A Mare's Defenseby Timber WolfChaptersChapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 4Chapter 5Chapter 6Chapter 7Chapter 1Prologue King Sombra growled as the crystal heart started to glow. He had to leave, or he'd be destroyed by the light and love inside it. Sombra prepared to teleport away when a thought crossed his mind. An idea. . . his trump card. He reached out with his magic to the young unicorn trapped inside his black crystal cage. He snatched her up in his dark aurora and fled from his once beautiful empire. A whisp of red smoke was the only sign he had ever been there. Moments after the former king had fled, the crystal heart burst forth a wave of pure white magic, banishing all remnants of Sombra. The crystal ponies cheered as the five other elements, the royal couple, and a baby dragon stood on the balcony above them. They all smiled and waved before a nervous Spike looked up to where Twilight had been moments ago. "We. . . we should go get Twilight." The others agreed and trotted happily up the stairs to the top of the tower. Cadence smiled as she cantered in. "Twilight! It worked! The crystal heart-" Cadence froze in shock. Where Twilight should have been, was a pile of broken black crystals. Shining Armor pinned back his ears. "Twilie? Twilight?" Everypony cautiously walked around, looking for the purple mare. She wasn't there. Cadence circled the black crystals before she lifted them up in her magic. The black shards seemed to ripple like water. Electricity sparked between the broken crystals. Red smoke filtered from their black surface. Cadence had her eyes closed in concentration as dark magic started to form at the tip of her horn. She gasped and dropped her magic. The broken dark crystals fell to the floor with a clink. Cadence back away, shaking her head frantically. "Noooooooo! Bring her back! Bring her back!" The princess began to sob, her wings quivering on her back. Shining Armor cam to his wife's side. "Cadence, what is it sweetie?" "He- he-" The young alicorn chocked on her tears "Sombra took Twilight!" "What? No. NO! That bastard took my sister! My baby sister!" Shining began to beat the wall with his hooves. Rarity frowned. "No no no no, wait a second! Are we sure Sombra took her? Maybe-" Applejack stomped her hoof. "Who else would it have been! Look a' the evidence! Nopony else coulda' done this!" Rainbow Dash huffed. "Well, lets go after him! Cadence, can't you use your magic and follow him or something?" Cadence sat down on her haunches as she cried into her hooves. "N-Normally, yes. But when the crystal heart pushed out all the dark magic, it also erased any trail leading to Twilight!" Everypony was silent as the information sunk in. They could only do one thing. "Send word to Princess Celestia! We have to find Twilie!" Twilight backed up as far as the chain and collar around her neck would allow her. Sombra stood over her, an evil glint in his eye. Twilight tried to use her magic, but the black crystal ring around the base of her horn prevented her from summoning even a simple spark. Twilight whimpered as Sombra grabbed her horn and smashed her face into the floor of the cave they were in. By the amount of light, Twilight took a guess that they were underground, and far away from civilization. Twilight snorted and glared up at the pure black stallion. She opened her mouth to yell at him, but a muzzle was quickly placed over her snout. She could breathe through her mouth, and probably drink, but it wouldn't let her open her mouth enough to speak. She mumbled in the back of her throat, making her unhappiness known. "Aw, come now pet. I think it suits you." Twilight simply glared as she tugged against the thick leather collar around her neck. The young mare leaped forward, intent on tackling Sombra. He simple sidestepped her and swiped at her hooves. She tumbled head over hock and landed on her stomach. Somrba placed his hoof on her back, pressing down. "Want to try that again?" He pressed down harder as Twilight winced. She shook her head no. Sombra let her up and brushed back her messy mane. "Now was that so bad? I don't think it'll be all that hard to train you. Oh, I have so much planed for you, Twilie." Chapter 2It had been just over a year since Twilight had gone missing. Search parties had been raised and the royal guards were sent out, but the mare had not been found. Everypony had given up hope, except for the princesses, her family, and friends. Everyday, after the sun had been risen, Celestia sent out her magic to try and track her student. Nothing ever came of it. Twilight would have been declared dead long ago, if it weren't for the elements of harmony. The remaining bearers of the elements could feel her. They knew she was alive, somewhere. They constantly went out to search for their lost friend, trying everything the could. Cadence looked down into the royal gardens of Canterlot. She currently lay in a large window with a cushion. Her head rested on her hooves as she stared out sadly. In the gardens, Fluttershy was tending to her animals. The animals had been moved there when Fluttershy had moved to Canterlot. All of Twilight's friends had moved to Canterlot. Celestia hired somepony to help on the Apple Farm while Applejack was away. Rarity's family was taking care of the Boutique. Rainbow Dash had towed her cloud house to Canterlot with some help from several pegasi. Fluttershy's animals moved into the gardens with the other animals. Pinkie Pie worked in the castle baker, her second family receiving another pony to fill her spot while she was gone. Spike spent the day and night with Celestia. He had gone into a depressed state when his sister had disappeared. He blamed himself for leaving her. He spent his days on Celestia's back, almost comatose. The young dragon had lost so much weight, that at one point he had to be put on a feeding tube. He was on several medications, and an IV at night, so he wouldn't dehydrate. The mane 'five' had tried to coax him back to himself, tried to get him to therapy. However, if he was separated from Celestia, he would panic. Only Luna, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie, could keep him calm while away from the sun princess. It was painful to watch. He was caving in on himself, shutting down. His scales had lost their bright color, becoming tinted with gray. Almost as if he had been Discorded. Cadence was startled out of her thoughts as her husband sat down next to her. She turned and smiled slightly at him. He leaned over and nuzzled her cheek before settling back. "Hey. Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you." "No, it's okay. I was just thinking. . . " Shining Armor was silent for a moment. "Yeah. . . I miss her too." Twilight groaned as she swung her head around. The worn leather collar was heavy against her fur. The unicorn stomped her thin hoof. She had lost a lot of weight. Everything about her screamed malnutrition. Her body was tiny. Except for her swollen stomach. Twilight snorted as the foal inside her kicked against her ribs. Shaking out her mane, Twilight carefully walked over to a slight indent in the stone floor of her cave. In the indent was a pool of water. A constant trickle of water from the ceiling was the only source of water she had. The water was only a couple glass fulls, and it took several hours for it to fill up again. Twilight had come up with a system. She would drink it dry in the mornings, and at lunch when it was half full. By night, she's drink the water which was half full again. If would be completely full by morning. It was this water source that also helped her tell time. That and Sombra only came once a week, during the night. Twilight drank greedily before sighing. She went back to her bed, which was a spot of 'soft' rocks. In actuality, it was just the smoothest rocks around her that her chain let her reach. She settled down and began to count the stalagmites in the corner. She didn't get to far when a sudden clenching pain raced through her abdomen. Startled, she jumped unsteadily to her hooves. Twilight guessed about half an hour passed before the rippling pain went through her again. Along with a thick clear liquid that splashed to the stone ground behind her. Panic set in as she realized her water just broke. She was going to have her foal. Her legs shook in fear. She didn't want to give birth alone, but her only other option was Sombra. There was no way she's let him near her during the birthing process, or anywhere near her foal afterwards. Another contraction squeezed her insides as she screamed. A royal guard galloped into the throne room, skidding to a stop in front of the princesses. "Forgive me Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, for bursting in but- there is a lead on Lady Sparkle!" Celestia stood up, Spike asleep on her shoulders. "Where?!" "Out by the black bat caves. An archeologist was out there when he heard a mare scream. He said it was from within the caves!" Celestia turned to her guards, pointing out seven of them. "You five, go find the girls and have them meet me in the main hall. You two, go and collect Princess Cadence and Lord Armor!" Chapter 3A single thought raced through everypony's heads as they stood in groups, ready for teleportation. Rarity, Applejack, and a nurse stood tightly together with Princess Luna. Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and two doctors huddled below Celestia. Spike was on her back, hiding his face in her mane. Shining Armor and two royal guards stood next to Princess Cadence. The three alicorns nodded and closed their eyes. Teleportation magic surrounded each group, in some spots mixing together. It was a beautiful tricolor blend of magic, followed by a bright flash. Shining Armor closed his eyes, and when he opened them, they stood outside the Black Bat caves. He swayed slightly, but maintained his balance. He was used to teleporting, just not that far. Only somepony with great magic control could teleport that far. Shining looked over at the others to see how they fared, but it seemed he had fared the best out of the side travelers. Pinkie Pie was laying on her stomach, four hooves splayed out. Fluttershy was curled up next to the pink pony, quivering. Rainbow Dash was a little more balanced because of the tricks she did. She sat on her haunches, wings spread out to help keep herself upright. Spike seemed to have passed out and Celestia held him gently to her chest with her magic. Rarity had flat out fainted, and not one of her fake drama faints. The nurse had collapsed on top of the white unicorn, but both seemed to be waking. Applejack was sitting, her head bowed. Shining feared she was going to be sick. The two doctors were in a state close to Pinkie Pie. They laid there, dazed. The two guards under Shining Armor's command had not fallen. They stood on four shaking hooves, heads down, but they stayed standing. Shining felt slight pride at this, but it was quickly replaced with worry. Celestia sent out an anti-nausea spell and a balance spell, helping eveypony become more stable on their hooves. She turned to them and spoke. "It is best that we do not all go in. I will go in first, to see what I find." Celestia gently placed Spike in Fluttershy's arms. He wrapped his claws around her, clinging. "Doctor Prism, Doctor Chaser, and Storm Rider, come with me. Everypony else, stay here." The two doctors and guard followed the sun princess. Twilight's friends seemed ready to protest, but stopped when Princess Luna gave them a stern look. Shining Armor knew how they felt. He two wanted to argue. He was Twilight's brother. He should be going in. They were gone for ten minutes when a scream full of fear, anger, and pain echoed from within. The second Shining Armor heard it, he knew who it was. "Twilight!" Shining ran into the caves, followed closely by the group. His horn was lit up, sending bright light down the normally dark cave. Galloping next to him, was his wife. Cadence ran instep with him, matching his speed. Turning a corner, they almost ran straight into Princess Celestia. Skidding to a halt, Shining Armor looked at the Princess. Her eyes were sad, filled with unshed tears. "Is she here?! Is she alright?!" "She is here, but I could not tell if she was injured or not. She was hiding in the shadows, screeching at us to go away. I thought it best to retreat for the moment, in fear she may hurt herself." "Twilie would never-" "Not on purpose, but in fear. I can only guess, but I am almost certain that she has had no contact with any other ponies, except for Sombra. It is her instinct to be afraid. We must approach her calmly." Cadence shuffled her hooves next to her husband. "We can go" Everypony looked at Cadence. "I mean- Shining is her brother, and I was her foalsitter. She new us since her birth. I'm- I'm sure she would. . . " Cadence trailed off. Celestia looked her niece and nephew over before nodding. "Perhaps you are right. Go through that cave there. At the end is a small opening into a cavern. That is where she is. We will stay here. Call once you have her calm enough." Shining Armor saluted and then ran down the cave. At the end was an opening just big enough for a pony to step through. The couple entered the cavern warily. The sound of water dripping was the only sound. "Twilie?" A whimper. Shining cast a light spell, but kept it dim. He didn't want to hurt her eyes. Another whimper. "G-Go a-a-away" Cadence and Shining Armor looked over the cavern trying to find the unicorn. Cadence tapped her husband's shoulder, pointing to a corner. Huddled in the shadows, he could just make out the form of his sister. He stepped for ward slowly. "Twilie. It's me, Shining Armor. Your B.B.B.F.F. Cadence is here too." "S-Shining? Cadence?" Cadence stepped forward, speaking. "Yes, Twilight. Can we come over there?" Twilight whimpered. Her shadow moved slightly, but stopped. "H-How do I know i-it's really y-y-you?" Cadence frowned sadly. "Sunshine sunshine, ladybugs awake. Clap your hooves and do a little shake." Twilight started sobbing. Shining Armor and Cadence walked slowly forward. The light hit Twilight, and both of them gasped. Twilight was lying on her side, her hooves covered her eyes as she cried. Her fur was faded and clumps of dry blood were in it. On her back was a large scar running over it. Another scar went over her snout. There were more scars, but they were unable to see them under the dried blood and dirt on her. Around her neck was a leather collar. A chain was attached to it, keeping her chained to the wall of the cavern. Around the base of her horn was a ring made of black crystal. It was keeping her from using her magic. Her mane was a tangled mess. It was longer and was knotted tightly in areas. Her left ear had a notch in it, having been cruelly sliced. And she was skinny. Extremely skinny. Almost skin and bones. Except for her stomach. It was large and protruding. A clear liquid and a little blood were on the inside of her back legs. Shining and Cadence both drew back in surprise. Twilight groaned and curled up slightly. He hooves wrapped around her stomach. More fluid gathered on her legs. "Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no!" Cadence was at Twilight's side in a flash, rubbing her sweaty mane from her face. "It's okay Twilight. Just breathe through it." Twilight clenched her teeth and kicked her back legs in pain. The contraction passed, leaving the purple mare panting in her sister's hooves. "Shining! Go get the doctors!" "No!" Both stopped and looked at Twilight. "N-no! Th-they'll hurt my f-f-foal!" "No, Twilight. The doctors just want to help-" "No no no no no no no no no!" Twilight scooted away before struggling to her hooves. She backed away as far as her chain would allow, eyes wide and wild. Cadence put up a hoof in an 'I surrender' gesture. "Ok. It's ok. Can Shining Armor just go talk o the doctors? Then he'll be right back." Twilight looked between them suspiciously before nodding. She sat down gently before laying back on her side. Cadence sat next to her, running her hoof over Twilight's head. Shining Armor looked at the two of them before racing out of the cavern, towards Celestia and the doctors. Chapter 4Shining Armor slipped out of the chamber and over to the awaiting group. Everypony was waiting anxiously. Shining looked up at Princess Celestia. "She- she's. . . " Rainbow Dash stomped her hoof, trying to mask her fear with anger. "She's what? Spit it out!" "She's pregnant!" Everypony was silent, not even daring to breathe. There was no sudden outburst from her friends, no yells or exclaims. They all just sat there, contemplating what this meant. Applejack flicked her ears back. "Tha' means. . . " Celestia shook her head sadly. "Shining, please coax her out. We will than take her to the hospital. How far along is she?" Shining Armor shuddered. "She's in labor now!" That was when everypony started to panic. Shining carefully approached his sister and wife. Twilight was once again standing up, head bent low. When Shining came close, she snorted in a defensive manner. "It's okay, Twilie. It's just me." Twilight looked her brother over before relaxing. She leaned into Cadance's side heavily, panting. The lavender mare stomped her front hoof before she laid back down. Cadance walked over to her husband. Shining leaned over, whispering in her ear. "The doctor's said that, as much as they don't want her to foal here, it's more dangerous to drug her to move her. She'll have to foal here unless we can convince her to come with us." The alicorn looked over at Twilight. "I don't think we'll be able to convince her. While you were out there, she kept begging me to not let anypony hurt her foal." Shining Armor sighed. "How close is she?" "From the timing of the contractions, I'd say there's going to be a foal here any minute." Twilight moaned, catching their attention. A quite a bit more liquid had shown up. "Make that any minute this minute." Cadance and Shining both ran to Twilight. Cadance held her hoof while Shining Armor knelt down in front of her back legs. He promptly jumped up and pushed Cadance out of the way. "Nope nope nope nope and nope! You deliver!" "Oh for heavens. . . oh wow! Breath Twilight, the baby's crowning!" Twilight grit her teeth in pain as she held onto her brother's hoof. "Ok, ok. Good. On the next contraction, I want you to push!" Twilight nodded, tears streaming down her face. Her mane was damp with sweat. Shining could see the contraction send a rippling wave over Twilight's stomach. The mare groaned and bared down. She didn't scream. Most mares when foaling screamed for all it was worth. Twilight remain stubbornly silent. Cadance stared wide eyed before looking up at her sister-in-law. "One more good push and the head will be clear!" Twilight moaned as her upper body twisted in pain, but she followed through. She fell back panting as the contraction passed. "Good job, Twilight! Just breath for a little bit. Next big contraction and you'll have your baby! Shining, Shining come here." Shining let go of Twilight's hoof and peaked down at the baby. The head was completely out, but the shoulders and body had yet to breach. From what he could see, the foal was a completely black unicorn. Except for it's horn. It's horn was red. Suddenly, Twilight screamed. It was short, but it was loud and full of pain. The lavender mare heaved, and with a rush of amniotic fluid and slight blood, the foal slid into the world. It was a filly. A beautiful little filly. A beautiful little filly that wasn't moving. Chapter 5Shining Armor held his breath as he looked at his niece. Cadence also stood frozen. "No." Cadence's horn lit up as magic turned the filly over. She cleaned the airway and started to pat the back of the newborn. For a second, Shining Armor feared the foal may have been a lost cause, but just as this thought crossed his mind, the filly whimpered. She scrunched up her tiny face before she started to cry. Twilight started to cry with her, and Shining Armor felt like he might as well. Cadence cut the umbilical cord with a clean swipe of magic, and moved to hand the filly to the new mother. Twilight groaned in pain and did not take her daughter from Cadence. Shining looked over at his wife. "Is it the afterbirth?" The young alicorn's eyes widened. "No! It's another foal!" Blood started to flow from between Twilight's hooves. Cadence rushed forward. The little black filly was quickly placed in Shining's hooves as Cadence moved to help. Shining looked down at the little foal and winced. Both him and his niece were covered in amniotic fluid. A quick spell cleaned the both of them up. The newborn girl continued to cry. She was cold and hungry, and her home had just evicted her into a scary new place. Anypony would cry. Another shrill voice joined the other. "It's a boy! A beautiful little colt!" The colt was a light purple earth pony, its fur just a shade lighter than Twilight's. His mane and tail were a solid blue color, the same as Twilight and Shining's father. The little colt was also very small. Twilight smiled, but the blood did not seem to slow. Both Cadence and Shining shared a worried look. Twilight held out her hooves and both of her foals were placed on her chest. She looked down at the little filly first, who opened her bright blue eyes. The colt looked up at his mother with dark green irises. Both foals started to suck on a hoof. The other twin's hoof. Twilight smiled. "My little Scarlet Lilly. My little Forest Oak." Twilight nuzzled them both and placed them next to her. The young mare turned over and stood up on shaking legs. She stood there before her eyes rolled up into her head and she collapsed to the side. Shining Armor rushed to his sister's side and held her head in his hooves. The two foals started to cry. "We need hep in here!" Soon the entire group was in the cave as the doctors rushed over. One went to Twilight while the other and a nurse went to the foals. Everypony watched as the doctors worked. The one by Twilight called over. "She's hemorrhaging and the placenta has yet to arrive! We need to move her now! She'll hold long enough for us to teleport, but we need to go soon!" The other doctor was looking the foals over, frowning. "The filly doesn't seem to be breathing right!" Shining Armor cleared his throat. "When she arrived, she wasn't breathing. Cadence had to drain her lungs just to get her to cry." The doctor's frown grew. He quickly looked Forest Oak over. "He's too small. Something is very wrong with him. If we want these foals to live, we need to get them to a hospital!" Princess Celestia and Luna looked the scene over. Celestia's horn glowed, and in a bright flash, the foals, doctors, the nurse, Twilight, and the Princess all disappeared. The remaining elements of harmony all flinched, as if in pain. Fluttershy held Spike to her. Luna sighed as she summoned her magic. "Gather closer. We will have trouble, but we shall be able to teleport everypony." The group huddled around Luna as her magic surged. A pulling feeling encased everypony as they were yanked away. When Shining Armor opened his eyes, they were in the hospital. His sister was nowhere in sight. Celestia sat in a waiting room chair. "They just took them all back. Twilights in the ICU and the foals are in the NICU." Everypony sighed, but not in relief. They all sat down tensely, and waited for good, or bad news. Author's Note Sorry it's short. Chapter 6Twilight and Shining Armor's parents were hugging each other and crying. The waiting room was empty except for the group waiting for news on Twilight. Hours passed and Shining Armor began to fear the worse. He didn't know if Twilight or the foals were alive. Waiting, not knowing, had everypony on edge. Pinkie Pie was curled up on a floor cushion, Rainbow Dash wrapped around her. The party pony's pink mane was flat. Rarity and Applejack sat next to Fluttershy, quietly talking her through another panic attack. Celestia was pacing the room with Spike on her back, Luna watching her. Shining Armor sighed and Cadence leaned into him. They sat watching the door. Everypony perked up as the sound of hooves approached them. The doctor walked into the room, extremely tired. He was immediately crowded by the group. Everypony spoke at once. "Is she okay?" "Did the foals make it?!" "Let me see her!" "Where's my daughter?!" "Is she alive?!" "Please tell me she's okay. Please please please!" The doctor held up his hoof, quieting everypony down. "Both Ms. Sparkle and the foals are alive, but they are not in a good condition." The stallion flipped open a folder. "The newborn filly, Scarlet Lily, is on a ventilator. Her lungs are not fully developed. We've got an IV in her, if she survives till tomorrow, we can start pumping her full of steroids. Hopefully it'll force her lungs to develop completely. She's small, but not terribly so."" The doctor closed the folder and opened another one. "The newborn colt, Forest Oak. . . " The stallion rubbed his face, and Shining Armor's worry grew. "Look, I'll be frank. The chances of him surviving is slim to none.I'm surprised he didn't die in the minutes after he was born." Celestia looked sad, but she had to ask. "What's wrong with him?" "Everything. His lungs are underdeveloped, he has a hole in his heart, his esophagus doesn't connect to his stomach. Cleft palate, Anemia. And he's blind. We've got him hooked up to every single machine, but. . . there's nothing we can do. He'll die within the hour. I'm sorry." Pinkie Pie started to sob, Rainbow Dash pulled her close with her wing. Fluttershy was shaking her head back and forth, whispering no no no no no no no. Shining Armor felt as if he had just been punched in the gut. His nephew was going to die, and his niece may follow her brother into death. Shining felt his eyes start to sting, but he rubbed at them defiantly. "What- what about Twilight?" "She. . . just got out of surgery. We went in to stop the bleeding from her uterus and to remove the placenta. . . when we found another foal." Nopony spoke, hoping, praying for good news. "I'm sorry, but she was stillborn. From what we can tell, the foal died about a week ago." They all sat in silence as the doctor went on. Words like malnourished and healed wrong circled the air. The stallion led them to a room where the foals were. Twilight was still being treated, but they were allowed to see the foals. Celestia was the first to step into the room, three clear plastic boxes held three foals. Two of the foals were hooked up to machines that beeped and wheezed and showed charts on them. The third had nothing around it and the foal tucked under a white sheet. Shining Armor went to the third foal while the others cried over Forest Oak and Scarlet Lily. Shining pulled back the sheet and gazed at his niece. She was a light gray earth pony with a bright magenta mane and tail. She was curled up on her side, hooves bundled up against her underside. If it weren't for the unnatural stillness, Shining Armor could almost believe she was asleep. He pulled the blanket back up and placed it under her chin. For a couple minutes, Shining Armor did pretend that she was just sleeping. Author's Note Sorry for the long wait, and I'd like to say I have a good reason. Or a longer chapter, but I don't. I was just bored and didn't feel like writing. Sorry again. Chapter 7An hour came and went, and Forest Oak was still clinging to life. The little foal's limbs would twitch as seizures passed through him. After each one, Shining Armor could see that his nephew was loosing his fight for life. Every now and then his heart would stutter, causing the machines to beep out warnings. Warnings the doctors didn't do anything about. Everypony just sat there, waiting for Forest Oak to die. By the time, three hours had passed, a group of doctors was having a quite conversation in the corner of the room. The would look over at the three foals before whispering again. Finally one of the doctors, Doctor House, limped over to Celestia. Celestia looked over at the stallion as everypony gathered together. Doctor House got straight to the point. "The foal hasn't died. While I normally wouldn't bother with something like this, I have an idea. I may be able to save . . . " House quickly looked at the folder in his hoof ". . . Forest Oak." Twilight Velvet gasped "How?" "It's unconventional and wrong!" The doctor from the waiting room stepped forward, stomping his hoof. "There is no way that the foal would survive it, and you know that! You only wish to experiment on him!" House sighed "It's mostly true. The foal had a very slim chance of surviving, but it's still better than his chances now. And if we don't succeed, it will still bring us closer to being able to saves foals like him in the future." Applejack leaned forward. "Ya still haven't told us whatit is." "I wish to use the stillborn filly, as harsh as it sounds, for spare parts." Shining Armor sat back heavily on his haunches. "You. . . want to use her. . . for. . . " Cadence sat down next to him, her wings drooping. Twilight Velvet and Nightlight shared a look. Mrs. Velvet shook her head. "I'm sorry, but no. We can't chop up our granddaughter, as you said the chances of Forest Oak surviving are slim." House snorted. "I wasn't asking you." "What?" House pulled out another folder and flipped it open. "Twilight is 20, an adult. She signed her medical proxy as Princess Celestia." "What?" House pointed at the signed document. Twilight's signature was there right next to Celestia's. Luna's was there too, signing as the witness. "I'm sorry Mrs. Velvet, but you have no say in Twilight's medical treatment, and as of five hours ago, her foals medical treatments." Everypony sat stunned in silence. Celestia looked over at Forest Oak and the unnamed filly. House held out a pen to her, form waiting to be signed. Celestia took the pen, paused with her magic hovering it over the paper, before she scribbled her name across the bottom. "Do it." A team of nurses and doctors swarmed over Forest Oak and the stillborn filly. Machines were unhooked and moved as the two foals were quickly moved out of the room. Twilight Velvet's face turned red as she spun around to face Celestia. "What do you think you're doing?! She's my daughter, and those are my grandchildren! You have no right!" Celestia's blank face filled with rage. "If you were truly their grandmother, than you would do anything to save them! Forest Oak may be able to be saved!" "BUT AT WHAT COST?!" House limped into the surgical room, hooves scrubbed and ready. Dr. Chase was already next to the two foals, looking them over. Six other doctors and eight nurses were scrubbed up for the procedure. Blood bags, scalpels, pans, saws, needles. Everything was lined up and ready. Above the room, behind a huge glass window, was at least twenty or more employees. All wanted to witness this. "Alright everypony, look alive." House took his place next to Forest Oak, who was surprisingly still alive. "We'll start with the most severe and work our way backwards. And let's try not to screw something up, shall we?" House brought the scalpel down, starting the first incision. Twilight was wheeled into the room almost an hour after Forest Oak left. Her stomach had been shaved where the caesarean section had taken place. Open wounds had been stitched up and wrapped. The ring on her horn had been removed, but it left a black scar in it's place. Around her neck was more gauze. The collar Twilight had been forced to wear had gouged into her skin, which had started to heal around it. It had been surgically removed. A horseshoe print had been branded into her left shoulder. It was an old wound, but burn ointment had been put on it. An IV was in her forearm, supplying what nutrients she needed. Twilight's bed had been placed right next to Scarlet Lily's, who was more active than ever. The newborn filly seemed to know her mother was there and started to weakly wave her hooves in the air, getting them tangled in her own IV and ventilator tubing. Fluttershy quickly sat down next to the filly and started to sing softly. Hush now, quiet now It's time to lay your sleepy head Hush now, quiet now It's time to go to bed. Hush now, quiet now It's time to lay your sleepy head Hush now, quiet now It's time to go to bed Drifting off to sleep Leave the day behind you Drifting off to sleep Let the joy of dreamland find you Hush now, quiet now It's time to lay your sleepy head Hush now, quiet now It's time to go to bed. All five of the remaining Elements of Harmony gathered around Twilight and her foal. Shining Armor watched in amazement as Twilight's face seemed to unclench from her pain and Scarlet Lily stilled and fell asleep. Author's Note Oops, another short chapter. My bad.
Chapter 1Prologue King Sombra growled as the crystal heart started to glow. He had to leave, or he'd be destroyed by the light and love inside it. Sombra prepared to teleport away when a thought crossed his mind. An idea. . . his trump card. He reached out with his magic to the young unicorn trapped inside his black crystal cage. He snatched her up in his dark aurora and fled from his once beautiful empire. A whisp of red smoke was the only sign he had ever been there. Moments after the former king had fled, the crystal heart burst forth a wave of pure white magic, banishing all remnants of Sombra. The crystal ponies cheered as the five other elements, the royal couple, and a baby dragon stood on the balcony above them. They all smiled and waved before a nervous Spike looked up to where Twilight had been moments ago. "We. . . we should go get Twilight." The others agreed and trotted happily up the stairs to the top of the tower. Cadence smiled as she cantered in. "Twilight! It worked! The crystal heart-" Cadence froze in shock. Where Twilight should have been, was a pile of broken black crystals. Shining Armor pinned back his ears. "Twilie? Twilight?" Everypony cautiously walked around, looking for the purple mare. She wasn't there. Cadence circled the black crystals before she lifted them up in her magic. The black shards seemed to ripple like water. Electricity sparked between the broken crystals. Red smoke filtered from their black surface. Cadence had her eyes closed in concentration as dark magic started to form at the tip of her horn. She gasped and dropped her magic. The broken dark crystals fell to the floor with a clink. Cadence back away, shaking her head frantically. "Noooooooo! Bring her back! Bring her back!" The princess began to sob, her wings quivering on her back. Shining Armor cam to his wife's side. "Cadence, what is it sweetie?" "He- he-" The young alicorn chocked on her tears "Sombra took Twilight!" "What? No. NO! That bastard took my sister! My baby sister!" Shining began to beat the wall with his hooves. Rarity frowned. "No no no no, wait a second! Are we sure Sombra took her? Maybe-" Applejack stomped her hoof. "Who else would it have been! Look a' the evidence! Nopony else coulda' done this!" Rainbow Dash huffed. "Well, lets go after him! Cadence, can't you use your magic and follow him or something?" Cadence sat down on her haunches as she cried into her hooves. "N-Normally, yes. But when the crystal heart pushed out all the dark magic, it also erased any trail leading to Twilight!" Everypony was silent as the information sunk in. They could only do one thing. "Send word to Princess Celestia! We have to find Twilie!" Twilight backed up as far as the chain and collar around her neck would allow her. Sombra stood over her, an evil glint in his eye. Twilight tried to use her magic, but the black crystal ring around the base of her horn prevented her from summoning even a simple spark. Twilight whimpered as Sombra grabbed her horn and smashed her face into the floor of the cave they were in. By the amount of light, Twilight took a guess that they were underground, and far away from civilization. Twilight snorted and glared up at the pure black stallion. She opened her mouth to yell at him, but a muzzle was quickly placed over her snout. She could breathe through her mouth, and probably drink, but it wouldn't let her open her mouth enough to speak. She mumbled in the back of her throat, making her unhappiness known. "Aw, come now pet. I think it suits you." Twilight simply glared as she tugged against the thick leather collar around her neck. The young mare leaped forward, intent on tackling Sombra. He simple sidestepped her and swiped at her hooves. She tumbled head over hock and landed on her stomach. Somrba placed his hoof on her back, pressing down. "Want to try that again?" He pressed down harder as Twilight winced. She shook her head no. Sombra let her up and brushed back her messy mane. "Now was that so bad? I don't think it'll be all that hard to train you. Oh, I have so much planed for you, Twilie."
Chapter 2It had been just over a year since Twilight had gone missing. Search parties had been raised and the royal guards were sent out, but the mare had not been found. Everypony had given up hope, except for the princesses, her family, and friends. Everyday, after the sun had been risen, Celestia sent out her magic to try and track her student. Nothing ever came of it. Twilight would have been declared dead long ago, if it weren't for the elements of harmony. The remaining bearers of the elements could feel her. They knew she was alive, somewhere. They constantly went out to search for their lost friend, trying everything the could. Cadence looked down into the royal gardens of Canterlot. She currently lay in a large window with a cushion. Her head rested on her hooves as she stared out sadly. In the gardens, Fluttershy was tending to her animals. The animals had been moved there when Fluttershy had moved to Canterlot. All of Twilight's friends had moved to Canterlot. Celestia hired somepony to help on the Apple Farm while Applejack was away. Rarity's family was taking care of the Boutique. Rainbow Dash had towed her cloud house to Canterlot with some help from several pegasi. Fluttershy's animals moved into the gardens with the other animals. Pinkie Pie worked in the castle baker, her second family receiving another pony to fill her spot while she was gone. Spike spent the day and night with Celestia. He had gone into a depressed state when his sister had disappeared. He blamed himself for leaving her. He spent his days on Celestia's back, almost comatose. The young dragon had lost so much weight, that at one point he had to be put on a feeding tube. He was on several medications, and an IV at night, so he wouldn't dehydrate. The mane 'five' had tried to coax him back to himself, tried to get him to therapy. However, if he was separated from Celestia, he would panic. Only Luna, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie, could keep him calm while away from the sun princess. It was painful to watch. He was caving in on himself, shutting down. His scales had lost their bright color, becoming tinted with gray. Almost as if he had been Discorded. Cadence was startled out of her thoughts as her husband sat down next to her. She turned and smiled slightly at him. He leaned over and nuzzled her cheek before settling back. "Hey. Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you." "No, it's okay. I was just thinking. . . " Shining Armor was silent for a moment. "Yeah. . . I miss her too." Twilight groaned as she swung her head around. The worn leather collar was heavy against her fur. The unicorn stomped her thin hoof. She had lost a lot of weight. Everything about her screamed malnutrition. Her body was tiny. Except for her swollen stomach. Twilight snorted as the foal inside her kicked against her ribs. Shaking out her mane, Twilight carefully walked over to a slight indent in the stone floor of her cave. In the indent was a pool of water. A constant trickle of water from the ceiling was the only source of water she had. The water was only a couple glass fulls, and it took several hours for it to fill up again. Twilight had come up with a system. She would drink it dry in the mornings, and at lunch when it was half full. By night, she's drink the water which was half full again. If would be completely full by morning. It was this water source that also helped her tell time. That and Sombra only came once a week, during the night. Twilight drank greedily before sighing. She went back to her bed, which was a spot of 'soft' rocks. In actuality, it was just the smoothest rocks around her that her chain let her reach. She settled down and began to count the stalagmites in the corner. She didn't get to far when a sudden clenching pain raced through her abdomen. Startled, she jumped unsteadily to her hooves. Twilight guessed about half an hour passed before the rippling pain went through her again. Along with a thick clear liquid that splashed to the stone ground behind her. Panic set in as she realized her water just broke. She was going to have her foal. Her legs shook in fear. She didn't want to give birth alone, but her only other option was Sombra. There was no way she's let him near her during the birthing process, or anywhere near her foal afterwards. Another contraction squeezed her insides as she screamed. A royal guard galloped into the throne room, skidding to a stop in front of the princesses. "Forgive me Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, for bursting in but- there is a lead on Lady Sparkle!" Celestia stood up, Spike asleep on her shoulders. "Where?!" "Out by the black bat caves. An archeologist was out there when he heard a mare scream. He said it was from within the caves!" Celestia turned to her guards, pointing out seven of them. "You five, go find the girls and have them meet me in the main hall. You two, go and collect Princess Cadence and Lord Armor!"
Chapter 3A single thought raced through everypony's heads as they stood in groups, ready for teleportation. Rarity, Applejack, and a nurse stood tightly together with Princess Luna. Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and two doctors huddled below Celestia. Spike was on her back, hiding his face in her mane. Shining Armor and two royal guards stood next to Princess Cadence. The three alicorns nodded and closed their eyes. Teleportation magic surrounded each group, in some spots mixing together. It was a beautiful tricolor blend of magic, followed by a bright flash. Shining Armor closed his eyes, and when he opened them, they stood outside the Black Bat caves. He swayed slightly, but maintained his balance. He was used to teleporting, just not that far. Only somepony with great magic control could teleport that far. Shining looked over at the others to see how they fared, but it seemed he had fared the best out of the side travelers. Pinkie Pie was laying on her stomach, four hooves splayed out. Fluttershy was curled up next to the pink pony, quivering. Rainbow Dash was a little more balanced because of the tricks she did. She sat on her haunches, wings spread out to help keep herself upright. Spike seemed to have passed out and Celestia held him gently to her chest with her magic. Rarity had flat out fainted, and not one of her fake drama faints. The nurse had collapsed on top of the white unicorn, but both seemed to be waking. Applejack was sitting, her head bowed. Shining feared she was going to be sick. The two doctors were in a state close to Pinkie Pie. They laid there, dazed. The two guards under Shining Armor's command had not fallen. They stood on four shaking hooves, heads down, but they stayed standing. Shining felt slight pride at this, but it was quickly replaced with worry. Celestia sent out an anti-nausea spell and a balance spell, helping eveypony become more stable on their hooves. She turned to them and spoke. "It is best that we do not all go in. I will go in first, to see what I find." Celestia gently placed Spike in Fluttershy's arms. He wrapped his claws around her, clinging. "Doctor Prism, Doctor Chaser, and Storm Rider, come with me. Everypony else, stay here." The two doctors and guard followed the sun princess. Twilight's friends seemed ready to protest, but stopped when Princess Luna gave them a stern look. Shining Armor knew how they felt. He two wanted to argue. He was Twilight's brother. He should be going in. They were gone for ten minutes when a scream full of fear, anger, and pain echoed from within. The second Shining Armor heard it, he knew who it was. "Twilight!" Shining ran into the caves, followed closely by the group. His horn was lit up, sending bright light down the normally dark cave. Galloping next to him, was his wife. Cadence ran instep with him, matching his speed. Turning a corner, they almost ran straight into Princess Celestia. Skidding to a halt, Shining Armor looked at the Princess. Her eyes were sad, filled with unshed tears. "Is she here?! Is she alright?!" "She is here, but I could not tell if she was injured or not. She was hiding in the shadows, screeching at us to go away. I thought it best to retreat for the moment, in fear she may hurt herself." "Twilie would never-" "Not on purpose, but in fear. I can only guess, but I am almost certain that she has had no contact with any other ponies, except for Sombra. It is her instinct to be afraid. We must approach her calmly." Cadence shuffled her hooves next to her husband. "We can go" Everypony looked at Cadence. "I mean- Shining is her brother, and I was her foalsitter. She new us since her birth. I'm- I'm sure she would. . . " Cadence trailed off. Celestia looked her niece and nephew over before nodding. "Perhaps you are right. Go through that cave there. At the end is a small opening into a cavern. That is where she is. We will stay here. Call once you have her calm enough." Shining Armor saluted and then ran down the cave. At the end was an opening just big enough for a pony to step through. The couple entered the cavern warily. The sound of water dripping was the only sound. "Twilie?" A whimper. Shining cast a light spell, but kept it dim. He didn't want to hurt her eyes. Another whimper. "G-Go a-a-away" Cadence and Shining Armor looked over the cavern trying to find the unicorn. Cadence tapped her husband's shoulder, pointing to a corner. Huddled in the shadows, he could just make out the form of his sister. He stepped for ward slowly. "Twilie. It's me, Shining Armor. Your B.B.B.F.F. Cadence is here too." "S-Shining? Cadence?" Cadence stepped forward, speaking. "Yes, Twilight. Can we come over there?" Twilight whimpered. Her shadow moved slightly, but stopped. "H-How do I know i-it's really y-y-you?" Cadence frowned sadly. "Sunshine sunshine, ladybugs awake. Clap your hooves and do a little shake." Twilight started sobbing. Shining Armor and Cadence walked slowly forward. The light hit Twilight, and both of them gasped. Twilight was lying on her side, her hooves covered her eyes as she cried. Her fur was faded and clumps of dry blood were in it. On her back was a large scar running over it. Another scar went over her snout. There were more scars, but they were unable to see them under the dried blood and dirt on her. Around her neck was a leather collar. A chain was attached to it, keeping her chained to the wall of the cavern. Around the base of her horn was a ring made of black crystal. It was keeping her from using her magic. Her mane was a tangled mess. It was longer and was knotted tightly in areas. Her left ear had a notch in it, having been cruelly sliced. And she was skinny. Extremely skinny. Almost skin and bones. Except for her stomach. It was large and protruding. A clear liquid and a little blood were on the inside of her back legs. Shining and Cadence both drew back in surprise. Twilight groaned and curled up slightly. He hooves wrapped around her stomach. More fluid gathered on her legs. "Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no!" Cadence was at Twilight's side in a flash, rubbing her sweaty mane from her face. "It's okay Twilight. Just breathe through it." Twilight clenched her teeth and kicked her back legs in pain. The contraction passed, leaving the purple mare panting in her sister's hooves. "Shining! Go get the doctors!" "No!" Both stopped and looked at Twilight. "N-no! Th-they'll hurt my f-f-foal!" "No, Twilight. The doctors just want to help-" "No no no no no no no no no!" Twilight scooted away before struggling to her hooves. She backed away as far as her chain would allow, eyes wide and wild. Cadence put up a hoof in an 'I surrender' gesture. "Ok. It's ok. Can Shining Armor just go talk o the doctors? Then he'll be right back." Twilight looked between them suspiciously before nodding. She sat down gently before laying back on her side. Cadence sat next to her, running her hoof over Twilight's head. Shining Armor looked at the two of them before racing out of the cavern, towards Celestia and the doctors.
Chapter 4Shining Armor slipped out of the chamber and over to the awaiting group. Everypony was waiting anxiously. Shining looked up at Princess Celestia. "She- she's. . . " Rainbow Dash stomped her hoof, trying to mask her fear with anger. "She's what? Spit it out!" "She's pregnant!" Everypony was silent, not even daring to breathe. There was no sudden outburst from her friends, no yells or exclaims. They all just sat there, contemplating what this meant. Applejack flicked her ears back. "Tha' means. . . " Celestia shook her head sadly. "Shining, please coax her out. We will than take her to the hospital. How far along is she?" Shining Armor shuddered. "She's in labor now!" That was when everypony started to panic. Shining carefully approached his sister and wife. Twilight was once again standing up, head bent low. When Shining came close, she snorted in a defensive manner. "It's okay, Twilie. It's just me." Twilight looked her brother over before relaxing. She leaned into Cadance's side heavily, panting. The lavender mare stomped her front hoof before she laid back down. Cadance walked over to her husband. Shining leaned over, whispering in her ear. "The doctor's said that, as much as they don't want her to foal here, it's more dangerous to drug her to move her. She'll have to foal here unless we can convince her to come with us." The alicorn looked over at Twilight. "I don't think we'll be able to convince her. While you were out there, she kept begging me to not let anypony hurt her foal." Shining Armor sighed. "How close is she?" "From the timing of the contractions, I'd say there's going to be a foal here any minute." Twilight moaned, catching their attention. A quite a bit more liquid had shown up. "Make that any minute this minute." Cadance and Shining both ran to Twilight. Cadance held her hoof while Shining Armor knelt down in front of her back legs. He promptly jumped up and pushed Cadance out of the way. "Nope nope nope nope and nope! You deliver!" "Oh for heavens. . . oh wow! Breath Twilight, the baby's crowning!" Twilight grit her teeth in pain as she held onto her brother's hoof. "Ok, ok. Good. On the next contraction, I want you to push!" Twilight nodded, tears streaming down her face. Her mane was damp with sweat. Shining could see the contraction send a rippling wave over Twilight's stomach. The mare groaned and bared down. She didn't scream. Most mares when foaling screamed for all it was worth. Twilight remain stubbornly silent. Cadance stared wide eyed before looking up at her sister-in-law. "One more good push and the head will be clear!" Twilight moaned as her upper body twisted in pain, but she followed through. She fell back panting as the contraction passed. "Good job, Twilight! Just breath for a little bit. Next big contraction and you'll have your baby! Shining, Shining come here." Shining let go of Twilight's hoof and peaked down at the baby. The head was completely out, but the shoulders and body had yet to breach. From what he could see, the foal was a completely black unicorn. Except for it's horn. It's horn was red. Suddenly, Twilight screamed. It was short, but it was loud and full of pain. The lavender mare heaved, and with a rush of amniotic fluid and slight blood, the foal slid into the world. It was a filly. A beautiful little filly. A beautiful little filly that wasn't moving.
Chapter 5Shining Armor held his breath as he looked at his niece. Cadence also stood frozen. "No." Cadence's horn lit up as magic turned the filly over. She cleaned the airway and started to pat the back of the newborn. For a second, Shining Armor feared the foal may have been a lost cause, but just as this thought crossed his mind, the filly whimpered. She scrunched up her tiny face before she started to cry. Twilight started to cry with her, and Shining Armor felt like he might as well. Cadence cut the umbilical cord with a clean swipe of magic, and moved to hand the filly to the new mother. Twilight groaned in pain and did not take her daughter from Cadence. Shining looked over at his wife. "Is it the afterbirth?" The young alicorn's eyes widened. "No! It's another foal!" Blood started to flow from between Twilight's hooves. Cadence rushed forward. The little black filly was quickly placed in Shining's hooves as Cadence moved to help. Shining looked down at the little foal and winced. Both him and his niece were covered in amniotic fluid. A quick spell cleaned the both of them up. The newborn girl continued to cry. She was cold and hungry, and her home had just evicted her into a scary new place. Anypony would cry. Another shrill voice joined the other. "It's a boy! A beautiful little colt!" The colt was a light purple earth pony, its fur just a shade lighter than Twilight's. His mane and tail were a solid blue color, the same as Twilight and Shining's father. The little colt was also very small. Twilight smiled, but the blood did not seem to slow. Both Cadence and Shining shared a worried look. Twilight held out her hooves and both of her foals were placed on her chest. She looked down at the little filly first, who opened her bright blue eyes. The colt looked up at his mother with dark green irises. Both foals started to suck on a hoof. The other twin's hoof. Twilight smiled. "My little Scarlet Lilly. My little Forest Oak." Twilight nuzzled them both and placed them next to her. The young mare turned over and stood up on shaking legs. She stood there before her eyes rolled up into her head and she collapsed to the side. Shining Armor rushed to his sister's side and held her head in his hooves. The two foals started to cry. "We need hep in here!" Soon the entire group was in the cave as the doctors rushed over. One went to Twilight while the other and a nurse went to the foals. Everypony watched as the doctors worked. The one by Twilight called over. "She's hemorrhaging and the placenta has yet to arrive! We need to move her now! She'll hold long enough for us to teleport, but we need to go soon!" The other doctor was looking the foals over, frowning. "The filly doesn't seem to be breathing right!" Shining Armor cleared his throat. "When she arrived, she wasn't breathing. Cadence had to drain her lungs just to get her to cry." The doctor's frown grew. He quickly looked Forest Oak over. "He's too small. Something is very wrong with him. If we want these foals to live, we need to get them to a hospital!" Princess Celestia and Luna looked the scene over. Celestia's horn glowed, and in a bright flash, the foals, doctors, the nurse, Twilight, and the Princess all disappeared. The remaining elements of harmony all flinched, as if in pain. Fluttershy held Spike to her. Luna sighed as she summoned her magic. "Gather closer. We will have trouble, but we shall be able to teleport everypony." The group huddled around Luna as her magic surged. A pulling feeling encased everypony as they were yanked away. When Shining Armor opened his eyes, they were in the hospital. His sister was nowhere in sight. Celestia sat in a waiting room chair. "They just took them all back. Twilights in the ICU and the foals are in the NICU." Everypony sighed, but not in relief. They all sat down tensely, and waited for good, or bad news. Author's Note Sorry it's short.
Chapter 6Twilight and Shining Armor's parents were hugging each other and crying. The waiting room was empty except for the group waiting for news on Twilight. Hours passed and Shining Armor began to fear the worse. He didn't know if Twilight or the foals were alive. Waiting, not knowing, had everypony on edge. Pinkie Pie was curled up on a floor cushion, Rainbow Dash wrapped around her. The party pony's pink mane was flat. Rarity and Applejack sat next to Fluttershy, quietly talking her through another panic attack. Celestia was pacing the room with Spike on her back, Luna watching her. Shining Armor sighed and Cadence leaned into him. They sat watching the door. Everypony perked up as the sound of hooves approached them. The doctor walked into the room, extremely tired. He was immediately crowded by the group. Everypony spoke at once. "Is she okay?" "Did the foals make it?!" "Let me see her!" "Where's my daughter?!" "Is she alive?!" "Please tell me she's okay. Please please please!" The doctor held up his hoof, quieting everypony down. "Both Ms. Sparkle and the foals are alive, but they are not in a good condition." The stallion flipped open a folder. "The newborn filly, Scarlet Lily, is on a ventilator. Her lungs are not fully developed. We've got an IV in her, if she survives till tomorrow, we can start pumping her full of steroids. Hopefully it'll force her lungs to develop completely. She's small, but not terribly so."" The doctor closed the folder and opened another one. "The newborn colt, Forest Oak. . . " The stallion rubbed his face, and Shining Armor's worry grew. "Look, I'll be frank. The chances of him surviving is slim to none.I'm surprised he didn't die in the minutes after he was born." Celestia looked sad, but she had to ask. "What's wrong with him?" "Everything. His lungs are underdeveloped, he has a hole in his heart, his esophagus doesn't connect to his stomach. Cleft palate, Anemia. And he's blind. We've got him hooked up to every single machine, but. . . there's nothing we can do. He'll die within the hour. I'm sorry." Pinkie Pie started to sob, Rainbow Dash pulled her close with her wing. Fluttershy was shaking her head back and forth, whispering no no no no no no no. Shining Armor felt as if he had just been punched in the gut. His nephew was going to die, and his niece may follow her brother into death. Shining felt his eyes start to sting, but he rubbed at them defiantly. "What- what about Twilight?" "She. . . just got out of surgery. We went in to stop the bleeding from her uterus and to remove the placenta. . . when we found another foal." Nopony spoke, hoping, praying for good news. "I'm sorry, but she was stillborn. From what we can tell, the foal died about a week ago." They all sat in silence as the doctor went on. Words like malnourished and healed wrong circled the air. The stallion led them to a room where the foals were. Twilight was still being treated, but they were allowed to see the foals. Celestia was the first to step into the room, three clear plastic boxes held three foals. Two of the foals were hooked up to machines that beeped and wheezed and showed charts on them. The third had nothing around it and the foal tucked under a white sheet. Shining Armor went to the third foal while the others cried over Forest Oak and Scarlet Lily. Shining pulled back the sheet and gazed at his niece. She was a light gray earth pony with a bright magenta mane and tail. She was curled up on her side, hooves bundled up against her underside. If it weren't for the unnatural stillness, Shining Armor could almost believe she was asleep. He pulled the blanket back up and placed it under her chin. For a couple minutes, Shining Armor did pretend that she was just sleeping. Author's Note Sorry for the long wait, and I'd like to say I have a good reason. Or a longer chapter, but I don't. I was just bored and didn't feel like writing. Sorry again.
Chapter 7An hour came and went, and Forest Oak was still clinging to life. The little foal's limbs would twitch as seizures passed through him. After each one, Shining Armor could see that his nephew was loosing his fight for life. Every now and then his heart would stutter, causing the machines to beep out warnings. Warnings the doctors didn't do anything about. Everypony just sat there, waiting for Forest Oak to die. By the time, three hours had passed, a group of doctors was having a quite conversation in the corner of the room. The would look over at the three foals before whispering again. Finally one of the doctors, Doctor House, limped over to Celestia. Celestia looked over at the stallion as everypony gathered together. Doctor House got straight to the point. "The foal hasn't died. While I normally wouldn't bother with something like this, I have an idea. I may be able to save . . . " House quickly looked at the folder in his hoof ". . . Forest Oak." Twilight Velvet gasped "How?" "It's unconventional and wrong!" The doctor from the waiting room stepped forward, stomping his hoof. "There is no way that the foal would survive it, and you know that! You only wish to experiment on him!" House sighed "It's mostly true. The foal had a very slim chance of surviving, but it's still better than his chances now. And if we don't succeed, it will still bring us closer to being able to saves foals like him in the future." Applejack leaned forward. "Ya still haven't told us whatit is." "I wish to use the stillborn filly, as harsh as it sounds, for spare parts." Shining Armor sat back heavily on his haunches. "You. . . want to use her. . . for. . . " Cadence sat down next to him, her wings drooping. Twilight Velvet and Nightlight shared a look. Mrs. Velvet shook her head. "I'm sorry, but no. We can't chop up our granddaughter, as you said the chances of Forest Oak surviving are slim." House snorted. "I wasn't asking you." "What?" House pulled out another folder and flipped it open. "Twilight is 20, an adult. She signed her medical proxy as Princess Celestia." "What?" House pointed at the signed document. Twilight's signature was there right next to Celestia's. Luna's was there too, signing as the witness. "I'm sorry Mrs. Velvet, but you have no say in Twilight's medical treatment, and as of five hours ago, her foals medical treatments." Everypony sat stunned in silence. Celestia looked over at Forest Oak and the unnamed filly. House held out a pen to her, form waiting to be signed. Celestia took the pen, paused with her magic hovering it over the paper, before she scribbled her name across the bottom. "Do it." A team of nurses and doctors swarmed over Forest Oak and the stillborn filly. Machines were unhooked and moved as the two foals were quickly moved out of the room. Twilight Velvet's face turned red as she spun around to face Celestia. "What do you think you're doing?! She's my daughter, and those are my grandchildren! You have no right!" Celestia's blank face filled with rage. "If you were truly their grandmother, than you would do anything to save them! Forest Oak may be able to be saved!" "BUT AT WHAT COST?!" House limped into the surgical room, hooves scrubbed and ready. Dr. Chase was already next to the two foals, looking them over. Six other doctors and eight nurses were scrubbed up for the procedure. Blood bags, scalpels, pans, saws, needles. Everything was lined up and ready. Above the room, behind a huge glass window, was at least twenty or more employees. All wanted to witness this. "Alright everypony, look alive." House took his place next to Forest Oak, who was surprisingly still alive. "We'll start with the most severe and work our way backwards. And let's try not to screw something up, shall we?" House brought the scalpel down, starting the first incision. Twilight was wheeled into the room almost an hour after Forest Oak left. Her stomach had been shaved where the caesarean section had taken place. Open wounds had been stitched up and wrapped. The ring on her horn had been removed, but it left a black scar in it's place. Around her neck was more gauze. The collar Twilight had been forced to wear had gouged into her skin, which had started to heal around it. It had been surgically removed. A horseshoe print had been branded into her left shoulder. It was an old wound, but burn ointment had been put on it. An IV was in her forearm, supplying what nutrients she needed. Twilight's bed had been placed right next to Scarlet Lily's, who was more active than ever. The newborn filly seemed to know her mother was there and started to weakly wave her hooves in the air, getting them tangled in her own IV and ventilator tubing. Fluttershy quickly sat down next to the filly and started to sing softly. Hush now, quiet now It's time to lay your sleepy head Hush now, quiet now It's time to go to bed. Hush now, quiet now It's time to lay your sleepy head Hush now, quiet now It's time to go to bed Drifting off to sleep Leave the day behind you Drifting off to sleep Let the joy of dreamland find you Hush now, quiet now It's time to lay your sleepy head Hush now, quiet now It's time to go to bed. All five of the remaining Elements of Harmony gathered around Twilight and her foal. Shining Armor watched in amazement as Twilight's face seemed to unclench from her pain and Scarlet Lily stilled and fell asleep. Author's Note Oops, another short chapter. My bad.
