Author's Note

Sorry it took so long.

One complicated thing after another.

Chapter 7: Growing families and confrontations

A few hours later, Buck was admitted out of the hospital, and was embraced by Apple Bloom before he had the chance to go outside.

“Thank ya so much fer savin’ me, Buck.” Said Apple Bloom. “Ah don’t know what would’ve happened if y’all hadn’t showed up.”

“Hey,” said Buck as he was on knee level and looked at Apple Bloom right in the eyes. “There’s no way I’d let anything happen to you. Besides, you’re just too cute to be hurt.”

Buck rustled her head whilst rubbing it, making her giggle at that. He soon stood up and held onto her shoulder. “Now come on, we don’t want to keep your sister waiting.”

The two of them soon left the hospital, where three members of the Apple family were standing and waiting for the two of them to come out. The two of them made it over to the rest of the Apples, where Applejack, Big Mac and Granny hugged Apple Bloom, and were greatly thankful that she was safe.

“Thank heaven yer alright there, Apple Bloom.” Said Granny Smith whilst she was hugging her youngest granddaughter.

“Eeyup.” Said Big Mac as he agreed.

“Thanks Granny.” Said Apple Bloom.

Buck couldn’t help but smile at this, for he was really happy to see them reunited. He then thought about Daisy once more, thinking that she was still looking out for him from the heavens, no matter how far apart they are.

He was suddenly brought out of his thoughts when he felt someone hugging him, which was none other than Granny Smith and Big Mac.

“And thank ya so much for savin’ her.” Said Granny, “Y’all are a real hero.”

“Eeyup.” Said Big Mac as he felt his head being rubbed.

“Aw, come on, it’s the least I can do.” Said Buck, “I care about too. And I wasn’t going to let my surrogate sister get hurt.”

Apple Bloom couldn’t help but smile. Applejack on the other hand handed Apple Bloom something, gaining her attention. “Buck was able to save this.”

Apple Bloom took the picture and looked at it, and was surprised to see what he saved. She slowly looked at him and said “Y’all…saved this?”

She showed the picture. It was of herself as a foal, along with her siblings when they were younger, as well as a younger Granny Smith. However, among them were two ponies with them, a stallion that nearly resembled to Big Mac, and a mare holding baby Apple Bloom. Both Big Mac and Granny were surprised by this.

“Yeah…” said Buck, “I could tell how important this was to you, considering you kept it in a special shrine. I figured they were important to you, so I saved it. I mean, from what I’ve seen…family must be really important to all of you. So, I saved it for all of you. And…”

However, Buck was cut off when he felt a right hug around his waist, and saw Apple Bloom hugging him tightly. He could feel her tears against his shirt, but he didn’t intervene as he let her hug him.

“Thank you.” Muttered Apple Bloom.

Buck couldn’t help but smile and hug Apple Bloom back. The others were touched by this and joined in the group hug. But during the hug, Buck then wondered, “But seeing that the house was destroyed…where are all of us going to live?”

The others also thought about it, with Applejack saying, “Ah know just the pony to ask.”

*************************************************************************************************

Later at the castle, Twilight, Beau, and the rest of the Mane 4, along with Starlight and Spike were resting in the castle for a bit. That was, until Applejack knocked and came in, gaining their attention as they walked over to her the moment she got inside.

“Oh, Applejack, darling, thank goodness you’re okay.” Said Rarity.

“Don’t worry Rarity, ah’m fine.” Said Applejack whilst reassuring her.

“How’s Apple Bloom doing?” asked Fluttershy.

“Oh, she’s doin’ mighty fine,” said Applejack, “Ah’m just thankful that she’s alive and all.”

“Shame about your house though.” Said Rainbow, “But I think you’d be glad to know, that whilst we were putting out the fire, I was able to use my speed to help get most of your stuff out, so it’s a good thing you didn’t lose anything.”

“So that’s why y’all smelled like soot.” Said Applejack, who smiled and hugged Rainbow. “Thank ya kindly, Rainbow.”

“Heh, no problem.” Said Rainbow.

“Though…we’re gonna have to find a place to live until our home is bein’ repaired.” Said Applejack.

“Say no more, Applejack.” Said Twilight, “We’ll get a couple of guest rooms ready for the four of you.”

“Er…make that five.” Said Applejack, which confused the others.

They saw Granny Smith, Big Mac and Apple Bloom walk in. But to their surprise, the fifth was a human. Buck wanted to say something, but was surprised to see Beau with them. Beau walked over to Buck and looked at him for a bit, before smiling and extended his hand.

“I never thought in my entire life I’d meet another human.” Said Beau. “Name’s Thomas Rohan, but I go by the name of Beau for a short while now.”

“I’m Buck Armstrong.” Said Buck as he shook Beau’s hand. “So…how’d you get here?”

“Drowned in a whirlpool whilst swimming in a lake, you?” asked Beau.

“Got hit by a truck, saving a child.” Said Buck.

“So,” said Beau, before he couldn’t help but smirk and said “I assume you ended up in hot water with one of the ponies with threats?”

Buck was surprised by that, with him saying, “How did you know that?”

“Let’s just say…I got threatened by an adorkable princess.” Said Beau before looking at Twilight, whom the latter blushed and smiled sheepishly.

“Yeah,” said Buck whilst rubbing the back of his head, “I was lassoed when they thought I was stealing their apples.”

“Yeah, I kinda figured.” Said Beau whilst he let out a bit of a chuckle. “Still, sorry you had to die that way.”

“Eh, wasn’t any glamorous, but, Whatcha gonna do.” Said Buck. He then looked at the rest of the ponies and said “And all of you must be the rest of her friends. Princess Twilight, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash.”

“The awesomest flyer in all of Equestria.” Said Rainbow with a boastful smile and crossing her arms and closing her eyes with a smirk.

Buck ended up smirking back and said “And also the biggest sore loser when it comes to contest and a gluttonous downer when it comes to Apple Cider.”

Rainbow blinked at that with widened eyes and a blush, then ended up being in his face.

“What’s that supposed to mean?!” said Rainbow.

“Hey, I just call what I hear from Applejack.” Said Buck.

Rainbow looked at Applejack with a stink eye, with the latter rolling her eyes and said “Y’all know it’s the truth Rainbow. And ah am the honest one of the groups here. And Ah’ve got witnesses to prove it.”

“It’s true.” Said Granny Smith.

“That’s right.” Said Apple Bloom.

“Eeyup.” Said Big Mac.

Rainbow grumbled and crossed whilst the others laughed about it.

“Rainbow’s teasing aside,” said Beau, “I think it’s a good idea on preparing the guest rooms.”

He then walked to Applejack and asked “And where would you like your rooms? Sun shining in your face, or non-sun shining in your face.”

Applejack couldn’t help but chuckle and said “One with. That way, it’ll help us get up early.”

“Or we could have an alarm clock set up.” Said Spike.

“No thanks, Spike.” Said Buck, “Besides, I don’t think it’s a good idea that Granny would have an alarm clock, otherwise she might fall off of the bed and break her hip. Why else did you think she had an operation on her hip.”

The Apple family stared at him surprised, with Buck saying “Big Mac told me.”

Granny looked at Big Mac sternly, with the latter sweating nervously with a sheepish smile.

“Welp,” said Beau, “Now that we got their sleeping arrangements settled, what next?”

“We’ll still be able to work around the farm.” Said Applejack.

“And get ready for Cider Season.” Said Buck, gaining the Apple Sibling’s attention.

“What now?” said Applejack surprised.

“Seriously?” said Granny, gaining their attention, “Apple Cider Season, which happens to be next week?!!”

Pinkie popped up from out of nowhere and showed them the calendar, marking the date of their business. The rest of the Apple family had their jaws dropped by what they were seeing.

“Oh, mah stars!!” exclaimed Applejack, “Ah was so distracted by the fire, I plum forgot about it!!”

“We’d better get things ready, pronto!!” said Apple Bloom.

“Eeyup!!” said Big Mac, which caused the three to rush out.

“We’ll be back later, Twi!!” shouted Applejack as the others left.

“Should we go with them?” asked Buck.

“Boy howdy,” said Granny Smith, “Just to make sure that they don’t do anything foolish.”

“Agreed.” Said Buck as he and Granny Smith laughed a bit. “Want me to accompany you back to the barn?”

“Ya darn tootin!” said Granny, allowing the two of them to walk out of the room to join the Apple siblings.

“Looks like things are going to be a bit livelier around here.” Said Pinkie, “And I need to throw a welcome party for Buck!!”

She then darted out of the room, wanting to get the next party ready as quick as possible.

“Sometimes I don’t think we’ll ever understand her.” Said Beau.

“Agreed.” Said Twilight.

As Spike chuckled, he suddenly felt his face bloated, making him hold onto his stomach as he tried to keep something in. Suddenly, he burped out a bit of flame, that took form into a scroll.

“Oh, haven’t had one of those in a while.” Said Spike. He then opened the letter and read through it, causing him to widen his eyes in shock. “Uh, oh.” Said Spike in worry.

“Oh, what’s wrong, Spike?” asked Rarity.

“Uh, Twilight.” Said Spike in worry as he looked at her. “Remember when you said you were afraid that Shining Armor wouldn’t accept Beau when he finds out he is a human?”

“Uh, yeah? Why?” asked Twilight.

“A letter came from Cadence.” Said Spike, “She said she received the invitation and she wants to meet Beau in person. And uh…”

“Oh, no.” said Twilight whilst she facepalmed herself, “That means Shining Armor will also be there. I really don’t want him to cause any trouble.”

“If only we could make him not do anything drastic.” Said Spike.

Beau then thought about it. He snapped his fingers and had an idea. “Hey Twilight, could you lend me a piece of parchment and a quill, please?”

Twilight was confused by this, but obliged nonetheless. Beau began to write down to somepony. After he was done, he rolled it up and gave it to Spike, whilst whispering to him to whom he should send it. He was surprised, but obliged nonetheless via his magic flames.

“Who did you send it to?” asked Twilight.

“You’ll see.” Said Beau.

A while later, back at Canterlot Castle, both Princesses Celestia and Luna were busy looking over the latest documents, until a message appeared before them, surprising them. Celestia looked through it and was surprised by what she was reading.

“What is it, sister?” asked Princess Luna.

“Beau had sent us a letter,” said Princess Celestia, “It appears Shining Armor is coming to see for himself. Something that Twilight had feared.”

“What did Beau ask?” asked Princess Luna.

“He wants us to keep an eye on him.” Said Princess Celestia, “If Shining Armor tries to talk her out of it, he wishes for us to intervene.”

“Are you sure it is wise?” asked Princess Luna.

“I…made a mistake not supporting Twilight when she tried to protect her brother.” Said Princess Celestia, “I am not going to make that same mistake again.”

“And how are we going to spy on them?” asked Princess Luna.

The two of them teleported to Celestia’s room and walked over to a mirror, one that Princess Luna recognized.

“The mirror of revelation?” said Princess Luna, “Are you sure this is wise? We have not used that mirror since we took the thrones.”

“I know Luna,” said Princess Celestia, “But in situations as this, we have no other choice.”

Celestia used her magic to activate the mirror. Within mere moments, the mirror showed them a train moving towards Ponyville’s Train Station. The mirror zoomed in and revealed three certain ponies onboard.

“It would appear that the latter is approaching,” said Princess Luna, “And I see Princess Cadence and Flurry Heart is accompanying him. No doubt Cadence is there to calm Shining Armor down if he does something drastic.”

“Still,” said Princess Celestia whilst she pondered at the same time, “We would need to send our spies over to keep an eye on him. If he does, the mirror will alert us and we will arrive with haste. I will need to inform Undercover Shadow about this.”

“I shall call for him, sister.” Said Princess Luna before she left.

Celestia continued to look at the mirror and hoped Shining Armor won’t do anything drastic, for Twilight’s sake.

*************************************************************************************************

At the same time, on the train, Shining Armor was on the train, with his arms crossed and a scowl on his face. Cadence on the other hand was holding Flurry Heart as she babbled innocently and waved her little arms around.

“Shining, would you just calm down already?” said Cadence.

“Cadence,” said Shining Armor, “My sister, my sister, is getting married to somepony we don’t even know, and you want me to calm down?”

“I’m sure Twilight has her reasons of not telling us.” Said Cadence. “Plus, she’s getting married. She’s actually getting married, to somepony she likes!! Do you have any idea how long I’ve waited for this?! How much I wanted her to find her special somepony!! This is wonderful!!”

“Sure, wonderful, that I just found out from a wedding invitation. Not from my sister, but from a piece of paper. Thanks a lot, Twily.” said Shining Armor.

He took a sandwich and imitated Twilight whilst moving the bread, “Hey, Shiny. Just thought you should know I’m making a really big decision that changes everything. Oh, never mind. You’ll hear about it when you get the invitation.”

He placed the sandwich away and said “She couldn’t have told me personally?”

Cadence looked at him with a deadpanned expression and a raised eyebrow, for she couldn’t tell what was annoying, the part where her husband was being immature by using his sandwich as a puppet imitating Twilight, or that he was being a hypocrite of open communication when it comes to his side of the family.

“This coming from a pony who didn’t tell Twilight directly that we were getting married?” said Cadence, “Or telling her that we’ve been dating since the day I first foal sat her?”

Shining blinked in surprise, and said “I was busy!!”

“Suuure, you were.” Said Cadence. “Shining, I’ve told you plenty of times I wanted to tell her, but you wouldn’t let me. And clearly, I can’t trust you when it comes to communicating. This is the thing with the ladybugs and the quesadilla all over again.”

“I was not responsible for her having phobias about them!!” exclaimed Shining Armor.

“You were the one teasing her about it till she was traumatized out of fear!!” retorted Cadence.

Flurry Heart began top whimper, as she didn’t like the fighting, gaining their attention.

“Oh, sorry Flurry Heart.” Said Cadance, “Your dad is just being an unnecessary grump again.”

Shining then huffed as he looked away, until he noticed the carts were selling sandwiches, which confused him. “Excuse me,” he asked the pony pushing the carts, “I notice you guys are only selling sandwiches.”

“No other choice,” said the pony pushing the cart, “We were losing a lot of money on confectionary foods and cakes, so the RTA had voted to make sandwiches instead to save what was left of our budget.”

“Seriously?” said Shining, which gained Cadance’s attention too. “Why?”

“Oh, something about a certain pink pony with poofy hair who constantly buys them without giving it to anyone else.” Said the pony, then mumbled whilst walking away “Why they haven’t banned her from riding the trains, I’ll never know.”

Shining and Cadance looked at one another with flexed eyebrows and said “Pinkie Pie.”

*************************************************************************************************

Back at the Castle of Friendship, Beau had just begun to set up the tea set in order to get things ready for the others’ visit. Once he was done, he noticed Twilight started to hyperventilate, causing him to give her a paper bag, which she started to breathe through it. When all of a sudden, it popped, taking him by surprise.

“Wow, I thought that would work.” Said Beau. He then suddenly had another idea. He knows couples tend to do that from time to time but…he never did that to Twilight before. “Well, as they say back at my world, when in France.”

He then gave a her a smack by her behind, making her yelp loudly and made her stand stiffly and made her blush madly at the same time. She slowly looked at Beau as she still kept her blush, but Beau also did the same thing as he couldn’t believe he did that. However strangely, Twilight also enjoyed that.

“Uh, sorry about that.” Said Beau sheepishly.

However, Twilight pushed him, making him land on his back on the couch, with Twilight being on top of him with a flirty smile. Beau couldn’t help but smile back, causing the two of them to lock lips for a bit. That was, until a knock was heard from the castle doors.

Twilight got up and gasped and said “They’re here!!”

Beau and Twilight got up, with Beau saying “Why don’t you go greet them? I’ll get the tea once it’s finished boiling.”

He kissed her on her forehead before leaving, with Twilight teleporting to the front doors. She felt really nervous and took a breather. She opened the door with her magic, and within moments, Shining Armor and Cadance were standing at the door, with Flurry Heart in Cadence’s arms.

“Shining, Cadance!!” said Twilight as she hugged the two of them. Then broke the hug as she saw Flurry Heart. “And how’s my favorite niece?”

Flurry giggled as she held onto Twilight’s face.

“It’s good to see you, Twilight.” Said Cadence as she hugged Twilight. She hugged Shining Armor too, although the look on his face said otherwise.

“I have to admit,” said Twilight as she broke the hug, “I was surprised that you were planning to visit. If I knew, I would’ve had everything ready. I mean I already sent Spike out to do some grocery shopping, and Starlight’s busy setting up guest beds for Applejack and her family.”

“Guest beds?” said Shining Armor in confusion.

“Oh,” said Twilight, “Granny Smith left the stove on and her apron was near it, causing it to lit on fire, resulting the house being burnt down as a result. Apple Bloom was inside, but they were able to rescue her.”

“That’s terrible.” Said Cadence, with Shining Armor also being worried for a moment. “I hope she’s okay.”

“She is,” said Twilight as they walked to the living room, where a tea set had been readied. “Thankfully no one was hurt and most of their belongings were saved as well. They mentioned about wanting to raise bits during Cider season so that they can pay the construction ponies to do the job.”

“I hope they’ll be okay.” Said Cadence.

“But there’s also a reason why we’re here.” Said Shining Armor as they sat down.

“About what?” asked Twilight.

“Oh, you know.” Said Cadence as she made wedding noises, which caused Twilight to blush.

“Oh, right.” Said Twilight.

“Twily, why didn’t you tell me?” said Shining Armor, “I found out my sister is getting married through a piece of paper and you didn’t tell me.”

“Well,” began Twilight, “I wanted to, but I wasn’t sure how you’d handle it. Mom and dad handled it and they grew to like him, same with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.”

“Mom and dad knew and they didn’t tell me?!” said Shining Armor.

“Whoever this pony is, you must have a really good reason.” Said Cadence.

“Well…”

“Twilight, tea’s ready!!”

They turned to the door as Beau walked in.

“Sorry it took longer than expected, I was trying to make the tea just the way you like it.” Said Beau, who then noticed Shining Armor and Princess Cadance, even Flurry Heart. The three newcomers looked at Beau surprised. Beau then thought ‘Oh boy, here we go’, then walked over and placed the tea down on the table and said “Uh, hi there.”

Flurry Heart saw Beau and was naturally curious whilst she cooed, causing her to teleport and landed on top of his head, which caused Beau to giggle. “Well, hi there, you must be Flurry Heart. My name’s Beau, nice to meet you.”

Both Shining Armor and Cadence were surprised, for the person standing before them was Beau, from what the wedding invitation had said. Though Cadence was surprised, Shining Armor on the other hand.

“Twilight,” muttered Shining Armor, “We need to talk.”

*************************************************************************************************

“I don’t see what the big deal is, Shining?!!” shouted Twilight.

Not long after the two of them were out, they had immediately started to argue.

“You’re dating a hairless ape, Twilight!! That’s the big deal!!” said Shining.

“So what?! You’re married to an Alicorn, and Cadence is an entirely different pony!!” shouted Twilight back.

Whilst back in the living room, both Cadence and Beau were in the living room, hearing the commotion outside, whilst thankfully Cadence placed earmuffs on Flurry Heart so that she wouldn’t hear the argument.

This were silent at first, with Beau sighing and said “I knew this would happen.”

Cadence looked at him surprised and said “Wait, knew this would happen?”

“See,” said Beau, “When Twilight and I fell in love, we were worried that how everyone else would react. But thankfully, Twilight’s friends warmed up to us on that idea, same with Twilight’s parents.

“You’ve met them?” said Cadence as she was surprised.

“I did,” said Beau, “Even Princesses Celestia and Luna.”

They continue to hear arguing, with Beau saying “But I supposed I should introduce myself.”

“Right, we’ve been so distracted, we haven’t gotten the chance.” Said Cadence.

“Alright, my name is Thomas Rohan, but after Twilight and I got together, she decided to call me Beau. It sort of stuck that way.”

“Nice to meet you Beau,” said Cadence. “I’m sure Twilight’s told you about us.”

“She did.” Said Beau, “But in case you wonder, I’m a human. Remember the mirror that Twilight traveled to?”

“I do.” Said Cadence.

“Turns out there’s a reason why Princess Celestia told Twilight she needed to do this alone, even with Spike in tow.” Said Beau as he took out a picture.

He showed it to Cadence and she took a good look at it. When she looked, she was greatly surprised, for one look on their hair and eyes and she immediately recognized them.

“Are they…Twilight’s friends?” asked Cadence surprised.

“Yes and no.” said Beau, “Turns out that on the other side of the mirror is a parallel world, a world where all of you are humans. Twilight and her friends there are teenagers, people who still go to school, whilst adults, like yourself and Shining Armor, has day jobs. And whilst your aunts are the ruling Princesses, as well as you, in the other world, you three are Principles of two different schools.”

“Well, we do know how to teach others, so it would make sense.” Said Cadence. Then she spotted two identical girls that look like Twilight. One with glasses and one without.

“The one with the glasses is Twilight, but Pinkie calls her Sci-Twi for some reason.” Said Beau, “And that over there is Twilight. The one without the glasses.”

“Amazing, the resemblance is so uncanny.” Said Cadence. She then looked at him and said “Are you from that world?”

“No, I’m from a different Earth.” Said Beau, “One where the likes of Dragons, Griffons and so on are considered myth, same with Unicorns and Pegasi. And Earth ponies there don’t speak the language we do. They’re at a time when…ponies were primitive and haven’t developed the ability for speech, is the right words.”

“Really?” said Cadence as she was intrigued. “But how did you get here?”

“I uh…died actually.” Said Beau, which shocked Princess Cadence.

“Died?!” she yelped. “But…how did you get here then?”

“It’s a bit of a story.” Said Beau. “Ever since I was a boy, my parents weren’t exactly to be the best around with. My father was an irresponsible Gambler and my mother was a workaholic and never even considered or tried to spend time with me. They gave me so many unnecessary lessons and made me waste countless hours working hard at certain schools. But even after every time whenever I would get a good grade, it was never enough for them. And the people around there didn’t exactly treat me fairly either. By the time I graduated College, I went to the lake to get away from my problems and my family. You could say my life was…very lonely.”

Cadence was taken aback by this, and couldn’t help but feel pity for him.

“The one day, whilst I was swimming in the lake, I was suddenly pulled into what looked like a whirlpool.” Continued Beau, “I think I ended up drowning in it. Next thing I knew, I was in Equestria, right outside of Ponyville. At first I thought it was weird, being out in the lake. But then I encountered Twilight.”

“What was she doing there?” asked Cadence.

“I think she said something about Spike telling her she needed to get some exercise every once and a while or he thinks she’ll end up becoming fat.” Said Beau, which got Cadence to laugh at that. “When we encountered one another it was…a little awkward.”

“Awkward how?” asked Cadence.

“Well, whilst I freaked out, I accidentally blabbed how horses can’t talk.” Said Beau, “Next thing I knew, she lifted me up using her magic and slammed me onto the ground, saying that she’s a pony and if I get it wrong I’d be sorry.”

Cadence couldn’t help but chuckle at that, with Beau joining in.

“Anyway,” said Beau, “Twilight took me back to Ponyville and she asked Rarity to make some new clothes for me. The next day, she contacted Princess Celestia and told her about me. Turned out she knew about my species.”

“She did?” said Cadence in surprise, then realized “Oh, right. Because of the world that nearly resembles Equestria.”

“That’s right.” Said Princess Beau, “We had a nice conversation and afterwards, she was able to make me a citizen of Equestria.”

“Wow, that’s nice of her.” Said Cadence.

“That’s right.” Said Beau, “After that, I was able to make myself a home here, working at Twilight’s library. I have a knack for organizing books and stuff. That way, I’m able to help Twilight in any way I can. After that, she introduced me to her friends, both in Ponyville and near Canterlot High. I learned a few things about them. Shortly after a month, the two of us became a couple. We continued to stay together in the same castle. That’s when I decided to ask her to marry me.”

Cadence couldn’t help but shed a tear about this and wiped her eye. “That was an amazing story. And I could feel the chemistry between the two of you the moment I walked in here.”

“You mean before your meat headed husband?” said Beau before he trailed off as the two of them could still hear Shining and Twilight argue. “I still don’t get his issue.”

“Um, I think I have an idea.” Said Cadence, “When he heard she was getting married, he threw a hissy fit, now he’s thinking that you might be a Changeling in disguise.”

“Least I’m not going around kidnapping babies because of jealousy of babies’ beauties.” Said Beau, which surprised Cadence, “We also have myths and folklores about Changelings. Though…they tend to be a little different.”

“I see.” Said Cadence, then she wanted to change the subject so that things don’t become awkward. “So…when are you getting married in Canterlot?”

“We’re not.” Said Beau, which surprised Cadence, “I plan to hold it here in Ponyville.”

“Ponyville? How come?” asked Cadence.

“Well for one, we’re not sure if the folks in Canterlot would accept us,” said Beau, “I mean you saw how the nobility there treated other creatures without a second thought.”

Cadence grimaced, remembering how Nobles tend to look the other way from other creatures when she was still in school. “And the second?”

“I don’t want Twilight to experience trauma or Déjà vu or remind her of what happened between Shining Armor and Chrysalis.”

Cadence was surprised by this. She remembered that day when she scolded Shining Armor for doing that, though he claimed that Chrysalis brainwashed him, she only casted a spell to make him believe that Chrysalis was Cadence, and that she scolded Celestia for not taking Twilight’s side.

“So…you want to hold a wedding here, because you didn’t want her to relive the pain and trauma back in Canterlot?” asked Cadence, which Beau nodded, she then smiled and said “That is so thoughtful of you.”

“Yeah.” Said Beau as he couldn’t help but smile. Then frowned and said “I just wish there weren’t any drama along the way.”

Cadence walked over and placed her hand on her shoulder, making Beau look at her, “I’ll try to talk to him.”

The two of them walked to the door, and they hear Shining Armor.

“I forbid you from going out with him!!” shouted Shining.

“I’m not a child, Shining Armor!!” shouted Twilight, “And last time I checked, I’m also a Princess, meaning I make my own decisions!!”

“One that you ended up making a fool out of yourself!!” shouted Shining, “And the last thing I needed is some freak to look after you!!”

Suddenly, something inside of Beau snapped, the way he used that word, the exact same word he heard since his high school days, now suddenly came here. Normally he would brush it aside, but hearing someone say that, in front of his future wife, that…he was not going to let it stand. His eyes flashed, as if a thousand soldiers had combined with his newly fighting spirit.

Beau then slammed the door opened, startling both Shining and Twilight, whilst Beau had a very angry look in his eyes.

“Who…” began Beau as he took a few steps forward, “Who…in the hell…do you think you are?! Telling your own sister, who she can’t be with?!”

“You stay out of this!!” said Shining.

“Or what?!” said Beau, “You’re going to ban me from coming to Ponyville like you banned your own sister from your own wedding?!”

Shining, Twilight, and Cadence were surprised to hear him say that.

“And besides, isn’t who Twilight hangs around with her choice?!” asked Beau rhetorically, “Last time I checked, she’s not a child. She seems like someone who is capable of making her own decisions without someone holding her hoof. And at least I’m not the one who left her crying in the first place, whilst her mentor did squat into helping her!! Cause meanwhile, she was also secretly sent to an underground sanctum whilst an ugly bug of a queen wanted to use you as her own personal sex toy!!”

“I’m her older brother!!” said Shining, “I’m the one responsible for her safety!!”

The next thing before anyone knew, Beau did the unexpected…

“Then who would you recommend then?” retorted Beau, “Who would you want around your sister, who can love, cherish and guarantee that she’ll be safe and that nothing will happen to her?”

Shining was taken aback by what he said as he took a step back, even Twilight and Cadence were surprised by what he said.

“Well, I, uh…” stuttered Shining Armor.

“See?” pointed out Beau, “You can’t recommend anyone, Shining Armor. I know what you’ve been through from what your parents told me, but if you’re starting to rely on past assumptions, those won’t help you in real life. I’ll admit, I didn’t expect Twilight and I to warm up to one another and fall in love so quickly, but all things considered, we both trust each other enough to help us get through in life. Now I’m not going to claim I know her better than you, your parents, Cadence, or even Celestia, but it seems I know her well enough that she’s willing to put her faith in me and I do the same for her when nobody else did.”

He took a few steps forward, making Shining Armor take the same amount of steps backwards.

“Cause let me tell you something about your sister since she moved to Ponyville.” Said Beau. “She and her friends braved against Nightmare Moon when she came back. She and her friends convinced a freaking dragon to move away when he was close into polluting the skies between Ponyville and Canterlot. She and her friends, with the help of Apple Bloom helped accept Zecora into Ponyville when everyone else treated her like an outsider. She saved her friend Rarity from the Diamond Dogs when they kidnapped her. She helped her friends stop a war between the Buffalo Tribes and the ponies in Appaloosa. She and her friends helped stop Discord from taking over Equestria. She helped the ponies welcome Princess Luna when everyone else treated her like an outcast. She and her friends stopped Spike when he got turned into a rampaging beast monster. She helped her friends save Sweet Apple Acres from the Flim Flam Brothers. She helped save Spike’s life when three dragons tried to hurt him. She even tried to stop Chrysalis from taking over Canterlot, which by the way, she saved your sorry ass from a bug faced maniac when you banned her from the wedding, even disowned her if I can remember, heck, you didn’t even apologize to her when you yelled at her.”

“It wasn’t my fault!! I was brainwashed!!” said Shining Armor.

“That’s a load of bull!!” said Beau, “If I were to recall, she casted a spell to make you believe she was Cadence, everything else you said on your own. Cause you had the best reason in the world to side with your so-called wolf in sheep’s clothing; your braincells were located in your genitals!!”

Shining Armor leaned his head backwards in shock from what he said, but not as shocked as Twilight and Cadence were when they clasped their mouths shut.

“As I was saying.” Said Beau, “She saved the Crystal Empire from Sombra!! She stopped Trixie when she took over and enslaved Ponyville with an Alicorn amulet. She finished a spell that made her a Princess. She traveled to another world and stopped Sunset from wreaking havoc. She saved Princess Celestia and Princess Luna when they were captured by plunder vines. She fought alongside Daring Do and stopped Ahuizotl. She helped stop the vampire fruit bats from eating all the apples in Ponyville, which she was able to help dodge a major food crisis. She saved your wife from Discord’s onboard shenanigans. She helped save the Breezies by returning them to their homes. She and her friends stopped Tirek from destroying all of Equestria. She helped Sunset and her Rainboom friends stop the Sirens from taking over their world. She and her friends stopped Starlight and helped her free a local village. She and her friends stopped a Bugbear attack. She and her friends helped Luna stopped a powerful Tantabus from entering the real world. She stopped two families from feuding and made things worse. She helped expose a corrupt manager from manipulating Countess Coloratura, and she saved Equestria’s future when she convinced Starlight to listen.”

Beau then took another few steps forward, which Shining Armor backed off and was surprised to see such merit from a human.

“But you barely noticed that because whilst you were being a complete moron, she did all the hard work and proved her worth when no one else believed in her. She pulled through every single danger and aspect and helped everypony in Equestria in any way she can. So, for you, her own brother, to stand here and have the gall to tell her that she can’t take care of herself or whom she wants to spend her life with and you can’t trust anyone she’s with to help her when she’s in over her head, or even Spike.”

He then leaned in his face and said “Cause when it comes between wanting to protect your loved ones, and taking care of them when they need help? Well, that’s just a no brainer, and it won’t look good for you, either.”

Both Twilight and Cadence were stunned by what they had seen as a human who stood up to Shining Armor. However, peaking from around the door, were the rest of the Mane 6, Starlight, and Spike, whilst they too were surprised at the same time.

“So, if I were you,” said Beau, “I would give her an apology, otherwise things might not be good for you.”

“Or what?” said Shining Armor, showing some merit.

Beau then had some thoughts going through his head, something he learned from one of his old detective books.

First, distract target. Block blind jab. Counter to cross left cheek. Discombobulate. Dazed. Employ elbow block. Body shot. Block left. Weaken right jaw with left elbow. Fracture right jaw. Two punches to gut. Dislocate jaw. Heel kick to diagram. In the end, sustained injuries for three weeks, whilst will recover in three months psychology.

“You really wanna do this?” asked Beau as he suddenly took out a handkerchief and wiped his forehead. “Have it your way.”

The two of them were silent, until Beau tossed the handkerchief to Shining Armor’s face.

“Hey!!” he exclaimed as he tossed it away, only for Beau to make a move.

He delivered a strong left hook against Shining’s face, delivered a strong discombobulation with both his hands on both sides of Shining Armor’s face. He tried to punch back, only for Beau to block using his left elbow and delivered a strong jab to Shining’s side rib. Then blocked with his right and delivered a strong left elbow to the side of his face. Then Beau delivered an uppercut, two jabs at Shining’s gut, then backhanded Shining’s front face using his backfist, then finally, delivered a strong kick to the gut, causing Shining to fall backwards against a door and collapsed on his front.

Needless to say, Twilight and Cadence were shocked to see what happened, though the others who watched had their jaws dropped when they saw how fast Beau moved. Beau then moved to Shining’s back, grabbed his arm, and held it in a near dislocated maneuver, making him grunt.

“Say it. Say it!!” said Beau aggressively. “Say it!!”

“Okay, okay!!” exclaimed Shining, “I’m sorry Twilight!! I’m sorry I didn’t apologize for not listening to you!! I’m sorry for yelling at you!! I’m sorry for banning you from the wedding!! I’m sorry I tried to get in your future husband’s way!! And I’m sorry I didn’t say I’m sorry!!”

Beau then whispered something to Shining’s ear, making him gasp and shudder, causing Beau to let go of Shining, with the latter standing up, clearly surprised by what he did, but not as surprised as the others.

“What…huh…” said Shining, then exclaimed “How did you do that?!!”

“Little something I read from one of my old detective books.” Said Beau, “You’d be surprised what you can learn from a book.”

Suddenly, he turned and said “Like a certain farmer and sports athlete teased that books can’t teach you how to do sports?!”

Suddenly, the rest of Twilight’s friends arrived and waved sheepishly, which surprised the princess of friendship. He then looked at Twilight with a flexed eyebrow and said “Although there’s also a saying that there are a ton of things that books can’t do. Build character and experience.”

Twilight smiled sheepishly at that too, with Beau then looking at Shining Armor whilst squinting his eyes and said “Now then? Are we going to have another problem?”

Shining quickly shook his head, now getting the message. Twilight on the other hand blushed and fanned herself, for what she saw was pretty hot.

“Now then?” said Beau as he pointed at the tea room, “Mind waiting in there whilst I go to the kitchen to get an ice pack and the first aid kit for you?”

Shining Armor nodded and went over to his wife, allowing the both of them to sit down, with Beau walking over to Twilight.

“Sorry it had to resort to this.” Said Beau before kissing her on the lips, before breaking it, smiling, and said “And nobody hurts my adorable bookworm.”

Beau walked whilst Twilight watched him whilst stunned. She couldn’t help but blush and smile whilst he was walking at the same time. Beau walked out whilst the rest of the Mane 6, Starlight and Spike stared at Beau with their jaws being dropped. Until he stopped.

“Applejack?” asked Beau, which startled the country pony.

“Uh, yeah?” asked Applejack.

“Why are you still here?” asked Beau before looking at her whilst he said “Aren’t you supposed to help get ready for Cider season?”

Applejack yelped and said “Oh, right.”

She quickly went out to help at the farm, whilst Beau walked away to get the first aid kit.

“I’ll…help him find it.” Said Spike as he rushed off to help him out.

At the same time, from the Canterlot Castle, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna watched from the mirror. Though they were surprised to see Beau’s reaction, they were relieved that they were able to solve this peacefully.

**************************************************************************************************

Back at Sweet Apple Acres, Buck and the rest of the Apple Family were getting ready for Cider Season. With it only five days away, they had to get everything ready as quickly as possible. When they got to the machines, Buck was surprised by what he was seeing.

“Whoa,” said Buck, “So you use this contraption to create apple cider?”

“That’s right.” Said Applejack whilst she adjusted her hat. “It may not look like much, but this ol’ gal helped us out in plenty of situations when makin’ cider.”

“If it’s anything I’ve seen you made from the hard work and hooves of yours, I believe it.” Said Buck, “And you know what…now I’m also curious to see how one makes it.”

“Ya are?” asked Applejack, though there was a hint of excitement behind it.

“Sure, I’d love to learn how to use it.” Said Buck.

“Well now then partner, let’s get goin’.” Said Applejack with eagerness.

“Wait, where are the others?” asked Buck.

“Big Mac is helpin’ Granny out with somethin’ so he’ll be here soon. And Apple Bloom said that she had to arrange a CMC meeting with her friends, discussin’ what they can do now that they earned their marks.”

“Hopefully she doesn’t take too long.” Said Buck.

“Don’t worry, they’ll have things sorted out soon.” Said Applejack.

During the whole day, they were constantly getting things ready. However, during that time, Applejack wondered something that had been stuck in her head for some time.

“By the way partner.” Asked Applejack.

“Yeah?” asked Buck.

“What the hay is an amazon?” asked Applejack.

Buck partially grunted, for he remembered he accidentally called her that, but seeing that she doesn’t know what it is, he decides to do his best to describe them.

“In my old home,” said Buck as he stopped to take a breather, “The amazons are a myth in my world, but they explained a lot. They were once slaves to a deity known as Ares, who happens to be the god of war. Then one day, Hippolyta, the queen of the Amazons, rose up and led her fellow amazons against his armies and defeated them. Thanks to the goddess Hera, she brought her people to an island where they could live in peace without any fear.”

He looked at Applejack and said “They are also known for being fierce, strong, and independent, as well as them being the most beautiful women. That’s basically what an Amazon is.”

“Oh, ah see.” Said Applejack.

“Welp, better get to it then.” Said Buck as he went to work.

Applejack however, stood there and processed what he said. She placed her hands on her chest, thinking about him calling her an Amazon, making her blush really hard. She is strong and independent. As well as…beautiful. She never felt her heart beat so fast in all her life.

“He thinks ah’m…” muttered Applejack as she felt really hot for some reason whilst watching Buck from afar as he helped Big Mac putting the apple cider machine together. A smile suddenly formed on her lips as she walked towards the two to help them out.

***********************************************************************************************

During tea time at the Castle of Friendship, Twilight and Beau continued to talk to Shining Armor, Cadence, and Flurry Heart.

“So, wait, you died over at your world and somehow ended up here?” said Shining Armor.

“That’s right.” Said Beau after he took a sip, “Though I sometimes miss home. Then again, I never thought I’d enter a world where every fantasy loving person would ever dream to come here, they’d enjoy the heck of this place.”

“Still, sorry what you had to go through.” Said Shining Armor, who then blushed and said “And I’m sorry for wanting to nearly pummeling you when I heard Twily is getting married.”

“She wanted to tell you, but we were worried that you’d overreact, considering what happened back at your wedding.” Said Beau, which made Shining Armor wince in guilt. “And about that, didn’t you even tell Twilight that you and Cadence had dated since she foal sat her, or before you moved to Ponyville?”

Twilight blinked at that and said “Yeah, why didn’t you?”

“I tried to tell him.” Said Cadence whilst rolling her eyes, “But he wouldn’t let me.”

Beau flexed his left eyebrow and said “I think I know what you two have in common. And I think Cadence will agree with me.”

“What’s that?” asked Shining Armor.

Both Beau and Cadence looked at one another, nodded in agreement and said in agreement.

“You both stink at communication.” Said Beau and Cadence, which surprised the siblings.

“We do not!!”

“Ahem.”

Everyone looked at Spike, who looked at both Shining and Twilight, with a quirked eyebrow of his own, causing the two of them to sigh in defeat.

“Plus, I wanted to move the wedding to Ponyville, because I didn’t want her to go through those memories again.” Said Beau.

Twilight was surprised by this, with her saying “You did that…for me?”

“Of course, I would,” said Beau, “Why wouldn’t I?”

Twilight couldn’t help but smile with partial tears and hugged Beau, to which the latter returned.

Shining saw how well those two were together and sighed, and couldn’t help but smile.

“Clearly I misjudged you Beau.” Said Shining. “And if Twily’s happy, then I’m happy. I’m glad to see that she found her special somepony. Or somebody. So…welcome to the family.”

Beau shook Shining Armor’s hand and said “Thanks Shining.”

Suddenly, Flurry Heart teleported on top of Beau’s head, to which the latter was surprised and couldn’t help but laugh.

“You really are a spirit baby, aren’t you.” Said Beau, with him holding Flurry Heart and tickled her tummy, to which she giggled and laughed.

Though things may have started out rocky, Beau was just happy that things were resolved. Though not peacefully, but still resolved. Though in his entire lifetime…he never thought he had to beat up a Captain of the Guard. Though he promised Shining to keep it a secret, because if anyone were to discover a human had beaten the snot out of Canterlot’s Captain, he’d be the laughing stock of Canterlot.

But in the end, Beau couldn’t wait for a few things…

For the Wedding Day.

And the day when the baby arrives.