Chapters Alex yawned and climbed out of bed. She looked about her room and noticed that Daring was already up and about. She then walked to the edge of the dresser and jumped down, growing to human height as she did, and walked to her closet. She picked the green explorer style getup that Rarity had made for her and collected her (formerly Meadowbrook's) Satchel. After using a bit of her chaos magic to instantly get dressed, the mouse adventurer went to the kitchen for breakfast. There, Twilight, Daring, & Serine were at the table eating breakfast that Spike was cooking. Of course the thought of food made her queasy. Moments later Ayumi joined them, “Morning all.” Alex said.
As everybody ate Daring Do said, “I managed to get in touch with the Princesses and they have gotten in touch with the government.”
Twilight looked up from her breakfast and asked, “So you can work in Australia, right?”
“I’m glad this mess is happening in Australia and not in America.” Ayumi commented.
“That’s right Twilight.” Daring Do replied. “It also means my credentials as a professor of Archaeology and my being an archaeologist are official now. Though that means me and Alex will have to do a few archaeological favors for the government.”
“I hope they will wait for your spawn to be at least three years old before they ask for the first favor.” Serine says as she eats.
Daring nodded before placing a bowl of what appeared to be semisolid oatmeal in front of Alex. Her face took on a greenish cast as she smelled how good it was and caused her morning sickness to flare. “Morning Cure.” Daring said. “An ancient pre-unification pegasus remedy.”
“Works for all races too! Chrissy uses it to keep her ‘brood sickness’ as she calls it from messing with her mornings.” Ayumi said.
Alex takes her spoon and attempts to dig in and gets the spoon stuck. “Ummm. Is this supposed to be this thick?”
Daring nodded. “It’s supposed to supply you with not only nourishment for this meal but for all the meals that you had to throw up. Fortunately for you, later bowls don't have to be as thick.”
Alex mused it would have to be thick to supply as much nutrients as it was supposed to. She then took the first spoonful and ate. A few moments after she swallowed she felt her nausea disappear. She smiled as she finished her meal.
One good thing about the location of the Library was the fact it was across the street from the school. So when Alex, Ayumi, & Twilight left for school all they had to do was walk across the street.
Alex had ALL her schoolbooks in the satchel, because she was never assigned a locker when she first arrived because she was only three inches at the time.
They met the others at the gate. Rarity walked up to Alex and hugged her. “It’s simply criminal you had to get pregnant, so you wouldn't have to worry about that horrid breeding paralysis darling.”
Alex placed a hand on her abdomen and said, “What has me worried is the number of buns in my oven.”
Ashley looked at her and said, “Consarnit! That’s right. Mice and rabbits are known for multiplying like crazy.”
Flora quietly said, “How many are you going to have?”
“Twelve at the most.” Alex replied. “Chances are high I got twins inside, though I’m hoping I beat the odds and there’s only one in there. But I won’t know for certain until I’m far enough along to get an ultrasound.”
Micaela then said, “ Yeah, yeah. That’s fine and dandy but if we don’t get walking, we’ll be late for class.”
The group than quickly walked in to school.
Alex felt odd walking into school instead of riding on Twilight’s shoulder. But since she could now maintain human size with the help of the enchanted satchel she became the guardian of she was going to enjoy it.
As the group of friends walked to their lockers due to their hearing being better than humans they heard several snippets of conversations.
“Is that Alex? I thought she was only three inches tall.” One student said.
‘She probably learned a spell to allow her to be as big as a human.” A second replied.
‘Why would she waste magic on that?” A third snarked.
“Dude do you know how many predators that love to dine on mouse?”
‘No.”
‘Enough to fear for her life. Fortunatlely most aren’t to keen on taking on human size prey.”
“AW COME ON!!!” One girl shouted in frustration. “She’s as big as Flora.” She complained.
“It’s so unfair.” another moaned. “Both she and Flora used to be guys and they get big tits when they get changed into girls.”
“At least they don’t lord it over everybody else like Sayoko did before they appeared on the scene.” A third tried to soothe her companions.
They separated and went to their homerooms. Alex shrank back to mouse size and Twilight lifted up with her magic. Both mouse girl and Alicorn princess entered to attend class.
Ayumi teleported in after a minute “Sorry bout that! I was with the princess aka the principal. He’s kinda been letting me call him that after his Nightmare Moon transformation as a way for him to cope. Seems he has some of Selene’s parental feelings towards me and Twilight.” Ayumi sat down in her seat with a chuckle. “Also wanted to let you know it’s at best twins Alex anthros besides changelings rarely have more than twins no matter the base species. Otherwise griffins would overpopulate the planet in five generations due to their combined natures.”
Alex sighed. “That’s good to know.” she said. “I hope, I’m still a bit nervous but when has any new mother not been.”
“Also my human mother is going to be visiting so we’ll need to make sure she meets my fiances and Twily’s family. She hasn’t turned anthro yet but I think her transformation will be this world’s Selene.” Ayumi said with a smile.
“Fiancés?”
“Both you and Daring.” Ayumi said. “Remember when your told your mother you would marry the parent of your kid? Now that I’m the dad of one, i guess that means you’re soon to be part of my herd.”
“Oh.”
Ashley shook her head, “This is way too confusing. Just who is the father of Alex’s kids, anyway?”
Alex nods to Ayumi and a note appears on Ashley’s desk which reads, “Ayumi used changeling magic to turn herself into a cutie marked mouse (gah! We got up with a better name) male and knocked me up so Hak Foo wouldn’t catch me and knock me up.”
“That mouse looked like a nasty character. Ah’m glad Ayumi was able to help. Something tells me that he isn’t parental material.”
“Trust me he isn’t.”
The day went on normally from there though Alex noticed that Ayumi seemed nervous.
“What’s up?” Alex inquired. “You look as nervous as a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs, as Bunnie Rabbot would say.” As they headed to lunch, Alex walking in human size and enjoying the fact she didn’t have to ride on somebody's shoulder to get to the cafeteria in a reasonable amount of time.
“It’s my mother.” Ayumi said as she ate a bacon cheeseburger “I just hope she doesn’t get mad that I haven’t told her how big our family has gotten. After all it used to be just me, her, my sister, uncle Dirk, and uncle Don. Now she’s got another whole set of kids and will be part of Velvet's herd by proxy.” She sighed and started on her chips. “I know poly marriages are rare on earth so I just hope she’s ok with my herd and my soon to be herdmates. Sorry for dropping this on you hon I just don’t know what to do if she disapproves.”She chuckled as she finished her meal. “I may an adult by law but your always your mother’s kid, you know?”
“Tell me something I don’t know.” Alex replied. “I just hope she not one of those who fear mice. I got enough of the female scared shitless at the sight of a mouse cliche when I got here. Nearly getting nailed by Rarity’s purse was too close a call for me.
“Getting back to your mother I hope she’s O.K. with as daughter-in-law that’s an adventurer.” Alex said as she ate another a spoonful of cheeseburger mac & cheese.
“I was an adventurer myself why would she be mad and remember it’s two daughters in law. You keep forgetting the wedding is for the three of us and Daring already agreed before we went through with it. The one thing I’m worried about is if Chrissy will show up she always tends to after all she was my beta.”
“I know.” Alex said. “but how will your mother react to the knowledge that three of her grandchildren will be fated to be adventurers themselves. Thanks to the curse they will have no choice. *Sigh*”
Suddenly Alex gets a feeling that someone’s behind her and it’s not one for her friends and Ayumi is looking behind her. “ Chrysalis is standing behind me right.” She says Looking at her soon to Alpha Mare.
“Worse,” Ayumi said as she gulped “Hi there Moondancer! This is Alex and… Pleasedon’tkillmebutbothsheandtheDaringDoofherworldarejoiningtheherd!!!! ” Ayumi was visibly shaking in fear of the one mare (other than her Equestrian counterpart) who had equal standing in her herd. Since they group was still in the lunchroom Ayumi whispered the next bit. “Please don’t be mad at me mistress but I made a deal to save her species and we’re now going to have foals running around soon. Again please don’t kill me!”
Moondancer looked at Alex and noticed the mousette was tensed ready to fight. She then noticed the way Alex held herself. It wasn’t like a pony off the street, but like someone who was ready to defend herself and her family. She smiles and says, “getting any version of Daring Do would benefit the herd. But this one feels like she's dealt with your father, Discord. Getting both of them in the herd is better than great.” She then walked over to Ayumi and whispered, “We got to get the herd together.”
“Sonata isn’t welcome yet and let’s just say that we’ve have dealings with a bad bug before so while I think you're right I also don’t think it’d be a good idea till later on. While your here though how's my twin doing and can you spare time enough to meet my human mom? I think you’d like her.”Ayumi whispered back.
“I can hear you like you’re talking normally with my ears.” Alex groused flicking her ears with annoyance. She took another bite of mac & cheese and hmmed in pleasure. “You never appreciate eating mac & cheese with a spoon alone or eating it bowlful until you spend a couple of weeks eating three noodles with a magically reduced knife and fork.” She commented.
“You’re our herdmate of course we’re letting you hear us. We’re whispering because of the others in the lunchroom.” Ayumi said.
Alex finished her lunch and said, “I’m not sure how it goes but Daring and I might form a smaller herd. Do smaller herds get absorbed by a larger herd? Herd interactions aren’t something family training has ever considered covering.” She looks at the clock and says, “We better go it’s almost time for PE and my magic studies.”
“Microherds aren’t unheard of in fact they are quite common in large herds. A microherd is basically just the individual family groups in the larger herd. Those smaller groups of ponies or other species that spend more time together than with the whole herd.” Moondancer informed them as the small group headed out of the lunchroom “You and Daring are fine forming a microherd just as long as you inform other herds that you are part of a larger herd and such while out and about together.”
“Okay.” Alex said. “One thing I’m afraid of is the curse that haunts my family might reach out and add any children you might have in the future may grab them. \ Daring and my foals will be adventurers there’s no doubt in that. I hope that won’t get on your nerves.”
“It’s no biggie mom’s blessing should negate some of the darker aspects of the curse and our kids we’re going to be royalty anyways so them adventuring would be a good way to relieve the stress of being royals.”
That day had Alex nose deep in Equestrian unicorn school books all the way up to high school level. She had two hovering in front of her in her magic and a tablet sitting in front of her with a stylus in her magic moving about as she was taking notes. Moondancer had both came back after a trip to the young mares room with Ayumi and did a double take. “Okay. If I had any doubts she was your student, that just dispelled them.” She said to Ayumi.
Ayumi covered her mouth to conceal a giggle as Moondancer continued, “She had picked up one of your habits, reading multiple books on a subject and taking notes.”
Without looking away from the books Alex said, “Trying to learn sixteen years worth of magic education to bring me up to snuff.”
“Been there. Done that.” Both mares deadpanned
“Moondancer was my counterpart’s study partner both in the main timeline and the two we come from and since I have all 575 year of my counterparts memories I’m the same deal. Still I’m surprised that those memories integrated seamlessly with my own.” Ayumi said “By the way if I start talking like I have been in equestria just assume I’m pulling from my counterpart’s memories. I know I have said this before but the readers haven’t seen it yet.”
Alex stopped, she put the books down and said, “I think my rescuing Serine may have synched me with another me. Because I remembered getting caught in an alicorn’s crash landing.” Alex winced at the memory. Please don't channel Pinkie sensei.”
After about five minutes it was time for the next class.
“Actually I was using some of my own chaos magic not my younger sister’s but I’ll refrain from fourth wall breaks till Deadpool somehow shows up he always does.” Ayumi said with a shake of her head as the group headed to their last class of the day “After that no promises cause I might need to repair the wall if he shows up.”
“ugh.” Alex groaned. “The less said about him the better.”
Moondancer shuddered “He needs to learn that being tri and try are different things on Equestrian soil. And yeah the less said the better”
“I watched an ep of Death Battle where he and Pinkie Pie were put into the area. No one died that day as the show ended in a Pinkie Pie party.” Alex said. “I should’ve went to Brazil with Indy and missed it. But that’s neither here nor there.”
“Uncle Dirk knows Indy. They’ve never met face to face but they send letters to each other also Uncle Dirk is the sole reason the sun set on the British empire. He recovered the only intact copy of the bill of sale of Canada making the whole country part of the USA.” Ayumi said “Though the two governments have still remained separate due to how old said bill is.”
“With what is happening, I won’t be surprised that the US & Canada become one sooner or later rather than never. Well here is history see you later, Moondancer.” Alex said as she and Ayumi entered their last class of the day.”
Meanwhile,
Daring Do was sitting at the Head Librarian’s desk keeping watch over the library and its books. She kept a secret smile on her face as she used an enchanted stamp that read “Property of the Golden Oaks Library” new books that had been donated by the city knowing that the enchantments would prevent the books from being stolen. She thanked Celestia for that piece of mind. Basically with the Library enchantments prevent the books from being snuck out of the library, as the books are teleported to the sorting shelves if they leave the tree without being checked out.
If they were checked out, if the books weren’t returned after seven days fines would be rendered for 21 days before the book is magically teleported to the sorting shelves and an additional five days worth of fines would levied. Of course the magic recorded the fines in equestrian bits but using the a improvised conversion of 1 bit = 12.5 cents with the half cent being rounded up in the case of odd number of bits would work until an official exchange rate could be arranged covered it.
She smiled as Alex, Ayumi and the anthro mane six came in from school. Daring noticed Alex seemed agitated than saw Flora looking like she was going to break down in tears. The look of the others showed they were upset at something.
Ashley spoke up, giving Flora a side hug, “Hey, what’s wrong, sugarcube? Bad day at school?”
“What’s wrong? One of the other students and her cronies cornered Flora and the started berating her.” Alex said her temper close to exploding. Ashley nodded grimly and added, “Soyoko was expressing her displeasure at both Flora and Alex being bigger in the chest than she was.” Alex just nodded and went to the living area.
Daring Do just sighed saying, “Let me guess, this Soyoko verbally assaulted Alex when she went to help Flut… Flora.”
Micaela snorted and said, ”Damn straight. She accused Alex of pretending to be a guy until her boobs had a growth spurt and made to painful to bind.”
“I nearly let Nova out when Soyoko slapped Alex after she stood up for herself and Flora. “ Ayumi growled as smoke poured from her mouth “No one touches my girls! No one not a stuck up prick or a demon from hell.”
With that everyone save Daring went up to the living area. When they got there they found a translucent emerald cube where they saw Alex fighting a human Hak Foo. She fought her opponent until she manifested a disk and destroyed the Hak Foo simulacrum by throwing it through the image. The cube faded away and Alex took a calming breath and started when she saw the others.
“uh… hi guys" Alex said. Ayumi and Twilight looked towards her with both puzzlement and intrigue at the spell they just saw in action. Alex started to head to the bathroom saying, “Let me freshen up and we’ll head to Sugarcube Corner.”
When she got to the bathroom she disrobed then turned towards the shower and froze. Staring back at her from a full length mirror was a mouse woman with black fur, fire for hair & solid red eyes giving the impression of live coals.
Alex felt chills go through her soul as she looked at the mouse. The nightmarish mouse smiled and said, “Soyoko was lucky I didn't fully awaken.”
Alex gulped and said, “Why are you …”
“Awake? Oh come on, I woke up to protect Flora.”
Alex glared at the nightmare mouse. “Your protection is the last thing anybody wants.”
Her dark self smiled and Alex felt like she was being sized up by a predator. She got a sinking feeling who she was taking to.
“You know what I am Alexandra.”
“You're my desire to protect my Precious people.”
“Oh I am more. I AM THE RESENTMENT AT THOSE FALSE FRIENDS THAT ABANDONED US. THE THIRST FOR VENGEANCE TO TASTE THE SUFFERING OF THOSE WHO WRONGED US. I AM THE RAGE YOU FEEL AT THE CURSE THAT PLAGUES MY FAMILY. I AM ALICE NIGHTMARE!”
Alex steps back as Alice says, ’’When I fully manifest at my own choosing I will hunt down all those false friends and collect the debt they owe. After I will find a way to plunge this world into eternal twilight and night."
As Alice laughs Alex bolts into the main living area, her being naked forgotten in her terror and glomps Ayumi in terror saying, “Aliceisaawakeandwantstohuntdownthefriendsthatabandonedmeandplungethedaysideintoeternaltwilight.”
Ayumi pulled Alex away and held her at arm's length and said, “Whoa. Calm down. Take a deep breath! Slow down. You’ll lose your young if you get too worked up. Now tell us what you said slowly."
Alex took a calming breath and repeated slowly, “Alice is awake and wants to hunt down the friends that abandoned me and plunge the day side into eternal twilight.”
“That’s actually the best option for plunging the world into. The Arctic and Antarctic already experience that for half of the year so as long as we adapted to the cold and all that the earth would be fine. But the false friends thing? That might be a problem.” Ayumi said grimly. “Next time you see her, try finding out who they are. Now I think you were about to freshen up before we head off to Sugarcube Corner?”
Alex looked down and did a full body blush and squeaked before running back to the bathroom.
Alex looked in the mirror and sure enough there was Alice, mirroring her movements. Her dark side smiled and said, “You want to know who the false friends are.”
“Yes.”
“All I’ll tell you is that they are already at the school you’re going to and are the opposite of the Elements of Harmony, HONESTY, LAUGHTER, LOYALTY, KINDNESS, MAGIC, & GENEROSITY. B’BYE.”
After that the reflection returned to normal. Alex sigh and she took her shower.
Alex came out and walked to a closet and put on a khaki shirt and trousers. Both locked like the kind that explorers on some adventure movies wore. “I’ve good news and bad news.” She said as she got dressed.
The others looked at her with some concern and Rarity said, “So what is the good news and the bad news?”
“The good news is that the number of targets is small, they're in Australia and …” Alex said before looking at the anthro mane six before adding, “but they're your polar opposites. Or to exact the polar opposite of you element.”
“So no one.” Ayumi said with confidence “If we’re going by the show the biggest target might be Sombra but we have a good Sombra to balance that out in the comics and those are considered canon where they don’t break show canon and the second mirror doesn’t.” Ayumi patted alex on the back “ even in the comics the Elements of Chaos never found somepony to bond to so they never could fight the Elements of Order.” Ayumi smiled at the confused looks she was getting “The Elements of Order’s secondary physical forms may have come from the Pillars. While the whole of the elements of harmony are both the elements of Order and Chaos used together which have existed since the Omniverse began. After all the true definition of harmony is the balance of Order and Chaos. It’s why Discord exists to maintain that balance and since he lives Alice has on target as he is the Elements of Chaos in physical form unless every version of him/her/it dies then she’ll have no target. And if Murphy ever tries to touch my father I’m finding it and letting nova’s full power out upon it.”
“Sensei.” Alex said face palming. “Alice gave us a clue to who her targets will be by naming the bearer of the Element of Harmony they will be bumping heads with. Honesty meaning Ashley as she's Earth’s Applejack, Laughter means Pinkie, Loyalty is represented by Michaela aka Rainbow Dash, Kindness you got Flora, Magic well Twilight fits the bill, and the fabulous Rarity represents Generosity.” Alex looks at the Anthro Six and says, “Each of you has come into contact with one of Alice's targets.”
Later at Sugarcube Corner the anthro 6, Ayumi, Alex, and Daring Do were enjoying some snacks when the door was slammed open and an anthro of Tempest Shadow complete with the shattered horn. She marched up to the table and slammed her fists on it and demanded, “WHERE IS HE?!”
“Where is who?” Rarity asked a little confused, as everyone save Alex looked at her in bewilderment. Tempest Shadow looked at the fashionista and said, “Alex Viator. We had an argument after he saved me and my family from a creep called Cabellaron. During that argument a green glob of energy shot out of him and nothing happened. Earlier today I was with my boyfriend watching the new my little pony movie and I turned into a Fizzlepop Berrytwist or Tempest Shadow Anthro. So where is he?”
“She’s my fiance Fizzie.” Ayumi Said “If you want to hurt her I’ll use lightning stronger than the pitiful horn shocks you can produce.”
“Her?” Fizzie says puzzled for a moment before busting out in laughter, she laughs for a few minutes. “Oh mister ‘give everybody chance’ got bit in the butt finally.”
Alex glowered at Fizzie’s jab at her. Her friendship with the anthro woman in front of them ended when a surge struck her. “Berrytwist, I told you that surge was partially focused on you but could of had a delayed effect.” The broken horned unicorn glared at the mouse then her nostrils flared and she then started laughing again.
“What’s so funny?” Twilight asked sourly. Fizzlepop Berrytwist got control of herself and replied, “I don’t know how but I know you’re pregnant just by smelling you, Alex. I don’t have to lay any hurt on you.”
Ayumi’s hair turned to black smoke as she shifted into Tempe “Are you insulting the mother of my child?” she growled “Cause if you are, you’d better step down Shadow, if you want to live.”
Shadow stood up and turned to leave saying, “I don't have any of those globes from the movie, so I’m leaving. But I intend to watch the birth, seeing the jerk suffering through labor will make my day.” She then leaves.
Ayumi decided to follow her to apologise. “Fizzle, wait!”
Alex watches as Tempest shadow leaves sugarcube corner. Alex sits back and sighs. “ What is it with me and friends with the name Tempest. 1st I Befriend a person who called themselves Tempest. I lose that same friend a short time later. I gain 2 mates, one of which goes by the name Tempest Flare. And the The Tempest I lost a friendship to turns into Tempest Shadow.” She then plonks her head onto the Table and groans in frustration. She looks at her sensei and asks “How did the the magic that came from me affect her now instead of years ago when the surge happened changing her into anthro Tempest Shadow. I thought on the unfocused magic would've dissipated by now.”
“It might be due to the increasing magic field. This world starting to feel more and more like Equus magically.” Daring Do says thoughtfully.
Meanwhile, Tempest Storm was walking down a street in the rundown area of Perth. She was fuming over the latest turn her life had taken.
Ayumi walked up to try talking to her. “Fizzle, do you have a minute?”
Fizzlepop looked back at Ayumi before saying, “What do YOU want?”
"I just want to apologize…” Ayumi started.
Fizzlepop stopped and turned to face Ayumi and said, “First, you can take your apology and shove it between Alex’s legs for all I care. Second, how can Alex be pregnant by you? Last I checked, two females cannot get each other pregnant. Third, why are you still human when there’s a growing anthro population.”
“I used changeling magic to turn myself in a male of her race,” Ayumi said “it’s also why I look human. I can change between my anthro form and a humanized anthro” she spread one of her wings which had been hidden by her hoodie and transformed in a flash of purple fire into her normal anthro form “I’m actually an alternate Twilight Sparkle. I remain human-like to keep the mix ups between me and my sister to a minimum. And while you won’t accept it, again I’m sorry for threatening to hurt you. I don’t know what came over me but i’d never hurt another of my counterparts herd mates normally.
Also I’m glad you at least seem civil enough to not fight with any of us we’ve already had to deal with too much darkness for friends gone bad. And yes you are invited to Daring’s and Alex’s baby showers if only so that you are safe from this Starlight who seems to never have reformed and become some thorn in everyone’s side.”
“I’m not stupid, Tempest.” She took a deep breath and said, “I am going to go by the name of Fizzlepop Berrytwist as have become the anthro version of her. I think I was a lot like Tempest Storm before my transformation.” At which Fizzlepop hands Ayumi a photograph of a Polynesian girl with a huge scar right where Fizzlepop had broken her horn is now located. She then looked at Ayumi then said, “You can be assured that as long as she has buns in her oven, Alex is safe from me. There’s no honor in attacking the innocent.” with that Fizzlepop left.
While Ayumi was talking with Fizzlepop, Alex and the others were walking back to the library when they spotted someone in a cloak waiting outside the library. Daring Do walked up and said, “Hello, sorry about the wait. One moment and the library will be open for business.”
“Are you Daring Do?” the cloaked woman asked.
“Yes I am.” the Equestrian pegasi replied. “Who’s asking?” Close to her a certain anthro mouse tensed as Daring walked upto the door and opened it.
“Before I answer do you know the background of Nightmare Moon’s creation?.” the woman asked.
Alex spoke up, “In the timeline of the show, it was due to the combination of the ponies avoiding her and her night and jealousy. In the timeline Ayumi hails from it the fact Luna & Selene had been forcibly merged prior in addition to the reasons given by the show.”
“So you know my daughter.” the woman said as she pulled down her hood revealing Nightmare’s face “That makes this easier on me. While I told Ayumi I had become an anthro myself I never told her who I became. I Became the Nightmare as I am the only mother she has in this world meaning Luna and Selene never split.”
Alex eeped and seemed to explode into a cloud of emerald orbs which spiraled down and vanished revealing her at her 3” height. Then promptly fell to her knees and began to throw up. Daring carefully picked her up saying, “I guess changing size quickly is out.”
Nightie opened the door to the library “I apologize if my appearance startled you, i’m still getting used to my new look myself though i am glad my earrings remained. The horn ring seems to be a lunar steel ring and is a wedding ring mine disappeared when changed so i assume that the horn ring took its place.” She walked in taking off her cloak revealing the unique “outfit” she wore underneath. “I was always a nudist back home so these were the most I tended to wear when not out doing shopping and such. Plus the armor I had on after the change is 11 too hot for this weather. Though the dark blue now matches my coat color.”
Alex just nodded as she recovered from her attack of morning sickness. “If I had known that morning sickness would be this bad i’d have asked Ayumi to not knock me up.”
Daring moved behind the information desk and sat down allowing her mousey mate to step on to the desk. Alex then sat down on the outer edge of the desk and slowly grew to human size.
Once she was human sized again Alex said, “I have to apologize for the light show earlier.”
“It’s of no concern. Morn sickness hits all of us hard.” Nightie said “But correct me if I’m wrong you said Ayumi is the father?”
“Yes.” Alex replied. “You see my first heat me very hard. It took my running into the only other of my kind who was male and one of my old foes.” Alex shudders before continuing, “The moment I scented him… my body refused to do anything but wait for him to mate me. Fortunately my friends rescued me. Me and my friends gained heat suppression amulets which helped me when I ran into him again. After I tricked him to hunt down his cutie mark. Sensei offered to use changeling magic to turn herself into a male of my kind.” Alex gets a wistful look. “It was the best sex I ever had.”
“I bet it was.” Nightie said “though i would refrain from details till my daughter returns. While my family doesn’t look down on it in the same way most do incest is still taboo with most of the world.” She blushed “i’ll explain the reasons for this outlook later but part of it is the fact my mother and i never stopped lactating after giving birth the first time so we had to pump every day. That meant that i was always aroused due to buy the vibrating pumps for the comfort they bring. I still lactate but the flow was reduced after my change so if you want you two can have some of my milk when your foals and mouselings are born.”
Alex smiled and said “Daring’s foal might have no problems with it, but my mouselings might have trouble with it.”
Ayumi walked in “hey guys uh… Mom? Is that you?” She asked as she headed into the kitchen “if it is i’ll make some tea you still have the ‘problem?’ if so add the milk yourself.”
“I am my Princess and I’ll have a cup of cherry tea thank you.” She then looked at Daring Do and said, “Pretty crafty publishing your journals as ‘works of fiction’ and using the profits from the sales to fund your research and adventures.” Nightie said with a glint in her eye. She then turned on the TV as Ayu”mi and Daring went downstairs either maintain the library or make the tea. On the TV an anchorman said, “A.K. Yearling has surprised the literary world by releasing, ‘Adventures of Alex Viator & The High Flying search for the mirror of Laptrop Htrae featuring Daring Do, Equestrian Adventuress extraordinaire. ’”
“Huh surprised that they knew of your other name already Daring.” Ayumi said as she brought out three cups of tea and one mug of coffee. “Thought you would have to establish a fanbase on this earth for that to happen. Did you let Alex publish your older works here to give her a steady income as a reward for her help or something? By the way mom could i get some milk the dairy in the store is too… watery after you spoiled me for 16 years of my life.”
Both adventurers grinned as Daring replied, “Yes.” Daring continued “As a thank you for helping in that adventure trying to find that mirror. Unfortunately, Dr Callabron got to it first.” both terran and equestrian adventurer looked upset at that out come.
Nightie gave Ayumi a glass and floated glasses to everyone else. She then said, “You two be careful how much of my milk you drink or you’ll start lactating as you’re both pregnant.”
“Hell the only reason I stopped drinking it straight every day is it caused me to start lactating after my chest filled out.” Ayumi said after mixing some of the milk into her coffee. “The biggest reason we could find for the family ‘problem’ was that hormones would overflow after giving birth and never fully stop thus the ‘problem’ persists.” she took a small sip of the now ¾ full glass. “Those same hormones are in the milk itself though it takes quite a bit to actually start the milk production in non pregnant females so it’s mostly safe.”
Alex thought a moment before saying, “Any one of my spellcasting relatives except Uncle Sea Heart could either look up, find or research a spell that could reset your body hormone levels to prepregnancy levels. But if you drink any human breast milk you’ll start lactating at double the rate. Another disadvantage that such a spell has is the recipient of the spell will be more likely to get pregnant and start making double the milk.”
“While my little princess calls it the ‘family problem’ it’s actually a boon to many who can not breastfeed on their own.” Nightie said “i started selling my milk after Ayumi’s older sister was born and the doctors who examined me and my milk suggested that the milk i produce may help pregnant and nursing mothers produce more or start producing if they had problems with doing so before, so i shall not take the offer. I would be devastated if i could not help others as i have before. Even Ayumi if she wants to provide for the young ones when they are born.”
Alex nodded. “I only offered in case you didn’t want to be continually lactating, or wanted to have a break from...URK!” She said before covering her mouth and dashing to the bathroom. Daring Do got up and carefully walked to the stairs and said, “Ayumi? Would you help me with the library as you were the librarian in this place before Sea Heart brought it here?
“Actually i think i should help Alex she shouldn’t be throwing up so much at this point in her pregnancy i worried about both her and the kid, but Mom could help she used to work at my hometown’s library before she had Airra so she can handle some of the load.” Ayumi said as she headed into the second floor bathroom “Oh and i would suggest changing into your Yearling outfit soon. Just in case we get another pony who doesn’t know your secret crossing over for a few days.”
Daring sighs and says “Give me a moment.” She then went into a side room and changed into her disguise then went back into the library proper with Nightie following.
Meanwhile, in the bathroom Ayumi entered and found Alex sitting on the floor next to the toilet. She weakly looked up and said, “We have a problem.” she got up and placed her hand on her belly.
“Not really.” Ayumi said with a small smile. “I suspected you would have a fast pregnancy due to how fast mice breed so this wasn’t out of the question in fact that is why I wanted you to live with me during this time, just be glad that you're not dealing with a actual mice pregnancy.” Ayumi rubbed Alex’s swollen belly “from your size I expect three months not nine or eleven but that’s just a rough estimate.”
Alex sighed in pleasure from the belly rub before she slowly got up before saying, “Might as well show off my new baby bump.” She said with resignation.
“Heh might as well; Mom’s going to have a fit though she wants me to have kids as well.”Ayumi said with a smile” this’ll just give her more ammo to use.”
Alex and Ayumi walked out of the bathroom and into the living area. The moment she and her sensei the both of them heard gasps from the others.
“Darling. Your belly!” Rarity said. “Are you alright?”
“I hope there’s nothing wrong." Flora meekly said.
“YIPE!” Micaela cried out. “You just ballooned!”
“Land sakes, girl! No wonder you’ve been sick. Yer expectin’ young! Ah reckon Pinkie will be throwin’ you your own baby shower after yer appointment with Dr. Fauna, the veterinarian Flora works with.” Ashley said, also with concern for Alex’s condition.
“I hope that is normal for your new race.” Twi remarked in concern.
“It might.” Alex said. “Given the speed mice pop out litters, Sensei and I estimate my pregnancy may be two to four months long. Which means if my pregnancy is five months long, Daring & I will pop out our kids at the same time.”
Ayumi nodded and added, “That means our mouslings will go through at least one or two of these growth spurts.”
Nightie walked in wearing her cloak due to the company. “Little Princess are these your friends and sister?” She dipped her head to Twilight “I’m glad to meet my other daughter.”
“Um.. Mother Nightmare I’d like to ask you something but I’m afraid…” Alex trailed off.
Twilight shuffled in embarrassment saying, “I am pleased to meet you as well.”
“What is it, Young one?”Nightie said somehow slipping into Luna’s older dialect “You need not fear us.”
Alex gulped then took a deep calming breath and said, “Last month I encountered some old enemies of mine. Three of them threatened to rape friends of mine if they succumbed to breeding paralysis. Add to that the Pony of Shadow’s shadow minions grabbed Twilight if front of Sensei. We both almost lost control of our nightmare forms. It took all my friends help to prevent me from going Nightmare. I thought it over until earlier today when I got back from school.” Alex hugged herself and closed her eyes then. “I discovered that Alice had been awakened by an encounter I had with a classmate who was jealous of mine and Flora’s busts. She then revealed she planned to hunt down former friends and afterwards plunge the world into eternal twilight. Can a Nightmare affect the world without fully manifesting?”
“Most definitely i’m the night from of luna and selene and the sun is still out right?” Nightie said smiling “if i can resist the darkness so easily Alice should be able to.”
Alex sat down slowly then asked “How can I get Alice to resist the darkness that spawned her?”
“Convince her that the consequences aren’t worth the effort put in.” Ayumi said “if one thing is universal with all nightmares it’s the fact that they have limited energy to stay awake with”
Alex thought a moment before saying, “I’m going to use a family spell that usually is used for training and working out frustrations. It’ll create a safe environment where she can fully manifest and in a separate body. That way others can help if they choose.”
Alex then concentrated and her hands started glowing with with Alex’s Emerald aura. Moments later the translucent cube appeared. Alex stepped into it and closed her eyes.
As everyone watched Rarity said, “Alex is full of surprises.”
Ashley watched as Alex entered the cube. “Good luck in there, sugarcube!”
Alex looked about the interior of the cube and then leaned out of the cube and said, “Guys? Would you mind if I expanded the spell to encompass the room and you guys? I would like some help with turning Alice from the dark side.”
“Pfft!” Micaela said, “Like you had to ask!” Everyone else nodded and Alex went back into the cube. Alex moved her hands like she was using a touch input device and the cube expanded and engulfed the room and everything in it.
A moment later Alex's image seemed walk from Alex and what appeared to be Alex without the baby bump turned to face them. She had black fur and red eyes; it’s hair was colored red, orange, and yellow and wavy. It hung down to her shoulders. She was wearing a outfit that seemed to be leather. A black glossy gleaming leather shorts and halter combo, with calf-high boots and a chain link belt.
The other figure then said, “Why do I have the feeling you’re going to try to bore me to death?”
Alex crossed her arms and said, “Listen Alice, I may .. no I am upset that those six abandoned me when they could have helped, but holding grudges is nothing but bad news.”
Ashley narrowed her eyes at “Alice.” “Ya must be “Alice,” Alex’s dark half. “And you know who we are?” The anthro Applejack asked the dark mouse girl.
“Of course I do.” Alice replied. “You're this world’s answer to Applejack, bearer of Honesty.”
Ashley smiled, “Mah closes friends and family call me AJ. And Alex brought us all here t’ solve yer friendship problem. C’n ya tell us a bit more about it?”
Alice just looked at AJ then snorted saying, ““Tempest fled after she was hit by a mostly diffused surge. Erma went and hid after Alex freed her from Dr. Caballeron. Twister, Alfred Just left without telling Alex why. The others left calling Alex a ‘freak and a blood traitor’ There are now no more.”
Ashley looked over to her friends, “Who here has some advice fer Alice? Micaela? Pinkie, Rarity, Twilight, Starlight, Flora?”
Serine was watching Alex’s friends interact with the entity known as Alice when she spoke up, “ I can - sorry Marry i mean we can try to give you because who better to give advice then someone who is in the same boat and before you ponies worry what Mary gets out of it she only asked me to show you her form.” Serine asked
Alice’s fur lightens as she listens to Serine.
Ashley nodded, “If no pony or mouse has any objections, Serine, ya want to try to help Alice? Sounds t’ me she needs to find the right kind o’ friends who are honest, loyal, funny, generous, kind, and o’ course, we have the “Princess of Friendship” and her student here t’ help.”
Ashley smiled at the scene, “So ya think Alex and Alice will be sisters or just friends who happen to be anthro mice?”
“Sisters?” Alice says wistfully.
“Yes.” Alex says. “you can be my sister."
Alice shakes her head. “No. Not Sisters; I haven't the right.”
Pinkie walks up to Alice then asks, “Why not?”
“Because I cannot exist unless this spell’s used or I manifest.”
“And the usual conditions of your manifesting means I become trapped in my own body.”
“That's the thing; you can edit or modify that spell to not make the possessee have free of the mind while the possessor controls the body which is what we do which makes it near impossible to sneak up behind us.”
“That’s good and all, but I want a real existence, not a partial one.” Alice says, “And I don’t want to take over Alex’s body. I… want a body of my own.”
“Ok that i don't know how to do because of two reasons one me and probably everyone else do not trust Mary with her own body and two both me and Mary agree that she’s crazy when she manifests” Serine said.
Alex approach Alice then Said, “Alice, you and I are two sides of a coin. Light & Dark. Order & Chaos. If we split we could be doing ourselves harm. How about after the mouslings are born I give the second weekend each month to enjoy yourself. That way you can have some fun.”
“What’s the catch?” Alice asked.
“Forget the ‘false friends’ and forget the eternal twilight thing.”
“Deal.”
Ayumi then stepped up after thinking of something “We could actually use the mirror pool to give…”
“Alice a body.” Alex finishes for Ayumi. “One problem though. The Mirror pool is in Equestria and the Mirror of Latrop H’Trae is currently in the possession of one Dr. Caballeron.”
“We can ask Selene to bring in some of the pool’s water through the portal at Ayers Rock!” Twilight said with excitement. “It connects to Ayumi’s timeline so it may also have a mirror pool; plus with the two Equestrias already connected to our earth, who’s to say there isn’t a mirror pool on earth too.”
Alex thought about it then said, “Twi you’re a genius!” She got up slowly and headed for the kitchen. “I’m going to make carrot lasagna and visit uncle Sea Heart; he’ll know where to look to find it.”
Ashley nodded as Alex went to prepare her meal for her uncle. “Ya mind me helpin’ ya with this meal? Ya have the recipe memorized?”
“Don’t mind if you do.” Alex replied. “And yes I do. Given Uncle Sea Heart was vegan before he ended up transformed into an unicorn. Also, Grandma invented it and made sure Mom, Dad and I knew it by heart.”
Meanwhile in Equestria,
Rainbow Dash came flying into the Castle of Friendship leaving a rainbow contrail as she made her way into the library, where Sci-Twi was reorganizing it. “IS IT FINALLY HERE?” she called out to her.
Sci-Twi adjusted her glasses saying, “They’re here, Rainbow.” She levitated a pair of books.
Rainbow Dash took the books then said, “Wait! who is this Alexandre Viator?”
Twilight looked the cover and said, “This Alex appears to be an adventurer himself on a human world. Hmm. No Cutie mark on his clothes like the humans of the human world Sunset is on have. I wonder…”
Alice then closed her eyes and she vanished as the spell ended.
Alex and Ashley went to the kitchen to make the carrot lasagna. As they entered, Alex went to her knees near one of the cabinets a little too quickly for Ashley’s taste.
“Ya o.k. Alex?” She asked as she helped her friend after she found the casserole pan.
“I’m okay.” Alex replied. “It’s that spell is a magic hog. The constructs created by it are solidified magic. Of course that spell was created as a magical combat simulator and the constructs dissolve and return to my magic reserves when beaten.’
“And your using it to talk to Alice was more draining than it usually was.”
“Correct.” Alex stated as they gathered the ingredients. “Good thing I have two reserves.”
Ashley and Alex gather the ingredients and make the dish. As the carrot lasagna cooked, Alex began to make a second lasagna and to Ashley’s surprise replaced the carrots with apples.
“What in tarnation?” Ashley asked as Alex began to prep the final stage of preparing the dish.
Alex looked at her friend and said, “I felt I owed you something after you stepping in while Rarity was flipping out at the sight of me, so I figured modifying the Carrot lasagna recipe would do it.”
Ashley smiled and gave her mouse friend an affectionate rub on the head with her finger, ‘Oh, sugarcube, Ah reckon Rarity and the rest o’ the gals will love it as much as it looks now. We callin’ this dish ‘Apple Lasagna?’”
“Apple pasta cake sounds better but kialso wrong for some reason.” Ayumi said as she headed over to the fridge to grab some bottles of hard cider. “There’s more in the fridge if you want some. I stocked the regular stuff for the cooks but the hard stuff is about 5%, so have at it.”
Ashley smiled and helped herself to one of the non-alcoholic fizzy apple cider. “Alex shouldn’t have any o’ the hard cider ‘cause she’s pregnant. This here fizzy apple cider is non-alcoholic.” She pours a glass for herself and the smallest glass she can find for her mouse friend. “This is the smallest glass Ah could find, Alex.”
Alex smiled as she slowly grew a bit larger and took the glass, ”It’s okay Ash I can adjust my size. I agree about having hard cider, don't want the little ones having a taste for it before the had a chance to live their lives.” She said. She then placed her hand on her belly and added, “I am dreading going to class tomorrow. I look like I've been knocked up for six months instead of two, and I don't want the aggravation of having to repeat myself.”
Ayumi walked up and kissed Alex on the lips. “They say anything and both me and Nova will teach them why NOPONY fucks with my family.”
Alex returned the kiss, not just because it was coming from Ayumi, but it was coming from her mate and sire of her unborn child(ren).
After they broke the kiss, they began to set the table. As they placed the lasagna pans on the pads placed there, the scent of Italian spices and good food filled the dining area as the others sat down. The unique aroma of Italian sauce, apples and cinnamon filled the air.
Alex cuts the lasagnas into 18 servings each as Daring Do enters from closing the library. She smiles as she says, Who wants lasangs?!” the cries of those gather and she serves everymouse.
The preparations to visit her uncle at the local petting zoo were going fine. Alex was moving about the kitchen preparing breakfast for herself Ayumi, Daring Do, Twilight, both Spikes, and Barb with the twin dragon anthro's help.
“How come Barb is always following you around Spike?” Daring asked “I mean don’t get me wrong but she seems to always be near you whenever you show up.”
“Heh,” Spike chuckled out “Truth is Barb isn’t my twin, at least not by birth. She’s more of a mirror clone I accidently created when trying some dragon based spells. She sticks around due to the spell that made her being a familiar based spell.”
“That going to cost you.” Alex said with concern in her voice. “Several members of my family past and present are spellcasters. They noted that a small portion of the familiar’s summoner/partner's lifeforce is used to form the bond. That means you're going to have to watch out for each other as if you die, she dies. Though it'll hurt like tartarus and any spellcasting is weakened if she dies. Not fun.” With that she went to check on Nightie.
At that moment another Spike walked in carrying in a lasagna Tupperware and plop placed it on the small table next to the door and saying, “It doesn't seem fair that your Uncle has to spend several days at a petting zoo for community service just for bringing this library from Equestria. He saved it from being destroyed even if it was unintended. And now Ayumi and Twilight have their whole spell book collection back. Some of these books were given to them by Celestia herself making them priceless. This place has already paid for itself and more with all of the bits we had stashed in the sub basement not to mention Ayumi’s and mine respective gem cashes for snacks.”
“Well, considering that he brought it here at the exact time Tirek's destructive attack would've destroyed this place and the explosion that heralded it's arrival having scared everybody. I don’t blame them for the city giving him community service.”
Barb walked up to the other Spike and hugged him. “Hi brother! How did you cross over?”
“The stump of the house has become a portal back home making it easier for some of us to come over.” the equestrian Spike said.
Alex groaned then said, “AW COME ON!!” as she and Ayumi walked into the room.
“Honey i thought i told you to not get so worked up over my mother clothing choices.” Ayumi said “She loves to tease remember?”
She doesn’t need to wear that shirt to a petting zoo!” Alex said “It’s like she’s constantly in heat or something!”
“I used to wear my milm shirt be happy i’m not doing that anymore.” Nightie said as she walked into the room in jean shorts and a shirt with “hot gilf” on the front. And “that azz’ with two arrows pointing down on the back. “Besides i’m not heading out with you I already have a date today. i’m just leaving at the same time to beat the traffic.”
“Okay.” Alex said sighing, “I hope your date is flawless.” She then turns attention to the trio of dragons and says, “You three are going to be okay holding the fort?”
“I alway was at home.” the equestrian Spike said with a shrug “i’m just stopping in to grab some of my old comics and Twiliy’s collection but i’ll keep these two out of trouble till you get back.”n mm
“Me and barb are going to sort out the books and booze lying around but other than that we’ll be fine.” the transformed spike said. “If you see flames it’s just us burning the stuff that went bad.”
“Okay.” Alex said as they left. “Remember we'll be back at 4:00pm”
They arrived at the Perth Zoo at p10:00am and after they paid for their admission, they went,about and enjoyed the place. Though several of the animals seemed noto watch with hungry looks and one licked his chops. Alex was a little nervous as she had not been to the zoo for a long time and her new species had a lot of predators.
“Are you okay?” Twilight asked. “You look a little on edge.” Alex sighed as she replied, “I've just was shown there was more to being turned into a mouse anthro. New instincts.”
“Why is that?” the voice of Pinkie Pie piped up from behind. “GAH!!! PINKIE DON’T DO THAT!” The pink mare looked at Alex puzzled.
Ayumi just looked crossly at the pink mare and said, “Alex is a mouse anthro and as such she’s more jumpy than a human or a pony. Also She’s pregnant and too many scares like that might cause her to loose the mouslings.”
Pinkie's mane deflated a bit as what Ayumi said registered. “I'm sorry Alex.” she sniffles and adds, “I didn't mean to put your babies in danger.” She hugged Alex before asking “Why is everypony here?” Alex smiled as she walked on and replied, “Uncle Sea Heart’s serving his community service, in the petting zoo of this zoo and we're here to visit him.”
As they got closer to the petting zoo, they heard the sounds of children enjoying themselves. They walked into a setting where mountain goat and Billy goat kids wandered about feeding on alfalfa pellets. And in a small fenced off area was Sea Heart giving literal pony rides under the watchful eye of one of the zookeepers.
Sea Heart saw Alex and her friends and said, “I'm sorry kids but no more rides for two hours.” There were several voices of “Aw” and Sea Heart then trotted over to Alex and said, “Alex!” He said. “Good for you to visit me. *sniff* is that carrot lasagna I smell?” He lit his horn and levitated the Tupperware with the lasagna in it.
Alex smiled saying I followed the recipe my aunt gave you before you got back to this world.” Sea Heart's expression changed from jovial to sad. Alex shrank and hugged him. “What's wrong Unc?” she asked concerned. He looked at Daring Do and sighed. “Make her a quadrupedal pony and she'd be my little Daring's twin.” Alex's ears twitched “Excuse me?” she asked. Sea Heart sighe then said, “Remember when I got trapped for for three years?” When everyone nodded he continued, “Well the time displacement ratio was four years over there was one year here. I didn't know that then though when like a fool I went through without send a probe first like your father advised me to do.
“When I stepped through a found myself transformed from an over weight human into a slightly pudgy unicorn. I found myself stranded in a quaint little town named Ponyville which was on the edge of this dark and dangerous forest and sorely unprepared. The only form of magic I could do without a mishap happening was lift and move things. In three months I was in dire straights. Then I ran into your Aunt. Or more accurately, she ran into me (more like crashed). She wasn't much to look at but to me she was a goddess.
“She was walleyed mare with golden crossed eyes, blonde mane and tail. The two most striking features she had was bubbles on her flank and the wings.” Sea Heart said as he served himself some lunch. “Your Aunt was the local mail mare and one of the kindest pony I had the good fortune to meet. We became a couple the next day because heat season began and the two of us and the town recluse became a herd. Ten months later she gave the herd our first foal. A tan pegasus with a grey scale rainbow mane and tail. We named her Daring Do. Ditzy was flattered that about the name I gave the foal. When she could attend school I began training to become adventurer. During the years I was there I became the librarian.
“It was on Darling's birthday that my portal's recall function activated. The last sight I had of the Equestria I had been trapped in was Ditzy and Fluttershy restraining my little Daring as I was pulled back this world.”
Sea heart began to cry when he felt The anthro Daring Do hug him with Alex, Ayumi, And Twilight hug him. “Damn curse.” he muttered.
Daring looked Sea Heart in the eye as she said, “It would seem you're father of a version of me. I know one thing one goal of hers would be that she would dedicate a portion of her life to bringing you back to her.”
Author's Note
Just thought I should give Sea Heart more depth
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Chapter 3: Betrayal Aftermath: Operation Save Babs!
After the group was kidnapped by General Harrison’s troops, they encountered a hostage situation involving Brian Smith, who had recently transformed into an anthro version of Babs Seed. She later revealed herself to betray the group in exchange for a cure for the anthrofication that turned several people into various My Little Pony characters.
Ashley woke up in one of those holding container, and tried her best to break free, but her Earth pony strength was nullified. “What in Tarnation?” She exclaimed.
Alex woke up in some kind of container with restraints meant to hold a human sized prison surrounding her. “Okay, you guys want to play that way?” She said before releasing a ki pulse that destroyed the container they had placed her in. She looked up at a camera then said. “Okay General you want to play with fire? IT! IS! ON!” A laser thin ki blast obliterated the camera. She then looked around and saw several cylinders using her ki senses she located the ones with her the Apple family, Daring Do and her sensei, Ayumi.
She then got them out, healed and revived them. As Ayumi recovered, Alex scanned the ki field and smiled, then said, “That general didn’t count on my recovery rate is faster than a human's nor that my human size isn't my natural size. We're still in the base they brought us to after they kidnapped us.”
Ashley walked up and said, “They got somethin’ that saps magic. How’re we gonna get away if’n they use it again?” She sighs, “Ah cannot believe Brian betrayed us like that. What did they do t’ her?”
Alex smiled and said, “The general caught us off guard with it. Now he's going to learn he can't use the same thing to win twice.”
Ashley checked on Apple Bloom and the others. “Ah cannot believe Brian would do somethin’ stupid like betray us! Does she know we are family, and we want to help her?” Apple Bloom said with anger in her voice.
“Calm down.” Alex said. “She has had her life disrupted. That can make her susceptible to being manipulated.”
Ashley nodded, “That’s totally understandable, but how can we get through to her that we care for her and can help her with this whole bein’, well, this character she’s become without all the anger and sidin’ with the enemy?”
“One thing at a time.” Alex said as she walked to the door. “And I think the good General will turn the tide in our favor without us doing a thing but head out of here.”
Ashley sputtered, “But, Brian? We aren’t just gonna leave out o’ here without gettin’ answers and hopefully get through to her we aren’t her enemy.”
Alex smirked and replied, “We aren't; he's going to bring her to try the same stunt. He's the type that'll use what works to get every advantage.” Just then a person in a lab coat stepped in muttering. He came to a stop when he saw the anthros.
Ashley was ready for a fight, “Howdy! Ya know anythin’ ‘bout nullifying magic?” She asked the lab coat person.
“The n-n-nullifier project?” he stammered. Alex nodded as she cracked her knuckles. “It's supposed to allow us to handle magic using terrorists like you. But how're you free? The holding cylinders have magic dampeners to prevent magic use.”
“Let’s just say my mouse friend’s got a few surprises.” Ashley said, smirking. “Now, Ah wanna know why mah cousin’s workin’ with you guys. Sure, she’s a scared filly who is unsure o’ her place in this world, but we offer her a family who cares fer her.”
“G-general Harrison is using the prototype nullifier to suppress her magic and make her mind open to his suggestions. It's small enough to wear on his belt.” But we just found out background energy has been rising.”
“No wonder she didn’t take kindly to mah hug! She’s not actin’ like herself!” Apple Bloom surmised.
“Ashley nods, “Thank you kindly fer the information. How can we shut this do-hickey down and save mah cousin?”
“The prototype can only be on for three minutes before background energy burns it out.” Their prisoner said. “The field generator will burn out after activation if it's not maintained soon.”
“So we need to get that generator shut down or remove the nullifier away from the general to keep him from manipulating my cousin?” Apple Bloom asked.
The scientist nodded.
Ashley tipped her hat and then went over to the other Anthros. “What’s the game plan, Alex? And what are we gonna do ‘bout that there lab coat fella?”
“Knock him out and stuff him in a closet.” Alex suggested, smirking.
“Big Mac, ya wanna do the honors?” Ashley asked her brother.
“Eeyup!” The red stallion anthro grabbed the lab coat scientist, “Thanks fer yer info. Here’s yer payment.” He took him to the nearest closet and shoved him in there, taking his communications device. “You aren’t gonna need this in there.” He shut and locked the door.
Ashley nodded, “Uhm, they took our cell phones when they nabbed us. We could try to send a message out t’ Twilight and the others, or maybe not, since they may be captured if they try to help us.”
Alex nodded as she shrank down and hopped onto Ashley’s shoulder. “Let's head out and make a big ruckus as we do.”
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Cure for the cure (or the Fall of General Harrison)
Author's Note
This Chapter appears in Story under another title. I assure you that I am not plagiarizing as I had a hand in writing this chapter.
Cure for the cure (or the Fall of General Harrison)
While Ashley was dealing with her loss of anthrofication and apparent sickness as a result of the so-called "cure", her mouse friend Alex set a trap for unsuspecting guards who had confiscated the groups' communication devices as well as her team's gear. In a storage room nearby a guard went to check contents of a cylinder and froze when he saw that it appeared empty. He got the radio and said in a panic, “General!” The mouse creature has es….” He started before a Roman candle effect preceded a fist connecting with his chin. His unconscious body arced and landed on a stack of boxes, crushing them, revealing her, the Smiths, Daring's and Ayumi's cell phones. As well as her Satchel and Ayumi's backpack.
Taking the time to put everything in her satchel, Alex drew a kanji for "Father" on it and put the phone the her ear. “Dad?” she said. “I ran into a General Harrison and he canceled my magic.”
She listens to what her father and says, “So, if I use a restoration pulse, anyone who has been ‘cured’ will be restored to the forms that're more natural to them?” Alex then felt the ripple cause by a dimensional portal opening. Dad, I got to go, or this general is going to plunge this world into a war it can't win!”
She focuses and teleports to where her friends were. When she arrived her eyes widened at the sight of Kurt Smith. The soldiers raise their weapons when she appears. “Stop right where you are, Viator!”
“Traveller!” Alex corrected. “What did you do to my friend?”
“Alex, so I’m not the only one that poison failed to change.” Ayumi said still in her Alicon form but strapped to a table. “This isn’t the work of the Storm King; it’s Grogar who’s helping the alternate version of Starlight Glimmer! I figured it out when they injected me.”
Kurt headed over to help Ayumi, “Ah’m so sorry, guys. Ah hope we can get through to Brian in time. Ah just want to be back t’ bein’ good ol’ AJ again.” When he heard that Starlight was involved, he shook his head, “You don’t mean our Starlight, do ya? She was Sarah Gaines from school. We helped her with the magic of friendship and she was rewarded with her new anthro unicorn form.” Kurt felt weak without the Earth pony magic infused when he represented the Mane 6 group as their Element of Honesty. “Uh, Alex, Ah don’t feel so good…” She collapsed to one knee. “What did ya do to me?”
“We cured her.” Dr Maynard replied. The Doctor then noticed Alex's swollen belly. “General. The cure will not work on Viator.”
“Traveller!” Alex Corrected again.
General Harrison looks at the Doctor then demands, “Why the Sam Hill not?”
Alex blurs over to Kurt and grabs his arms. The movement was so fast that it bought Alex enough time to scan Kurt. She found the virus and noticed it was in a battle with the spell. She also noted that Kurt's body was rejecting the virus.
Meanwhile Dr Maynard says, “Alex Viator is pregnant. That means she has changes in her body that has locked her in that form. And no, the cure won't work after the birth as her body will reject the cure.”
As Alex took a breath the General and his men closed in. Alex felt their suppression field suppress her Alicorn magic, but her chaos magic; the magic that had been a part of her from birth was unaffected. She smiled as she said, “General Mortimer Harrison, you never learn!” Then to the surprise of the General and his men, Kurt was enveloped in an emerald aura and right before their eyes Kurt Smith was replaced by Ashley Smith.
“Yee-Haw! That’s more like it!” Ashley cheered as she felt her Earth pony strength returning to her. She smiled as her clothes fit her better. “Thank ya kindly, Alex!” She said to her mouse friend.
“Don't mention it.” Alex replied.
Dr Maynard gasped “How'd you change Mr. Smith back into an anthro?”
General Harrison stared at Alex in shock, “How were you able to use a spell now when you couldn't when we met earlier?”
“Simple.” Alex said as she helped Ashley up. “Your suppression field doesn't affect chaos magic and I used it to power a cure spell. And too much time has passed since the transformation, and as a result when the healing spell reinfused Ashley, the spell saw your virus as the danger. Of course it helped that Ashley's body was rejecting the virus.”
Ashley glared at General Harrison, “Ah want you to stop usin’ mah cousin as yer pawn and shut that portal down, pronto! You have no right t’ invade a sovereign nation and kidnap us fer yer sick game!”
Alex then crossed her arms and said, “General. You and I have crossed paths a total of four times. Two out of the previous three you came out on the losing side. The one time you were on the winning side was when you & I teamed up.” Alex placed a hand on her belly, “With that in mind, what are the odds of you winning?“
“Especially when your fighting not only Miss Traveller but a Dno’oove too. Remember what my dad did for your kind.” Ayumi said as she broke her restraints apart. “Don’t make me call my uncle and actually allow him to come here you may know him the NUMA agent Dirk Pitt the man who single handedly made the state count jump by 7 at least. All while killing the corrupt government men and other scum like who stood in his way.”
Alex then added, “Your plan won't work, so might as well give up.” Alex turned to look at her mate showing a digital recorder that was on.
General Harrison smiled and said, “Except for two times my plans have always worked. I'll use whatever tactic I can. Use whoever I choose I'll lie, cheat, steal and murder to get what I want. HELL! I even assassinate the President if he gets in my way!”
“Ya just admitted t’ harmin’ government officials and lyin’ ‘bout that cure of yours. Where’s Brian at? Ah want her to hear how your “cure” isn’t real fer herself.” Ashley demanded.
Daring Do calmly walks in through the door with Brian and a shocked Soldier behind her.
Just then, Ashley's Element of Honesty shot a beam at Brian again. This time, the orange beam surrounded her, and gave her the information needed about the fake cure.
Brian shook her head as she processed the information the Element of Honesty gave her. She looked at the “cure” then gripped the syringe then threw it against the wall, shattering it. She then shouted at General Harrison, “YOU LYING PIECE OF CRAP! THAT WAS NO CURE; IT WAS POISON!”
Ashley smiled at her cousin, “That’s the cousin Ah know. You feelin’ better?”
Brian nodded.
The General just said with a smirk “So what? There's no evidence! It'll be your word against mine!”
Alex shut the recorder off then said, “Ooo! Actually, it’s your word against yours!”
“And surprise, General! Ya just stepped in it deep! Alex has you on recording your lil' monologue 'bout killing the President of the United States.” Ashley smirked.
Alex hit the replay playing, “HELL! I’ll even assassinate the President if he gets in my way.”
“To quote Zootopia, ‘It's called a hustle, sweetheart. BOOM.’” Alex copied Judy Hopps’ line from the movie.
The other soldiers turned their weapons the General provided them and lunged at Alex.
Ashley nodded to Brian, “Ya have a choice, sugarcube. Ya fight with the General or us, your family. Remember who ya are! You are Babs Seed!” She hoped Brian would make the right decision.
Brian looked about then raised the taser. “My parents always told to follow my heart and do the right thing.” The taser was pointed at Alex then swung it at the General and fired. “So I'm doing both.” The taser she was carrying this time had up to 6 charges as it threw an arc of electricity that hit the former general and the five soldiers who were his inner circle and knocked them out.
Brian, no, Babs continued to fire at the General and his troops despite the taser being empty. Ashley touched her cousin's shoulder lightly, "It's over, Babs! They cannot hurt ya anymore. Are ya going t' be okay?” Ashley asked Brian as she went over to her, relieving her of the empty taser, tossing it to her big brother, "See that this is turned over t' the proper authorities."
Big McIntosh smiled as he handed over the taser to Dirk Pitt, Ayumi's uncle, who entered it into evidence, along with the General's confession and any of the research on the "cure." Dr. Maynard also had a change of heart and agreed to turn states' evidence against General Harrison in exchange for a lighter sentence. "Just following orders" was what Dr. Maynard's defense offered.
Babs ran into and hugged Ashley, “Guess I'm more like Babs from the show than I imagined.” She said, though her face being against Ashley's belly muffled it a bit.
Ashley nodded as Babs embraced her cousin, “It’s okay, hun. It’s over. Ya still need to make up with your cousin, Apple Bloom, though.” She lifted her cousin’s face from her belly, “Would ya like to come live with us? We’ll have ta talk with yer parents and help ya find a part-time job.”
Apple Bloom smiled as she went over to Brian, “Ah know we didn’t get off to a good start when we first met ya, but if you want, we can start over. Whatya say, cousin?” She went over for another hug attempt.
Brian, no Babs, pulled Apple Bloom into a hug.
Ashley smiled, holding back a tear as the younger cousins hugged it out and joined the hug herself, followed by Granny Smith and Big MacIntosh. “Ah know this hasn’t been easy fer ya since ya changed, Brian, but we’ll help ya get through this. Maybe talk with yer parents and maybe have ya move in with us? Ah think we can get ya a part-time job at the mall after school.” Ashley stated, talking with Brian/Babs on her level.
Apple Bloom nodded, “And, mah friends Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo an’ Ah formed a club called the ‘Cutie Mark Crusaders.’ We help others find their Cutie Marks, or what they mean.”
Alex groaned then said, “Better stock up on fur shampoo.”
Just then, several soldiers walked in and surrounded General Harrison. “General Harrison, on the charges of kidnapping, Illegal bioweapons research, and attempted terrorism against a foreign power you're hereby relieved of duty. We're to take you into custody and hold you until a court martial can be held.” The former General was led and he glared at Alex before he was out of sight.
Ashley finished speaking with Brian/Babs, then turned to Alex and Ayumi. “Thank you kindly fer getting our family back together. Ah haven’t seen Brian this happy to be around Amy, er Apple Bloom since, Ah’m not sure when…” Ashley scratched her head. “One thing stood out though; mah Element o’ Honesty helped open Babs’ eyes to the lies that fake cure was offerin’.”
“The Elements of Harmony are a constant in every Verse; AJ, you just tapped into your Rainbow Power.” Ayumi said as purple flames spread across her chest revealing the element of magic embedded within. “In my counterpart’s world, the main six are even more the living embodiments of the elements as you can see. It happened when we took down Tirek we each have a copy of the element we represent in our chest binding us further in our cause.” The flames swept over her chest once more hiding the gem beneath her flesh. “It's a part of who we are and a power unlike any other ."
Big Mac walked up wiping the dust off his hands and Said, “But what about the portal?”
“Don't worry about it.” Alex's Father said as he entered. “Me and Dirk Pitt managed to convince NATO & U.S.A to cancel the invasion and the war was not an option. Section Seven is being closed down and replaced. Though everyone working will still pull a paycheck as it's being reorganized into something new.”
Alex’s Father helps Granny Smith out of the cylinder and handed her her cane. The old mare smiled at him saying, “Why thank you Reggie, you are such a gentlestallion.”
Alex leaned over to Ashley and said, “Your Granny is probably the only person he'll let call him that. HE HATES BEING CALLED THAT.”
Ashley chuckled at Alex’s comment,”Duly noted,” still tending to Babs Seed, “Ah’m mighty glad yer okay. Somepony tell Twilight we’re comin’ home and bringin’ along another family member?”
As they leave Apple Bloom pipes up, “Does anypony know how’re we to get home?”
“I can help if you can fix Mary up.” Raven suggested with a very badly injured Mary on her back.
“Land sakes, girl! What happened t’ Mary, er, Crimson Strings, er...uhm, Serine? What is exactly that ponies’ name?” Ashley stammered.
Raven told the group that Serine/Crimson Strings confronted Grogar about the cure and had let it slip it was not a cure at all. She was injected during a distraction and Grogar fled the scene, vowing revenge.
Alex went over to heal Serine/Crimson Strings, using the same magic she used to heal Ashley. After that, Ayumi's Uncle Dirk arrived and offered the group to transport them where they needed to go.
"If it's okay with y'all, we need to get Babs home t' her parents. It's the right thing t' do. Plus, Ah need t' talk to mah relatives in New York and propose Babs come back t' stay with us in Perth. But Ah'll let that be Babs and her parents' decision."
The group boarded the waiting transports to New York City. On the way, Babs fell asleep on Ashley's lap while her older cousin looked out the window from her seat. Apple Bloom sat next to Babs. Ashley sighed as she thought of her friends back home. She texted Twilight, who called back and was very upset about not responding to her texts, "Whoa, slow down, Twi! Take a deep breath. Now, hear me out. We were kidnapped by some evil military organization, and they were using mah cousin Babs as one of their pawns. We stopped them and Babs is okay; a might plum tuckered out and possibly in need of a shower, change of clothes, and a hot meal. Stopping by her place in New York and we should be back home in about a couple days to get things cleared up. Okay, thank ya kindly. Yeah, yeah, Ah'll make sure Ah'll get some shut eye too. Okay, Thanks, Twi. Bye now!" She hung up her phone. "Twilight was really stressed out about our absence back home," she told Alex.
After a restroom break, Ashley dozed off near Babs and Apple Bloom. Just seeing Babs and Apple Bloom bonding together made her feel warm inside. Babs was resting comfortably, and Alex got a blanket and pillows for the group .
The plane landed in New York City and Ayumi woke Babs and Ashley up, "Hey, we are here in New York. I believe Babs gave us her home address before we left."
Ashley got her family and gear and disembarked the plane. The group eventually found Babs Seed's family residence. They found Babs' mother out talking with a female police officer about filing a missing person's report when the group approached.
"Howdy! Y'all can all relax. Babs is right here, safe and sound." She ushered Babs over to her mother. "Brian was transformed into a young filly a while back. She was scared and did not know where to go. Truth is, she ended up saving us all from some evil men who were trying to start a war, which we prevented. You're welcome!"
Chapter 5: Returning Home
As they leave Apple Bloom pipes up, “Does anypony know how’re we to get home?”
After closing down the Mysterious Section 7, the Anthro Apples, Daring Do, Ayumi, & Alex, prove a so-called cure was not only worthless but having originated from Grogar, an old enemy of not only the ponies but humanity. Now they have to figure out how to get back to Perth, Western Australia.
Alex and co. were walking in Manhattan towards the apartment building where Babs Seed (formerly Brian Smith) lived. Alex was mouse-sized and riding on Ashley's Stetson. Daring was flying slowly and getting more than a few stares.
Ayumi was topless after having talked with the renewed Tempest Shadow about how Grogar found her and brainwashed her with the cure. whom she gave her top to after learning that Tempest had none of her anthro fitted clothes with her. She was drawing some stares as well but she was more concerned with telling the group about a safe house her family kept Upstate.
“My family lived in Rochester for most of my life. I know the city and we will be safe there while I set up our flight home.” She said, “As to why I'm topless; laws in New York state let me.”
Ashley nodded, “Ah don’t know about that, Ayumi, but Ah want to make it up to Babs fer helping us by letting her folks know she’s okay and explain she may be coming to live with us if that’s okay with her and her parents.”
Alex nodded, as she was deep in thought then sighed, “I hope they don't reject her.” She jumps down growing to her 5’8 height. Daring landed and strode with the group. “We're almost there.” She says, “It's two buildings down.”
The lone Equestrian of the group looked about and said, “I've been to Manehattan several times, both book signing and work related and I still can't get over how close the names of this city and the one back on Equestria are.” She then wing hugged Alex before adding, “It's uncanny how this city is laid out. I could go to anyplace in this city by simply remembering how to get to the Equestrian location and comparing the names.”
Ayumi then noticed Alex looking down, “What's wrong, Alex?”
Alex looked up then said, “One of the things I hate about being an adventurer is sometimes an enemy I beat turns out to be a pain of another foe and my beating them destroys them. Take General Harrison; he loved the U.S.A., but he was like Frank Burns from MASH; bigoted, narrow-minded, and a fool. His philosophy was the end Justifies the means. Add to that he was a power-hungry Patriot. And you get the man we beat. Yet in spite of that, he was a good man and devoted father, And the way we beat him, leaves him with no future but the gallows.”
“That's where your wrong when I restored Tempest and the others Grogar caught and sent her to our house with the last of my energy I learned that the version of The general we fought was never real. That man just a product of Grogar’s mind magic. If the President asks I’ll explain it plainly someone used a puppet acting like the general to try and destroy the planet. “ Ayumi assured, “Harrison and his family had already moved to Australia when Grogar caught her.”
“Great, seems I just got on another ancient villain's shit list. *SIGH* par for the course.”
Ashley looked over at Babs, “Whatever happens with your parents, just t’ let ya know Ah’ll be there f’r ya.” Ashley gave Babs an encouraging side hug.
Apple Bloom nodded, walking next to Babs, “Same goes fer me, as well! We’re family!”
“Don't count me out!” Alex said. “My family never has let the families of those that help us in the lurch, ever!”
As the group approaches Babs’ parents’ house, Brian's mother steps out of the building with a female police officer saying, “I don't care if my son's turned into an anthro jackrabbit. He's still my baby and I want him back!”
They stop when they spot the group; both women freeze at the sight of the group of anthros. Then Brian's mother drops her shopping bag and charges the group to hug Babs. Knocking a surprised Alex out of the way with an “Oof!” Brian/Babs finds herself hugged with strength that would've been unsurprising if it came from Granny Smith.
Ashley smiles and helps Alex up, “Uhm, Howdy, Auntie Smith! Ah’m Brian, er, Babs’ cousin, Ashley, and Y'all know mah family; Granny Smith, Big MacIntosh, and mah little sister, Apple Bloom. This here’s Alex, Darin’ Do, and Ayumi. Babs has been on a big adventure since her transformation, and uhm, we wanted to bring her back safe and sound. She will definitely need some food and a bath, as well as a change o’ clothes.”
Mrs. Smith nods and invites the group to come on in. She leads them into the house. Then gasps as she sees the condition both Alex and Daring Do are in. “Oh my goodness! You are both pregnant!”
Alex nods suddenly uncertain about her welcome. While Daring Do simply smiled. Mrs. Smith then hustles both female anthros to the closest padded seats then says, “You two get off your feet while I get you something good for you and your little ones to eat!” Then looks at her transformed son, saying, “Don't just stand there young lady, help me get something to eat for our guests!”
Ashley removes her Stetson out of respect and has a seat on the couch next to Apple Bloom, Granny Smith, and Big MacIntosh. “Anyway, Ah’m gonna cut right t’ the chase; cousin Brian’s now goin’ by her new name; Babs Seed. And, hear me out now; Ah think she would be better livin’ with her pony kin. It’s up t’ Y'all. But ultimately, it’s up to Babs. Ah just want what’s best fer her.”
“Besides, as an Earth pony, she's going have to relearn how to handle things to compensate for her increased strength.” Alex pipes up just before Babs accidentally crushes a glass of apple juice she was handing it to Granny Smith. Mrs. Smith was up in a flash and examines Babs’ hand only to find slight scratches.
“I’m so sorry! I didn’t know I’d be this strong!” Babs started to tear up as her mom examined her hand.
Daring takes a glass from the coffee table and says, “One of the good things about her being an Earth pony is she's a bit more durable.”
“And, mah family owns an Apple orchard outside the town where we live. Ah’ll make sure she gets to and from school and we can set up a schedule fer Earth pony trainin’. Plenty of acres t; explore and get in touch with her heritage. Ah also have a friend who is into fashion who might know somepony who can help Babs with her Cutie Mark. Let me guess; a pair of scissors with two halves of a Red Delicious apple for the handles?”
Mrs. Smith looks at her daughter and says, “It's Okay. You did nothing wrong. You need to learn about your new heritage and your cousins are offering you a place for that.”
Babs nods, “One moment my butt was bare, the next there it was!”
Apple Bloom hugs her cousin, “Ya got yer Cutie Mark! It represents yer special talent! Ah reckon it’s about bein’ a hairdresser or something?”
Just then Alex's belly jerked a few times causing Alex to put her hand on her belly. “I guess my little ones are happy for you, Babs!” Alex mused. “I just wish they wouldn't use my bladder as a drum.”
Ashley chuckles, “Usually when a pony earns his or her Cutie Mark, we throw a special party for them. It’s called a Cuteceañera, and our friend Pinkie Pie usually plans those.”
Mrs. Smith smiles, looking at Alex and Daring and asks, “If it’s not too much trouble, when are you both due?”
“Three months!” Both expectant mothers say in unison.
Ashley nods, “Remind Pinkie Pie t’ plan yer foal/baby showers soon as we get home. Ya can pick out names.” She sighed, “We still have to set up that appointment with the local veterinarian Flora works for.”
Alex nods, “I've already picked one name for one. But I am waiting until I either have a naming dream or the mouselings’’ nursing at my breast for the other one.”
“Twins?!” Mrs. Smith says in surprise. “H-how're you so sure?”
Alex looked at the human saying, “One word, mouse.”
“Well, it beats being a shadow,” Raven said.
Ashley asked Raven how Serine was doing since she was attacked. “Ah hope she’ll be all right t’ travel back home. Pinkie Pie will probably want to throw a welcome home party f’r the lot o’ us at Sugar Cube Corner.”
“She should stay with the Crimson Strings form; it's almost impossible for them to die, though the nightmares that come with that form of theirs evens it out,” Raven says.
Babs then looked at Alex and said, “Miss Traveller, how did you get loose?”
Alex grinned and said, ”You remember those cylinders they put us in?”
Babs nodded wondering what Alex was getting at.
“They were built to hold human & human-sized anthros.”
“But aren't you ?” Babs said in confusion.
Ashley chuckled and said, “Babs. Alex is a mouse. In fact Alex without her satchel, Alex would have to renew the spell that enables her to grow as big as a human. That’s how Alex can come to school with us in her human form. She still keeps her mouse ears and tail.”
Alex nodded. “Well, those cylinders had mystic dampers which is why Mac, Granny, Apple Bloom, and Ashley couldn't use their earth pony strength to get out. Well, I couldn't renew the spell so I shrank to my normal three-inch size and was able to squeeze my way out. My little passengers were a bit upset but I got out and, you know the rest.”
“Sorry for not helping and coming here unannounced,” Raven says with an apologetic look on her face.
Both Alex and Daring jumped at Raven’s comment. While Mrs. Smith quickly rolled up a magazine and swatted Raven. “you should be more careful especially around expectant mothers young...er ...lady.” she crossly said to the unexpected guest.
Raven disappears, whimpering back into the shadows.
It was at that moment Brian’s Father came home saying as he entered, “Honey! I’m home! Did you finish making the missing persons report to the po….Who are these people?” He looked and the assembled anthros in concern.
“Hi Honey.” Mrs. Smith called to her husband, “Brian’s back!”
Mr. Smith looked around then said, “Where is he? I don't see him!” In moments he was hit by an equine torpedo as Babs ran up and hugged him. “OOF!” he said from the impact. He then winces from the strength.
“Hi,” Babs said as she presented herself to her father. “I'm here Dad, though I've gone through some unexpected changes.” Mr. Smith looked at the filly in confusion.
Mrs. Smith smiles as she says, “Harold, meet the filly Brian turned into, Babs Seed; our Daughter.”
It took me about 2 hours to bring Mr. Harold Smith up to the same page as everybody else.
“ So you wanna take Babs back to Perth with you so she can learn about her abilities and continue school? Mr. Smith asked the group.
Ashley nodded, “Yessir.”
“You'll even help her get a part-time job at the mall for after school hours?” he summarizes.
Ashley nodded again, “Ah believe that’s the plan, more or less. Ah still think she would need t’ focus on her academics first ‘fore we start lookin’ fer jobs at the mall that would accept her talents.”
Mr. Smith sighed, then looked at Babs saying, “You’re old enough to start making your in life. Do you want to go with your cousins?”
Babs looked at her Australian anthro cousin, Ashley, then said, “Y-yes. I have less of a chance of getting into trouble there because of my new strength.”
Alex the stood up then walked up to stand close to father and daughter to say, “Plus she won't be the only American Anthro in Perth.”
“And I can deliver messages between you guys without any risks,” Raven said from the shadow of Alex.
“GAH! RAVEN!!” Alex shouts in fright. Alex then sighs and say to Raven, “Can you even tell who's shadow you come from when you use somemouse’s shadow as an exit?”
Ashley sighed, “Uh, Alex gets startled very easily as a mouse. And the fact she’s expectin’ young; it just makes her jumpier.”
“Yes, I can. I’m in your shadow because I jumped in when the husband came home for it to be easier on you to explain who you were then who I am and also I miss having normal body” Raven said while coming out of her shadow.
Mr. Smith looked at the show dog and said, “What's that thing?!”
“I'm a shadow wolf,” Raven says with a sigh.
Mrs. Smith then said, “Well, to thank you, nice girls, for helping Babs, All of you can stay here until you return to Perth. WON'T THEY HAROLD?”
She gave him a look that promises time on the couch if he disagreed. Harold nodded.
“YAY! SIGHTSEEING TOMORROW!” said a pony Pinkie Pie on the TV. Who then waved at everybody before heading off to do something on the show.
“I swear that Pinkie is actually related to Discord. The way the fourth wall was just broken hints at it.” Alex muttered.
Ashley chuckled, “Rina is totally the same as Pinkie Pie; no wonder she was chosen as the anthro version of the Element of Laughter!”
“I know I think that it's true too,” Raven said in a whisper to Alex.
“The Pinkie of my countpart’s timeline is my half sister and one of the daughters of Discord., Me and Eris are the other two we know about.” Ayumi stage whispered.
“Well, at least you have a body,” Raven mutters.
“I'll have to do some research but I might be able to make you a body,” Alex whispers to Raven.
“Really, thank you so much! I have been stuck as a shadow for a long time.” Raven whispers back to Alex
“I'll have to access my family's library but I think I can do it.” Alex nods as she waits with the others.
Ashley nodded, “We were plannin’ t use the Legend o’ the Mirror Pool t’ make Alice, Alex’s “sister” a body, so maybe we can get ya one. Maybe that Homunculus recipe from Mage Meadowbrook’s journal? It should be in that there satchel o’ yours, Alex.” Ashley suggested.
Mrs. Smith walks into the kitchen and says, “Well I’m about to start cooking dinner so why don’t you get comfortable!”
She then turned to Mr. Smith, “Would you be a dear and go to the pet store and buy about ten bottles of flea shampoo so they could get cleaned up before dinner’s ready?” Mr. Smith nodded and left. Before he left he hugged his son turned daughter and said, “Go do your homework; your friends from school brought back all your assignments and we got word from your teachers that as long as you turn in all your assignments they won’t penalize you.” Babs sighed and went her room to study.
Daring Do and Alex went to sit with Ayumi on the couch opposite the one the Anthro Apples sat on, then Granny Smith said. “I think we can spend a night here. But we’ll have to move into your safehouse tomorrow, Ayumi.”
Ayumi nodded at the elder Smith. She then said I hope this adventure is over.”
AppleBloom got up then said, “Ah’ll go help Babs with her homework!”
Ashley nodded, “Good idea, sis! Babs really needs t’ connect with her cousin that is the same age as her. Plus, it’ll be a great way t’ bond with her. Tell me how it goes, ‘kay?”
Apple Bloom hugged her older sister warmly, then went to find Babs Seed’s room. “Babs, hey, ya need some help?” She called out.
“Yes!” Babs called out from her room. Apple Bloom scampered from the living room to head to Babs’ room.
As the young filly left, Alex said, “I hope Babs adapts well to Australia.”
Meanwhile, Apple Bloom entered her cousin’s room, and looked around, “How ya holdin’ up, Babs? Ah mean, with bein’ a filly and all?” She asked, attempting to break the ice, as it were, with her new cousin.
“It's still very difficult,” Babs replied. “My clothes don't fit anymore, I can't wear normal shoes, my skin jerks on its own whenever a bug lands on me, smells have gotten more intense, my hearing's gotten sharper, there's a moist slit between my legs where my junk used to be, and TO TOP IT OFF, I'VE CAUGHT MYSELF EYEBALLING GUYS, AND I'M NOT GAY!” Babs then thumped her head down on her desk.
Apple Bloom sat down next to Babs and said, “Don't worry Babs. My sister and her friends went through what you are going through, so they'll help you out!” The red-haired filly puts her arm around Babs to comfort her in her time of need.
Babs nodded her head on her desk.
Elsewhere, in a darkened room a glowing globe sails into a wall to explode. “Graaarg!!!” Shouted an anthro ram who seemed to be mummified. “If I didn't already hate them I'd hate them for sure now. That Tartarus-spawned family has cost me a chance to add both Equestria and this United States of America to Tamblon!!!!!”
A female anthro stepped out of the shadows. She looks like an older version of Starlight Glimmer. She smiled mirthlessly as she said, “I warned you about using that false cure as well as targeting this world’s version of the Apples. So you're going to take our alliance seriously, Grogar?”
“It would appear I have no choice.” Grogar conceded.
“Excellent.” She says.
Back in New York, at the Smith residence…..
“Well if you want I can give you back some of your masculinity.” Ayumi offered. “It can be hard to adjust to suddenly having both genders but it's a hell of an easier time than a full gender swap without the option.”
Babs considered then said, “Thank you, but no. I think I'll stay fully female, as I have a chance to make more friends.”
At that moment a shout of, “Dinner's ready!” calls out.
Ashley placed her Stetson on her head and went to fetch Babs and Applebloom, “Hey, Babs, you doin’ okay with yer homework? Yer mom says dinner’s ready, so you need to clean up. C’n ya get some new clothes fer Babs? Ah could call Rarity and see if she can help.”
“JUST FINISHED!” Babs called out from the bathroom. Moments later Babs came walking out to the dining Room wearing a small dress that had been a joke gift from one of his male acquaintances in school. And the fact that it had been given to her when she was still Brian the day before her transformation was a boon. “I'm gonna have to thank my friend Jake Long for this dress.” She said. “ When I can catch up to him. That would be nice, A.J.”
Ashley smiled at her cousin’s choice of attire, “Well then, Ah’ll ask Alex to contact Rarity and maybe she can come up with some ideas. Maybe she needs t’ meet ya so she can get yer measurements.”
Alex's stomach chose that moment to growl loudly followed by Daring Do's. Both expectant mothers blushed as they sat down at the dinner table.
Once everybody was seated Mrs. Smith served dinner. They continued with some idle conversation and stories told between the American and Australian Smiths. While Ayumi, Daring Do, and Alex spoke about the Official forming of the first Earth Anthro Herd in pegasani, the old pre-unification pegasus tongue. After dinner was finished, the Smiths surprised everymouse by once again offering to allow the group to stay with them but they were turned down.
“No offense meant to you, but two of us are in a rather delicate situation and it would be better if all of us took Ayumi's offer of use of her safehouse; it would be better for all parties involved.“ Alex said.
After that Ayumi teleported everyone to the safehouse and they found places to sleep.
Ashley got settled into the safehouse bedroom, choosing to bunk with Babs and Apple Bloom. “All right, girls. Time fer bed! We have a busy day to transfer Babs’ school records t’ her new school, get her some new clothes, and find a new job when we get to th’ farm.”
Chapter 6: At the Safehouse
Alex yawned as she woke up with the sun on her small body. She had wondered what Ayumi's safehouse would be like, but she never guessed it was this beautiful. The house itself was four stories tall and was actually a refurbished warehouse on the west bank of Genesee River. The rest of the land it sat on was untamed, and the whole outer shell of the warehouse still looked abandoned to keep the locals from trying to get inside. With the location also being on the edge of an older industrial complex in a somewhat seedy neighborhood no one would ever think to look for the group here.
She smiled as she hopped down, growing to human size and headed for the kitchen. Once there, she began to mix enough pancake/waffle batter to feed everyone. As she was looking for a waffle iron, Ayumi and Ashley walked in.
“Told you guys this place was perfect to hole up in! An old friend of mine used to live in the area and stayed here when he needed to get away form his family.” Ayumi said as she levitated the double waffle iron out of one if the cupboards when she noticed the waffle mix Alex was making. “So he kept the place well stocked while my family lives in Russia. Oh, Alex, splash a small amount of the flat ginger ale that’s on the counter into that. The sugar and ginger make it that much sweeter.”
Alex nodded and levitated a small sphere of about a teaspoon worth of ginger ale into the bowl she was mixing. Soon, Alex, had some waffles and pancakes cooking with Ashley and Ayumi's help.
“I’m going to make the offer for Babs to become a herm again,” Ayumi said as they were cooking. “I know she said no already, but I don’t want her to go into heat and get extra strong breeding paralysis. Before you two argue that I should leave her alone about this, I have four very good reasons. One, she became an anthro during her male puberty, meaning her hormones upon changing into a filly have gone into overdrive, jumping her bodies’ age by a few years. Two she got her cutie mark which will accelerate her already uncommonly powerful development and make her first heat stronger than Alex’s. Three; once she does go into heat, she’ll lose herself to it for the first day if she doesn’t have some male hormones to balance it out, meaning she might jump the bones of the first male she sees, family or not. And four; heat suppressant amulets can’t be used on a young filly or they won’t grow physically, mentally or magically till they actually have that first heat. Becoming a Herm like me solves all those problems without many downsides; the only ones I can think of would be groin pains and wanting to clone yourself if you get my drift.”
Alex thought a moment before saying, “I see your point Ayumi. But you have to remember she’s an Apple (Though it seems here they're Smiths) and you know that being stubborn is part of their makeup. I mean, take Applejack, except for a few, most versions of her have tried to harvest their entire Orchard by herself without sleep or asking for help and you know what happened. Heck, I bet the version Applejack you got to know did that.”
“What smells so good?” Apple Bloom said as she entered the kitchen with Babs. Alex smiled as she placed some waffle batter in an Iron, then saying “Babs, would like you to reconsider your choice to tough it out through your puberty? Ayumi will give you the other reasons, but I'll tell of one danger of heat.”
Babs looked at Alex and asked, “And what would that be?”
Alex closed her and took a studying breath before saying, “Breeding Paralysis. It's something that can happen during the first heat. All it needs is for you to catch the scent of an aroused male. The most common form is that you simply find your body refusing to obey your mind and allow the male to rut you. Of course, after you are rutted after breeding paralysis hits you, you'll have a foal on the way.”
Alex continued her story, “I experienced it. It happened after an embarrassing event where my pants were destroyed while small. An old foe who turned into my male counterpart surprised me at the moment I got his scent. I found myself unable to move, except spread my legs and wait for his shaft. I couldn’t do anything but lay with my legs parted and wait for him to plant his seed in me. And my bundles of joy aren't his. Our Starlight threw him away from me before he could plant his seed. Now, what do you want? Pancakes or waffles?”
Ashley nodded, “Ah’ll have some o’ those flapjacks. That’s what we call them on the farm.”
“To be honest my AJ did harvest half the orchard no problem but, that’s due to Granny Smith being physically younger and far more active on the farm; where my counterpart is from, no what tired her out was having to fight off Timberwolves who had tired making kids out of some of the older apple trees even though they still bore fruit ” Ayumi said not wanting to tell the others about the apple matriarch being an alicorn in her timeline along with AJ and Applebloom. Ayumi had been surprised Mrs. Smith had become Granny of the same physical age as hers and thought she might actually be an alicorn but she realized that Granny in the show was over a century old. Smith’s body must have just matched Granny’s at her current age. After all, Granny was blond as a young mare but Mrs. Smith still had her white hair after becoming an anthro. “There are some other differences between the two timelines but suffice to say almost all of the important events in the timeline happened. Thought the Changeling civil war was slightly different in my counterpart’s timeline, as Chrissy had to fight against the First Hive not Thorax fighting Chrissy. But I’m rambling let’s get back on topic. Babs, when became an anthro, you didn’t have a Cutie mark, right?”
“I don't know. I still had my pants and they covered my flanks. I might've still been a blank flank; I just don’t know.” Babs replied, covering her flank with her tail.
“Ayumi, please take it easy on her! Remember, she didn't have either a family history, a powerful godlike being, or friend nearby to explain her situation before she got dragged into the crazy world of adventuring.” Alex reminded Ayumi.
“I’m not being hard on her I was just asking,” Ayumi said. “I saw your flank in the lab it was blank till right before we left that means you got a massive influx of magic which along with your already jump-started puberty; your first heat will be hell if you don’t have some male hormones to balance them out. I have one example that will make you think hard about my offer. Do you want to confirm the cousin fucking stereotype for farm people because if you go into heat as you are now you will and I mean YOU WILL try to rape Mac while in heat.”
Ashley interjected, “Whoa there, sugarcubes! Babs won’t be tryin’ t’ do that sort o’ thing t’ any o’ her family.”
Apple Bloom stated, “Babs mentioned some guy who got her a dress named Jake who lives in New York. We need t’ be careful ‘bout them hormones, in case Babs wants t’ meet him.”
Alex then said, “If you choose not to be transformed, you'll have to take testosterone supplements and not miss a time to take them. Or you can hope that the most common form of Breading paralysis affects you, but that can be dangerous. Your safest option is Ayumi's offer.”
Babs thought about it, then asked, “C-can you change me when my first heat is over?”
“Hey you won't get it as bad as me because I've been unable to relieve that itch for a long time; being Celestia’s daughter will make it ten times worse for me when it hits,” Raven said with a teasing tone
“If you're Tia's daughter then you'll have it even worse than you think, cousin.” Ayumi said, “Aunty is a fertility goddess after all.” She then turned to Babs “Truth is Babs, after your first heat you may not want to go back I'm speaking from experience as I'm a Herm myself and before you ask about having kids I'll make you a true Herm able to have and make kids. Besides, it'll also tone down you glancing at men too.”
Alex's eyes widen in surprise as she realized something. She looks at Ayumi and says, “A-Ayumi I was thinking what will your Aunt and Mi Amora Cadenza think of me, not to mention your Shining Armor think of me?”
“Cadance and Gleaming stopped questioning my love life when I became a queen and Aunty Tia doesn’t care about it after she married Molly. And before you ask it’s not that Molly but the Celestia from Sunset’s world. She retired and moved to Equestria and changed her name to Molly to keep the confusion to a minimum.” Ayumi said “though she is an alicorn and has Tia’s old pink mane, she doesn’t act like Molestia. Thank lords”
“GLEAMING!!!?” Alex said, “You're talking about the rule 63 version of Shiny, right?”
As they were talking Apple Bloom, Big Mac, and Granny walked in. “That there pancakes and waffles I smell?” the old mare asked.
“Gleaming is a Shifter. He can switch between her female form, Gleaming which she decided to stay in after her wedding by the way. And her male form Shining which she was born as.” Ayumi clarified, “ Cool thing is Gleaming is actually stronger than Shining. I told you about this before you girls got snatched but with all that happened I guess you forgot.”
“Yup,” Alex said rubbing the back of her head.
“Twilight’s brother Roy ended up as the anthro Shining Armor a while back. He showed up at the party for Alex’s arrival. He suggested she live in the model o’ the Golden Oaks Library that ended up bein’ the real Golden Oaks Library yer Uncle Sea Heart brought over from Equestria.” Ashley said, heading over to Babs, “Hun, you are you holdin’ up? Do you want to get some new clothes? Ah reckon wearin’ the same ol’ dress won’t cut it when it comes to meetin’ Rarity. She has a sister ‘bout yer age.”
Babs nodded as she ate her two waffles, swallowing before saying, “I'm holding up as well as can be expected. WAIT!” Babs looked at Alex and added, “Your Uncle has a PONY name?”
Alex chuckled and said, “Uncle Sea Heart ended up in an Equestria that was a lot like the show for three years on this side before returning to this world. But enough of that. I think we should visit the 911 Memorial and pay our respects to the victims of that horrible day.”
“Seems only right to do that.” Granny Smith says as she hobbles over to the breakfast table.
“I’m going to stay in Rochester to set up our ride home but now that I’ve recovered enough magic I’ll teleport you all to New York City.” Ayumi said as she lit up her horn “Besides this is my hometown. I’m feeling nostalgic and want to check up on some things I left here.”
Alex then nods. “Let’s go sight seeing and relax.
After that everybody eat breakfast, then Applejack, Big Mac, Daring, And Alex was teleported back into New York while Apple Bloom, Babs, Ayumi and Granny Smith stayed behind. Granny watched the youngest of the Anthro Apples while they did their homework and Ayumi
The Day was proceeding at a normal pace for New York when suddenly four individuals appeared in front of the 9 11 Memorial, accompanied by the sound of displaced air. One of those individuals was the anthro Applejack, known as Ashley Smith to her friends. She took off her Stetson and paid her respects to the people who lost their lives in the tragedy referred to as September 11, 2001, or 9/11. She placed her Stetson over her chest and bowed her head.
Alex shrank down, covered herself in a force dome, then knelt and placed her hand on her heart in respect to the fallen.
{meanwhile back in rochester}
Ayumi was in a graveyard looking at a headstone, This headstone read “here rests Dakota Brown. Declared missing in action in 2012 may he rest in peace.” Ayumi smirked looking at her old headstone. “To think I lost my manhood just a week after graduating from high school. I’m glad my mom and Uncle Dirk were able to make a new life story for me so quickly… Still seeing this makes me remember my time here in Rochester. Those were some fun times.” if the others knew that i am actually 25 years old and only physically 19 due to an artifact I don’t think they would believe that I never used magic before the change... among other things.
Near Ayumi in the same graveyard Raven was looking at a headstone this headstone reads “here rests anna strings declared missing in action in 2001 may she find peace wherever she is” Raven smiled when looked at her old headstone “hey mom i found you just like i promised i would if i came to this world who would have thought that i would have to lose my body, brought into another world and for Serine to be in a coma for me to find true friends life's funny that way isn’t it mom”
“You seem to have a story to tell, I got time if you do?” The grave-keeper asks.
Raven has a mischievous smile “i do but some stories are best left unsaid and even if i told it i doubt anyone would believe it” Raven chuckles “much less would anyone want to hear it ether” Raven with a shi “no my past is better left there in the past” i doubt any of the others know how old i am much less my sister and i pray that they never have to live through what we had to live through.
“Trust me, it may help to get something off your chest.” the grave-keeper replies, showing a good area to sit if you do like to tell him.
“Jake you taking care of another restless soul?” Ayumi asked the gravekeeper as she approached the two. “Oh hey Raven you OK? Who are you visiting? I myself came to visit an old friend.”
“Just seeing what Raven’s story is, Ayumi” Jake says before going back on his rounds, the job of keeper is not a job anyone can do.
Raven “to answer your first question Ayumi i'm visiting my mom's grave or in this world at least” raven shi’s “and to answer your question Jake i will tell you but don't say i didn’t warn you” Raven go’s to sit down in the place that Jack showed her
“So where do you want me start at should i start at the time where i had to abandon my parents and run for my life!” raven says with a angry tone “Or when i lived in place that could have passed as hell with friends then give a piece of my body to a demon to protect my sister” raven says her voice breaking a few ghosts appearing behind her “ or the time i got all my friends killed only to survive because my sister gave the same demon a part of her soul to save me” raven on the verge of tears two more ghost join the others “ or how about we start at when i had to kill my sister because the demon stabbed me in the back” raven crying now another ghost joins the others “or how about her coming back to life but being stuck here” raven crying very heavily “or ‘sniff’ or watching her ‘sniff’ march to her death and being p-p-powerless to stop her” and with that the final ghost appears and they put raven to sleep.
“Well that’s news to this old soul, well may you find peace.” The keeper says before like a ghost he was gone.
The ghosts disappear with him not even wisps remaining.
“Next time Jake hope the others up there don’t get mad for the visit.” Ayumi said with a smile. “Jake is a guardian Angel he tends to drop in when humans and other races are feel sorrow plus he’s an old friend of the family.” She explained to the Wall.
Raven wakes up a bit “thank you” she said with a smile and goes back to sleep
(Back in new New York)
Alex and Daring Do stood on the torch of the Statue of Liberty gazing at New York City. Both expectant mothers sighed as the wind ruffled their fur, their clothes in Alex's weapon space. Daring looked down at the face of Lady Liberty finding the statue’s flat face both familiar and alien, yet comforting.
Alex looked at her first mate and said, “It was nice to fly up with you.”
Daring nodded, “Today was the last day l will able to fly for a while.”
Daring patted her baby bump and replied, “I'll be grounded until my little passenger disembarks and joins the world.”
Alex nods saying, “Ah. Probably an evolutionary adaptation to protect the foal.”
Daring nods before turning around a leans on the railing and looks at some low hanging clouds then a thought hit her. “Did you know Alicorns could cloud walk like pegasi?”
Alex nodded. “They have access to the magic of the other three tribes as well as their own, so yes.”
Daring smiles as she says, “Then stay put. I'll be right back,?” with that Darling Do took off and flew up to the clouds. Once there she reached and grabbed one and detached a small piece which she carried down. She held just above the railing and said “Hop on. I’ll catch you if you fall if you fall through.” Shrugging, Alex shrank and jumped on to the.mini cloud. To her surprise and Daring’s delight, Alex landed and was supported by it.
“This is something, I like to get a photo” a man says from miss liberty's crown.
“Yes.......an EM2 event......darn I will be on the first flight out.” he says before snapping the pick and heading out.
Alex reclined on the cloud as it was comfortable and she felt what could only be a massage effect. “Mmm.” She moaned in pleasure. “I think I now know why pegasi like to nap on clouds.” Daring Do nodded smiling before saying, “Any other place you want to see?” Alex shook her head feeling sleepy. “Let's return to the safe house.” She said before falling asleep. Daring called Ayumi Saying when the humanized Alicorn anthro, “Hey Twi if anything happened to our family and it came from what happened to me then you know I would tear the ones who did it apart.” Ayumi replied as she lead David over to a bookcase. “ Thanks for keeping my lab clean by the way I've been meaning to collect the Dragonflare but it needed charging.”
“So that's what that handle is! I thought you had given up on the project. You finally got it to work?” David asked as Ayumi opened the door behind the bookcase and the two headed down to a large lab/armory area.
“Turned out to be simple to fix.” Ayumi said. “I just needed to make a carbon fiber case for the battery so the heat dissipated better. The blade will now burn for an hour before I have to switch out the insert. Though less if i use the sling feature.”
Ayumi grabbed the handle and the multi sheath and strapped them to her back and belt. “The General incident was to close for comfort. Next time will be better but I still need the edge. Our enemy is growing in strength and numbers and I don't know if I will be strong enough without my full arsenal.
David when the others wake up introduce yourself and tell them I had to go get some things.” With that Ayumi faded out of the house and left David alone in the lab with one thing to say.
“Well fuck.”
A man fades in
“I hear you, just say away from the My little pony cons. People seems to disappear from them” he says.
“Well got to fly, seems I am about to make it to the con myself.” he adds before fading out again.
Alex yawned as she woke up. She turned to face Daring Do but instead of the tan wall of furry flesh she expected to see when waking up, but instead of spotting a wall of tan furred flesh of the gravid pegasus mare, Alex was now viewing her from the perspective of someone a foot tall.
All she could do was shout, “Eek!” as she sat up in their shared bed. “Daring get up! Something's happened to me!" Daring Do sat up quickly and ready for action when she notices Alex sitting there with a panicked look. “Alex?”
The freaked out mouse girl nodded. The pair sat where they sat pondering what happened to her when it hit her. “Luna's blessing.” Alex said as she remembered. “Buhe's curse influenced the spell used to make into an anthro mouse. So it stands to reason that Luna's Blessing would make me larger to increase my and my children's survival chances.”
The gravid pegasus mare nodded and got out of bed saying, “Well that's good news. Let's get dressed and get breakfast.” Alex nodded and climbed out then got dressed. Daring preened her wings before getting dressed herself. The pair then went to the kitchen.
Meanwhile, the anthro Apples were in the kitchen with Ayumi. Granny Smith was making a breakfast of Apple pancakes. Big Mac, Applejack and Apple Bloom were all smiles as they waited for the Apple matriarch to finish cooking. “It don't make no sense.” Apple Bloom said as her continence fell after her stack was placed in front of her. “Why did Babs decide to go back?”
Alex used her magic to move a chair and a booster seat to the table. Once she jumped up to be seen said, “It's not like it wasn't expected. She probably is trying to get her life together, and remember her life was turned upside down with her transformation.” Daring nodded and added, “Not everyone is cut for adventuring. Nor can a lot of people can handle getting dragged into adventure.”
Applejack took a forkful of pancake before saying, “Don't feel right jus’ leaving her after all the trouble of we went through rescuing her.”
Ayumi sighs and says, “She has to live her own life. And with her choosing to remain fully female against my advice and warnings...” She trailed off as she got lost in thought.
The humanized version of Twilight Sparkle sighed then said, ”I hope Spike and Barb have kept the library intact.” Alex finished off her pancakes then leaned back and said, “Daring, Ayumi; I am going to give you both full access to the Family's Knowledge Vault.” Daring looked at Alex and asked, “Knowledge Vault?” Ayumi looked on curiously. Alex nodded and said, “It a library in an extra dimensional pocket where my family placed knowledge we found over the 15,000 years my family existed. Since both of you are marrying into the family your going to need access to it. But enough of that, are all the preparations to get us back to Australia done?”
Ayumi nodded. “We'll be returning on a lear jet owned by NUMA.” She looked at the clock and added, “We have to get to the airport if we want to leave on time. And Alex after we get back I really have to finish my project. So i’ll be gone for a few days.”
Alex nodded in acknowledgement as she finishes her breakfast. Later they entered a turquoise military hummer with NUMA written on the side. As they drove to the airport, Alex leaned against Daring's baby bump and dozed off. When she woke up, they were a short distance from their ride home. A man from the State Department handed Alex, Daring, and the anthro Apples passports that were up to date with their visas. Once on board, they saw seven computer easy chairs with laptops on built in tables that could be swung around and a snack bar with a suited guy standing behind the table. Granny sat in a recliner and promptly fell asleep, Apple Bloom turn on a laptop and started chatting with Sweetie and Scootaloo on Myspace.
Five minutes later the plane took off. Alex and Daring began watching YouTube videos when they came across a video that stated that Atlantis’ location was hidden in plain sight. After that video Alex said, “All the evidence shown in that video adds up. The size. The the rocks. The dry rivers. And others.” Daring Do nodded and added, “It's like a powerful spell was put on the area to prevent anybody from looking too closely.“ The pair looked at each other and nodded.
“That’s not all.” Ayumi said “my Uncle Dirk actually found a second Atlantis in antarctica under the ice.” she called up a file showing the frozen city “this is the second human made Atlantis the other being the island nation of Crete before the eruption. Though this is a much older city and has some rare metals in the buildings. Like equestrian metals. Part of my project centers on how these came through.”
Alex frowned and says, “‘The Eye of the Sahara matches Plato's description of the lost city. But these other two puzzle me. Hmm. Maybe the Knowledge Vault has something.” Daring Do looks at Alex and asks, “Why do say that?” Alex shrugs and replies, “With 15,000 years of gathered information there's a high chance there is at least some tidbit ‘
The city is at least 10,000 years old due to star charts found across the world made after a global flood.” Ayumi said “And Crete was a island nation who lived on a dormant volcano that erupted and dropped into the mediterranean think Pompeii but on an island.”
“That is true.” Alex conceded. “But the fact that no one has ever tried to confirm whether the Eye of the Sahara is the site of Atlantis or not strikes me as odd.” She then yawned and converted her chair to a bed and fell asleep.
Alex woke up when the plane landed. With a yawn and stretch she got out of her seat and accompanied her friends into the airport. After getting processed they made their way to their departure gate. There they found AJ's truck where Twilight, Flora, Micaela, Rarity, Pinkie & a man in black waiting for them. Alex then noticed that Pinkie's hair was flat, all of their friends had a look of sorrow about them and the man in black was carrying a hat box.
When they got to the truck pinkie scooped Alex up and began bawling her eyes out. Alex hugged her friend as Twilight walked up then said, "Welcome back guys." Alex frowned and asked, "What happened while we were away?" Twilight hugged the gravid mouse and said, "An hour before you guys returned this gentleman informed us that last night Dr Henry 'Indiana' Jones passed away in his sleep." Indicating the man in black.
Alex gasped in shock as the man walked up then said, "Agent Walker, CIA. Dr Jones' last wish was for you to have the contents of this hat box. He was a good man and he'll be missed" After saying that, Agent Walker handed the hatbox to Alex and promptly left. Stunned, Alex put the hatbox on the ground Then grew to human size.
Numbly she opened the box then pulled out and put on the hat that was within. Everyone looked at their friend who then smiled with somber pride. For she now wore the Fedora of Indiana Jones.
The torch had just been passed..
But something was off
“Show me the Body.” Ayumi said suddenly serious and agent Walker left to check if there still was a body “And get Henry Jones Williams his pseudo-sister needs him” Ayumi turned to Alex “you may not like what I’m about to say but both you and Mutt need to know something Indy told My Uncle Dirk.” Ayumi sighed “that city Uncle Dirk found well he wasn’t the first to find it not even close the fourth Reich was the ones who did the same people Mutt and Indy fought back in the 80’s only this time they were smarter now I don’t want to worry you but Indy told my Uncle that he wanted his body to be burnt immediately upon discovery after his death due to the Crystal Skull. If it wasn’t burnt to ash I fear we may have trouble soon”
"I hope it's not going to involve zombies." Alex sourly said. "By the way Sensei what was the trouble with the Crystal Skull?"
“The beings in the ship were multiverse travelers to Quote Ox ‘they come from the space between spaces’ ie the void” Ayumi said “that means when Indy used the skull he was given void energy if someone learned to harness that energy in a human body they could be as powerful as my human mother who I should remind you is the merged Nightmare Moon of my equissian counterpart’s timeline”
Alex groaned as she said, "It couldn't be something mundane like zombies. It just HAD to an exotic danger. Sigh." Walker came back in a hurried pace. "We got a problem." He said. "Some creature stole Prof. Jones body before it could be put in the crematorium oven." Alex looked up with anger in her eyes
I ignited “If they desecrate his body I don't care how I’ll burn them all!” As my armor formed I looked to Alex and Daring ”girls you’re both too close to term for this. Mutt and I will bring him home”
Alex sighed. "I… alright just come back in no more than three pces." She then hugs Ayumi.
‘ Three pieces’ “Alex that’s it!” I say “Have you heard of the Multiform technique?’
."No." The mouse adventuress replied.
“It’s a cloning technique that halves the power for each clone but pregnancy won’t transfer and by meditating you can actually receive everything the clone experiences real-time,” Ayumi said “This way you can come with us and keep our kids safe”
"Ok," Alex says. "Let's go for it."
"Meditation that will allow real-time interfacing will leave the body helpless. I'll watch over Alex's body." Daring says.
Alex looks to her Sensei and asks "What do I do?"
Now the multiform is painful as you’re cutting your power in half literally the process is all mental” Ayumi said “I would suggest using dad’s clone spell but he never interfaced with his clones”
Alex nodded then asked "Could you teach me that spell?"
"Not at your current level. "
"Then you will have to use it on me."
Ayumi nodded and stepped back. The humanized anthro alicorn then cast the needed spells on the rodent adventures. True to her words, Alex felt like every nerve she had was on fire. The pain got so strong that she passed out. The last thing Alex saw was another her fading into existence.
The first thing she saw was Daring Do catching her pregnant self before she 8could get hurt. Daring looked Alex's second form then said, "I'll keep you and the little ones safe. Go find Dr. Jones."
They then left in Ayumi's car.
A short while later Alex used her newly acquired skill in magic to temporarily turn herself into her former self. When entered a run down industrial park. Putting her fedora on she got out of Ayumi's car saying, "I'm going to the black market and talk to a couple friends of me and the Doc and find out if anybody knows anything."
"The Black Market is not a safe place student." Ayumi warned. "Keep your head on streight."
With a nod, the pair parted company.
As Alex walked through the Black Market she found it had undergone a few changes Yet remained the same. It still had the usual drug dealers, Weapon salesmen, Elicit art dealers, Information brokers and slavers. She noticed a few anthros about. The sight of one slaver, who specialized in sex slaves, was a caribou anthromade her shake her head. "Figures." She mutters under her breath.
After about a half hour of searching, she found a familiar food tent. It was tan colored and had a small crowd. She smiled as she entered and looked about. Inside there was were tables placed haphazardly about around the fire pit which for all she knew may or may not be used to dispose of bodies.
She sat at one that next to a thick column and waited. Soon a heavy set man and an athletic girl joined her. What surprised her was they had somehow been turned into anthros of Coriander Cumin & Saffron Marsala. "ALI MY FRIEND!" The heavy set anthro greeted. He the wrapped Alex in a hug before setting her down. "You had better drop that form you're using. Some of our customers have gotten leary about magic." The Saffron of the pair said.
Nodding Alex shifted back to her mouse form and the three friends reminisced about their past adventures with the ancient archeologist. "And Allah has finally called Dr Jones to his reward." The Male anthro said. Alex just shook her head then said, "That's what I came here about. Someone stole Doc's body I'm hoping you and Fatima can help me and Ayumi find him, Salah."
"Father and I will help." Fatima, who resembled Saffron, said with a nod. Then her cell phone rang. "Hello? …. Sensei what's wrong? …. Miestro's dark half has been kidnapped? …. Tirek's made an appearance?! Bad day. I'm on my way!" She hung up and said her goodbyes and left the black market.
******Two days later******
Alex found herself as part of the distraction team sent out to find and defeat Tikek. They found him sooner than she liked draining some poor anthro of his magic
Tirek turned to face them after tossing his last victim asside. A smirk grew upon his face. “Ah, you again. I see that Xavier isn’t with you. Pity. I was hoping of squashing all my opponents in one fell swoop, but…” He shrugged. “What can you do?”
A shocked gasp went through them, and Ayumi realized who it was that was talking. “Ramona? You accepted some kind of deal just to get back at Phantom?”
A smirk danced upon his face. “So he’s gone and done it, eh? That makes things easier. Stand aside, and I won’t hurt you. Much.”
Alex grew to human size and moved to get some fighting room as said, "No can do Tirek. For one thing I don't surrender bullies. And you what bullies are? Cowards. weaklings."
"You had a chance to get stronger, but you threw it away by refusing to apologize Xavier. You weakened your self by bullying people who were different and surrounded yourself with yes-creatures. When they chose the path of light you cast them away." She calmly ranted. "And now you've gone let yourself be turned into a centaur. YOU THREW AWAY YOUR HUMANITY FOR WHAT? REVENGE? THAT IS THE CHOICE OF THOSE TOO WEAK TO CHANGE!"
After saying her peace Alex go ready to fight Tirek.