Herd Life (General Version)

Chapters

Chapter One. A Fatefull Encouter
Chapter Two. An Unexpected Discovery
Chapter Three. Confrontations
Chapter Four Hard Decisions

Chapter One. A Fatefull Encouter

Author's Note

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This is a revised addition of Herd Life with the graphic sex scenes removed or toned way down. The story still contains graphic depictions of births and gore. Because of this, it is still tagged as"Mature".

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Chapter One. A Fatefull Encouter

Life in the herd was hard and oftentimes short lived for many ponies. Traveling from place to place, seeking out fresh grazing lands to feed their numbers was a hard life, especially for the foals who had to follow after their mothers. Every day was a continuous struggle for mothers to care for and feed their young foals, who were entirely dependent on them.

In the vast, wild lands, in the world that still had not been named by its simple denizens, there was a rugged mountain range whose snow capped peaks still had never felt the hoofprint of any mountain goat. Running along the base of the great mountain range was long chain of foothills that supported a vast forest whose dense foliage hid ancient things never before seen by pony eyes.

Running out from the foothills, rich grasslands and light forests peppered the rolling land all the way to the horizon, with rivers and streams cutting through the lands to provide much needed water to those downstream.

Within one of the numerous pastoral fields that dotted the land, a large herd of ponies were settled in to graze upon its rich springtime grasses.

Little Celestia bent her head down and sniffed at the grass and grimaced. Why must she eat this? It tasted horrible!

"Go on, sweetie, just a little bit," her mother said, urging her on.

Celestia looked up at her mother, and pouted. "But it tastes so bad! Why do I have to eat it?"

Her mother gave her a loving and patient smile. "Because, sweetie, I can't nurse you forever. I’ve already nursed you well past when you should have been weaned. You must learn to eat grown up food," she explained.

Celestia sulked and kicked at the ground. All around her, a gathering of mares milled about, gossiping among themselves as they ate at the soft grass. Many of them had foals tucked up close to their side. Others had older foals that were allowed to run off and play together a short ways off, always keeping sure to stay under the watchful eyes of the mares at all times. There were dangerous beasts out there, who would be very eager to snatch up some unwary foal that wandered too far from the safety of the herd.

Bending her head down, Celestia gathered her courage and grabbed a mouthful of grass, and started to chew. Her little face scrunched up in distaste at the sour taste that filled her mouth. With a mighty effort, she managed to swallow her tiny mouthful.

"There see, that wasn't that bad, was it?" her mother said, nuzzling her neck.

Celestia leaned herself into her mother's comforting touch and smiled. Her mother gave the best nuzzles.

“Okay. I did what you told me,” Celestia said with a sulk. “Can I have nummies, now?”

Her mother looked down at her and sighed with a amused smile as she shook her head. “Fine, but I want you to take two big bites of grass tomorrow, okay?”

Celestia grimaced at the thought of eating more of that disgusting grass, but nodded up at her mother anyways. Tomorrow was a long ways off and she wanted her nummies now!

“Okay,” her mother said and opened her stance to allow Celestia to run under her to latch her little mouth onto one of her teats.

Mindful of her teeth, Celestia suckled greedily, until her mother's milk flowed into her mouth. Swallowing, Celestia hummed her pleasure as she suckled more milk into her mouth. Why was this being taken from her? It was so much better than that yucky grass!

As she nursed, Celestia flicked her ear back as she heard one of the other mares approach her mother.

"Still nursing your filly, I see," a mare's stern voice said to her mother.

"She's still having trouble eating grass," Celestia’s mother replied.

"You're much too soft with her, Meadowlark!" the mare scolded. "You should just kick her off, and let her go hungry until she learns that she can't always have the teat. That is what I did for my colt. Let me tell you a story about what happened when Pebble Stream refused to wean her colt."

Without releasing her mother’s teat, Celestia looked out. From just beside the mare, a little charcoal brown colt shyly looked back at her. He looked about the same age as her, but Celestia wasn’t sure. He was so thin it was hard for her to tell. Along his sides she could see his ribs pressing out and his cheeks looks gaunt.

Celestia noticed the colt’s eyes kept glancing up at her and licked at his lips hungrily. Her heart went out to him. Releasing her mother's teat, Celestia glanced out and saw that the colt’s mother was totally ignoring him as she talked with her mother. Looking back at the colt, Celestia crossed over to him.

“Hello,” Celestia greeted him. Keeping her voice down.

The colt glanced up at his mother nervously to see if she had noticed. “Um… hello,” he answered her back softly.

“My name is Celestia. What’s yours?”

The colt glanced up at his mother again before answering. “My name is… Ash. Ash Cloud.”

“Ash Cloud?” Celestia repeated. “That’s an unusual name. Why are you named that?”

Ash flicked his eyes back to his mother. “Mama told me that when I was born, my color reminded her of the smoke that came off a forest fire, filling the air with its dirty soot.”

“Ohh!” Celestia exclaimed. “Did you know that that’s when the sunset is the prettiest!? It goes all red and orange everywhere!”

Ash’s eyes brightened. “Really?”

“My mama saw it once. She described it to me,” Celestia said. “I want to see it myself someday.”

Ash smiled. “Yeah. That sounds nice.”

Celestia leaned in closer. “Would you like to be my friend?”

Ash blinked at her a moment. With a nervous look back up at his mother, Ash nodded. “I’d like that.”

Celestia pursed her lips. “Why do you keep looking up at your mama?”

Ash dropped his eyes and shook his head. “She gets angry and yells at me when I do something she doesn’t approve of. I don’t like it when she yells at me.”

Celestia didn’t know how to respond. Why would his mama yell at him? Her mama had never yelled at her. That wasn’t right. Shaking her head, Celestia ran a circle around Ash as he watched her in confusion.

“What are you doing?”

“Playing,” she answered. Reaching up she tousled his mane.

“Hay, stop that!”

“Make me,” Celestia said, pulling his tail and skipping away as she stuck her tongue out at him.

Ash blinked at her in confusion. Was this playing? Not understanding why, Ash grinned and followed after her.

Meadowlark’s lips quirked up in amusement as she glanced behind Chamomile. It looked like Celestia was trying to teach the poor colt how to play. Her heart went out to the colt. She had never seen such a serious expression on one so young. Chamomile finally began reaching the end of her long winded discussion on proper foal rearing.

"Ash? Where have you gotten off to?" Chamomile called out, her voice filled with annoyance.

Quickly, the colt dashed around and looked up at his mother. "Here I am, Mama."

"Ash! What have I told you about running off?" his mother scolded him with a scowl. "Now come along I want to talk to Ruffled Leaf. She's been spreading wild stories about seeing winged ponies flying in the sky. I need to put a stop to that foolishness or we’ll be having ponies staring up at the sky all day hoping to see one of these foalish imaginings of hers."

Turning, the mare started to walk off, but Celestia’s mother suddenly stepped forward. “Excuse me,” she called out to her, “it may not be my place, but… well, you look like you’re going to be busy with important tasks, and I just thought that… it might be easier for you if somepony could watch your colt for you while you go and deal with everything you need to do? I’ll be happy to do so, if you would like.”

Celestia held her breath as she waited to hear what Ash’s mother would answer.

The mare tapped her hoof to her chin in thought. “That would certainly make things easier for me. I could even go and talk to Thunder Step about some things I’ve been meaning to bring up with him for quite some time.” She smiled. “Thank you. This will be a great help to me. I hope he won’t be too much for you to handle.”

Meadowlark smiled and shook her head. “Don’t worry. I’ll keep him under tight control and close to hoof. He’ll be no problem.”

“Very well,” Chamomile said with a nod. “I’ll be back to retrieve him later, then.”

“Very well,” her mother answered back. “He’ll be right here when you return. Safe and sound.”

Chamomile was barely out of sight when Celestia suddenly bound happily into the air and hugged the surprised colt. “Yay! We’ll get to play together! Thank you, Mama!”

“I thought it would be good for you share some time with your new friend,” her mother said to her before she leaned down to nuzzled her.

"Really?" Celestia asked in excitement.

Her mother laughed. "Of course.” She then looked over to Ash her expression softening, “but first, I think he needs something to eat. I can't stand seeing a hungry foal. Not if I can help it."

Celestia blinked up at her mama and smiled. She had the best mama ever! Dashing under her mother, Celesta poked her head out and motioned for Ash to join her.

Standing nervously, Ash took a hesitant step closer, his stomach growling.

“Go on. Don’t be shy now.” Celestia’s mother said, nudging the colt around with her muzzle.

Moving over to make room, the colt slipped under her mother and joined her. Glancing up at her mother's teat, Celestia smiled and nodded her head for the colt to take it.

With a grateful look, Ash eagerly reached up and latched his mouth onto Meadowlark’s teat and loudly started to suckle. Seeing the colt happily swallowing the milk that now flowed into his mouth, Celestia pressed herself against his side and took her mother’s other teat, joining the colt for their afternoon meal.

As they both nursed closely together, Celestia found she didn't really mind that the side of his mouth would rub against hers or that his warm breath would tickle the side of her muzzle whenever he exhaled. She wondered if this what it was like to have a sibling. The feeling of his soft, warm side against hers was surprisingly comforting.

A short time later, Meadowlark sat in the shade of a tree, watching her daughter and new friend play together.

“They appear to be enjoying themselves,” a silvery colored mare commented as she walked up next to her. “Do you mind if I join you?”

Meadowlark looked up at the mare. She didn’t recognize her, but that wasn’t unusual. The herd was rather large with the occasional mixing with other herds when they come across each other. Much like the meeting they had just last fall, and Meadowlark figured that she probably joined with them then.

“No, I don’t mind at all,” Meadowlark replied politely, gesturing to a place in the grass next to her. “Are you new to the herd?”

The silvery mare looked thoughtful at the question for a moment. “You could say that, yes,” she said as she settled herself down.

“My name is Meadowlark and the filly, there, sitting on that colt, is my daughter, Celestia, and the colt under her is her friend, Ash,” Meadowlark greeted the new mare with a friendly smile.

“Well, it is quite a pleasure to meet you all,” the silvery mare said pleasantly. “My name is…” she paused for a moment, “Wellspring.”

“So, how long have you been with the herd? I haven't seen you around, before,” Meadowlark asked.

“Oh, not long,” Wellspring answered. “I am only here to perform a certain necessary task.”

Meadowlark was confused by her answer. What did she mean by that? “Task? What task is that?”

Instead of answering, Wellspring let out a laugh as she watched Ash suddenly turned things around on Celestia and was now chasing her around with them both squealing in ruckus laughter.

“Today is a beautiful day, is it not?” she suddenly asked, letting out a pleased sigh. “The air is warm, the sun is bright and the grass is fresh and green. All in all, a pony couldn’t ask for a day any better than this.” She took a long breath and let it out with a smile. “Days like this are rare. So many countless things have to come into order for a day like this to happen. And today… today is an extra special day. Today, out of all the random outcomes for everything throughout the entire age of this world, three things will happen on this fine, beautiful day, that the world has been waiting for, for a very long time.” Wellspring paused to smile down at the two playing foals. “The first has already happened. Those two met and became friends.” She then turned and looked at Meadowlark. “Such a simple thing, don’t you think? Who would have thought that such a meeting would shake the entire world.”

Meadowlark was speechless. She didn’t understand what Wellspring was saying to her. Shake the world? What did she mean by that? They were just foals.

“I am going to tell you a few things,” Wellspring continued meeting Meadowlark’s eyes. “You won’t remember what I say, but my words will stay within your heart and I hope that you will heed the guidance I leave within you.”

⚜⚜⚜⚜

Celestia panted for breath as Ash collapsed to the ground, spent. The two had never played so hard in their young lives

The sound of heavy hoof falls coming up behind her drew her attention. Turning her head, Celestia looked up at the massive form of her father as he bent down to nuzzle her nose affectionately.

"How is my little darling Celestia doing today?" he asked, smiling down at her.

Celestia squealed and dashed to her father's leg and hug it. "Papa! I made a friend today!" she shouted up at him.

"You did? That's wonderful!" her father said happily, before he flipped her over with his muzzle and blew noisily into her belly.

Celestia squirmed and kicked under her father's playful teasings until she was begging for mercy with tears of laughter streaming down her cheeks.

Sitting back, her father looked quizzically at the colt. “So, what would your name be?”

“My name is Ash, sir,” the colt answered with an unusual politeness for one so young.

“Well, my fine, young colt,” her father said with a thoughtful look. “My filly says that you’re her friend. That is something that is very special to have. So make sure you never ever hurt her, alright?”

“Yes, sir,” Ash answered, his face absolutely serious.

The stallion stared down at the colt with a curious expression, apparently unprepared for the colt’s stiff solemnity with him.

“Dark,” Meadowlark called out, “stop scaring the colt.”

“I’m not scaring the colt,” Dark said defensively. Turning from the colt he walked over to Meadowlark and nuzzled her affectionately. "Meadowlark, you're as beautiful as always.".

Meadowlark smiled and nuzzled him back. "You always say that, especially at this time of the season when the heat comes on strong."

Dark smiled. "And I mean it every time," he answered with a wink before nuzzling her along her neck up to the side of her jaw where he gave her a slight nip.

“I believe that your fine, young stallion would like to spend an intimate, and potentially world changing moment with you,” Wellspring said with an amused look at the couple. “It would be best if you see to it today, otherwise you might end up with a colt, and trust me when I say you don’t want that to happen. I’ll be happy to watch over the younglings while you two have some private time together.”

Meadowlark considered Wellspring and her kind offer. They had only just met and she didn’t know anything about her, but there was something about her that felt familiar. Like she was family in some way and Meadowlark felt deep inside her that she could trust the silvery mare with anything.

“I promise you,” Wellspring said, meeting Meadowlark’s eyes, “there is nothing in this world or beyond that will be able to harm them as long as I am with them. My protection over them will be absolute,” she assured her with an unusual confidence.

Meadowlark continued to consider her offer, but Dark’s sensuous niblings on her sensitive ears was driving her to distraction. Why did he have to be so good at that? Her mind was growing foggy as her need began to take over. “Umm… Celestia, ah Ash. Wellspring here is going to watch over you while Dark and I see to something really quickly.”

“Take as long as you need,” Wellspring said with a knowing smile.

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Meadowlark let out a giggle at how Dark kept lightly bumping himself into her in an attempt to hurry her faster. They were only going a short way into a nearby, half secluded area of bushes, but he seemed unable to wait.

Her heat had begun the previous day and she was glad that Dark had sought her out before her need drove her to take any available stallion that approached her. She had already rebuffed three advances now, twice by the same eager stallion who had been hoping to steal her away from Dark.

Moving into the patch of bushes, Dark slid his muzzle along her neck as he took in her enticing scent. “You smell so…” he finished with a long drawn out nicker.

Meadowlark heartbeat thundered in her ears as body shivered under her stallion’s tender touches. Oh, she was so ready for this. Fanning her tail back and forth, she wafted her fertile scent into the air to entice her stallion even more.

Dark sniffed and let out a eager snort before nipping her softly along her flank

Meadowlark let out a pleased groan. “Oh, why did we wait so long to do this.”

Pausing, Dark lifted his head up. “As you may recall, you kept putting me off, saying that you wanted Celestia to be older before we had another foal. Then you kept holding off weaning her her well past the normal time.”

“I know, I know,” Meadowlark confessed. “I just wanted to give her the best chance at living. I see some of those mares who have a foal every single season only to lose them because they are unable to care for them properly.”

“You have been a wonderful mother to our daughter. A stallion could not ask for anything better in a mare.” His lips came to hers and they kissed.

Meadowlark felt her knees weaken as her lips meshed eagerly with Dark’s. Her body ached almost painfully with a deep need that only he could satiate.

Meadowlark nearly whimpered with loss when Dark’s lips finally broke from hers. “Are you ready to become a mother again?” he whispered as he nibbled on one of her ears.

“Oh, yes.” Meadowlark moaned breathlessly, feeling Dark moving along her body. “I am more than ready, my love.”

✹☽☽✹

Wellspring lifted her head and looked back over her shoulder toward where Meadowlark and Dark had gone and smiled. “That’s two,” she said before turning her attention back to the two foals who were crawling around in the taller grass as they silently stalked each other.

Celestia laid low as she swiveled her ears about to listen for any of Ash’s movements. Occasionally, she would catch the slight rustle of dry grass or the crunch of a leaf but she was having trouble telling which way it was coming from.

Taking a chance, she shuffled forward and pushed through the grass as quietly as she could. Making her way along, she suddenly came face to face with a strange looking pile of what looked like dry grass and pebbles, except that she saw that in the midst of it was a pair of golden, slitted eyes that was looked right back at her.

Letting out an exclamation of surprise, Celestia watched in horror as a head reared back from the strange looking pile to reveal the coiled body of a snake as it started to rattle the end of its tail. “Ash!” She screamed in fright.

The rattlesnake kept its head directed right at her face as it continued to rattle its segmented tail. It looked like it was readying itself to strike!

With a suddenness that surprised her and left her with no chance to even flinch, the rattlesnake launched itself at her with its fangs held open. A blur of motion shot by her and suddenly Ash was there pinning the rattlesnake to the ground with his hoof.

“Celestia!? Are you alright!?” Ash asked, looking back at her with worry.

Celestia blinked in sudden relief. Ash had saved her! “I… I’m okay. Thanks to you.”

Beneath Ash’s hoof, the rattlesnake writhed its body around as it tried to free its head. Looking back down, Ash’s face hardened in anger as he prepared himself to kill it. Celestia saw this and held her hoof out to him forestall his action.

“Don’t hurt it!” Celestia said urgently. “He was only scared.”

“So, is that your decision then? To spare its life?” Wellspring asked, stepping up on them with a curious look directed at her.

Celestia looked up at the silvery mare and nodded. “I think he should be let go. He wasn’t trying to be mean on purpose. Life is special. Mama has always told me so.”

Wellspring smiled and nodded with a pleased look. “Hold that in your heart, always.” She then turned and looked at Ash. “And you. Jumping in like that was very dangerous. You could have been hurt very badly,” she said sternly to the colt

The colt didn’t look ashamed of his actions, instead he looked up and met Wellsprings gaze evenly. “Celestia is my friend. If she is in danger, I will always be there to save her. No matter what.”

Wellspring looked down at the colt and lifted her eyebrow at him. “Hmm… such strong words from such a strong heart. Keep true to your feelings. They will give you strength when you need it.”

Ash blinked up at the mare with an oddly serious look before nodding to her.

“Good! Now I want you both to come and stand beside each other,” she said, gesturing for them to move closer.

“But what about the snake?” Ash asked.

Wellspring looked down at the colt with a curious look. “What snake is that?”

Ash opened his mouth to answer her, but just as he was about to speak, he glanced down and paused in shock when he saw that sitting trapped under his hoof was not the snake that he knew had been there just moments before, but instead, found that he was now standing on a oddly bent tree branch!

“What the...!?” Lifting his hoof in disbelief, Ash nudged the branch to make sure that it was indeed just a oddly bent branch. Where did the snake go!? He was sure that there had been one! Or was his imagination just playing tricks on him?

“Come, come. Forget the silly branch and stand by each other,” Wellspring said impatiently, waving her hoof for him to move.

Feeling confused, Ash followed her instructions and stepped up next to Celestia.

“Now, close your eyes.”

Celestia glanced over at Ash for a quick moment, then turned back to Wellspring and closed her eyes with Ash. After sitting silently for a moment, she suddenly felt something touch her forehead. A moment later, a pleasant warmth spread throughout her body. Opening her eyes, Celestia looked up at the smiling Wellspring.

“What?... what did you do?” Ash asked next to her, touching his forehead with his hoof.

“I've given you both my blessing,” Wellspring answered simply, eyeing the two with a smile “You two are now bound together with a force that can never be broken, and can only grow stronger.” She turned and stared away. “It’ll be fun to see you two figure out what force that is, when you’re both older.”

Celestia looked at Ash and saw that he was just as confused as she was. Following after Wellspring, they found that her parents were just coming back from whatever they went off to do. They both looked a bit disheveled but very happy as they walked closely together.

Celestia was about to rush forward when Wellspring held a hoof out to hold her back. “Hold on a moment. One last thing needs to happen.”

Dark turned and nuzzled Meadowlark affectionately as she returned his affections just as tenderly.

“It’s always nice spending time with you whenever you come,” Meadowlark said. “I suppose that with spring being so nice this season, you’ll be busy seeing to those mares who have chosen you?”

“A few have been growing annoyingly insistent, but I wanted to see to you, first.” Dark stepped back as he prepared to leave. “I’ll try to come back and visit tomorrow. Perhaps play with Celestia for a time. Doesn't that sounds nice?”

“You are welcome to spend as much time with us as you like,” Meadowlark said, giving Dark a smile.

Dark turned and started to walk away, but only made it a short ways before coming to a abrupt stop and stood there unmoving as he stared off ahead.

Concerned, Meadowlark moved to him. “What’s wrong?”

Dark shut his eyes and shook his head. “I don’t want to,” he said.

“You don’t want to what?” Meadowlark stepped up next to him and touched his shoulder with her hoof.

“I don’t want to go. I don’t want to breed with any other mares. I don’t want to spend time away from you and Celestia.” Turning he looked at Meadowlark. “I am most happy when I am with you both. I don’t feel the same way with any of the others. They are cold and distant with me, while you are open and loving. You welcome me around, even outside of mating times.” Dark sighed and brushed his cheek to hers. “I’m tired of sleeping alone. If it's alright with you, I’d like to sleep by your side tonight... perhaps for every night from now on.” He looked down at Celestia. "I would like to be there, to see my foals grow. Perhaps to help in some way. Out of all the mares of the herd, it's you I want to be with. What do you say?" he asked, meeting Meadowlark’s eyes.

Tears started to flow from her eyes as she stood before him stunned. "I... I would like that very much," Meadowlark said, wiping at her eyes. "This is a new thing you're proposing, Dark Storm; a stallion staying with just one mare. What of the other mares waiting on you? Don't they need your seed?"

Dark dismissively flicked his head to the side. "There are many other stallions that can perform that task for them. I just want to be with you and our foals. That will be more than enough for me."

Meadowlark was silent for a while as she considered him. Suddenly, she moved forward and pressed her lips to his. Dark blinked at Meadowlark for a moment before he closed his eyes and kissed her back. Celestia watched this, not knowing what it truly meant. It would be later that she would learn that this was the the first ever union between a stallion and a mare.

Letting out a squeal of happiness, Celestia dashed forward and hugged both her parents’ legs.

With the colt still next to her, Wellspring smiled at the scene. “And that is the third. What a wonderful day this has been! My task here is done.” She looked down at the colt next to her. “I look forward to the next time we meet, my little stallion.” Turning, she silently walked off.

When Ash’s mother arrived later to collect her colt, she bore witness to a remarkable and shocking sight. A stallion was laughing while her colt, and Meadowlark’s filly, rode on his back as they playfully trotted around in the field.

That night, the new family settled themselves in together with Dark taking up his place by Meadowlark’s side. Celestia happily snuggled herself into the crevice the two made where their bodies came together and yawned. They were so warm!

Leaning her head into Dark’s neck, Meadowlark let out a happy sigh. Lowering his head down, Dark kissed the top of her head before he looked up at the rising moon. "If it's a filly, I would like to name her after the moon," he said, looking up at the silvery disk

Chapter Two. An Unexpected Discovery

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Chapter Three. Confrontations

Ash stretched as he lay blissfully in the sun. Winter was almost over and the snow was just starting to melt, exposing budding new shoots of grass and flowers. His life with Celestia and her parents had been some of the most wonderful times he ever knew.

Dark had started taking him out to teach him things he said he needed to know. Things like what tree bark, or shrub was okay to eat and what to avoid. Dark dug up some roots and told him that they were okay to eat, but Ash found they had a horrible bitter taste when he tried one and thought that Dark was just having fun with him until he saw him eat one himself. Stopping at a nearby stream, Dark pawed his hoof at the ice until he broke through. Stepping aside, he let the colt take a long needed drink first before taking his turn. Ash would grow so exhausted on their treks out, Dark would have to carry him home.

When Meadowlark discovered he didn't know how to count, she muttered angrily about how some mares shouldn't have foals. The next night she spread out some brightly colored pebbles and started teaching him how to count. At first, he had difficulty with it until Celestia helped him, turning it into a game to make it fun. Now he looked forward to when Meadowlark pulls out the little gourd and starts spilling out the colorful stones for a new lesson.

Letting out a contented sigh, Ash wondered what new thing was going to happen today. Suddenly felt his tail get yanked and he found himself dangling upside down. A moment later, he was set down on his back and trapped between two forehooves. Then a tongue started to lick him along his belly in long strokes.

"No, mamma. I don't want to be cleaned!" Ash complained, trying to wiggle out of Meadowlark's grasp. As Meadowlark's pregnancy progressed, she had been doing this more often. She would snatch up a random foal and start to groom them without warning or consideration. When they told Celestia's father about it, he just laughed and said that it wasn't hurting them and to just let her have her fun.

A filly giggled nearby. "You did it again. You called her mamma!" Celestia said in amusement.

"I did not!" Ash quickly denied, even though he knew it was true.

"You did too!" Celestia argued. "He said it, didn't he mamma?" she asked, turning to her mother.

Meadowlark paused to smile down at the trapped colt. "I like it when he calls me mamma."

Dark suddenly picked up his daughter by her crest and walked over to Meadowlark. Dislodging the colt out of her grasp with his hoof, he deposited Celestia into the newly vacated spot. "Excuse me Meadow, I'm taking Ash out for a while." He said, setting the colt onto his back.

As they walked away, Ash turned and stuck his tongue out at the now struggling Celestia as her mother happily started grooming her.

"Where are we going?" Ash asked.

"The stallions are having a Gather to discuss where we will be moving off to," Dark answered.

"But isn't that for stallions?" Ash asked. "Why are you taking me?"

Dark glanced back over his shoulder and smiled at the colt. "Because I wanted to, that's why." He then suddenly stopped and started to turn, "but if you don't want to go, I can take you back," he offered.

Ash quickly shook his head. "No! That's okay, I'll be happy to come."

Dark let out a chuckle and continued on.

Winter was nearly over. The nights were still cold but the day's were warm enough to start melting the snow that covered the ground into slush. As he walked, Dark's hooves sank into the muddy soil as he crossed the meadow. Rounding a small hill, they came to a large group of stallions milling together talking. Sitting up, Ash gazed about as they moved through. One of the stallions broke away and trotted over to them, calling out to Dark who then stopped to wait for him.

"Dark. I'm glad I was able to catch you before he got here." He said, emphasizing the word with a slight sneer. "There is something I want to show you, when you have the chance."

Dark looked at the stallion quizzically. "Oh? What is that, Brightstar?"

The stallion shook his head. "It'll be better if I just showed you." He suddenly noticed Ash sitting on Dark's back. "Oh! Hello there." He greeted the colt.

Ash gave the stallion a nervous smile. "Hi."

Just then, many of the stallions quieted down as they turned to look at a stallion with a dark blue coat and white mane, that just walked into the group. Sitting up higher, Ash recognized the large stallion. His mother had pointed him out to him once. She told him that his name was Thunder Step.

Thunder Step was the lead stallion of their herd, having taken it through a challenge a couple of seasons ago, killing the older lead stallion, West Wind in the process. He was large and powerfully built, easily holding his new position through his strength. Dark said he was too young and foolish to be leading the herd, and that he would lead them to disaster if he didn't grow any brains.

Thunder Step held his head up as he gazed around the group of stallions. "Attention stallions!" He cried out. "Once the snow melts and the streams run freely, we will be leaving this place and going east, back to the grassy plateau."

Reaching over his shoulder, Dark took Ash's mane in his mouth and lowered him to the ground. "Brightstar, please keep an eye on him for me." His tone had lost all its normal gentleness.

Stepping forward, Dark lifted his head up high. "Why should we go back to the plateau? There is no trees for shade there and the only water was a tiny muddy pool that tasted stagnant," he asked loudly, letting all the stallion hear him. He had enough of this foolish stallion wondering them around from place to place in his endless search for greener pastures.

Thunder Step turned his head to look at Dark. "You again," he said, letting out an irritated snort, his eyes lingering on Dark's destiny mark for a moment. "We're going because I believe we'll find safety there. Predators don't like it there so it will be safe for the mares to foal."

"The reason we left there in the first place, was because the pool dried up! Have you even considered sending ponies there to even find out if the water is back?" Dark retorted.

Ash listened as he danced around trying to watch what was happening, but his view was blocked and he couldn't see. Suddenly he felt himself getting picked up and deposited onto Brightstar's back. Sitting up, he found he now had a clear view what was happening.

"At this moment, many of the mares are fat with foal. It would be sheer idiocy to march them all the way back to a plateau!" Dark said angrily. "And what happens when one of the mares can't keep up with the herd? Will she just be left behind!? How many mares will you leave behind to go to a worthless place!? Answer us! How many!?"

Thunder Step threw his head back and shook his mane as he stomped his hoof in anger. "You dare challenge my decision!?"

Dark Storm planted his hooves and met the stallions gaze. "Yes! I am sick of how things have been done! You drive us from one place to another, without any concern for any of the weak that fall behind, and I say No More!" Turning, Dark looked out at the other stallions and addressed them. "Look around, this land is fertile and lush with grass. There is pure clean water within easy reach and berry bushes and fruit trees all throughout the forests. This land is just what we need and its ours for the taking!"

The dark blue stallion stomped his hoof to the ground and stepped closer to Dark, his nose flaring angrily. "It's not safe here! Soon the wolves will come! They always come! They will rush in and clamp their jaws over all our throats and tear them out!"

"Then we will fight back!" Dark shouted back. "Let us take this place as our home, and if anything comes to hurt us or our families, they will feel our might when we push them back, smiting their bodies at the ends of our spears or upon the power of our hooves! We are PONIES! Not dumb animals. We can stand up and build a future for our foals. I say we do it here, in this place!"

Dark Storm fell silent, as he turned a moment to look at Ash. Their eyes met, and Ash could see the passion that burned behind his eyes. A passion fueled by his love for his family and his fellow ponies.

"You get a destiny mark and suddenly you think you can challenge me! I am the alpha of this herd! I am Thunder Step! I can take any mare I want, and no stallion will stop me!" Thunder Step bellowed angrily. "You only have one mare left to you, and I can take her away too! If you don't silence yourself this instant and beg my forgiveness, I will banish you from this herd, and cast you out into the wilderness!"

"There is no need to for that, because I banish myself!" Turning, Dark Storm addressed the gathered stallions. "I henceforth leave this herd and start a new one right here! If any pony, stallion or mare wish to join me, then meet me at the cracked rock in the center of the meadow upon the day Thunder Step leaves. You will all be welcomed into my herd!"

Ash couldn't help himself. He suddenly dropped down from Brightstar's back and dashed forward. Racing through the legs of several stallions, he rushed right out into the open area where Thunder Step and Dark Storm confronted each other.

"I will join you!" Ash exclaimed.

Dark Storm looked back at Ash, his face softened with a smile. "My herd grows already Thunder Step, and yours diminishes."

Thunder Step let out a snort. "You call gaining a runt of a colt a success?"

"I count him more of a stallion than you." Dark Storm answered back.

Thunder Step suddenly let out a enraged whinny, and lunged towards Dark, his teeth flashing.

Dark was waiting for this. He had been surprised that Thunder Step had waited so long to answer his challenge. Laying his ears back, Dark held his ground and met the stallion's charge. Their bodies crashed together and Thunder Step lashed out, striking his hoof painfully across Dark's shoulder. Shoving his weight forward, Dark pushed Thunder Step back, forcing his hooves to slide back in the soft earth.

Thunder Step struggled to halt his slow retreat. With a snarl, he threw his head back and slammed it into Dark's, sending him stumbling back from the blow. Dazed, Dark shook his head trying and clear it. Before he could fully regain his senses, Dark felt Thunder Step slam into him as he tackled him to the ground. Falling together onto the grass, the two began to beat at each other as they wrestled across the ground. Dark felt the air painfully driven from him when Thunder Step drove his knee into his gut. Gasping for breath, Dark managed to punch Thunder Step in the side of his head before rolling away.

Staggering back to their hooves, the two faced each other as they panted for breath. Thunder Step was bigger than him and stronger. If he was going to have a chance, he was going to need to keep Thunder Step off balance.

"What's the mater?" Dark asked, grinning. "Perhaps you'll rather face the colt?"

Thunder Step neighed with fury and recklessly charged at him. Dancing to the side, Dark quickly dodged and bucked his hoof straight into the enraged stallion ribs as he passed. Staggering from the impact, Thunder turned and attacked him again. In his rage, Thunder Step swung wildly at him, striking glancing blows across his shoulder and neck. Rearing back, Dark smashed his hoof across Thunder's muzzle as hard as he could. With a snarl, Thunder shook off the blow and whipped his head back around to sink his teeth into Dark's withers.

The viciousness of the bite caught Dark by surprise. Throwing his shoulder into Thunder's, Dark shoved him away. Feeling the stallion's teeth tare away, Dark quickly turned himself and bucked out with all his strength, right into Thunder's chest. The terrible blow lifted the surprised stallion into the air and flipped him back onto the ground groaning.

Panting for breath, Dark Storm stood over the defeated stallion. "I am the leader of my herd and you are on my land. When the snow melts, you will leave with whatever remains of your herd and never return."

Ash moved in and stepped up next to Dark. "And it's not a destiny mark, its a cutie mark." He said, correcting Thunder Step with a firm nod.

Dark Storm looked down at the colt and smiled. "That's right." He then turned and looked out over the stallions. "You all hear that? I have a cutie mark!"

Dark turned and with Ash by his side, walked through the crowd of stallions, who parted respectfully as they passed through. Some of the stallions they passed showed hostility on their faces, while most looked shocked at what had just happened. A few openly smiled at him and bowed their heads down.

Once they were out of sight, Dark lifted Ash up and set him down onto his back, where the colt then hugged his hooves around his neck and squeezed tightly. "You are so amazing! There's no stallion like you!" The colt said, hugging Dark. "When I grow up, I want to be a stallion just like you!"

What the colt just said, suddenly rang through Dark's mind like a thunderclap. When I grow up, not if I grow up. Dark smiled. Things were already changing! His heart leaped in his chest with joy. For his foals, and for all the foals. He will change the world! He will make it so that they will all see a future for themselves. And it will start right here in this place.

With his blood still heated from his earned victory over Thunder Step, as well as Ash’s inspiring words, Dark found he was practically strutting as he walked along. Ignoring the pain, Dark limped for home.

He found Meadowlark lying, sunning herself just outside their little fir-tree home with Celestia playing nearby. Meadowlarks lemon colored coat shone under the bright afternoon light and Dark couldn't help but admired her rounded curves over her large pregnant belly as he approached. She looked absolutely beautiful.

Taking Ash off his back, Dark set him down. "Go play with Celestia." Limping up to his mare, Dark reached down and nuzzled her neck affectionately.

Meadowlark lifted her head and looked up at him curiously. "What are you?..." She paused when she noticed the injuries on his body. "What happened!?"

With her large belly, Meadowlark struggled a moment to clamber herself back up onto her hooves to look him over. She saw the bite wound on Dark's withers and the hoof marks across his body and frowned.

Dark grinned and scratched the back of his neck. "Let's go inside. There's some things I need to tell you."

"I'm sure you do," Meadowlark said, pursing her lips at him. "Celestia, Ash. Please stay out here and play. Dark and I are going to talk. Make sure you stay close, though." She added as she squeezed herself through the opening.

Dark went through after her and pulled the branches shut behind him.

⚜⚜⚜⚜

"Do you think she's mad at him?" Ash asked, glancing at the shelter.

"I don't think so." Celestia said, adding a pebble to her snow-pony to form a second eye. "I haven't heard any yelling."

"Well, that's good." Using a branch to make a tail, Ash stepped back to admire his work.

They had both built snow-ponies. His was the papa, and hers was the mama. Gathering snow, Celestia began to make their foal. Finishing, she stood and joined Ash and looked at their family. Pressing her side against his, she looked at him "Ash? Would you kiss me?"

Ash ears shot up straight as he looked at Celestia. "What!?"

"What?" Celestia asked, blinking up at him with her large magenta eyes. "Don't you want to kiss me?

Ash awkwardly scratched the back of his head. "I ah..." he didn't know how to answer her. He wanted to kiss her, but
something about it scared him.

Celestia leaned in closer, her lips coming near his. "Please," she asked, closing her eyes. "Just a little one."

With his gaze focused on her lips, Ash's heart began galloping in his breast as he suddenly felt hot all over. Seeing no other choice , he did the only thing he could think of. He ran away.

⚜

Dark had finished telling Meadowlark what had happened and why he had done it. She listened quietly all throughout his telling, never showing any signs of what she was feeling behind her stony gaze.

"You see, that is what I want." Dark explained. "I want every foal to have a future they can look forward too."

Meadowlark gazed at him with an unreadable expression. Shifting her weight, she then leaned in towards him and kissed him on his forehead. "Don't ever do anything like this to me again." She leaned back and smiled. "That's a wonderful dream. I'll give you whatever support I can to see it happen."

Suddenly a charcoal brown colt exploded through the branches at the entrance to their shelter. A moment later a familiar little filly followed after as she chased him. Running around the space, the colt fended off the filly as he sought out a place to hide.

"Come on, give me a kiss!" Celestia cried out as she chased Ash around the tree in the center.

"No! Leave me alone!" Ash shouted back.

Meadowlark and Dark watched the foals with bemused looks on their faces.

"My, they do grow up so fast. Don't they?" Meadowlark giggled in amusement.

"Isn't this backwards? Shouldn't he be chasing her?" Dark said shaking his head, bemused.

"Mamma! Tell her to stop!" Ash cried out to Meadowlark as he desperately dived between her forehooves and hugged himself to her chest.

Meadowlark smiled and shook her head with a exacerbated sigh. "Celestia, stop trying to molest little Ash."

Celestia skidded to a stop and pouted up at her mother. "Okay, mamma."

Chapter Four Hard Decisions

Ash pawed his hoof across the ground, digging furrows into the soft rich soil. Glancing to his side, he saw Celestia doing much the same. Their eyes met and narrowed at each other.

Looking forward, Ash let out a snort as he pawed his hoof across the ground one more time. His eyes looking out across the meadow.

Suddenly, Celestia leaped forward. "Go!" She cried out, racing off ahead.

She was already moving before she said go! Celestia was always such a cheater! Ash dug in his hooves and shot off after her. Stretching out his stride, Ash soon came up behind Celestia, his muzzle almost touching her tail as it streamed out behind her, with little clods of dirt peppering his face as it was kicked up from her hooves.

Swerving to the side, Ash kicked his hooves harder as he attempted to pass her, but Celestia suddenly veered into his way, blocking him. Such a cheater! Ash swerved to the other side, and Celestia again veered into his path, while letting out a giggling laugh.

Letting out a snort. Ash lunged to the other side, and just as Celestia moved to block him, he turned and moved back the other way and quickly pulled up next to her. Celestia scowled at Ash, as he gave her a grin.

Looking ahead, Ash could see the finish line. The large cracked bolder in the center of the meadow. Lowering his head, Ash quickened his speed and was surprised to see Celestia matching him stride for stride. With both their breaths huffing out from their shared exertion, they both shot forward towards the gap between the two boulders.

Neither pulled ahead of the other as they closed on the gap, their shoulders would bump as they jockeyed for position. The gap was only big enough for one of them to pass through at a time, and Celestia showed no sign of slowing or turning away. Ash glanced at her in concern. If one of them didn't pull ahead or the other slow down, they would likely run right into the bolder!

They were moments away, and Ash suddenly made up his mind and slowed his steps, and let Celestia pull ahead just as they both shot through the gap. Slowing down, Ash trotted to a stop as he caught his breath. Celestia was hopping around him in happy celebration, as her tail swished about.

Ash's eyes followed Celestia as she circled him. Stopping just before him, she smiled. "Once again, I win"

Ash let out a sigh, and shook his head. Even though Celestia cheated, they both still ran a hard race, and had fun with neither of them getting hurt. "It was a good race."

Suddenly, Celestia leaned in and pressed her lips to his. Ash's eyes shot wide as he stared at Celestia face while she kissed him. The shock of their lips meeting sent pleasant tingles all through his body. He never realize just how warm and soft Celestia's lips were. Letting his eyes drift shut, Ash leaned forward and returned the kiss.

The moment their lips parted with a light smack, Ash sagged weak kneed to the ground as he let out a satisfied sigh.

"That was a reward for being sweet." Celestia said, licking her lips.

Ash could only mumble as he tried to respond. His head felt like it was in the clouds, as everything suddenly became really warm.

I told you, I'm not telling you the names we chose until after it's born!" Meadowlark exclaimed to Bell Flower. Sitting in the shade of a tree that bordered the meadow where Celestia and Ash played, Meadowlark chatted with a small group of mares that came to sit with her to enjoy the new spring air.

"Oh, don't be such a thorn in the tail." Bell Flower pressed. "We're your friends. You can tell us."

"Bell Flower!" Dove Song chided the mare. "She doesn't have to tell us if she doesn't want too!"

Meadowlark felt a sense of relief. Dove was always so considerate of others feelings.

"So, what's it like with Dark?" Bell Flower asked, leaning in with a smile.

Meadowlark, nibbled her lip as she thought about it. "He's... been just... amazing!" Meadowlark said with a happy sigh. "Dark's been so attentive to me and the foals. He plays with them all the time and teaches them all sorts of new things." All the mares looked amazed at this. A stallion spending time with foals!? And liking it! "At night, he would lay his head against my belly and whisper to the foal, telling our foal all the amazing things it had to look forward to once it was born."

There was a collective sigh from many of the mares.

"You're so lucky to have a stallion like him." Dove Song said enviously.

Several mares in the group nodded in agreement.

Flicking her ear back, Meadowlark heard the sound of little hooves trotting up to her from the side. Meadowlark suddenly felt two foals snuggle themselves up against her pregnant belly. Turning, she smiled back at the sight of Celestia and Ash pressing their heads against her belly as they both tried to feel the foal inside her move. For some reason, the foal in her belly was most active during the night when she was trying to sleep.

"Did you two have fun?" She asked.

"We raced to the split rock." Ash answered.

"And I won!" Celestia chimed in, rubbing her hoof along her mother's belly. "When is the new foal going to be born?" She asked.

"Oh, pretty soon now." Meadowlark answered. "It should be around the next full moon."

"Meadowlark," Bell Flower cut in, calling her attention over. "Something happening," she said, pointing her hoof out.

Looking over, Meadowlark saw a large group of mares with their foals walking across the meadow towards her. Leading them was a mare Meadowlark recognized as Berry Shrub, one of Thunder Steps mates.

Curious about what was going on. Celestia and Ash quietly settled down next to her side to watch.

Berry Shrub came to a stop just before Meadowlark, with the rest of the mares gathering just behind her.

"Good day, Berry Shrub." Meadowlark greeted her.

Berry Shrub, stood nervously before Meadowlark for a moment before she finally spoke. "We... we all want to... ask for your help."

Meadowlarks ears perked up in surprise. "Help!? What is it I can do to help you all?"

Berry Shrub licked her lips as she glanced back at the mares behind her. Many of them looked somber, while the rest just mostly looked anxious. "We want to stay here, but our stallions are departing with Thunder Step. If we joined Dark Storm's herd, they would see this as a betrayal, and most certainly blame Dark Storm for taking us in."

"We heard how you and Dark Storm care for foals, even those not your own." A mare suddenly called out, stepping forward with a filly not yet ready to be weaned by her side. "We want to leave our foals with you, to live here under your mate's leadership." She said, nosing her soft blue filly forward.

Other mares stepped forward, pushing their foals ahead of them. Meadowlark blinked at the scene. There were so many of them! Meadowlark suddenly felt like the foal inside her womb just kicked her in the guts. "Do you know what you're asking!?" She asked. Turning, she looked at the rest of the gathered mares. "Do you all know what you're asking?"

The mare nodded her head. "We believe they will live a better life here. We... we believe that with you and Dark Storm, they will... survive and have a better life."

Meadowlark looked out at all the mares as they held their foals before them. So many foals. Some were so young they still needed the teat. All of their mothers looked to her for hope, hope to save the future for their foals. She didn't know what to do. She wanted to do it. She wanted to take them all. But that would mean they would never see their mothers ever again. The thought of it made her want to weep. What was she to do!? What could she do!?

Closing her eyes, Meadowlark thought about what Dark would do. It wasn't hard to know that he would take them all without question. Even if it meant his life, he would do it. Meadowlark desperately racked her brain for some kind of answer. Then it hit her. Meadowlark eyes snapped open as the truth became clear to her. Dark couldn't save them. If he tried, the herds would turn on each other and pony would be fighting pony. No. That must not happen! There was only one other option she could see if the mare's and their foals were going to be saved. She was the one who was going to have to do it.

Meadowlark awkwardly clambered up to her hooves and looked out at the waiting mares. "No. We will not take your foals from you." Meadowlark declared firmly.

The gathered mares looked downcast, with some of them looking like they were about to weep as they held their foals closer.

"What I will do, is take you all." Meadowlark continued, sending a wave of shock and confusion throughout the mares. Meadowlark turned to Bell Flower and Dove Song. "Spread the word among the mares that are staying, to meet by the bend in the stream at first light tomorrow. And make sure that they know not speak of this with any of the stallions, including Dark Storm. This is mare business and will stay with us."

Bell and Dove, gaped at her in surprise at her usual display of authority. Together they respectfully bowed their head down to her before moving off to do as she ordered.

Looking back to the gathered mares, Meadowlark lifted her voice up so they all could hear. "All mares who wish to leave their stallion and remain here, seek me out at the bend of the stream at first light. I will be there waiting for them." As the mares started to leave, Meadowlark turned to the others that had been sitting with her in the shade. "I need a group of volunteers for an important job." Every mare in the small group rose and nodded to her. Meadowlark gave them all a grateful smile before she looked down at Ash. "Ash, do you remember where that cave papa took you is when you were helping him?"

Ash nodded. "Yes, mamma. I remember."

Meadowlark smiled and set her hoof onto his shoulder. "Good. I have a job for you. I need you to show these mares here where that cave is. Can you do that?"

Ash stood a bit taller as he gave a nod. "Yes, mamma."

"Good." Turning back, Meadowlark addressed her volunteers. "Now. Tomorrow, this is what I want you all to do." She then explained her plan.

Dark Storm lifted his head and let out a yawn. It was going to be morning soon, and he needed to be at the split rock early before any ponies started to arrive. Next to him, Meadowlark softly snorted in her sleep.

Reaching out, he gently kissed her on her forehead. Careful to not jostle her, he climbed up onto his hooves. Snuggled up against Meadowlarks shoulder, Celestia and Ash lay tangled together as they slept. Bending down, he gave Celestia a kiss, and without hesitating, he also gave Ash a kiss as well. Stepping as lightly as he could, Dark quietly left.

As Dark's hoof steps faded away, Meadowlark lifted her head up, and nudged the two foals. "Wake up you two, it's time."

Dark could see his breath in the cold morning air. The stars were slowly fading as the sky gradually grew brighter. Standing just in front of the cracked stone, Dark waited. It wasn't long before the first of the stallions started to arrive. Three stallions, Dark recognized as some of his greatest supporters, Birch Bark, Evening Breeze, and Brightstar, walked across the field and greeted him before they stood with him to wait for others, who soon began to show up in ether small groups or just by themselves.

As the sun crept close to peeking over the horizon, Dark looked around and saw that he had a large group of stallions standing with him, but not a single mare. Even Meadowlark was missing. Where was she? Could she have overslept?

As the sun crested the horizon and cast its light through the crack in the stone, right onto Dark. It became clear that no mares had shown up. Many of the stallions started to mutter among themselves worriedly, that all the mares might have went to Thunder Step. Dark knew that this could not be true. Meadowlark would never leave him for Thunder Step. But one worry was eating at him. Could Thunder Step and his stallions have snuck over and herded the mares away with them? This seemed unlikely, as there was no way he could have done that without at least a few getting away and rising an alarm.

The rumble of many hoof steps suddenly came to them. Looking across the meadow, a large group of stallions lead by Thunder Step emerged from the trees, followed by a group of mares. As they drew closer, Dark could see that the mares that followed behind Thunder Step was much too few to account for all the missing mares.

Thunder Step and the stallions with him had their ears pinned back angrily as they advanced, with some of them brandishing spears. The stallions with Dark suddenly shifted worriedly as the obviously enraged group of stallion approached. Some of the stallions around Dark closed in protectively.

"Where are they!" Thunder Step shouted angrily coming to a stop. "You've taken them, and we will have them back, or we'll stomp you all to the ground!"

Dark shook his head, confused. "I don't know what you mean?"

"Our mares! A group of them vanished, and you've taken them!" Thunder Step snapped, as he stomped a hoof.

Suddenly the pieces started to come together. Meadowlark not coming, and all the missing mares. Meadowlark, what are you up to? Dark thought as he almost smiled.

"We have done no such thing!" Dark shouted back. "Look around, our mares are missing as well!"

"Liar!" Thunder Step roared. "You have hidden them somewhere!"

Dark let out an enraged neigh and threw his head back. "I am no liar!" He bellowed. "I am telling the truth when I say no stallion with me has taken any of your mares!"

Thunder Step let out a snort and took a step closer. He looked on the edge of charging Dark.

"Thunder Step, look!" A stallion near him exclaimed pointing off to the side.

Emerging from the trees, Meadowlark walked out. Followed by a large group of mares. Her large frame made it awkward for her to walk quickly so she took her time to approach the two groups of stallions.

As the mares approached, Dark noticed that Celestia and Ash were nowhere to be seen. In fact, he could not see a single foal among the group of mares.

Coming to a stop, Meadowlark let out a sigh as she shifted her stance to try to ease the weight on her hooves. Lifting her head high, she looked out over the gathered stallions.

"I am a mother!" Meadowlark suddenly said, projecting her voice over all the stallions. "Behind me, stands all my daughters!" She shouted out.

Many of the stallion in both groups looked around among themselves in confusion.

"As a mother, I care for my daughters, and I am very displeased with all you stallions for failing them!" Meadowlark continued. Many stallions on Thunder Steps side began to mutter angrily. "For your failures to care for my daughters, I have taken them all back! And I henceforth kick out all stallions from my herd!"

"How dare you!" Thunder Step shouted taking a few angry steps towards Meadowlark. "A mere mare speaking to stallions in such a way!"

Dark started to move forward to block Thunder Step, but paused when he saw a sudden shift of the mares behind Meadowlark, as they moved forward and placed themselves before the outraged stallion.

"Be very careful, Thunder Step." Meadowlark warned the stallion, her voice taking on a dangerous edge. "My daughters love me, and a mare will very easily kill anything that threatens her family. Even a stallion."

Thunder Step shied back a step at all the menacing glares, that many of the mares were now giving him.

Meadowlark looked out past Thunder Step, to the rest of the stallions. "As a mother, I need a worthy mate to be a father to all my daughters. Who here is worthy to be that father? Who here offers themself to me and my daughters to be judged?!"

Dark felt like he had been struck by lightning, Meadowlark was stealing the herd! Dark had thought he couldn't love Meadowlark any more than he already did, and now she does something like this. What a mare! Stepping forward, he paused next to a furious looked Thunder Step, and faced the wall of mares. "I, Dark Storm, offer myself to be judged!" He called out.

Meadowlark gazed out at him, her face unreadable. "Daughters! If you find Dark Storm worthy to be my mate and your father, let him pass. But if you find him lacking, kill him."

Holding his head up high, Dark stepped forward to the wall of hard eyed mares. Just as he reached them, they suddenly stepped aside letting him pass through. Stepping into their midst, he felt a muzzle touch him lightly on his neck. "Father," a mare said with the touch. Another mare touched him from the other side. "Father." With each step foward, a mare touched him with her muzzle in greeting.

"Father."

Once he passed through, he looked ahead at Meadowlark, who met his gaze lovingly as he stepped up to her. "I find you worthy, and accept you as my mate, to be the father to all my sons and daughters," she declared. She reached out and pressed her muzzle to his with a kiss.

A stir ran through all the mares at the sight.

"My daughters are lonely and need mates to be fathers to their sons and daughters. Fathers who will care for and provide for their offspring!" Meadowlark called out. "Are there any stallions here who offer themselves to them?"

Birch Bark was the first to move. Stepping forward he stopped before the mares. "I, Birch Bark offer myself."

"Do any of my daughters accept him as a mate, worthy to be a father to their foals?" Meadowlark asked.

A mare stepped out and approached Birch Bark. Dark recognized her as Floral Scent, one of Birch's mates. When she stopped in front of him she suddenly reached out and planted her lips to his in a kiss. She then turned and lead him into he herd, joining a group of other waiting mares.

Another stallion stepped forward. "I, Brightstar offer myself." He said nervously.

Dark held his breath. Brightstar had always been pushed around by the other stallions, especially the ones closer to the top, and had never had a mare to be his mate.

At first, no mare moved forward. Then suddenly one walked out and pressed her lips to his and kissed him. "I Berry Shrub, accept you as my mate and father to our foals." She then turned and lead a stunned looking Brightstar into the herd, soon to be joined by another mare as they gathered around him.

One by one, stallions stepped forward and offered themselves, and one by one a mare stepped out and accepted them into the herd. None who stood with Thunder Step offered themselves, until a young stallion who looked like he was barely old enough to be considered a stallion, suddenly shoved himself out and rushed forward. He gave Thunder Step a fearful glance as he passed him.

"I...I...I, ah.. I Strongbuck o-offer m-myself." The young stallion said shakily.

No mares presented themselves to take him in. Thunder Step glared down at the young stallion and smirked.

As the young stallion started to turn away, a mare abruptly stepped out and approached. The mare bent down and whispered something to the young stallion. When she finished, he looked up at her and nodded. The mare then kissed him. "I Dove Song, accept you as my mate, and father to our foals." She turned and lead the young stallion into the herd, where Bell Flower moved over and joined them, whispering something to the stallion that suddenly made him blush red.

Meadowlark let out a gasp, then groaned in dismay. "They are going to eat that colt alive."

A few more stallions from Thunder Step's side came forward to try, but none were accepted. In the end all the stallions from Dark Storms side was accepted with only the one from Thunder Step's side.

When it was all done, a little over a half of the total stallions was now part of their herd, with a good one third of the mares choosing to go with Thunder Step.

"It is done! Those of you who have not been found worthy, depart now and never return! You are all banished from our land!" Meadowlark declared with a finality that rang out over the herd.

Suddenly a small shape darted past Meadowlark and Dark Storm. When Meadowlark saw the small shape she gasped. How did Ash get here!? He's supposed to be with the other foals, safe in the cave!

Ash rushed forward and stopped just before the wrathful looking Thunder Step. Looking up at the stallion, he took a breath. "Father!" Ash called up to him. "Please tell mother,... please tell mother, thanks, for raising me as much as she did. Goodbye father." The colt turned and rushed back to Meadowlark and Dark Storm.

Thunder Step scowled and turned, returning to his now much diminished herd. Passing through them, he walked out across the meadow and disappeared into the trees, the rest of his herd quietly following after.

Meadowlark let out a long tired sigh. "I need to lay down! My hooves and my back are killing me!" She turned and slowly waddled back home. "Dark, come with me and rub my back. Ash I don't know how you got here, but find Bell Flower and tell her that it's safe to bring down the mares and the foals that we have hidden up in the cave."

"Yes mamma." Ash said, then darted off.