Author's Note
For those who follow me on DA or have seen my comic, Signs is a rewrite of my comic that will eventually be discontinued due to time strain and stress in my life. Making a comic takes one hundred times more effort and work than writing. Considering that my comic has been going for 6+ years and I barely delved into it, I decided that those who are wondering how it ends might prefer that I get to the ending sooner rather than later.
Shower
Signs
Chapter One: Shower
Twilight Sparkle walked around the library, taking in the memories from over the years. She no longer lived there, needing more personal space, although she kept a desk in the corner for when she worked there. With Ponyville growing with new houses being built and new ponies moving in every month, she had hired a few ponies to help her in her library duties.
She looked at the few mementoes she kept on her desk to remind her of what she had accomplished. The first being two statues of alicorn mares, posed in rampant facing each other, one on a stand with the symbol of the sun etched into the metal, the other the same with the moon. It reminded her of how she and her friends had reunited the sisters.
Hung above her desk was a smattering of drawings made by colts and fillies. These wouldn’t be tacked to the wall if it weren’t for Discord, who Twilight Sparkle had somehow persuaded to come in weekly for story time. The young foals love his stories and brought in crayon and pencil pictures of their favorites. Despite his past—and sometimes sneaky back-biting and pranks—he had a soft heart.
Next to the statues of the two sisters, there was a crystal heart—No, not the actual crystal heart that her brother and sister-in-law guarded over—just a replica with life-like images of the two lovers inside, reminding her of the two adventures with Shining Armor and Cadence.
Next was a photo that reminded her just why she moved out of the loft in the library. Her family had grown. She was front and center in the picture with Spike to one side. He was taller now, losing some of his baby fat, and had sprouted a pair of wings. That had been an interesting trip to the Crystal Empire, not to mention, with the two of them with newly acquired wings, a library wasn’t exactly adequate for their needs.
On the other side of the photo was a crystal, Earth pony, with an aqua body and a wind-blown mane of teal and turquoise stripes. He was the other reason she had to move, but he had followed her from the Crystal Empire, so what was she to do.
And after that, her family was still growing.
A gentle kick at her belly reminded her of the life that nestled under her flesh, warm and safe until the time of birth fell. It wouldn’t be long.
“Come on, Twilight. It’s time to go,” Spike called out, breaking her away from her walk down memory lane. “We’re going to be late.”
Twilight frowned. Even though the library was empty and closed, she lingered. The sight and smell of the books was comforting for her. She didn’t want to go. And even though she adored Pinkie Pie’s parties, she felt an anxiety welling up inside her that was more due to hormones and the anticipation of becoming a mother rather than not wanting to be around other ponies.
“Okay, let’s go,” Twilight relented. She almost used her magic to close and lock the door, but Spike was right there at her side with the key. She snorted. “There at least better be some pretty good food there.” As far along as she was, she was always hungry.
“It’s Pinkie Pie. Of course there’ll be good food,” Spike reasoned. He smirked as Twilight waddled, moving slower than usual. “But if we don’t hurry, the food might be gone.”
“I’m going as fast as I can,” Twilight grumbled, although it wasn’t true. After all her reading about pregnancy and anatomy, she knew that pony bodies were built tough enough to run even heavy with foal. “Don’t rush a pregnant mare.”
The streets were mostly empty. Considering that the biggest party in Ponyville of the year was going down, it didn’t surprise Twilight. In fact, she was probably the only pony not at the party, and she was the mare of honor.
Soon, the flags, balloons, and tents could be seen between the buildings, the sounds of ponies talking replacing silence.
“Wow,” Twilight said, taking in all the decorations. “Pinkie really went all out on this.”
Unlike the usual party that Pinkie throws, this one didn’t come with all the bells and whistled such as the bouncy houses, the games and party cannon. As the party-planning expert, she knew exactly what was needed to throw the perfect baby shower.
“I sure did!”
Twilight Sparkle extended her wings and her legs tensed all in anticipation to jump or run. But her body, tired and sore from carrying a baby around, at least had the good sense to stand still.
“After all, it isn’t every day I get to throw a baby shower for a princess,” Pinkie Pie said happily, unaware of how much she startled Twilight.
“Pinkie, do NOT do that to a pregnant mare,” Twilight Sparkle cried out. Heaven help her if a good scare actually made her pee in public.
“Oopsies,” Pinkie Pie giggled. “It’s about time you showed up. Everypony has been waiting for you.”
“Sorry we’re late,” Twilight apologized.
“Now that you’re here, we can start some games.”
Twilight gave a small smile. “Do you think you could wait? I’d like to eat something first.”
Pinkie bobbed her head. “No problem. Apple Jack is in charge of the refreshments table. It’s over there.” She pointed with a hoof on the other side of the party where several long tables stood, laden with a variety of foods with several cider barrels to the side.
“Oh, good. I’m starving,” Twilight said, heading over. “Make way. Hungry mama coming through.”
Despite her desire to eat as soon as possible, the alicorn stopped to speak to a few of the ponies, greeting them with as little small talk as she could get away with and not be rude. When she finally traversed the length of the party, she greeted Apple Jack with enthusiasm, noticing that Rainbow Dash was hanging out near the cider.”
“Howdy, Twilight. I had a hunch that’d you’d come mah way,” Apple Jack said with a smile. “What can I git fer you?”
Twilight licked her lips as she took in the sight, her nostrils flaring at the scent. “Oh, everything looks so good. I want a little of everything.”
Apple Jack chuckled. “I’ll do what I can, but we don’t have plates big enough for that.” She picked up the largest plate they had and started picking out her favorites, those made by Apple family produce. “How about some cider, too?”
Rainbow Dash snorted, nursing a mug. “It’s not the good cider.”
Apple Jack passed the plate to Twilight. “What doya mean it’s not the good cider. Mah family makes the best cider this side of the Appaloosan Mountains.”
“Don’t get me wrong. It tastes fine. But this isn’t the good stuff,” Rainbow Dash countered, emphasizing the word.
“Fer cryin’ out loud, Rainbow. It’s a baby shower,” Apple Jack said, rolling her eyes. She then filled another mug for the alicorn princess. “There ya go, sugar cube.”
Twilight, with the edge of her plate in her mouth, gave the mug a dubious look. She couldn’t use her magic—doctor’s orders—and she hadn’t gotten used to balancing more than one item like Earth ponies could do.
“Right,” Apple Jack said with a smile. “I’ll just take it to the table for ya. In fact, I’ll join ya for a spell. I could use a break. Watch the table fer me, Rainbow Dash.”
The turquoise pegasus grumbled a reply.
The minute she was at a table, Twilight practically shoved her face into the food, relishing the many different treats. Spike and Apple Jack soon joined her with their own plates and mugs of cider.
They chatted for a few minutes before other ponies joined them, most of them coming to say “hi” and congratulate Twilight on her pregnancy.
Just when Twilight Sparkle was beginning to feel full, a pair of young voices shouted, “AJ!” A couple of blue blurs torpedoed through the air, knocking the Earth pony to the ground. Apple Jack rolled around, laughing as two cold pegasi wrestled with her. The eldest of the two was a darker shade of blue with a light blue mane, the younger had light orange hair on his head with a white star on his forehead and one white foot.
“Boys, boys. Remember, Aunty Apple Jack is not a trampoline,” a soft but stern voice called out.
The blurs, now in the shape of two young pegasi, gave Fluttershy two innocent smiled. “Yes, Fluttershy.”
“Aw, shucks, Fluttershy. You make me sound delicate,” Apple Jack said, cuddling up to the pegasi colts. “I can’t be lettin’ my nephews treat me like…well…like you.” She gave her sister-in-law a big grin, gesturing at the yellow pegasus’ swollen belly.
“Don’t encourage them,” Fluttershy said, still stern.
Her husband, Big Mac, simple walked over to the pile and picked up the younger of the brothers with his teeth and pulled him off. The older brother hopped away on his own volition.
“Don’t you worry, Nimbus, Skye. We’ll do some wrestlin’ after the baby shower,” Apple Jack said, rubbing the tops of their heads. “And we’ll give yer mamma some time to rest. How about it?”
The two whooped before taking off into the air, flying circles around Big Mac’s head, who watched the boys with quiet patience.
“Apple Jack, have you seen Apple Bloom anywhere?” Fluttershy asked. “She promised to watch the boys during the baby shower.”
“She went to help Sweetie Belle and Rarity, who are bringing the prizes for the game. I heard she was running late,” Apple Jack said, readjusting her hat.
At least I wasn’t the only one, Twilight thought.
“Can’t Big Mac watch the boys?” Apple Jack asked.
Fluttershy frowned, laying her ears back. “Oh, he can. He just won’t leave me alone since my last doctor’s visit.”
Twilight tilted her head. “Why?”
Fluttershy sighed. “The doctor noticed some worrying symptoms. I’m on bed rest until they know what is wrong or when I have the baby. He almost didn’t let me come to the shower.” She gave him a look that pre-pregnancy Fluttershy would never give her husband.
Big Mac, to his credit, didn’t react.
“He says he won’t leave my side for one single moment, so I need Apple Bloom to baby sit,” Fluttershy said coolly.
“I’ll watch them fer a while. I’m sure Apple Blood will be here soon,” Apple Jack offered. “These boys have so much spirit, it’s no surprise you need a break from them.” She scooped up the youngest, Skye, onto her back. “Come on, boys. Let’s go bug Rainbow Dash.”
There were squeals of happiness as the Earth pony raced away, the elder brother speeding after her in the air.
Fluttershy sighed, her eyes rolled skyward. “Thank goodness. I love those boys so much, but sometimes they can be a handful. I just can’t keep up with them, especially now because of the baby.”
Sensing that her friend needed some words of encouragement, Twilight sidled up to Fluttershy. “Oh, but I can tell that they adore you. You’re going to be a great mom, to those boys and to your new baby.”
Her earlier irritation faded, replaced with sadness. “Thanks but I can never replace their real mother.” Her body seemed to droop.
“You’re not replacing her. You’re just their second mother. What happened to their parents is unfortunate, but they’re lucky to have you.”
“I just wish… that they could call me Mother or Mama.” She made circles in the dirt with her hoof. “I know we’ve only had them for only a few months and I already see them as my sons, but I don’t think the adoption is real for them.”
“Give it some time,” Twilight advised. “They’ve been through a lot.”
Fluttershy sighed, looking after the boys with longing. “They mean so much to me. It would be the best thing in thing in the world if they would only call me ‘Mother’.”
“You’ll have someone calling you that soon enough,” Spike said, softly touching Fluttershy’s stomach. “When are you due again?”
“In just a few weeks,” Fluttershy said with a smile. “I can’t wait to hold my baby.” She turned back to Twilight, her face inquiring. “And speaking of the boys, I don’t suppose you’ve asked Princess Celestia about that storm that killed their parents. Where did it come from? How did it get so violent?”
“Yes, the hurricane,” Twilight said, looking concerned about the tragic disaster that had ravaged a small cloud-based pegasus colony not that long ago. Skye and Nimbus’ parents weren’t the only lives lost that day. “I did talk to Princess Celestia about it. After investigating the weather conditions in the area, she said it was formed over the ocean outside the bounds of Equestria.”
“But I thought wild storms like that couldn’t cross into our borders?” Spike wondered.
“This one did. And it’s not the only one,” Twilight said frowning. “There have been unusual and chaotic natural disasters like that happening all over Equestria. Princess Celestia is still unsure how they are occurring, but it is her top priority.”
Both Spike and Fluttershy looked reassured by these words, but Twilight had left out a few details, namely how it seemed as if some sort of magic was behind the natural disasters and that they were coming more and more frequently. Although—as the Princess of Friendship—it wasn’t her area to serve Equestria, Twilight had done some research in on the matter, and each occurrence was unusual.
There were floods in Appleloosa which was practically a desert. Tidal waves ravaged the coasts, which Princess Luna—as caretaker of the moon—couldn’t stop. There were tornados in Las Pegasus which—being on top of the clouds—should be too high up for a tornado to hit. Forest fires spring up in forests all over the land only to die down for no reason. Manehattan was seeing its worst snow storm ever, and it was in the middle of summer. Even Ponyville hadn’t escaped the chaos. They’ve had five or six hail storms hit one after another in a week, sometimes the hail stones as big as baseballs. One broke a library window.
It was as if nature no longer followed the rules of magic, that it was trying to break free.
“They’re here! The Cutie Mark Crusaders are here!” The two active colts, Skye and Nimbus, shot through the air, Apple Jack following closely behind doing her aunt-ly duties.
Fluttershy watched them make a beeline to a group of ponies who arrived late. Rarity and the trio of young teens, had arrived and burdened with bags.
As always, the Cutie Mark Crusaders were helpful, cheerful, and still on the journey to find their cutie marks. Even after years of trying and putting up with the stares and teasing, they weren’t giving up on their cutie marks.
The fact that they were almost grown without a cutie mark appearing didn’t weigh them down. They ignored the teasing—which had died down over the years—and sometimes even bore their blank flanks with pride. Because of this, they had earned a bit of infamy around Equestria, almost as well-known as Princess Twilight Sparkle. A few doctors and scientists had been by to study them, but the cause of their blank flanks was still a mystery. As far as anypony knows, nobody has reached the teenage years without a cutie mark.
“Here, sugar cube. Let me take those. You shouldn’t be carrying all this in yer condition,” Apple Jack offered, grabbing everything that Rarity carried.
“Thank you, darling,” Rarity said gratefully.
Next to her, Apple Bloom carried more bags while Sweetie Belle magicked a few presents over her head. Scootaloo, hovering above them, had the majority of the bags, holding her head high in parade form, a show-off posture of the Wonderbolts that pegasi likes to use. However, her majestic imagine was ruined as the colts slammed into her. They tumbled to the ground, laughing
“Boys! I warned you about doing that to Apple Jack,” Fluttershy said sternly, coming as fast as she could with her wide belly. Big Mac was at her side, looking concerned. “You could have hurt Scootaloo or ruined Rarity’s bags.”
“It’s okay Fluttershy. I saved them,” Scootaloo said with a wink.
“Get off her and apologize,” Fluttershy insisted.
“Sorry,” both boys said, looking anything but contrite.
“I’m so sorry,” Fluttershy apologized to Rarity. “I hope they didn’t break anything.”
Big Mac snorted and stamped a hoof. His wife gave him a glare but didn’t speak again.
Twilight and Spike had followed the yellow pegasus when she went to lecture her adopted children, and as they come upon the scene, Twilight noticed just how tired Rarity looked. Oh, that wasn’t unusual for Rarity. The fashion designer had mastered late night sewing sessions and missing sleep to an art. But today…she looked more tired than usual.
For the first time in a long time, Rarity went out in public not looking her best. Her make up wasn’t perfect, and her mane had a haggard appearance. She looked droopy, exhausted, and lackluster.
“Sweetie Belle, please have everyone take these to Pinkie Pie. She’ll know where they go,” Rarity said, her voice soft and lacked her usual drama.
“Are you okay?” Twilight asked, concerned, as the teens and Apple Jack took the bags away, the two young colts flying above them.
“I’m fine. Just a little tired.” She reached a fore hoof back to rub her belly. “And aching. These Braxton Hicks are killing me today. If it wasn’t for the girls, I wouldn’t have made it.”
“I’m glad you did. This baby shower is just as much yours as mine.”
Twilight had convinced Pinkie Pie to combine the party to include Fluttershy and Rarity. The Earth pony had protested, not wanting to be cheated out of two more parties, but agreed. However, things didn’t turn out how Twilight expected. Everyone kept referring it to the “Princess’s baby shower,” ignoring Fluttershy and Rarity’s pregnancy. Of course, the pegasus didn’t mind not being the center of attention.
As for Rarity, many glossed over the fact that she was pregnant or ignored her outright. And for a minute, Twilight wondered if Rarity’s fatigue had a little bit to do with the terrible rumors circulating around Ponyville about her.
“You’re sweet to include me,” Rarity told the princess. “But I think I might just go home.”
“Why?” Twilight asked.
“Look at me, darling. I’m not fit to be in public,” Rarity said. “I didn’t even finish brushing my mane.”
“You look gorgeous, as always, Rarity,” Spike gushed, smiling goofily at the unicorn.
“That’s sweet of you Spikey-wikey, but this baby is making it difficult for me to do anything,” Rarity complained. “Without magic, I have to do everything by hoof. Do you know how hard it is to put on eye liner without magic?” Her eyes widened.
“Well…I don’t know about make-up, but I do miss using magic. I didn’t realize how much I use it for ordinary things until I became pregnant,” Twilight agreed.
“And flying. I didn’t think I would miss flying so much,” Fluttershy added.
“Oh, the other day, I tripped and I flapped my wings. It hurt so much,” Twilight said, grimacing at the memory.
“And forget about laughing,” Rarity said. “Nothing is funny enough to go through that.”
“Ugh, remind me never to have a baby,” a voice behind them muttered.
The three pregnant mares turned around to find the Cutie Mark Crusaders and the two colt pegasi right behind them. Although the voice had been female, it had been low enough that they couldn’t tell which of the teens had spoken.
“We’re just gonna tell Fluttershy that we’re takin’ the boys for a walk,” Apple Bloom said with a smile. “Is that okay?”
Fluttershy smiled. “Yes. That will be good for them.”
“Alright, kiddos,” Scootaloo said, jumping into the air. “I bet you haven’t met a zebra before.”
“Zecora is the best,” Sweetie Belle added.
“A zebra? Isn’t she the one who makes potions?” Nimbus asked.
“Cool,” Skye added.
“She also lives in the Everfree Forest,” Scootaloo added.
Fluttershy caught their conversation, and she called out, “No going into the Everfree Forest.”
“Sorry. Can’t here you,” Apple Bloom shouted back, breaking into a gallop.
The group of young ponies giggled as they raced away.
Fluttershy’s face looked angry, and she started walking after them until Big Mac stepped in front of her.
“They’ll be fine,” he said gently.
Fluttershy sighed. “Yes, I know. Apple Bloom can take care of them. I just worry so much.”
“Oh, Fluttershy. Some of our relatives are in town,” Apple Jack said, urging Fluttershy away into the crowd of baby shower guests. “They really want t’ meet ya. Most likely to make sure you name the baby something with ‘Apple’ in it.”
Fluttershy chuckled and followed with her husband.
“Looks like it’s time to mingle,” Twilight said, noticing several ponies lingering nearby with expressions suggesting they wanted to talk to her. “Rarity, I hope you stay. Please don’t go. You still have a lot of friends here. Don’t let the neigh-sayers drive you away.”
Before she could say anything more, a pony approached, immediately diving into small talk.
***
Rarity watched as Twilight was slowly lured away, talking to one pony after another. Yay, mingling, Rarity thought bitterly.
She used to love mingling. Back when she was the new and upcoming fashion designer in Ponyville and Canterlot, she would have loved to be the center of attention. But that was before…
Now, her shop still had customers, but nopony lingered to visit except the few loyal friends she had.
I’ll stay for Twilight, Rarity decided, walking through the party, looking for one of the few ponies who ignored gossip and still talked to her. After all, what happened in Canterlot was old news now. It was only her swollen belly that reminded the town of the rumors that followed the white unicorn from the capital of Equestria.
After exchanging a few pleasant words with some mares that were loyal customers, she found herself in a corner, pony-watching instead of visiting.
There was Fluttershy, patiently allowing an elderly mare touch her belly to feel the baby kick. Fluttershy seemed uneasy about it.
A few ponies passed her by, talking enthusiastically. “The princess looks radiant today. Pregnant mares always have a wonderful glow.”
Rarity hung her head. Nobody had said that to her except her parents. Of course, where Twilight and Fluttershy thrived and glowed, she felt as if the baby was sucking the beauty out of her. She felt bloated, fat and ugly. And lonely.
No. No more self-depredation. Once this baby comes, your body will return to normal, and you’ll be your stunning self again, Rarity thought, lifting her head. And you’re magic.
There was a sudden burst of laughter, and Rarity took a step back. She looked around, wondering who was laughing at her. But it was just a group, possibly sharing a joke. Or were they more rumors about her.
She glanced around. She tried not to mistaken glances her way for glares. Some ponies were whispering. Were they whispering about her?
The memory of all the gossip came at her like it always did when she was in a big crowd.
Did you hear what happened to Rarity?
Such a shame since she holds one of the Elements.
I heard he was famous.
She did it on purpose.
Disgraceful.
Liar.
Rarity shook her head. Yes, she had heard it before. All of it. Again and again, echoing in her head like a record player that just wouldn’t stop.
I feel bad for Princess Twilight, to have a friend like that.
She did it for the attention.
Look at her. She was asking for it.
Why doesn’t she just get rid of it?
Slut.
Shameful.
Whore.
“Rarity?”
She opened her eyes, not realizing she had them shut as tightly as she could. Spike, looking concerned, stood in front of her.
“Are you okay?”
She felt moisture on her cheeks. She was crying.
“Spike…I…” She looked around. Other ponies were looking at her. What did they think of her?
“I’m fine,” she replied, turning her head away.
“Good. In that case, I’m going to just hang out here, if you don’t mind,” Spike said, standing by her side. “You know how much I hate these kinds of parties.”
Spike loved these kinds of parties. The food, the talk, the mingling. He was more of a social butterfly than she was.
Rainbow Dash zoomed toward them, balancing two mugs on her wings. “You two looked a little thirsty. I thought you might like some cider.” She handed them over to Rarity and Spike before taking the spot on the other side of Rarity.
Love filled her heart as Rarity was comforted by the closeness of her friends. Some of her fatigue and worries washed away as Rainbow Dash put on wing on her back and shoulder put a scaled arm around her shoulder.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
