same thing at the same time.

“I can see the head, now Push! Push! Push!”

Twilight held tight to Cheerilee’s hoof, they pushed with all that was in them. There was a rush from their bottom, the pressure was relieved. Then at the same time, there were the cries of two new lives.

The two older mares looked and smiled.

“Two fillies!” said Twilight Velvet.

“You were right, baby,” said Rain Shadow.

Cheerilee looked at Twilight; they smiled the largest smile of their lives. Their mothers gave their daughters a small hug and kiss on the lips, Cadence kissed them on their foreheads.

Out in the waiting area, Princesses Celestia and Luna had been sitting off to one side away from everypony. Everypony was too into their thoughts to notice the two sisters had discomfort written on their beautiful faces. They were holding hooves and breathing hard. They had sweat running from their brows. Then the two cringed hard and fought heroically not to cry out. As the foals were delivered, they relaxed and looked at the other. There were identical smiles of pride and joy along with gratitude on their countenances, so much so they dared a small kiss.

“It is done,” said Celestia, Luna just nodded.

Twilight and Cheerilee took a moment to catch their breath. It took a few minutes for the medical staff to take some measurements and clean up the infants. They brought the foals wrapped in blankets, Cadence received both foals, kissed them and then gave them to the new mothers.

Twilight received a beautiful little filly; she was so purple she almost looked black. When she opened her eyes, they were the color of Twilight’s. She also had the same mane and tail coloration as her mother without the pink and purple streaks.

Cheerilee also received an equally beautiful filly; she was pure white with a pink mane and tail also the pale green eyes of her mother.

They noticed neither filly had a horn.

“Earth Ponies?” asked Twilight.

“Yours is,” said the nurse but she folded back Cheerilee’s foal’s blanket enough to expose a little wing.

“A Pegasus!” said Cheerilee.

The two new mothers looked at each other and kissed.

“They’re perfect,” said Cadence.

“Have you thought of names?” asked Twilight Velvet.

“We haven’t decided on any yet, but some just came to me,” said Twilight, looking over at Cadence, “what do you think of…”

Cadence came back to the waiting room with the ponies there. All eyes turned to her.

“Two fillies!” said Cadence. Quiet cheers and ponies hugging broke out among the ponies gathered. There were tears of pride in Cadence’s eyes and she rushed to hug her husband.

“They’re beautiful,” she whispered to Shining. “I truly wish it was I who could’ve given birth to your child, perhaps in the future. But I’m just as happy and I know we’ll love them both as if they were ours.”

“I know,” said Shining, “in a way, they are ours as well. But I know Twily and Cheeri will take good care of them for us.”

Shining kissed his wife unconcerned with who was watching.

Twilight and Cheerilee were given a double room, they had their beds together. They were nursing the infants and true to their word, they nursed their infant on one side and then switched foals to feed the other on the other side.

They were finishing up when they allowed the first of the visitors to come in. It was Cadence and Shining Armor, Braeburn and Cactus Flower, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. Also Granny smith was allowed to come in as well.

As the foals finished, Twilight took her foal from Cheerilee and gave her to Braeburn.

“Here’s your daughter, Braeburn,” said Twilight with a smile, “a strong healthy Earth Pony."

Braeburn and Cactus Flower held the little foal in awe, then they passed the foal to Granny Smith who held the foal as it were the most precious thing ever.

“And here’s your daughter, Shining Armor,” said Cheerilee, “a beautiful Pegasus.”

Shining Armor held the filly as Princesses Cadence, Celestia and Luna gazed in wonder at the little filly.

“I got to hold her already,” whispered Cadence to her aunts.

“Lucky,” said Luna with a chuckle.

“What are their names?” asked Princess Celestia.

Twilight and Cheerilee both reached for their foals, then Cheerilee gave hers to Princess Celestia;

“We want you to meet,” said Cheerilee, “Celestia Cadence Sparkle.”

Twilight gave hers to Princess Luna;

“And meet,” said Twilight, “Luna Apple Sparkle.”

There wasn’t a dry eye in the room.

“See,” said Granny, “she is named Apple.”

Everypony looked at Granny who had more pride on her face than perhaps even the mothers.

Because of their connection, the new mothers felt the overwhelming pride the princesses were feeling, almost as if they were their own foals.

Next came Twilight and Cheerilee’s friends along with Rainbow’s aunt Windie. You’ve never seen such a fuss over two foals.

Pinkie was beside herself wanting to play with them, even though they were way too young yet. But she did sing a birthday song to them.

She explained in The Hive, there were, with one exception, only certain ponies who were allowed to procreate. The foals are raised and taught by specially trained wet nurses and nanny ponies. Most of The Hive never got to be around foals, so there was always a mystery involved with the young. This was the reason for Pinkie/Phantasm’s fascination with all foals.

Trixie didn’t know what to think, she’d never been around small foals, nor had she ever wanted to. But now, they were giving her the greatest thrill of her life, next to finding love with Pinkie. Her envy of Twilight in the past was a selfish one and was expressed in such a way it drove ponies away. But now she envied Twilight and Cheerilee in a good way. It got her thinking of things that she’d never even considered and she made a mental note to talk to Pinkie about it later.

Applejack and Rarity just held the two little fillies in awe. They never expected for their friends to be mothers. But now, it felt so right. Applejack was understandably proud of Luna’s middle name. And Rarity thought that with the beauty of the newborn foal, Celestia was a perfect name.

Fluttershy had brought Loki, he was in complete rapture just looking at the foals. Fluttershy put a foreleg around him as he held first one then the other. Neither Fluttershy nor Twilight thought that they’d ever see this being totally speechless. Loki looked at Fluttershy, he had tears in his eyes.

However, it was Rainbow who showed the most fuss. Not just over the fillies but Twilight and Cheerilee as well. After handing the foals back to their mothers, Rainbow started to ask a lot of questions. She was very concerned about the delivery and how much discomfort and pain that her friends went through. Cheerilee could see that Rainbow looked more than just curious.

“What’s up Rainbow,” asked Cheerilee, “is there something wrong?”

All the friend’s eyes were on the blue Pegasus who started to blush.

Rainbow looked at her friends and then to Big Mac who nodded, then back to her friends.

“I was just curious about the whole birth-thing,” said Rainbow, “after all, it looks like I’ll be in here in about eight months to do the same.”

Unfortunately, the squeals of glee got the infants crying. The loudest was from Wind Walker, who grabbed her niece and hugged her so hard, it was hard for Rainbow to breathe. The other mares, not in bed, gathered around and hugged and kissed Rainbow as well.

It was truly a happy day.

Twilight and Cheerilee were able to bring the foals home after a couple days in Hospital. At check out, the couple found out Princesses Celestia and Luna had covered all expenses personally, the entire prenatal work and hospital stay. Even the insemination procedure.

At home in the library, there was a constant flow of visitors and well-wishers. Spike relished his new role as big brother. He doted on the foals almost as much as the mothers did and constantly wanted to hold and play with them, one smile from a foal made his entire day.

The two mares delighted in their arrangement of nursing both foals. They were bonding just as planned, both of the foals reacted the same to either mother. There was never the thought of ‘my foal’ or ‘your foal’, just ‘our foals’.

One day, about a week after the foals had come home, Princesses Celestia and Luna came to the library. Twilight and Cheerilee weren’t expecting them, nor were they expecting all their close friends to show up all at the same time. The friends were not sure why they’d been asked to be there.

It was soon made evident when Pinkie and Trixie arrived wearing some nice dresses they’d had Rarity make for them. Igneous Rock, Cloudy Quartz, Limestone, Marble and Maud Pie accompanied them.

“I’ve asked for all of you to come here today for a reason,” said Pinkie, a huge smile on her pleasant face, which was only matched by the one on Trixie’s face. “I’ve asked Princess Celestia if she’d do a favor for me.”

FINAL STRANGE INTERLUDE

It was about a month after the simultaneous blessed events of the Twilight/Cheerilee foals and the announcement of Rainbow’s pregnancy.

Pinkie Pie had Dr. Bones over to the Pie’s rock farm. She confessed everything on the condition unless some great legal matter came up it would remain strictly confidential. Dr. Bones was actually glad to learn why everything was as it was. He didn’t have to continue to track down some missing pony mystery from seventeen years ago.

The Pie’s requested to have the body of Pinkamena returned to them for a proper burial. It was decided she’d be placed on a secluded part of the farm and the same boulder placed over her grave, it was determined she was under there because of a heroic sacrifice and it was only proper to leave it as such.

Trixie used her magic to make an inscription on the rock as a memorial:

HERE LIES PINKAMENA DIANE PIE
BELOVED DAUGHTER, SISTER AND FRIEND
A TRUE HERO EVEN AT A YOUNG AGE
HER LOVE AND SACRIFICE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN

There’d been a service for just the Pies including Pinkie’s new wife, Trixie. It was basically the family saying goodbye to a special little filly who’d taught them all to smile. Then followed a memorial service for all of Pinkie’s friends and acquaintances.

Princesses Celestia and Luna attended the public service. Princess Celestia confided to Pinkie she knew the truth about her being a Changeling all along, but because of Pinkie’s heart and actions, she’d kept the knowledge to herself, only to reveal it if absolutely necessary, Pinkie wasn’t at all surprised.

It was kind of strange to have Pinkie speaking at what was almost tantamount to her own funeral. By now most of the ponies close to Pinkie and her family knew the circumstances of this, but it was new to some.

To make it easier, Pinkie did her speaking as Phantasm, some ponies didn’t know how to react to the Changeling’s gruesome visage, with her large green eyes, insectoid features and large fangs. But when she spoke it was all Pinkie Pie and it was easy to look past the outside and see the heart of a kind and loving pony. All were moved by the Changeling’s dedication to the Pie family and to her friends.

After the service, Trixie and Pinkie’s six close friends, their mate’s and their foals stayed behind. Not a lot was spoken there, it wasn’t needed. However, there were a lot of hugs and confirmation that they were very proud of Pinkie and Trixie and their love for them wouldn’t change.

Nopony cared Pinkie was a Changeling; in fact, it kind of confirmed what they already knew. Pinkie had always been a strange, unique and special pony, and everypony was okay with it.

And now, Rainbow had a new flying buddy!

All the other ponies had gone home and left Pinkie and Trixie alone. They sat on their haunches on the ground before the memorial just holding hooves. Trixie rested her head on Pinkie’s shoulder. For a long time they sat in silence, finally;

“Sweetheart, do you think she’d be proud of what she’s become through me?” asked Pinkie.

“My Darling,” said Trixie, “you can best answer that. You’re she, in a very real way. Your family and friends are proud of you, as am I. And I do love you so much for the pony that you are.”

Pinkie smiled, kissed Trixie then they got up.

“Let’s go home, Mrs. Pie,” said Pinkie.

“I’ll follow you anywhere, Mrs. Pie,” said Trixie.

They walked back to their silo apartment. Pinkie felt with this episode of her life over, she could go back to the same Pinkie Pie she’d always been. Plus it helped to now have a wife and mate whose love would always sustain her, both physically and emotionally.

Later that evening, Trixie lay in Pinkie's forelegs, the afterglow of their lovemaking still strong. Pinkie was kissing at her neck, it sent shivers of thrill through Trixie’s body. Spooning with Pinkie had become something so special to her, it was almost as if she had the senses of the Changeling, the love Pinkie was sending her was palpable.

Trixie considered how much her life had changed over the last few months. How she’d went from a pariah, to being a farm pony, to being an accepted member of a family and circle of some very important friends. But most especially, she was now married to the most wonderful, and yes, special pony in all Equestria. Trixie turned over and looked into the big blue eyes of Pinkie and then kissed her with all her soul. After the kiss was broken she held Pinkie closely.

“I love you so much, Trixie,” said Pinkie.

“And I love you just as much, Phantasm.” Replied Trixie, the joy in her heart over flowing.