A Mare's Defense

It 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!"