A Heart Like The Sea

Cassie dove into the water, followed closely by Luna. Domino surfaced between them and rolled over onto her back, asking Luna for belly rubs. The princess of the night chuckled and massaged the orca's underside. Cassie frowned and lit her horn, scanning Domino's body with her magic. Luna noticed her daughter's concerned expression.

"What's wrong?" she asked, placing a hoof on Cassie's shoulder. The pink alicorn swam up to Domino and placed her front hooves on the orca's belly.

"There are two heartbeats," Cassie murmured, her eyes widening with realization. "Domino, you're gonna be a mama!" Luna gasped excitedly and rubbed Domino's belly once more.

"I thought she'd gained a little weight, but I can't believe I didn't figure this out until now," Cassie squealed. "Congratulations, gorgeous!" she said, stroking Domino's underside. "She must be pretty far along. I'm shocked I didn't notice it before." She smiled as the orca swam off to join Polaris in deeper water, but the sweetness of the moment was quickly shattered when Aurora tried to sneak up on Luna to knock her over. Luna chuckled and planted her hooves, having become familiar with Aurora's antics. The young orca slipped beneath the surface and swam straight for Luna's stomach, but the princess just laughed as she waited for Aurora's assault. Aurora shoved Luna forcefully, and Luna grunted and leaned into the orca's push.

"Good girl," she cooed, rubbing Aurora's back. "That was such a hard push, little one! You almost knocked me over! Yes, you did!” She chuckled and gave Aurora a gentle shove back, and the orca disappeared underwater. Polaris surfaced for air next to Cassie and gave her hooves a soft nuzzle. Cassie leaned against Polaris, resting her chin on the larger orca’s back.

“My pretty girl,” she whispered, rubbing Polaris just behind her blowhole. “You’re such a sweetheart. You’re so patient. Such a good girl.” Cassie giggled as Polaris squeaked a reply, reveling in the warmth and firmness of the orca’s soft, smooth skin.

“We’re here!” Flurry sang, plunging into the water alongside Cadance. Celestia and Twilight meandered behind them, choosing to wade into the sea. Domino dipped underwater and swam towards the four newcomers, eyeing them curiously. Hoku followed her, then shot past the older orca and popped her head out of the water right in front of Cadance, who jumped, startled.

“This one is a little prankster!” Cadance laughed as she reached out to stroke Hoku, who bobbed just out of her reach, as if daring the princess to venture into deeper waters. Elara swam up to Cadance and gave her an inquisitive nuzzle, prompting Cadance to stroke the young orca’s head. To absolutely nopony’s surprise, Aurora pushed Elara out of the way, then gave Cadance an aggressive shove backward. Cadance shrieked as she lost her footing. Polaris turned and swam off, then resurfaced for air next to Luna and blew forcefully. Cassie chuckled at Luna's startled reaction. She looked over her shoulder for Neoma, who had waded into the ocean up to her waist and was staring out at the horizon. Sighing, Cassie joined her sister in the shallower water and brushed Neoma's wing with her own.

"Della wouldn't stop asking where Silver was last night," Neoma murmured, her eyes still fixed on the sea. Dark circles bordered her eyes, and her mane hung in lifeless rats' nests on her neck and shoulders.

"How do I tell my sweet little filly that her daddy isn't coming back?" Neoma continued. Her voice faltered, but she swallowed hard and continued. "How am I going to tell her that he chose some random mare over two princesses who loved him more than life itself? How in Equestria will my daughter ever understand?" A barrage of sobs melded her last two words together. Cassie wrapped her hooves and wings around her older sister and hugged her tightly, squeezing her eyes shut as she fought back her own tears.

"Do you remember what you said to me a while back? You don't always need to have it all figured out," Cassie whispered. "I know you better than anypony, Neoma. I know you always wanted to be a wife and mother, and I know you must feel like your entire world has been turned upside down, but I want you to know that you aren't alone, okay? Mom, Dad and I will always be here for you and Della. You don't have to be strong all the time, and you don't need to have all the answers."