Author's Note

This is a larger chapter mostly because we couldn't find anywhere good to split it up. Both intended chapters are now combined into one and share the titles intended. Work may be making writing/editing during shift harder in the upcoming months, but I will do what I can. Please, enjoy.

13: Coping and Picking Up the Pieces

Day 149, August 6th, Monday

Storm went into the office, everyone being busy as always since the incident with Dawn two weeks ago. She had gotten approved time off for her heat being spent with Nightfall last week and now she was ready to come back with decently big news of her own.

She took up her desk near Twilight’s office, and after an hour of work, Twilight came out and spotted Storm.

“Ah, you’re back. Had a good time?” Twilight asked.

“Yeah… we did.” She said with a mild blush.

“Tell me about it at lunch?” Twilight offered, noting the blush with the help of Meadow.

“Yeah, that’d probably be for the best.” Storm admitted.

“Good. See you then.” Twilight said, resuming her work and going back to her office.

Storm smirked, trying to focus on her work.

Lunch came and Storm joined Twilight, bringing in her lunch bag with her.

“You know we can bring food up if you’re hungry.” Twilight reminded her.

“It was made by my mate, and I want to see how it tastes.” Storm admitted.

Twilight’s expression hardened at the mention of Nightfall even though he wasn’t mentioned by name. Out of respect to Storm, she said nothing, despite there being significant evidence mounting that he was the source of the leak responsible for the Purists taking action.

Storm let out a sigh. Twilight did not like him at all now, not that Storm herself had any better impression at first. She could only hope that in time they would get along like she did with Twilight now.

“Anyway, I said I had some news for you.” Storm said, trying to avoid the subject.

“Right, what’s up?” Twilight asked.

“Well, had a really good time, and I saw the doctor before I came back.” Storm started to explain. She saw Twilight watch closely, a sign of worry she knew too well, even if it was buried. “Nothing bad, just not expected… I’m pregnant.”

Twilight blinked, then said, “Congratulations.”

“Thanks… They said that my protection had ‘failed’ but the enchantment ring didn’t break. We didn’t want to leave it in in case it hurts the foal, so we got it removed carefully and … and it looks like I’m going to be a mother.”

“Congratulations,” Twilight repeated, taking another bite of her salad with ample bacon bits in it and chewing thoughtfully.

“Well, here’s the weird thing.” Storm said, “The doctor said the hormones were almost as strong as if I’d been pregnant for a couple weeks now, but we agreed it was probably the failure of my protection that might have affected the results. We’ll be testing again in a month and expect it to round out to where it should be.”

“Makes sense.” Twilight agreed. “I’ve seen that happen before. How did he take the news?”

“He was happy. Vanna’s a month old now… and we were wondering if Spike could be the godfather.”

Twilight paused, surprised at the news, then gave a playful smirk, “Not going to name your owner as godmother Lapdog?”

“Hey, you’re awesome, but I think she’ll appreciate having a dragon parent too, you know?” Storm said, giving a grin as she recognized Twilight being playful.

“I guess I’ll have to get over it. Spike will be honored I’m sure.” Twilight said.

“Good, cause I’ll be pushing hard to have you as the godmother to our foal.” Storm smirked.

Twilight paused, processing the thought. It brought many mixed feelings, including what it was like to learn she was the parent to Violet, and when Chrysalis warned her that she had laid a royal egg. The only note that soured it was the idea that it was a foal that would come from Nightfall, but after a brief pause she reminded herself the sins of the father do not follow to the foal.

“I’d like that.” Twilight finally said.

“Good. I know it’s early, but I’d like that too.” Storm smiled, taking a deep breath before pulling out her meal.

Seven-layer salad sat in the bowl, numerous flavorful veggies inside, sprinkled with some bacon, and that was just her side dish. The main meal was a hayburger, some lettuce and tomato kept aside so her burger didn’t get soggy, and toasted sesame buns to hold it together. Last was a few small pancakes that had strawberries topping it, cut in a small spiral.

“Anyone making bets on if it’s a colt or a filly?” Twilight asked.

“If they are, I want a cut.” She smirked.

“How much?”

“Maybe ten percent.” Storm said, taking a bite of her pancakes before adding, “Depends on how big the pot is.”

“Probably will be getting up and running closer to when ponies can see you’re pregnant.” Twilight said.

“All right. They’re on…” Storm agreed, continuing their lunch together.

==========

It had been a few weeks since the IED event, and Stalwart was still feeling down from the events, but trying to put on a strong front in front of the foals, who were content playing with Zera. Zera had offered again to take up being Dawn in her place so he could finally get some rest, and this time, he was thinking about it when the sound of a familiar metal-on-wood knock came to the door.

"Come in!" He called, trying to hide his weariness.

Twilight entered. "Hey, just wanted to check and see how you are doing."

"I'm hanging in there..." He said wearily as she approached, barely even getting up from the floor where Hearty Beacon was play-wrestling Stalwart's hoof and Rise was chasing after cat-Zera's tail.

She frowned. "You look like you could use a stiff drink."

"More like some sleep." He admitted quietly, out of earshot of Nymph, who was helping Zera mind Morning Rise. "Keep getting nightmares when I sleep."

"Want to talk about it?"

"I keep seeing Dawn... the way she was at the hospital... keep fighting ponies and then just... see her, laying there like that." He said shakily.

Twilight nodded and took a seat, Zera taking her cue lead the foals away to another room. "I ever tell you about my friend Dupo?"

"No." Stalwart said simply, tone indicating he was willing to listen.

She sighed. "Malcolm Dupo, sergeant and weapons officer of the PFDR and a very good friend of mine who taught me everything I know about firearms and we would spend hours discussing the finer points of weapons and their care when we weren’t maintaining them."

He nodded, indicating he was listening, listening to the foals playing in the other room.

"Pretty much. If I wasn’t busy with work or my squad, I mainly hung out with him and.... unfortunately that painted a target on his back." She said and pulled out her datapad.

"So you dealt with losing him…" He said understandingly.

"Yeah, I… think this might help you understand." She said, going through her datapad and selecting something as an audio log of a much younger and angrier sounding Twilight started to play.

Stalwart listened, hearing the soldier she sparred against, how at the time she couldn't do anything against him, even giving a small smirk at a "princess of 'being a bastard'" but then turned to her, "Sounds like you were close, if in a love-hate relationship."

"Oh yeah Mendez was my mentor who I literally never beat, taught me everything about being a soldier. I would not be surprised if that bastard is still alive but… that’s not what we are talking about." She said, trying to get the story back on track. "The import part was near the end."

"The explosion?" he asked.

She nodded. "We… I… had been causing s much damage to our enemy, they sent one of their best to take care of me. He wasn’t the type to really get his hands dirty, preferring more… psychological attacks. He managed to learn who I was close to and slowly began to set up traps for them targeting them to get to me… Dupo was the first… an explosive hidden in a weapon shipment we stole. It was inspected, but lifting the lid primed the explosive… lifting it a second time set it off."

"Oof... that's... that's sneaky." He winced.

She nodded. "Yeah… White Rabbit was… honestly one of few adversaries I could respect. Hate with every fiber of my being, but he was smart, clever, and resourceful and could fight himself if needed… He was arguably one of the most dangerous I’ve faced and what’s scary was… looking back… I think he was more on his own side then anything… He didn’t seem to care about anything other than testing his ability and improve his take downs… plus he hated Dr. Frisk so definitely not all bad."

"Ok…" Stalwart answered, not sure where she was going with this.

"Right, Right sorry off topic… the point is, I get what you are going through…" She said. "And honestly? What helped me get through it was focusing on something and using the pain as fuel."

"So I need to do something else so I don't think about… Dawn… as much. Is that it?" he asked.

"Something like that yes." She said nodding.

"Maybe..." He admits, then sighs, "Feels like running away from it some though.

"And sitting here looking half dead and wallowing is better?" She arched a brow.

"Ouch… still not pulling any punches huh?" he smirked, then sighed. "Makes me think of my promise to Dawn, that I'd carry our next foal. I think once she gets out of there, I'll take her up on it, assuming my current two don't make me regret it."

"Would you rather I sugar coat it and not help?" She asked smirking back. "And come now, they aren’t bad at all."

"No, I'm a soldier too. I can take it." He said with a brief head tilt, "Yeah, let's go with figuring out stuff to do outside of looking after my foals... maybe resume my training of your boys."

"That could help." She said, getting up.

"All right, I think I'll do that."

She nodded smiling as she stood heading for the door.

"Mind if I take a walk out there with you?" Stalwart offered.

"Not at all."

Stalwart nodded and slowly got up before approaching Twilight to walk out with her.

She used magic to open the door and found two dark green hovering spheres covered in different gems with a getting gun hanging bellow them outside with the words CELESTIA and LUNA on their fronts.

"Oh! It opened." A synthetic voice said.

"See? Told you it would." Another said.

"That is not how these doors work."

"Still worked."

Stalwart froze, noticing the gun first and foremost and wasn't sure if he should take cover before noticing their names.

"What are you two doing here?" Twilight asked.

"Oh commander," the first voice said. "We apologize. We didn't realize you were here."

"Yes, we are not intruding are we? We can leave if you'd like."

"No, no. It’s fine, just surprised is all." Twilight said.

"Twilight, what's going on here?" Stalwart asked, still nervous at the sight of the weapons.

"Huh?" Twilight asked, looking at him confused.

"Who or what are they?"

"Commander, they somehow haven't met us yet." The first voice said as Twilight looked at them and back to him.

"Huh… Oh, okay… Uh… well then, these are Celestia and Luna, my personal sentries." She said.

"A pleasure to meet you" the first voice said.

"Yo" the second said and there was a sigh. "What?"

"This is our first meeting with someone very close to the commander and all you have to say is "yo?" The Celestia-bot turned to face the Luna-bot.

"What else am I supposed to say? ‘Hi, how are you? How's your hammer hanging?"

"What? NO! Don't be ridiculous!"

"I'm not the one being ridiculous."

Stalwart listened, then slowly started to laugh, "All right, well, nice to meet you both, I'm Stalwart Shield."

They turned and looked at him. "Yes, we know. We somehow haven't crossed paths before now." The first voice said.

"Yes the probability of that is extremely low." Said the second.

"I am Celestia, and this is my sister Luna." The first voice said

"Yes, I heard…" He said, looking between them. "So… Why should we have met before?"

"Because we Patrol the castle, and you live here." Celestia-bot said.

"Huh..." Stalwart said, stumped. "Yeah, no idea how we haven't met. Dawn never mentioned you either."

"We just never seemed to cross paths." Luna-bot said.

"Huh." Stalwart repeated, a new revelation at what they discovered. "So, how long has it been since you met Twilight?"

"I was 23 when I met them." Twilight said.

"So quite some time then." Stalwart confirmed, still eyeing them and the guns attached to them.

"Something wrong?" Luna-bot asked.

"Just getting used to the idea of a pair of gatling guns attached to some residents of the castle." He tried to say diplomatically.

"Oh, don't worry. They aren't armed right now." Luna-bot said

"That's... comforting." Stalwart said, looking over at Twilight for guidance for how to handle the situation.

"You need not worry Stalwart, you are a friend from the Commander's and therefore you have out protections and assistance." Celestia-bot said.

"Ah… it's a shame that such extra protection is necessary." He said formally.

"Yes… We… We are sorry to have failed you." Luna said, both spheres starting to hover lower to the ground.

"Failed me? No, not at all." he began to protest.

"The bombing. You and your family were under our protection and we failed the reasons we were programed for…" Celestia-bot said.

"How could you be responsible for us if we hadn't even met yet?" He asked.

"You are close friends with the Commander, thereby you are under our protection. Our entire existence is to protect and serve and we failed." Luna-bot said

"Well, guess we can feel guilty together then." Stalwart said, "Was on a walk with the Commander here to get more of it out of my system."

"Oh, do you mind if we accompany you?" Celestia-bot asked.

"I don't." Stalwart shrugged.

They moved to flank him and Twilight as the alicorn started walking down the hall toward the elevator.

Stalwart walked along, listening to them before trying to tactfully ask Twilight, "So... how'd you manage this feat?"

"Feet? We do not have feet, we use a series of thrusters and air propulsion to active lift along with a beware spells to make us lighter." Luna-bot said.

"Ah... Meant feat like feature." Stalwart said, hoping to clarify since the wrong person responded, "but that seems a bit useful at least."

"We aren't to this point yet." Twilight said. "Almost, but Celestia and Luna aren't from here."

"Oh?" Stalwart asked, looking among them for an explanation.

"We are from the world the commander went too before she upgrades the world's technologically development." Celestia-bot said.

"We met her when we were trying to kill her and her squad!" Luna-bot added cheerfully.

"And I'm guessing she made you her friends?" Stalwart asked.

"No, she put a sniper bullet through us both and then rebuilt and reprogrammed us." Luna said cheerfully. "She basically killed us and brought us back to life."

"Ah..." He said, unsure what to think of that course of action.

"Yes, and we much prefer things now." Celestia-bot said.

"Outside of the sometimes annoying organic quadrupeds"

"Such as?" He asked.

"The ones called "nobles" and several other organics, not you of course, you are friends with the commander."

"Ah. What things do you find annoying?" He asked.

"Their behavior." Luna-bot said.

"Sister be nice, it is just how they are." Celestia-bot replied.

"Doesn’t make it any less annoying."

"Anything more specific?" Stalwart asked.

"No, just the irrational way the other organic quadrupeds behave."

"Ah." He said, not understanding because of a lack of examples and smiled briefly before giving a sigh.

"What's wrong?" Celestia-bot asked.

"Thinking about Dawn. I was quite sure she would be really interested in you both." He answered, getting a distant look in his eyes. When the bots said nothing, he spoke again. “Just going to have to make up for it later. …You've at least met Fire Storm, right?"

"Yes.' They said.

Stalwart blinked, then grinned at twilight, "That’d be too much coincidence if they hadn’t. At that point, I'd think maybe we get some sort of special ability being born in our world like 'only meet important ponies at important events' or something? Dawn'd love joking about that."

"That would be a rather strange talent." Luna-bot said.

"Yeah…" he said with a sigh.

"What is wrong?" Luna-bot asked worriedly.

"All things circle back to who we love." He said quietly.

They stared not seeming to understand

"Don't worry about it." He said, turning ahead to resume their walk.

The followed their only sound being a very quiet humming sound that was easily ignored

Stalwart sighed contentedly after they had spent some time in the gardens, feeling more like his old self once more, admitting out loud, "Going for a walk was a good idea."

"Usually helps me." Twilight said.

"Yeah… I can see why." He nodded, wondering what the bots would say this time.

"It has been shown that fresh air and light is good for organics." Luna-bot said. "Much like plants, just with more complicated feelings."

"Sister that is rude."

"But it’s true."

"I mean… maybe not wrong?" Stalwart tried to say, unsure how to feel about being compared to plants.

"Anyway, I think it’s time to service you two." Twilight said looking the bots.

"Is it that time again?" Luna-bot said.

"Yes, time for our monthly maintenance." Celestia-bot said.

"Stalwart." Twilight nodded to the stallion before starting to head toward the castle, the bots falling in at each side.

Stalwart walked in the garden slowly, letting out any remaining tension as he did until he came across some squeaky giggling and decided to investigate.

Storm watched as Vanna kept digging through the dirt eagerly for no clear reason, smiling wide in innocent joy.

"She might smell a small animal like a mole, not sure what it is, just that it's there." A somewhat eye level dragon in a black tactical vest said beside her as he watched the young hatchling with his claws on his pockets. "Or she just likes dirt"

Storm smirked, "I mean, I was hoping for someone who loves flying like I do, but not having her cry is still a plus- oh hey Stalwart!"

Stalwart saw the waving pegasus and a burst of dirt in the air and approached. "Hey, what’s going on you two?"

"Giving Vanna some air and sun and letting her explore a bit." Spike said. "She might be a dragon that prefers the ground or subterranean or she might be one who loves flying and making her own caves. Or who knows. She's still too young for it all."

"Yeah. We'll see." Storm said. "Gotta give her room to be herself 'n all. Nice seeing you out n about again."

"Feeling better for it." Stalwart said. "Visiting for the weekend?"

"Just for a little bit now that we've relocated to Ponyville. Nightfall has gotten his request to transfer approved. We figured Vanna being closer to Spike was a good idea."

"Now he knows the guard duty out here is different than in the city, right?" Spike asked

"He's learning." Storm said. "But he wants to do what he can for us… all three of us, four if you count… well, you know."

Stalwart blinked. "Four of you?"

"Yeah… I’m pregnant." Storm smiled. "Despite Night saying he wasn’t attracted to ponies or some of our other issues… he's actually trying to accept what he is now and that was the result."

Spike remained quiet out of politeness as the topic shifted, watching over the hatchling.

"So, raising a dragon and a foal eventually… that’s going to be interesting, I'll bet." Stalwart gave a single twist of his head before asking Spike, "already covered advice for raising her I take it?"

"As much as she needs now, mostly Twilight is the one giving the advice since she's the one with experience raising dragons."

"Yeah, I probably should ask her at some point." Storm admitted as Vanna stopped digging and yawned before flopping in the dirt for a nap. "Seems like she is finally worn out."

"Yeah probably best to leave her there." Spike said.

"Oh? Don’t put her in the carrier?" Stalwart asked.

"Have you felt her claws?" Storm smirked.

"Plus dirt isn't flammable if she has any accidents as she sleeps. Hatchling fires burn at around 900 degrees at its lowest."

"All right, point taken." Stalwart said.

"Yeah, still figuring out what to do for the apartment though." Storm said.

"Twilight can cast some flame proofing spells that will stand up to bursts of flames.” Spike offered. “Anything sustained will overwhelm them thought but if she burps it would be fine.”

"Should be safe." Storm said. "Haven’t had any issue yet."

"You say that like you won’t have any issue." Stalwart smirked. "Dawn and I had plenty of surprises, and Zera was a Harmony-send."

"If you’d like, I'm sure Chrysalis wouldn’t mind sending a caretaker to help." Spike pointed out.

"Hm." Storm hummed, then frowned. "She might not mind, but would she want to?"

"With how close you are to Twilight and Spike?" Stalwart smirked.

Spike pointed at Stalwart. "What he said."

"Heh, yeah. Worth a shot I guess. I'll talk it over with Nightfall and bring it up, see where it goes." Storm conceded.

"Now I'm curious how she'll react to asking." Stalwart chuckled. "How've you been Spike?"

"Been well." He said. "You?"

"I… had been better. It’s why Twilight got me walking. It's helped, if a little bit."

"You try hitting a punching bag?"

"Not yet. Doesn't do much for me yet." Stalwart replied in a halfhearted shrug. "If anything it makes things worse."

"Ah." Spike shrugged. "If you like, I could see about arranging some alone time with whoever planted the bomb if we catch them."

"We'll see." Stalwart said. When his only response was a nod from the dragon, he asked, “Anything else you both have been up to?"

"Just going back and forth with the dragons and helping Twilight so the usual." Spike shrugged.

"Ah." Stalwart said before Vanna let out a purple and green burp that shot out a half foot before vanishing.

Spike looked to Vanna, watching the dragon’s burp and then watching her intently.

Vanna snapped her jaws twice before stretching, rolling on her back, then grinned up at Spike and reached with her claws to the sky.

He walked over and knelt beside her. "Hey there, what are you wanting to do?"

Vanna grinned and wiggled her claws up at him and the clouds

She reached down and picked her up. "Want to go to the roof?"

She gave some babble and reached for him, then reached for Storm.

"Missing momma already Vanna?" Storm smiled gently

Spike held out Vanna to her mother. Vanna squeaked and nuzzled Storm before reaching for Spike while holding Storm tight. Spike approached with curiosity, only to be hugged close to a babbling Vanna.

Spike and Storm’s heads were pressed together as he played along. They watched her closely before Vanna giggled again, then burped, singing Storm’s mane.

"Yeah, you'll get used to that." Spike said.

Storm blinked, and Stalwart laughed at the darkened fiery mane.

"Yup. True to your name at least!" Stalwart said.

"Yeah, yeah. Yuk it up Shield."

"Yeah… I torched Twilight’s bangs once, totally off and the fur on her forehead according to her."

Stalwart laughed more, harder when he saw Storm give a genuine look of worry and thought she was playing along.

"I am seeing Chrysalis about that caretaker next time I see her." Storm said seriously.

"Don’t worry, it grew back obviously, and if not, she knows very good illusion magic."

"She has a horn, I don’t." Storm said, hugging Vanna before moving her onto her back.

"I meant she could cast them on you if needed."

"I prefer not to get to that point" Storm countered.

He chuckled. "Then get fast reflexes."

"I'll try." Storm smirked.

"Well, I'd better get going." Stalwart said.

"All right. Catch ya next time." Storm said.

"See you around." Spike said.

Stalwart parted ways and Storm hummed. "Think I can find Chrysalis with the commander right now or should I head for a changeling?"

"She most likely is in the hive."

"Mind if I leave Vanna with you to see her?"

"Sure. Think I'll take her to the roof." He said.

"All right. Thanks Spike." Storm smiled, moving to put Vanna on in reach.

Spike took her, Vanna squealing happily, and started to carry her towards the castle

Storm trotted quickly off toward the only hive entrance she knew of. It was deep in the lower levels of the castle, giving the impression of being under construction that was suddenly ceased by going from cement walls to bare stone.

Storm approached the entrance, then paused at what she felt was a respectful distance a few paces away. She knew changelings would be watching and they would take notice of her, perhaps realizing she was asking for a guide. She didn’t have to wait long before one seemed to peel out of a shadow and stood before her, waiting for her to speak.

"I'd like to speak to Chrysalis about an idea Spike had. Is she free?"

It turned and began to walk deeper in. Storm had spent enough time around changelings to recognize this one as male. After enough exposure, it became easier and easier to find those differences.

Storm followed him in, struggling mildly in the dark before the drone lit his horn enough for her to see. She walked on, knowing she was going to need help, but wasn’t sure how well it would go.

They soon entered the throne room, a large familiar changeling lounging on her throne in a way that Storm saw Twilight do many times.

"Hello Storm. What is this idea Spike had?" Chrysalis asked

"Well... Vanna is getting old enough to be moving around more, and Spike said that maybe I could get some help raising her… maybe have help from a caretaker like you did with Dawn's foals?"

"Oh, of course! How many would you like?" She said calmly.

"Wait… really?" Storm blinked.

"Yes… really. What did you expect?"

"I… don't know." Storm blinked. "Why are you just…"

“Letting you have drones?” She asked, moving to sit in her throne more properly. “Why wouldn’t I? You are among my mate's lovers, one of her best recruits and officers and plaything. When not with your own mate or daughter you are here, pleasing her. You are family. My hive is here for whatever you need, big or small; from caretakers to care for your young, to workers to help you build. From soldiers to defend you to infiltrators to do whatever you wish. You are a member of this hive as far as I am concerned."

Storm stared, dumbfounded to the point where she didn’t realize when she had slumped down to sit on the hive floor. “Oh… … I… I don’t know how… what…”

"What is it?" She asked.

"I just… didn’t expect that." She said, still sitting on the floor.

"And why not? You are very close to the Queen's Mate, literally sharing a bed with her at least twice a week, well bed in a relative term." She said. "Outside of that, you are with her for at least half the week as well as are good friends with my daughter. Why would you not be part of this hive?"

"I mean… you’re not wrong." Storm said, shaking her head in disbelief. "I don’t know what to say…"

"How many drones you need would be a good start."

"I… Dawn did ok with just one right? Shouldn’t we be ok with one?" Storm asked.

"I don’t know. I am asking how much help you need. You are the one who decides that, not me."

"Fine. I don't know, so we'll just go with one." Storm said, getting some of her fire back.

She nodded and after a few minutes a slender caretaker entered the room. "This is Xern, she is under your command now."

Storm looked over, examining the drone who was joining their household. "Hi Xern..."

"Hello Mrs. Storm." She bowed. She was slender, but had a rounded appearance to her, as if a strong breeze could blow her away and yet she’d bounce off like a balloon.

"Thank you… both of you." Storm said.

"You need not thank me for caring for my hive." Chrysalis informed.

"I mean… I'm not-" Storm started to say, then facehoofed, "Never mind. I'll just leave it at thanks. So Xern, do we need to do anything special to look after you?"

"No. I am quite self-sufficient as long as there is food." She said. "Is there a form you wish for me to take while in your service?"

"I… hadn’t thought about it… this kinda was a spur of the moment thing." Storm admitted, rubbing her hoof on the back of her head before getting up and getting ready to go.

Xern stood and waited to follow her out.

Storm paused, then turned back to Chrysalis, "So, if I'm part of the hive, what kind of things will I need to get involved in? Are there any kinds of agreements for being in it?"

"Nothing you don’t want to. You may be part of the hive, but you are not a drone."

"Huh." Storm said, as if just processing the news. "Okay… I'll see you around Chrysalis."

"Take care Storm." She said as Xern followed Storm.

"So… Xern," Storm said as they left, "what uh… What are your thoughts on all this?"

"I am honored to help care for your little ones, Mrs. Storm." She said

"I mean, it's just Vanna." Storm said, feeling embarrassed that she had to ask for help for one child already.

"I assume I will help with the other one as well unless you do not wish it."

"Oh... right." Storm said, giving a nervous laugh. "I kinda forget I'm pregnant sometimes."

"Oh that happens in the first few weeks. You are used to doing certain things and there is one physical effects to remind you."

"Yeah… Nothing's happened yet." She said as she walked on, “Night seems to think I should be dealing with feeling sick every morning for a while, but I haven't.”

“That may come later, but not every pregnancy is exactly the same, the Queen's Mate's certainly wasn’t.”

"That so huh? How many caretakers looked after her?" Storm smirked.

"She didn’t have any till after the birth."

"And how many after?"

"Just one for when the queen and her were away." She said. "Though the little princess was always under guard by six soldiers as well"

"I mean, that part makes sense." Storm admitted.

Xern nodded.

Storm walked out slowly, thinking, "Do… do you think our foals will need guarded like that?"

"No? Why would they? Do you have enemies we are unaware of?"

"Not that I know of." Storm admitted.

"Then no."

"Ah." She said as she reached the exit to the hive. "Well, let's get home and get ready to introduce you to Night… mind if I fly there once we’re outside?"

"Not at all." She said as she followed the mare through the castle sublevels

Storm smiled, glad of their willingness to fly. She always got that itch after being indoors for too long, and the hive made that itch grow fast. Xern followed until they left the castle and Storm began stretching her wings.

"Phew… all right, time to get to flying. You ready Xern?"

"Yes, Mrs. Storm." She said as her chitin shifted on her back, exposing her translucent insectoid wings spreading and soon buzzing as she lifted off the ground to hover.

"Will we need to take it slower for you?" She asked, noticing the hover.

"It is your choice I will do my best to keep pace with you." She said.

"And I'm not about to leave you in the dust." Storm said. "Besides, need to pick up Vanna. She was being taken to the roof with Spike.

"As you wish Mrs. Storm." She said

Storm led the way up to where Spike said he was taking Vanna, taking it slow so Xern could keep up. Instead of flying in circles upward, Xern simply flew straight up. When they arrived, Spike was rolling a ball toward Vanna.

Storm smiled at seeing Vanna, landing down just as she was attempting to chew the ball, which then left her maw as it resisted the bite.

"Luckily Twilight kept a lot of my old toys, so they are dragon proof." Spike commented as Xern landed. "I see Chrysalis agreed. Figured she would."

"Yeah… don't know if I expected the reaction she had though." Storm admitted.

"Oh? Let me guess, you’re family and a member of the hive?"

"Yeah…” Storm eyed Spike with hesitant intrigue, “How’d you guess?"

"I’ve lived with her for around 50 years." He said flatly.

"Ah." Storm said, thinking as she went over to Vanna and settled down by her.

Spike picked up the ball and used a handbag to wipe it off while Vanna giggled then yawned wide.

"Seems like it's somepony's naptime." Storm commented.

"Would you like me to carry her Mrs. Storm?" Xern asked.

"I was thinking of being the one to carry her for the trip home… but maybe you should." Storm said hesitantly. "Maybe she’ll like riding with you more than me."

"It is your choice Mrs. Storm. I serve you."

"All right, let's see how she takes to you." Storm said, offering Vanna to Xern. Vanna was looking at Xern with amazement, looking at her closely.

The changeling started hovering again in order to take the hatchling in her first hooves and hold her close, tucking Vanna in securely to her underside.

Vanna squirmed, whining mildly before settling down in the grip.

The drone nodded to Storm that she was ready.

Storm booped Vanna, making her giggle, then began a slow takeoff to keep the flight easy for their new caretaker.

The caretaker followed as fast as she dared while carrying the hatchling. It became clear she was prioritizing safety over speed, but still making a decent pace.

Storm kept an eye on them, doing what she could to match the caretaker’s pace until at last after ten minutes, they were at her front door.

"Come in, Night won't be back for a couple hours."

She hoovered, flying slowly inside so she could carry the hatchling more easily, then set the dragoness on a soft chair before landing.

Storm settled down and began getting the kitchen cleaned up. "Usually I set her down for a nap and clean up until about when Night gets here, starting dinner then so it’s fresh as he gets home."

"Where is her room?"

"She has the second bedroom." Storm said, then paused, "I guess we need to figure something out for you too huh?"

"I will be fine wherever you wish." Xern replied, beginning to carry Vanna to the bedroom already.

"If you say so." Storm said.

The second bedroom had some packed boxes in the corner and Vanna's basket bed in the corner, a changing table and supplies along one wall, and a small couch and recliner against the other wall while the closet was for Vanna's toys, a few anyway. There weren’t many yet.

Xern moved to place her in the basket, watching Vanna yawn and decided to tell the dragoness a story. Within minutes, the dark purple dragon fell asleep to the softspoken caretaker’s voice.

When she was sure Vanna was asleep, Xern stopped and went to help Mrs. Storm.

Storm had made quick work of the small kitchen mess, and began getting things ready for dinner, preparing a basic salad.

Xern watched, waiting for instructions. She quietly marveled how it was a lot like watching the Queen’s mate when she was in her personal floor.

"Everything ok Xern?" Storm asked.

"Yes Mrs. Storm. Waiting for you to say how you'd like me to help as I do not know my duties outside of care for the little one."

"Honestly? I don’t know what your duties are either... I guess learning how we like to cook can help, but mostly I was wanting help for Vanna." Storm admitted.

"I shall observe then."

"Yeah… if we can keep up what we do normally, that will help when we both get busy or if he or I stay at work late." Storm said.

She nodded and moved to a spot out of the way where she can easily see.

Storm continued to turn the meal together and Nightfall walked in as she was close to done.

Xern bowed to him from the kitchen. "Welcome home Mr. Night."

"Hey Storm, I'm hom-" he barely managed to say before he paused, noticing Xern. "Uhm, hi? I didn’t know we had a guest."

"Well, I ended up taking Vanna to see Spike. He and I were talking, got a bit singed, and he kinda suggested we look at getting help for Vanna from Chrysalis. I got singed again, and thought it was worth a try… So, now we got ourselves a caretaker for Vanna." Storm said.

"Oh… I see." He said, feeling disappointed and mildly hurt, but didn’t show it at all.

Xern detected this, but she did not say anything as she remained bowing.

"Look…" Storm said, sensing something was off and Night might be trying to bottle it up. She approached and gave him a hug. "We don't know anything about raising a dragon, and we both get really busy… I just thought we could ask for help. I was going to bring it up to you, but I didn’t count on Chrysalis just... agreeing so immediately and thought I could get the idea out and confirm it later, then got swept up in her just giving us Xern. If it doesn’t work out, I can ask for her to head back, ok?"

Xern remained bowed, not moving at all.

Nightfall looked to Storm, then to Xern, then to Storm, love beginning to flow as he let go of his fear. "All right. I’m not used to it, but you're right. We need what's best for her after all."

"Yeah." Storm smiled, giving him a kiss and a hug. "This is Xern."

"Well, welcome to our home Xern." Nightfall said, still feeling a small sense of unease.

"It is a pleasure to work for you Mr. Night. I promise to not be any trouble at all."

"I’m glad to hear it." He said, his emotions only betraying his hidden doubts about himself, wondering if he was now being watched. "So, any plans for dinner? Want anything special?"

"I already got it started. Figured we would go with a salad."

"Ah. All right." Nightfall nodded, coming to the kitchen.

Nightfall helped finish making the meal, getting the food over to the table and began to eat as a family.

==========

Day… I don’t know what, can’t count right today. It’s been a month since you were cocooned Dawn.

Hey Journal, Storm here. Stalwart said it was ok to add things to the journal for catching you up when you wake up, like some letters or something, so here I am.

Hope you’re doing ok ‘n healing fast, been really busy. Had moved out from with Nightfall but began moving back in. Can’t get him to stop apologizing for the leak when he gets a glimpse of Stalwart. He’s really ashamed to say that he was the source that led to what happened to you. I’ve been trying to tell him you’d not hold it against him like you don’t hold my pigheadedness against me for those couple years, but he doesn’t believe it and I don’t know if he will even if you’re the one to tell him. Stalwart even says Dawn wouldn’t, and he still won’t listen. Stalwart stood him up and gave him a firm slap to the cheek, telling him to snap out of it and focus on what he can do for moving forward instead of living in the past. Definitely got his attention and I think they made up with that, but only time will tell.

Turns out Nightfall got approval to be transferred to Ponyville, and that’s where we were moving into. It’s gonna be a lot easier to go to work now, not to mention sharing Vanna with Spike. The help Chrysalis’ caretaker Xern has given us is making our lives so much easier. She does a good job with keeping Vanna cared for, and has been taking an interest in how my pregnancy is going. Certainly kept Nightfall from trying to rush me to the doctors when I dealt with some lightheadedness and nausea every so often. He seemed to think “animals” didn’t deal with morning sickness, but he calmed down soon enough.

So, Stalwart told me that last time you were put in a cocoon you came out part changeling. Explains why your foals kept changing tribes on me while I visited. Was really surprised, but honestly? Hoping you’re a fighter and will come out ok anyway. Who knows, maybe you’ll come out more ‘ling… but that’d probably mean you’ll be less you or something. Stalwart says that shouldn’t happen, but I think he’s putting on a brave face. Still, hard to picture being connecting to thousands of minds without being at least a little lost in the shuffle. I know I wouldn’t want that, would drive me crazy.

Anyway, hope to visit more often n things. Council is giving the Purists a good thrashing publically, though perhaps that’s overkill considering if they’re behind some of the random animal attacks on their charter houses… Well, I just want to see you come out in one piece. Get better soon Dawn. Your foals miss you.

Mid September, year 2 since arrival- Stalwart

Hi Dawn… been missing you nearly every night since you were gone. Zera’s been trying to fill in, taking your form to keep me close at night for the last month. You’d think I wouldn’t be able to tell the difference, but even when she tries to surprise me, I feel like I notice something I can’t place that still seems off. I still allow it because it helps me sleep and I take it as a promise you’re coming back to me one day, but I miss you still love.

The foals are liking that Storm is coming to visit once a week, probably going to call her Aunt Storm when they can speak more consistently. They miss you but Zera takes them to your egg to visit you, and a few caretakers come over and help keep them from trying to break the egg open to get to you. Chrysalis offered to just cocoon them so they don’t have to be sad waiting for mom to come home, but I turned her down. Don’t know if they’d change and I still don’t want to lose them in the meantime. Of course, she countered I could join them, but I still turned it down. For me, it’d be us running away from the problem and I rather like being able to visit with Storm and helping the foals enjoy life. Having had them for a year, even with all the hassles that involves, I love our foals. I think I may take you up on that offer to carry our next foal if we can get that chance.

Anyway, be safe love. I know we have no idea when you come out, but I suspect we have a long wait to go. Probably a good year but I hope I’m wrong. Those injuries were severe… I don’t know how you would have lived with yourself if we hadn’t tried to save you this way. Chrysalis is saying she’s pouring as much love as they can squeeze into your cocoon to get you healed as quickly as we can.

Oh, and Morning Rise is taking after Storm, probably because the two of them look pretty similar in their own ways. Storm is trying to do what she can to help Rise learn how to fly better, saying it’ll prepare her for when she has to teach their foal. We all expect they’re going to have a Pegasus foal, and they probably will be spoiled rotten.

Hope you get better soon.

Month 3 since you were cocooned.

Storm here. So our dark purple little dragoness has been overdue for a name review. Jeron dropped by to visit when we popped over with the dragon. He tried to say you’d jokingly offer Cynder as a name. I thought it sounded nice but Nightfall said no, says it’s a video game character name and doesn’t want that for our daughter. I didn’t mind, it sounded cool, but we decided we were being silly. Nightfall said where he’s from, you don’t change a foal’s name after birth for recordkeeping. It’s kinda the same for me, but I think we’ll let Vanna choose a new name when she’s old enough.

Looks like my first trimester is finished a little ahead of schedule. I should only be two and a half months in, and they’re saying our foal is starting their second trimester this week. Still a week or two early but no one can see any difference anyway. Your foals are babbling constantly about the news, I swear they really understand what we’re saying even though they aren’t talking consistently. It’s almost like they have a language all their own.

Nightfall is slowly warming up, but he’s a changed stallion. He does everything he can to make me happy and not cause your family any more pain, but I think his spirit’s been broken. I still catch him muttering about how he failed twice, first to Svik and then to you. I’m gonna take him to a therapist, try to get this worked out. He’s not the same stallion I fell in love with but I know he’s still in there. Twilight won’t let up on him or let him forget his mistake. I get why, but it’s getting to be a bit much.

Morning Rise is one heck of a hoof-full. Can’t get her to take a break from flying around or climbing all over me! Reminds me of how my parents said I was… I miss them. Can’t get an answer on how soon the mirror back will be finished, other than it’s not going to be a mirror. Not sure why a gate would be any better, saw your notes that were left in your room and a mirror seems just as viable and wouldn’t need as much power consistently. Tried to ask the commander but she didn’t really get into it, just said the experts are already on it and only so much ‘theory’ can help before practice kicks in… I know I should be agreeing but it still stings I can’t help.

Anyway, Vanna is trying to breathe fire again and we don’t want your stuff burning. See ya next time!

=====

Month 3, week 2 - Storm

Ok, well today was just fantastic… how the hay can anypony get sarcasm to come out right in writing anyway, argh!

So we went to visit Stalwart and the foals, was having a good time with them while the commander was doing more train impressions. Nightfall came over late, and you should have seen the mood shift. Commander turned really cold to him and only him. Stalwart’s been pretty understanding and has already forgiven him, yet she hasn’t.

Morning Rise was flying around the room, giggling happily and oblivious to the mood of the room, even as she perched up on a dedicated shelf in the living room wall where carpeting was placed for her comfort. She had managed to bring a favorite wrestling plush up there and would periodically play with it up there, happy at her nest away from her room.

Hearty Beacon simply settled down by his father after the ‘choo choo’ ride had ended, settling down by his father and nestling between his legs contentedly.

Nightfall sat himself by Fire Storm, across from Stalwart. He gave him a small nod and leaned over to Storm, giving her a peck on the cheek before he quietly said, “Sorry I’m late.”

“It’s fine Night. You’ve been busy with work.” Storm said.

“Nothing wrong with that.” Stalwart said, “I know you’ve been trying to prepare for raising your dragon. Foals are definitely a hooffull.”

“Yeah, children often are.”

“Some adults are too.” Twilight said, hardly any emotion detected in her voice.

“Zera, I believe the foals should get to their room.” Stalwart mentioned.

“That sounds like a good idea.” Zera agreed, already having started to move as Chrysalis sat by her mate and sensed the mood growing sour.

The foals were rallied reluctantly by Zera and taken to the room where she kept them entertained, a spell was cast by her to keep them undisturbed by the adult talk.

“Twilight…” Stalwart said with a sigh.

“What? I was agreeing that foals are a hooffull, and some adults can be too.” She said neutrally, picking up her cup of tea and beginning to sip it.

“And everypony here knows what you mean by that.” Stalwart said.

“Good.” Twilight said, giving a nod of satisfaction as she set down the cup to fill it again.

“No. It’s not.” Storm said, looking Twilight in the eye as she said it.

“And why not, Lapdog?” Twilight asked, her voice seeming to be friendly.

“Because every single time without fail, you jab at him when he’s apologized each and every time.” Storm said, “We get it, he messed up and the purists got Dawn. Stalwart is probably the one most affected and he’s forgiven him.”

“And you think that makes everything better?” Twilight asked with a raised brow, keeping her tone quiet. “If apologies made everything better, we didn’t need any soldiers and fight wars.”

“Storm… enough. She’s right.” Nightfall said quietly, reaching a hoof to storm and trying to calm her down.

“Of course not.” Storm said, ignoring Nightfall’s protests. “But it isn’t all his fault.”

"Oh sure, he's just the match." Twilight snorted.

"Commander, you know damn well the blame is on the purists for acting on it." Storm said.

"If he hadn't spoken of it, Dawn would be here right now." Twilight said, her tone growing cold as she was challenged.

Chrysalis sat in the room next to her mate, observing Storm in hidden mild amusement.

"So when I ended up putting your entire group's safety in jeopardy back at the crystal castle for revealing you were from another world, you would have treated me this badly if the secret got out, right?" Storm countered.

"That's different." Twilight said, an edge to her voice barely heard as Storm's only warning.

"No, it's not,” Storm firmly answered. “Yes, I agree he spilled the beans on Dawn, but it's not right to keep this hatred going. You gave me another chance when I slipped up and-"

“No, it is.” Twilight said firmly, staring Storm down. “The information you had would not have put us in danger. Nightfall did, and he shared it with the people that meant her harm.”

“He didn’t know.” Storm argued, “You think they just came along and were like ‘Oh, I’m a purist! I’m going to send this off to my superiors!’ Come on Twilight, even I know better than that.”

"Stop." Twilight said, putting out a pressure in the room, sending shivers down Chrysalis' spine.

"No." Storm said after a second’s pause, standing her ground. "Friendship deserves a second cha-"

"Don't throw my element back at me, lapdog." Twilight said before promptly getting up and heading for the door before pausing. "You will take a week's vacation... unpaid."

Twilight slammed the door behind her, causing everyone but Chrysalis to flinch.

“Well, as entertaining as that had been, I should return as well.” Chrysalis said, regally standing up and eying Storm as she did. The mare had shown strength to stand up to her mate. Foolishness, but few could stand up to Twilight when she pressured everyone in the room. Only the very strong or the foolish could manage it. “Good day.”

“See you Aunt Chryssy.” Stalwart said with a small smirk.

“Stalwart,” Chrysalis said, pausing by the foals’ room and gaining the faintest of smiles, “I do believe there’s something wrong with your face, since there’s nothing wrong about calling me Aunt Chryssy, even if I am your mother-in-law. Please make sure it’s nothing serious.”

“It’s not. Just a weird little involuntary quirk.” Stalwart answered.

“Ah, perhaps the BCD will want to know about that. We don’t want your mate to worry about your condition when she hatches.” Chrysalis said as she left.

======

November 26th, Year 1 of Dawn’s arrival, 1924 hours.

Today marks the 113th day since what those of us in the higher echelons of Equestria have been referring to as The Incident, this being your bombing Dawn.

~~We have been handling those responsible through~~

Those who did this are being dealt with and that's all you need to worry about. I am sure the changelings have been as well, some key people have dropped off the radar entirely, they either ran and somehow slipped away without us noticing or the changelings got to them. Quite frankly I don't care which.

I hope you don’t mind me writing in this. I know it was your personal journal and all, but I just need to organize my thoughts and Queeny suggested I use this rather than my audio logs as you might like some messages from us when you get out.

With luck, by the time you wake up all of this mess will be finished and you won't have to worry about it ever again.

Storm has been onto me about Night and honestly, this is one point I firmly agree with him on our friendship. I kept my promise and have not harmed him, but that doesn’t mean I have to treat him like he is a friend. The fact he isn’t banned from my castle is the furthest I am going to go on the matter. He is not a friend, he will never be a friend.

I should keep this more positive.

Beacon and Rise are getting rambunctious and have been asking for you, been doing my best to help Stalwart but I think Zera is more useful than me.

Been mainly caring for Nymph as she has been lost without you, though I think Chrysalis has been more useful there being the queen of her queen.

Violet is convinced you will be fine so she has been behaving like her normal self. Not sure if she is burying her feelings or really is fine.

I guess no one needs me, so I’m just ruling like before with nothing really different.

Anyways I should stop here as I don't seem to have anything to actually say.

-Princess Twilight Sparkle

=====

Month 4, day 1 - Storm

Geeze this still feels weird. Anyway, Hi Dawn, it’s Storm. I’m a good four months pregnant, so the foal really is just a little ahead of schedule. It feels strange, knowing a foal is growing inside me, and yet only a small bump where it’s growing. Don’t even get me started on the cravings and the aching. How did you manage it with twins!

So I didn’t find Nymph, and she’d been brooding for a while. Seems she’s taking her time without you harder than most and she agreed to a little cocoon of her own next to yours for a time so she can heal too. The foals were told Nymph was going on a trip. They seem to be doing ok, especially when they are taken to play with the other nymphs that were old enough. Apparently Violet said she’ll miss her minion, but it’ll be better if Nymph can take some time to heal and become an even better minion.

Anyway, not much is happening worth mentioning, I’m sure we’ll tell you when something big happens. See you soon!

=====

Month 5

Hey Dawn… It’s Nightfall.

So, I know this isn’t nearly as good as telling you directly, and I know first chance I get, I want to do this in person.

Look… I want to apologize to you for being an ass. ~~I should have known better~~. … ~~I did what I had to when we first met~~ This is hard…

I’ve talked with Stalwart, and I’m an idiot for not believing you when you said that you were sorry, that you carried the weight of your failings with you. I thought that maybe you were just that airheaded because of how happy you could be, that it was all just a lie or going through the motions to make me believe it. I’ve been manipulated before by it and wasn’t about to again.

Stalwart has told me just how you’ve handled yourself. Honestly, I still think you wear your heart on your sleeve, lack focus, and still can lack the drive to do what you need to. Even so, what I did was spiteful and petty. We aren’t exactly the right match to be great friends anyway, but that was wrong… I’ll be giving you a lot of space after this. This is just telling me we are not meant to be meddling with each other, we seem to only end up in hurt.

=====

Month 9 since your cocooning

Hey Dawn, it’s Stalwart. It’s been uneventful for a while now. Zera’s been a huge help with helping me and the foals cope with missing you.

Lot of things started happening this month though, so time to fill you in…

Yelling and grunting filled the hospital room as the family sat outside on a bench. Nightfall twiddled his hooves as he tried to contain his nervous energy. Stalwart sat by him while the two foals played in the foal’s waiting room across the hall with Zera. The pair of them watched as metal hooves paced the hallway, trying to ignore their wearer’s mutterings.

“Should be checking for dilation now…”

“Muscle relaxants are probably being given now.”

“There’s the Unicormexphin that’s probably being put in to prevent hemorrhaging.”

“Twilight,” Stalwart said by the third muttering they could understand, “I get you’re worried, but they know what they’re doing.”

“Of course they do.” Twilight said factually, “I wouldn’t let her go to anyone who didn’t or I’d help deliver her myself.”

“It isn’t good to keep pacing.” Stalwart tried to help, “Take a seat, go play with the foals.”

“And miss the chance to see the newborn?” Twilight asked incredulously, “Never.”

A sharp yell from the room followed by low grunting and nurse instructions to push.

“And that suggests they will be done in 10 minutes to several hours.” Twilight said factually and resumed her pacing.

It was another half an hour before Storm’s yelling came to an end and tired panting followed. A small cart was wheeled into the room a few minutes later, signaling the foal was about to be transported. Afterward, the doctor stepped out with a sigh, then smiled as he turned to the group, “So, who is the father?”

“That’d be me.” Nightfall said, standing up and looking at the doctor with mildly worry as he prepared to hear the news. “Is Storm all right?”

“She’s doing wonderfully and is recovering. Should be ready to walk again in a few days, but taking it easy. No flying.” He said, still giving a small smile. “Come on, let’s have you see her.”

Nightfall walked into the room with the doctor and the others stood around waiting, Twilight grinning.

“Good for her.” Twilight smiled, “Foal seems healthy, she sounds healthy, probably a textbook delivery. We’ll be allowed in in a moment.”

“If they let us.” Stalwart said.

“What, Lapdog refusing her master from entering?” Twilight smirked, “She wouldn’t dare.”

“Yeah, you’re right about that.” Stalwart chuckled.

Half an hour later, the door opened, Nightfall grinning wide, “Come on in guys, but keep it quiet, she needs rest.”

“Of course.” Twilight said factually and quietly, knowing full well what was needed.

“Congratulations Night.” Stalwart said as he passed.

“Thanks Stalwart.” Nightfall said, following them in.

The room was mildly cramped, and a light mid-sky blue coat of fur with a crimson red mane and a lavender cowlick poking up where a horn might have gone was bundled up beside Storm’s half covered body, a hoof stroking it gently.

“It’s a colt.” Storm smiled up at the group, breaking contact with her foal only long enough to deliver the news.

Nightfall beamed, standing by his wife’s side and a hoof on her back supportively.

“Well I can definitely see where he gets his mane from.” Stalwart chuckled, “Looks a lot like the sky with a bit of fire to him.”

“Yeah, but we were having a talk about their name, and we think we know what we’ll name them.” Storm announced.

“Oh? What’s the tyke’s name?” Twilight asked.

“Roaming Breeze.” Storm said, “I just know he’s going to have our wish to see the world like we do, and he’s a Pegasus to boot.”

“That he is.” Nightfall said softly, smiling down at him with a mixed expression. “Vanna’s going to be excited to have a little brother.”

“Assuming Spike isn’t spoiling her rotten as a big uncle.” Stalwart chuckled.

“Godfather.” Twilight corrected, smiling down at the foal. He was cute, and seemed to smile and coo mildly as she reached a metal hoof very carefully to touch on the lavender lock of his mane. “Curious bit right here.”

“Yeah, no idea where it came from, but I think it makes him look dashing.” Storm smiled.

“Yes, yes it does.” Twilight said as she pulled her hoof back, looking between the two parents then back to the foal. “It’s nice to meet you, my little godson. I brought you some presents.”

“Twilight, you didn’t h-” Storm started to say before seeing a metal hoof held up to her muzzle.

“I chose to.” Twilight said before a small flash of lavender magic made a pile of children’s books half her height appear and levitated lightly over to the counter before pulling one out from the near-top. “This is a good one for colts.”

“Twilight, I think he might be a bit young for-” Stalwart tried to courteously say before he found the same metal hoof in his muzzle.

“I know you weren’t about to say something ridiculous about being too young for books. No such thing!” She said cheerfully, taking the hoof out and opening up the front cover to begin reading.

Nightfall suppressed a snort and simply let her do as she wished, knowing that they were enjoying themselves and doting on his son.

Normally I’d say that’s all there was to it, other than Storm was better in just a few days, shy of some sharp pains that cleared up at the end of the week, then we got word to attend the hive a week after Storm had given birth. Nightfall had to work anyway, but it was an invitation only for me and Storm… I don’t know if any of us were expecting this!

Stalwart and Storm met at his place, Roaming resting securely on his mother’s back and pinned in place by her wings. The foals were babbling up a storm happily, having fun looking at Roaming and calling him “Roman” among their baby babble and trying to ask us questions about him. Frankly the two parents were simply glad that there wasn’t questions about where he came from even as Violet was saying how because they were part changeling, it would only stand to reason they could learn to speak sooner.

Zera once again started minding the foals as a pair of soldier drones and one caretaker drone came, saying their presence was requested in the hatchery.

They looked between each other, but followed without much complaint.

It was ten minutes of walking in the normally dark cavern passages, following several twists and turns later while being led with lights from the horns of both soldier drones leading the way. Eventually they found a lightly lit room with light blue moss and a single golden hued egg near one of the walls barely the size of Chrysalis’ hoof, Chrysalis standing nearly on top of it and Twilight standing across from her, watching it closely.

It wobbled lightly as Twilight briefly looked away to notice the visitors.

“Ah, you both came.” Twilight said, small hints of happiness on her face as she looked back to the egg.

A stillness came over the room, causing everyone to want to stay quiet.

Suddenly, the egg wobbled once again and then a small black horn poked through the side of the shell. Twilight gasped very slightly as she watched the cocoon continue to shatter and the side broke out.

A small black and deep blue grub lay panting at the bottom of the eggshell, only its head being more fully formed and the rest being held together by a white fiberous mesh that hinted at the inside of the vulnerable hatchling.

Twilight awww’d at the grub quietly, leaning down close as she looked at the young queenling. It opened its impossibly large eyes and stared up at the purple cyborg, giving a small chirping noise before slowly sliding itself up onto the metal hoof that was offered close.

“What name do you wish for our young queen?” Chrysalis asked, standing closeby to allow her mate a say in this momentous occasion.

“I…” Twilight hesitated, thinking before countering, “What would you like to name her?”

“Starlight.” Chrysalis said readily. “See her blue and white flecks on her fibers and on her chitin?”

“Starlight…” Twilight said quietly, holding the grub up to her face and feeling them rub their head against her muzzle, causing her to grin. “Yeah… that’s a good name for her.”

Chrysalis smiled and made the entry in the hive for their young queen’s name.

“Congratulations Twilight.” Storm said, making Twilight blink and look over, remembering they still had guests.

“Took my line,” Stalwart chuckled, “But agreed, congratulations.”

“Thanks you two.” Twilight said. “Glad you could make it.”

“And turn down my wife’s queen’s invitation?” Stalwart smirked.

“Or my owner and friend’s child being born when she visited me for mine? Never.” Storm joined in.

“Yeah, that would be pretty dumb.” Twilight smiled back before moving the metal hoof and the small grub-queenling over to her mother.

Starlight squeaked and looked up at Chrysalis with wide eyes once more, like she had with Twilight, but this time she barely moved.

“Yes, I know I’m quite regal little one.” Chrysalis said with a confident smile, a small glimmer of blue light shining off a fang at her offspring.

A caretaker came forward and accepted the queenling and carefully moved them away to be cared for.

“That’s it?” Storm asked quietly, confused.

“Should there be more?” Chrysalis asked, “She is a changeling, not a pony.”

“I guess not….” Storm said, trying to process what she saw, “Guess that means Violet is going to have more competition huh?”

“And Dawn.” Chrysalis said cheerfully, “a little competition never hurt changelings… a few extinctions of some tribes, but everyone else is better equipped for it.”

“Uhhh, I don’t want my wife to go extinct.” Stalwart said defensively.

“Oh I don’t either, which is why she won’t try to overthrow me until she can win.” Chrysalis said, “I know my daughter better than anyone, and she won’t challenge me till then. I can’t wait!”

Stalwart gave a look to indicate his confusion, moreso as Chrysalis practically seemed to be shivering at the prospect of this ‘challenge.’

I had a good time, Twilight seemed to be as cheerful as she ever gets, though she has yet to have missed a chance to read a book to little Roaming and our foals before Storm began the trek to Nightfall and home.

Starlight’s appearance is interesting, makes me wonder what happened to Starlight Dusk. Going to have to ask you once you get back out of your cocoon.

Feels like everything’s settling into a new ‘normal’ now. I still miss you but caring for our foals and the new recruits is helping the pain heal. Can’t wait for you to be back with us once again.