Sandbar and Ocellus' Love

The sounds of giggling foals and melodic birdsong created a friendly ambience for Sandbar and Ocellus as they wandered along the gravel path. It had been nearly four years since their wedding; Ocellus was partway through her fourth semester as a professor at the School of Friendship, and Sandbar was already making a name for himself as an apprentice at Carousel Boutique. Now, with the arrival of spring break, they were able to get in a good bit of extra quality time together, and had opted to treat themselves to a picnic in the park.

After a while, they fixed upon a nice, quiet, empty patch of grass beneath a spreading chestnut tree, from where they could watch the foals having fun on the nearby playground. With everything laid out, they settled down on the blanket, with Sandbar draping an arm over Ocellus' shoulders and Ocellus resting her head softly against his cheek, and looked on idly as the little colts and fillies played around, pausing every so often to take a sip of lemonade or a bite of the buttercup sandwiches they had packed. Among their ranks, Sandbar could just make out his little sister on the jungle gym with Cream Puff and Pumpkin Cake.

“She sure has grown since we got hitched,” he murmured to himself.

“Hmm?” Ocellus gave an inquisitive chirp in reply.

“Coral,” explained Sandbar, pointing to the aquamarine filly.

“Oh yeah...yes, she has, hasn't she?” mused Ocellus. She breathed a wistful sigh as she watched the three fillies at play. “I do envy her sometimes, all carefree and full of energy...just...being allowed to be her age, if that makes sense.”

Sandbar nodded, remembering what she had once said about how oppressive Chrysalis had been during her reign. “Must've been real tough on you,” he sympathised.

“It's yet another reason why I'm glad to have been sent here,” Ocellus went on. “Even as a little filly, I was eager to learn more about the world around me; but Chrysalis would never have allowed it. As far as she was concerned, we were all just subordinates. Thorax, on the other hoof...”

“Yeah, I know,” agreed Sandbar with a soft smile. Seeing that he had finished his sandwich, he reached into the basket and took out two apples, passing one to his wife before taking a bite out of the other. “Still, good riddance, eh?”

Ocellus smiled back; but the couple were startled by a pained wail from the playground. One little colt was lying at the base of the jungle gym, his eyes awash with tears as he clutched his knee. Sandbar watched as a middle-aged unicorn stallion came trotting over with a look of concern etched on his face; stooping down to look the colt in the eye, his expression turned to dismay as he saw what must have been a graze. He picked up the crying foal and hugged him gently.

While a big part of Sandbar hoped the colt wasn't too badly hurt, the sight of the stallion comforting the distressed colt struck a particularly deep chord with him. Those two ponies were evidently father and son, and he couldn't help but imagine himself in the same scenario – and not as the injured colt either...

“Sandy?”

“Huh?” Sandbar snapped back to reality.

“Are you okay? You seemed to be zoning out there.”

“Uh, yeah, I'm fine,” replied Sandbar, a little more hastily than he intended.

But Ocellus didn't seem convinced. “You felt a little lost just then,” she ventured. “Like...I don't know, like you were yearning for something, but thought it was way out of your grasp.”

Sandbar chuckled wryly. “Can't keep anything from you, can I?” His smile faded again as he tried to put his thoughts into words; “I was just wondering, Ocellus...what you were saying just now about foals...I...nah, it probably wouldn't work out anyway.”

“What wouldn't work out?” quizzed Ocellus, now visibly confused.

“Well...my route to Carousel Boutique and back takes me past this playground,” continued Sandbar uneasily, “and I...there have been times, including right now, where I wonder...I really do love you, but...would we ever be able to have foals ourselves?”

Ocellus froze, almost as if in shock, and Sandbar began to wonder if he might have spoken too soon. Or had she too been worrying over their difference in...

“Yes.”

Sandbar shot her a baffled double-take. Sure enough, Ocellus' blank expression had turned to one of touched joy, and she wasn't showing even the faintest hint of it being a joke. “Seriously?”

“But of course, Sandy. And there was I beginning to think you'd never ask!”

“So...you don't think me being a pony might...”

“...make breeding impossible? Not at all. In fact, I've been thinking about foals myself,” explained Ocellus, “and after looking through the school library, I found a newly published textbook on changelings in the Biology section that told me everything I needed to know. It says that we changelings can instinctively make ourselves compatible with any other species in existence – ponies, dragons, griffins, donkeys, you name it! And we don't even have to change into those species in order to breed with them.”

Sandbar's eyes lit up. “You...you mean it?”

“It was written by a changeling, and apparently there's sound scientific evidence to back it up.”

“So...if I wanted to start a family with you...?”

“I'd be more than capable of having your babies, Sandy,” finished Ocellus, gazing at him with half-lidded eyes. “And I can tell you want to give me them just as badly...”

“Uh-huh,” murmured Sandbar, caught between passion and anxiety. It was true he wanted that new family so dearly, but not while they were out in...

“...so after we get home, we can treat ourselves to a nice, romantic dinner for two – and then the scented candles, the rose petals, the soft harp music...you and me, alone...sweet, sweet love...and not just the kind we feed on.”

“You bet,” whispered Sandbar in a husky tone. Privately, he thanked the powers above that Ocellus didn't go for him there and then – especially not in front of the foals!

“...so how soon will we know?”

“Only a few more minutes,” replied Ocellus as she sat down next to her husband. “Why, you nervous?”

“Frankly, yes. I mean, supposing that author missed something out with that book of yours...what if I can't give you my foals after all?” Sandbar fidgeted anxiously as he brooded over the likely outcome.

Ocellus smiled reassuringly. “Take it easy, Sandy,” she comforted. “You remember what that book said about our reproductive capabilities. Anyway, if all else fails, I can easily just change into a pony until the foals are fully gestated.”

Sandbar stifled a wry chuckle. “Well...I'm kinda hoping it doesn't come to that,” he replied fondly. “I love you just as you are, Celly.”

“I know,” murmured Ocellus, purring softly as she nuzzled him. Her mind went back to that memorable night only two weeks ago; to the romantic lullaby of harp music over the gramophone and the scents of lavender, vanilla and roses as she and Sandbar made sweet, passionate love until long after the stars came out. It wasn't their first time, of course, but somehow it felt all the more special for the fact they were now actively trying for foals.

Her thoughts were interrupted as the door opened, and the doctor stepped back into the room. “Well, Ocellus,” she declared, levitating a sheet of paper over to the couple with a smile, “I have the results here if you'd like to have a look.”

“So what's the verdict?” asked Sandbar hopefully.

“Oh, you'll find that out,” said the doctor, and pointed to the document as if to gently urge him to read it. Sandbar shrugged and did as he was told, and what he saw filled him with an overwhelming sense of euphoria that had clearly overtaken Ocellus as well. Joyful tears began to well up in her eyes as she read over its contents again and again, until at last she could no longer contain herself. With a loud sob, she leaned over and bawled into his shoulder as she hugged him tightly, Sandbar returning the favour as his own eyes misted over. It almost felt too good to be true...

“Congratulations, Sandbar and Ocellus,” finished the doctor genially, “you're going to be parents in the next eleven months.”

Sandbar choked back a sob of his own as he and Ocellus pulled away from each other. “Th-thanks, doc,” he stammered. “You've no idea how much that means to us.”

“You're very welcome. If you have any problems, be sure to come and speak to me, but otherwise, I hope all goes well for you both.”

“Same here,” smiled Sandbar. He and Ocellus thanked the doctor once again and took their leave, now eager to tell all their friends the good news.

All told, the next eleven months passed very pleasantly for the young couple. Once she had gotten over the inevitable morning sickness, Ocellus quickly grew accustomed to the new life growing inside her, and even the odd ache or cramp did little to taint her enjoyment of this experience. To make it even better, Sandbar had begun to pamper her like a princess when they were at home together, from fetching whatever snacks she was craving to massaging her growing belly or just snuggling with her on the couch; which was just as well, for she found herself growing more clingy and affectionate as time went on.

Their friends and family had been highly supportive of them too when they heard the news. Silverstream in particular couldn't stop gushing about what their baby shower would be like, or how much she would enjoy foalsitting for them every so often; whilst Gallus was only too happy to become a godfather to the newborn foal. He had, he confided to Sandbar, been giving some thought to having a few chicks with Silverstream one day.

At first, many of them found it a little baffling that a changeling of all creatures could become pregnant instead of laying eggs; but Sandbar and Ocellus had learned from Hornette that her own three-year-old son had been born in the same way, and were quick to point this out to their other friends. The big surprise came when Ocellus went in for a check-up four months into her pregnancy, and came home looking absolutely dumbstruck. Sandbar, who had just finished preparing dinner, noticed the bewildered look on her face and asked what was on her mind. Ocellus paused for a moment before replying, “You know how you were worried about not having any foals with me at all?”

“Uh...yeah?” Sandbar's puzzled expression turned to one of dread. “Why, what's the matter? You've not had a miscarriage or something, have you?”

“Oh, no – quite the opposite, in fact.” Ocellus showed him a copy of the sonogram from when they were scanning her at the hospital. Sandbar squinted to try and get a better look, and was taken aback when he saw not one foal, but three. “Seems we're getting a bigger family than we first thought.”

“Triplets?” exclaimed Sandbar at last. “That's...incredible!” His eyes glistened with delight as he hugged Ocellus, though he was careful not to hug her too tightly for fear of harming her precious cargo. “Aw, Celly, this is great news!”

“You...you're not freaked out that I'm having three foals in one sitting?” ventured Ocellus. “I mean, I know it's...”

“Are you kidding?! You could give birth to a whole hive, and I'd still be happy to be a part of this family,” retorted Sandbar jovially. “I was the one who wanted it, don't forget.”

Ocellus paused for a moment, and then smiled warmly. “Yes, you did,” she conceded. “You're right, I'm probably just overthinking it all.”

“Hey,” soothed Sandbar, “it's okay to be nervous, Celly. I've had my moments of worrying if we're gonna be good parents or not, and Mom says she felt the same when she was pregnant with me. We just have to take it as it comes, that's all – even if we do have three times as much work on our hooves.” He leaned towards Ocellus and kissed her tenderly. “You'll be a great mother, Celly. I'm sure of it.”

“I sure hope so.” Ocellus gave him a grateful nuzzle in return. “Thanks for that, Sandy. I guess I kinda needed that.”

“Anything for you, honey.” Sandbar gently let go of her at this point and turned back towards the dining room table. “Now, how about some dinner, huh? You look like you could do with a good feed.”

Ocellus giggled softly. “Now whatever gave you that idea?” she joked, gazing innocently at her bump as she sat herself down. Sandbar only smiled warmly in response.

The months continued to roll by. The Summer Sun Celebration came and went, followed Sandbar's birthday in late September, then Nightmare Night, and on the first weekend after that came the inevitable baby shower. Naturally, their friends were stunned to learn that Ocellus was expecting triplets. Once they had gotten over the shock, they made an even bigger fuss over the pregnant changeling than before, and Smoulder even joked that they might have to hold a further two baby showers to compensate.

By the middle of March, Sandbar and Ocellus were all but ready for the arrival of their foals. With her due date fast approaching, Ocellus was now on maternity leave and spending most of her time at home, never straying further than the odd stroll up and down the street as she physically and mentally prepared for giving birth. Likewise, Sandbar stayed as close to her as possible, even cutting back his work at the Carousel Boutique to a few hours a day.

It was a mild afternoon towards the end of the month. Sandbar had just arrived home and was now cuddling on the sofa with a heavily pregnant Ocellus, who purred comfortably as he massaged her belly. She had been experiencing what her midwife called “practice contractions” for the last few weeks, and couldn't get enough of her husband's massages to soothe the inevitable stomach cramps that came with them. Every so often, she could feel one or more of the foals kicking inside her womb, which always made her smile warmly.

But after a while, her smile faded and she let out a deep sigh. “Sandy?” she murmured.

“Yes, my ladybird?”

“Do I still look beautiful to you?” asked Ocellus, almost glumly.

Sandbar suppressed an incredulous chuckle. “Of course you do. What kind of a question is that?”

“Even with that big paunch of mine?”

“Celly, you're nurturing new life in there,” put in Sandbar gently. “That's nothing to be ashamed of – heck, you ought to be proud about it!” He gave her belly a meaningful pat as he continued, “That right there is far more beautiful than I can ever emphasise. It shows the extent of our love and commitment to each other, that we've more than enough to share with foals of our own blood. Besides, you've taken on quite the glow since we made them last year.”

Ocellus gazed into his eyes. “You're not just saying that to make me feel better?”

“No, Celly. I meant every word of it,” Sandbar affirmed.

Sensing nothing but pure, untainted love from her husband, Ocellus finally managed a warm smile in reply. She carefully shifted herself round and tenderly pressed her lips against his, purring again as he caressed her cheek – but all too soon, the moment was broken by a much sharper cramp in her stomach than before. She pulled back with a gasp, clutching her belly in surprise and discomfort.

“What is it, honey?”

“I'm not sure. It felt like another of those practice contractions...only stronger.” Ocellus grimaced with mild pain; but there was a glint of something else in her eyes. Somewhere between panic and...delight? Her body tensed up again, her belly going rock-hard as the full realisation finally set in. “Sandy, I...I think it's time!”

“You mean...”

“They're coming, Sandy! The foals are coming!”

Sandbar hastily wriggled out from beneath her bulk. “Right, keep breathing,” he instructed tersely, “I'll go call the midwife!” Making sure to ease Ocellus into a more comfortable position first, he dashed over to the telephone and dialled the appropriate number. “Hello, Sandbar here...yes, Ocellus has been getting some strong contractions. We think she's going into labour...hang on just a moment – how close together are they, Celly?”

“About...” Ocellus broke off with a whimper as she felt another contraction wrack her body. “...five minutes,” she finished.

“Five minutes apart...okay, thanks. See you shortly.” Sandbar set the phone down and turned back to Ocellus. “She'll be over in ten, dear. You need help getting upstairs?”

“I sure could do with it,” replied Ocellus, who was already easing off the couch as gingerly as she could to avoid hurting her foals. Leaning against Sandbar for support, she padded out of the room and up the stairs. No sooner had she reached the top than another contraction caused her to double over, followed by a sudden rushing sensation as her water broke.

Sandbar's eyes widened as some of the amniotic fluid splashed onto his hind legs. “I guess that confirms it,” he muttered anxiously...

“Nearly there, Ocellus. Just a couple more pushes should do it.”

“You hear that, Celly? It'll all be over soon,” encouraged Sandbar, ignoring the pain in his right hoof.

“I sure hope so,” panted Ocellus with weary anguish. She had been in labour long into the night, and still had one more foal to deliver. “Fourteen hours this has been going on!”

Sandbar smiled sympathetically as he placed yet another cold, wet towel over her brow. “I know,” he soothed, “but you're doing great, sweetie. I'm amazed you've still got the strength to do this.”

“I could never...” Ocellus' touched smile vanished as the next contraction cut her off. With her eyes shut tight in agony, she grabbed hold of Sandbar's hoof and pushed for all she was worth, her body screaming for relief as it forced her new life closer toward the open world. After half a minute, the contraction ended, allowing her an all-too-brief reprieve before the next one began. “Please end,” she sobbed quietly.

The midwife looked up again. “Alright, Ocellus,” she coached, “just one more push, and it'll be out.”

“Promise?” pleaded Ocellus. She was so worn out she just wanted to pass out at that very moment, no matter how close she was to birthing her third and final foal.

“I'm certain of it, dear,” replied the midwife with absolute conviction in her voice. “You've been doing really well, but you're almost done now.”

That was all Ocellus needed to hear. Feeling one last contraction wrack her body, she pushed as hard as she could, letting out an instinctive wail of relief as the pain and tension in her abdomen suddenly subsided. Another, more juvenile wail registered in her ears, and she at last let herself slump onto the bed.

“You've done it, Celly,” cheered Sandbar softly.

“Yeah...I have, haven't I?” remarked Ocellus, her voice slurred from exhaustion. The faintest hint of a smile returned to her lips as she added, “No – we've done it, Sandy. We're parents at last.”

“Indeed you are,” put in the midwife, gently towelling the newborn colt dry before swaddling him in a blanket and passing him over. “Two daughters and one son you have here, and all appear to be in good health.”

Cradling her son in her arms, Ocellus was suddenly overwhelmed with pride and joy. Tears pricked at her eyes as she nuzzled him lovingly, pausing only for Sandbar to settle one of their daughters into her embrace. The other one whimpered and clung onto her father as if scared of losing him, prompting an equally teary smile. “It's okay, little one,” he whispered, fondly hugging the tiny filly. “Daddy's not gonna let you go.”

“She really is your daughter, isn't she?” stammered Ocellus, smiling warmly through her tears as she took in the filly's appearance. All three foals were evidently hybrids of their parents' respective species, but the light pink filly in Sandbar's embrace was almost pure pony apart from the aquamarine wing covers just barely visible on her back beneath the blanket. Her mane was blue in colour, and her eyes were a soft green.

The other two were mostly changeling apart from the equine blue eyes of their son, whose green carapace and two-tone green mane almost matched that of his father. He lacked a horn, but did at least have wings as evidenced by the red covers; whereas his other sister featured a barbed horn just like Ocellus'. She also had a mottled blue and light purple carapace, a lilac mane and bright pink eyes that gazed curiously up at her mother.

Ocellus choked back an emotional sob. “They're so beautiful,” she murmured. “So perfect...I still can't believe I just gave birth to them.”

“You did great, Celly,” said Sandbar, leaning over and sharing a brief kiss with the euphoric changeling. “I'm really proud of you – and of our foals.” He turned back to the midwife; “Thanks for all your help, by the way.”

“Glad to be of service,” smiled the midwife heartily. “This must be the first time I've ever helped deliver hybrid foals. Just one order of business before we finish up...”

“What's that?”

“...I'll need to fill out birth certificates for these three. Have either of you thought about what names you'd like to give them?”

“Hmm...” Sandbar pondered for a moment. “...I quite fancy Laguna Rose for this little cutie. What do you think, Celly?” he asked, motioning to the filly in his arms.

Ocellus nodded. “I really like that,” she agreed. “And our other daughter...how about Iris?”

“Hmm...yeah, that fits really well,” smiled Sandbar. His brow furrowed as he turned to his son. “As for you...that's a tough one. I'm kinda tempted to just call him Sandbar Junior, but...nah, that's a bit too vain.”

“I don't blame you, Sandy – he's almost a spitting image. But no, I was thinking...” Ocellus paused thoughtfully – and then, in almost perfect unison, both of them came out with the same answer; “...Archipelago.”

“Yes! That's perfect!” beamed Sandbar. “In fact, that was the name of my great-grandfather on Mom's side.”

“So...Archipelago it is, then?”

Ocellus' tentative question was met with a heartfelt nod from her husband. “Or just Archie for short.”

The midwife chuckled as she wrote the names down on each certificate. “Well, that should just about wrap it up,” she declared. “We will need to carry out a full medical check-up on you and your foals, Ocellus, just to make sure you're all in good health. In the meantime, you just get some rest, and I'll make an appointment with the obstetrician.”

Ocellus only smiled in reply as she turned her attention back to Iris and Archipelago, who were now whimpering and wriggling restlessly in her arms. Taking the hint, she carefully set them down next to her now saggy stomach, and sighed happily as they latched onto her for their first feed. With a soft smile of her own, the midwife quietly left them to it while she telephoned the hospital to make the appointment.

“Well, Celly,” murmured Sandbar fondly, “here we are at last – one big, happy family.” Gently, he settled Laguna Rose, who had already dozed off, into her mother's embrace.

“Yes, Sandy,” whispered Ocellus. “True, it was bigger than we bargained for – but definitely worth it.”