It was just another day throughout the Kingdoms in the World of Equis. Dragons were battling each other for hordes. The Ponies of Equestria were helping the students at Twilight's new school learn the values of friendship, Yaks were being Yaks. Griffons were looking for ways to make bits while some like Gilda were helping spread friendship. And the Hippogriffs and Sea Ponies were doing their daily things.
Scootaloo, had decided to come and Visit Terramar's family again. She found it awesome to watch the Hippogriffs do their areal acrobatics, and all their other neat tricks. She would put their talents right next to that of Rainbow Dash's. Right now though, she was having a better time in Seaquestria, visiting with Ocean Flow, with Terramar popping in every now and again.
"I have to say Scootaloo, you are quite an inquisitive young one. You're right up there with my children, and my niece. I am surprised that you came by yourself this time though. You usually are here with your friends, and a grown up or two," Ocean Flow stated.
"Well, when you have friends like Sweetie Belle and her sister Rarity along, things can get a bit annoying on the visit," Scootaloo admitted.
"I see, not much of a fashionista, and are more for the underwater Jazz, than the Classical Sounds in the Harmonizing Heights, I can understand how that can get annoying for some. But to come by yourself?" Ocean Flow inquired.
"They know they can trust me, and the Hippogriffs and Sea Ponies. We know that the last thing you want to do is upset our leaders, so there's no reason even kids like me can't come this way on our own," Scootaloo pointed out.
"I suppose that's fair, but if my children were your age, I would want to be at their side when traveling to places other than our home area. I'm not saying it's bad you came here alone, just surprising is all," Ocean Flow assured her.
Ocean Flow felt Scootaloo wasn't telling her something, but she didn't want to pry, since she felt it was rude to press the argument to points it didn't need to be. "So, how are you liking our cuisine down here in Seaquestria? I know it's very different from what many land dwellers are used to," Ocean Flow inquired.
"It's different. But it's delicious. I really do like the kelp chips you put out for snacks. The fish-oil tea's not bad, but not a go to drink for me," Scootaloo admitted.
"Well, we have invented ways for drinks you find on the surface to be able to be made down here in Seaquestria, so it doesn't just disperse into the water into nothing," Ocean Flow put out.
"Ooh, cool. Do you happen to have grape soda?" Scootaloo asked.
"Of course, coming right up dear," Ocean Flow answered.
She soon went to her fridge and scanned for a bottle of the purple colored drink. She finally found it, and pulled it out. "Here we go," Ocean Flow assured as she popped the cork out.
"Wow, nice way of storing the soda. I like the bottle design," Scootaloo awed.
"Well, we don't exactly have the factories that have those bottle designs that are mass produced, so, we use what bottles we can get," Ocean Flow admitted as she watched Scootaloo drink some of the content.
"Hmm... the grape flavors a little off," Scootaloo admitted back.
"Really, there shouldn't be any diff-," Ocean Flow's sentence was cut short as she watched Scootaloo clench her stomach.
"Wow," Scootaloo exclaimed.
"Scootaloo, what's wrong dear?" Ocean Flow asked worried.
"I-I feel really weird," Scootaloo answered.
Before Ocean Flow could do anything further, the room got engulfed by bubbles. As they cleared away, Ocean Flow saw that Scootaloo was not sitting where she once was. Just as she was about to frantically search for the little sea-filly, she heard a little whimper coming from where Scootaloo had been sitting. She swam towards the end of the table, and there on the bench, was a tiny little Sea-foal. "Oh my goodness, Scootaloo?" Ocean Flow asked rhetorically.
The little filly gurgled at Ocean Flow. "Oh dear," Ocean Flow said as she grabbed the bottle Scootaloo had sipped out of.
She was shocked. This wasn't the grape soda she thought it was. With a quick sniff of the content, she confirmed it was a de-aging potion for longevity. Something she took in small amounts to keep from aging, til she learned how become immortal, having already lived nearly as long as her sister, Queen Novo, which was 1500 years already. Ocean Flow wondered how it had gotten in her fridge though. She had left it in her family bed room where she could keep an eye on it.
She placed it somewhere out of little ones reach, and picked up a now baby version of Scootaloo in her Sea Pony form. She wasn't sure what to do now. Scootaloo needed to be cared for. She couldn't be sent home on her own at this age. And another predicament that was upon her was the fact Scootaloo was still Sea Pony. This was a problem. It had been made law, that Hippogriffs and Sea Ponies who were pregnant adults or little ones under the age of 4 years, could not go back and forth between the land and sea, for their doctors had shown that it caused problems in a young one's development. Even though Scootaloo was not a hippogriff turned Sea Pony, she was a Sea Pony non the less, so rules still applied.
And there was the dilemma of Scootaloo's parents. If they weren't notified of Scootaloo's situation soon, there could be some serious trouble if not handled properly. Just as Ocean Flow was about to panic even more, Scootaloo's movements in her hooves grabbed her attention. She huggled Ocean Flow, and the act started to send her heart a flutter. Than Scootaloo said the unexpected. "Mama", she babbled.
This got a surprised look on Ocean Flow's face, and made Scootaloo giggle. Ocean Flow chuckled, "Oh dear. You little goof. We got some things to take care of. I can't believe I am doing this, but I have to transport you safely. So, come on, into the pouch little one."
Ocean Flow hadn't explained this part of Sea Pony anatomy to even Princess Twilight yet, who was still learning about early aquatic development on Sea ponies, but, to keep their young ones safe til they were strong enough to swim around on their own outside their family home, mothers carried their babies in a pouch. It wasn't the same in Hippogriff form, since there were other ways to keep they're young in that form protected, but in Seaquestria, to keep themselves from having drag created from the young ones unable to swim on their own, the mother sea mare's pouch was the best way to transport their babies.
Ocean Flow lowered Scootaloo gently into her pouch, so not to scare her little passenger. Soon, Scootaloo was all the way in, curling up inside and giggling. Ocean Flow hadn't felt this sensation of a little one in her pouch for so long, and she started to feel a motherly warmth begin to surface again, as she gently caressed the bulge Scootaloo made in her pouch. She then heard Scootaloo start to snore, and giggled a bit. With Scootloo in her pouch, it also made her look pregnant. Now with her baby passenger, safe and cozy, she made for the door of her home to go outside.
Just as she was about leave the house, she was halted as her son, Terramar showed up. "Oh Mom, um, I was just about to come and see if Scoots wanted to........... um, mom, why is your belly round?" He inquired.
"Terramar, Scootaloo is in my pouch right now," Ocean Flow stated.
This made Terramar's jaw drop. "Moooom! She's old enough to-" Terramar was silenced as his mother covered his mouth and shushed him.
But it was too late. Scootaloo stirred awake and popped her head out. Terramar now saw why she was in Ocean Flows pouch in the first place. "Mom, what happened?" Terramar insisted to know.
"We had a potion accident. I thought I was giving her a grape flavored soda, but instead, she drank some of a de-aging potion. Somehow it ended up in the fridge," Ocean Flow explained.
"But, I don't remember seeing any potion in there before. Only two grape sodas. One I drank earlier today, and one I found in our family room, I assumed got left there before we went to bed," Terramar pointed out.
This made Ocean Flow go wide eyed. "Terramar, that grape soda you found in our family bedroom wasn't soda, that was the de-aging potion," Ocean Flow exclaimed.
Terramar cover his mouth in shock. "M-Mom, I had no idea. I-" Terramar couldn't finish his sentence.
"It's alright son. I'm not blaming you for this situation. I should have explained what that bottle contained. But we can't change what's been done. We have to find your aunt, and tell her what's happened, than get a message to Princess Twilight. This is a serious matter sweetie. For the time being, your a big brother," Ocean Flow explained.
Terramar gulpped at that notion. Soon Scootaloo tucked herself away again for another nap, and soon Ocean Flow and Terramar made for the surface. Oceanflow waited by the shore with Scootaloo, while Terramar switched to his Hippogriff form and bolted for Queen Novo's abode as fast as his wings could manage.
When he returned, Queen Novo and Sky Beak were with him, both shocked at the sight before them. After Ocean Flow explained the chain of events, Queen Novo soon prepared a letter and had her fastest delivery hippogriff bolt for Equestria, faster than the Canterlot Express. It would be several hours before they could receive a reply.
Author's Note
End of Chapter one. Hope you guys enjoyed it. Let me know what you think, and next chapter will be out soon.
Also, yes, I know that ponies don't have pouches, and neither do hippogriffs. And I don't think the show will reveal any anatomy lessons about sea pony anatomy. Who knows what Twilight learned about early aquatic development. So please, let me be a little creative in the story.
Other than that, let me know what you think of the story so far.
Maternal Instincts Surface
As the messenger was made his way to Equestria's Ponyville, the royal family began to have a chat. "You understand the circumstance you find here now. She has to stay in the water for at least another 4 years. And it has to be explained to her parents that they cannot force her back on land. If anything I'll try and arrange for them to stay in Seaquestria for the time being, til Scootaloo is old enough to go back to her land dwelling form of a pegasus," Queen Novo explained.
"I understand sister. I didn't intend for anything like this to happen. It was all a simple case of bad luck. And I'll make sure to care for her til her parents can make the trip over. But there is another tiny dilemma that must be addressed. Scootaloo called me Mama. I think her mental state has also regressed with her physical form. She identifies me as her mother. That may complicate things a bit when her parents arrive," Ocean Flow reasoned.
"That does pose a puzzling situation, but I am sure we can work around it. I wish we would could have found some way to make a reversal potion for that de-aging potion, but every attempt we tried failed. And I don't think I am comfortable with even unicorn or alicorn magic using aging spells on little ones, even if Scootaloo was an Equestrian Pony to begin with," Novo pressed concern.
"I agree, and I sure hope Princess Twilight herself doesn't make any rash decisions when she hears this news. Celestia and Luna, I know are quite level headed, but Princess Twilight, I know is new to the whole way of a Princess life style," Ocean Flow added.
"In the mean time though, I have to admit, Scootaloo's Sea Pony form is quite adorable," Novo admitted as she tickled Scootaloo with one of her wings.
Scootaloo giggled, and nibbled a bit on the queen's wing. "Awwww," everyone dawwed.
"Sneaky little nibbler," Ocean Flow chuckled.
"It doesn't hurt sister. At her age, she has no teeth," Novo assured her.
Just as Terramar started playing peek-a-boo with his temporary sister, there was a flash of purple light that caught everyone's attention. They saw Twilight trotting up to them with the messenger they sent. "So, what the letter said 'was' true. Scootaloo's a little sea pony," Twilight confirmed to herself.
"Yes Princess. My apologies, we weren't expecting your visit," Novo apologized.
"No need for apologies. I didn't tell anyone I was coming, but I had to be sure, cause I've gotten prank letters before that was bait by paparazzi. But, how come she's still in sea pony form?" Twilight inquired as she watched Scootaloo innocently splash around.
"Oh, I forgot to put that in the letter. See, we know she's not originally hippogriff, but because she turned sea pony, rules still applied to her. Here in our kingdom, it was made clear no pregnant Hippogriff or Sea-mare, nor any little ones under the age of 4 are to switch forms between land based, and sea based forms. Our doctors confirmed that it can hinder a little one's development, and cause severe complications. Scootaloo's development from her stage to a four year old would have a similar fate," Novo warned.
"I see," Twilight agreed.
"That's why we feel it is imperative that her parents are informed of the situation right away your highness," Ocean Flow insisted.
Twilight sighed, "That's another reason I am here. See, from knowledge I gained about Scootaloo, she was orphaned when she was very young. Her parents, they passed away many years ago. We aren't sure of the exact cause, but she has no parents, nor any relatives for that matter. She was staying at one of our adoption centers in Ponyville, and rest assured, they treated her very good, but as of right now, she has no legal guardians to take care of her. I did send a letter to the adoption center before teleporting with your messenger over here, so they are aware of the situation of her being regressed. However, I am going to have to explain further once they arrive here of why she must stay in Sea Pony form. If you don't mind me asking, is there an adoption center, established here?"
"I will be honest, in our kingdom, since everyone here is related to each other, most distant relations to a small, herd, as you say in Equestria, of close relations, it is among our customs, that should the parents of any of our young ones pass away while they are still young, one of their closest relatives will take over the responsibilities of parentage. With Scootaloo's situation however, she has no relatives here," Novo explained.
Ocean Flow was already at a loss for words. Scootaloo hadn't told her of her parents passing away. How could fate have dealt this little one, who was full of such joy, such a dreadful blow? And no relatives to take her parents place. In her mind it was unreasonable to surrender her to the world in such a state. Her mind was made up. "I'll do it..... I'll be her mother," Ocean Flow stated firmly.
Everyone looked at Ocean Flow in surprise. "O-Ocean Flow. Are you sure. I mean, I don't doubt you in any way dear, but are you fairly certain?" Sky Beak inquired.
"I am sure. The little wing nibbler has already grown on me. I have to admit. She stole my heart when she called me Mama," Ocean Flow explained.
"She Did WHAT?!!!!" Twilight yelped in shock.
Everyone chuckled at Twilight's reaction. Twilight herself laughed soon after, "Oh boy, Rainbow Dash is going to have a melt down when she hears that bit of news."
Queen Novo then walked closer to her sister. "Sister, I am not gonna go against your decision. If you feel this is best for her, and I can make whatever adjustments necessary, so the kingdom's not in an uproar, but understand, once you commit to this there is no turning back. I don't know how fast little Scootaloo will develop compared to how Hippogriffs do as Sea Ponies," Novo explained with concern.
Ocean Flow knew this was a big decision. But Scootaloo without a home was out of the question, and she felt her old Maternal Instincts start surface, so she nodded in certainty, "Yes, I shall be her mother."
"Well, I know your not fond of using magic foreign to your kingdom, but I do know of a spell that can give her a Hippogriff form once she's old enough to come on land again. Perhaps we can work out a magical spell that is of your own Kingdom's creation that can do the same. For reasonable purposes such as these of course Queen Novo," Twilight suggested.
"I suppose it's something to look into, but like you have stated, I don't wish to have foreign magic used on my subjects, and since Scootaloo is legally going to become my niece once everything is situated with the adoption center in Ponyville, she is under mine and my family's royal protection. How long do you figure it will take for the adoption center caretakers to arrive here?" Queen Novo insisted.
"Should be about 3 hours, depending on railway conditions. Even as an Alicorn, teleporting that many ponies at once is a bit of a challenge. And my friend Starlight, who's a unicorn can't even accomplish that, and she's as talented in magic as I am, in some areas, even more talented," Twilight admitted.
"I understand. And I'll let that little teleportation with my messenger slide, cause I understand you were concerned about Scootaloo. Use it just get yourself and them here for reasons that aren't cause for concern, I will not let slide," Novo warned.
"Respectfully noted, Queen Novo," Twilight blushed a bit.
Everyone chuckled, than Twilight asked, "What was this talk about Scootaloo being a wing nibbler?" Twilight inquired.
"Why don't you tickle her a bit and see what we mean your highness," Terramar suggested.
Twilight raised an eyebrow, smiling slyly a bit, knowing she couldn't pass up giving a little tickle torture, since she was an aunt herself. Once she did, Scootaloo giggled then grabbed and nibbled on Twilight's wing. This sent Twilight and the others into a daw fest again. Soon enough the group talked about many things, including Ocean Flow explaining the bit about pouches sea mares had, which Twilight recorded for her research enthusiasm, which no pony minded, as they waited for the adoption center ponies to arrive.
Author's Note
End of chapter 2. I know things are progressing a bit fast, but I feel it is pointless having to stretch out the chapter with parts that have no meaning to push the story forward.
Anyways, let me know what you think of the chapter in the comments below.
