Sunset Shimmer: Student of Magick

A crying baby woke Sunset from a dreamless sleep. Her mind was muddled for a moment as she tried to determine why she had slept on the recliner - which was not leaning as far back as it should and was not nearly as comfortable as she remembered. She cracked her eyes to see that she was not in her living room. The dawn light provided sufficient illumination to see Sweetie Belle lifting Pixel Bit from the crib, which brought back all of the night's memories.

"You sleep okay?"

"I'll be fine. Just need to stretch a bit."

She stood and proceeded to do so, feeling joints and her spine popping back into place. When she had worked most of the stiffness from her body, Sunset watched with interest the process of human babies breastfeeding.

While foals could walk shortly after birth, the human infant needed to be held to her mother's chest. The act of drinking milk otherwise was not too different. Pixel Bit had to be guided to food, but a pony foal could access it without assistance. Sunset looked away from Sweetie Belle when she realised that she was staring.

"Right after she was born, Mrs. Love Tap and one of the nurses showed me how to help her ... 'latch onto me,'" Sweetie Belle commented, drawing Sunset's gaze back to her. "Sorry, I'll warn you next time. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."

"I'm not. I was curious, but I thought I'd make you uncomfortable if I was staring. Back in Equestria, it's normal for foals to nurse in public. No pony thinks anything of it; well, except the upper-class, but they don't count."

"I have seen people do it on buses and stuff, but it would be kind of embarrassing for me to do it just anywhere. I don't mind if you see it, though."

When Pixel Bit finished eating, Sweetie Belle passed her to Sunset to learn how to burp her. The older teen was initially uncomfortable with it - afraid she would put too much force into the pats - but she would have to do it when Sweetie Belle returned to school. It took a few minutes, but Pixie finally gave a burp that would have made primary school boys envious.

She went back to sleep once she was comfortably settled into her crib again. A check of her emotions showed that she was sublimely content; simply feeding and being held satisfied the baby more than anything. Sunset was a little envious, but the trade off was being completely reliant on others.

One of the nurses arrived shortly after the morning feeding to assist in diaper changing. Though Pixie cried a bit at being disturbed, she calmed quickly when she felt her mother hold her. Even when back in the crib, she would respond to Sweetie Belle's voice. The young mother sang a lullaby when Pixie resisted sleeping, which worked perfectly.

"She knows your voice."

Love Tap and Button Mash were by the door, where they had been watching in silence for an unknown amount of time. Even Sunset had not detected them, too preoccupied by the mysteries presented by the baby.

She resolved to pay more attention to her surroundings; the fact that someone could be so close without alerting her whispered to a deeply rooted fear. As a young filly, she had nearly been lunch for monsters because she had not been paying attention to her surroundings. Sunset was not Pixel Bit's mother, but she had promised to protect the child and was determined to take her word seriously.

"Hey, come on in," Sweetie Belle called.

Button entered immediately, but Love Tap paused as she gestured toward the room.

"It's okay, they're all decent."

Chip and Gibson had been behind the wall and entered with her. The new grandfather was beaming when he caught sight of Pixel Bit, while Gibson was much more reluctant to get close to her. He was trying to be cool, Sunset noticed, despite the affection for the newest member of his family inside him.

"Do you think she'd know my voice?" Button asked as he approached the crib.

"I think so. You did talk to her a lot," Sweetie Belle replied. "She's probably looking forward to knowing what a PlayStation is."

"You boys were the same," Love Tap commented. "Your father and I talked to you constantly before you were born, and you knew who we were the instant you heard us afterward."

"That's so cool!"

"Shouldn't you guys be quieter?" Gibson asked. "Won't she wake up and start crying?"

"Whispering around a sleeping baby makes them more prone to light sleeping," his mother explained. "As long as we talk normally, she'll learn to sleep through it. Besides, this is a good time for her to learn all of our voices."

"Do you want to hold her, Dad?" Button asked.

"I thought you'd never ask."

Button started to reach for her, but Chip stopped him. "It might've been a while, but I know how to pick up a baby." He proved his experience by expertly lifting Pixie from her crib, cradling her head. She barely stirred at his gentle touch. "You were fussy about being held when you were sleeping, so your Mum and I learned how to move you without waking you up."

"Can you teach me?"

"In a little bit. I think Uncle Gibson is waiting for his turn."

"I'm good. What if she pukes on me?"

"I brought a change of shirts for all of us," Love Tap replied. "Now go and hold your niece."

"Alright already."

Gibson was very hesitant to take his niece. For normally being loud and obnoxious, he was gentle and quiet as he held her. When Gibson took her, she opened her eyes to have a look at him, then went back to sleep.

"It's so weird, seeing how tiny babies are," he commented. "Are you sure she won't break?"

"Not from being cuddled," Sunset replied. "You won't break from cuddling a baby, will you?"

"Nah, she's cool. Now, tea parties are a different story."

"Would it really be so bad to have a tea party with your adorable little niece?" Chip asked. "Imagine big, cute eyes watering as she asks you."

"You're not playing fair, Dad."

"I'd do it," Button said. "I kinda got used to them after Sweetie Belle dragged me to one. At least Pixie won't tie me to a chair. I think."

"I said I was sorry and I never did it again. How long are you going to remind me about that?"

"I didn't mind too much. At least it wasn't like when we were doing sewer exploration."

"Okay, we're never telling her about that one."

The gentle ambiance of the room caused Sunset to notice how tired she was. When she yawned, Love Tap offered to get her some coffee.

"Oh, no, thank you. I could never get over the taste."

"The secret is lots of creamer. Coffee or not, we need to get something in you."

Sunset nodded. "I could go for some breakfast."

"Button, Sweetie Belle, do you mind if we take Sunset and Gibson to get breakfast? We'll be right back."

"Go ahead, Mum."

They stopped into the cafeteria to get breakfast, for which Chip and Love Tap insisted upon paying. The food was not the best, but it was quick. Though she wanted orange juice, Sunset decided on soda. She could use magick to keep herself alert, but that would mean overriding her natural body chemistry.

"You know, we don't have to rush," Love Tap said as Sunset hurried through her food. "They need a little time just with each other and Pixie. If something comes up, they'll call."

"I know, I just ... I don't know. I gave Button a little pep talk about not jumping at shadows last night, but...."

"Let's get some ice cream. You'll have to slow down then. Post-birth is a little nerve-wracking, but you'll get into a rhythm soon."

At least the ice cream was good. The sugar combined with soda was what Sunset needed to keep herself going a few hours. She would worry about fatigue when it showed itself again.

They took their cones to a small waiting area near the maternity wing and enjoyed the frozen treats in peaceful silence. Only when they were finished did Love Tap ask, "Is the bed working out?"

"Oh, absolutely. Sweetie Belle's been looking forward to that co-sleeping thing ... and I have to admit that I’ve been looking forward to seeing them together."

"Do you have siblings?" Gibson asked.

"Nope. I was more than my parents could handle." It may not have been the literal truth, but - to the best of her knowledge - they never did have any other foals. "I wasn't a babysitter, either. Most of my friends growing up were older than me."

"But you're good with kids."

Sunset shrugged. "I'm learning a lot from your parents, but that's about it. Before now, I've never really been around babies."

"Just remember that if you ever need help, don't hesitate to call one of us," Love Tap said. "I won't pretend to be an expert, but I'll do whatever I can to help you."

"I appreciate it. Have you guys thought about my suggestion?"

Chip nodded. "If you're sure, then I think it would be good for them."

"What would?"

Sweetie Belle was walking with Button Mash to support her. They did not have Pixel Bit with them, which caused Sunset a moment of panic until she reminded herself that they would know if something or someone had taken the baby.

"The nurses said they needed to do a few tests and that Sweetie Belle should get some exercise. Is everything okay?"

Sunset nodded to Love Tap, who replied, "We were talking about something we discussed last month. This won't be right away, but she offered to let you stay with them for a while, Button."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, we all appreciate how helpful you've been already, and how you want to be involved with the baby. That's why we're wanting to alternate having you both live with one of us; that way; you can both take care of Pixie and bond with her."

"Sweetie Belle, I thought you'd be more comfortable if we started with our place so that you don't have to make as many changes right away. When you're ready, Button can come stay with us, then you'd go over to stay with them for a couple weeks."

"But we won't force either of you. It was just an idea, and we wanted to make sure we had everything ready before we asked."

"I can move in as soon as you go home. I'll even leave my PlayStation, unless you think Pixie would like it."

Love Tap giggled. "I'm very happy that you want to help right away, sweetie, but I think you should let Sweetie Belle and Sunset get settled back into their home first."

Sunset crouched slightly to look directly at Sweetie Belle as she asked, "What do you think?"

"I like it. I was wondering how Button would get to spend much time with Pixie. Plus, when we're at his house, Pixie would get to spend time with her grandparents and Uncle Gibson."

"It's so weird thinking of him like that," Button commented.

"It's weird thinking of myself like that. Do we have to keep the 'uncle' part?"

Love Tap rolled her eyes, but she was grinning. "I'll admit, getting to spend time with her myself was part of the plan, but that's not the most important thing. If you're both comfortable with the idea, then Sweetie Belle can decide when she's ready, and you'll move in that weekend, Button. You do understand that you'll have to follow Sunset's rules, and they might not be same as ours, right?"

"I can do it, even if she has some really strange rules, like only using cold water for showers or something."

"I'm standing right here." She offered Button a teasing smile. "You shouldn't give me ideas, you know."

"You know that cold showers aren't good, right? They, uh, make your blood do ... something." He offered her a pleading face. "Please don't have that be a rule."

"You're safe," Sunset replied with a pat to his shoulder. "I'm pretty easy-going. The only things are making sure we don't bother Pearl or her workers and keeping up with schoolwork. You guys are already responsible about stuff like that, so I'm sure we'll all get along."

Pearl had actually been the one to suggest the idea to Sunset. Their studies mostly took place in the basement, so it would be easy to tell Button that she was helping on the farm as part of her rent. The only change they expected was that Sunset and Sweetie Belle would have to be careful not to speak of magick when he was present.

They returned Sweetie Belle to her room, where the nurses were getting ready to call her. When the doctor visited later in the morning, he checked mother and child, then pronounced both were doing well and that they would be able to leave on Sunday.

Button's family left once they had heard the doctor's prognosis. As it was the first day after the birth, there would likely be several visitors, and they did not want to crowd the room.

Most of the morning and the early afternoon were rather quiet. Sweetie Belle took advantage of the time between visitors to nap. She was still exhausted and sore, so she would randomly be chatting before simply drifting into unconsciousness.

Button proved his willingness to help, alternating caring for Pixie when she would wake for anything other than hunger. He did not have too much trouble with diaper changing after getting help from Sunset with the first. Sweetie Belle flushed a bit the first time he saw her feed Pixie, but she recovered her composure before he noticed.

Pearl was the first non-family visitor of the day, arriving shortly before noon. She knocked politely at the door before entering. She carried a large purse, which was highly unusual. If not that Sunset could detect Karen inside it, she would have thought Pearl was changing her image.

"Button, would you mind getting me another soda and a snack?" Sunset asked, handing him some cash. "Get yourself something, too."

"Sure, thanks."

When he was gone, Pearl allowed Karen to leave the purse. The cat stepped gently on Sweetie Belle's legs to reach Pixie and sniff her.

"Somebody's been pacin' yer flat. Ah had ta let her inta mah room."

"If I could take a human form, I would. There aren't many times I'd say that, either." Karen licked Pixie's hand. "She's sweet. Happy, I mean, but I like that, so she tastes sweet."

"You're tasting her emotions?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"That's the best way to put it."

Cat ears perked and swivelled. "He's coming back. Thanks for letting me meet her; see you later."

Karen ducked into the purse. Pearl had saved her own thoughts and questions to allow their feline friend the maximum time to visit. When Button Mash entered the room, he would see only Pearl cuddling his daughter and complimenting the baby for being adorable.

"Well, Ah don't wanna wear out mah welcome. Yer gonna have heaps of folks wantin' ta see the baby in a few more hours."

"Thanks for coming." Sweetie Belle offered a hug. Sunset hid Button's view of the bedside for a moment so the girl could give Karen a scratch. "The doctor said we should be home Sunday."

"Great. Ah'll give everythin' a once-over, if'n ya'd like, make sure yer set. Ya need a crib set up? Some of the farmhands are chompin' at the bit ta get ya a present. Ah could turn 'em loose on that."

"Well, I wanna try what Mrs. Love Tap told me about, this thing where you sleep with your baby as much as you can."

"My parents did that with my brother and me, not that I remember it."

"Oh, like in the old days? Ain't gonna get any arguments from me; it's a right shame so many parents leave their young'uns alone so much these days. Still, ya'll need a crib sometimes, so Ah'll put some of the boys ta work. That baby'll have the nicest bed ya can imagine."

"If they do, tell them 'thank you' for me. I'll thank them myself when I get home."

The next visitors were the older girls, who mostly coordinated with each other to ensure they would not overwhelm the new parents or the baby.

Sci-Twi was the first. As a gift, she presented a simple, durable photo album that could be modified to look prettier. She gladly took another opportunity to hold the baby, but refrained from asking further questions or making additional comments about human biology.

Outside viewers may have thought Pinkie was dragging Maud into the room. She was, but not because Maud did not wish to be there; the party girl was simply too excited, wanting her big sister to walk faster "so we can see the baby sooner."

Sunset's peripheral senses discovered Fluttershy waiting in the hall while Pinkie and Maud were there. The shy girl did not want to crowd the room; it took some convincing to persuade her that there would be no harm in joining them.

They were all too happy to wish the new parents and their daughter well. Fluttershy had crocheted three stuffed animals: A bear, a rabbit, and a monkey; they were all friends with each other, but did not have names yet to allow Pixel Bit to name them. Pinkie Pie gave a set of rubberised teething rings Pixie would enjoy long before she needed them. Each ring changed colour seemingly at random and were nearly indestructible; she revealed in a message to Sunset that the changes were accompanied by various fruit flavours.

Except for Applejack, Rarity was the last of the older group to arrive. She had kept her promise, presenting beautiful sketches of outfits for her niece. She had even kept them neutral, avoiding lace or ribbon. The colours matched Pixie's skin and hair, most of them with her name to be embroidered on the front. Sweetie Belle loved them, expressing her delight with wide eyes and a grin.

When Rarity discovered that her sister would be shopping for supplies, she asked to be allowed to accompany the outing.

"Okay," was the girl's only response. It was sufficient to leave her big sister in tears of happiness.

Rarity had brought a sewing kit and fabric with her. When no one objected, she took Pixie's measurements before she settled into a chair to work on the first outfit.

The entire Apple family arrived shortly after school's end, Scootaloo with them. Granny Smith lamented that Sweetie Belle did not own a rocking chair, which prompted Big Mac and Applejack to offer to build one from the wood of one of their old apple trees. Sweetie Belle obviously knew her friend's family well, as she did not attempt to refuse them.

Rarity stayed quiet, but she began to show fear again at the sight of the Apple family. Considering Applejack had given her a black eye for what she had done, it was no surprise to Sunset. There was still hostility in Applejack directed toward the fashionista, but Sunset appreciated that she said nothing.

"We have an idea fer somethin', too," Apple Bloom said. "We wanted ta keep it a surprise, but we figured ya'd wanna contribute."

"We're making a quilt, using some of our old Crusader stuff, like the patches from our original capes," Scootaloo added. "Plus some of each of our colours. So we thought we should tell you first, in case you wanted to add anything."

"Granny said she'd help us, but we're gonna do most of it ourselves."

"That's so cool. But what happens when you girls get older and have kids, or if I have another one ... a long, long time from now?"

"We'll make more when the time comes. Yeah, the first gets ta have a lot of the original stuff, but Ah think any kids we'd have would understand."

Sweetie Belle nodded. "I can get you a few things to add. Just make sure it's all soft, okay?" She must have noticed her sister's twitching during the conversation, as she turned to look at Rarity. "Do you think you can give some tips, too? Like a good way to sew that a baby wouldn't rip up?"

"If your friends are willing to accept my help, of course I would."

"Sure, Ah don't mind, so long as ya don't try ta take over like y'all did fer the Derby." Apple Bloom shot a pointed look at her sister. "It won't be a gift from the Crusaders if we ain't the ones ta make it."

Granny Smith smiled, placing a hand on granddaughters' shoulders. "Don't be given' yer sisters a hard time, now. Ah'm pretty sure they learned their lessons."

She glanced at the clock. "Ah gotta git home 'n start supper. Y'all prolly wanna turn in early tonight, too."

"But Ah wanted ta stay with Sweetie Belle. It ain't like we got school tomorrow."

Sunset nodded to Granny Smith, then got the younger teens' attention. "You'll get to have sleepovers again, just not right now. It may take a few weeks, but you'll get to do a lot of the same things you've always done once we’ve all settled into a routine, if not as often."

The girls looked at each other, disappointment evident on their faces. Scootaloo sighed, but she nodded.

"I understand. C'mon, Apple Bloom."

Both trudged from the room without further objection. Things remained quiet until Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon arrived.

Filthy Rich escorted both girls. He gave a polite greeting to the young parents and stopped to tickle Pixel Bit's stomach before retreating to stand in a corner for the girls to have their time.

First, they presented flowers. Lilies, lilacs, and orchids comprised the bundle, all coloured to match Sweetie Belle.

Silver Spoon was the first to present a gift. She offered a small jewellery box. "I asked my mother about a present for a baby girl, but she didn't understand when I tried to tell her that you didn't want a lot of super-girly things. She wouldn't give me my allowance if I didn't listen to her, so it's probably not what you wanted. I can try to do a return and exchange it for something else later."

Inside was a silver bracelet with two charms already attached. They were likely painted by hand if she patronised the type of store Sunset expected she did. One was a boy and a girl with their arms around each other, their genders denoted by blue and pink clothing. The other was a baby bundled in a pink blanket. They all had peach-coloured skin, which worked to keep them from clashing with the clothing and the baby blanket.

"It's wonderful. Besides, plenty of boys wear jewellery. Charm bracelets might usually be more for girls, but I think it's perfect. I'll just have to be careful not to put too many on there for her so she can use it herself. Thanks, Silver Spoon."

"I'm glad you like it."

Diamond Tiara was hesitating when her turn came. "Well, I asked Mother, and she said the best present would be to help you get a good daycare and preschool and all of that so Pixel Bit can have lots of 'opportunities.' We'll definitely help you with that - if you want, that is - but, uh...."

She began to cry. "I couldn't think of a good present to bring you."

Rich put a hand on her shoulder to comfort her. "She was thinking about it too much and started second-guessing herself."

"I'll make it up to you, I promise."

Sweetie Belle gestured to Button to take their daughter. When she was free, she carefully pulled herself from the bed to hug Diamond Tiara. It only took a minute to calm her.

"You didn't need to worry about it so much. I'm just happy that you're my friend, and I'm sure Pixie will be happy to get to know you as she grows up."

"I'm still bringing you a present."

"Stuff like that is supposed to be for Pixie, not me. Yeah, I'll be using things like gift cards to get her toys, but they're still things for her. If you really want to get her a present, you can take your time and think about it. She's not even twenty-four hours old, you know."

Diamond Tiara sniffled. "Thanks, Sweetie Belle."

They were breaking their hug when Celestia and Luna arrived.

"My apologies," Luna said. "We delayed so that we would not crowd the room."

"We're just getting ready to head out," Rich replied.

Both girls hugged Sweetie Belle before following him out the door.

Sunset assured the school heads that everything was going well as they each held Pixie.

"Don't worry about rushing back to school," Celestia said. "We'll make arrangements to get your assignments to you."

"With Sunset Shimmer to tutor you, we are both confident that you will not fall behind. I did arrange your schedule to place study hall at the end of each day in preparation for this, so you will be able to leave an hour early."

They did not remain much longer, as the evening was ageing and it was obvious to all that Sweetie Belle would not last forever. Even with multiple naps throughout the day, she was tired. Button wanted to stay with her that night, but Sweetie Belle convinced him to wait for the next night since he would be able to stay until she went home.

Rarity had to leave for dinner because she did not care for the cafeteria, but insisted that she would return to wish them a good night. When she was gone, Ace, Clash, and Midnight arrived.

"You have way too many Sleeper friends," Ace observed as he dropped into the chair Rarity had vacated.

Midnight crawled into the bed next to Sweetie Belle. "Pixel Bit looks a lot like you. That boy who was with you at the flea market is her dad, right? She looks like him, too."

Clash offered her what appeared to be a large sheet of tree bark. It had words on it, but Sunset could not read them. The writing was not High Speech.

"These are the bans and banes of almost every Rank 5 spirit and higher in the area. I can't let you keep this, but I can teach them to you. If you're ever in trouble, you can use these to persuade the powerful spirits to protect you."

"Wow, Clash, that's so amazing. Thank you."

Ace chuckled. "He went to every pack in the Concord to get those. Tell her how you pulled it off, Clash."

Anyone unfamiliar with the burly man would have messed themselves at the sharp glare he shot to Ace. Even with his beard, his blush was visible.

"I told the story of the girl who challenged a god and won. No, you didn't challenge it to mortal combat, but we greatly respect those able to win a battle by wit and word. The pups especially admire you, by the way."

"He had to pledge not to share that with anyone else. It's privileged Uratha knowledge, after all."

Clash nodded. "If you accept this knowledge, you must pledge never to use it except when in dire circumstances. Our treaties with these spirits are tenuous."

"I'll make any pledge you Uratha require," Sweetie Belle promised. "Can you thank them for me?"

"I will. One last thing: Lightning Rider and the other leaders have named you an honorary wolf. Just for that purpose, you've been adopted into my pack. If you or yours ever need us, we'll be there." At her wide-eyed stare, he rushed to add, "We're not expecting you to fight with us or anything. It's just to show our respect for you."

While he comforted her worry, he did bring her to tears.

Midnight helped calm Sweetie Belle, then gestured to Ace. "We're going to enchant some of Pixie's other presents. If she has or gets anything you think she'll be able to keep her whole life, that would be perfect. We can't do many, but two or three would work."

"I have the perfect thing." Sweetie Belle showed them the charm bracelet. "Could you use this? I'm sure she'd already want to keep it forever, but that would make it even more precious."

"That's perfect. I'll set a lasting Fate spell on it that'll target whoever's wearing it. It will try to warn her if something could hurt her, like a bad car accident and stuff like that. However, there are so many paths that it's not going to tell her about everything without someone looking at her possible futures all the time."

After Midnight finished her spell, Ace added a minor healing spell. Especially as a child, Pixie would be likely to give herself small abrasions with some frequency, particularly if she grew to be anything like her mother. The spell would heal small nicks, scratches, and scrapes quickly, but not so quickly as to invoke Paradox from Sleeper Quiessence.

"If she falls off a jungle gym and breaks her arm, it won't help. Pearl would have to place an enchantment for that. We're both Shaman, but she's a heck of a lot more knowledgeable." With a smirk, he added, "Of course, if Midnight blows up the jungle gym, a broken arm will be the least of her worries."

His sister blushed but said nothing.

Sunset detected three familiar souls approaching the room. Rarity was back, accompanied by Twilight Sparkle and Spike. Though the colours were the same, Sunset could feel subtle differences that indicated the latter two were the Equestrian versions.

She warned their friends, who slipped into the Shadow to leave. The two girls and the dragon-dog found a quiet room.

"I came as soon as I could. We've been busy over there. Starlight was supposed to be bonding with the girls, but she made some mistakes and the castle flooded," Twilight said. "Everypony sends their best, Sunset. I told them that things have been quiet for you since you left the school."

"Not for much longer. One day, and the kid there has already nearly ruptured my eardrums. Then there's the baby."

Sweetie Belle threw a pillow at Sunset, but she was smiling. "It's nice to see you again, Twilight. You can let Spike out; Sunset can watch for a nurse."

Spike sat on the bed next to her. "We've been over here so many times now, but we still haven't really seen a human baby. Where is she?"

Sweetie Belle lifted the sleeping bundle from the crib. "Here's Pixel Bit."

Pixie opened her eyes briefly at the disturbance, but almost immediately went back to sleep.

"Do human babies spend most of their time sleeping?" Twilight asked.

"Yeah, at least for a while. I can't remember right now, but I think we don't change to being awake more than we're asleep for a few years."

"Fascinating. How old will she be when she starts walking? A couple months?"

The native humans giggled while Sunset replied, "I was surprised when I found out, but humans don't really start walking until close to a year, and they don't get proficient - unless you count bumping into things - until later."

"Her eyes are blue?"

"Only for now," Rarity answered. "Unless that ends up being her colour, they will gradually shift over the coming months."

"Speech?" Spike asked. When Twilight shot him a surprised glance, he said, "What? I'm curious about stuff, too."

"Around two. Some are earlier, some later."

Sunset interrupted before the knowledge maniac could enter full research mode. "I have some books about human development. You're welcome to have any that interest you. I can always buy more."

"That would be wonderful, Sunset. Thank you."

"Darling, I hate to be rude, but it is getting late, and Sweetie Belle and Sunset have not had much sleep today. I can put you up, if you are free, and you can return tomorrow to learn more."

Twilight nodded. "I cleared my morning, since I wasn't sure how late I would be leaving. Thanks, Rarity."

"Actually, I have an idea," Sweetie Belle said. "I've been thinking today, and I don't wanna make Sunset stay here again tonight. Why don't you take Princess Twilight and Spike back to the flat? I'll be okay."

"You're not forcing me into anything. Besides, I'll be living with Pixie, too."

"I know, but at least I have a bed."

"She does make a good point, darling. You need a good night's rest if you want to be a good guardian. I'm sure the hospital will call you if something urgent comes up, but I gather that does seem highly unlikely."

With a sigh, Sunset replied, "I just don't want to leave her alone. At least one adult should be here."

"Uh, if she's okay with it, Rarity can stay."

No one could think of a reply at first. Finally, Rarity said, "I'd be delighted ... well, not with sleeping on a chair, but definitely with being here for you ... if you're sure, dear."

Sweetie Belle nodded. "I promised to give you a chance, so I'll trust you to stay so that Sunset can get a good night's sleep. I know you can freak out over little things, but you're really good at staying calm and paying attention when something big happens.

"I promise I won't be mad or anything if you don't really want to stay, but I'd kinda like to spend the night with you like sisters. Kind of."

"Then I shall remain. Sunset, you heard her: Things will be just dandy here, so get some sleep. If Twilight and Spike spent the day cleaning a castle, they likely need the rest as well."

Sunset had learned a simple rote spell called Mental Scan from Pearl's library. It only showed surface thoughts, so as she prepared it, she asked, "Are you sure about this? It's not like sleeping in the chair again will kill me."

"Of course. I'm not busy tomorrow, and my sister is more important than any other engagements I might have."

Her surface thought was, 'Don't screw this up, Rarity.'

"Alright. You guys have a good night. See you tomorrow morning."

Sunset drove Twilight and Spike to her flat. They were interested in the gear shift, which they had not seen during their few trips in an automobile. When they arrived, she gave them Sweetie Belle's bed. Both slept almost immediately, but Sunset found herself lying awake despite her exhaustion. She was worried about being gone if something serious happened. She kept her mobile next to her pillow, just in case.

'You're becoming a mum,' her other self whispered, her tone mocking.

'So what?'

'Besides the fact it makes you vulnerable? The bitch walks back into her life, and here you are, cast aside.'

'Stop trying to provoke me.'

'Okay, but don't say I didn't warn you. That girl's like a battered wife: Give her a little attention, and she'll go running back.'

Sunset ignored her other self. Sweetie Belle was not an idiot; even if Rarity offered, she would not leave a safe place like Sunset's flat. If push came to shove, Sunset was not above using her magick to ensure Sweetie Belle and Pixel Bit would remain safe.

She woke as the sun rose, pausing only to get a shower and to have breakfast before returning to the hospital with her guests. Both princess and dragon seemed well-rested and excited to spend the morning with Sunset and some of the others.

Sweetie Belle and Rarity were sleeping when they arrived, but they stirred at the sound of the door opening. A completed baby onesie lay on Rarity's lap. It lacked the embroidery and other extras, but it could be worn.

"We brought a baby shower present," Twilight said. "I'm sorry I didn't give it to you yesterday; I let myself get too carried away by learning about human newborns that I completely forgot."

"Don't worry about it. It was fun telling you about babies, and I can get a better look at it now, anyway."

After rummaging about her bag for a moment, Twilight produced a snow globe. The setting had to be Ponyville, her castle dwarfing every other structure of the town.

She confirmed Sunset's guess, then added, "I asked your counterparts for advise, but I didn't tell them who had the baby. It's almost indestructible, and it'll change seasons and weather to match whatever the weather outside is."

The little town was brightening with the rising sun. Sunset was a little disappointed that there were no miniature ponies going about their lives within it, but she knew how much effort Twilight would have taken just to accomplish what she had.

"It's so pretty. I'm sure Pixie will love it. Thanks, Twilight, Spike. Can you please tell your friends thanks for me? Well, anonymously."

"You bet," Spike replied. "Our Rarity got everything to scale. Pinkie suggested the seasons and weather, and the Crusaders helped make some of the buildings."

"I'm guessing pony-me isn't very good at art, either."

Twilight just chuckled, running a hand along the back of her neck. She placed the snow globe showing autumn scenery on the small bedside table. As the tiny town's skyline lit, they could see the flora around it taking autumnal colours.

That day was similar to the previous, though with fewer visitors. The Crusaders returned first, bringing the start of the quilt with them for Sweetie Belle's approval. Button Mash and his whole family arrived at lunch.

When they drew to night, Button Mash was determined to keep his promise to stay. He took a regular chair, while Sunset slept in the pseudo-recliner.

Around noon the next day, the doctor was pleased to release mother and daughter. Sunset alerted all of their friends and pulled her car to the door while Button Mash helped Sweetie Belle in getting everything together. Sunset left her vehicle parked by the door and went back to the room to ensure they had not forgotten anything.

While a nurse wheeled her to the door, Sweetie Belle allowed Button to carry their daughter in her new baby carrier. They had a car seat prepared, but it took them a few minutes to be certain it was attached properly. Sunset did not mind the new parents' worry; it was a good thing they wanted to be completely sure of their child's safety.

When they were finally ready, Button took the front passenger's seat. Sweetie Belle would likely ride in the back with the baby for months. He could have fit with them, but it would have been crowded because of how large the car seat was.

When they arrived at the farm, Pearl was waiting for them along with several members of her staff. They loved the baby, several offering small prayers for both the newborn and her parents.

Karen waited for them in the flat, perched on Sweetie Belle's bed to overlook the crib and giving an excellent impression of being nothing other than a cat. Sunset knew they had purchased a normal plastic one with Love Tap's assistance. It had somehow been transfigured into something made of hardwood and so sturdy that Pixie could hide under it for protection. Padding was securely attached to the bed's frame to ensure Pixel Bit would not hurt herself by rolling into the sides. The sleeping mat and protection were soft, yet allowed air to pass so that a rolling baby pressing her face to any surface would not suffocate.

Sweetie Belle returned to the deck, holding Pixie to wave one of her stubby arms at the farmhands and Pearl. "Thanks, everyone."

They smiled and returned the wave before going back to work.

"Okay, I'm going to lay Pixie down, and then I'm gonna have lunch."

"I can cook," Button volunteered. "Mum's been teaching me. I can make hamburgers."

"Perfect," Sunset replied. "I wasn’t sure what to make tonight, so I left some ground beef to thaw in the refrigerator. Help yourself."

He gave a quiet cheer before setting himself to his task. What he produced was a little overcooked, but perfectly edible to anyone not being a snob.

Full stomachs left them all sleepy. One by one, they began to pass out in the first comfortable locations they found. Sweetie Belle was on her bed, Button Mash on the couch, and Sunset Shimmer in her proper recliner.

The birth had been stressful, but it was in the past. The future would be challenging, but Sunset believed they were all ready to face it.