Life Anew

Last night was.... weird... I mean... The past few days was. Woke up in the middle of the night to encounter a mare who got sent through a portal to land in Twilight's library, I arrest her but release her because she had evidence she was from another universe and that leads to me almost getting thrown into Tartarus where the same mare was there and got released and I scared Tirek when we went back to go send the alternate dimension mare back to where she came from and just... Well... I've had my fill of alternate dimensions..... And hitting my head.... But today I was forced to leave the room early in the morning. Early enough I was still good to be awake but still too early that I was still tired. Reason? Not that the doctor checking in with my wife was having to check things but... She had to get the ultrasound to see what the baby is going to be.... I almost forgot that Mama Spitfire agreed to help us with the reveal. Gotta love having something just come completely out of left field and just make you forget and we can risk a day away from a doctor... Fucking scares the hell out of me but.... I'm willing to do this. I made my way back to my room and changed clothes from what I was wearing after Twilight and I just... uh... cuddled? Yeah... we fucked.... No hiding that but it was only because she wanted to make me feel better after my harrowing encounter with a place that if I ever return to its to put Tirek back where he belongs... That or haul a stoned Discord... And I dont mean the fun kind. After changing into my Wonderbolts style jumpsuit I went to the kitchen where I found Gilda sitting there looking tired as she just sipped her energy drink. She was still in pajamas. Teeshirt and basketball sorts. She yawned as I sat down. "Mornin' dweeb...." She said. "...You ready for the reveal later?"

I gave a sigh stretching and making sure my wings were nice and stretched out. "...I'm about as ready as you are awake..." I said. "And from the looks of things? You are definitely NOT awake.... You get any sleep at all?" She shook her head.

"Nope.... Fuckin' guard showed up at Dash's door as I got comfy on the couch and just.... Dash was not happy when I had her drive my car here.... She's passed out in her room and I cant sleep until I know what your fucking kid is gonna be and even then I dont think I'm sleeping...."

"Well you better get on and find Applejack's room. Just got kicked out because they were ready for the ultrasound and I'm still drained from yesterdays bullshit.... And if i told you what happened you would NOT believe me...."

"Ryder. I saw you nearly shitting yourself after the ghost of your ex went and trapped you in a vacant store. That and.... From what Twilight and Big Mac told me.... You were a fucking werewolf somehow? Didnt believe it until Spike showed me pictures of the destruction you caused.... Fucking gave Big Mac a heart attack with that didnt ya?"

"Dont. Remind me.... Transforming hurt, I couldnt speak, I was pissed and all I wanted to do was hide so I wasnt shot or killed. Dont even get me started on the ride back from Everfree back into Ponyville...."

"I wont but just know- what ever you say, I believe you." I huffed.

"Alright then... Would you believe me if a random mare got shot out of a portal, Twilight and I had to help her back and that nearly got me thrown into Tartarus?" ....She gave me a look of confusion before just chugging the rest of her drink.

"...Too early for this shit.... Lets just get me over to the damn room so I can tell your mother about what kind of foal you're having...."

"Need guards to help you or you want me to carry you?" She huffed.

"Guards please.... You aint going anywhere near that room until tonight and that's only if you cant keep your hands to yourself around me tonight."

"Masturbated too much and you hurt yourself?" She sighed and nodded looking into her empty can. "Front or back?"

"....Front.... Fucking hurts still but only if I touch myself... and trust me... Wiping. SUCKS...."

"Ask the medics about that after you know what the baby is gonna be. Now get on, wear something comfy and get down there. Just ask a guard out there for an escort." She nodded and got up leaving her can on the table. I just sighed as I grabbed the can and went into the kitchen to toss it. Grabbed a canned tea from the fridge and just cracked it open sipping from it. Being tired and this being the first drink of the day hit differently.

I sat there and drank it... Drank until it was empty. Didnt even realize it was empty until I heard someone clearing their throat. I looked over and just saw Twilight leaning against the door to the kitchen all dressed in her royal best. Blue sparkly royal coronation gown, mane all ready to go and yet here I am looking and feeling like I still just had woken up, mane wasnt done, feathers werent preened and my tail.... I swear it was like a dolls hair that wasnt brushed in a while. "Morning Ryder. Head full of thoughts or empty as usual?" She asked. I just looked at the can and sighed. "...Another one of those days eh? Either that or are we still hung up about yesterday being the scariest day of your life?" I huffed.

"...Just... Nervous.... Am I gonna have a little colt? Or a little filly? Is it just one? Multiple?"

"However many and whatever they come out, you've got help. Now you look like you need your mane done and Rarity should be here any time now. Just be lucky your mother is having the Foal Shower catered herself and its just gonna be us and our friends around. Maybe Princess Celestia and Luna but that remains to be seen considering what we went through... If they do show up, I'm gonna bet they're gonna have Sunset with them and hopefully she's getting along well."

"Yeah... But uh... Not meaning to sound impatient but what are we gonna be doing for breakfast?" She got off the wall and huffed.

"I was thinking of going out somewhere for breakfast... My treat for you guys but anyone else that comes with us pays their own way." I huffed.

"Fair. Lets just get ready downstairs.... Hopefully we dont have to go stop back at Dash's for Gilda to get some clothes. I'll text Gilda to meet us in the garage." She nodded and we started walking down the hall. We stopped to make sure Spike was coming with us and he was. Just... With a guard carrying him after dressing him. We went downstairs and got into a transport. Spike took up a bit of the seat while still snoozing away on Twilight's lap. I sat across from them just looking at my phone... Mostly pictures. One of me and Scoot, another of Me and Babs, one of me and Mama Spitfire after we did our reveal some time back. It was something great. Amazing even just hearing that crowd cheer. Felt weird answering those questions after to fans, news reporters... but we had a grand time after that. Just being a family. Something I wanted with the mom and dad I did have before they died. It's still sad that they were just coming around before that bitch murdered them in cold blood after I didnt meet with her.... But it proved mom was right. I'm happier with AJ... I have her, my sister, even my friends and my cousin.... Even my Aunt and Uncle are talking with me.... I just... Hope that if they were invited that they're gonna be civil... that and I dont want to go and argue with my aunt knowing full well of what she had my uncle do... Love them both but fuckin' ay....

We waited there until Applejack and Gilda arrived. Gilda had to help dress AJ and Gilda stole my clothes.... My jeans, my shoes.... Even one of my service jackets which... Honestly she looks good in it. I just sighed as I held my wifes hand as she sat down next to me. "Oh you are gonna be surprised as anything. Already told your mother and she's got everything ready!" She said. "Oh she's just so excited to be a grandmother! Gonna be happier than Granny Smith around Zap Apple season!" I sighed.

"Good.... She deserves to have that honor... Wish our parents did too...."

Gilda huffed. "Hey! No talking about that you two, happy thoughts today!" She snapped. "Applejack you wont mind if I slap him around a bit if he starts getting that thousand yard stare will you?"

AJ huffed. "Nah. Long as he's still okay to cuddle after and I aint chewin' his head off." She said.

I shuttered. "AJ... Cuddling is gonna have to wait until after our foal is born.... You know.... Dont trust myself with stress and strength...." I said. She sighed.

"Alright... I'll settle with you sleepin' nearby for a night... But you start freaking out I'm gonna throw something at you to wake ya up if you wake me. Got it?" I nodded. "Good. Now lets get a move on.... Baby is givin' me a hankerin' for some pancakes... Maybe a muffin or two." Twilight smiled and nodded before letting our driver know we were ready. The ride there was smooth... Other than AJ losing it in to a sickness bag.... Twilight used a sound suppression spell around us to make sure we were alright and that Spike didnt wake up to the sound of AJ hurling. Didnt make me feel any better but I choked it back... Thankfully Twilight and Gilda both have stronger stomachs than I do. Breakfast went off with a hitch, even gave some meds to AJ that help with nausea suppression.

After we left there we headed towards Cloudsdale. Even had a transport head to pick up Dash, Rarity, Pinkie, Fluttershy and even one to go get Big Mac, Uncle Orange, Babs, Scootaloo and Applebloom... And I think Sweetie Belle? I forget if she was with Rarity last night or if she was still with Babs and Big Mac.... When Rarity gets drunk she needs a bit to herself before dealing with anyone. Client or otherwise.... Unless she pushed herself after she went home. Not sure. We had to stop along the way for a bathroom break... More for Applejack than me. That foal made her bladder feel like after a drink it feels like she drank like several. When we got to the WBTF Gilda and Applejack split off while Twilight, Spike and I went off to go find my mother. I just stared off in the distance at the Rainbow Falls. For a moment I forgot the troubles of the world. That was until I heard wings flapping just getting louder. Only looked up to see Soarin flying around in his jumpsuit. "Hey there General!" He said landing. Just pulled me in and gave me a hug. "Was wondering when you would show up! Your mother has been riding our asses since yesterday making sure everything is perfect for you!"

I sighed. "She's really excited to be a grandmother." I replied. "Speaking of which where is she?"

"Mess hall. Dont be surprised if she decides to yell at someone.... She's really going bridezilla on this...."

"Of course... She's actually gonna see someone grow up that's of her bloodline. Now why dont you go with the Princess here while I see how everything is going?" He gave a nod and just gave a quick informal bow to Twilight while I just flew off towards the Mess Hall. I landed outside and all I heard was yelling inside. Door was closed so I couldnt make anything out.

I opened the door and slipped in just leaning against the wall. I saw blue and pink balloons, a table full of food, gifts, other tables, even a little thing for betting what the baby will be and even have a 'One thing per' sign that i could see clearly. 'One mark per pony!' I saw my mother walking in front of Thunderlane, Cloud Chaser and a few recruits all lined up. Thunderlane saw me but didnt wanna make it obvious enough for my mother to notice or yell at him for it. "My son will be here ANY MINUTE NOW AND WE ARENT EVEN FUCKING CLOSE TO BEING DONE!" Mama Spitfire yelled. "Thunderlane, get back in that kitchen and make sure its so spotless I CAN EAT OFF IT!" She then looked to Cloud Chaser. "You make sure everything here is nice and tidy so nobody trips." Then to the recruits. "AND YOU TWO RECOUNT THOSE GIFTS AND MAKE SURE THEY'RE ALL THERE!" She grunted as they all ran off. "AND FOR THE LOVE OF CELESTIA WHERE THE FUCK IS SOARIN?! HE BETTER NOT BE SLACKING OFF!" I gave an audible groan startling her as I got off the wall.

"Ma, go easy on em! Everything looks fine!" I said. She smiled and rushed me hugging me. I hugged back. "Sorry if I scared ya there... And Soarin is giving Twilight a little tour while they wait for the wifey to get out of the restroom. He tells me you're very excited to be a grandmother and by the looks of that... Seems a little too excited." She sighed just looking at everything.

"Yeah... Cant help it here... Too excited." She looked back at me. "Just.... Excited that I can have a little bundle of joy in my arms, watch them grow... The fact that I'm a grandmother is going straight to my head..."

"And you're gonna be a great one. The fact I call you my mother is awesome to me. I'm still scared of being a father but the fact that I've got all the help from friends and family? Couldnt be more proud." I glanced at the kitchen just seeing Thunderlane scrubbing everything down. "And uh... Why dont you get everyone together? See if anyone wants to go on a quick flight, maybe get a course set up just in case we get some fillies who wanna fly and knowing Scoot, she's gonna wanna fly around a bit and when I tell you she's been getting bold in the air even when I tell her to take it easy. Hopefully you can at least teach her air safety."

"Of course I can." She looked back at everyone. "EVERYONE! Disregard orders! New orders are to get a short safety course ready for fillies, and Thunderlane, get the harnesses. We might have some kids that want a bit of a ride!"

The recruits gave a sigh just setting down pads of pen and paper looking to each other while Cloud Chaser just leaned a broom and dustpan against the wall. "YES MA'AM." Everyone called out a little bit out of sync. My mother looked to me.

"C'mon. Lets go take a walk while we wait for everyone." I gave a nod and we just walked out. We walked over to the cliffside overlooking Cloudsdale with the rainbow falls.... The morning sun was nice. Glistening from the east, shining off the falls. You could even see the early morning crowds trickling in and around there. We walked around the tarmac and back to the office where we saw Soarin just standing outside. He gave a smile as we approached.

"There you are! Still slacking off while still showing a Princess around?"

Soarin huffed. "Princess got a call just after we started and apparently she needed to do a quick clothing run for the pregnant mare in there." He said.

I sighed shaking my head. "Something tells me she had a bit of sickness that either didnt get where it needed to be or she heaved so hard she leaked....." I said.

Mama Spitfire gave a little pained groan. "That poor mare.... Never is easy and I've gone through that years ago...." She said. "Worst was when I had to go somewhere, stopped for the toilet only to be in the wrong position.... Had to find a shop, get some new clothes and just live with the shame... Hard to do when you're walking through a crowded mall with stains that are clearly visible..."

"Cant say I know the exact feeling but I know something close...." I looked to Soarin. "You wanna go for a quick flight while that's handled?" He gave a nod. I looked to Mama Spitfire. "I have my phone, just give me a call when everyone is here alright?" She gave a nod and went into the office. I looked to Soarin. "Up to race to see who can get to the cliffs edge first?"

"Last one there buys the shots later?"

"Whiskey or Vodka is good with me. LATER!" At the same time we just broke towards the cliffs edge. I admit I had a little bit of a head start but he kept up. I was just that little bit faster. Just jumped, turned around, gave a salute and went into a dive before pulling up after a few while he just took flight. We flew all the way towards the rainbow falls just giving everyone below a quick and interesting show as we just raced around the falls and even just doing a quick test for awareness. We still got it. After maybe about ten minutes we landed at a little place we could get some snacks... Even though we literally just had breakfast I was kinda snackish... Not only that but the nervousness set in.... The fear almost... We got our snacks and drinks before sitting down on a nearby bench. I just cracked open my bag of mixed chips and sighed. Soarin looked to me as he sipped his drink.

"Everything alright dude?" I shrugged putting a handful of seasoned cereal bits and pretzels into my mouth. "Dont go freaking out on me General. I can see that look in your eye. C'mon and vent a bit. Wont tell a soul." I swallowed and took a quick drink of my juice I got. Watermelon. Yummy.

"....You ever just get something good in your life and just wonder if you're just gonna fuck it up without even meaning to?"

"...All the time... I remember when I got into the guard... Pretty sweet gig.... My mother didnt want me there and she got her wish when I ended up getting the shit beat out of me by who ended up getting arrested on drug charges. Assault on an officer, drug charges even went and caught a disorderly conduct charge. Went to the Wonderbolts to try working event security but one day your mother caught me flying the course testing my reflexes and she told me I beat the newest recruits times by at least two minutes. I was made a Wonderbolts recruit and then climbed my way up to where I am now... Can I fuck it up? Yeah... Have I come close? Again... Yeah... But I'm still here, your mother still trusts me and everyone, even your sister look up to me. What you just... Scared to be a father?"

"...That... and I'm scared to leave my family alone.... I had a dream where I died.... Left AJ alone, my sister.... even a beautiful baby girl.... all to fend for themselves.... I knew I was dead all because I heard them saying how much they missed me... how much they wanted me there and such..."

"Damn... I'm sorry dude.... You tell Applejack about it?"

"Too scared to... With the baby this close and her hormones out of wack I dont want her thinking that's my way of saying 'I dont wanna be a father' or something..."

"Understandable... She's a bit too far along now and you're too good to do anything there... Adoption is another thing but again... we dont want all these gifts to go to waste or your wife to cry because you arent seeing that kid again...."

"And I wont do any of that... I've stayed with AJ through everything... murders, attempted murder, near breakups, death defying bullshit, shootouts, kidnappings and other stuff... This? Nothing compared to that... But its those things that scare me... I get in over my head at times with stuff... I get lucky yeah but... what if I roll the dice and I dont make it...? What if the one asshole who did something and I didnt catch them comes back around and just holds me at gunpoint...? Makes me disappear for a while....? Threaten my family and I cant do anything about it?"

"If you think you're in any danger, go ahead and follow things... make sure your family isnt harmed, same as yourself... if you can keep yourself out of danger as well as your family, by all means do what you must.... And if you do end up having a little accident? You know I'll be right there for your family... Maybe see if you cant train your awareness."

"What and be paranoid?"

"Like you are right now?" I couldnt help but crack a bit of a smile with a mouthful of chips and juice. "Alright I'll just shut up and eat... Feel like your mother might be trying to call us soon and coming back with these snacks might not be the best thing to do...." I gave a nod and just kept eating. We sat there for a bit... Had our food settle and even had a few kids run up and take a few pictures with Soarin before we had to fly off. He stayed close as we flew. Made sure I wasnt gonna run off mostly. We landed back at the WBTF and everything was baron still. No Mama Spitfire, no Applejack, nobody even flying around keeping tabs out for us. We landed and I just.... I just turned around, took a look at the Rainbow Falls and took a deep breath. Always calming. Though as I stared at the falls... I felt like someone else other than Soarin were with me.... Nobody but us though.... Shook my head snapping out of whatever I was feeling and just headed for the main party area. Mess hall.

We heard everyone inside talking away but before we could even get inside the door opened and out stepped Dash... Wearing her own Wonderbolts uniform.... Why? I have no fucking clue... She had an energy drink in hand, her mane tied back and a little bit tired. She huffed. "There you are! I was just about to call you!" She said. "Where the hell did you two go? And why did AJ need a new set of clothes?"

I huffed. "Didnt really know myself... Hopefully she's good now..." I said giving her a quick hug. "Everyone here?"

"Yep. Rarity's trying to make sure Applejack's clothes are fitting alright, that she's comfortable in them and Twilight even made sure they're easily washable if anything else happens today."

"Alright... Friends are here.... That's good... Uncle Red and Aunt Misty?"

"They do NOT know this is going on. They do know you're having a foal but they're deaf, dumb and blind to this whole shebang. Wont be anywhere near this place especially with what my mom knows about me... Probably would take the nearest stallion and force me to have a foal of my own..."

"If she's anywhere near your home, call me, I'll deal with it.... Anyone else that wasnt on the list?"

"Nope. Got everyone else here. Applejack's Aunt and Uncle, Babs, Sweetie Belle, Big Mac, the whole nine yards." I sighed.

"Good.... Dont need anyone here that isnt supposed to be here..." I looked to Soarin. "Think you know who I'm talking about... and not a word to my mother about it." He gave a nod just leaving Dash to look at me when I turned around towards the office.

"You talking about that guy at your wedding?" I glanced back at her.

"Not. A fucking. WORD." I huffed taking flight again. "Anyone asks I'm going to the bathroom. Make Soarin agree to that.... I'll be back in a bit." I just took off flying for the office. Took a quick glance back to see if she was following me. She didnt thankfully.... I landed just outside the office and leaned against the wall. I huffed looking out to the empty tarmac. "...What the FUCK ARE YOU DOING HERE?!" I waited a moment... Yes I'm crazy but I knew he was here...

A huff came from the empty tarmac. "...No sneaking up on you anymore eh?" I heard my father say before feeling a hand on my shoulder... The shoulder opposite the way I'm looking. "You really need to open your ears up more lad." I huffed grabbing his invisible arm before opening the door into the office. I entered and just started going straight for my mothers office. Just listened for a moment before going back to the door out to the tarmac and locking it. I released him and within a moment he became visible by messing with the device on his arm. "...You got a fuckin grip on ya lad... forgot how strong you are..."

"You seem to forget quite a bit! My strength, how pissed I get when someone messes with my family WHERE SOME DICKHOLE ISNT SUPPOSED TO BE EVEN WHEN I'M NOT AROUND! Does that last one ring a fucking bell? BECAUSE IT SHOULD!" He huffed.

"I realize that yes but-"

"BUT NOTHING! You're trespassing here. Get. OUT!"

"Would you fucking LISTEN?"

"I'll listen to only YES SIR! Right now this is some disciplinary action I'm taking and OH LOOK! ANOTHER THING YOU FORGET! I fucking LEAD the Elites now. So you answer to ME! Speak to me as if we were in a room full of them! AND WITH RESPECT!" I could tell he didnt like that. He huffed.

"Yes sir... Now... Permission to speak freely?"

"Granted."

"First off you really need to open your ears both to noises around you and myself. I'm sitting here trying to explain to you why I'm here yet you're acting like you're on the job! You're off duty and attending a shower for my grandfoal. Yes I realize I'm in an area where I'm not wanted, yes I realize we could get caught and I'm taking a big risk here. Can I not just approach my own son and congratulate him on having a foal?" I huffed.

"You can but I'd rather it be somewhere that isnt here! Anything else Mythic?"

"Nothing else sir."

"Good. Now you get the fuck out of here before anyone sees you. And if there's anything important you need to tell me that is important that comes up you make sure I'm alone and if I'm not have Celestia call me personally. Now go. Clear out, make sure there's no evidence of this talk ANYWHERE... Understood?"

"Yes sir."

"Good. Move out!" He fiddled with the device and disappeared yet again. I went and unlocked the door and snuck out... Didnt get far before seeing my mother coming towards me. I honestly felt my heart just stop for a moment and I was just hoping she was here for me... "Hey Ma!" I called out hoping Mythic heard and was ready to hide out of the way.

Mama Spitfire huffed. "Everything okay Ry? Soarin came back and you werent with him and when I asked Dash if she saw you she told me you needed the bathroom. Why didnt you go into the barracks? There's bathrooms in there you know!" I huffed giving her a hug.

"Sorry Ma... Mind is a bit scattered today... Had to be woken up early this morning and the last few days were insane.... Hoping to at least have a bit of a drink later celebrating me becoming a father... and its either celebrating or trying to drink myself happy that I am one.... Or something...."

"...You're nervous... I get it... Its scary becoming a parent... One way or another...Even when you didnt want to become a parent in the first place.... I was afraid of what would happen before giving birth... would you make it? Would I? Would the parents I'm giving you to take care of you or would they just give you up or abuse you in some way? There are a lot of fears a parent has... You're worried about being a good father... So far you are... Unlike that jackass who put you into me.... I know he's alive... I hate that I do.... I wish I could've not known he was alive... When he showed up at your wedding and said you were missing I just... I freaked out... I thought he was there to kill me.... but no... He went and saved you with your friends..." I started walking with her... hand in hand.

"Ma.... Can I tell you something?"

"Anything Ryder."

"Promise me... Promise promise PROMISE... you wont freak out?"

"Is it about him?"

"Would it be an issue if it was?" She sighed.

"Just say it....."

"...He's talked with me before and even after the wedding... Talked me up to even getting married.... And with the wedding? I got kidnapped and he came and saved my ass with my friends... Hell Soarin saved my ass more than once... But just.... With... Him... Yeah I know you dont want him talking to me, I dont want him anywhere near here but... Just... Is it bad to hold resent for him if he's been helping me?"

"...That's up to you. If you talk to him, that's your business.... He's acting like a father which is.... strange... but... He gets nothing from me... Maybe a swift kick in the chops but that's about it..."

"Trust me ma.... You do NOT even wanna try.... Remember the day I came out here telling you I saw him and you freaked out because he was near my family and such? He beat the shit out of me and that's only because I threw the first punch even though he wanted to talk. Do I regret it? Yeah. I really did regret that.... Look where that ended up."

"Yeah... If he is around he better stay the fuck still so I can get him where it counts."

"And now I know where my ferocity comes from... Now c'mon. I wanna find out what my foal is gonna be!" She gave a nod and we hurried back to the party. I spent time with Babs, even talked with Uncle Orange.... Told him in a way that didnt just reveal him to anyone who didnt already know that I talked to him again and basically pulled rank on him which he didnt like and told him only to contact me if it was important or if I were alone. After I told him, went to check on AJ... All dressed in some new clothes that Rarity had to pick out on the way up here... Even was wearing some padding so I know what happened...Yeah... there can be worse fathers out there... mine especially but hes gaining some credit... Even had to help her to the bathroom before the moment of truth.

When that time came? We were all hearded out of the Mess Hall by Mama Spitfire, Soarin and Thunderlane. We went out onto the tarmac... I just held Applejack's hand all nervous and excited. Gilda joined them and just stood next to my mother. She huffed. "Alright! Ladies and Gentlecolts we got ourselves a very GRAND event going on here today!" Gilda said.... and I swear she was overselling it like it was a fucking circus act being announced. "Today we are here to learn what the loveliest couple here is going to have as a foal... Will it be a little filly or will we have another Ryder running around?" Everyone gave a chuckle as I held Applejacks hand kinda hiding my embarrassed face. "We will find out momentarily! As for now? Only the mother of the foal and I know! But for the lucky grandmother I will reveal this and then she and her team will take flight." She looked to Thunderlane and Soarin. "You guys ready?" They both nodded and held up what looked like smoke grenades with clips on the cans with clips that attach it to their uniforms. "Good! Lets get this started." She looked to Mama Spitfire who leaned in... They both covered themselves with their wings keeping us from reading lips. But still my mother showed her excitement just knowing giving a little excited dance.

The dance only lasted a moment before she looked to Soarin and Thunderlane. "Alright! You two remember the routines we practiced right?" She asked. They both saluted and nodded. "Good. Flight Pattern Omega Twilight!" They both nodded and ran off and took flight. Applejack just hugged me.... We both kept a hand on her bloated belly as we watched both Soarin and Thunderlane twist into the skies and break apart looping around clouds... Maybe after about a good five minute of performance we got our answer. They twisted around, bringing all the clouds together and they both flew into it. It twisted and pulsed before someone flew out. Thunderlane and behind him, a bright pink smoke trail. Everyone cheered around us as I shared a kiss and getting all teary eyed.

When we finished the kiss and just looked to each other. "...A little filly..." She said. "A beautiful Baby girl....."

I gave a bit of a sniffle. "....And I think I know the perfect name to give her...." I replied. "...Mash... Little AppleMash...." She hugged me tight.

"It's perfect.... I love you sugarcube...."

"Love you too my apple bite..." I kissed her again... After that we went back inside, started opening gifts and there were a lot of things.... A lot of yellow and red.... Everything from clothes, blankets and bottles to gadgets to help us childproof the house, gifts for us specifically and a little something for Big Mac and the girls to keep them comfortable with the foal... and the noises and smells and such.... Even got diapers in a thing that basically replenished them from Twilight.... Thank you Sunset for being in Tartarus.... After that Applejack wanted to take a nap... Left me to spend time with my mother and the Wonderbolts... We basically got to fly with the fillies and Babs got up there pretty good. Even spent at least a good few minutes flying over cliffs edge before coming back and well... Definitely owed her a good dinner with Soarin... He actually went to go get the alcohol for some celebratory drinking and some disposable shotglasses which we enjoyed later after that. Though that night? I didnt wanna sleep... I was still kind of a bit excited knowing I was having a filly. I just went out in my pajamas and shoes and flew around.

I landed right by the cliffside and just sat there overlooking everything... again felt like I was sitting there with someone enjoying the view of the falls shining with the lamps from the factory above. Well... I was... Reached over about a foot and hung my arm around someone. Mythic obviously. He huffed as he appeared messing with the device. "Well... Congrats there sir... Bouncin' baby girl I see." He said. I huffed.

"Ah drop it ya jackass. You're a grandfather now." He huffed.

"I told you not to call me that!" He snapped. I chuckled a bit before giving a sigh.

"Yeah I know... Apologies there...But... Not sure if you heard but I had a bit of a talk with Spitfire.... mostly about you in particular..."

"What? She mention how she wants to gut me if she ever saw me again? Maybe have you do it if you're around?"

"Nah... with that? She just wants to give you a swift kick where the sun dont shine but that wasnt just it.... She knows you're alive... still harbors some hate for you but I asked if it was a bit of a problem that we're speaking like this... she told me as long as you kept your distance from this place and that you keep acting like a father... Called it strange but if she ever catches you... Just stay still and take it like a man.... and I know I was a bit harsh on you earlier but you know I dont like you being here. I dont like you even being near her. Things might've changed with my family but this should be a given. Got me?"

"Loud and clear ya wee shite." He said as we got up. He looked to me and dug into his pockets. "After you saw me earlier I left and went down to get something for ya. A little somethin' for you and your mare there." He handed it to me... Small envelope. "Bit of a gift from Princess Luna and Celestia since they couldnt be here. And you didnt hear it from me but Shinin' Armor and Princess Cadence are on their way down with their little changelin' friend." I sighed opening it. Gift card with a little note saying '1000+ bits C+L'.

"Good of them to come down... Wont doubt either of them might have something for us whether its offers for a foal sitting job local or otherwise..." I looked to him and gave a smile. "I'll just pretend to be surprised when they get here. Now get outta here unless you want me to wake mom up so she can get to the family jewels." He sighed.

"Alright I'm going I'm going... Just dont be surprised to see me again any time soon..."

"If I do it'll be too soon... Now get to it." He gave a nod and just fiddled with the device once more before disappearing. I waited a moment before charging in a random direction and just drop kicking him. NAILED HIM!

"AH! You bastard! Using your ears more I see... Fuckin.... Glad you only sent me to my ass rather than into the gate.... Just get your ass to sleep rather than beat the shit outta me..." I chuckled a bit dusting myself off.

"Just drink a little whiskey and get a snack for yourself before you go. Nobody is in there and you should celebrate a little bit too old man! And dont even think about trying that on me... Rather would get back to sleep without looking like I just crawled across the tarmac." I just gave a quick wave into the nothingness before heading back inside.... I just got in my own cot just nearby AJ... Just fell asleep nearby... Until she had to get up and make me come with her to hold her mane.... After a while of making sure she was done and she had a quick snack to make sure she had something on her stomach before bed... Lucky she didnt eat much for dinner.... And that I had a bit of a tolerance for this so far... But Yeah... Next morning we went for some food because I know NOBODY here wanted to cook. Not me, not Soarin, Thunderlane, Big Mac and sure as hell not Mama Spitfire. Just went to a diner down the road, took up a few booths and it was something.... Especially when I got the jukebox going with a few songs.... And yeah... We had to call the Princesses for a few transports.... and one to deliver the stuff we got to the Castle back home. When we got home I may have went and split off with Gilda to just have her toy with me since she was a little injured here.....Even got her to go to the medical wing to get a little help there. But I know one thing... Gonna be busier than ever over the next few days... Prepping, making sure everything is out of the house... Just crossing my fingers that kid doesnt come while I'm dead asleep.... We'll see...