“You! I… how?” Angel sputtered staring at the mare before her. “Why are you a mare!? H-How are you pregnant!?”

Gala smirked. “Well you see when a stallion and a mare love each other very much-”

“YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN!” Angel screamed. This just caused Gala to erupt into giggles.

“Sorry! Sorry! I couldn’t help it!” It was surreal to see her like this. The usually big stoic stallion, as this animated expressive little mare. Angel’s eyes once more focused on the extended belly. Maybe not little per say…

“I suppose I should start from the beginning.” Gala said having finally, mostly, contained her giggles. “You see, Caramel and I found this book…”

~~~

( Read this story for the full details:)

As Red Gala told her story, Angel couldn’t help but just sit there stunned. What were the odds of this happening during the same time as her own gender bender fender? Also, how was Gala just so… relaxed about the entire ordeal? She had gone from a big burly stallion to an expecting mare! With twins no less! Yet… Yet that didn’t seem to bother her at all. If anything she seemed excited about it.

Was… was being pregnant that pleasant? It certainly wasn't all fun and games when Cup was carrying the twins. Though... there were times when she looked so happy. Laying there, gazing joyfully at her pregnant tummy...

“So as you imagine things were quite lively at the farm yesterday," Gala continued, breaking Angel's thought. "this little outing is the first me time I’ve gotten since.” That comment actually got her to frown a bit. “They’ll likely be out looking for me soon.”

“Oh…” Angel felt her heart leap up into her throat. She couldn’t imagine how the other Apple’s had taken to this news. “Are they… upset?”

Much to her surprise, Gala snorted in laughter.

“You kidden? Granny didn’t even bat an eye. In fact I kid you not her first words upon seeing me were “Took ya long enough!”

Angel’s eyes widened. “W-what?”

“Yeah that’s what I said.” Gala added with a faraway look. “She really did know all this time, even though I kept lying to myself about it. Gotta give it to the old mare…”

“So.. she’s fine with it? What about Applejack? Bloom?”

“Yeah, she knew. Knew me better than I did myself.” Gala replied with a smile. “As for Applebloom, she was confused but not against it. Applejack seems to be taking it the hardest. I’m not sure she’s ready to accept she doesn’t have a brother anymore… Still, she’s AJ and she’s trying to be supportive. It’s… gonna be rough for a while though.”

“A-and how are you feeling?”

The smile returned to Gala’s lips. “Sugercube, I ain’t ever felt better.” She blushed, rubbing a hoof on her tummy. “Never told no pony but I used ta dream about this. This body? Becoming a mother? I-I used to tell myself it wasn’t possible. T-that I couldn’t…”

Silence fell upon them. Angel couldn’t begin to guess at what was running through the former Big Mac’s mind, but it had to be something wild. Still for as strange as all this was, Red Gala seemed happy. To just suddenly go from being a stallion to a mare she now understood well but in her case it’d be over in a week. In Gala’s case…

“Do you want to touch it?” Gala asked quietly, having been watching Angel.

“H-Huh?” Angel stammered back in confusion. It took a few moments for her to realize she’d been fixated on the red mare’s midsection. Apparently Gala taking her staring for a desire to touch. That hadn’t been her original intent, but now that the offer was presented to her…

“C-can I?” She couldn’t deny the fascination she had with this. Unlike her there was clearly no going back for a long while for Gala. Even more, given what she was hearing, she had a feeling Gala wasn't going back.

“Go right ahead sugercube.” Gala replied as she shifted her weight to give better access to her foal bump. It was so surreal. Knowing this mare was a stallion like herself just one day ago.

Slowly her hoof reached out to the large red tummy. The fur warm and inviting. The skin stretched taut as two little lives grew inside her. It gave Angel flashbacks to when Cup Cake was pregnant. Right down to the belly button having become an outie.

Gently she pressed her hoof into the red mass, letting it sink very slightly into its mass. She could feel them. Feel the two foals squirming around. The warmth of the mother as she took in a soft breath at the touch. Blushing Angel Cake almost felt like she was cheating on her wife somehow. After all only very close ponies should be allowed to touch a soon to be mother’s belly like this. Carrot still remembered the many ponies who seemed entitled to touching Cup Cake when she was carrying. At the time it had infuriated both him and his wife, yet… yet when it was him or a close friend or relative, like Pinkie, being allowed to touch. Cup had always gotten this look of pure delight on her face. As if being able to share such a thing was a gift. Carrot had loved every moment he was allowed to, but... he never really thought of how it was for Cup Cake.

How would it be like for her? If… if she was to become with foal…

“I still can’t believe it’s real.” Gala said softly as she relished in Angel’s touch. “I had to have Twilight double check just to be sure.”

“I-I’m honestly shocked.” Angel replied quietly, pulling her hoof away. She turned her gaze toward Gala’s own. “To go from a stallion to a mare this pregnant. It seems impossible!”

“So did Twilight.” Gala nodded. “But they're real. They are very much real, and very much a pain on my bladder!” With a groan she got up and looked around for any sort of restroom. “I’m sure you’re very aware of how often a mare has to pee because of this.”

To that Angel did giggle. “Oh yes, Cup complained to me about that almost hourly.” She smiled at the memory. Ugh, if she was to have foals, she bet Cup would rub it in so hard.

“Still how is it possible? I mean you were in a book. Just, just how?”

“Well time flows differently in there from what I understood from Twi’s explanation.” Gala said as she made her way to a nearby shop, hopeful to use its facilities. “When Mel and I did it, I possessed a real mare’s body with real um, biological functions, as she put it. Meaning um, his little swimmers were able to get to eggs I didn’t know I had.”

Angel had to stop herself from rolling her eyes at that phrasing.

“Anyway turns out that when the book skipped ahead, it really skipped ahead months for me. Normally I’d have probably reverted the moment I got out of that book, but like any good magic-using ponyfolk, Twi makes sure magic can’t harm life and well… I most certainly have life in me s-so it just sorta popped me out as so.” She waved a hoof over her body.

“That… that seems dangerous to have a book that can do that.” Angel shivered as she spoke. She’d heard of the comic book incident with the Power Ponies from Pinkie Pie, but if the spell was this bad. How was it not banned?

“It is, that’s why the spell is under so much security.” Gala said with a wince. Angel knew enough to know that one of the foals had kicked her. “If Spike wasn’t who he was I doubt he’d have been able to buy that enchanted comic book. Only one store in Canterlot sells em, and you have to jump through some mighty hoops to gain access to any.” Well that made sense at least. Something this powerful wouldn’t be just sold on every street corner after all.

“So where is the book now?”

“With Twilight of course. Don’t know what she did with it, but I’m guessing it was either made into a regular book again, or she’s tweaking it.”

“Well looks like if she’s tweaking it, she needs to add an escape phrase.”

“Y-Yeah so there’s a funny story about that.” Gala said, a blush very visible on her cheeks. It was rather impressive given her red coat.

“Yeah, so it turns out all ya gotta do to escape the book is just ask it to let ya go.”

Angel stared at her blankly.

“Seriously?”

Gala actually seemed to forget her pressing need to pee long enough to hide her face. “I know I know! Even worse you’re only stuck in there for an hour tops and then it spits you back out! Mel and I could have just sat there for a bit, or simply looked up and said “Hey can we please get out?” and pop! We’d have been back in that alley as if nothing had happened!”

The two mares stood there for a moment simply staring at each other in disbelief before a giggle escaped Gala’s mouth. For whatever reason, this caused her to let out her own little giggle, and soon the two mares were laughing and giggling like a couple of school fillies. It was just so absurd!

“Oh geez!” Angel breathed between giggles. “I bet you both feel so silly!”

“We do!” Gala replied, straining with as much effort to speak being equally out of breath. “If we’d have just been patient, well… well I wouldn’t be here like this right now.” She shook her head, still all smiles. “Thank Celestia we weren’t. I wouldn’t trade how I am now for the world.”

As soon as she said that she winced. “Though I might trade not having ta pee every fifteen minutes. Gotta go!” She exclaimed rushing into the store. Without meaning to, Angel followed getting to see the recognizing look the shop worker gave Gala before pointing out the restroom. If not for her age, Angel would have suspected the mare to have foals of her own. At the very least she must know someone who had.

The shopkeep mare herself was a bit on the youthful side. Pure white coat, red mane. Angel bet the colts took a shine to her rather often. Wonder if she had problems with louts like the one that had been harassing her earlier? She knew Cup Cake had in the past before most town folks learned she was married to him. Would this mean Gala too would be hit on like that? Even though it was clear she was with foal? Looking back to the shopkeeper, she had a feeling it was probably exactly as she feared. Somepony that cute? Hopefully she met a nice stallion like Evening. Maybe she should introduce them?

An image of him trotting in and nuzzling the mare flashed in her mind. An image that caused her to… frown. Odd she had meant for it to be an innocent daydream of him finding that other mare given ‘Angel’ wouldn’t be sticking around. So why did it.. Irritate her to imagine that?

Shaking the thoughts away, she scoulded herself. She didn't even know if this mare was taken, and for all she knew this mare liked other mares, or didn't care for relationships at all. She needed to stop thinking of such things. Instead she decided to look around the shop itself. Oh! She knew this place. ‘Bottom of the Barrel’ she believed it was called, It was a small corner thrift store he and Cup had visited a few times before. They’d have all sorts of neat things for sale, including some cheap yet amazing looking jewelry. One of the few sets of merch locked safely behind glass. Cup had gotten a few nice pieces here before.

Not wanting to just up and disappear on Gala, she silently browsed the isles, finding herself looking at the jewelry. Maybe she could find something new for Cup Cake? It’d be a nice little surprise to apologize for running from work in a sense, even though she was certain Pinkie had already explained what happened. Poor Pinkie. She’d have to get her something as well. Heh, though maybe not jewelry. Besides the Element of Laughter, she never really saw Pinkie wear much. Maybe it just wasn't her thing.

Come to think of it, Gala wasn’t wearing her yoke anymore. Guess she shouldn’t be surprised given how incredibly large and heavy that might be, especially for a pregnant mare. It was kinda funny in a strange way. As a stallion he had worn something that could almost be described and jewelry, and now as a mare-

Her thoughts stopped as she caught her reflection in a display mirror to help potential shoppers see how such trinkets would look upon them. Most stallions she knew likely wouldn't think twice about this mirror. They'd never need it as most didn't wear such things. If she as Carrot had put on his wife's earrings, he'd likely get weird looks as he worked his shift from all the customers. As a mare though, one wouldn’t care if she wore something like a diamond necklace, or earrings or…

Suddenly everything in those display cases took on a new light. She was a mare right now. That means she could buy and wear anything here, and no pony would even mind. In fact most would probably compliment her on it. Even Cup Cake or Pinkie would likely praise her for finding something cute to wear.

It wasn’t like stallions couldn’t wear jewelry of course, but the obvious reasons of why that usually didn’t happen were pretty clear. Yet, as a mare it was just a given that they could and often did wear such things. Things she now had complete and total access to if she so chose.

It was like emerging from a lake and seeing the world clearly for the first time. Looking around her everything began to sink in. Those old dresses in the corner? She could put them on! Those hats hanging on the wall that one could expect Rarity to have on her head at any given time? Now she could try a few as well! She had the body for both, and nopony would even bat an eye at her indulging.

That also meant… all these necklaces, chokers, bracelets, hairpins. They were all sitting there, beckoning to her. She could take one. Any single one and wear it as if it was nothing. Shivering, her eyes darted this way and that. Dare she do it? Dare she really indulge herself?

“Um, you okay hun?” The shop mare asked, giving her a rather concerned look. Angel nearly jumped out of her skin.

“Oh geez I’m sorry! Didn’t mean to startle you!” The mare cried backing up a few paces. Angel fought back her breathing, calming herself. Just what was with her?

“N-No I’m okay just… lost in thought.” It had just never occurred to her before that being a mare meant more than simply being ogled by males instead of females, not that he was ogled by many mares while Carrot Cake, but being a mare also meant there were so many more options for clothing and accessories then she’d ever dreamed!

“I’ll say, you jumped as if there was a spider in your dress!” The shopkeep said with a slight giggle. Angel couldn’t say she enjoyed that visual.

“Y-Yeah sorry just. Overwhelmed.”

“Really? Well we do get the rather nice spread from time to time. See anything that catches your eye?”

Angel shook her head. “J-Just looking.” Where could she even begin with all this?

“Well looking for what exactly? Maybe I can help.” The mare said with a typical sales pony smile. “An evening out? Formal event? Or maybe ya just want that extra bit to catch the eye of some cutie?”

“Some cutie…” She found herself repeating, Evening once again popping up in her mind. Would he look at her differently if she added a piece of jewelry? She felt herself blush. Why did she keep thinking of him? She had only been teasing him as a test!

“Ah! So trying to catch the eye of some mare or stallion? Then I’d suggest something simple yet cute that complements your colors. Anything too fancy might get ponies to notice you, but for not the good reasons.”

Angel just sat there as the mare looked through the many items on display, nodding or shaking her head at this and that. Try as she might she just couldn’t bring herself to stop her from helping. What was she even supposed to say? In the end she felt it was best to just let this play out and then maybe say she didn’t have the bits or something. Given she hadn’t taken any sort of money pouch or even purse with her this morning, that was actually true.

“Hmm how about a hairpin? With that mane I bet we could find a really nice one!”

“A hairpin?” Angel echoed looking at the small cluster of them. They had a surprising amount given the type of store they were. The shopkeep just nodded as Angel browsed. Well there were many for sale. Some with a heart design. A few hoofprint ones, many many stars. Nothing that… whoa.

Sitting there, all by its lonesome in the center, seemingly calling out to her was a teal hairpin of all things, a slice of Cake. Hard to tell what it was supposed to be given the entire thing was teal-colored, but it could have been a slice of carrot or angel cake. It was pretty much perfect.

“I think it’ll look good on you.” Gala suddenly said from behind her. Angel once again jumped. Had she really gotten so skitterish?

“Gala! I uh-”

“She’ll take it.” Gala said matter of factly, setting the bits for it down on the counter. Angel didn’t even realize Gala had money with her!

“W-what!?” Angel stammered trying to regain control of the situation. “Gala I can’t let you-”

“Shush, what kind of friend would I be if I can’t help one of my fillyfriends out in a time like this?” Gala replied with a mischievous smile on her face.

“Thank you kindly!” The shopkeep mare said bagging the purchase and pushing it over with her muzzle. “You’re going to look great in it miss..?”

It took a moment for Angel to realize the shopkeep was asking her name. “Oh! Uh Angel Cake! N-Nice to meet you!”

The mare smiled. “Likewise. I’m Spring Periwinkle. So…”

Angel blinked. “So?”

Spring giggled. “Try it on silly! Let’s see how it looks!”

Try it on!?

“Oh uh I-”

“Don’t be nervous Angel. Here I’ll help.” Gala spoke up, removing the pin from its bag. Angel couldn’t do much other than sit there and let her fuss with and arrange her mane so the pin could be put in it. Angel nearly bit her lip. Gala was enjoying this entirely too much!

“There we go!” Gala exclaimed, taking a step back. “Oh wow, this was a good choice!”

Spring actually whistled. “I’ll say, if that stallion doesn’t notice you now, he might not be into mares!” Angel’s breath caught. She was beginning to realize that such statements likely weren’t made in jest. Trying not to let her nerves fail her, she quickly turned her gaze to the small mirror and gasped.

It shouldn't be such an improvement. Just one little trinket in her hair shouldn’t make her look pop like this, but it did. It ever so did.

“I-I look…”

“Wonderful.” Gala finished giving her a slight nudge. Shall we go show Cup Cake and Pinkie?” Angel’s eyes widened. Oh dear Luna what would they say to see her with this!? Her mind was still spinning as they exited the shop, waving goodbye to Peri. Even though she had just come from outside, wearing the same outfit she had on now, something felt different.

“Hey, Hey Mr. Cake you okay?” Gala’s voice managed to pierce her confusion. Focusing on the mare beside her, she did her best to pull herself together.

“I-I think so? It’s just… Oh Big Mac how are you so calm? You’ve been a mare for about as long as I have and it’s like you’ve never been anything but! Meanwhile I’m... I’m...”

“Hey now, don’t go comparing your situation to mine, it’s definitely different for you.” Gala said as they walked. “You forget, I just told ya deep down I’ve always wanted to be a mare, but I’m going to guess it ain't’ quite the same fer you.”

“Er n-no I never really… I mean I’ve thought about it once or twice. I think every stallion does, but I never thought… never wanted…”

Gala nodded. “And that’s okay. It’s okay if you want to take that off and put it away never to wear it again. Though I hope you’ll remember your time as a mare if nothing else. Growing up a colt, I think… I think it’s nice being able to see both sides of the fence.”

“That’s what Cup Cake thinks. At least I’m pretty sure she does…” Angel said quietly as they walked. Even now she could notice the looks stallions were giving her still. If that Arrow guy came back, he’d likely hound her relentlessly wanting a date. If the hairpin attracted more attention, maybe she should put it away…

Still Red Gala had just paid her own bits to buy it for her. Also she hadn’t shown Cup Cake yet. Or Pinkie. What would they think?

A certain black stallion flashed in her mind. Would… would he like it? Wait no! She didn't care about that!

“You’re strong Gala. Very strong.” Angel whispered. “You’re a mare and with twin foals just like that and you’ve kept it together. I’d be a nervous wreck.” She almost expected Gala to laugh at that. To have some words of wisdom. Instead she was met with silence. Silence enough to get her to stop their trot.

“Gala?” The Red mare’s face was solemn.

“I-I honestly don’t know if I am.” Gala replied facing away. “I’ve played the part sure, but am I really strong? Or is it just how I’ve been raised?” She shivered, then turned to face her.

“Sugercube the truth is I’m scared. Deep down I’m terrified, but… but not from what I thought I’d be…”

“W-what do you mean?”

“I-I did think suddenly having this mare body would terrify me. I thought having to face all the ponies I knew see me like this would be scary.” She closed her eyes a smile drifting to her lips. “But it doesn’t. I realized I just didn’t care. I was so happy to have the body I’ve always dreamed about… To Tartarus with what anypony else thinks!” The frown returned.

“W-well almost anypony…”

Again Angel felt concerned for her friend. “Gala?” She placed her hoof upon her in support. Something was eating at her, but what? "AppleJack?" Gala shook her head.

"No I told ya she's doing her best. I reckon it'll be rough for a while, but we'll work it out."

"Then what's eating at you? The fact you're pregnant?"

“W-well yes and no.” Gala replied, smiling down at her tummy. “Yes I’m afraid, but more for them than anything. Will they be okay? W-what if there’s a complication? What if because of the book’s magic they up and vanish one day? T-Twilight says that won’t and can’t happen but…” She shivered again.

Angel understood strangely enough. Cup Cake had some similar concerns when she was with foal. It was a scary thought to imagine something going wrong. Any mother-to-be would be nervous and scared. Before she realized it, she had pulled Gala into a hug.

Gala tensed up for a moment before the stress finally seemed to drain out of her. She gave Angel a small nuzzle in return. “T-Thanks sugarcube. I-I needed that.”

“I-I’m sure they’ll be fine. You’ll be fine.” Angel said, wanting to reassure her. “After all you have a family to look after you, the best magical unicorn for miles, and our hospital has some talented medical ponies.” Gala almost laughed.

“Y-Yeah guess you’re right. I-I have nothing to worry about…” Her words said one thing, but the tone said another.

“T-that’s not all is there?” Angel asked. Gala shook her head.

“N-No…”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“I..” Gala sighed. “I guess I probably should. Heh, being afraid to talk. Guess I’m still Big Mac in someways after all.” She did laugh then, a small private laugh to herself as she stared up into the sky. Taking a moment to collect herself she once more turned to face Angel Cake.

“I-It’s Mel, I mean Caramel.” She whispered. “H-He was with me when we talked to my family and AJ certainly had some choice words with him, but he had to go sort things with his own family after. I-I haven’t seen him all day. I don’t know what he’s doing or… or what is going to become of us…”

Caramel. According to Gala’s story he’s the father of those foals in her. Angel didn’t really interact with Caramel much, but she knew him from living in this small town for a while. He was a pretty stand-up guy. Kinda like Evening. Might be why the two were friends. Or at least it seemed that way. She simply couldn’t imagine Caramel would abandon Red Gala like that but at the same time…

“You’re worried what he thinks of you.” Angel couldn’t help but blurt out. She instantly regretted it due to seeing Gala wince.

“Y-Yeah. Honestly I’m still trying to grasp how I feel about him, but… I think I… I think I might really love him. I mean I told him so in the book but… I really think I meant it.”

Angel wanted to give some words of comfort, but the truth was she had no idea what to say. Big Mac had gone from a stallion to a pregnant mare in the span of a day, and was announcing that she was in love with another stallion. It was… something else.

“I-I just wish I knew what was going to happen to us.” Gala continued her voice low. “I-I want to make it work, but, but what if he doesn’t feel the same way back? He said he did in the book but…”

“Well… you’ll never know unless you ask.” Angel spoke the words so naturally. It was a lesson he had learned so long ago. Meanwhile Gala stared at her for a few moments before once more displaying her smile.

“I-I guess you’re right. Nothing to do but ask him right? Heh, I take you’ve had experience with that.”

“I have.” Angel nodded. “Long time ago when I was just becoming a stallion, I saw this beautiful mare. I wanted to ask her out so bad, but was afraid she’d reject me.” She giggled at the memory. “I must have been really obvious because my mom finally dragged me aside and said that if I never asked, I’d never know. So… I asked her.”

“Heh and you and Cup were together ever since?”

Angel laughed. “Ha! That wasn’t Cup Cake. No that mare told me to get lost. It stung bad but looking back. I dodged a spear tip. Imagine what Spoiled Rich used to be before Diamond made friends with the CMC. Except worse.”

The very image caused Gala to cringe. “Yikes.”

“Yikes indeed. Still, if I never asked, I’d have wasted more time fawning over a mare that wasn’t worth it.”

“Sounds like it.” Silence again. Finally Gala nodded to herself. “Alright then, guess I’ll go find him.”

“Now that sounds like a plan.” Angel smiled at her. She wished them luck, though she just had a feeling they were going to end up okay.

“EEYUP!” Gala said with a rather musical giggle to her voice. “Thanks Carrot. For everything.”

“It’s Angel Cake right now, and you’re welcome.” She replied. This had been fun but it was time to return home. She needed to decide where to go from here. What to do. Gala nodded at her and trotted a few steps before she stopped and turned back toward Angel Cake one last time.

“Hey… what did Cup Cake say about you being Angel Cake? Like did she give you any directions?”

“Directions?”

“Like… does she care how you act?” She turned toward the fellow stallion turned mare. “Does she want you to enjoy being a mare?”

“Oh uh, well she’s actually the one who suggested I try things out. S-she even said it’s fine to be the ‘single’ mare Angel Cake is if you can believe it!”

Gala nodded at this, taking it in. “I see.” She walked back up to her and gave her the sternest look she could muster. “I think you should heed that advice.”

This caused Angel to balk. “W-what? Big Mac what are you-”

“Red Gala.” The red mare corrected, her eyes seeming to drill a hole directly into her. “And I mean it. If...If you feel like it’s something worth exploring. Do so. If you feel it’d be worth doing do it. Don’t hold back. Don’t exit this experience with regrets.”

Knowing what she now knew, those words hit hard. “G-Gala…”

“I’ve lived most of my life with a mask on Angel Cake. A mask it took a miracle to remove. I feel freer now than I have in a very long time. Still… that time I spent as Big Mac. That wasn’t wasted. I learned and experienced a lot, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Just… Just keep that in mind.”

With that, the red mare turned away and shuffled off, careful not to strain herself. Angel bet that in a few days time there’d be a frantic sister or ‘husband’ hovering over her making sure she didn’t hurt herself on outings like these.

“...that time I spent as Big Mac. That wasn’t wasted.”

The words ran back through her head. She understood. Even though Big, no even though Red Gala had what she always wanted now. She wouldn’t change her past. She wouldn’t give up the years she spent in the wrong body. Reaching a hoof up to her hairpin, she gently felt it sitting there.

Don’t hesitate. Don’t hold back. This was a once-in-a-lifetime chance. A chance to learn just what it was like to be a mare named Angel Cake.

Still the question remained. Could she bring herself to do it?

Author's Note

So I had to throw in that bit about the comic shop and the enchanted comics. I know most people like that episode, but I still think that explanation that "Oh I bought a magic comic" Is lazy and incredibly stupid, but I won't rant anymore about it here.

The funny thing about this chapter is it began only as Gala and Angel talking. Walking to the shop and the hairpin kinda just happened as I didn't want them to just stand there during all this.

Keep your eyes peeled to this author's notes if I decide to add anything later. I tried to finish up editing this real quick before work so I can give it to you guys, but I gotta get ready now.