One Plus Six Equals Family

Chapters

Chapter 1 The Day After
Chapter 2 First Day as a Dad
Chapter 3 First Day Outside
Chapter 4 Daddy's Date

Chapter 1 The Day After

My alarm clock goes off waking me from another blissful sleep, but instead of just lying there I remember that now I have a reason to get up six reasons, actually. So throwing my blankets off me, I stand up popping all my joints feeling good and happy after a long time of feeling miserable. Now hold on let me explain something to you see I'm 33 years old and I have had type 2 diabetes since I was 20 and had suffered from diabetic neuropathy over most of my extremities. But just this year I was in the hospital to undergo a medical procedure. Who am I kidding, it was a Four-Way Bypass and then I was diagnosed with Congenital Heart Failure. Learning this hit me harder in more ways than once I lost my job and the girl I thought was the love of my life. But there is always light at the end of the tunnel due to my condition I am now 100% disabled so I get a check I don't like it, but it helps I still work, but it's part-time only. So here I am a single guy living in a large four-bedroom house alone will not alone, I now have six daughters to take care of if the noise from the other bedroom is any sign. Making my way out of my room, I cross the hall to the sounds of yawning and giggles. Walking into the room I'm greeted with the sight of six little fillies rolling around on the queen-sized bed only stopping to look up at me. I had to stop myself from succumbing to the lethal doses of Adorabetes by just looking at now my six daughters. You know I think I need to explain everything that's going on here so sit there and I tell you the short tale of how I became the father of the filly mane six. And when I say short, I mean it's short it's like a paragraph long, maybe two.

So here we go.

It was a dark and stormy night. Wait, don't look at me like that. I'm being serious last night there was a severe thunderstorm. So there now can I continue? Yes then thank you. Now, where was I...
.
Oh yeah.
It was a dark and stormy night. I was sitting in my living room on my favorite chair drinking a cup of peppermint tea, listening to Pandora. But right in the middle of a good song, there came a knock at the door.

Hey, I was a Brownie and I like John de Lancie met him before once and I even got an autograph. I am getting off tangent here, aren't I?
As I was saying there was a knock at the door and being a little concerned since the weather was so bad I made my way to the front door. Turning on the porch light and unlocking the deadbolt and door lock I opened the door. Only to stand there dumbfounded at what was in front of me. It was Discord no joke it was like someone reached inside a tv and pulled him out into the real world. After shaking off the total nerdgasm a sound drew my attention down to his feet. There at his so-called feet was a basket. But, what was in said basket, is what caught me by surprise. It was the main six as babies, I couldn't help but due, they looked so cute, I lost points on my man card but who cares. Kneeling down to get a better look at them, I am startled when Discord speaks to me.

"I see you are the right choice for this little endeavor," He said in his iconic voice.

Looking up at him I must have had the most confused look, anyone with half a brain would have heard a cartoon character speak.

Rolling his mismatched eyes Discord looked down at me again. "You are what they call a brony am I correct?"

To this, I just nodded.

"Then I must assume that you have read the fanfic called My little Dashie am I correct?" He asked which I just nodded again.

"This is a riveting conversation we're having here, but I must continue. You have been chosen to take part in your own little aspect of the story, but with an added bonus, for instead of just Dashie, you can now choose which pony you wish to raise so please make your choice."Discord said to me, donning what looked like a suit and tie.

"Really that is so awesome," I said as I reach out to pick up one of the ponies but stopped.
Turning to look at Discord one thing puzzled me and I had to find the answer or it would haunt me forever.

"Okay, you said to choose one correct?" I asked which he just nodded his head.

Thinking about this I stood up to look at him better. "Now if I choose one what happens to the others?" I asked.

"Oh, they just cease to exist."He said as if was as natural talking about the weather.

Hearing this I was filled with sickness and rage. The only things I could think of were. "There's got to be some way around this and Discord you are no longer the best villain and none pony you jerk." Standing there I had to think there's an answer but what?

Starting to get aggravated Discord cleared his throat. "Come on I haven't got all day make your choice, so I can leave."

Hearing this made me dislike him even more. And then the answer came to me, I know how and what to do. Looking Discord in his mismatched eyes, I smiled. " Okay, I made my choice and I choose the basket," I say as I quickly reach down and grab the basket with the six still inside. Picking it up Discord reaches out to stop me.

"I'm sorry, but you can't do that," He said still trying to grab the basket.

"No, you said I had to choose one and I did I chose the basket and since I did everything that is inside it is legally and logically considered part of the basket so I get to keep all of them and you can't do anything about it, "I said mentally giving myself a pat on the back.

The only thing I didn't consider was the way Discord started to look at me. Let's just say that the guy may have been a cartoon character, but he was still scary. So I decided to just make a strategic retreat, Holding the basket I slowly backed up into my house. And once I was inside I quickly shut the door, but not before telling Discord thank you and to have a nice day. Turning around I walked into the living room and set the basket down on the couch before I sat down on the floor still freaking out about what I just did.

Outside the door

Discord stood on the porch his scowl slowly turned into a grin. "I knew you'd make the right choice young man. Well, let me see did I leave enough books in that basket for any new pony parent to start their own library, now I just hope this proves to Celly that not all humans are evil and some do deserve to come home." Discord said as he turned and started to walk away before he snapped his claws and disappeared in a puff of smoke.

Back inside

After calming down I looked in the basket and it appeared that the girls were now asleep so I decided to turn in as well carefully lifting the basket I took it upstairs. The room across the hall from mine was the best choice for them right now so taking them in there I carefully place each one of them onto the bed and covered them with a blanket. As I turned to leave I looked down at the basket and I noticed something sticking out from under the small pillow. Moving it out of the way I saw something that made me laugh inside. Books lots of books, picking them up I read the titles to myself.

Teaching your foal how to fly.
Magic for foals
Magic 101
Star Swirls guide to magic
Raising Earth Ponies
Raising Pegasus Ponies
Raising Unicorn Ponies
1 million things to bake
Growing Apple Trees
How to care for wild and domestic animals
Clothes designing for Dummies

And these are just the ones on the top of the pile it looked like the basket had no bottom. Chuckling, I pick up the basket and decided to bring it to my room until tomorrow. Yawning, I put the basket on my chest of drawers and climbed into bed ready for a good night's sleep. Setting my alarm for an early time knowing full well that tomorrow was going to be a busy day.

So there that's what happened.
What, what was that... Okay, fine you were right, it was longer than two paragraphs there you happy?
Now if you'll excuse me, I have to take care of my six precious daughters and for the love of all that is holy. What is that smell?
Just perfect all six at the same time.
Oh well, nobody said parenting was easy.
Now all I have to get is diapers, formula, baby food, stuff animals, toys, highchairs, a big stroller, and words start to become incoherent mumbling.

Author's Note

This is what my home looks like if you're interested.

Chapter 2 First Day as a Dad

Looking down at my daughters' man, it's still weird saying that but I have to get used to it. The first thing is to find out which one of my angels left a smelly surprise for me. Thinking about it, I decided to just take all of them into the bathroom to get cleaned up before I gave them their breakfast.

"Hold on girls daddy will be right back," I said as I returned to my room to change into a pair of swim trunks and grab the basket.

Getting back to my girls I picked each one up and placed her in the basket as I was doing this I found the little stinker turns out whatever Rarity ate before she got here, she will never get to eat it again. Taking them to the master bathroom, I turned on the water, getting it right before I brought the girls to the shower to get them cleaned. And with the size of the shower, we had plenty of room.
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/6c/3c/bf/6c3cbf83d19c197236c80e50f20a37be.jpg
Stripping them out of the used diapers and cleaning Rarity up first before I took care of the others paying extra care to Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy's wings and Twilight and Rarity's horns. Using the head and body gel I cleaned each girl telling them to keep their eyes closed, so they didn't get soap in them. I'm thankful, they did what I told them. After our shower, I dried each girl off with her own towel and when I say it's her towel, I mean each of the towels had one of their cutie marks on it.https://img0.etsystatic.com/135/1/7389458/il_340x270.958293668_jkwn.jpg
I told you, in the beginning, I AM A BRONY.
But back to the story.
As I dried them off, I noticed something that was shocking, I almost fainted, okay, maybe not fainted, but it surprised the hell out of me not a single one of them had her cutie mark all six of them were blank flanks. Seeing this I panicked. What was I going to do, how were they going to get their marks now? That's when it hit me well not hit but hugged. As I was panicking both Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash flew up and hugged my head while the others gathered around my feet. My stress level dropped but then it completely disappeared when I heard the sweetest things.

Don't worry daddy eberting goin be otay.
Yeah, daddy need be happy, not sad.
We wub you, daddy.

Hearing all of this brought tears to my eyes, but I was happy these six little fillies I just met last night have chosen and accepted me as the father. At that moment I swore to God, Celestia, and any other Deities listening that I would be the best damn father ever.

My joyous and enlightened moment was short-lived as I heard a voice call my name from downstairs. A voice I recognized, came from my housekeeper slash caregiver Ruth. Now, Ruth is...

I'm just going to stop there for a second you see I sorry if I offend any of you PC people out there, actually no I'm not I think all this PC is BS. And as for Ruth, the real woman used in this story is a friend of mine we've been friends since middle school. If you ask her what her nationality is. She will tell you she's not African American because she wasn't born in Africa and became an American citizen. What she is, is an American of African descent, but she'll tell you she just a black woman. So if you have a problem with this, stop reading now because I will use that description in this story. And for this story with her permission, Ruth will age up to Sixty-five-year-old.

Now Ruth I believe must have been a drill sergeant in a previous life because that woman has some pipes on her.

"Devin Yoder, get your white butt up and out of that bed, it's too nice a day to just sleep it away," Ruth yelled as she made her way to my room.

"Ah, that woman loves me like no other. Wait she coming up to my room this is bad and where are all the girls okay, calm down, let's see one, two, thre, oh no, where are three through six?" My question was answered by Ruth.

"Well, my stars aren't you the cutest little things I've seen, Devin get your butt out here and tell me why there are colorful ponies in your room that look like the ones my grandbaby watches on TV?" Ruth said in a tone that reminded me of my mother.

Deciding to bite the bullet I walk out of the bathroom holding Rarity and Applejack since they were the only two that stayed in the bathroom with me. "Ruth you beautiful woman I can explain everything, please let me explain."

"Okay, explain." She said crossing her arms and looking at me the way a mother would wait for her child to tell her the truth.

"Well, you saw it started last night, fifteen minutes later, and you came in and found the girls and that's that," I told her everything and I mean everything.

After that explanation all Ruth did was stand there and look at me with her arms still crossed.

" MMMHMMM, and you expect me to believe all that?" Ruth said.

Giving her a deadpan stare I looked at her and gestured to all six of the colorful ponies in the room. "If I'm lying then please explain to me why I have six pony daughters now Ms. MMMHMMM."

Shaking her head Ruth just stood there and laughed. " Sweetie two things first off you have never lied to me, and second don't talk to me that again," She said the last part with a stern look.

"Yes mama"

"Now how about we take these little Angels downstairs and get them something to eat and you can introduce them to me," Ruth said as six tiny tummies began to rumble with hunger.

After making our way downstairs to the kitchen Ruth began to make the girls and me some breakfast. While she did that I introduced the girls to her and the girls to Ruth. For the girls a mixer of regular and fruit salad and for me egg whites two strips of turkey bacon and juice. Hey, she's my caregiver and the doctors said I have to eat a lot more healthily. While we were eating Ruth used my laptop to go online and order some stuff for the girls. I have to say this about her for a Sixty-five-year-old grandma she is quite a computer savvy. When she was done with what she knew the girls would need and using my credit debit card to pay for everything she printed out a receipt and handed it to me.

"Now I want you to got into town to pick all this up it shouldn't take you more than an hour and a half," She said handing me the list/receipt.

Taking the paper from her I did a quick scan only to do a double-take. What the heck was she expecting me to take care of an entire village?
I mean come on do I really need to pick up, ok maybe those are important but what about no, no that stuff is definitely needed, oh but there's no way I'm going to, well when you think about it, it does make since.

Here are something you might find interesting or not.
The Department of Agriculture says the estimated cost of raising a child from birth through age 17 is $233,610, or as much as almost $14,000 annually. That's the average for a middle-income couple with two children.
Now you must realize that those figures don't actually describe my situation due to the fact that my daughters are ponies and not humans. Therefore the price of clothing is removed and also education due to the formation of them being ponies. FYI they will be homeschooled by me. But the health care because two being Unicorns and two Pegasus ponies, food, and other amenities will be covered. Plus I'm a single parent raising six children so figuring that into the equation I will spend ruffly $16,000 to $17,000 annually so to raise them to the age of 17 I will spend $300,000 to $350,000. I think, to be honest, I'm not that good at math.

Like I was saying the list, the list that Ruth gave me. Looking it over once more made me glad I still kept my full-size pick-up. Because what Ruth wanted me to pick up was a lot of shi... I mean stuff. Begrudgingly I grabbed my phone, wallet, and keys but before I went to the garage I walked around the table giving each of my girls a kiss on the cheek all of them loved it but Rainbow, who did a cute little scrunchy face. As I opened the door I looked back at the girls.

"Now I'm going to be gone for a little while, Ruth is going to take care of you till I get back. Be good girls and daddy loves you." I said as I turned to leave only to get a collective I wuv you, daddy before I closed the door.
Stepping into the garage I hit the button to open the automatic door before I start up the truck. Getting in and backing out of the garage I finally make the drive down the long road that is my driveway. I'm not exaggerating about it, my house sits in the middle of 400 acres of woods and grass fields I even have a good size pond. But like I said I made my way down the road listening to the radio. While I was driving I kept thinking about the girls, more importantly, their lack of cutie marks.

Okay, I can do this. All I have to do is follow the episode The Cutie Mark Chronicles well sort of. Got to teach Rainbow Dash how to fly so she can do a sonic rainboom. I can't let Applejack leave but she has to learn that apple farming and being home with her family is her life. The others shouldn't be that hard for Rarity the geodes that are found around here, Fluttershy the animals on the property, Pinkie she's a little tuff to figure out. And most importantly where the heck am I going to get a dragon egg for Twilight to hatch? My thoughts were cut short as I found myself at the end of the driveway. Looking to see if it was clear I turned and headed down the road to town. I figured I shouldn't worry about all of that right now after all the girls are still young and that stuff can wait till they're older. Looking around as I drove I saw that all property by my place was still for sale.

"Uh, nobodies purchased it yet, maybe I should apply for a loan or a grant and buy it myself it's another good 1000 acres. Wouldn't hurt the more land the less likely someone would see the girls," I said to myself as I continued my way to town. It took me another twenty minutes to get to town luckily my destination was just ahead pulling into the parking lot I found a spot and parked my truck I got out and looked around.

"Wal-Mart your one-stop for all your shopping needs," I said as I stood outside looking at all the people going in and out of the store. It's not like I hate the store far from it I get a lot of things from here. It's just I usually buy online and I have it delivered. The reason I'm hesitant is because of one employee. Don't get me wrong She’s not a bad person just overly friendly and curious. And she always directs it at me be it here or somewhere else in town. For example, I would be in a checkout line and she would take over as the cashier so she could talk to me or if I was looking for something she would show up to help me. And just my luck she's working customer service.

"Hi, handsome I haven't seen you around much how have you been sexy," She said in a quiet lusty tone as she leaned over the counter trying to extenuate her large bosom. To which the blue store vest and shirt she was wearing were losing the battle to contain them.

"Hello Dianna, I'm fine and I've been busy can you please just see if my order is ready I'd like it loaded in my truck so I can go home," I said knowing it was rude but I really don't have time to deal with this.

Handing her the printed receipt I waited for her to do a checklist.

"Okay, let's see you have six highchai...." Dianna's voice cuts out after she started to read the list. And I could have sworn I saw tears forming in the corners of her eyes.

"When did you have kids I thought Lucy left you when she found out about, you know your heart condition and all?" She said still visibly upset but still trying to be discrete.

"Well, they're not biologically mine, I just recently became their legal guardian and chose to adopt them," I said trying to keep her from becoming upset.

"So what are they, boys are girls?" She asked becoming a little happier.

"Oh, they're six of the cutest little fil.. girls you ever did see," I said catching myself before I gave away my secret.

"I wish you brought them along I would've loved to see them," She said pouting.

"Sorry but they're still too young I might introduce you to them when they're older," I told her stressing the word might.

"You promise, cross your heart hope to fly stick a cupcake in your eye," She said as well doing the movements to a Pinkie Promise.

I looked at her a little confused until she lifted the left side of her vest to reveal a pin that read Pegasister and Proud of IT. Seeing that I thought maybe she wasn't all that bad, hell Lucy said MLP was so dumb even brain-dead chimps would think it was boring. Thinking back I'm glad we're through even Ruth didn't like her and she likes or gets along with everybody.

"Devin, you still with me?" She asked bringing me out of my thoughts I looked at her with a little confusion." I said everything is here did you want it loaded now are do you have more shopping to do?"

"Oh ah yeah load it now but I still have some things to pick up," I said shaking myself out of the stupor I was in.

"Really do you need any help find all of it?" She asked bouncing with hope, that I would say yes.

Thinking once more Dianna isn't that bad she's nice, attractive and she likes MLP. It's worth a shot but I'll hold off telling her about the girls for now.

Sure I could use some help I haven't been here for a while and it looks like things have changed since then," I said making her smile as she walked around the counter to join me.

So for the next half hour, we spent it talking and get to know each other better, while I got each of the girls something special.
For Applejack I got a Stetson hat.
Rainbow Dash a pair of aviator goggles.
Fluttershy a white stuffed bunny.
Rarity some fake jewelry and two play dresses.
For Pinkie Pie an Easy-Bake Oven.
Finally for Twilight The Journal of the Two Sisters and a hat and cape, like Star Swirl the Bearded.
I also picked up the newest MLP plushie for Tai, Ruth's granddaughter.

Seeing all of this Dianna made the joke about me loving MLP way too much or that I'm actually raising the Mane Six.

"Hehehehe, yeah guilty as charged about liking MLP too much, not the other thing that would be ridiculous," I said unable to look her in the eyes. Well, Sence everything is loaded I guess I'll be heading home," With that said I quickly started heading for the doors only for Dianna to call to me.

"Hey how about we go out for dinner sometime?" She asked as I climbed into my truck.

"Sure, I call you how about that?" I said back not really paying attention to what was said.

As I drove home I suddenly realized what I did or thought I did. Reaching the house I was sure I did do what I think I did. Parking in the garage I then walked inside only to be Glomped by my girls with a united cry of We missed you, daddy!

"Sorry I'm late but I wanted to pick you girls up something special and I was talking with someone I know," I said as I placed each girl down on the floor.

"Oh really and who would that be as if I didn't already know," Ruth said standing there with a smug grin.

"Fine it was Dianna, ok I found out we have a lot in common and she's actually fun to be around," I said as I began to unload all the stuff out of my truck.

" Bout time, I still don't see what was so good about that Lucy I mean she hated everything you loved and she wasn't afraid to tell you that," Ruth said as she began to assemble the high chairs while I still unloaded the truck. "So what did you two talk about?"

"Oh this and that basic stuff really, though I did find out she likes MLP and I might have agreed to go out on a date," I said trying to keep the last part quiet but Rarity had to speak up.

"Oh, how womantic daddy on a date wif his pecial somepony," Rarity said batting her eyes dreamingly while clapping her front hooves together.

I turned red because of that which made all the girls laugh at me including Ruth.

"Then I think you better call that girl and set up a date lord knows you both need each other more than you realize," Ruth said keeping that last part to herself mostly.

"What was that I didn't quite hear you," I called from the garage as I was bringing in the last of it including the gifts for the girls. Okay let's see if we forgot anything time to do a checklist," I said as I sat down to only have Twilight climb in my lap to look over and help with the list.

Six highchairs check
Six sets of baby dishes check
One pallet of assorted diaper sizes check
One pallet load of assorted fruits and vegetables for dehydrating and canning Check
Six cribs and baby beds for future use check
Three first-year potties check
Essential supplies for homeschooling check
After reading off the list I remembered why I freak out the first time I saw it but I kept telling myself this is for my girls.

When Ruth and I got everything set up and her still pestering me about Dianna. I decided it was time for gifts. As I passed them out each of the girls gave me a big hug and kisses.
Although AJ and RD were a little confused about theirs until I told them that they will grow into them.
Fluttershy named her bunny Angel, who saw that coming anyone.
Rarity started to make her gifts as fashionable as possible.
Twilight loved her gifts and I promised to read her a chapter of the book every night.
As for Pinkie, Ruth was about to yell at me for getting a baby an Easy-Bake Oven until we looked down to see Pinkie had already made a six-tier cake with little figurines of all of us. Throwing her arms into the air and walking off in a huff I reminded her that logic and the pink one do not mix.

Since it took me so long I missed lunch but it was getting close to dinner time so we all gathered in the kitchen the girls in their new highchairs waiting passionately for their dinner. I, on the other hand, was starving so I voiced it loudly only to receive a slap, to the back of the head. Well, you can't really blame me I did miss lunch. But even for my actions, we were given a delicious meal of vegetarian lasagna and a nice green salad. After saying grace the eight of us dug into our meal.

"Now Devin I know I keep harping on you to ask the nice girl out but I'm only thinking of you and well now the girls," Ruth said after swallowing a mouthful of food." I'm not saying to tell her everything right away but we both know I'm not going to be around to take care of you forever and Lord knows that girl would do anything for you. And that Lucy how she just up and left you when she found out about your heart throwing that ring in your face and calling you weak, it just breaks my heart to see you not trust women after that," She said with tears forming in her eyes.
If you haven't figured it out by now Ruth is deathly honest and will tell you what you need to know even if it hurts you.

"I know and I'm trying but Lucy and I knew each other for four years before I proposed," I said thinking that was the worst excuse I ever made.
Shoot if you think about it. I've known Dianna for almost twenty years and if I would've asked her to marry me, we wouldn't be having this discussion and the girls would already have a mother as well as a father, and did I just say that? Focus man, focus, the girls come first then romance no stop it although she was really pretty today and that blouse did bring out the green in her eyes and the way she smelled was ... Oh for the love of why am I thinking of this?

"I would like to know that myself?" Ruth said looking at me with a raised eyebrow.

"Wait did I think all of that or say it out loud?" I asked a little concerned to only receive an answer of giggles from the girls and a few remarks like Daddy has a pecial somepony or Daddy's in wuv.

After that, the only thing I could think of was to move my plate aside and begin to bang my head on the table repeatedly. Only to stop after feeling a small hoof on my shoulder Turning to see Twilight smiling at me. "Don't worry daddy we still wuv you and someday we can hab a mommy too and we can wuv her," Twilight said as she nuzzled up to my cheek.

"Daddy, what is a mommy?" Pinkie asked tilting her head to the side.

"Um, ah how about I tell you that tomorrow because right now it's time for good little fillies to get ready for bed," I said changing the subject only to receive a collective Awwwww from the girls and then some yawns as well.

With Ruth's help, we got the girls ready for bed placing them in their own cribs I was just about to shut off the light when Twilight reminded me, about her book. so taking the book out and pick her up I set her on my lap while the others got comfortable and I began to read the first chapter of The Journal of the Two Sisters.
( It's honestly a good book and you should read it)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvfjvlLERko
After I was finished I looked to see all of my girls were sound asleep placing the book down, I carefully place Twili into her crib making sure the others were alright before turning off the light. Only to have a night light of the sun and moon to lightly illuminate the room. Closing the door just enough I turned to walk down the hall. Stopping at my bedroom door to read the note left by Ruth only to smile about what she wrote I entered my own room and got ready for bed. Thinking if today is any indication of what it's going to be like raising six magical fillies. Then I got my work cut out for me I just pray that I'll be here for them through all of this.
Oh if you're wondering what Ruth wrote here it is.

Devin,
I know I say things and they come off rude or insensitive but that's how I am.
I just want you to know that I love you and those girls as if you were all my family.
Now that's out of the way get you boney but up and ask that girl out.
I know damn well you haven't been out with a girl in over two years in more ways than one.
Love Ruth

Author's Note

If you curious about the girls they stand about one foot tall at the tops of their heads. The same height as a standard plushie but they're a lot softer and cuter.

Chapter 3 First Day Outside

As the sun rose, its life-giving energy bathed the world in its glow and the same glow had to shine right in my face. Grumbling I rolled over only to have an empty picture frame reflect the light right back into my eyes. Know I will never escape this torment I get up complaining to no one but myself. As I raise I look over to the alarm clock 7 AM the alarm won't go off for another hour why, why am I awake now? Oh yeah, my girls now I remember I was going to take them outside today. And as if on cue my six angels start waking up the first was Applejack, to be honest, I think she was up at dawn but waited until I started to get up but who knows. Walking it to their room I was greeted with the sight of five of the girls smiling at me I say five because Rainbow Dash had wrapped herself up in her blanket refusing to wake up. Seeing this I decided to play a little game with her.

Getting down lower to her crib I looked at the other girls and smiled.
"Oh, no girls it looks like Rainbow Dash is gone I guess she won't be able to go outside today," I said I my most childishly shocked voice.

Not even ten seconds later a blanket flew through the air with the now fully awake Rainbow Dash hovering in front of me with a smile on her face.

"We go ouside dat is awesome!" Rainbow yells trying to do a flip in the air for her only to go in a circle.

"Yes we are but first, we need to get cleaned up then eat some breakfast so let's go my little ponies," I said as I shook my head for saying that last part. Man, it was just so cheesy.

After getting all the girls cleaned which, was easier this time we headed downstairs only to be greeted by everyone's favorite caregiver and housekeeper Ruth but this time she wasn't alone. Standing next to her was the ten-year-old form of Tai. And when she saw the girls I could have sworn she 'squeed'.

Running over to the girls she bounced around laughing and saying "They're real they're really real I told momma they were real and grandma and I were going to visit them but she said it was just a dream." Tai said lowering her head at the last part thinking her mom didn't believe her.

Hearing that Ruth and I looked at each other before I spoke. "Tai sweetie what do you mean you told your mom that they were real how did you know?"

She turned around looking at me while holding Fluttershy in her arms like a newborn baby smiling. "Princess Luna told me in my dream, she said I was going to meet them and be their Aunt then when they grew up all the..." She said before trailing off looking a little upset at the end. "I'm sorry Uncle Devin but I can't remember anymore." She said still looking upset.

Walking over to her I pull her into a hug making sure not to hurt Fluttershy. "That's ok sweetie it 'll come to you in time but look on the bright side you get to be the girl's Aunt Tai right?" I said making her smile once more.

"Now that's all well and good but certain little ponies and a little girl still need to eat their breakfast and so does a big oaf of a father," Ruth said walking past me to the kitchen.

Looking at her as she made her way in there I smiled. "I love you too," I yelled to her as Tai help me gather the girls up and take them into the kitchen to get breakfast.

Placing them in their respected high chairs I helped Tai into her seat seeing how she needed a booster seat I stacked some books up for her. When everyone and ponies were seated we said grace and began eating. During our meal, I decided to tell the girls what we going to do today.

"Girls I have a surprise for you, today we're going to go outside and play in the yard," I said making them all look at me with the biggest smiles they could muster.

I looked at all of their happy faces them I saw something that made my heart hurt Fluttershy was shaking in fear.

Moving over to her I pulled her into a hug. "Fluttershy sweetie what's the matter?" I asked her.

She looked at me with her big doe eyes and trembling lips." It going be scarwe outside?" she asked in an almost whispered tone.

"Oh no sweetie it's not scary in fact you might get to see some animals like birds, chipmunks, and squirrels," I said making her light up with the hope of seeing real animals. (Oh how wrong I was at saying that.)

After that little bump, we went back to eating to their credit Rainbow Dash and Applejack started to show their competitive sides as they were eating a little too fast for my taste. So being the adult I put a stop to it telling them if they don't behave there's no going outside. And that did it although they still kept giving each other sideways looks, I guess they'll always be like that no matter where they are. As we finish up I helped Ruth clean up before I got the girls ready thankfully Tai was there to help me. When the girls learned they were going outside this morning not much could keep them still.

I did find out one thing all those fanfics saying giving Pinkie caffeine would be bad well they were way off because she got a hold of Tai's Mountian Dew and chugged half of it before we could stop her. And nothing happened well except for the thunderous burp and the change of her diaper that is but there was nothing.

Besides that, I still needed to keep my promise and take them outside so we gathered at the back door and made our way out into the vast space that is the yard. At first, the girls just huddled around me but after some encouraging words, they started to venture out. It didn't take long for Rainbow to start hovering around while Applejack moved over to the small tree line. Oh yeah, remember when I told Fluttershy about the animals well we did get some birds and a few squirrels but we also got two skunks, five cats, and a raccoon yeah all of that showed up and hung around Fluttershy. To tell the truth, I was so scared not because of the animals hurting her but of how cute she looked talking to them. Things were going well all the girls either sat and played with Tai or like rainbow tried to fly around the yard. Then I saw Ruth come outside she was carrying three small saplings with her. I looked and recognized what they were, apple trees and not just any apple trees two of them were very special ones.

"Applejack sweetie could you come over here," I said as I took one of the trees from Ruth.

Crawling over Applejack looked up and the smile on her face grew as big as Pinkies.

" Daddy does apple twees," She asked pointing a hoof at the one I was holding.

"Eeyup, they sure are my little apple farmer," I said making her sort of dance around it was more like wiggling and laughing.

We walk over to the perfect spot and planted her first apple orchard. And yes I know three trees do not make an orchard but to a little filly, it was so I am going with that. We even put up a little sign in front of the trees that said, Sweet Apple Acers, I think I put up a picket fence with a gate so I can hang the sign above it. But before that, I had to make a point across so I turned to look at my little apple pony.

"Now Applejack you have to remember that these trees are your responsibility that means you have to take care of them so they can grow big and strong giving us delicious apples," I said as she finished patting the soil around the last tree.

"Ok, papa, I will," She said before turning to look at the trees. "Now you grow big and strowng just like Papa said so we can hab debrious apples,"

As Applejack made her way over to the others I went and got the sprinkler and set it up to water the trees. But I had to stop over at the faucet when I became lightheaded and it was hard to breathe. I knew what this was what it mint but I wasn't going to let it. Leaning against the house I closed my eyes.

"No, you will not do this not now you have six little fillies that need you, so suck it up you hear me this family needs you, and nothing or nobody is going to stop it." I thought to myself over and over until I started feeling better.

After that, I checked to see if the coast was clear before turning on the water. Then I made my way over to join everyone else. Getting closer I could see the look that Ruth was giving me and I knew that she knew what had happened but she seemed to keep it to herself. As I watched my girls played and for the first time I truly felt like a father. We had a ball until seven little tummies began to rumble and I knew it was time for lunch. Instead of going inside, we decided to have a picnic out on the patio. Looking around at everyone while they ate I thought for a moment before going to retrieve my laptop setting it on the patio table I began looking through websites until I found the right one.

"Whatcha looking for Uncle Devin?" Tai asked me leaning over to look at the screen.

"Well, I was thinking of having a pool put in. Nothing fancy just something that we can use to have fun and help keep me in shape," I said looking up from the computer to see eight surprising sets of eyes looking at me.

I started to laugh but stopped when a loud pop was heard and confetti began to fall from the sky. I looked over to see Pinkie dancing around in her chair with what looked like her party cannon.

"Yay, we can hab a pool party!" Pinkie cried again as she pulled the string on the cannon making it go off once more but this time balloons and streamers flew everywhere.

"What in the how did she...." That was all Ruth could say before Tai jumps in to explain.

"Grandma that's just Pinkie being Pinkie," She said laughing at the confused look her grandmother was showing.

"I don't think the Lord Almighty could figure out that pink little angel of yours and she being one of his creations," Ruth said shaking her head.

We all had a little laugh about that but after lunch, it was time for the girls to take their naps even though a few of them tried to get out of it. but a stern look from Ruth changed their minds. I figured it would be better for them to sleep inside I laid out a few blankets and pillows on the living room floor. Heck, even Tai laid down to join the girls. And as they all fell asleep I move to the kitchen table to continue looking for the right swimming pool only to get hit in the back of the head by a very annoyed-looking Ruth.

"Yeah, yeah I know and I'm sorry ok?" I said not looking at her

"You should be apologizing to me you should do it to your daughters. What if this was the one did you ever think about that? What do you think would happen to those girls of yours?" Ruth said through gritted teeth.

"I'm sorry I should have told you but I didn't want to scare the girls ok?" I said looking her in the eyes. And I promise you if it happens again I say it, but I swear that nothing is going to stop me from raising these girls."

"I hope you're right and I'll pray for you now get you but in there and take a nap with your girl because before too long they'll be getting too old for that," Ruth said taking my laptop away from me and pushing me to the living room.

I laid down on the floor and without opening their eyes all six girls crawled over to me to cuddle even Tai moved over. Closing my eyes I knew that I was going to keep that promise no matter what.

The rest of the day went as well as it could go. After the nap, I had the privilege of changing six wet diapers it seemed that the girls were a little too relaxed from their nap. I didn't care it's what a father would do. But Ruth could have helped but no all she did was stand there and laugh at me until I threatened to throw a diaper at her. When all that was done we went back outside for the rest of the day until it was dinner time. But this time instead of having the girls sleep in their own room they all slept in mine. Cuddled up to me they fell asleep quickly. I waited until I knew they were asleep before I got up and went downstairs to say goodnight to Ruth and Tai. Who by the way was asleep and being carried in her grandmother's arms.

I let them go and turned to head back upstairs only to stop and think about well everything that has happened and will happen. Saying a silent prayer that I would be here for the girls until it was time for them to go out and start their own lives hoping that day would be very long-off. Before continuing back to my room where my daughters are sleeping and waiting for their daddy to cuddle up with them for a good night's sleep.

Unknown to anyone, outside there stood three shadowy figures looking at what was happening in the home.

One of the figures spoke up. "Do you really think it was a good idea to let this one raise all of them its health is very questionable?"

"I am absolutely sure he is the right one and this will prove to you both that humans deserve a second chance," The figure answered.

Chapter 4 Daddy's Date

Well it's been a week and the girls and I are doing just fine, in fact, things are better than I'd hoped. Let me explain see when the girls arrived they could barely crawl around and now even though they're still babies they're walking somewhat normally in Dash's case flying. I actually have to put a child leash on her when we go outside so she doesn't fly higher than the house. I know you hear leash and think dog well you're wrong it is a harness you put on a child but I do use a fifty-foot line attached to it. But like I said the girls are doing better and so am I. What's new, about them is Twilight and Rarity are starting to show signs of their magic due to sparks coming from their horns. Pinkie is getting better at her talent when she threw a party for all of them after they learned how to use their potties, yes it was a Potty Party. As for Applejack, I made her a training stand so she could practice bucking for when she gets a little older. Fluttershy well I had to install a doggie door so she could have some of her animal friends visit her. I'm still not too keen on having a skunk in the house but she said Miss Flower promised never to spray inside the house so what can I do?

But there is some dark news it seems that I can't delay it any longer especially since both Ruth and Rarity won't stop pestering me about it. Finally giving up I decided tomorrow night was my date with Dianna. So here I am taking advice about what to wear, from my baby fashionista daughter. And let me tell you this I have never been more nervous than I am right now. I haven't been on a date since, well, for a while and we'll keep it at that. I have no idea what to talk about the only thing s interesting in my life are my girls and I can't tell Dianna about them not yet anyway. Wait what am I thinking no definitely not there's no way I'm telling her anything at any time maybe I don't know. Forget it I'll just call her up and cancel but I did promise that I'd go out with her and I don't want my girls to see me break a promise especially Pinkie. Fine, we'll go out but no talking about the girls or anything happening at home just dinner and a movie and that's it.

"I'm really glad you asked me out, I thought you'd just forget about it?" Dianna said as we danced.

"Of course not a promise is a promise," I said as my hands moved from her side to her back.

We decided to go to the Moose Lodge as they were having a dance there for their members and families. And it so happens that I'm a Moose and an Elk, Eagle, Mason, and an I.O.O.F (Independent Order of Odd Fellows) member. But that's not important right now what's important is we're dancing and it was a slow love song and, to be honest, I really like it. Dianna had her arms wrapped around my neck while I held her tight around the waist as we slowly swayed back and forth to the music lost in one another's eyes. At that moment I wanted to tell her everything about the girls but I stopped it wasn't the right time.

After the dance, we went over to sit down but were stopped by one of the town's self-proclaimed ladies man I say one of seeing as all of them are brothers and not one of them finished High School, in fact, they never even finished Juinor High. And all three of them hated me because I bought the land my house is now on and it just so happens they used to go there to do a little, oh, who am I kidding a lot of poaching. It got so bad they nearly killed off the entire deer and elk populations not to mention almost every other animal. So yay I didn't like them at all and I was happy I did it.

"Well, well, well, if it ain't mister save the animals you got a lot of nerve coming here," The center of the three said stepping over to our table.

I just rolled my eyes knowing full well even if they're drunk they won't start anything. I was about to speak when Dianne stood up and yelled at them.

"Why don't you, Gutter boys, just leave cause I know none of ya are members of this lodge," She said loud enough to get the attention of some of the others around us.

The brothers stood back looking at all the angry faces before turning back to me. " You better watch yourself next time you won't have your girlfriend to protect ya," The oldest one said before the three of them turned and left.

"I don't think they'll ever give up hating you and it's been almost five years," Dianna said taking her seat again.

I just looked at her for a second. That's all your going to complain about not the fact that they said you were my girlfriend or anything?" I asked her as she scooted closer.

"Well, it's true I'm a girl and your friend so logically I'm your girlfriend," She said looking at me smiling.

"Ok, Miss Logic whatever you say," I said shaking my head smiling.

"Devin, I'm serious it been some time since she left, and you know how I feel about you, so all I'm asking is for you to just give it, give us a chance, please?" Dianna said placing her hand on mine and squeezing it.

I sat there and looked into her eyes her tear-filled eyes and all I could think about was my girls and how it would be truly nice to have someone else know about them and be able to help me when I needed it seeing as I couldn't rely on Ruth forever although if you thought about it that woman would die she'd just nasty away.

"Ok, I try but can we take it slow?" I said making her smile and Squee yes she squeed as she wrapped her arms around my neck and leaned in to kiss me.

Without thinking I leaned in myself and when our lips touched I felt a spark of something it almost felt like the way I feel about my daughters but different but that couldn't be right could it?