Fallen Eagle

Chapter 66: Looking toward the Future

Welcome back everyone! Hope everything has been going great for you all. I don't really have much to say here except I'm glad my headcanon for the Apple parents was well received and that I'm even managing to make someone like Discord a little better.

Also, this chapter is a bit shorter, but I always planned for it. You see, throughout planning what was originally going to be this chapter, I knew I had to address certain things that were previously mentioned in the story, but not matter how much I tried to make it work, the pacing would've been completely out of whack, and it felt REALLY disjointed, almost like an after thought every time I re-read it with its original purpose. Plus, the main points of this chapter would've just been brushed off as expositional dialogue instead of being talked about here. Besides, we just went through a long emotional chapter, how's about a short little adventure where everyone is in a happier mood?

By the way, I was referencing Lunar Legacy in my previous chapter for those of you who don't know. The Sleeping Library did a very kind reference to my story in his, so I returned the favor, with the same character no less :D

Anyway, let's reply to some reviews, shall we?

Gracie Ghost: I suppose you meant a million words? Well, if I get there I get there.

axelialea: Yes, yes he will, like he swore he would

SquirtlePWN: Fun fact: Originally the party was going to be held in the barn of Sweet Apple Acres, but then I realized I hadn't shown the castle of the two sisters since CHAPTER NINE, so I thought it'd be good to head back there. I knew Sparity fans were waiting for that moment, and I'm glad it paid off. One thing that was reworked was I had written down that Twilight would have a mini-freakout over it, but I changed it ultimately because she promised Spike she'd let him grow up, and that freaking out about it would be breaking that promise. Trust me, it was hard coming up with the idea itself, but writing it was even harder. It was also hard trying make it to where people would care about Applebob and Sundown even though they'd only have one scene.

OBSERVER01: Anything's possible with Pinkie Pie! And that's why Fluttershy is the element of kindness ;D

headreviewer mk2: I'm sorry, but I honestly don't know what you're getting at :/

Monkeyboy0118: Hey that's okay man; I apologize for my chapters taking a lot longer than usual

Anonanon-E-Mouse: Thank you very much! I'm glad I was able to entertain you for three days straight. Ha! I can't believe I've gotten someone to start watching FiM! That's just amazing. As for the lemons, yes, it's an M-Rated story, but I wanted sex scenes to actually MEAN something, or be more loving than just smutty.

TigerVolcano5000: That is what I love about Pinkie! She can say anything random and make anyone stop what they're doing!

Sassymouse: Hehe, Applebob sounds so plain, I'm actually surprised no one complained about it :P But you wouldn't BELIEVE how much I had to rewrite that scene to get everything to match up. And yes, AJ got something huge off her chest, and all it took was the trust of her special somepony to do it :)

Fur S Poi: Hey hey! Nice to see you again! But no, Cougar won't get involved with another mare. And stallion? Cougar is 100% straight

The Sleeping Library: Hey it's all cool bro; you've got your own story to worry about. What I like most about the story now is that we're getting more moments and more development with other characters; it's really fun to see them now from Ivan's eyes than before when he was just one on two or three at a time. As for the affection in public, it's mostly just teasing they love to pull on one another, and it won't go bigger than that or the occasional cheek kiss; it's fun though that they're used to it. Glad you like the headcanon; that thing was a lot to write and rewrite, but it was worth it. And I'm pretty sure Pinkie could break 16 walls at once! ;)

That's it for now boys and girls; hope you like this chapter, and I hope you're looking forward to what I have planned beyond this one!

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(Ponyville Train Depot; Ivan's POV)

I really couldn't deny it. I was actually looking forward to attending Luna's baby shower at her and Celestia's castle, no matter how effeminate the back of my mind made it seem. Luna was a very close friend, so I suppose that's what was making me anxious with her due date drawing nearer and nearer and Equestria would have a new prince. "Do you think Luna and Checkered will like it?" I asked AJ as we lifted up the present we'd made ourselves for Luna and Checkered's baby colt.

Applejack snorted. "Y'all had a part in buildin' it, Ivan. 'Course they'll love it," she patted my back, taking a seat right next to me in our train car, the present sitting proudly next to the mare.

"Well, I've never built a cradle before, hun," I slung my arm around her, hugging her close. "I just want Luna and Checkered to be happy with it." Indeed, Applejack and I had spent the past two weeks planning out and building a cradle for the royal couple's expecting colt. Of course we had to work on it only on our free time in between doing chores for the farm and collecting apples, but it was fun to build a present for a friend.

"Trust me, Sugarcube," Applejack didn't hesitate to cuddle against my side, "y'all should be proud 'o how good ya are with yer hands."

"Now where have I heard that before?" I grinned and gently removed her stetson, setting it inside the cradle. The mare looked up at me to roll her eyes. "It was fun for the two of us to work on something together though." Applejack began to reply when the compartment door opened, interrupting her.

"Okay, everypony is here with their baby shower presents!" Twilight squealed, scribbling something onto a clipboard with her trusty quill. "This is so exciting!" She added, her grin stretching her facial muscles to their max.

"I know," Fluttershy agreed as excitedly as she could in her soft voice. The meek pegasus climbed onto the bench opposite of me and Applejack, a smile on her face. "Oh I can't wait to see how far along Princess Luna is."

"I hope to ask her about making some clothing for their little colt!" Rarity added with glee as she, Spike, Flash Sentry, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie, and Starlight filed inside the now much smaller feeling compartment, each of them carrying a wrapped gift of their own. I guessed that the gift Flash was carrying was from both he and Twilight, and that what Spike was carrying was a gift from Rarity.

"Have you made clothes for fillies and colts before, Rarity?" I asked, feeling genuinely curious.

"Why yes," the fashionista took a seat directly across from me, "oh but it's been quite some time; I haven't had a client request baby clothes ever since I opened my boutique. Though, I'm not one to back away from a challenge."

"Princess Luna and Checkered would be crazy to not let you make a few sets of clothes for their colt," Spike chuckled. "Heck I'm sure all of the couples in Canterlot would want some if they saw Equestria's newest prince wearing them." Rarity cooed affectionately and patted the spines atop Spike's head while Twilight smiled proudly at her son.

"You always say the nicest things, Spikey," she giggled and gave his cheek a sweet peck. I tried to stifle a snicker at Twilight's faltering face, so I coughed to try and mask it without setting the alicorn off.

Spike blushed and gently set his hand on Rarity's back. Twilight inhaled through her nose to relax before opening her mouth to speak, but Flash interlocked his wing with Twilight's, giving her a sweet look and shaking his head. "Flash, I'm just curious," the princess begged.

"You don't want to be overbearing, Twi," Flash replied. "Spike already said their first date went smoothly; we don't need to interrogate him every time he goes to see Rarity."

"I don't interrogate him!" Twilight exclaimed defensively just as the train whistle blew and the locomotive lurched forward. Luckily AJ had her hoof on the cradle so it wouldn't tumble to the floor.

"She wrote down a list of questions, didn't she?" Spike face palmed.

"J-just a few notes," his mother admitted through her softened expression.

"Come now, boys," Rarity interjected politely, "there's nothing wrong with a mother being concerned for her child's behavior or well-being. Spikey has been the perfect gentleco- gentledrake," she corrected, "each and every time we've shared a meal or he's helped me in the boutique. In fact, working together on outfits or just cleaning up my inspiration room has been much more enjoyable." Spike blushed at Rarity's praise for his beahvior while at the same time, he rolled his eyes as Twilight let out and overdramatic sigh of relief. While that all sounded reasonable, unfortunately, Rainbow Dash was in the compartment.

"Have you let him 'spend the night' yet, Rares?" She chuckled mischievously and wriggled her eyebrows at the newfound couple.

"Oh for the love of God," I pinched the bridge of my nose, knowing exactly what was going to happen next.

"RAINBOW!" Spike, Twilight and even Flash snapped.

"I beg your pardon!" Rarity exclaimed at the same time. All the while, the cyan pegasus was cracking up a storm at the reactions she was craving.

"Well, Spike is more 'mature' now, isn't he?"

"What Spike and I do is our business only!" The unicorn growled, jumping up from her seat while the rest of us onlookers went wide eyed.

"She shouldn't have said it like that," Applejack shook her head.

"Wait, what have you been doing while you're alone?" Twilight raised an eyebrow as a vain on her neck became visible. Flash, seeming to be the only one of the five keeping a level head, put his hooves on Twilight's shoulders to hold her back.

"Rarity didn't mean anything like that, I swear!" Spike put both his hands up. Fluttershy, meanwhile, was cowering in a corner, afraid of the spat going on and didn't want to interject. On the other hand, Starlight was just darting her eyes around, unable to decide what to do while Pinkie was just munching on popcorn as if she were watching a movie.

"Ah, there you all are!" A cheerful British voice and the sliding of the compartment door silenced everyone. With his usual grin, Dr. Whooves slid the door shut and trotted in, taking a seat right next to his new assistant. "Apologies for my tardiness; I had to utilize the lavatory before our trip began." He then noticed the tension in everyone but Pinkie's face, "What's all this then?"

"Ahem," Twilight blushed, "s-sorry Doctor, we were just…uh….."

"Rainbow Dash started it," Pinkie Pie shrugged, tossing another piece of popcorn into her mouth.

"Hey! I was just trying to mess Twilight is all," Rainbow frumpily crossed her forelegs. Rarity nervously giggled and cleared her throat, retaking her seat next to Spike while Twilight's face slowly hardened as she glared at Rainbow Dash.

"G-glad to see you coming along, Doctor," Fluttershy squeaked, probably happy to have the train car calmed down.

"Oh, well I do have to thank you for allowing Starlight to invite me, Princess!" Dr. Whooves exclaimed cheerfully. I really had to admire his positive personality; I guess when all you do 24/7 is fulfill your dream career, it'd make anyone cheery. "And she's been such an amazing assistant! How could I refuse her invitation for a little social gathering amongst friends?" He asked rhetorically.

Starlight's cheeks turned a shade pink. "Th-thank you Doctor, but I'm just happy to help you around the lab and learn a few things about friendship. But all I really do is write down some of your experiments or take notes of what you ask of me."

"Nonsense, Starlight; you do much more than that. Organizing my books and journals, helping me clean up after a failed experiment, reminding me to get fresh air once in awhile, and the most important thing of all: I do admire your company. A scientist is nothing without a good assistant; otherwise they'd go mad from little interactions from sentient beings," the good doctor continued to sing praise for Starlight, only making her blush that much more obvious. "And remember, you may call me Emmett," he added with a grin.

"O-okay Emmett," Starlight gulped.

"I'm very happy to hear all of that, Dr. Whooves," Twilight managed to turn back into her old self for the time being. "I'm very proud of your progress so far, Starlight." The light pink unicorn blushed again.

"You should be proud of her, your highness," the beige earth pony scientist declared. "Why without her help, I wouldn't have the prototype for Equestria's first long range radio complete!" Dr. Whooves opened up the box he'd carried in, showing us a pair of rather primitive looking walkie-talkies to me. "Well, the prototype for the more portable versions anyway."

"Awesome!" Spike grinned as the good doctor graciously allowed him to remove one of the small radios from the box.

"Impressive, doctor," I nodded while Twilight levitated the second radio into the air.

"Amazing!" Her eyes increased in size. "Just imagine how much easier communications will be with far off relatives, friends, and maybe dignitaries of other nations!"

"Or even contacting doctors and nurses at the hospital to prep a room in advance or come to a scene where medical attention is needed," Dr. Whooves added rather proudly.

"Why'd you bring them with you though, doc?" Pinkie Pie tilted her head before gasping loudly. "Are those your presents for Princess Luna's baby shower?!"

"What would Princess Luna need a pair 'o radios for?" Applejack shuffled around in my arm. "Ah mean, Spike can send a letter ta her in seconds just like he can with you, Princess Celestia, 'n Cadence, right Twilight?"

"Actually, that was Emmett's idea," Starlight's blush seemed to go away. "He thought he would give them to Princess Luna and Checkered Flag so they can have at least their ears on their colt at all times if their attentions were needed elsewhere," she explained.

"Like a baby monitor!" I suddenly blurted out my thoughts.

"A baby what now?" Rainbow scratched the side of her head. I exhaled, knowing that I had some explaining to do yet again.

"Back in my world, baby monitors were used by parents as a way to hear their infants while they slept or had to be in another room. If they were crying, hungry, or something was wrong, the monitors would relay the noises coming from the baby's room."

"Precisely what I had in mind, Mr. Cougar! If it proves successful with Equestria's newest prince, then just imagine the possibilities with the royal guard, and even regular citizens who have children of their own?"

"Ooh, Mr. and Mrs. Cake could use a set of those for Pound and Pumpkin," Pinkie squeaked.

Flash gently nudged Twilight's wing. "Or Cadence and Shining Armor in a few months?" He grinned, only widening his marefriend's smile.

"Uh, doctor?"

"I'd be more than happy to whip up another pair of these for the prince and princess of the Crystal Empire, Princess Twilight," Dr. Whooves humbly replied before the devices were returned back to their box, the earth pony putting the cover back on top. "Naturally of course, I do hope Princess Luna and Prince Checkered Flag like them."

"It's for the safety of their colt, darling," Rarity chimed in, "any mother and father would be head over hooves for that," she said reassuringly, respiring my timidness over the cradle AJ and I had constructed.

"So, just out of curiosity, what exactly did all of you get for Luna and Checkered's colt?" I gestured to all of the gifts the rest of my friends had put away on the luggage racks near the top of the train compartment. Everyone else, Applejack included, all exchanged confused glances at one another.

"Ahem, we actually chose to keep those a surprise, Cougar," Rarity peered up at the luggage rack. "This is a very special baby shower, and we'd all like to be surprised." My eyebrows immediately furrowed as my thumb pointed to the box that Dr. Whooves was still holding in his hoof.

"Technically, I think since that's going to be a tool for all of Equestria to use, and Luna and Checkered Flag are testing it, it doesn't count?" Starlight guessed.

"Well, how were baby showers celebrated back in yer world, Sugarcube?" Applejack's hoof softly traced my cheek.

"Beats the hell out of me," I pulled her closer. "Guys were usually banned from them pretty much so the mother's friends could talk baby clothes, baby names, eat sweets and drink wine."

"What?!" Pinkie dropped her bucket of popcorn in astonishment. "Even the daddy was banned?" I nodded in reply, only furthering everyone's shock.

"That doesn't seem very fair. It's a party for the expecting mother, sure, but the baby is something that the father had a huge hoof in!" Twilight exclaimed rather angrily. "I mean, I wouldn't want you, Spike, Flash, Dr. Whooves, Big Mac, or especially Checkered absent."

"Eh, that's just how it was," I shrugged. Even when Adam's wife was pregnant with the first of their two kids, he and I were barred from attending the baby shower. Although, it wasn't like the world would end if we didn't attend. "I'm sure it's a lot more exciting and better here anyways," a smirk crept across my face.

"Ah'm sorry Ah forgot ta tell ya about keeping' the gifts a secret, Ivan," AJ apologized, but I wasn't having any of it. Holding her close with my arm, I snaked my hand around behind her ear and gently scratched the back of it, making the orange mare melt. "Ahhhh," she cooed.

"Well, it's not like wrapping it would do any good, Applejack."

"Oh on the contrary, Cougar, I'm actually rather pleased that your and Applejack's present isn't wrapped," Rarity stared at the cradle. "I knew that you two would be able to build something without a problem, but the design is simply marvelous!" She gushed. Of course, I couldn't help but feel a little proud of the work AJ and I put into not only building the cradle, but also how the design turned out.

"We can't thank you enough for lending us the paint and an early version of Checkered's Nightmare Night costume, Rarity," I replied appreciatively. Rarity was apparently the only other pony besides AJ's family that knew what we were doing considering she asked me why exactly I needed those specific supplies from her. Luckily she had spare tubes of paint and paint brushes for when Sweetie Belle visited.

"Oh ho darling, you needn't thank me; after all, it was you and Applejack who built and decorated the cradle, for a friend no less. And it turned out better than my original design for Checkered's costume."

"Eeyup," AJ agreed just like her brother. "'Course, puttin' it all together with just Ivan was the best part."

"That's what it reminds me of!" Twilight exclaimed loudly. The sounds of the train's wheels clicking and clacking over the tracks soon overtook the compartment as we all stared at the overzealous alicorn. "Hehe, sorry," she blushed. "It's just that it looked so familiar to me ever since I saw AJ and Cougar hauling it onto the train that it was itching my brain."

"You know," Flash chuckled and gently rubbed his hoof in between Twilight's wings, "with all this talk of Checkered and Luna's colt….what do you guys think it'll be?" He asked.

"Well, the baby shower usually is when the parents announce whether or not their foal will be a pegasus, unicorn, or an earth pony," Fluttershy softly chimed in. "At least that's when I found out Zephyr Breeze would be a pegasus."

"Yeah, but your parents are two pegasus ponies too, right?" I guessed. Fluttershy nodded to confirm, though she seemed a bit puzzled at my rhetorical sounding question.

"I get what you're laying down, Coug," Rainbow leaned her right foreleg against the wall. "But remember, Carrot and Cupcake are both earth ponies, but their kids are a pegasus and a unicorn."

"Yes, it all depends on the ancestry of the parents," Dr. Whooves concurred, scratching under his chin. "Even though their are higher probabilities when the parents are the same race of pony, those odds aren't necessarily 100%."

"Okay," chuckled at the little biology brush up. "So since Luna is an alicorn-"

"The possibilities are far too numerous to properly calculate," the scientific stallion cut in, though I was relieved that he did for fear of sounding ignorant again. However, there was one question that was burning within my mind.

"Uh, does that mean the colt could turn out to be an alicorn then?" No one even offered to give me answer. Everyone appeared to go deep into thought about what I had just asked, staring off into space.

"We…can't really answer that, Cougar," Starlight admitted.

"There's never been a naturally born alicorn ever recorded in the history of Equestria," Twilight added. "Luna, Celestia, Cadence, and myself all had to perform a strong magical feat to gain the abilities of all races of pony." That was something I definitely didn't see coming.

"Huh, I always assumed at least Luna and Celestia were born alicorns," I scratched the side of my head.

"Afraid not," Flash shook his head. I quickly took a look down at the southern earth pony curled up beside me and smiled.

"Well….there's always a first time for everything, right? I mean, a human was completely unheard of to all of you until about a year ago, and who could've predicted one of you would end up hopelessly in love with me?"

"Hopelessly?!" Applejack gave me a strange look, pushing me away.

"That's for letting Pinkie push my buttons, hun," I teasingly pecked the end of her muzzle, forcing a blush to surface on her freckled cheeks. That didn't stop the mare from giving me a fairly decent sock to my arm complete with a roll of her eyes.

"What am Ah gonna do with ya, Sugarcube?" She snuggled back up against me.

"Ya know," Rainbow interjected, "I'm glad that out of all us in here that have a special somepony, I'm so glad we all act tolerable instead of those idiots in Rarity's stupid romance novels," she gagged, pointing her hoof into her mouth. "Even though Twilight and Flash are complete dorks."

"Hey!" Twilight sneered while her pegasus boyfriend grinned at the alicorn's outburst. A knock at the compartment door drew the attention of all of us away from the conversation.

"Excuse me, but we're ready to serve snacks in case anypony wants some!" The snack pony announced cheerfully. All of a sudden, I felt AJ's stomach rumbling against my arm as she eyed the sweets on the trolley.

"Ooh, Ah could go fer a doughnut or two," she licked her lips.

"Save some for the rest of us, hun," I jokingly poked fun at her large appetite while everyone else spouted off what they wanted to snack on for the rest of the journey to Canterlot. "Although, a coffee does sound good."

End Chapter 66

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Next time, we get a definitive answer on what race of pony Luna and Checkered's colt will be! Also, it was actually really fun talking about Luna's baby shower and about her and Checkered's Colt...more on those in the next chapter :P